From the Proud Mighty Columbia RiverI Journeyed to Kansas City...Back the Old Oregon Trail!

Still Gitmo Questions Abound

2008-01-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

What happens if you are left alone in the dark in solitary confinement for days on end? The result is called sensory deprivation and the human mind struggles to cope with it.

Six volunteers who agreed to be shut inside a cell in a nuclear bunker, all alone and in the dark. Within half an hour of lock up, at the start of the experiment, all of the subjects lie down and go to sleep. But the real mind games begin when they wake up and find they have no idea what time it is.
As the hours pass, seeing and hearing nothing, they become increasingly disoriented, subjects have been encouraged to describe how they are feeling after 24 hours, but know that while their words may be heard, no one will respond.

"This behaviour of pacing up and down is something we see in animals as well as people when they are kept in confinement," says Prof Ian Robbins, a clinical psychologist at St George's Hospital who is supervising the experiment. "It could be just seen as something you can do without thinking about it, it may be in part attempting to exercise, but I think it is reaction to the lack of input and you provide the input physically."

Subject Brian Keenan is all too familiar with some of what they are experiencing: "The nothingness, that was extremely hard. Because the question in your head is how am I going to get through the next 10 minutes? Or months later, how am I going to get through the next day? Is there enough left in my head?"adding, "I remember one occasion waking up and having to squeeze my face and my chest and thinking to myself 'Am I still alive?'

Subject Adam Bloom, experienced, after just 30 hours, he is in trouble. "I'm hallucinating! I thought I could see a pile of oyster shells, five thousand oyster shells, empty, to represent all the nice food I could have eaten while I was inside here."

Prof Ian Robbins an insight into "what can happen to people kept in solitary confinement over possibly many months and even years". "Evidence that has accumulated in those places must be considered very unreliable because people will after a while start to take on board the views of their interrogators," he says. "Our volunteers were in a sensory deprivation environment for 48 hours and being treated humanely."

After just 48 hours, Adam wanted to kiss the man who opened the door to let him out. "I was let outside and saw the sun and the sky, for the first time in 48 hours. My senses were overwhelmed totally and utterly by the sights, sounds and smells.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

St. Helens is Disturbing the Locals Again

2008-01-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

MOUNT ST. HELENS NATIONAL MONUMENT, Wash. - Mount St. Helens blew another cloud of steam skyward Thursday shortly after scientists said its crater floor had risen 50 to 100 feet since Tuesday, indicating that molten magma was moving upward without encountering much resistance.

A news helicopter hovering over the crater captured the latest venting, which sent gray and white clouds of steam billowing upward beginning about noon (3 p.m. ET).

I lived in the area when she first blew, it was dramatic!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Frigid Conditions take toll Despite American Allies Presence in the Country.

2008-01-18T04:04:00.001-08:00

The number of people who have died due a cold snap in Afghanistan has risen to 200, government officials say. Four large provinces in the western part of the country have been especially badly hit. Tens of thousands of livestock have also perished.

Local people are saying the winter conditions have been the most severe in decades. The cold spell is also affecting neighboring countries despite the presence of the American presence in the area.People seem to have been unprepared for the heavy snow and low temperatures.

Most of the 200 dead are herdsmen - but women and children have also died.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Looks like the Whalers and the Protesters have Mutually Stood Down

2008-01-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

The pair, from the radical Sea Shepherd group, boarded the vessel on Tuesday. The ICR then branded the activists as terrorists, while Sea Shepherd accused the ICR of illegal hunting. Earlier, Australian PM Kevin Rudd had urged both sides to exercise restraint.

"It became very clear yesterday that Sea Shepherd had no intention of retrieving their two intruders, who boarded the Yushin Maru with backpacks carrying a change of clothes, toiletries and other sundry items.

"The Australian government accepted Japan's request to assist and remove the men from our research vessel to allow us to continue our work."

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Intervention Asea offered by the Aussies

2008-01-17T04:52:00.000-08:00

Australia says it will send a ship to collect two activists from a Japanese whaling vessel, in a bid to end a two-day Antarctic stand-off. Her Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said a ship monitoring the whalers would retrieve the men as soon as possible. Mr Smith said that the patrol boat, the Oceanic Viking, would retrieve the men from the Yushin Maru 2 and transfer them to Sea Shepherd's Steve Irwin vessel.

The whalers say the men tried to damage their propeller and threw acid before illegally boarding. They offered to return them if Sea Shepherd agreed not to confront the whaling vessel during the handover. Sea Shepherd said the men were roughed up when they boarded the vessel and ruled out any kind of conditional handover.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2008-01-16T06:06:00.000-08:00

this is very strange shutting down the new accounts without the new post transferred. Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2007-02-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

The Blazers are speculating that Rookie Center LaMarcus Aldridge may be getting extra minutes in the second half of the Season 07'.
Things are looking up with the addition of another local hero Freddie Jones the once fiery from the University of Oregon fighting Ducks!!

Now!!

He is going to be looking to come off the bench early and often to be teamed with the Sergio overdrive game! It seems that Jones is quite the finisher, he has won an NBA Slam Dunk Championship and may just be the finisher that the Blazers have been struggling to find.

TRADE?

2007-02-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

The Tacoma News-Tribune ran this today as part of a larger piece on possible Sonics Trades:

Two sources confirmed that the Portland Trail Blazers called the Sonics in an attempt to obtain Robert Swift.

Sund told the Blazers that Swift, out for the season with a knee injury, was not available, according to the sources.

It is unclear who the Blazers offered, though they have been attempting to trade Jamaal Magloire all season. In that case, another player like Danny Fortson would have to be included to meet the NBA’s salary requirements. Magloire makes $8.3 million while Swift makes $1.9 million.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Zach Comes to Life... in an Ugly... WIN!

2007-01-28T05:44:00.000-08:00

The 135 points were a season high for a game, for the Trail Blazers, as were their 27 assists.

Randolph shot only 16-of-40 from the field but scored 13 points in two overtime to help the Trailblazers rally from their 16-point deficit in the second half. He even shot a 3-pointer with 38 seconds left to clinch Portland's third win in the last four games. Zach Randolph scored dude, he had a career-high 42 points on the night, and he grabbed 12 rebounds. The Trailblazers rallied to beat those woeful Memphis Grizzlies 135-132 in a double overtime game on Saturday night.

The opposition even complimented their work ethic after the game. "They did a good job of pounding the ball inside," Memphis coach Tony Barone said. "They caught the ball in the paint 31 times and that led to 34 points, whether it was field goals or free throws. The one stat the killed us tonight was second-chance points. ... You can't give up that many second-chance points in any game."

The Trailblazers outscored Memphis 72-52 in the paint, showing evidence of their inside dominance. Portland had 16 offensive rebounds! That is how they built a 23-8 advantage, by getting second chance points! A sweet victory on the road!

It wasnt weasy, it took an explosion in the Blazers' locker room at halftime with coach Nate stomping and swearing, to challenge his team. The Blazers had just been traumatized 59-47 by the Grizzlies, heck, they own the worst record in the NBA! Nate called the defense lethargic.

Then Zach took over. He got the message. He kept shooting and shooting and shooting, kinda like the energizer bunny out there. Randolph shot 40 times, he set a new franchise record for attempts, breaking the record of 37 set by Geoff Petrie, way back, in 1973. Everyone was impressed. The Blazers won again, imagine, three of the last Four!

OregonLive forum has this reaction:

323687.1.1. by next year

by JETBlack06, 1/28/07 1:42 ET
Re: Sergio 7 more assists by JETBlack06, 1/28/07 he should be our man at the point playing 30 plus minutes dishing out 10 dimes a game

323687. Sergio 7 more assists

by JETBlack06, 1/28/07 1:32 ET

and no turnovers. His A/T ratio has got to be out of this world by now.

323681. Zach's 3 pointer. Check this out

by iverigma, 1/28/07 1:00 ET

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMyndHtj_Qs
323682. Zachy franchise by timr1088, 1/28/07 1:07 ET

They came out and gave the ball to Zach Randolph, and he did what all franchise players do in this league. He delivered," Memphis guard Chucky Atkins said. "He made big plays. He got big rebounds for them and putbacks, and he did everything he needed to for his team to win.

Good stuff! If you have anything to add, lemme know!

Undefeated! At Least, in the Second Half the Year!

2007-01-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

Two in a row!!

Zach Randolph struggled, scored just two points by halftime- but finished strong with 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers edged the Mighty Kevin Garnett and his Minnesota Timberwolves, 101-98, in overtime.

It was another game showcasing the rookie trio that the Blazers picked on draft day 2006!

Sergio Rodriguez even scored 18 points, he was hoisting his shot at the direction of Coach Nate, who said that this prevented the T'wolves from sagging off & have them defend the "Spanish Chocolate"- and his incredible passes.

Brandon Roy too has recently been given that green light to handle the offense. He has not let the team down, you can hear the pride in his voice while he talks of having his own number called in recent vital scoring situations. He rewarded the team for that confidence in him, he did this while contributing 13 points. He has been really coming through recently, in closing seconds. It has been said that Brandon Roy knows when he needs take over, so he’s not afraid to do it. The results- the Blazers have won back to back games for the first time this season!

LaMarcus Aldridge too is getting his minutes, in this contest he struggled with his shooting, throwing up a lot of misses. But in the closing minutes he came through like a veteran. He shot 2/2 at the free throw line keeping the Blazers in dominance, (read about them below!) while gathering 2 more blocks at the defensive end, saying to the T'wolves, 'No, not here, not tonight.

From Oregonlive.com and the Blazer forum

322922. Roy

by timr1088, 1/25/07 13:08 ET

Is there any doubt who the leader is on this team. This kid is going to be a star. Love the fact that he wouldn't go out of the game even with back spasms. I get them at least twice a year and I can barely move, of course a little vicadin (sp?) always helps but it's still pretty stiff and hard to do daily activities, can't even imagine trying to play an NBA game with them. We have the player we can build around. Amazing that the player we go to in the clutch has really only played 25 NBA games.......

Re: Aldridge
322832.1. he WON the game for us, bro by ZBo, 1/25/07 1:15 ET
Re: Aldridge has got to by JETBlack06, 1/25/07

his free throws LITERALLY won the game for us.

322829. LMA freethrows

by BrailleTaser, 1/25/07 1:11 ET

did LMA call Ricky Davis a bi.tch after draining that second FT? As he backed away, I thought I saw him say bi.tch in RD's direction, since Davis had been trying to psych him.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Well it Wasnt a Breakout Game, but it was a Fine Win!

2007-01-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

Well the New Exciting Portland Trailblazers opened up the second half of the season last night. As expected they made a statement. ESPN noticed, FOXsports did too. Brandon Roy continued uploading his application process for the NBA Rookie of the Year, with a marked vengeance.

Our own, Brandon Roy was the leading scorer against the struggling Milwaukee ballclub. He contributed a healthy 39 minutes, shooting 10-15 from the field, added 9 rebounds, 2assists and made 2 steals. Roy incidentally made a devestating, heart ripping three in the final minutes to stop any run that the Bucks could have made.

Coach Nate was impressed... again. He witnessed the Buck heart becoming disemboweled in the final minutes. "When they came back on us, he (Roy) made play after play and was able to stop their streak by scoring himself on the other end," McMillan said. "He makes something happen."

The Trailblazers NBA All-star also offered an insight that few talked about. "We would have lost this last year," said Portland's Zach Randolph, who added 19 points and 12 rebounds for his 24th double-double of the young season. "This year we fought back and won."

Yes this team is willing and able to make a statement for the foes who would walk into the Rose Garden looking for that "easy win". Up next. Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves visit Portland and Ime Udoka will be take on the Midwest's number one scorer. Lets see if Garnett winds up getting his hands cuffed for the next 4 quarters.

From the OregonLive.com Blazer forum.
321765. Play Sergio More

by NoCal, 1/22/07 0:08 ET

Sergio had 6 assists in only 13 minutes. He came in the game when the Blazers were up 5 and when he came out they were up 20. Jack played the rest of the game and the lead evaporated and they nearly blew the game.

Jack had only 3 assists in 38 minutes and the offense was stagnant with him in there. He is not bad, but the team plays better with Sergio. I would like to see them split time at PG over the next month to see how they fare with equal playing time.

321765.2. Sergio only got 13 minutes because he

by Smoothy07, 1/22/07 0:11 ET
Re: Play Sergio More by NoCal, 1/22/07 can't guard a rock placed in cement

321765.3.2. Does that translate to 'I like Jack"?

by Marazul, 1/22/07 0:30 ET
Re: Play Sergio More by NoCal, 1/22/07

321765.4. Jack

by salesteacher, 1/22/07 0:29 ET
Re: Play Sergio More by NoCal, 1/22/07

Not as sharp as the Spaniard but the future is bright with both of them on our team.

Well opinions are like nosebleeds, everybody has had at least one! Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

The Second Half of the Season Starts Tonight!

2007-01-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

After playing their hearts out against Phoenix the other night, in a game in which they battled to pull within three on three different occasions during the final two minutes, the Blazers are hopeful. Their new young squad has proven time and time again in recent weeks that despite their inability to prove themselves consistent, they are demonstrating teamwork and patience against some of the teams toughest opponents.

Coach Nate is applauding the secondary line up. He is putting the town on notice that perhaps this team may run the ball much more often in the second part of the season. That second part starts tonight! The damaged Milwaukee Bucks are coming to town hobbling, without two of their top scorers and now showcasing Rueben Patterson an ex Blazer and one fellow named Andrew Bogut, whoever that is! In other words, we should have a young team on the floor and all over this Buck ballclub. They lost in Seattle 99-72. We had better blow this team up sooner and by a bigger margin, otherwise the Sonics will not let us forget it come time for our next face to face.

Coach Nate has had this to say this week. "When you are talking about building the team for the future, I think that conversation definitely has to come up,"(about an up tempo game) adding, "This was something we had to make a decision on last year, w/ Sebastian (Telfair), because he and Zach didn't work. Sebastian wanted to be in the open floor and play with the ball, and Zach is more of a halfcourt player, so you have to slow things down and play off him.", he concluded that "... I still think you need a low-post presence in this league in order to win"

From the Oregonian this Sunday, January 21, 2007

JASON QUICK

Meanwhile, Aldridge, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft, has become one of those rare commodities in the NBA: a big man who has feathery touch from the outside, polished moves inside and the wherewithal to block shots. He has also established himself as one of the top disciples of strength and conditioning coach Bobby Medina, who predicts Aldridge can sculpt his body quicker and better than former Blazers prodigy Jermaine O'Neal.

Yes! This team is prepared for a breakout game, a statement game tonight, a game that will open the second half of the season showing the league what every team they face will be in for, coming to Portland, the latter half of this season will mean.

Wow, What a Game!

2007-01-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

LaMarcus Aldridge had 14 points off the bench, and Sergio Rodriguez added nine assists. The Trail Blazers rolled to a 94-76 victory over the road-weary Cleveland Cavaliers.

On the win: "When he's making his jump shots, he's almost unbeatable," said Roy, speaking of the Cavaliers All-star LeBron James, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Blazers' 94-76 victory over the road-weary Cavaliers on Wednesday night. "Tonight he wasn't making those shots," Roy added.James scored 23 points for Cleveland, which is 2-3 on its seven-game road trip. The Cavaliers were coming off a 101-96 loss in Seattle.

The win was number 16 on the young season for these Portland Trailblazers. The season is about halfway over marked by the game on this Friday. At any rate, the Blazers are assured of finishing their first half with a better record than last season, when they were 15-26.

A crowd of 19,228 at Portland's Rose Garden saw what could be a promising future, as the Blazers' three rookies, Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Sergio Rodriguez stood out last night. They again came in and picked up the game when the starters stagnated.

It was the largest winning margin for a home victory in the latest, "McMillan era". It also tied the largest victory of the season, earlier in New Jersey.

The Blazers had an ides. The key was the Blazer defenders keeping the Caveliers, especially James and Hughes in front of them. Ime Udoka, the Blazer forward guards every opponent's top scorer each and every game. Udoka, spent his entire game, frustrating James by constantly touching him.

"I would just make sure I kept a hand on him, and I don't think he liked that," Udoka said. "There was some pushing, and I got in his face, because I wanted to make him shoot contested shots. It didn't seem like he ever got into his groove until late in the game." These guys think they can beat people. When Brandon Roy took his turn defending LeBron, he too admitted he had shared the attitude, "I wanted to measure up to him," Roy said of James. "And the biggest thing for me was to treat him as an equal, not as a superstar."

Friday night the Blazers close the first half of the year against the Phoenix Suns. Can they catch
the Suns napping while taking this new game on the road? We will just have to see.

They are hungry again.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Who is this Sergio guy from Europe?

2007-01-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Sergio Rodriguez is twenty years old. The youngest PortlandTrailblazer. He is he third pick of those Blazers, in this years in the NBA draft. He struggles to find playing time, as a rookie. Sergio has been a professional basketball player in Spain, since he was 14yrs old. His team there played regularly against teams from all over Europe.

He has always had his heroes of the game. He constantly attempts to model his game after several familiar names, NBA stars Gary Payton and Jason Kidd, Steve Nash and yes, “The Pistol,” he says, Pete Maravich.

He has acquired his own nickname since his playing days back in Europe, “Spanish Chocolate” he says is a takeoff on another player he has great respect for Miami Heat guard Jason Williams.

The team is noticing, the fans are noticing, and yes, after his performance the other night Allen Iverson had this to say, “He played great,” said the new Denver superstar, “If you can judge him off of tonight’s game, I mean, wow. It’s a long, grueling season, but if he stays with it, the sky’s the limit for him. This one will do a lot for his confidence. It’s a game that can make him feel good about himself and know that he can play and be successful in this league.” Thats is a high praise from the man who lives off praise.

Denver Coach George Karl was impressed too. Speaking of Sergio, he said that for twelve minutes in the second quarter, “He was a dominating player,” that, “He controlled their offense and our defense in the second quarter. He looks like he’s going to be a player", adding ,“We wanted him to go to the rim more than shoot a jump shot, but he’s clever. He finds guys open. A big part of NBA basketball is the pick-and-roll, and he seems to have a knack for it already, which for a young player is unusual.”

This is big, to be a rookie, struggling for minutes this is big. Lastly, former Blazer Steve Blake told reporters, “I was impressed with his court vision,” regards Sergio and his game. “He obviously understands the game, and he was knocking down shots, which made it easier for him to find open teammates. If he can consistently do that, he’ll be a very good player in this league.”

Sergio has found a philosophy that has worked for him, He says, “I know I must shoot, to keep the defense honest,” then “But I prefer an assist to a score. The most important thing is to play with my teammates, and that my teammates are happy with me. They have to have confidence in me. When you find this, other things fall into place.” It sounds like it is paying off incredibly well.

Teammates on the Blazers are often amazed at his unique ability. “He gets people the ball in the right places,” Joel Przybilla, the struggling center, says. “The first time I played with him in a pickup game, I called a couple of buddies and said, ‘He’s gonna be a player, man.’ He’s so unselfish. He’s so under control already. His future in this league is just unbelievable.”

Coach Nate has a dilemma, more and more fans in the city of Roses are being convinced that his style is suited for the game of ball movement. They pause and consider all the young legs that are being restricted by the half court offense, rigid, under discipline. The offense that value utmost the time of possession as most important, with an emphasis on defense.

Sergio is not quite ready for Nate. Sergio needs to work on his defense. Sergio will wait.

Can the fans wait?

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

"That was Beautiful Basketball, Man."

2007-01-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

Juan Dixon was shaking his head. His teammate, the new hero in town, had just returned his gun to the holster. Sergio Rodriquez, the amazing third draft pick of this young and explosive season turned in the finest game of his short NBA career.
Sergio last night, came off the bench to make his statement against the Denver Nuggets. Juan Dixon was still in awe, "We haven't played like that all year, any year,". The Blazers had just lost their 10th game in the last 12 events. Heads however, were NOT bowed, anything but. Rookie Sergio Rodriguez scored a career-high 23 points shooting the ball 11-14, and had 10 assists for Portland. Rodriguez had at one point, hit a pull-up jumper and then a layup to help to give the Blazers a 51-43 lead. Then Portland did actually outscore the Nuggets 37-18 in the second quarter, with the help of Sergio, and led 56-49 at the half!

Oh Yeah. Denver won the game when the starters came back in and the excitement waned. It was Denver 109-93. The Blazers' starters were just so obviously ineffective in the game, they en masse, contributed a total of just 20 points.

Herer are some good quotes from my friends in the OregonLive Blazer forum:

319959. Sergio is quick
by NachoLibre, 1/15/07 0:39 ET
as all get up. I dig how he just rips apart a D & get them all flustered... & before you can blink he throws some incredible pass!!! CRAZY

319959.1. Sergo = Steal
by pepsikat, 1/15/07 0:55 ET
Re: Sergio is quick by NachoLibre, 1/15/07
of the draft. Roy and Alderage may be better overall players (time will tell on that one) BUT given their draft positions Sergio was the steal. Booyah. Go Blazers.

More:

319960. Aldridge
by blazerfan11, 1/15/07 0:40 ET
I think the sky is the limit with him. He's very athletic, good range for a big, and has that incredible wing span. He's our future 5....but I think the future should be now. Quit giving his minutes to Maglore.

319960.1. Amen to
by NachoLibre, 1/15/07 0:43 ET
Re: Aldridge by blazerfan11, 1/15/07
that!!! Magloire... I fell (at times) as if I'm watching the play unfold in SLOW-MO!!!! It shocks me that more of his shots are not blocked into the 3rd level.

It is clear this team is struggling at times in the Slo-mo half court game. The bench is making its value more and more apparent to the coach and yes coaches and NBA foes. Many in the forum were asking that the second team be given a chance to start the next contest. Those blogging fans actually are asking coach Nate to consider bringing the veteran players off the bench to score more easily, while the opponents second team struggles to score!

It is food for thought.
Somehow though,
I dont think coach Nate will keep it down,
so to speak!!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Yes...The Pryz and the Blazers start Anew with the Evening Tide

2007-01-13T05:17:00.000-08:00

The Pryz picked up his game and Zach Randolph paved the way for the win Friday night at the Rose Garden. The Sacramento Kings rolled into town optimistic, after hearing the news that Jarret Jack, Portland's starting guard, suffered a concussion after an automobile accident in the Blazers parking lot early in the afternoon. The rest of the team picked up the pace, Dan Dickau scored from the bench shooting 4-8 from the field including a coupla threes, contributing 23 minutes.

Yes, Im sure you all want to know if Pryz was able to snap his dreadful streak mentioned forever in the last post. He was 100% from the field last night, shooting 1-1 and adding a free throw shot for 3pts in the game. He spiced up his "nightline" adding a steal and 2 blocks. Now that is progress. Slow, but hopefully sure.

LMA (Aldridge) collected measurable minutes,23 to be exact. He was a contributor for sure,but posted moderate numbers. He shot 2-6 with two free throws. He added 4 rebounds 2 assists and also had 2 blocks defensively.

Charley Rosen from the Fox sports page
had this to say about the Blazer Rookie's game last night:
LaMarcus Aldridge has good hands, quick feet, and excellent defensive instincts. Can he pass? Put the ball on the floor? Shoot? Have a go-to move? No. No. So-so. Perhaps a jump hook.

The single most impressive play in Aldridge's performance occurred in the 4th quarter. That's when Ron Artest decided to shoot first and ask no questions, thereby rendering both Bibby and Martin useless, and singlehandedly losing the game for Sacramento. Anyway, as Artest squared up with the ball along the left baseline and prepared to take the rookie to school, Aldridge got wide and low, made several quick sideways crab-steps, and forced Artest out-of-bounds.

With some off-season body work, along with spending long hours in a gym expanding his offensive capabilities, the young man could eventually become a dynamic man in the middle.

Portland improved to 8-11 at home on the season. The Blazers had an impressive 10 steals, holding the Kings to only four. Portland made only 13-of-23 (56.5 percent) of its free throws, or it could have been much worse for them.

The Denver Nuggets are up next tonight at the Rose Garden, can the Blazers offer the Denver squad their third loss in three games? The Nuggets are already on a skid of their own. Can Portland make a statement here?
Will the Trailblazers defend this new winning streak against that team that looms just ahead of them in the standings?
Afterall, this Marcus Camby dude has been cleaning the glass for his team from the Rockies, wow, he had a career high 24 rebounds last night! Then there is the ex-blazer Steve Blake, last night he compiled an impressive 29 minutes off the bench last night and totaled 13pts including three 3's and six assists.
Be ready Blazers, be very ready.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

This Guy Prz... Needs to Get Back to Business Tonight

2007-01-12T04:05:00.000-08:00

Portland is matched up again with the Sacramento Kings tonight. The story in Portland is the "funk" that Joe Pryzbilla, that defensive gem... known as Pryz, says he has found himself in recent games. This guy is 7'1 and he is averaging exactly 0 points per game in his last three contests. Honest, he has shot 0-2 in total, for those three games. Can you imagine, he's taken only two shots in three games, and he missed them both!

This Pryz guy's mental "distractions" are getting downright ominous. He gets paid millions of Blazer bucks... this guy needs to shake his anxiety and quit looking over his shoulder, at the bench! Instead, Pryz needs to concentrate on finishing a play, or making the pass reception necessary for a simple layup. He also needs to do it, more than once or twice a game. I dont see why he cannot dominate the young 6'9 center Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Pry should be not only blocking this kids shot, heck, from behind if he has to- but also he needs to stuff that leather ball in the hoop on offense and bounce it off the boys head!

Honest to God. If this guy cant handle a simple pick and roll pass, and finish it, then he SHOULD be planting his million dollar butt on the fence! He should be freely willing give up his minutes, then give the ball to the next guy who isnt wearing concrete shoes. There is always, the next one- who can jump and possibly shoot the ball!

Portland (14-23) will be coming into Friday's game having lost nine of its last 11, bouncing off the Wednesday 99-74 rout at Dallas. The Sacramento Kings (14-18) are ranked 11th of the 15 teams in the West 12.5 games back. Portland is at number 12, but 15 games back. At any rate, we need to put a game together.

Hey Coach! When in doubt we all say, go to LMA!

Aldridge has his Time to Shine, Despite Losses

2007-01-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

The Trail Blazers never cut into Dallas' double-digit lead after halftime. Jarrett Jacks' star shined briefly when he made consecutive layups. That momentum was brief when he hepled make the score 77-59 early in the fourth quarter, but the Mavericks led by as many as 26 points on the way to the 25-point win in Dallas.

The Trailblazers are standing 11 games back in the Northwest Division. To make it worse the mavericks had just creamed them for the 12th time time in 12 games. Its getting a little ugly and little angry in the Blazer locker room and with the fan base. Coach Nate is ever being asked "why the rotation?". Finally his answer has become those three little words, I'm the coach...

In the End though, we in the midwest are still increasingly interested in the play of rookie, LaMarcus Adridge:

Wednesday night in Dallas w/ 35 family and friends scattered in the arena, rookie LaMarcus Aldridge had 14 points and six rebounds, he shot 7-14, had a assist 2 blocked shots in an astonishing 34 minutes, a career high. He was even selected to start the second half at center in place of Joel Przybilla, who played only 8 minutes total.

LaMarcus Aldridge also had a breakout offensive game the night before onTuesday, but that wasn't enough to stop the San Antonio Spurs' spanking of his Blazers. The Blazers No. 2 pick hit 6-of-8 shots on his way to a season-high 17 points and added six rebounds in 23 minutes, but San Antonio won its seventh straight and 14th in 15 tries against Portland, 98-84

Last weekend, they played the Miami Heat at home. Sunday, LaMarcus Aldridge, got substantial minutes. playing in the absence of the injured Travis Outlaw, and the resurgent Martell Webster. Aldridge had 10 of his career-high 14 points in the second quarter, and Webster had 10 points in his first nine-minute shift of the game.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2007-01-07T04:06:00.000-08:00

What a woeful game that was... Has Trent retired yet?

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2007-01-06T04:52:00.001-08:00

Today is the big day. Around 7pm tonight on the Prairie we will know just what kind of a new year we will have. The Chiefs will have boarded a flight home, either the first winner of 2007... or just another loser.

Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson has been open to talk karma! “It’s been 37 years since the Chiefs went to the Super Bowl,” said Dawson, “That’s a long time. And they’ve had times when they thought it would be their year. The breaks haven’t gone their way. Maybe this year it’ll be different. Who knows?”

Bottom line is it's a hard business in a sometimes spiteful world. Win a Super Bowl and you will be immortalized. Fail and you just might be vilified. Payton Manning doesnt just want to be remembered as just a 92-52 as a starter in the regular season. Big deal, his critics already say. He's 3-6 in the playoffs. His own high regular season achievement is already obscured by playoff failure. Manning and Dungy can't win the big one. They are saying it already.

Trent Green has had his success too. He hasnt made the playoffs as often as his adversary Payton Manning. He may be ready to have a break out game. It may be karma. Here’s how it works: All the good things you’ve done or had done to you, and all the bad things you’ve done and or had done to you, the universe takes stock of them and then looks to balance them all out.

BILL REITER and The Kansas City Star cited here:

Some fellar named Steve MacDonald believes. Heck, he can sense it. He can feel the fact you Chiefs guys are due, and ya know... he’s read Arsenio Hall’s palm on national television! He toured the Chiefs Stadium the other day just... feeling! We got his impressions here! Yep, Yehaw, we got us some quotable quotes:

Impression #1"I think Lamar (Hunt)’s looking over the team,” MacDonald said. “This was his pet project. His energy is very much around."

Impression #2
"Trent Green — “His karma is pretty darn good, he’s done a lot of good stuff for the world.”

Impression #3
"Larry Johnson — “He’s a very powerful person who can spark energy in the crowd. That’s big for karma.”

Impression #4
As he turned and looked at the huge empty parking lot, the place that so many boisterous happy fans fill on game days. “There,” he said, “that is the energy. That energy doesn’t disappear into the universe. It’s here.” saying again, “Their energy is still here, even now.”

Back to me:
Karma or not. This team has the talent to pull this off. They have the stars aligned to get this reward. They just need to line up take the field and put in the effort. "The only game that matters is the last one." So they need the mindset, the determination and the where with all to do it, accept it and relish in the consequences. The Pittsburgh Steelers did it. Will we?
Are we ready to march that road to the next game on this our fabulous adventure!

Now The Colts are 0-3 during the postseason under coach Tony Dungy when they are minus in giveaway to takeaway differential. Now get this: the first eight games, Colts were plus-10 in giveaway to takeaway differential and went 8-0. Recently over the past eight games, they have gone minus-3 and 4-4. Advantage Kansas City.
Same thing expressed a different way: The Colts rank fourth in the NFL with just 19 giveaways on offense but are tied for 21st in the league for takeaways with only 26. If our defense can force that offense to turn it over twice, it could mean the difference. if Trent Green fires another interception it could kill us, replace him when neccessary!

My prediction:
Kansas City 27- Indy 24!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Saturday, it Could be the Day Larry has Been Waiting All His Life For

2007-01-05T03:55:00.000-08:00

What do YOU think?
Omigod, Have you read the stats on the Indianapolis Colts? This 2006 Colts team allowed an absolutely amazining 2,768 rushing yards in 16 games. They havent given up so much real estate to NFL foes in 20 years. This years struggling defense allowed 5.3 yards per carry, (listening Larry?) the second-highest total since 1978 and the very worthless 1996 New Orleans Saints allowed 6.1 yards per. Heck the Colts allowed 375 yards rushing during one game against Jacksonville.

Lots of people are asking the big question, Can we just line up and run for 5.3 every time and never toss the ball? It is the big debate in every bar and outside a lot of churches too. I heard two women discussing it over the tomatoes on the produce aisle at Price Chopper!

Chiefs Analyst and Hall of Fame quarterback, Len Dawson, was asked if it could happen.“I don’t think you could run it every down,” Dawson says he knows about this firsthand. His old team back in 1968, configured a scheme. Hank Stram was struggling to protect his inury plagued receivers going into an always nasty game against the hated Oakland Raiders. Coach Hank came up with the two tight ends, he also lined up three running backs behind Dawson to run the ball, incessantly. He said in that game the Raiders Defense was too prideful to change make the adjustments. They refused to load up the line of scrimmage.

Oh yeah, the Chiefs won the game 24-10, but no, in the end they couldnt run every down. Len Dawson, after a good warm up, threw the ball three times. Ponder that. Can we beat that record? I myself have to wonder, the way Trent was tossing up the picks last week and tripped over the ball, offering up three turnovers himself! It would be such a tempting record to break, think, on Indianapolis artificial home turf, wouldnt it be particularly sweet. They would talk about it for decades... if we won. Larry would enjoy the ink!

Hey, maybe its not THE plan for Saturday, they might have some play action to toss in the mix. But Herm, remember, ya gotta make them stop the run first... right? LOL!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Seattle's got Company Coming... in the Cellar!

2007-01-04T04:15:00.000-08:00

Eddy Curry dunked right past the Trail Blazers.

Yep, the Eastern Conference found another hero last night. They stopped by Portland Oregon for a little pick me up, but it wasnt at Starbucks. Eddy Curry, the Knicks latest leading scorer, found he had 27 points coming to him, against the Blazers. He had even more success, including six dunks, 10 more career rebounds and oh yeah, 2 blocked shots came his way too. As youve guessed by now, the New York Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak on their West Coast swing with a dominant 99-81 victory over Portland on Wednesday night.

Curry wasnt real finesse about it in his post game remarks. "I'm so used to having a couple of guys on me and trying to put something in the air and get it to go in," then adding, "I'm not used to having such open lanes to the basket,''
Well.
At least he didnt say WIDE open! (right Pryz?)

Oh yeah too,
The team is in disarray, "Our offense looks bad, our defense looks bad, our body language looks bad right now," Blazers guard Brandon Roy said. "We're having too many moments when we're not scoring, not defending. They had like 20 dunks on us tonight,'' adding, We were just embarrassed tonight," Roy said. "We can't seem to find our effort.

"Oh yeah excuse me again, Hey Brandon, didnt you play against the Knicks Jamal Crawford the Seattle Wa native? Didnt he outscore you? Brandon struggled to get 14 pts shooting just 4-11. The Knicks meanwhile got 25 points from Jamal- when the game was over, Jamal had definitely outplayed his old friend Brandon Roy!

Puzzled?
Coach Nate thought maybe his tough practice the other day would create in his team, a little resentment, it did, but not towards the other team. The result?
This Blazer coach was so baffled after their pitiful game, he started his post-game team meeting with questions. "I asked them, 'What's wrong? What's going on?" he said. He was telling THEM to give him the answer.
Point guard Jarrett Jack stood up. "I spoke up, told them, 'Everybody's not playing," Jack said
He has a pretty savvy squad.

At least they were three weeks ago!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

One More Game! (actually about Four, If we Get Good!)

2007-01-03T04:59:00.000-08:00

So.... What do ya'll think?

Head to Head, it looks like we will give Indy a battle on Saturday. If God wills it, we will come out of Indiana feeling a whole lot better about ourselves. Do you think the Lord is smiling, after welcoming Lamar Hunt to heaven...?

by
~cgfelker

Think he said something like, "I got a little gift for you, my brother, after all your hard work!"
We'll have to see.

Trent you can make it happen. Maybe if you pray with me before the game. Your arm can straighten out, and the ball will be sticky after falling on the turf! You are in my prayers.
Trent has an opportunity to go out on top. Make a statement, here, now. You gotta know he is asking himself questions, he is evaluating what it means to be home and offer your children a quality of life that includes having a father who is there, emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Larry Johnson, he will take care of himself... he is wanting a national audience that people will be talking about for weeks... until he can get back to SD and share that stage again to show how HIS O-line can play together with a mission. He wants to have another chance to outshine LT, his probably bitter rival. Not just LJ's mission. No. Also...that "Lamar Hunt Mission". If it is the will of God.

Coach will get an opportunity to share with his peers his significant growth as a head coach. He will have a chance to steal some love from all those Herm Haters in the Big Green Rotten Apple. New York City. He has another opportunity to transform this team into his own likeness, while everyone in this city is seeing, hoping, all these personal "missions" are part of a puzzle that will be contributing to the final picture, the Lamar Hunt Vision.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Blame it on the Damn Leather Ball! (No, ...Afraid that one won't ((even)) Work!)

2007-01-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

Everyone musta stayed up way too long watching the Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve Holiday New Year Special. Heck, just sayin' the title took long enough! But anyhow, the Blazers pulled of another "exciteless NoShow" performance at home last night. Honest to God, this team gets so many people hyped for them, so pumped... then... they fail to put "together" any effort.!

Even the record low crowd for the season reflected the "failure to show" attitude of most fans in the city. Coach well he had few words to say. He offered no excuses, explained nothing, He said only "Come to Tuesday's practice ready to work, or don't bother showing up at all." The Sarge has returned and is ready to work. Pay Attention boys.

Yep, the Blazers have lost three straight, and three of the last four at home in the Rose Garden. Pitiful, just pitiful. Hell, they at least work hard on the road!

OK!Here's the joke of the week!
See if you can crack a smile at this one-
latenight chat from the OregonLive.com "Trailblazer Forum".

316526. Magloire is TERRIBLE!

by PrtlandSport, 1/2/07 3:21 ET

316526.1. He is sooo fun to watch.

by noscat, 1/2/07 3:24 ET

316526.2. Magloire is the BEST Blazer!!!!

by dubzC, 1/2/07 3:33 ET
He was an Allstar right? ahaha.. I really don't see how he was an Allstar. Even if he is getting old or whatever, he still should be playing better than he is now! He can be a good rebounder, but that's about it.. Pretty clumsy big guy!

316526.2.1. ok...

by blazer30, 1/2/07 4:06 ET
if u call a good rebounder stealing the boards from his own teamate jus to make his stats look a lil better than crap on a stick

Great line, Blazer30!

Back to the Grim Details:
I guess it was close I guess until about one minute to go 83-79 Boston. After that nothing! The Blazers offered 2pts, went what, 1 for 4 shooting and added 4 personal fouls, and one turnover! Oh yeah, they gave up 6pts in that final minute to give the game away, after eating one dunk shot- the Celtics made 4 straight free throws...
Oh Well. Who's up next? NY Knicks... hmm... maybe we CAN snap this streak!

Oh Yeah. About LaMarcus Aldridge... he Did Not Play again, Coaches Decision.

OTHER NOTABLE QUOTES:
Coach Nate McMillan- "We are not playing hard," adding "If you don't compete hard enough in this league, you're not going to beat anybody."
All Star Zach Randolph- "We had no energy" adding "We had blank looks on our faces."
Coach Nate McMillan-"If you don't play hard and compete, you won't even be able to beat a ... college team"
Martell Webster-"I can't explain it..." then "But we need to get back to where we were at the beginning of the season."
the last notable is from Sabastian Telfair the former Blazer, now Celtic "I miss playing in this building," Telfair said. "I loved playing here."
Evidently things haven't changed much.
I think He still must.

I dunno...
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Without a Doubt! The Biggest Win of the Year!

2007-01-01T05:26:00.000-08:00

There were miracles AFTER miracles happening for the almost forgotten 2006 Kansas City Chiefs! The teams final game with the Jacksonville Jaguars turned out to be the nastiest, toughest, smash mouth game on the schedule.

Larry Johnson got his yards, (138 in 33 atts) and his records... most carries in an NFL season and most yards by Chief in a Season. It was special teams player Bernard Pollard's blocked punt returned for a touchdown, in the first quarter, that helped to set the tone for this truly memorable struggle. Trent Green turned in his best performance in weeks, if you dont count his three turnovers that almost cost the team the season. He was 14 of 21 passing with a TD and 2 INTs (and a fumble).

Jacksonville battled, again and again, literally as well as figuratively. The Kansas City defense though rose to the occasion to put down the hammer when it counted. Oh yeah, can we hear it now for that "makeshift" O-line? This ragtag bunch of thrown together "also rans", these were the guys who struggled weekly against all pro defenses and bad press, and gave their all to MAKE SURE that LJ was a star- again THIS season? They deserve some credit... right Larry?

After this, if Larry decides to take some more money and run... I say "Good Riddance".

Coach line up, you deserve some credit for doing the impossible, I hope your New Year celebration goes on for weeks! Thank You Sir!

I have to say thank you too -to Bill Cowher for a great career at Pittsburgh. Also the New England Patriots for doing what they had to do. But, finally the mixed emotions regarding the Denver Broncos... God, SF did well, didnt they? Smile.
This last game though was bitter sweet,. Yes, New Years held its sad news, Broncos CB Derrent Williams who just finished his 2nd NFL season, was shot- in a drive by... and killed- while leaving a night club last night, new years eve. My heart and prayers go out to his Family and to everyone associated with the Denver Broncos

More to come.
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Oh these Blazers Give Me a Lotta Woes to Write About!

2006-12-31T05:38:00.000-08:00

Utah 96 Portland 86. Coach Nate McMillan seems to be twisting in the wind after the Blazers lost again, against the division leader, Utah Jazz on the road. He lamented this time, after his clubs' now 5th loss in a row up in the mountains. To make things uglier, they have been defeated in 11 of the last 12 contests at Salt Lake City. The coaches substitution patterns are constantly being questioned on this young mistake prone team. Tonight it was no different.

"I was just trying to get something going," McMillan said when asked. -Again. "Sergio again came in and brought some energy and got something going." Sergio's creativity as well his innate ability to build on rhythms helped cut a woeful 24pt deficit to within 10. We were able to get some type of momentum." McMillan added. "Then I went back with Roy. I've got to go with guys who can get something going."

This is at the expense of Jarret Jack the young 6'3 point guard who has been averaging 34min per game. Last night he complained, questioning the inability to get a foot in the game in the fourth quarter. He played ONLY 24min last night. He scored but 5pts. Shooting 2 for 7 and 1-2, with NO free throws.

Nate's young team was out rebounded a total of 44-35. It played poorly at times, giving up alot of layups and slam dunks to the powerful Jazz ballclub on their homecourt, heck, they gave up 50pts in the paint! The young and indecisive Trailblazer defense seemed porous at times and couldnt stop anyone, but yes, give them credit, they hustled. They hustled to close that huge deficit while playing like their coach used to, tenaciously, managing to erase that one time huge 24pt lead. That must have been the time in which when they collected most of their total of 9 steals and 6 blocks, finally moving their feet, defending the boards, and closing to the 10pts that turned out to be the winning margin for Utah.

Did you see the game?
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Due to Illness Ive been away

2006-12-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

Lots happening, the Chiefs will meet the Carolina Panthers Tomorrow to determine if they have a snowballs chance in Tahiti to make the final playoff spot in the AFC. Like that can happen. You bet I will be up early Monday morning typing my apologies if miracles happen.

My Portland Trailblazers dropped an easy win like an egg, and scrambled it all over the floor when with five seconds left Brandon Roy missed a 5ft bank shot with contact "no call" after he traveled for the shot. Ho Hum, they never shoulda let it get that far, with the lowly "Sixers" at home. They are doing better than expected with an almost .500 record. In case you were wondering, LMA, Lamarcus Aldridge, the number two pick is NOT playing... while they are showcasing

Jamaal Magloire

for trade bait and open up the salary spot and slim the roster for more time for the rookie.
I personally believe that they are also NOT playing him yet to avoid having to include him in entertaining trade offers to Other teams that they would bargain with.

Do you think LJ will be traded "Before" he becomes a free agent and skips to get on a team with playoff posibilities?
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

From the Denver Post this morning!

2006-11-24T15:42:00.001-08:00

By Mike Klis Denver Post Staff Writer Article Last Updated:11/24/2006 01:15:47 AM MST

Kansas City, Mo. - For starters, Jake Plummer had benchwarmer burned into his psyche.

Go get 'em, Jake. Win one for the clipboard and the baseball cap. Oh, and by the way: Mind holding for those Jason Elam extra points?

Prior to the Broncos' 19-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs here Thanksgiving night before a raucous, overflow Arrowhead Stadium crowd - but hardly a national television audience - speculation was rampant that win or lose, Good Jake or Bad Jake, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan had decided Plummer had started his last game as Broncos quarterback.

The conjecture was hardly surprising given Plummer's erratic play this season and the talent of his apparent successor, rookie Jay Cutler.

A bit baffling was why Plummer was left twisting amid such speculation before such a crucial divisional game.

"I'm the starter right now," Plummer said. "If Mike feels he wants to put Jay in there, then my play doesn't warrant him to not do it. So whatever he wants to do is what I have to go with."

Shanahan opened his postgame news conference with a statement. He then asked for questions. When the uncomfortable media throng hesitated to ask the question about the rumors swirling around Plummer, Shanahan walked off the podium. The media's pause was roughly 1 1/2 Mississippis. Shanahan's departure was immediate.

When approached later in the locker room, Shanahan said he was prepared to handle any questions at his news conference, but would not answer them individually.

The furor of the inevitable quarterback switch may have initially affected both the quarterback, who was shaky until a 3-minute drive near the end of the first half, and the team, which didn't exactly come out punching the Chiefs in their chinstraps.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Portland Rookies make their Presence Known.

2006-11-20T03:01:00.001-08:00

The NBA Rookie watch

The Blazers' three rookie draft picks are among the NBA's finest, according to the statistics, compared to other rookies of the same class. This week, Aldridge, who has played in only five games since his debut less than two weeks ago, is third in scoring (10.8 points) and second in rebounds (5.6). In addition, our Injured rookie point guard, Brandon Roy, who missed all of last week's games, is second, scoring (11.6) and third in assists (3.4). The last of the three, young point guard Sergio Rodriguez, leads all of his 06' class of rookies- in assists (3.8) despite his limited playing time.

This all bodes well for one of the league's youngest teams. I guess when three rookies get that much playing time they are bound to be in the top of somebody's list. Coach Nate is happy with the production thus far, and the front office is beaming- rightfully so!

Lets see if the smiles get bigger after the San Antonio Spurs come to Portlandtown tonight. The Spurs are a perfect 5-0 on the road thus far this season. Oh well. Someone has to stop the skid... or maybe they will crash!!

I only wish I could be there!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Portland Rookies make their Presence Known.

2006-11-20T03:01:00.000-08:00

The NBA Rookie watch

The Blazers' three rookie draft picks are among the NBAs finest, acoording to the statistics, compared to other rookies of the same class. This week, Aldridge, who has played in only five games since his debut less than two weeks ago, is third in scoring (10.8 points) and second in rebounds (5.6). In addition, our Injured rookie point guard, Brandon Roy, who missed all of last week's games, is second, scoring (11.6) and third in assists (3.4). The last of the three, young point guard Sergio Rodriguez, leads all of his 06' class of rookies- in assists (3.8) despite his limited playing time.

This all bodes well for one of the league's youngest teams. I guess when three rookies get that much playing time they are bound to be in the top of somebody's list. Coach Nate is happy with the production thus far, and the front office is beaming- rightfully so!

Lets see if the smiles get bigger after the San Antonio Spurs come to Potrtlandtown tonight. They are 5-0 on the road thus far this season. Oh well. Someone has to stop the skid... or maybe they will crash!! I only wish I could be there.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-11-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Oakland will attempt to bring their "A" game to Kansas City. Since missing eight games with a concussion, QB Trent Green will finally return as the starting quarterback. Look for the Raiders to come fast and all day after him. Green's arm is alive again, but you wonder if his receivers will be of any to help him.

Green's man (probably) will be Dante Hall. But, DE Derrick Burgess has eight sacks and he is hungry for more. He is an emotional player, he got into a screaming fit with QB Andrew Walter last Sunday, after he saw Walter hanging his head, forlorn and defeated.
QB Aaron Brooks starts for the Raiders.

The Chiefs, will be going for their seventh straight over the Raiders today, and some good news, Gonzalez and guard Brian Waters are planning to come back Thursday vs. Denver. Hopefully OUR defense will hold its own to defeat this team feeding on the energy of the crowd alone!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

A Quick Road Win!

2006-11-19T04:37:00.000-08:00

Zach Randolph had 20 points and 16 rebounds for the Portland Trail Blazers as they "worked quickly" to snap a four-game losing streak with an 86-68 victory over the New Jersey Nets Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge and Jarrett Jack each had 12 points and Ime Udoka added 10 for the Blazers, who scored the first 13 points of the game and never relinquished the lead. The Blazers led by as many as 18 and finished the opening quarter with a 25-8 lead. Portland rolled to a 67-48 lead after three and cruised through the final period. everyone in Portland has jumped back on the bandwagon since the hard fought win.

Below are a few well stated comments from
Oregonlive.com Blazers Forum:

306368. My oh my

by CleanSl8, 11/18/06 22:19 ET

just when so many were ready to write this team off last night, look what they did. Awesome win tonight and this will go a long ways towards character building. The forum seems to be a little less crowded also without the group of whiners from last night.

306368.3. how good is LaMarcus?
by JETBlack06, 11/18/06 22:21 ET
Re: My oh my by CleanSl8, 11/18/06
Seriously this guy could be the answer to the ultimate question. "What if Sheed worked on his game and played hard all the time?"

306368.3.1. I agree. I didn't know he had as much range
by Yojimbo, 11/18/06 22:23 ET
Re: My oh my by CleanSl8, 11/18/06
as he does, and hitting contested shots from outside. that was nice.

306368.3.4. Very impressed with him so far
by CleanSl8, 11/18/06 22:28 ET
Re: My oh my by CleanSl8, 11/18/06
as it looks like we hit a triple bullseye in the draft. With Roy being out we may still end up with the Rookie of the Year.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-11-18T05:39:00.000-08:00

There are a few interesting takes from the Blazers fourth consecutive loss.

from
Oregonlive.com
Trailblazer forum last night
after the loss to Boston on the Road

306115. Aldridge not getting the ball enough. That's

by Yojimbo, 11/17/06 23:02 ET

my opinion. He shot 5-5 two games in a row now. Did Jarrett Jack really have to take that 3 point shot when LA was open in the paint? That's just one example.

306115.1. Aldridge is shooting so well...

by PHATGUYSRULE, 11/17/06 23:05 ET
Re: Aldridge not getting the ball enough. That's by Yojimbo, 11/17/06

because teams don't expect him to get the ball. They aren't gearing their defense to him. Start giving him the ball more and his percentage will quickly drop, he'll lose confidence, and you'll be complaining about how he can't hit shots.

306115.1.2.1. It's a problem we don't want.

by PHATGUYSRULE, 11/17/06 23:12 ET
Re: Aldridge not getting the ball enough. That's by Yojimbo, 11/17/06

The last thing we need is Aldridge's confidence to be shaken right now. We need to take our time with him. That's what Nate's doing. People are just being impatient.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Hmmm... Gotta Wonder Which Team will Showup!

2006-11-18T05:26:00.000-08:00

from espn
Oakland at Kansas City (9 1/2) -- Do you think when someone says to Andrew Walter after a Raiders game, "Have a seat," he replies, "No thanks, I've been sitting all game."? Pick: Chiefs.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

LaMarcus Aldridge to Start against the Celtics!!

2006-11-17T03:29:00.001-08:00

Just in. Portland Trailblazer Coach Nate McMillan has said he plans to start LaMarcus Aldridge at the center position on Friday night against the Boston Celtics. He added that It'll be the first NBA start for Aldridge, and that his play has been consistent and he can be a reliable scorer and defender. Nate thinks that this move this will add some quickness to the starting lineup. Aldridge has shown an ability to score from the inside and outside and he should be a worthy safety valve and another passing option for Zach Randolph.

From Cleveland:
Cavaliers rookie guard Daniel Gibson and Portland rookie center LaMarcus Aldridge both played for the University of Texas. "He has some of the same skills as some of the best centers in the game," Gibson said. "He's athletic, hungry and he's able to score. I'm a little biased because I played with him." adding, "I've never seen a big man that could do the things he can do," Gibson said. "For example, he'd block a shot on one end and beat me down court for a layup, and I'm really pushing it. The way he runs the floor -- and because he's so humble -- he'll be fine in this league"

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Lack of bodies hurt the Blazers-fall 100-87

2006-11-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Lebron James took care of the ailing Portland Trailblazers after valiant efforts from Zach Randolph and LaMarcus Aldridge failed to keep it close enough. It sounds like LA will ge his first start at center Friday night against the Boston Celtics. Coach Nate has not been pleased with the production of Magliore who has struggled with his shooting percentage. This will be a good test for Aldridge to check his contributions with major minutes.

from Oregonlive.com "Blazers Forum", some contributors thoughts:

305512. Lamarcus in the offense
by AK08, 11/16/06 1:07 ET
With limited practice and training for the season, Aldridge has been quite impressive. There is so much raw talent built into this kid... it gets me pumped up for the future. Right now, he is lost on offense. We aren't able to utilize his greatest offensive traits because he is so unfamiliar with how the offense moves. Once he picks up on the offense and our distributors get him the ball in the right spots, he'll be a scoring machine. Nobody can stop his shot... it is impossible to defend. He can hit from anywhere on the floor with anybody in his face. I envision Roy and Lamarcus being a deadly combo for years and years to come.

and

305511.1. Lamarcus nickname:
by AK08, 11/16/06 1:10 ET
Re: Brandon Roy by CtwnBlzerFan, 11/16/06
The Gazelle. He hops around the court like a gazelle. He will only get more active and aggressive as the season goes on. Scary potential... absolutely scary

one more

Re: Lamarcus in the offense by AK08, 11/16/06

he plays very hard on both sides of the court. The two rookies have a lot of pride and play to win. It's kind of refreshing to have two players do what they do.

It sounds like the fans are impressed! I have been since the day of the Draft!

Let me know what you hope for for this team, leave me a comment:

Another tough loss on the road

2006-11-15T03:36:00.000-08:00

Zbo did his part but found he had to work for it! LaMarcus got time and did some. Sergio even played and made his first NBA bucket... but in the end the score was 101-89 and we came out on the losing end!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-11-14T04:15:00.000-08:00

LaMarcus battles for a rebound!
Words of Inspiration! Again, from the mouth of Ricky Davis as the Blazers venture into Minnesota to meet the Timberwolves. Again, tonight!

an excerpt from - Mike Tokito of the Oregonian:

"Ten days ago, Minnesota guard Ricky Davis, when he was near the Blazers' bench, called the home team a "pack of roaches." The words fired up the Blazers. Asked about it when the Timberwolves were in Sacramento last week, Davis didn't back off, telling reporters, "They're in our division. They're not going to win the division, put it that way. We just have to make sure next time, when we get up 15, we bury them."

Davis then almost added more fuel to the fire. He started to say that when the Blazers played in Minnesota he might "bring my Raid." But he stopped, saying, "No, no."

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Well my Ducks "quacked" Under the Pressure Last Night!

2006-11-12T03:35:00.000-08:00

They got blown out at the homecoming game for the USC Trojans and blew any chance at taking the Pac-10 title. Oh well, former Ducks Maurice Morris is running well for the Seahawks... and then there is former Duck Joey Harrington starting for the Miami Dolphins against our Kansas City Chiefs today at noon. I guess I gotta hope Joey has even more unfortunate luck throwing the ball against our defense. He will bring his 64.6 passer rating against the Chiefs #8 pass defense in the AFC. Actually, Miami has a better pass defense according to the statistics, they are third in the AFC averaging opponents only 176.3 yards of success.

Roll on Red Warriors
but roll with an attitude!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

LaMarcus Aldridge -- should return tonight!

2006-11-12T03:16:00.001-08:00

The word is around the Blazer Camp that LaMarcus Aldridge should come off the injured list in time for tonights Dallas Maverick game at the Rose Garden in river city. That is good news for the 4-2 Blazers who are still without Brandon Roy who takes his place on the bench. LaMarcus will be making his pro debut after recovery from a minor shoulder surgery which has kept him out of most of the fall camp and had him miss the first six exciting games of the season.

His teammates have been picking up the slack, and Zach Randolph has been leading the team as the "go to guy". Impressive, that is how all the opponents have described "Zbo" this year. he is averaging monster monster numbers with four of the six games resulting in double doubles. Randolph took a minute to describe his shot recently... I just hold it, three dribbles, get that (knee) bend, follow through," Randolph said. "I have a nice, soft touch. I just try to keep the same rhythm."

Well, it works for me Zach, keep hitting those free throws too! Hey he is tied with Allen Iverson for the most attempts and looking at a better shooting percentage. I guess coach was right about "working" the low post, huh dude!!! Smile

Lets hope for a good game tonight too.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

LaMarcus Aldridge -- should return tonight!

2006-11-12T03:16:00.000-08:00

The word is around the Blazer Camp that LaMarcus Aldridge should come off the injured list in time for tonights Dallas Maverick game at the Rose Garden in river city. That is good news for the 4-2 Blazers who are still without Brandon Roy who takes his place on the bench. LaMarcus will be making his pro debut after recovery from a minor shoulder surgery which has kept him out of most of the fall camp and had him miss the first six exciting games of the season.

His teamates have been picking up the slack, and Zach Randolph has been leading the team as the "go to guy". Impressive, that is how all the opponents have described "Zbo" this year. he is averaging monster monster numbers with four of the six games resulting in double doubles. Randolph took a minute to describe his shot recently... I just hold it, three dribbles, get that (knee) bend, follow through," Randolph said. "I have a nice, soft touch. I just try to keep the same rhythm."

Well, it works for me Zach, keep hitting those free throws too! Hey he is tied with Allen Iverson for the most attempts and looking at a better shooting percentage. I guess coach was right about "working" the low post, huh dude!!! Smile

Lets hope for a good game tonight too.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-11-09T04:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it was my chance to say that I hoped that Damon Huard had a big part in any big win on the Dolphins home field this Sunday. It will be an important piece in his career if we can get him the satisfaction of beating his former team with another outstanding offensive performance, as a team!

The following has excerpts from a piece in the Miami newspaper this morning.

Jeff Darlington is a staff contributor to the Miami Herald. The photo above is from the archives at google.com

QB Huard was Marino's choice
BY JEFF DARLINGTON
jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

So maybe Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino knew a thing or two about evaluating the talent of other quarterbacks after all.

When Damon Huard returns Sunday to South Florida with the NFL's second-best passer rating as the Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, it will serve as yet another painful reminder of the Dolphins' dreadful search for Marino's successor.

...former coach Dave Wannstedt chose Jay Fiedler as the starter in 2000 despite Marino's persistent lobbying for Huard to serve as his successor, it certainly could be argued that the team moved in the wrong direction....

'I'm going to stay out of that one,'' said defensive end Jason Taylor, asked by Kansas City media whether the rest of the locker room in 2000 thought Huard should have started over Fiedler. ``That's Dan's opinion, and I don't totally disagree with him. But I'm going to stay out of that one. I'm not going to walk into this...

...Daunte Culpepper continued his rehabilitation process, but he did not practice Wednesday.
...Linebacker Zach Thomas wore a red jersey during practice, signifying he was limited. Saban said he was suffering from a migraine headache.
...Cornerback Eddie Jackson (ankle) practiced without limitations.

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

Lets hope it all works out with a win, no matter how we get there!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

17,000 in Portland watch the Lakers get Humbled!

2006-11-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

Oh, yeah, Kobe got his 32- but in a losing cause.
The Portland Trailblazers moved to 3-2 on the year and 2-0 at home in the Rose Garden, while the Lakers went south with their 2nd loss of the season. Before Kobe left town he had a few good things to say about Zbo, "Randolph had a monster game," Kobe Bryant said. "He commanded the paint area, drew fouls and got easy opportunities."

The Oregonlive.com Trailblazer forum hosted by the Oregonian newspaper is an excellent way to get in touch with the fans in Portland. Those fans also had some pretty good things to say about this game ...all night! Smile!

Here are a few of the comments offered by the visitors to the site:

by dubzC
Zach has been playing like an Allstar!
Had a great time at the game. Zach is playin extremely well! Good stats and only two TO? He's had a good season thus far. Damn, it feels good to win. Blazers are definitely changing their image.. We are slowly, but surely, gaining our respect back! Keep up the game.

by Blazenstein,
So many....
...reasons why beating The Lakers is special.
So many reasons to hate them! Nice to have the win, and enjoy a forum free from Laker Cap lock trolls using the term BLOSER like it was intelligent.
Thanks Blazers for winning one for a long time Laker hater!

by duckblazer
Eating Crow...
I will eat my crow and like it! Now, I wasn't one of those idiots saying that we should trade Zach for Kenyon, but I did say that Zach was largely a bust and could never be a force for this team, and that if we could unload him for picks and salary relief that it would be good. I am an idiot, and the crow is mighty tasty.
Now that they are afraid of Randolph, I can't wait to unleash Roy on them too!

Please, take a moment to visit the site, Oregonlive.com you will be impressed!

Next up, Friday night, the 4-1 NO/Oklahoma City "whatevertheyares"! They bring a strong team to the Garden for a 7pm tip-off. Hopefully, by then they will have garnered their second loss of the year after a game at Golden State on Thursday night. They bring in a talented group featuring starters -- PG Chris Paul, G Peja Stojakovic, SF Desmond Mason, F David West, and C Tyson Chandler.

A good game on tap. The Blazers could get a little more respect with a win. Come on Portland fans, sell it out and show up on fire!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Who to Watch this Weekend in the Dolphin Game

2006-11-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

PLAYMAKER: Defensive end Jason Taylor, who scored on an interception return Sunday ...has eight sacks on the season! He is one of the few Dolphins playing up to expectations.

According to the Miami newspapers, there are only two players on the Dolphins roster who are performing to or above expectations -- one is pictured above, Jason Taylor. (the guy making the touchdown!) He has quietly acquired those eight sacks to lead his teams defensive line. Wes Welker, is the other number mentioned. Surprisingly, he leads the Miami team totaling 41 receptions.

The paper also names OT Vernon Carey, a 3yr veteran from Miami of Florida, as the most consistent offensive lineman. It then recognized the 16yr veteran Keith Traylor, DT, who has been particularly formidable against the run this year, and the up and coming young Safety Yeremiah Bell who has made his big plays despite limited opportunities, they both got honorable mentions.

It look like these are the faces to concentrate on Sunday in Miami.

They each should have targets placed on their backs this week during the Chiefs practice sessions. It would be fine if Jarad Allen and Tamba Hali were to outshine this fellow, this Jason Taylor, in his own front yard! If Kennison wants his recognition in the league, he too should use this stage to demonstrate his skills and help lead this team to its fourth victory in four games.

Damon Huard though, really, I wish him well. I want his teamates to give their all to present them an offense that will shine in front of Huard's former hometown crowd!!! I believe that he got his first win on the field for the Dolphins, if I am not mistaken, and I would love for this to be his most shining start- this time for the loyal opposition, the Kansa City Chiefs!!

Good Luck Boys!!

Roll on red Warriors!!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Blazers lose to Clippers and lose Brandon Roy too!

2006-11-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

The hardest part of the Blazers road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers came in the third quarter when Brandon Roy the Blazer candidate for Rookie of the Year went down with injury.

Roy played just 14 minutes before telling McMillan he couldn't go any more. He wants everyone to know, "I didnt get hurt tonight," Roy said. "I have been having some difficulty lately. A bone next to my Achilles' is bothering me.

He injured it at first back in training camp, then against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the home opener, he felt it give, just a little. Tonight, "It just hurt too much to play. The doctor said I needed to rest and get it looked at. I am going to have an MRI tomorrow when I get back to Portland."

Until then, Coach MacMillan will do what he does, get his team ready to play. Nate was impressed in the loss by a few things. Nate was pretty impressed by Zach Randolph's play, saying, ``I thought he was fabulous with his post presence.'' The Los Angeles' victory overcame a 35-point, 13-rebound performance by Randolph, who also blocked three shots.

Randolph thinks he is growing as a player already this year. `I did better in the second half on getting the ball out quick,'' said Randolph, alluding to times when he was double-teamed. ``It's something we work on in practice, getting the ball out quick and finding an open man.'' MacMillan wants Randolph to stay and play at the low post almost exclusively, not only to dish the ball out, but to battle the boards and increase his shot percentage. The outside shot will improve as a result. Zach is buying into this. He is responding, much to his benefit as a player and a scorer.

Ime Udoka had 10 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, doing well to earn a double double. The Portland State star is evolving. and Jarrett Jack finished with 17 points, only seven after the first quarter.

This team is hurting but adapting. Wednesday night we host the Lakers at the Rose Garden. Be assured. We will sell out again, and the team will respond to the 20,000 hopeful fans that cheer them on that night!

Maybe we can pick it up on TNT or ESPN, I have to check the schedule!!

...Meanwhile
At the Oregonlive.com Portland Trailblazer site, the bloggers are unsettled arleady!
Here is a small piece of their recent posts:
from: BIazergod22
Absolute Nightmare!. Both of our draft picks are injured now? Not to mention our starting center (who we gave a huge contract) is bedridden? And Miles is out for the season? Oh and on top of that Webster's back is hurt? Could things get ANY worse?

from:BlazerFan22
So we lost to a better team. Sence when did everyone expect the Blazers to make the playoffs. I mean peaple get down over a loss to a better team like this? It's stupid.

There is always more. This is a very energetic bunch on this site!
I encourage everyone to come in and participate! It is a kick!!

Please. Visit. Then let me know what you think, then, leave me a comment:

Who will Survive the NFL heat, in Miami this week?

2006-11-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

Interesting, The Miami Dolphins are in 14th position in the NFL defense stats, letting up 102 ypg. Is this good news for the Chiefs Larry Johnson? You bet.
The Kansas City Chiefs, are down at 16th, letting up 113yds. Maybe, Ronnie Brown, the Dolphins featured back, is liking this idea as well.

So. Who will shake out and have the premium performance on Sunday afternoon in the 80 plus degree heat?

Our own, Larry Johnson has been more open this season, verbally and in attitude. The media this week is sharing how Larry thought his offense lost an opportunity to gain even more than the 172 yds rushing that was his season high. He seems to be building, physically, emotionally and in attitude. Larry seems to be evolving into the 'Ol Larry of '05, getting determined, maybe frustrated.

Perhaps the fact that LT in San Diego just happened to match his 172 yds with 172 of his own is frustrating him. I wonder, butthat is a good thing, let him get angrier in the coming weeks, more and more mad, leading up to their second head to head matchup in southern California!

Maybe he will peak then with a little more motivation!

What do you think?

Please, let me know what you think, leave me a comment:

Nice win boys! Nice win!!

2006-11-06T05:18:00.000-08:00

Well there are alot of people asking how you can bench a quarterback with a 5-2 record, and a passing rating of over 105.

I like Trent Green very much, but he is an unknown quantity after being knocked unconcious a while back. Ask Young, ask Marino, ask the Dallas Cowboys what the lasting effects are from such head injuries. You can never know until you are out there on the field making split second decisions requiring eye hand coordination to the enth degree.

Huard has this job. It should be his until he proves on some Sunday that he cant handle it, only then should Green be brought in as veteran security after proving himself to the doctors and the tream that removing a healthy Damon Huard is necessary for the team to win.

Congratulation to the Chiefs, especially to the Defense which forced those early turnovers. Thank you to Larry Johnson for preserving the win with a devastating attack on the Rams defense, all day! Congratulations to Gonzales for his clutch, clutch catches in traffic at the perfect time, to seal this win.

Finally congratulations to Herm Edwards for securing his 44th win in 88 games, next week is for you... for getting us over .500 with a winning ball club.

Thanks again.

Roll on Red Wariors!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

The blazers-What inspired them?

2006-11-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

from the Oregonian:

Creepy crawlers jab
leaves Blazers bugged, inspired
Sunday, November 05, 2006

See, late in the second quarter with Minnesota leading by 11 points, guard Ricky Davis skated by the Blazers bench, and explained that Portland was nothing but a pack of bottom feeders that belonged in some dark corner underneath the league's kitchen sink.

The insult became the subject of conversation at halftime in the home locker room, including coach Nate McMillan who said he was personally insulted. So if you were among those wondering, "What got into them?!" while the Blazers, who won only 21 games last season, were rallying in the second half, it was this -- pride.

Portland beat Minnesota 88-86.

Also, Blazers forward Travis Outlaw (18 points, 15 rebounds) outplayed All-Star Kevin Garnett. And Martell Webster ran around fist pumping, scoring 16 points. And Brandon Roy continued his crusade for rookie of the year.

Then, in the locker room, Webster said: "That win goes against that entire team (in the other locker room). If you have any dignity, if you have any pride, hearing something like that puts a chip on your shoulder."

Then, the second-year guard muttered, " . . . roaches. . . . "

You should know, after the game, the security guard outside the Minnesota locker room said, "You looking for Davis? He was the first one out of the locker room."

So I tried the loading dock behind the Rose Garden, you know, where you might actually find a real, live roach, and in what goes down as coincidental development of the evening, Davis was standing around out there in the dark.

...about the roaches comment?

"I'm a guy who likes to talk. I'm glad that motivated them." It goes beyond motivation. McMillan said he was personally offended. Webster vowed that he'd never forget it. And when you looked around the locker room, with players talking about break-out performances, and, maybe, too, a brighter season, it was roaches you saw in their eyes.

John Canzano: 503-294-5065; JohnCanzano@aol.com To read his Web log, go to www.oregonlive.com/canzano Catch him on the radio on "The Bald-Faced Truth,"

KFXX (1080), weekdays at 5:25 p.m.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Ha, A Garnett is a Rock Right? ...Yeah, Right!

2006-11-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

That is kinda what that shot was, that Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves put up on the last play of the game!

It fell short, as did the result for his teammates. Alas, they are 2-1, now tied for second place in the Northwest division of the Western Conference of the NBA, with the "New, and Improved, '06 Portland Trailbazers!!

"I tried to get a foul at the end on that last shot," Garnett the Timberwolves All Star bemoaned... "I should have just shot the first look."
Sorry. Not tonight Kevin. It was too late.

Travis Outlaw, pictured right, had the game of his life. This young man lead the Blazers in scoring tonight with 18pts, and 15 rebounds. Those numbers went well with his 2 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot! He was tireless as he would not be stopped taking his "rock" to the hoop!

In the Trailblazers home opener before announced sellout crowd 20,113 at the Rose Garden on Saturday night, the team played their hearts out. "All I told them was to scrap, play together and have fun,"

This night Travis Outlaw indeed took the message to heart.
"I'm glad I had a great game but I really want to be consistent with it. I don't just want to have one good game the whole year," he said.

Coach Nate McMillan was pleased, "We needed something like this to happen," talking about his youthful team, "I really like the fact that we had an attitude tonight," McMillan said. "We needed something good to happen to give us confidence, and from the second quarter on, we played like that."
When asked about the career best night of Travis Outlaw, he summed it all up saying, "He was the difference tonight."

The city of Portland will reel long into the night. They could really fall for this team. They deserve this kind of team and this kind of a win!!

One blogger, "TheBeastBoy" summed it all up well
on the Oregonlive.com BlazersForum

This team is showing the "Never Say Die" attitude. I saw it during the preseason, and have seen it so far in the regular season.
Travis was the STUD tonight. Without him, no way we win. That, and believe it or not, but Zach had arguably his best defensive game of his young career tonight. When he was in, he kept up with KG for most of the night. There was some help there, but they let Zach defend him on his own, and I saw some VERY good defense by Zach.
Roy proved once again how much more mature he is, for being a rookie. He shot the ball bad, but did everything else in the 2nd half, and Nate just sat Jack for most of the 2nd half. Not that Jack was bad, but Roy was simply better in the game tonight, in those situations.
Webster is proving he is OUR outside threat. Man, is it fun watching him shoot. Pure.
Dixon is playing more into the team concept too. And, it is showing by his teammates trusting him more. Last year, you could tell he and the rest of the team soured on each other. This year, maybe there is truth to him sayin' he is going to have a more professional, and team orientated attitude.
Really, this was a total team effort. Great win. This team proved again that it will be fun to watch, and that some critics will start to eat their words...This team isn't going to roll over. They might have some bad games, and probably will get killed by some of the elite teams, but they won't give up. And with them doing that, it will make this season much more fun to follow.

I certainly agree with "TheBeastBoy"!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

The Chiefs need that Respect-from St. Louis.

2006-11-05T02:45:00.000-08:00

In a conference call Wednesday with some St. Louis reporters, Larry Johnson made some news.

Johnson has been very open, and is more relaxed when facing the media this year. He made the big story this week when he impersonated his head Coach Herm Edwards on Halloween Eve. He was hillarious, the new LJ emerged for all to see. The whole country was asking what has gotten into Larry Johnson?

It was different in this interview with the St. Louis press he made a somewhat another impression. He "talked tough, saying, among other things that he doesn't get hit — he gives out hits — at running back." This statement not only drew the attention of the press, but also the Rams players. They were embarrased last week by LaDanian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers when he lit them up for over 200 yards. They don't intend to let Johnson, the second leading rusher in the league do it for a second week in a row.

LaRoi' Glover, the Rams defensive tackle responded with, "Obviously, he has a pretty high opinion of himself. But he does run hard. I'll leave it at that." Trying hard not to show his contempt for such a brazen remark. Rams defensive end Leonard Little added this piece of speculation: "...we already know what they're going to try to do to us ...we gave up 200-something rushing (yards against San Diego), ...So why not run the ball every play?"

Other Rams chimed in. "What they (San Diego) did to us hit our pride, and guys are taking it personal," defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy said. "We have to go out there and stop the Chiefs." He added, "LT is a little bit faster and quicker," Little said. "But their styles are similar because both of them break tackles and can take it the distance any time. ... I think (Johnson) is more physical. He's a bigger guy, and he's more patient, and when he gets downhill, he's hard to bring down."

St. Louis Coach Scott Linehan put it all together, calling Larry Johnson, '...one of the premier backs in the league" saying, "Larry Johnson is going to get yards in the game on Sunday." "What you can't do is give up the big, big plays, and that's what we've got to get better at." He then made note that Tony Gonzales is "arguably the best tight end in the league," that, "We've got our work cut out for us when it comes to taking that on, just because it was the same problem we had last week."

So just what is his remedy? After a 4-1 start, the Rams defense piled up 15 turnovers! That defense produced only one takeaway total in two of their three losses, to Seattle and San Diego. Defensive co-ordinator Jim Haslett's defense team is getting back to basics- create turnovers this week. Ram safety, Corey Chavous said, "We didn't do that the last couple of weeks as much as we would've liked. I think that's something that's still the mantra of our defense, and something we plan on continuing to make happen."

Lets just hope it doesnt happen this week!
Instead, lets show them what a defense does!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

St Louis Rams, are next up... so Roll on, You Red Warriors!!

2006-11-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

Whoa, who is that leaning against the wall at Ram Park... over there, by the soda machine? That, thats uh, nah, cant be... it's Denzel Washington!!!

Washington was in town yesterday to get a look at his son, the rookie running back J.D. Washington who is on the Rams' practice squad. J.D. said he knew his dad was dropping in for a visit but "...was kind of surprised ...I didn't think he was going to be here for practice." When asked as he was leaving the field Denzel just offered that "I'm just here for my son," smiling.

Coach Scott Linehan was impressed "he's here to see his son, just like any other father would be," Linehan then added, "Hopefully, he's a good luck charm for us."

The Rams, who have lost their last two games, meet the Kansas City Chiefs at noon Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. ESPN Sportswriter Ron, "Jaws" Jaworski is the only staff writer picking the Chiefs to upset the Rams on Sunday afternoon... The latest line is the Rams are 2.5 point favorites, with the over/under point total 48.

I agree with you Jaws, we'll score at least 25
...and come away with the upset!!
Mark it down!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

After the Warriors came Crashing in... there is... Tonight!!

2006-11-04T03:59:00.000-08:00

The Rose City may be rocking tonight! (oh yeah, they lost to GS 102-89- see pic ) But, the Portland Trail Blazers are expecting a nearly full house, close to 20,000 for Saturday's home opener against Minnesota at the Rose Garden.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming in tonight to open the "06 Trailblazer homestand! Superstar Kevin Garnett is flying, he as always, will be the foe worth watching. The Timberwolves team is off to a surprising 2-0 start after Friday's 112-109 victory throttling the Nuggets at Denver. Garnett was his usual in your face self in that game too, scoring 27 points grabbing an amazing 15 rebounds, and oh yeah, toss in three blocked shots!

A Trailblazer team spokesman, Jarrett Jack says "It's going to be rocking," the second-year point guard is excited. "I hope we can give them something to cheer about."

I hope so too!

Let me know what your hopes are, leave me a comment:

New and Improved! ...How 'bout dem Blazers!

2006-11-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

Last season, Portland was among the NBA's worst teams in field goal percentage (.445), was the worst in free throw percentage (.689) and was out-rebounded by an average of nearly five a game. Against Seattle, the Blazers shot .548 from the field, .800 from the line and won the rebound battle 40-34 -- including 23-12 in the second half. Portland was 28-of-35 from the line, Seattle 18-of-20.

Tonight is another important matchup with the Golden State Warriors, the two teams collide in Oakland, and Don Nelson is now coaching the Warriors. Portland will probably be facing a small ball lineup with Troy Murphy at center and Mike Dunleavy at power forward. The Blazer forum at the Potrtland Oregonian website has everyone asking who is going to try toi contain Dunleavy? The concensus is Travis Outlaw. He will be the defensive specialist in these fans opinon, at least early on this season.

The Blazers have to play a full 48 minutes and get back on defense ALL night! This Warriors team will run, then run some more! We have aquired many young legs in this off season, and they will need every pair tonight. Good Luck boys I'll be listening from the Very Cold Great Plains tonight, sittin' by the fire, "on the ol' KXL stream on the net!"

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Whats the big deal, just whatssa Governors Cup?

2006-11-03T04:33:00.000-08:00

[not the cup!]

Kansas City Chiefs Coach Herm Edwards was asked What do you know about the Governor’s Cup?

His reply:

“I know it’s a big cup and was sitting out in the front. At first it was brought to my attention that it was done in the preseason, but it goes for the regular season too. We have the Cup and we have to try and keep the Cup. I know Lamar (Hunt) likes that. He’s a traditional guy and it’s kind of unique to have something like that, like in college football and (winning the) Jug and all that other stuff. I know at Cal it was the Axe and we were always trying to take the Axe away from Stanford. We took the Axe away a lot. Now it’s the Governor’s Cup.”

Then it was starting quarterback Damon Huards' turn at the media questions... He was asked: Is the Governor’s Cup (Kansas City vs. St. Louis) bigger than the Apple Cup (Washington vs. Washington State)?

“Yeah, I think so. I think this is a pretty big rivalry. I’ve seen it in preseason games and now I get to see it for the first time in the regular season.”

This morning, ELIZABETH MERRILL of the The Kansas City Star, writes:

"The most precious piece of metal in Missouri this week sits on the edge of the counter in the lobby at Arrowhead Stadium, next to a potted plant, a miniature flag and some fliers for Tony Gonzalez’s football camp.

There’s smudge marks on the front from a very large set of mitts. But this thing is important, because it represents state pride, Show-Me superiority, and 10 months of bragging rights."

Merrill offers more later in the article:

“I really couldn’t care less about the Governor’s Cup other than the fact that we win the game,” veteran defensive end Eric Hicks said. “No disrespect to the governor, but we’re just trying to win the game. I don’t even know who goes around and accepts the trophy. I can’t say as I’ve ever touched the Governor’s Cup.

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

The fact is this game VERY important for both teams. They are both sitting at 4-3 on the season. Both teams have road games next weekend. I guess this one is more important to the Chiefs, they must secure some road victories to bring fruit to their dream season, and make the playoffs.

*************************************************************************
Quote of the week!

"The only contact he'll get is I'm going to hug him."

by Chiefs coach Herm Edwards, on how much contact QB Trent Green will need before his first start.
************************************************************************

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

It cannot work Twice in this First Half of the Season, Can it???

2006-11-02T04:36:00.000-08:00

St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan is somewhat optimistic about facing the Chiefs this week.

"We have to look at it as coaches and, give the team the best chance we can, we have to put guys into position to succeed... we have to play better.”

He admits the Chiefs can run the ball quite well,

Linehan says it will be a “...Tough challenge this week because we’re playing a team that’s playing well as of late and has real similar qualities to the team we just played.”

He is reminded how LaDainian Tomlinson shined last week against his team, about just how good he was. Tomlinson rushed for a season high 183 yards against the Rams. He also scored three touchdowns to lead the San Diego Chargers to a 38-24 win over those same Rams. Can Larry Johnson coming to town now be a concern for him?

Linehan, this morning also knows that.... there was a Ram, Stephen Davis, who fumbled last Sunday. That one was returned immediately by a thankful, solid SD defense for a touchdown: the coach admits “It was a pretty big play in the game... Big turnover. Again, it wasn’t the only mistake in the game, it certainly changed the whole outlook in that game.”

This guy Linehan cloaks all this "disappointment" with even more "concern" this week. You see, The Rams are up for this competition this week as we vie for the much coveted... Governors Cup! The winner of course, procuring bragging rights for a year! It serves to keep alight that eternal flame of interstate rivalry between Missouri and Kansas!

This last Linehan rant though, sends shivers of awe up my spine! Doesnt it to you? I still remember how those Pittsburgh Steelers coaches were vocal, also worried about all this and concerned about that! They too looked at everything darkly, producing such an effort to look so melancholy, right before they ripped us one in the Steel City.

Listening Chiefs D???

This coach, Linehan, is trying sing each of you a sweet lullaby, just to get you to a little sleepy... again, for his Rams! Just, this time, guys please get alot of rest before this game- its not a long road trip, just down the highway actually!

Now, hope and pray that they dont try the ol'-
"lets get some beautiful women together and sell them discounted sex toys at a quiet rest stop just outside St Louis" routine,

-that tired ol' deceitful ploy that worked so well against us a few short weeks ago in the Pittsburgh Airport!

That was dirty pool guys, right, just don't forget how it took the heart out of us!

C'mon, please!
Focus, focus, focus...
then...

Roll on Red Warriors!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Blazers Opener starts with a Fire!

2006-11-02T03:40:00.000-08:00

This win ended a string of 16 road losses dating to last season, when the Blazers finished an NBA-worst 21-61. It was better than that though... it was an opening day win... against our rivals from Seattle... and it was on the road.

Hopefully it marked a new day. Team Captain 'Zbo' Zach Randolph worked, in a new, dominating fashion. He scored 20 of his 30 points in the second half, he lit up the Sonics' inside players and they who had no answer, but to foul. Randolph hit 14 of 15 free throws.

"I'm just getting my grind on," Zach was quoted later, "Like I have been saying, I have a lot to prove this season."

This was a team win, with many parts. They all came together Wednesday night in Seattle and provided the ultimate start to a season for the Trail Blazers. Brandon Roy, the Pac-10 player of the year and All-American last season at Washington, was magnificent in his ol' hometown, in his NBA debut. He had 20 points on 10-for-16 shooting while running Portland's offense in the second half, his teammates unmercilessly set screens for him.

After the game Brandon Roy commented as in a daze. "Last night when I went to sleep, I dreamed of having a game like this. And when I woke up, I said that was too good to be true. So to come out and have that game . . . it's an incredible feeling, one words can't explain. I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life."

It was a good night too for another dreamer, Ime Udoka. It was Udoka's offensive rebound of an Outlaw miss and the subsequent foul shots (with 16 seconds to go) that were the decisive plays that spoiled the 40th and perhaps final season opener for Seattle.
New Owner of the Sonics' Clay Bennett show up before a sold-out crowd, to be disappointed. Bennett has said he could move the team if he does not have a commitment by next summer for a new arena in the Seattle area.

Give them a couple games Clay,
this was the new improved Blazers for '06-07!
Show some patience before you move the Sonics team-
and turn them into the Midwest Hayshakers!!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

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

2006-10-31T04:52:00.000-08:00

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."
**************************************************************************
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!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Is Holmgren on the hot seat? Check this!

2006-10-30T05:11:00.000-08:00

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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2006-10-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

The Seattle Post Intelligencer is worried too!

2006-10-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

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!!

2006-10-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-25T04:17:00.000-07:00

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!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-10-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-24T04:49:00.000-07:00

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!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-10-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

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~!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-10-23T04:58:00.000-07:00

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!
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Chargers are in Town, You Up for It?

2006-10-22T04:54:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-13T04:08:00.000-07:00

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."
*************************************************************************
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.
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Put the Focus on Rothlesberger Sunday ...a Whole Bunch of it!

2006-10-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-12T03:46:00.001-07:00

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.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

2006-10-12T03:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

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

2006-10-11T04:31:00.000-07:00

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.

**************************************************************************
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."
**************************************************************************

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:

**************************************************************************
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.

2006-10-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

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.
*************************************************************************
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

2006-10-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

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.

**************************************************************************
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!

2006-10-09T03:12:00.000-07:00

"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

2006-10-08T03:18:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-07T04:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

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.

2006-10-06T05:05:00.001-07:00

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!!

2006-10-05T03:55:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-10-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-10-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

(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!

2006-10-02T05:20:00.000-07:00

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.

2006-10-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansagonian predicts KC over SF 23-20

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Alex gets a break at Arrowhead?

2006-09-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

ACCORDING TO:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2608078

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen was charged with driving under the influence on Friday stemming from a traffic stop on Tuesday morning, according to a report on the Kansas City Star Web site.

Police in Leawood, Kan., pulled over Allen at around 1:30 a.m. for driving erratically. Leawood Police Capt. Dale Finger said Allen refused to take a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer. The officer arrested him for DUI, and in Kansas refusing to take the tests results in an automatic suspension of one's driver's license.

The officer drove Allen home. He has been ordered to appear in court on Oct. 25.

Tears your heart out right?
It does mine, and the Chiefs.
This is his 2nd DUII offense in 5 months.

A few pages down this blogsite:

I alluded the Bengals legal issues, search later please.
I thanked God for a team here in Kansas City that had a Moral Structure that reflected the fine midwest values that abound in the region. I apologize. I had no idea. This man just finished a diversion program from the last offense. He learned the dangers, legal, medical, emotional and spiritual of "problem drinkers". Maybe he will get some time to serve for this recent offense. The team will suffer even more for his lack of judgement and his inability to internalize the information, offered for his education after his last offense. God be with him. Pray for him please.

Chiefs D- find a way to roll on Sunday Afternoon, please!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Will Frank Gore be the same?

2006-09-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

"Players tend to take on the mentality of their head coach," cornerback Patrick Surtain was quoted as saying this week. He acknowledges that Coach Herm Edwards was a former cornerback when he mentions that, "I'm not saying our offense still isn't a great offense. But we're still just getting back to playing defense."

The Chiefs do surely need to grow quickly defensively, remember the San Francisco 49ers are in Arrowhead for a visit Sunday. San Francisco statistically is up at the top of the charts. They are today fourth in the league offensively. They come in averaging 381 yds/game.

On the road they have been only slightly less succesful. Frank Gore was held down, he rushed for 87yds in Arizona. He did manage 2 touchdowns though. Alex Smith had a good game completing 23 of 40 passes for 288 yds. He was sacked one time, and threw one TD pass. His QB rating then wound up 88.3

Arizona today is averaging giving up 260 yds/per game against the pass, so Alex did well in week One. He did manage to get sacked three times last week when he played at Candlestick up against Philly last week. There, Alex Smith did fumble once too- maybe his game has fallen off. Our own Kansas City Chiefs, on the other hand are only giving up 146.5 against the pass, so that will be where the battle happens.

Last week against Philadelphia Frank Gore plummeted. He rushed for only 57yds at home. He is listed as questionable w/ rib injury, it has been reported that he became disgruntled, reclusive, after he made a momentum stopping fumble last week. On the goal line, for a defensive 99yd return for touchdown!! He accounted for the NFL Defensive play of the week!!!

He will come back and play though, this week. Can he blow it two weeks in a row?
Have the suicide squad standing by!

All in all we are in for a very good time Sunday afternoon. Pressure D will be the play of the game. Defensive turnovers are expected, defensive touchdowns will be appreciated.
Huard will be in the wheelhouse, probably behind a two tightend offensive line. He should be fine. Then ...there is Larry Johnson. You still want to be the man Larry, well you got it, you are.
Pack it and make first downs- all day long please!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Turley is down? ....Problems.

2006-09-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Who's this guy? Read on!

Omigod. Turley hurt his back. Again! Wonder if he hurt it playing Denver or if it happened during his week off. If anyone hears please leave me a comment.

This is going to make the San Francisco game bigger, and more difficult. We have to start up the old OT merry-go-round again. Not Good. Will Svitek, you getting comfortable with this offense yet? We may have to depend on the defense to score a coupla' points this week. Heck, they can get it done. They probably will. I have faith.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/15625073.htm?source=rss&channel=kansascity_kansas_city_chiefs reports that:

On Turley, Coach Herm Edwards remains positive:

“He’s gone through a lot,” Edwards said. “He hasn’t missed a lot of days since he got here. He went through all of training camp for the most part. You can anticipate there’s going to be some stiffness at times with a guy like that after all he’s gone through.”

The official word is that Turley remains probable for Sunday's game. With all the whoopla gonna go down, the big expectations, the probable appearance of Trent Green on the sidelines will have the crowd pumped. Defense needs to keep it up ...for sure.

Jordan Black, who is best remembered as struggling as the left tackle last year will be the likely replacement. He just played recently at the right tackle spot against Cincinnati, he had problems with his assignments. Learning one side of the blocking schemes is tough, now having to learn both creates unreasonable expectations in this bloggers opinion.

You got to wonder who is out there for help with this offensive line. Uncalled free agents, or whomever! Veteran St Louis Ram OG Blaine Saipaia was just signed by the Detroit Lions this morning. They had to give up on a reciever with a million dollar guaranteed contract to clear space for him. They took Saipaia. You have to wonder just what are the possibilities. We need to look at Europe or our fine neighbors to the North! Something.

We wait. Svitek, many are sure will be a "competent" offensive tackle.

Coach Edwards remarks again:

“He’s got a lot of talent,” Edwards said. “He doesn’t have the experience of playing there as much as Jordan because he hasn’t lined up there enough. He was a defensive lineman when he got here. Experience is what he’s lacking.

“It’s kind of unfair to him because we’ve had him on the left and on the right, and that’s (difficult). He’s had to learn both of those positions. That’s his job, to be prepared to play either side.”

Coach, I can only say... I hope your hands arent being tied by management as regards the ability to recruit and sign players this time of the year. We have holes. I hope you have dropped a request in the sugggestion box. I'm sure you have. Please share your results, all us fans need to know.

Until then, short drop back passes will be the call of the day Sunday. I can only hope Larry Johnson still has an edge, after Denver. I pray that he is even still keeping it finely honed. Don't you imagine he may have to break an out of an extra tackle or two?

Meanwhile, we all, still keep prayin'!
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Our Chiefs Can use a little Godly Intervention!

2006-09-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

"Whether you call it luck or momentum or the blessings of God, a lot's gone our way," said the New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Jonathan Stinchcomb, "We just got to keep going in that direction and hope the cards keep turning up in our favor."

Many are calling the New Orleans Saint's truly blessed this year. Karma, or whatever, is said to be at work. 'Good Juju' is another phrase being uttered in those obscure Voodoo shops, in those small out of the way places in New Orleans. I have no opinion really, I am just taking this time to feel happy for that team. The Saints.

"We were good and we were something special," said Saint Steve Gleason, whose blocked punt led to the first touchdown against the Falcons. ...Yes, boys, you were.

Does the Lord take time to intervene in an NFL football game? Would He use an opportunity in front of a crowd of 80,000 or so strong, with a nationwide audience on ESPNTV, to send a message ...a message of hope and pride, after that area faced such devastation and despair? You bet He would!
However, it is essentially the Saints football team who are being used to send the statement here. You could hear it all over, in the voices on that team. The Saints wide receiver Joe Horn said it too, "Oh yeah. A lot of people's jaws were on the bottom of their chest in the third quarter ...It's cool, We knew what we got in this locker room and we had to believe in ourselves."

May these our Kansas City Chiefs take a small opportunity on Sunday afternoon, in front of a voracious hometown sea of red, to reflect on the work ethic, reflect on the pride, and consider the faith of those embattled New Orleans Saints. No, our team does not have to depend on a Godly intervention, they needn't go down south and buy up Voodoo dolls to improve their juju. This team needs just to take full advantage of the talent that makes up this 2006 Chiefs football squad.

This team too, has some fine tools. The league has provided the schedule, CBS will help provide a regional audience, the crowd in attendance will surely add to the fire. The Chiefs need to just- let it happen, they need to search inside themselves, search for that faith inside each of them, to overcome the day, and its' obstacles.
They can, they will.
Find a way to win.

Again from New Orleans, Coach Sean Payton said it well-
"It doesn't take long to figure out how important this team is to this community," Payton said. "From a coaching standpoint, player standpoint, organizational standpoint, (we) understand that, appreciate that. The best thing we can do in return is to play good football and win."

In Kansas City Coach Herm Edwards knows that too, he preaches it weekly, very well. So lets remember that on Sunday and
..."Just win Baby!"

Saints player quotes are from
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/09/27/sports/s030536D86.DTL
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Can We get These Guys to come out to Arrowhead Sunday!!!!

2006-09-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

They are already together, maybe in the same hotel. They are already close! Somebody in charge give them a call...

...and throw in a couple of American Royal tickets. Free Barbeque??

These guys helped fire up a crowd in the Superdome, they can build an atmosphere!

If the cost is prohibitive, I saw a fine rythmn and blues band named "Connie and the Redheads" at Ol' Shawnee Town Days last weekend. This group has fun, can cover more than a few and they write some good things themselves. They would love the exposure!

Anyway. I hope you were able to see the New Orleans Saints Defensive work on Monday Night Football... doing their thing to bring back. Amazing! That was football! They made Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons run/pass for a total of 200 yards. The only thing was they managed only 60yds more between their running backs! Hey, did I share with you guys I usta be a Saints fan? Really, LOL. I really did, living in Seaside Oregon, before there even was a Seahawk in Seattle. This was back when I was like 15yrs old. Archie Manning days!!
But, I digress... sorry.

I honestly like Offensive Schema of the Saints backcourt duo. Duece McAllister, the polished veteran with 19 rushes and 81 yds. Very cool. Then the second bullet flies outta the chamber, named Reggie Bush, he squeaks out a meager 53yds more for his team, on only 13 attempts! Between these two machines they averaged over four yards with every time they ran the ball. You all know that is ball control.
The reverses, then the fake reverses that were just as effective, all worked. Did you all see how Bush pulled 3-4 defenders with him on one fake reverse!!! That don't leave a whole lotta guys left to put a tackle that ball. That is just good offensive football.

We should consider more of this. Maybe, Larry Johnsons' legs would last him, and us, alot longer. Maybe this season may seem a whole lot shorter for Larry if we were able to successfully incorporate more consistantly, those Michael Bennett options. I am sure then, that Larry would be alot fresher when the playoffs came around. This we need.

Hey, ...Mike Solari... you thinkin', like I'm thinkin'??

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Can't we rejoice in what we have? 'Underated- in their own Home Town!'

2006-09-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

We are number 3 in the entire NFL in pass defense in Kansas City. Whats with all the "dissing" of our KC pass defense, locally? There have been a total of only 29 passes thrown for completions against our "porous defense" I keep reading about.

Oh yeah, in case math is not your strong suit, thats under 15 passes per game. ? Hear this, we give up less than 150 yds per game! I am joyful!!!

Now, there are 29- (twenty-nine!) other teams in the NFL which define the word "porous" more generously, compared to the Kansaas City Chiefs. I recommend that all you writers here in town, start using the word "stingy" when describing our pass defense. Heckfire! Undefeated Cincinati averages 205! Denver 215!

Additionally, Chicago, vaunted for a great NFL defense- has 184 ypg passed against them. Seattle undefeated as well, gets 222ypg thrown at them, to go with with a mediocre schedule thusfar. The -Indianapolis Colts, offensively one of the most dangerous passing teams have been "porous" enough to allow 181ypg when teams take it to the air against them. Feel any rejoicing coming on, football fans?

Heres a link I suggest you use: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?sort=ypg&stat=teampass&pos=def&league=nfl&season=2&year=2006

Okay, I know, San Diego and Oakland are the two teams that have better numbers, that lead the league. We three have one less game, granted. But we are talking Yards Passing Against us -Per game! Number three is still very very respectable! What we still need to work on, what we still need to improve is our takeaways and our sacks. Please know it gang. They will only improve with time. They will come when the players learn more about each other, on the field together. I predict we will improve on both numbers this week.

This week the San Diego pass defense is at work at Baltimore and the Ravens will roast those SD numbers at home. Oakland faces Cleveland later on in the day, on the west coast. The Cleveland Browns have thrown the ball for 183+ypg over the first two weeks. Yes, there will be some torquing of these numbers. Of course, the numbers get adjusted every week, with every opponent. Please. Please. Can't we at least rejoice in what we do have, at least today???

Unless we get lit up by Alex Smith at Arrowhead, (he averages 252 per game) the 150 we have averaged should make for a Grand Ol' Tussle.

IF we can hold the 49ers passing numbers down we can remain in the top five in the entire NFL. At least then maybe we can get respect from the national media, if NOT in our own hometown, in Kansas City!

Roll on Red Warriors!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

What do some experts say the Chiefs face next weekend?

2006-09-24T05:18:00.001-07:00

Is Alex Smith, the San Francisco 49er Quarterback for real? He drew these comments from the Fox Football site, since he is now rated in the top 10 among NFL quarterbacks after week 2.

Commenting are Howie Long, Terry Bradshaw, former Coach Jimmy Johnson, and Curt Menefee, the teams latest addition. All are fairly impressed.

The Following are Exerpts
From the Fox NFL Roundtable @ http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/5989916
__________________________________________________________________________________
CZAR: Alex Smith looks like a totally different quarterback. Can the 49ers be pretty good this season?

Jimmy: Norv Turner really has made a difference with Alex Smith. Smith hasn't turned the ball over in two weeks. And Frank Gore is a really good running back. Everyone talks about how much Norv helped the development of Troy Aikman, but Emmitt Smith benefited as well.

Howie: I know what you're saying. I've heard Troy talk about Norv and they have something very special. Everyone talked about it in Seattle with Matt Hasselbeck, but Trent Dilfer is another player who is helping Smith. He was a tremendous teammate for Hasselbeck and he's doing the same for Smith. Antonio Bryant has a little T.O. in him, but Dilfer is the one who reined him in and pulled him aside, telling him not to show up his quarterback. He's an invaluable guy for a young quarterback like Smith and for a team trying to turn things around. You almost have to take three steps back to take one step forward. Mike Nolan is changing a mentality of an entire football team. He's trying to instill his vision of what he wants. He's very rigid in what he wants and he's not going to deviate from that.

Curt: They had some bad character guys under the two previous head coaches. Some players complained that they got away with too much. The first thing Mike thought he had to do was to clean out the locker room.

Howie: However, there were times when they released a guy that you wondered how they could afford to get rid of a good player when they weren't a winning team.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Myself, this Kansagonian never held up San Francisco as any stronghold of professional football. I wasnt respectful of the west coast offense- but I do credit Joe Montana and his teams for bringing todays game to the forefront in the NFL. Joe Walsh could stretch an field with that offense for sure. At the time I thought it was sophomoric and and belonged in the NCAA.
I have grown. The Seattle Seahawks, (our hometown team in Portland Ore.) and thier rendition of the popular scheme helped to turn this bloggers opinion. I now have to wonder about these new 49ers, Is this guy Frank Gore the next back to benefit from the west coast offense, the next, Shaun Alexander? I dunno about that!~ time will tell.

The 49ers however, deserve credit for making a great attempt at turning this team around... time will surely tell.

We'll be watching next week!!!
Lets see who shows up next Sunday!!!
Roll on Kansas City Chiefs "D"!!!
Roll on Red Warriors!!!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Jason, Hey, We love you Man!

2006-09-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

All I got to say is:
Ya know, if you weed out the sarcasm, and all the full of "himselfness"...the JW is just a good man. he loves his team, he loves his town.

Face it, he always wanted to be a General Manager, maybe... he was one in a past life somewhere, he wont need to be when gets to heaven.

Until then, Peace Jason, I always respect your bottom line, I never fail to see your heart, Yes I too, feel your pain, ...seriously! He hurts for this team.

I know, Its hard to hear through all the yelling!

Take this time to heal bro', we look forward to more of you, to all of you, in your next endeavor!

Peace

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Whos the real Man In the House! (after)...the Chiefs Press Conference

2006-09-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Look I am Very Impressed with Tamba Hali. He is getting alot of respect from those he faces every week. He will get more. This is just a note to correct the record. According to ESPN and FOX sports, Check the links provided below.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamStats?categoryId=67049

http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/stats?team=kan

Then enjoy the excerpt from the news conference (link provided):
http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2006/09/21/qa_with_herm_edwards__921/

Q: DE Tamba Hali saw a lot of double teams last week, does that surprise you at all that he’s getting that kind of respect?

EDWARDS: “No, they were watching film in the preseason. I’d double team him too. He had a pretty good day, he didn’t get the sacks, but he brought a lot of pressure and he’s very well in the run game. That’s what they’ve got to do; they’ve got to play the run first. They gashed us a couple of times and they broke a couple of runs, but for the most part we got after them pretty good and we’ve got to continue to do that. He got some notice.”

Q: He’s your leading tackler right now, are you surprised that a rookie is leading the team in tackles?

EDWARDS: “When you watched him in college that was the type of player that he was. He’s relentless, he’s a guy that chased people and could motor. What you saw on tape, people will say he doesn’t run a good 40-yard dash time, but he plays fast and you see a guy who knows how to get to the football. He is a guy who has made a lot of plays in two games already as a defensive lineman. He leads our team in tackles and he’s all over the place. That’s how he was in college and that’s why we drafted him. We said that this guy is a football player. I kept watching tape and in the fourth quarter the guy was playing the same way that he was in the first quarter. A guy like this, he’s a good football player and now all of a sudden he’s transferred that into our league. He’s done that in our league and that’s a compliment to him because he’s done a good job.”

Now.

You can see, (from the provided links) it is Jared Allen who is the man with the most tackles/assists on the Kansas City defensive roster. Not to take anything away at all from Tamba- we can all enjoy the friendly competition, all year long!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

At Last, a Respectable "D"

2006-09-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Time to talk up this defense a little. Kansas City is ranked number #5 in the AFC in overall defense. Yes! This a new day for these "Red Warriors"! They are ranked #9 in the "entire NFL" in overall defense. I wonder, do you remember, where we were last year at this time? I dont know ...but we finished at number 25.

Although there are 4 AFC teams above us right now, Baltimore who is in the number one spot, plays Cleveland in the Dog Pound this weekend. I have some faith that Cleveland's running game will work to trash the unrealistic 65yds/game rushing that the Ravens have managed thus far and bring the top defense a little closer to the pack.

I'll go to church and pray that Rueben Droughns, the Browns running back has a breakout game, after all he is an Oregon Duck! (a school not real popular around these parts these days!) LOL! I have faith he can break his 29.5 yds per game average at home in front of those friendly fans, if he can't the Ravens run defense will look unstoppable- by the numbers!

Our own #5 Defense needs to hold the Frisco Kids down when they come to town. RB Frank Gore comes in with Alex Smith and Forty Niner WR Antonio Bryant #81, who has been a phenom, averaging 30yds/catch, but you know that number will come down. They play Philadelphia this week.

Bryant is a weapon though, in "Monster Park" in San Francisco, along with #83 Arnaz Battle. #83, although he does catch fewer passes maintains a gawdy 19yds per catch!

Our Chief pass defense will have a great matchup. We have been holding back the opposition to 150 yds/passing a game. Completions against us, are averaging only 10.3yds. after two games. That number is the second best average in the AFC. It will be tough, but, we are begining to get a little reputation, a little recognition for our work, regardless if the game is on the road or at home.

This will be another great opportunity to "EnLarGe It".

Go Chiefs. Go Red Warriors!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

San Francisco next up!

2006-09-20T04:27:00.000-07:00

Using ESPN NFL statistics:

#21 Frank Gore, 5-9, 215 lbs, is the featured running back for the San Francisco 49ers. Gore is also ranked well, #4 in the NFL rankings for his position. Larry Johnson will make it quite a battle a week from Sunday. Larry is ranked lower at #7. Larry will want to make a statement here. It will be a featured battle.

Gore is 23 yrs old, a 2nd year player out of the Miami of Florida. He has also been quite impressive this year as a receiver out of the backfield. He has made 8 catches for an 11.6 yd average. Larry compares favorably, with 10 catches and 12.1 yds. This is a matchup to target in the game at Arrowhead.

Since he has been made a starter this year, he has been a very productive 49er. Gore has gained 214 yards on 45 attempts for a 4.8 yd average. He is built like a little fireplug. His longest run though was for 32 yds against the Arizona Cardinals defense. You know he will meet a stiffer challenge in Kansas City.

Most of this guys yards come in the first half when he carries for up to 15 times. His stats get very respectable, close to 6yds per rush. He falls off as the game goes on. This will be key with our rush defense loaded for bear early in the game.

The 49ers favor running him up the middle and off tackle to the left. This is where he has made most of his big plays this year, they have also come, after being stopped for little or no gain on first down. It is then he has shown he can break one. On second down and with 8-10yds to go he has achieved 52 yds on 5 carries. In the middle of the field he has alot of carries. That implies ball control. It looks to me like we gotta get to him early, dishearten him.

Make them throw the ball. He has the 11 pass receptions out of the backfield in two games. While productive to the right and left, he has broken one left, for 39 yards. Alright, defensive ends strap up your helmets!
Bell will get a good chance to match that bigtime hit in the backfield last week. !!
HiT iT KEndReLL !!

Kudos to Jared Allen for leading the team in tackles! You will see alot of Frank Gore coming around your way. Jared has compiled 13 tackles from the defensive line, a budding powerhouse line that totals 36, they are getting after it.

It is time to turn this around!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Grey Skies are going to Clear !

2006-09-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

There already is a small pot of gold-
at this end of the rainbow! 0-2

Week two Chiefs vs. NFL stats:

"Yes, 0-2 is a sad place to be. How many other 0-2 teams can come close to matching these breakdowns statistically?

From: ESPN Week 2 compilations

Kansas City overall defense
is ranked number 05 in the AFC! Number 09 in the National Football League! -
breaking the top ten in week 2! Lets stay there!

Kansas City defending the pass is #6 in the entire NFL, number #5 in the AFC
Kansas City defending the run is #10 in the AFC

This defense is awesome and getting somewhere fast. The Gunther Cunnigham Defensive schemes have bent and yes, been broken but they have had little offensive support. Look at these numbers.
The defense especially against the pass has been stellar. The defensive run numbers are among the top as well. Check the rest of the league.

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Offensively, conservative is the key. However there are some good reasons by the numbers to remain positive,

Kansas City offense
is ranked number 08 in the AFC. Number 20 in the National Football League-
Acceptable considering the missing pieces.

Miami is ranked number 21
Baltimore is ranked number 24
Washington is number 25
Pittsburgh is ranked number 27
Tampa Bay is number 28
Carolina is down at 30

Kansas City is Number 5 rushing in the conference
Cincinati- is the competition at four with about 20 yds separating them.
Larry Johnson is no. 7 in the league!
Tell me you are not surprised by those numbers!

KC- DamonHuard is ranked (ta-da) no.10... passing in the NFL. He quietly, nicely has compiled a rating of 92.5
others include:

(18) SEA- M. Hasslebeck has a rating of 78.9

(30) DEN-J Plummer has a rating of 38.6

(14)Cin-C. Palmer has a rating of 85.3

(11) ATL- M. Vick has a rating of 89.0

(29) PIT-B. Roethlisberger has a rating of 38.7

(26)CAR- J. Delomme has a rating of 61.5

(20) STL-M. Bulger has a rating of 77.0

(22) GB-B. Farve has a rating of 70.0

(14) DAL-D. Bledsoe has a rating of 87.3

(27) IND- McNair has a rat

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Let me know what you think!