Deion Branch... is also available?

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

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

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

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

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

I guess Im sorta glad...

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Michael, Michael, Michael!!! Reggie who?

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


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

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

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

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

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Whos gonna make the Cut?

Tell you what this guy is gonna make it.


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

ie: Fox Sports:
John Czarnecki / FOXSports.com

-10 things to watch heading into the season-

Kansas City looks like a descending team.

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

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Lamarcus is Eager to get - Restarted!

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

LaMarcus makes the news, bad news.

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

adding,

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

"Complaint involving Randolph investigated"

Tuesday, August 22, 2006
MAXINE BERNSTEIN

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

more ...

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

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

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

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

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


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Im Hungry! Anyone have an Easy Opener!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

he goes on...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Push, push, PUSH!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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17-0 (it says it all!)

They lost!




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Rookie pic in His New Uni !!!

LaMarcus Aldridge got in his rookie photo at:

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

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


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

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


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

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

Headline:

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Thursdays in New York!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Care to refresh your memories?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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