01/31/04
- [Hall of Fame] Bob Brown finally a Hall of Famer
- [Hall of Fame] Bob Brown named to NFL Hall of Fame
- [AFL] Neil Smith was a teammate and opponent of Hall of Famer Elway
- [New England Patriots] Patriots' Harrison, Panthers' Minter Hard-nosed hitters
- [Gridiron Classic] The South team held a 31-21 lead miday through the third quarter after quarterback Jammal Lord ran in for a 15-yard touchdown. The North managed a comeback and won the game 35-31.
Former Nebraska head coach Frank Solich was on the sideline with North coach Barry Alvarez (another former Husker). Solich did a short interview with ESPN but generally avoided discussion of his firing.
- [Dallas Cowboys] The Cowboys are sending offensive tackle Dave Volk to NFL Europe. Volk has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad. (DallasCowboys.com)
- [NBA] Mikki Moore had a game-high three blocked shots and six points, in an impressive debut as part of Utah's interior defense. (Salt Lake Tribune)
- [Hall of Fame] Bob Brown has been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brown, known as an aggressive, punishing blocker, is the 14th modern-era player who played primarily as a tackle to be elected.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Brown went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Eagles' as a first-round draft pick (2nd player overall) in the 1964 NFL Draft.
Of the 2004 finalists, Brown has been eligible 26 years. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2004 includes Brown, former Denver Broncos QB John Elway, former Detroit Lions RB Barry Sanders, and former Vikings DE Carl Eller.
The Class of 2004 was announced by Hall of Fame president John Bankert at a press conference on Saturday, January 31, at the Super Bowl media center in Houston. Enshrinement will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Sunday, August 8, 2004. (Raiders.com)
At 6-foot-4, 280-pound (small by today's standards) Brown was one of the most fearsome blockers of his time and was a dominant player until retiring in 1973.
"I beat on people from the opening kickoff," Brown once said. "I try to take a toll on them." (ESPN)
Brown played 10 seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles (1964-68), Los Angeles Rams (1969-70) and Oakland Raiders (1971-73), earning first-team All-NFL honors seven times in his illustrious career. The offensive tackle was a six-time Pro Bowler and was named NFL/NFC offensive lineman of the year three times during his career. Brown, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993, was a unanimous All-American at Nebraska for Coach Bob Devaney in 1963 and was the second player selected in the 1964 Draft.
Brown now becomes one of three Huskers are in the NFL Hall of Fame, joining Guy Chamberlin (1920-27) and William (Roy) Lyman (1922-34).
01/30/04
- [Carolina Panthers] Faith, ability help Panthers DB Minter persevere
- [Charity] Shields Named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
- [Charity] NFL's man of the year has biggest heart Shields
Super Bowl: Stats, Pictures
01/28/04
- [Green Bay Pacjers] Green Named FedEx Ground Player Of The Year
- [New England Patriots] Hochstein puts a block on Sapp
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs' G Will Shields was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, it was announced Friday. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, named after the legendary Chicago Bears running back,is the only League award that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.
Sheilds' "Will to Succeed Foundation" has developed a number of innovative charity programs, and has helped more than 88,000 people since its inception in 1993.
"My motivation for establishing the ‘Will To Succeed Foundation’ started in my early days as a college athlete under the influence of legendary University of Nebraska coach Tom Osborne," says Shields. "As I entered my sophomore year, Coach Osborne asked me to participate in a mentoring program for youth. Through this experience I learned the value of community service and how one-on-one supportive relationships can positively affect young people. The Will To Succeed Foundation is a project of love, dedication and vision working to touch others' lives, in the process creating a healthier society for us all."
- [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green was chosen as the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Year, the NFL announced Wednesday at a press conference in Houston, site of Super Bowl XXXVIII.
01/27/04
- [New England Patriots] If you like Russ Hochstein or especially if you can't stand Warren Sapp This is a gem.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Previously the Chiefs signing of Aaron Golliday had only been reported by his hometown paper, the York News Times. Today it was more officially announced via the Kansas City Chiefs website: TE Aaron Golliday (6-3, 282) joined the club after agreeing to terms of a two-year contract. He appeared in 49 games (20 starts) for Nebraska, catching eight passes for 93 yards. The Topeka, Kansas native earned All-Nebraska honors from the Omaha World-Herald as a punter and running back as a senior at York High School in York, Nebraska.
- [Green Bay Packers] Running back Dahrran Diedrick signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers, the team said Tuesday.
Diedrick was signed to the Packers' practice squad on Sept. 24, but was released on Oct. 20. He re-signed with the club Nov. 13 for the rest of the season. (AP)
- [Carolina Panthers] Carolina defensive end Mike Rucker, a graduate of St. Joseph Benton High School and the University of Nebraska, ranked fourth in the NFC with 12 sacks and was selected to his first Pro Bowl last week as a "need player" by NFC coach Andy Reid. Rucker will share his thoughts this week with NFL writer Randy Covitz of The Star.
For Tuesday, January 27th, Rucker discusses the Super Bowl berth and the birth of his son...
- [Carolina Panthers] Celebrating a Super berth, my son's birth, by Mike Rucker
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter a man of his word
- [New England Patriots] Hochstein turning Nebraskans into temporary Pats fans
- [New England Patriots] Hochstein has the answer amid Media Day madness
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers' Minter: It don't get no better than this
- [NBA] When your NBA career is measured in 10-day increments, you don't want to spend one of them in an airport.
But that's what happened Monday to Mikki Moore, who was supposed to fly to Utah and sign with the Jazz but instead got stranded by a snowstorm on the east coast.
Moore, a 7-foot center who was playing for Roanoke, Va., in the NBDL, will join the Jazz once air travel is back to normal, and he passes a physical. "It's a 10-day contract. Believe me, he'd be here if he could," said Jazz vice president Kevin O'Connor.
Moore, who has played parts of six seasons in the NBA, including a four-game stint with New Jersey earlier this season, is leading the developmental league in rebounding at 9.0 per game, and is second in scoring at 21.0 points. "From all accounts -- Walt [Perrin, the team's player-personnel director] has watched him -- he's far and away the best big man in that league." With the Jazz, Moore is likely to get some time at forward, rather than center.
- [Gridiron Classic] Jammal Lord will play QB (no, really) for the South team in The Villages Gridiron Classic in Florida, he will wear #7. Gridiron personnel director Anthony Azama said Lord was added to the South roster after Kentucky's Jared Lorenzen could not attend. Lorenzen is nursing a sore shoulder that he injured in the 2003 season. There was no indication as to whether or not Lord would play any other positions during the game. LB T.J. Hollowell will also participate in the game but will play for the North squad and will wear #28.
This year marks the first time the Gridiron officially has surrendered the Florida-against-the-world idea. For four years, the game was Florida vs. USA. Now it's more traditional -- North vs. South. "We still have a lot of Florida players, and we want to continue that," Azama said. The game will air on ESPN at 12:00 noon ET on January 31. (Orlando Sentinel)
Good luck Jammal, TJ, and the South WRs!
01/26/04
- [Carolina Panthers] Mike Minter on Patriots offense-- "That spread offense is quick. When you talk about dumping the ball off 3 or 4 yards at a time, you really don't get set up as a defense. That causes a lot of problems. The one thing you have to do is hit Tom Brady to get him out of that. You have to get him back to the conventional stuff. That is the key right there – get to Tom Brady. The teams that did that, they got out of it quick."
"When they catch the ball, the safeties have to be there to hit them, we have to let them know that when you do catch it, it will be a long day. That right there, the physical part of the game, will get you second-guessing about coming across the middle."
- [Super Bowl] Patriots QB Tom Brady on the Panthers safeties-- "Mike Minter is probably one of the best strong safeties in the league and Deon Grant is a big guy who can really hit people. It's a tough secondary, and they really make a lot of plays and make the quarterback pay when the ball is not thrown at the right time and in the right direction." (Patriots.com)
- [Super Bowl] Just as they have been in recent road playoff games with the Eagles and the Rams, the Panthers enter Super Bowl XXXVIII as the game's underdog. And much like the Patriots did two years ago against the heavily favored, dynasty-in-the-making Rams, Carolina is using the underdog status as a motivation and pressure reliever.
"We've been that way this whole time, so why change it now," defensive end Mike Rucker said. "We kind of like it that way. We have no pressure. We are free. Our minds are not cluttered. All the analysts pick us to lose, so all you can do is go out there and play your heart out."
"We were kind of up against some of those kinds of odds all through these playoffs,” Fox said. “But our guys pretty much take the approach that we are going to control our room and what we do. We've had that approach all through the playoffs and I don't anticipate that changing. The perception on the outside I really can't affect. But I know that the perception on the inside, our guys feel like they belong and we'll give it our best." (Patriots.com)
- [Super Bowl] The Panthers front, with ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker joined by Kris Jenkins and Brentson Buckner, has indeed been able to force opposing quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly without benefiting from the aid of extra rushers.
With the Patriots starting a group inexperienced players, that could be a problem. Russ Hochstein could be under the most heat. He'll be making just his third start and will oppose Jenkins, a two-time All-Pro in just his third NFL season. If the Patriots stay with the spread using four- and five-wide sets, that could leave Hochstein alone on Jenkins, a matchup the Panthers would likely love to see all evening. (Patriots.com)
- [Houston Texans] Kris Brown, who's already employed as the Texans' kicker. Brown is writing a daily column for NFLHS.com and superbowl.com. He better keep the day job. (Houston Chronicle)
01/24/04
- [Senior Bowl] Kyle Larson punted 6 times with a 44 yard average while Demorrio Williams made 8 tackles and defended a pass. Depending on the report, different sources listed Williams as weighing 219, 209 and 212 lbs (the last was listed on SeniorBowl.com). At the official Senior Bowl weigh-in Williams came in at 229 lbs, which would be far more valuable to his stock as a potential NFL linebacker.
01/23/04
- [Super Bowl] Defensive back Mike Minter stepped up next as fans greeted him with a loud roar in appreciation for his big hit against Eagles wide receiver James Thrash, which caused an interception.
"It's been a long, long seven years, but I tell you what, every day that I've worked, is worth this moment right here," he said. "It's good to make it to the game, but it's great to win the game. And we will come back -- oh, Coach, should I say it? -- champions!" (News14Charlotte.com)
- [Cincinnati Bengals] Said Bengals defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier of the North linebackers: "They are a very, very good group, Demorrio (Williams), the other guys, Grant (Wiley), they all play fast, they all play physical. They're going to help whatever team they go to. We'd love to have them all."
Williams, a 219-pound {a couple days ago he was reported as weighing only 209 lbs} linebacker from Nebraska, has had an impressive week of practice, NFL scouts say.
- [Super Bowl] Panthers Head Coach John Fox on the leadership of safety Mike Minter-- "We have tremendous leaders on this football team, Mike Minter being one of them. He is outstanding in the locker room. He is outstanding in the community. I think he represents our organization as well as any player now or even earlier in time. He is a guy that puts a good light on our organization. He has a passion for the game. He works at it very hard. Somebody mentioned before about all of the tape that Tom Brady looks at. Mike Minter is the equivalent of that on defense. He is in the right place at the right time and takes pride in it. He plays the game with a lot of passion." (Panthers.com)
- [Super Bowl] Strong safety Mike Minter couldn’t say enough about Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown, a former Blackville-Hilda star.
"It’s going to be tough because he is so crafty in that slot," Minter said. “We are going to have to double-team him sometimes. We are going to have to hit him sometimes and be physical on the line.
"Hopefully, our front four will get out to (Tom) Brady so that he doesn’t have too much time for Troy Brown to work." (TheState.com)
- [Super Bowl] Hochstein blocks out Sapp's ridicule
- Rucker 's Positive Attitude, Perseverance Pay Off
- Rucker added to Pro Bowl roster
- Carolina Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker is going to the Pro Bowl after all.
Rucker was added to the NFC squad as a "need player" Friday. Rucker initially was a first alternate behind Leonard Little, Michael Strahan and Simeon Rice. Each coach is allowed to select a player to fill out a position where he sees a need, and Philadelphia coach Andy Reid chose Rucker. (Pat Yasinskas, Charlotte Observer)
Rucker joins Green Bay RB Ahman Green and Kansas City OG Will Shields as Huskers in the Pro Bowl.
01/22/04
- [Super Bowl] Sapp's comments don't faze Patriots (Hochstein)
- Zach Wiegert offers some Super Bowl analysis
- Panthers' Minter ends wait
- [Etc] Usually when a player has been completely "missing" from the football scene for a while they tend to pop up somewhere in the lesser leagues, such as the AFL, NIFL, etc; but Aaron Golliday has resurfaced with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.
According to the York News Times-- Aaron Golliday, a standout athlete at York High and tight end at Nebraska, has signed a two-year free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs with follow on play with the National Football League Europe.
The York native, who was selected as the Nebraska Male High School Athlete of the Year by both the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald in 1998, played football for the Cornhuskers following graduation from York. Following a red-shirt freshman year, Golliday played at NU from 1999-2002 and wrapped up his collegiate career by earning All-Big 12 honorable mention honors as a senior.
Golliday will attend a three-week mini camp in Florida before travelling to an undetermined site in Europe to begin his professional career. (Good Luck Aaron!)
- [Super Bowl] On Wednesday Warren Sapp told ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption "I don't see how they're getting it done because I think Russ Hochstein started for them in the AFC Championship game and I've seen Russ Hochstein block, and he couldn't block either one of you two fellas. Damien Woody was the best lineman they had, but Russ Hochstein, trust me my friend, he couldn't block either of you two."
Russ Hochstein downplayed the situation saying "All I care about is the Carolina Panthers and the Super Bowl that’s coming."
As Hochstein spoke with reporters in the Patriots locker room, Damien Woody limped towards his locker nearby.
"For Warren Sapp to call on Russ like that, I think he did a pretty good job last week," Woody said. "He didn’t give up any sacks. Russ went on in there and did a pretty doggone good job against a guy, [defensive end] Chad Bratzke, who’s a pretty good player."
"We’re not concerned about guys who didn’t even make the playoffs, all we’re concerned about is the Carolina Panthers," Woody said.
- [Super Bowl] To each his own (Hochstein)
- [NFL Draft] From CNN/SI: Nebraska's Demorrio Williams was the best of what Bengals coach Marvin Lewis referred to as "a very solid group of linebackers." Explosive and speedy, Williams flew around the field, laying licks on ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage or chasing them to the sidelines in pursuit. His small build (under 6-feet-1, 230 pounds) is of concern, and has many think he's best suited to play in a 3-4 defense. That is one reason why the Houston Texans interviewed him extensively last night.
- [Etc] In the current issue of Sports Illustrated (Jan. 19), the state of North Dakota is the 26th to be featured. This is a series of 50 state editions to celebrate the 50th anniversary of SI. North Dakota kicks off the second half of a series of 50 state-specific weekly sections.
In the popular voting for North Dakota's "Greatest Athlete", Roger Maris is considered the greatest athlete to live or play for a team in the state with 39 percent of the tally. Next comes Phil Jackson with 22 percent, followed by Darin Erstad at 11 percent. (Williston Herald)
- [Super Bowl] A note from an email: Warren Sapp appeared on "Pardon the Interruption" Wednesday and ripped Russ Hochstein adding that the Patriots have "no chance" against the Panthers". Of Hochstein, Sapp said at least twice "he couldn't block you guys", meaning the hosts, Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon. He managed to rip the entire Patriots offensive line, with the exception of the injured Damien Woody, whom Hochstein replaced. (Special Thanks to Steven!)
PatsFans.com took notice as well.
Sapp is known for his big mouth but not for his predictions, at least among most Husker fans. This is the same guy that all but guaranteed a win in the trenches against Nebraska in 1994 but of course that game ended with Sapp clinging to the oxygen tanks.
Hey Warren, how's that golf game comin' along since you and the Bucs tanked it this season?
01/21/04
- [Etc] Former Duke and Husker Golliday inks contract
- [NFL Combine] It was previously reported that C Josh Sewell was the only Husker attending the combine. The list that was used as a source was incomplete to say the least. The (now) known Huskers attending the combine-- Sewell, Demorrio Williams, Ryon Bingham, Trevor Johnson, and TJ Hollowell (no sign of Kyle Larson). (NFLFans.com) Apologies for the lack of Blackshirts in the previous update.
01/20/04
- [Senior Bowl ] On Monday ESPN reported that "none of the North linebackers stood out", including Williams. They added that "Nebraska's Demorrio Williams, who weighed in at just 208 pounds, looks like a safety trying to play linebacker."
- [Senior Bowl] ESPN's notes on Larson-- Nebraska PT Kyle Larson has the wind to blame for some of his problems, but the bottom line is that he struggled mightily on his 15 attempts in practice. Larson did seem to get into a rhythm on his last three punts, but 10 of his first 12 punts went no more than 35 yards. Larson needs to bounce back with a strong performance the next couple of days to prove that he just wasn't loose and that the wind was playing a bigger role in his struggles than scouts thought today.
01/21/04
- [Green Bay Packers] Wednesday Ahman Green was selected as the 101 Awards' NFC Offensive Player of the Year. The recipients of the prestigious awards are selected by a national media committee of 101 sportswriters and broadcasters. The Class of 2003 will be presented with their trophies at the 34th Annual 101 Awards, a nationally acclaimed pro football awards gala in Kansas City. The prestigious event is recognized as the nation's only awards dinner dedicated exclusively to the National Football League.
The 101 Awards notes on Green--
* Green's 1,883 yards were the most ever by a player who did not win the NFL rushing title (won by Baltimore RB Jamal Lewis). He tied for seventh in league history.
* Broke the Packers all-time rushing record and is now second in team history next to Jim Taylor.
* Scored more touchdowns (20) than anyone in Packers history.
* Including postseason, Green did not fumble over his last 246 offensive touches.
- [Green Bay Packers] Green Among Winners For 101 Awards
- [Senior Bowl] None of the North linebackers stood out Monday. Nebraska's Demorrio Williams, who weighed in at just 208 pounds, looks like a safety trying to play linebacker. {Don't forget about Eric Johnson's success as a LB/S/Special Teamer with the Raiders}
- [Senior Bowl] Nebraska P Kyle Larson has the wind to blame for some of his problems, but the bottom line is that he struggled mightily on his 15 attempts in practice. Larson did seem to get into a rhythm on his last three punts, but 10 of his first 12 punts went no more than 35 yards. Larson needs to bounce back with a strong performance the next couple of days to prove that he just wasn't loose and that the wind was playing a bigger role in his struggles than scouts thought today. (ESPN)
01/20/04
- [Carolina Panthers] As Panther booster Chad Guggenmos and two friends emerged from the subway and entered the stadium, a boisterous Eagle followed, jumping up and down behind them and booing.
"It's all part of the spirit of the game," said Guggenmos, who hails from Des Moines, Iowa, but has a special reason for liking the Panthers. His brother-in-law, Mike Rucker, plays defensive end and sacked Philly's quarterback Donovan McNabb in the first half. (News-Record.com)
- [New England Patriots] Guard Russ Hochstein could be an interesting Super Bowl story. He takes over for guard-center Damien Woody, who is out for the season with a torn medial collateral knee ligament. Hochstein matches up against big defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, but Fox may trying to stunt against Hochstein to cause confusion and get pressure on Brady. (ESPN- John Clayton)
- No player typifies New England's resourceful nature more than former Bucs OL Russ Hochstein.
The third-year pro out of Nebraska did an admirable job filling in for injured starter Damien Woody at left guard Sunday in a 24-14 triumph against Indianapolis in the AFC title game.
Hochstein displayed poise and mobility as Antowain Smith ran for 100 yards and Tom Brady threw 37 passes without hitting the cold, snow- flecked ground at Gillette Stadium.
"Yeah, I was nervous, but I was more excited than nervous,'' said Hochstein, signed to New England's practice squad Sept. 1. "Anytime you get a back 100 yards, it's gratifying, and it was very nice to score on our first drive. That really settled my nerves down. Indianapolis played hard, but Antowain ran his butt off today."
Hochstein came up big midway through the third quarter, when his blocks helped spring Smith for consecutive gains of 35 and 14 yards up the middle, leading to a field goal and a 21-7 advantage.
"I enjoyed my time in Tampa," said Hochstein, the Bucs' fifth-round selection in 2001, "but the teamwork on this team is amazing. Everyone in this room is a good guy. We pull for each other and when someone goes down, the next guy in line gets the job done."
No team was hit harder by injuries than New England, but the Pats have regrouped from a 2-2 start to win 14 in a row heading into Super Bowl XXXVIII on Feb. 1 at Houston.
"We have coaches that get every player on this team ready to perform," veteran G Joe Andruzzi said. "Our guys know their roles and when they get a chance, they step up. That's what Russ Hochstein did today." (The Tampa Tribune)
01/19/04
- [Green Bay Packers] WR Wilson Thomas was signed to the Packers regular squad. Thomas had already been signed to the Packers practice squad in December. Thomas was one of 13 free agents signed by the Packers, fellow practice squader Dahrran Diedrick was not among the signees.
Conference Championships: Stats, Pictures and Stories
01/18/04
- [Senior Bowl] Demorrio Williams and Kyle Larsen will head to Mobile, Alabama to play in the 2004 Senior Bowl. This will be the first post-season senior game to feature Husker players as there were none in either the Hula Bowl or East-West Shine Bowl. Williams will wear a more nfl linebacker type number, 47, and Larson will wear 19 for the South squad.
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers' Rucker, Minter talk good game but swear off cursing
01/17/04
- [Carolina Panthers] Ed Hilt of Press Of Atlantic City listed the "9 Panthers most likely to wreck the Eagles’ season". Four play on defense, and two of those are Blackshirts--
"Defensive end Mike Rucker (93) had 12 sacks in addition to leading Carolina's rugged defensive line with 73 tackles during the regular season. Left offensive tackle Tra Thomas will be responsible for keeping Rucker away from quarterback Donovan McNabb."
"Strong safety Mike Minter (30) led the Panthers with 124 tackles. He also returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns. He had eight tackles against the Eagles on Nov. 30. Minter intercepted a pass by the Rams' Marc Bulger last week in the playoffs. He recovered a fumble the week before against Dallas. Quarterback Donovan McNabb will have to remain aware of Minter's big-play ability."
01/16/04
- [CFL] Having exhausted potential coaching opportunities in NFL Europe and at his alma mater Nebraska, veteran CFL defensive-back Barron Miles plans on continuing his playing career next season. But Miles said that doesn't mean he'll remain in Montreal.
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers' injured running back tells Minter he's ready
- [New England Patriots] Changing of the guard (Hochstein)
- [Carolina Panthers] From Dr. Z of Sports Illustrated-- "Robert of Charlotte feels that his beloved Panthers should spy McNabb with MLB Dan Morgan to cut down on his scrambles. Not a bad idea except for two things: You'd want to spy him with a more nifty-footed guy, such as SS Mike Minter, and Morgan isn't always on the field for long-yardage nickel or dime situations."
- [Etc] Dr. Z also adds that Roger Craig is a "longshot" for the Hall of Fame because "there are too many other running backs with more impressive credentials."
01/15/04
- [Houston Texans] InsideHouston.com gave high remarks for K Kris Brown in their season ending grades.
"Kicker Kris Brown (A-) was “automatic” on PATs and field goals, and his grade was only diminished because of missing three of four from outside of 50 yards. Besides, how can you dislike a kicker who tackles in a way that would make defensive backs proud?"
Additionally, "After the early retirement of Tony Boselli, everyone expected the worst, but the combined efforts of Steve McKinney, Todd Washington, Fred Weary, Zach Wiegert, Chester Pitts, Greg Randall, and Seth Wand were more than admirable."
"Jay Foreman (B+) played extremely well and solidified the inside linebacker tandem (with Jamie Sharper) as one of the best in the league."
- [St. Louis Rams] Should the Rams pony up the big bucks to keep Grant Wistrom? That seems imperative, given Wistrom's strong finish this season. He personified this defense. The unit is built on speed, pursuit and second effort -- which are all staples of Wistrom's game. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- [New England Patriots] OL Russ Hochstein will start at the left guard in Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Colts. (Projo.com)
- [Carolina Panthers] Outside of the normal treck, head coach John Fox won't take his entire team to Philadelphia on Friday. Fox, QB Jake Delhomme, WR Muhsin Muhammad and S Mike Minter will travel to Philadelphia on Friday for a league-required press conference. The rest of the team will remain in Charlotte and will hold a walk-through practice Saturday morning before boarding a plane to Philadelphia to play the Eagles on Sunday. (KFFL)
- [Buffalo Bills] Kelsay Talks About the Hiring of Mularkey
- Carolina Panthers] >Rucker's just fine in Carolina
- [New England Patriots] Backup Hochstein asked to fill in for Woody
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] The Bucs announced 14 ‘reserve/future’ signings, including seven newcomers, three former Bucs and four practice-squad holdovers. Among the signees was C John Garrison who had been with the Titans during training camp and will try to make the 2004 roster in Tampa Bay. (Buccaneers.com)
01/14/04
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Bucs sign Garrison
01/13/04
- [New England Patriots] OLG/C Damien Woody's official status for the AFC Championship game against the Colts is "doubtful." Woody may be lost for the rest of the post-season because a torn right medial collateral ligament. Woody will likely be replaced by OL Russ Hochstein. (New Bedford Standard-Times, KFFL)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) practiced on Wednesday and is listed as probable for the NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers. (KFFL)
- [Hall of Fame] Former DT Bob Brown is among 15 finalists considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Hall’s Board of Selectors meet in Houston, Texas on Saturday, January 31. Huskers.com)
- [Hall of Fame] Bob Brown Selected as NFL Hall of Fame Finalist
- [Etc] The State of Wyoming has been combatting highway fatalities which were down in 2003. Interstingly, one of their programs is named after a Husker. From the Casper Star-Tribune-- "Two years ago the agency launched its "Dumas" campaign, which played on the last name of Troy Dumas, a Cheyenne East graduate and former Nebraska Cornhusker football player, to show the need for safety belts. Dumas also appeared in some of the announcements."
Go figure.
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Kansas City Star writer Jason Whitlock offered a commentary on Greg Robinson's resignation as the Chiefs defensive coach-- "Greg Robinson stepped down Tuesday afternoon as Chiefs defensive coordinator. The ending was bizarre and emotional and perhaps a little too scripted. Although Robinson was a failure for three seasons, the Chiefs treated his resignation as if Will Shields had announced his retirement. Robinson gave this city three years of heartache and heartburn. I'm not sure Robinson warranted an hourlong testimonial about what a great man he is and how we in the media mistreated him."
- [NBDL] The Dazzle re-signed Mikkie Moore, who just ended a short stint with the New Jersey Nets.
Divisional Playoffs: Stats, Pictures and Stories
- 01/10/04 - The Panthers' defensive linemen were getting such a quick jump when the ball was snapped to Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter during last week's Carolina win. Here's an explanation from Panthers defensive tackle Brentson Buckner.
"After the first series, Mike Rucker came to us and told us that Quincy was wiggling his fingers, and right before the ball was snapped, he would stop," Buckner said. "Me and (defensive tackle Kris Jenkins) already noticed that he sinks his butt right before the ball's getting ready to be snapped. (Houston Chronicle)
01/09/04
- [Green Bay Packers] Favre, Green- Eagles must pick their Packer poison
- Wanted: Ahman Green, running back, Green Bay
- Packers' Green is out to gain a win
- [Hula Bowl] As of yet there is not a single Nebraska senior participating in a post-season game (Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, Gridiron Classic, etc). On top of that, C Josh Sewell is the only Husker invited to the Indianapolis Combine. Though it is too soon to make any pin-pointed predictions (the draft is four months and plenty of player pokings and proddings away) it is likely that Nebraska will not have a draftee taken within the first three rounds. If that happens, it would be the first time since the 1970 NFL Draft when there were 26 teams and 17 rounds.
- [Carolina vs St. Louis] Saturday’s game will have a distinct Nebraska flavor.
Carolina defensive end Mike Rucker and safety Mike Minter are former Cornhuskers, as is Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom.
Rucker backed up Wistrom a few years in college, and the two played each other twice in high school, although Wistrom only mentioned the second meeting during a conference call.
"You know who won that game?" said Wistrom, a native of Webb City, Mo. "Webb City doesn’t lose."
Wistrom might have won that battle, but Rucker won the sack battle this season. He tied his career high with 12, the third-highest total in the NFC. Wistrom had 7.5, tied for 12th.
"He’s one of the best defensive ends in the league right now, and I love watching him play," Wistrom said. "He’s always been very blessed athletically, but now he goes out there and busts his butt on every play."
Rucker also leads the Panthers in trash talking, something he began at Nebraska. He typically saves such talk for the field, but couldn’t help take a poke at Wistrom when talking about their college careers.
"He was a little bigger, but he didn’t have the bigger brain," Rucker said with a laugh. (AP)
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker and his wife, Kristina, had their second child on Monday. Michael Rucker Jr. weighed in at 9 pounds, 1 ounce.
"He’s got a three-point stance right now," the proud father said. "I’ve got him on curls, working out." (The State- Carolina)
- [San Francisco 49ers] The 49ers also announced the signings of punters Danny Boyd and Filip Filipovic and tight end/long snapper Marcus Helfman. The additions of two punters may spell the end of Bill LaFleur's tenure as the Niners' punter. (AP)
- [Arizona Cardinals] Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was driving Wednesday when he heard that Dennis Green had been hired as the Cardinals new coach.
"I was excited for us," Vanden Bosch said. "It's a guy we went out and targeted. We went out and paid the money we needed to pay to get him in here.
"He knows how to win. We need more wins, and something had to change. As players, we were all sad to see coach Mac go, especially myself because he brought me in, but I want to win games." (Arizona Republic)
- 01/08/04 - Minter hopes to lead hit parade
01/07/04
- [Panthers vs Rams] Rucker, Wistrom Meet Again in NFL Playoff
- Wistrom On The Mike
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker returning to old stomping ground
- [St. Louis Rams] Rams WR Torry Holt when asked about the personality of the Carolina Panthers defense-- "...Their front four are very aggressive, very fast and make a lot of plays for their football team. Their secondary is sound, it is a good group, they put Mike Minter back there..."
- During Mike Martz' (Rams head coach) press conference a reporter noted that "if you spend too much time with Peppers, then DE Mike Rucker can get to you on the other side" Martz responded "Yeah, but don’t forget about (DT Kris) Jenkins inside, and so forth. That’s what those guys get paid for on the outside, and that’s why those tackles (Orlando Pace and Kyle Turley) are here. They’ve got to block them, and we’ve got to block them inside. That’s just the way it is. It’s why you’re in the playoffs."
Martz later commented on the matchup between Rucker/Peppers and the Rams offensive tackles who will be facing them (Pace and Turley). "I think it’s a terrific challenge for our guys, and I think it’s something that they get excited about... This is going to be fun to watch." (StLouisRams.com)
- [NBA- New Jersey] The Nets waived backup centre Mikki Moore on Wednesday. Moore averaged less than a point in four games with the Nets.
The move clears roster space for Eddie Griffin, who was waived by Houston last month and is expected to sign with the Nets this week. (AP)
- [MLB-LA Dodgers] The Dodgers agreed to a minor league contract with left-hander Troy Brohawn. Brohawn, who underwent surgery for rotator cuff tendinitis in June, was 2-0 with a 3.86 earned-run average in 12 appearances. (LA Times)
- [Dallas Cowboys] The Cowboys, whose season ended last week in a playoff loss to Carolina, re-signed OL Dave Volk (among other players) to the practice squad.
- [Etc] Pete Prisco of CBS Sportsline ranked the impact players from the eight remaining playoff teams. Packers RB Ahman Green was second among rushers (to KC's Priest Holmes). Correll Buckhalter wasn't listed but was alluded to along with teammate Duce Staley, who was listed at 8th. Panthers DE Mike Rucker was the top "edge pass rusher", Prisco noted that Rucker: "Was a legit candidate for defensive player of the year honors until an injury slowed him late. Can play both the run and the pass."
01/06/04
- [Green Bay Packers] Green nominated for Ground Player of the Year
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs OG Will Shields was chosen as first-team All-Pro by the AP. Ahman Green finished a distant fifth at running back and Mike Rucker finished at fifth for defensive ends. (PackersNews.com) (..more..)
- [Etc] Treu, Parrella comment on Callahan
- [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green of the Green Bay Packers, Priest Holmes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jamal Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens are the finalists for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Year honors. (Packers.com) (..more..)
- [NBA] With Eddie Griffin's arrival anticipated for sometime this week, the Nets are headed for some roster shake-ups in a few days.
Through no fault of his own, Mikki Moore will probably be cut -- someone has to go to make room for Griffin, and Moore is the only dispensable player who does not have a guaranteed contract.
Moore's departure would leave a spot on the active roster that may be filled by rookie Zoran Planinic, the team's first-round draft pick who has spent the last 12 games stashed on the injury list.
Wildcard Playoffs: Stats, Pictures and Stories
01/03/04
- [Oakland Raiders] LB Eric Johnson will be an unresticted free agent this offseason, the San Francisco Chronicle's commentary-- "Definitely not starting material, but a good guy to have on the depth chart. Provided leadership on special teams, but those units need a major overhaul. He'll probably return." (Nancy Gay, San Francisco Chronicle)
- [Buffalo Bills] The Buffalo News graded the Bills' 2003 draft, post-season style. Of DE Chris Kelsay (drafted in Round 2), writer Allen Wilson said-- The only rookie to play in every game, but his impact was minimal. Got snaps at defensive tackle in nickel and dime packages on obvious passing downs. But he lacks the bulk to play inside on a regular basis. He did show improvement as far as reading blocks and using hands to keep blockers off his body. Kelsay has a chance to develop into a good pass rusher because he's athletic, coachable and plays with a high motor. (Buffalo News)
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter always had faith Panthers were going in the right direction
01/02/04
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter: It's a belief
- [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Eric Warfield reported significant improvement in his injured back after receiving an epidural injection prior to the Chicago game, which he missed. He anticipates being ready to return to his starting corner spot when the Chiefs play next on Jan. 11. (WarpaintIllustrated.com)
01/01/04
- [St. Louis Rams] Wistrom was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month after making 37 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and nine quarterback pressures as the Rams won their third NFC West Division title in five years. (StLouisRams.com)
- [Green Bay Packers] The Green Bay Packers added another Husker to their practice squad with the signing of rookie wide receiver Wilson Thomas. Thomas joins RB Dahrran Diedrick on the five-man squad.
The 24-year-old Nebraska alumnus was signed by Kansas City on May 5, 2003, and spent training camp and most of the preseason with the Chiefs before being placed on waivers August 25. He had been out of football since.
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker raring to go
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter rings in new year ... in bed
- [Green Bay Packers] Shaun and Ahman: Together again, opposed again
- [St. Louis Rams] Wistrom Earns Player Of The Month Honors