Week 17: Stats, Stories & Pictures
12/31/06
- Fryar Now Hauls In Lost Souls
- [NBA] Mikki Moore scores career-high 20
- In New Jersey: Mikki Likes It
12/30/06
- [Green Bay Packers] It's all business to Green
- Ahman Green Approaching Sixth 1,000-Yard Season
- [Houston Texans] Jeff Reed should take some advice from Kris Brown
- Kris Brown was tabbed as the AFC special teams player of Week 16.
- [NBA] Commentary: Downsized guard Lue lasts in NBA
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Kickin' back with Barrett Ruud
- [Kansas City Chiefs] G Will Shields might well be playing the final game of his prospective Hall of Fame career Sunday, though he certainly isn't saying that. After starting a club-record 223 consecutive games since his rookie season in 1993, the 35-year-old Shields shed no light on his plans Thursday. "I'm just preparing to play Jacksonville. Whatever happens after that remains to be seen.” (WarpaintIllustrated.com)
12/29/06
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Success no surprise to Buckhalter
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter contributions are key
- [NBA] Lue's leadership stands out
- [Houston Texans] Kris Brown adjusts to new kicking style
- [Baltimore Ravens] New return specialist Cory Ross has yet to create any spark in three games, although coach Brian Billick said it's not all his fault.
"We've got to do a better job of isolating what Cory does well," Billick said. "The more we get into that rhythm and get a feel for what Cory can do, the more we can help him crank more out of those returns."
Ross is averaging 2.4 yards on punts and 22.1 yards on kickoffs. (Baltmore Sun)
- [Carolina Panthers] Retirement not on Minter's mind
- [NFL Draft] Many NU players will be auditioning for employment in the Cotton Bowl. Nebraska loses only seven full-time starters from its squad, but four of those are on the defensive line, and all of them figure to be selected in the NFL draft come springtime. Defensive end Adam Carriker is considered by some to be a solid first-round selection, and his partner on the other side, Jay Moore, is a probably first-day pick, too.
Tackles Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer figure to be taken in later rounds. Linebacker Stewart Bradley, who quietly racked up 53 tackles (including 37 solo) and three fumble recoveries this year, is also auditioning for a second-day slot. The biggest question mark is Zac Taylor, who some expect to go in the first day but also has a chance of slipping out of the draft entirely. NFL scouts will certainly be in attendance. (Realfootball365.com)
-From What to watch for in the Cotton Bowl
12/28/06
- [MLB] Breakout players for 2007: Alex Gordon
- [Carolina Panthers] A Minter first: Rooting for Redskins
- [New Orleans Saints] The Saints signed signed defensive end Trevor Johnson for the third time this season. Johnson's return to the Saints may mean a rest for defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant. Saints coach Sean Payton said he brought back Johnson this week because he needed an extra player at end. (AP)
- [Atlanta Falcons] Speedy No. 4 linebacker Demorrio Williams is a restricted free agent who could draw some interest on the open market. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
12/26/06
- [Buffalo News] Kelsay enters final game of his contract
- [Seattle Seahawks] Carrie Underwood two-timing Josh Brown?
12/25/06
- [Tennessee Titans] Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch of the Tennessee Titans is enjoying the excitement of his first playoff chase after spending his first four seasons in Phoenix.
"I'm usually playing for pride at this point in the season. We've got a chance. The way this team keeps finding ways to win, I think we are a dangerous team right now," he said. (AP)
- [Kansas City] Its Been a Test of Will (Shields)
Week 16: Stats, Stories & Pictures
12/24/06
- [Detroit Lions] How many of the Lions at Ford Field today won't be in Honolulu blue and silver next season? Some veterans, such as fan favorite Cory Schlesinger, could be bidding adieu to Detroit. (Freep.com)
12/22/06
- [Bills vs Titans] Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay was a roommate of Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch at Nebraska. Vanden Bosch, two years ahead of Kelsay, finished his college career with 142 tackles, 13 sacks and 34 tackles for loss. Kelsay's Cornhuskers stats were 135, 13 and 33. Vanden Bosch was academic All-America twice, Kelsay three times. Both players have 5.5 sacks this season. Kelsay was credited with a half sack against Miami, sharing it with Aaron Schobel, whose total dropped to 13. (Buffalo News)
- [Baltimore Ravens] The Ravens' running game took a hit last weekend when backup Musa Smith was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury.
Taking his place is rookie Cory Ross, who was called upon to handle kick return duties in lieu of B.J. Sams, who was also moved to injured reserve (leg). The diminutive speedster (5-6, 201 pounds) isn't likely to see much action in the backfield, but Billick likes the depth he brings... (BaltimoreRavens.com)
- Raiders punter Shane Lechler was not chosen for the Pro Bowl despite leading the AFC in punting average (47.8). His other stats were the reason he won't be heading to Hawaii.
Lechler also had a far higher percentage of his punts go into the end zone (23.6 percent) than anyone — no one else in the league was over 20 percent. A total of 15 were under 10 percent, and Baltimore rookie Sam Koch had just two out of 78 punts go for touchbacks (2.6 percent). (InsideBayArea.com)
- The above may have been lost in the analysis from the official website of the Ravens next opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers. In pitting PR Santonio Holmes vs Koch, Steelers.com noted that the Ravens, and Koch's, "net punting average is 30th of 32" teams. According to league statistics however, the Ravens' net punting average is actually 14th in the league...
The analysis concluded that Holmes could give the Steelers "an opportunity for some easy points via good field position". In the teams' previous matchup this season, the Steelers average starting field position, when Holmes faced Koch's punts, was the 23-yard-line. (Steelers.com, NFL.com)
- [MLB] There has been much concern about the Rockies' contract talks with free-agent center fielder Darin Erstad. He is injury-prone, but the Rockies have been discussing a make-good contract, meaning they could get a look at his physical status and offer him a contract only if they decided he was ready to play. (Rocky Mountain News)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Voters kick away chance to send only deserving Seahawk (Josh Brown)
- Fans' input is leading to dubious picks for Pro Bowl
- [Cleveland Browns] CB Gary Baxter tore the patellar tendons in both knees back in October and wasn't released from the hospital until this last Wednesday.
So incapacitated in the hospital that he couldn't even scratch his own leg, Baxter seemed disappointed that not many teammates visited. Cornerback Leigh Bodden and linebacker Andre Davis have said that they did.
"I had a couple teammates come down," Baxter said. "It was probably hard for them to come see another guy in the hospital. I understand that. The ones who did were on a regular basis. (Cornerback) Ralph Brown really stands out. He's done more than I expected him to do. I can't speak enough about how he really helped me through this process." (Akron Beacon Journal)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] The Chiefs' Mystery Man - Will Shields
- This quartet won't say Aloha for the first time (Shields)
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Barrett Ruud, in his second year, started five games for the Bucs this season. Of the non-full-time starters on defense, Ruud leads with 57 tackles.
"When Barrett has had his number called, he's come in and done a great job as well," LB coach Joe Barry said. "But Shelton is playing at a high, high level right now. We'd be an idiot to [take him off the field]. He's making too many plays for us."
Though not content with waiting in the wings, Ruud understands the man whose position he ultimately will claim isn't ready to give it up just yet.
"It's one of those things where I was quite fortunate to come into this situation," Ruud said. "Nobody wants to sit. Obviously you see some guys who came in right away and played right away and have done pretty well. I think, looking back, I'm going to be pretty lucky coming into this situation."
For now, though, Ruud will have to wait [until Shelton Quarles leaves or retires from Tampa Bay]. (TBO.com)
12/21/06
- [Seattle Seahawks] Pro Bowl snub foils Josh Brown
- [Green Bay Packers] For Green, four yards equal half mill
- Green closes in on Taylor's record
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Will Shields will play in his 12th Pro Bowl, tying Randall McDaniel (Vikings) for the most Pro Bowl appearances. (NFL.com)
12/19/06
- [Oakland Raiders] Washington hitting a late slump in Oakland
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker's injury could keep him out a year
- [Kansas City Chiefs] G Will Shields will again be making his annual trip to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Week 15: Stats, Stories & Pictures
12/16/06
- [St. Louis Rams] Incognito keeps moving
- [MLB] Rockies still looking at Erstad
- [Baltimore Ravens] The Ravens don’t spare expenses or leave many specialized stones unturned in their preparation for a game. They brought in free agent [and former CU] punter John Torp last week for one day to allow rookie return specialist Cory Ross a chance to catch left-footed punts prior to his NFL debut against left-footed Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt. This week, Baltimore had left-footed punter Glenn Papulak at practice one day to prepare Ross for playing against another left-footer: former Ravens and current Browns punter Dave Zastudil.
“It definitely helped me a lot,” Ross said. “The kicker they brought in, he kicked it almost identical to the way Zastudil does. I told him he did a great job of putting it in the air.” (RavensInsider.com)
- [New York Giants] Christian Peter is asked about Eagles-Giants rivalry (or is it just a hatred?)
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker lost for season with torn ACL
- [San Francisco 49ers] The San Francisco 49ers placed newly signed linebacker Jay Foreman on injured reserve Monday. (AP)
12/15/06
- [Baltimore Ravens] Little Raven in big role, Ross has faced hurdles before
- [New England Patriots] Nose tackle Vince Wilfork (ankle) and defensive lineman Mike Wright (shoulder) are listed as questionable for the upcoming matchup with Houston. If Wright and Wilfork can't go, the Pats would have just three healthy regular linemen in Richard Seymour (also injured but Probable), Ty Warren and Jarvis Green. Rookie LeKevin Smith and rarely used Marquise Hill would have to assume backup roles. (UnionLeader.com)
- Other Leagues Update: Basketball G Nate Johnson was released by the LA D-Fenders of the NBA D-League last month
Keyuo Craver and Demoine Adams both signed with Arena Football clubs. Craver with the Arizona Ratlers and Adams with the Nashville Kats.
Colorado-native Ross Pilkington signed with the Colorado Ice of the UIF. The new Fort Collins based club will begin play in 2007.
- [AFL] BlueCats DE Demoine Adams signs with Nashville Kats
- [MLB] Alex Gordon has sights on major leagues
- [St. Louis Rams] Incognito prepares to move to guard
12/14/06
- [San Francisco 49ers] Newly signed LB Jay Foreman suffered a sprained knee in the third quarter while covering a kickoff vs Seattle. His status for the Dec. 24 game against Arizona awaits further evaluation. (Contra Costa Times)
- [New England Patriots] From a Patriots.com interview with G Stephen Neal--
(Q) Which teammate is most likely to settle down in New England after their career is over?
(A) Russ Hochstein. His soon-to-be wife has all the say, and he'll have to live wherever she tells him to.
12/13/06
- [AFL] Keyou Craver signs with AFL's Rattlers
12/12/06
- [Baltimore Ravens] Rookie returner Cory Ross pledged to return to the classroom and work on fielding punts. Ross, who saw his first action of the season after Sams was placed on injured reserve with a fractured right ankle, fielded two punts without signaling for a fair catch and fumbled another that he recovered.
"I was under the ball, but I just didn't keep it there and watch it all the way in," Ross said. "So this week, I'm going to make sure that I practice on watching the ball all the way in, and I'll be fine."
Billick wasn't critical of Ross' showing. "It was very windy there. ... For a guy who was a first-time punt returner, that's kind of a daunting task. For his first time out, he did very, very well." (Baltimore Sun)
12/11/06
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Ruud arrives ahead of Bucs' expectations
- [Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown: Kicking anonymity
Week 14: Stats, Stories & Pictures
12/09/06
- [Green Bay Packers] Green's deal should be priority, if price is right
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Ruud getting his minutes
- [Oakland Raiders] Several Raiders defenders have their old college jerseys or another throwback hanging in their lockers at the team's facility in Alameda. Among them is cornerback Fabian Washington, whose red Nebraska jersey stands out. (SacBee.com)
12/08/06
- [Seattle Seahawks] Known for his huge kicks, Seahawks' Brown takes ribbing for big hit
- [MLB] Twins sign former All Star Harvey
- [] As the Washington Huskies volleyball team tries to repeat as national champions, they are drawing inspiration from former Nebraska place-kicker Josh Brown, of all people.
- “That guy is unreal,” Washington head coach Jim McLaughlin told The Seattle Times this week.
Brown, who has four last-minute, game-winning kicks this season for the Seattle Seahawks, is a model for what the Huskies are trying to accomplish as a long volleyball season winds to its conclusion this month.
“I listened to the guy,” McLaughlin said. “He said, ‘I just do the same things, take the same mind-set, the same mechanics, and it’s normal. I just do what I do on game day.’
“That’s exactly the way we approach things,” McLaughlin added. “There’s no magic to this thing. You keep your behavior consistent.” (Lincoln Journal Star)
- [Houston Texans] Head coach Gary Kubiak liked how veteran Kris Brown shook off a missed field goal in the fourth quarter against Oakland on Sunday. In ideal weather conditions, Brown missed a 41-yarder wide right, then hit from 42, 47 and 39 yards to carry the Texans to the 23-14 victory.
"He's missed some field goals, but he's got a mental toughness about him," Kubiak said. "He missed the first one (on Sunday), then he came back and made three big kicks. That's hard to do as a kicker - kind of like a quarterback throwing two picks in the first half. Can you come back and play well in the second half?"
Brown also booted two extra points in the win over the Raiders, extending his own franchise record by scoring in his 47th consecutive game. Brown has made 15 of 21 field goals this season.
- [Oakland Raiders] Talkative Chad Johnson praises Raiders CBs (Fabian Washington)
12/07/06
- [San Francisco 49ers] Linebacker Foreman says he'll be ready
- [San Diego Chargers] DT Luis Castillo is expected to return to the field Sunday against Denver. Castillo has had to watch the Chargers from the sidelines since November 5th when he sprained his anlke.
- DTs Ryon Bingham and Jacques Cesaire have filled in his absence and Castillo is genuinely proud of two, who have combined for four sacks in his absence. (Union Tribune)
- [New Orleans Saints] The Saints re-signed Trevor Johnson after signing and then promptly releasing him last week.
- [Detroit Lions] Schlesinger says he's not ready for retirement
12/06/06
- [Baltimore Ravens] Ross eager to prove himself
12/05/06
- [St. Louis Rams] Incognito a target in Bulger's comments?
- Bulger wasn't the only player who got some things off his chest after Sunday's game. Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett leveled some salvos at Rams center Richie Incognito in the visitors' locker room.
"We played against a center that didn't play by any rules whatsoever," Dockett said. "He's out there trying to hurt some of our guys. Karma will deal with him. Trust me, I know all about it. We played well even though we had to play against an (expletive) who tried to hurt some players on our team."
Incognito was flagged for unnecessary roughness, a 15-yard penalty, in the third quarter. (Post-Dispatch)
- [New York Giants] Giants sign Titus Adams from Jets
- [Oakland Raiders] Raiders' Washington all set to trash talker
- [MLB] Free agent Darin Erstad's first choice is to remain with the Angels, but he also is receiving interest from the Rockies, who would play him in center field, and the Orioles and Devil Rays, who would play him at first base. (FoxSports.com)
- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are also pursuing Erstad; The Rockies meanwhile, want to make sure he's healthy before making a move. (Denver Post)
12/04/06
- [Green Bay Packers] Green could stick with Packers
- [Baltimore Ravens] The Ravens placed return specialist B.J. Sams on injured reserve Monday, ending his season. Undrafted rookie running back Cory Ross, who was listed second on the depth chart on kick and punt returns, will replace Sams on kickoffs. Ross will have big shoes to fill as Sams ranked eighth in the NFL in kickoff-return average and sixth in punt-return average.
Ross has been on the inactive list for every game this year. (Baltimore Sun)
Week 13: Stats, Stories & Pictures
12/02/06
- [New Orleans Saints] The Saints waived defensive end Trevor Johnson.
- [Green Bay Packers] Packers' Green Struggles To Find Room To Run
- [MLB] Erstad not offered arbitration
- [Minors] Infielder Todd Sears was among a list of free agents that have signed with the Florida Marlins. Sears, 31, joined the Albuquerque Isotopes in mid-season after coming over from the Seattle Mariners organization on June 20, but suffered a shoulder strain that sidelined him for the rest of the season after just two games. In 2005, however, Sears was a key cog for the 'Topes, batting .323 with 13 home runs and 63 RBI in 92 games. (OurSportsCentral.com)
12/01/06
- [CFL] Catching up with Barron Miles