2010 Pro Bowl Loves, Snubs and "Huh"s

The 2010 Pro Bowl roster is set and ready for the game set to be on January 31st game in Miami. If you haven't checked out the roster, click here to see if your favorite players made the list. Of course, with every Pro Bowl selection, there is always some controversy.

I looked at the roster and I saw some faces that belonged, some that should have been there but weren't, and some that made me scratch my head and ask why?


Pro Bowl Loves- This is to the players that FINALLY are getting their due props. And of course... I have to start with my favorite individual player, Philip Rivers. Rivers actually should have been a Pro Bowl selection last season, when he led the league in QB rating and TD passes. But I think Rivers new found humble mentality has allowed folks to look past his feisty attitude and see that Rivers is the real deal (what have I been saying all along???). This is Rivers 1st Pro Bowl and we should see many more.

Ravens DT Haloti Ngata FINALLY has reached Pro Bowl status, but with all of the talented NT/DT in the AFC, Ngata was always snubbed. Not this year, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

Bills S Jairus Byrd was a surprise to me, but after further review, it's not at all.

While I don't catch many Buffalo Bills games, my sis Pigskin Loving Lady is a huge Bills fan (pray for her, y'all). She told me he was snubbed before and that he had been injured. But now I understand her lobbying for his spot. Byrd is tied for the most league INTs in 9, along with Darren Sharper and Asante Samuel. That's more than well known DBs such as Charles Woodson and Darrelle Revis. Byrd is on a bad team, but good thing that people recognize that he deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.

DeSean Jackson as both a WR and a Kick Return Specialist is very deserving. I voted for Jackson as well as Josh Cribbs for both positions, because they both deserved to be recognized for everything they do. Jackson was the only one that received both, and he deserves it. On Twitter this morning, Jackson said the following:

I'm soooo blessed 2 be meeeh real talk... no human has ever been voted for WR and PR in NFL. History... I guess it is true I'm not HUMAN LOL

Congrats to you! You deserve it and you are AWESOME!


Pro Bowl Snubs- Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers is at the top of my list, by far.

And that's no disrespect to the other AFC wide receivers that made it, because they are all great. But Jackson is a HUGE part of why San Diego can go down field. Jackson is a top 10 WR in receiving yards, average yards per catch and pass 20+ yards. Jackson is a stud and should be in Miami. Maybe he will be, the week after....

Jets RB Thomas Jones, I thought, was a shoe in. Jones is 4th in rushing in the NFL and 3rd in TDs from his position. All three RBs selected can catch in the backfield, something Jones hasn't done much of, this season (10 rec., 58 yards). My guess is that's why he's not going to Miami. But as a rusher, Jones is a punisher. He also deserves to be there.

*edit* Upon further review of this list, London Fletcher of the Redskins has to be added. This guy has been snubbed for years and it continued this year. Why this guy never gets the recognition he deserves is beyond me. This guy is 2nd in the league in total tackles. Get him in a Pro Bowl!


Pro Bowl "Huh"s- Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens.

I love me some Ed, but he's had a much quiet year, from a year ago when he led the league in INTs. Add that along with the fact that Reed hasn't played a game since 11/29 due to injury, and I'm sure he's in based on name alone. Not that he's not Pro Bowl worthy, just not this season.

Champ Bailey from the Broncos also gets a big "huh". I'm sure his leadership and namesake are huge reasons why he's there. But Bailey hasn't lit anyone up either. The Bengals Jonathon Joseph has played very good D this year and is just as deserving to be there as Bailey. Maybe it's just me....

Congrats to everyone that made the 2009 Pro Bowl. To those that didn't make it but should, keep ya head up and work harder for next year. While people say they hate watching the Pro Bowl, I always watch. Mainly for the sideline interviews and the goofing off of the players. Over the years, I've seen a couple of good football moments in watching the Pro Bowl and I hate having to resort to highlights to see what I missed. If the Pro Bowl is a no watch for you, just remember you'll miss plays like this:




Posted By: The NFL Chick

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The Truth Hurts

“This isn’t 1986. The Bills will not regain prominence until the team is sold to someone willing to loosen the purse strings. This is why they cannot get an established coach. Right now Buffalo is only attractive to young upstarts or has-beens. This applies to players and coaches. Stop reminiscing about the good old days. It’s a small market team with a small market ownership mentality. Unless a white-knight owner appears on the horizon willing to invest, times will continue to be tough.”

You ever heard the expression, “a hit dog will holler”? I’m YELPING, because all of the above, is so very true. I’m a long-time suffering Buffalo Bills fan. Every Sunday I psyche myself up for the game in hopes they’ll pull out a victory. Our record is 5-10 and after a great showing on MNF, in Week 1, I honestly saw the Bills ending the season with an 8 – 8 record. Call me delusional, but sparks of possibilities were evident. The switch from Edwards to Fitzpatrick at QB, the offensive line began to gel and the defense played very well until injuries depleted the LBs and secondary.

I truly believe the Buffalo Bills are one or two players away from a .500 season. But first we need a head coach. Second, and most importantly, we need a quarterback. (Chants of Michael Vick would sound so nice) Thirdly, we need to know if Terrell Owens will stay for another year.

As a Bills’ fan, I take a lot of ribbing, A LOT and that’s okay. We’ve experienced success. Is there another team that went to FOUR consecutive Super Bowls? No, and no we didn’t win, but…we kept 28 teams from going. I’ll hang my hat on that stat.

The Bills won’t stay down forever but I’ll be down with them to the end. Is it September 2010 yet?

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Futbol Americano! The Eagles Ride the Broncos Out to Pasture!

The only thing that can pry me away from white sand beaches and the turquoise sea is Eagles’ Green! While vacationing in the tropical, tranquil Caribbean I stole away to another paradise, the resort’s Sports Bar that was showing American Futbol! I put my drink with the umbrella in it down and separated myself from the sun and sand to enter a dark den decorated with pictures of Sammy Sosa and A-Rod on the outside and a pitch black ceramic replica of Michael Jordan on the roof. Inside was a cardboard cut-out of an unknown New York Giant who even though constructed of stiff paper, had to be beyond embarrassed by his team’s performance in front of defensive greats like Carl Banks, Harry Carson, and my fellow UNC Tarheel, Lawrence Taylor.

As I entered the male only room all heads turned and looked at me with that “what is she doing in here” look. Whatever. Then they gave me the insincere “hey little lady” half smile before going back to their shots and the screens showing both the NFC and the AFC games. I was way early for the Eagles game since I was an hour ahead of Philadelphia so I watch the Giants get sacrificed by the Carolina Panthers. It looked like a case of karma after what they did to the Washington Redskins this past Monday. I watched like an onlooker passing a traffic accident while I sipped a few beers with my new football comrades who realized I was no cheerleader or a hen coming to peck out some poor guy’s grid iron TV time. It was actually very cool intermingling with football fans from all over the place like the Green Bay guy from Canada, the Patriot peeps, the grieving Giants, and my favorites, the drunk, obnoxious and rowdy Eagles fans! My people! All it took was one shout from the other side of the bar of E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES for me to realize I was not alone.

When you’re traveling outside the country there’s no guarantee that your team will be the game that gets shown. I crossed my fingers and hoped that we’d get TV time and the next thing I know is that CBS 2 in Atlanta is pre-promoting next up, Denver in Philadelphia! All of the sudden the room got raucous and loud with Philly fans that came from under sand dunes and cabanas to cheer on the Birds. We owned the room and acted like it was ours while we awaited the return of Brian Dawkins, a beloved Eagle until the 2009 season who is now the heart and soul of the Denver defense. After on sentimental moment though, we got over it and our guys went to work. This was the first game we didn’t score on the opening drive in many, but we made good shortly thereafter.

The first half belonged to us and it was great to see Brian Westbrook back on the field. He looked brand new. Jeremy Macklin was back too. But Brent Celek was the star of the show! Denver’s defense spent so much time doubling Desean that Donovan used Celek like a wide receiver at one point. Asante Samuel snatched his 9th interception of the season and everything was peachy or better yet beachy when we headed to the locker room at the half with a 20-7 lead.

Denver came back for the second half with purpose. Although we added some key penalties, they put forth a gallant effort and even quieted a few of my rowdy Eagles-favoring friends in the bar. Either that or they just plain passed out from too many drinks. At times I could have sworn I was back at the Linc in the 300 section with the most spirited of fans way up in the nose-bleed section. But that hush soon turned back to a roar when we got the ball back with under two minutes to work our magic. Donovan moved the team down the field with his usual grace and speed when the clock is ticking down. Once in field goal range David Akers made it do what it do baby and broke a tie that Denver was able to muster making the final score with two seconds left on the clock, 30-27.

Whew. But I never had an ounce of doubt on my brain, not one. And how’s this for an all inclusive vacation? I won two fantasy league championships! Special thanks to Donovan McNabb, Brent Celek, Desean Jackson, and David Akers for the points that pushed me to the top! You guys are the best.

Next up, we make our New Year’s resolution. We resolve to beat the crap out of the Dallas Cows. I can’t wait until we enter Jerry’s house in D-Town, well actually it’s in Arlington, Texas where Six Flags is. Amusement will be available at either park after we get them back for the defeat in our stadium. What a way to kick off the New Year and to crown a great season for our hardworking Philadelphia Eagles.

Enough of this laptop stuff, there is sun to be soaked up and open bars to be closed down. After all, I’m on vacation. Just not from football!

Thanks for taking the time to read about my passion for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. Stay tuned for more in 2010. And I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
See you on the sidelines!

Helen “Love My Eagles” Little

Watch fubol while you play roulette and craps online as well as slots on the internet slots and online video poker machines at CasinoBonus.org!

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Ravens Been In The Holiday Spirit All Season

Apparently fans of the Baltimore Ravens missed the memo. The Ravens have been in the holiday spirit since October, and we had no clue as to what they were doing... until now.

What do I mean, you ask?! Let's start with the most recent game against our rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens beat the Steelers in any way you can imagine- total yards, first downs, time of possession... they even snapped the Steelers streak of going 33 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher as Ray Rice rushed for 141 yards. But in the end, the Steelers came out victorious with a 23-20 win.

I sat and watched my team self destruct, like I've seen all throughout the season. The Ravens had 11 penalties for 113 yards, many of them stupid. The Terrell Suggs block in the back, Kelley Washington holding penalty, and even Oneil Cousins personal foul penalty, all stupid. But wait, there's more. I watched 2 TDs come back from dumb penalties. And to make matters worse, I watched a perfect TD pass DROPPED by the Ravens best possession WR on the roster.

The Steelers need to send them Christmas Bonuses and Thank You cards.

Looking back at the 2009 season, the Steelers have not been the only team in which the Ravens have gift wrapped games to their opponent. The missed kick in the Vikings game that would have given the Ravens the go-ahead win. The pass interference call that allowed Cincinnati a whole new set of downs and the late TD win at home, The Flacco INT in very good FG range that could have put the Ravens ahead of the Colts and possibly the win. Over and over I watched my team get extremely close to winning, only to come up short.



The Ravens have given gifts away more than a Holiday Charity fundraiser. Add the large amount of penalties with the stupid mistakes and the Ravens have pretty much begged other teams to beat them. It's embarrassing. This should be a team with no less than 4 losses. Instead the Ravens are 8-7 and fighting for their playoff lives.

I tweeted yesterday that I hated the Ravens. And for that moment, that statement was true. They had broken my heart one time too many, and yesterdays loss made it worse because it was against the opponent I wanted them to beat the most in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, I can see a little clearer. And while there is some hurt still in my heart, the silver lining is that the Ravens are only one win away from going to the playoffs for a consecutive year, something they haven't done since the 2000-2001 seasons. If the Ravens can get into the dance, it may ease the pain in my heart and the acid reflux that they have caused all season long.If they can beat the Raiders on Sunday and make the playoffs, hopefully the Ravens will be out of the gift giving business.

A girl can dream, can't she?!

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Send Caldwell Some Flowers...Seriously

I make it my business not to listen to football pundits around playoff time. I'm of the firm belief that if you can't win your way in, you don't deserve to be there.

So I watched while they talked about who all need to lose in order for the Jets to be able to take their playoff future into their own hands, and I laughed it off. Miami needed to lose to Houston, which was doable-since Miami has never beaten Houston, and Pittsburgh had to beat Baltimore, minus Troy Polamalu's hair. Since the Raven's needed to win this game, and have the Jaguars lose to get in, I just figured there was no way, and hoped the Jets would at least keep it respectable and not be blown all the way out by Pey Pey and co.

That was around 12:30. By 4:45 I was praying. HARD. The Dolphins had lost. The Steelers had won, and the Jets would be able to win their own way into the playoffs. Ugh. Only one problem. They seemed to be leaving Pey Pey in the game.

The Jets kept it close, and actually ran the ball, and went into the locker room at halftime only down 9-3, after blocking a PAT. The defense bent but didn't break. Maybe there would be something to this right?

They came out of the locker room fired up, and on a 106 yard kickoff return, Brad Smith got the Jets the lead. Granted, it was one point, but how many people expected the Jets to lead at all in this game while the main guys were still in it?

Of course Manning and co. came out and picked the defense apart for a touchdown, but they failed on a two point conversion, and it all got extra hairy from there.

The Colts' best starters on offense and defense were pulled from the game. I get it, you want to be healthy for the playoffs, but there is a small part of me that wanted them to stay in. Just to see. The Jets scored again-on a fumble recovery. Added a field goal, a touchdown from Thomas Jones, and converted for two points twice.

They didn't turn the ball over-and when it was all said and done, the Jets walked off the field winners. 26-19, and truly in control of their own destiny.

Of course next week, the Bengals will be playing to jump up to the number 3 seed-since they've already clinched their division. The Jets will be closing out their time at that hell hole of a stadium over in the Meadowlands, and playing for a wild card berth.

I can't wait. This was a much better gift than I could ever have gotten in real life. I just hope the Jets make the most of it.

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Happy Holidays from the Gridiron Gals

From our football family to yours, the Gridiron Gals would like to say Happy Holidays to you and yours. Enjoy your family and football game today!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

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Video: Gridiron Gals NFL Week 16 Picks

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This One Stings

There will be one less team name coming out of the mouths of the NFL pundits and their playoff scenarios.

After losing on a last second Tony Gonzalez touchdown catch, the best the Jets can do is hope to play spoiler to the Colts perfect season. In other words Jet fans, this season is pretty much over.

They started out halfway decent. Braylon Edwards actually caught a few passes and Sanchez actually connected with him for a 65 yard touchdown.

The problem? That TD was accompanied by three interceptions and the odd choice to pass rather than utilize the running game on a windy, post snowstorm afternoon at the Meadowlands.

Of course the defense played great, considering time of possession and the team's ineptitude on offense and special teams. You expect to win when you give up only ten points, but when you miss field goals, muff snaps and can't do anything in the red zone, even having one of the best defenses in the league can't help you.

So these next two games the Jets will once again be playing for pride. Sad, a made field goal and they might have still been able to cling to the faintest of playoff hopes.
Sunshine. Moonlight. Good times. Boogie.

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The Playoffs Baby! Eagles Clinch With A Win Over The 49’ers!

Oh the weather outside was frightful but the win was so delightful! Let us go, let us go, let us go! To the playoffs baby!

Nearly two feet of snow fell in Philly the day before we were set to take on the San Francisco 49’ers. Over 1000 workers came out to shovel the stadium out from under Jack Frost's blanket because there was football to be played! The game was pushed back to a late day start because of the snow but fans didn't hesitate to fill the stands in the below freezing cold. Unlike the empty seats at Giants Stadium where there wasn’t as much snow, there were virtually no empty seats in the Linc.

We came out slinging! The Eagles score on first drive with a pass from McNabb to Jackson. That’s always a great way to get things off to a good start. Later in the first quarter, Mike Vick was hurt in a running play. Andy Reid decided to go for it on 4th and inches. Why that early in the game? Who knows? We didn’t get the first down; we ended up with an injured payer and gave San Fran the ball with great field position.
No problem, our defense got the football right back when Sheldon Brown stripped the ball and Asante Samuels recovered to start the second quarter. Following the turnover our offense made the longest scoring drive of the season when we went 94 yards down the field to cap it with 6. D-Mac scored on a rushing TD, his 2nd this year. The Birds were making it move with only one third down in the whole drive, which was the rush for the score.

Not to be outdone, the defense scooped another interception as Asante made his eighth pick of the year. They handed it off to the offense and Akers turned it into three points on the drive. Then uh-oh…Donovan threw an interception just before the half leaving less than a minute on the clock for the Niners to play with before heading into the break. But what do they do? They throw an interception and give us another shot at scoring. Akers put another three on the board and we left the field at the break with a commanding 20-3 lead over Frisco.

Two different teams seemed to come out of the tunnel for the back half of the game. Penalties and turnovers hurt us in the third quarter as San Francisco made a comeback push, scoring twice in less than four minutes. But we prevailed and Lesean McCoy scored our final touchdown in the fourth to seal our playoff berth.
Final score 27-13.
This game was also great for my Fantasy Football team too! I'm in the playoffs in my league and by starting three Eagles on my team I was able to topple the number one ranked team! Now my fantasy league team, Grid Iron Greats is headed to the fantasy Superbowl. The only thing that would have made this weekend any better is getting a new pair of boots! Oh well, I'll take clinching a playoff berth and the Fantasy Championship game instead!

Shout out to Desean Jackson who got over 1000 receiving yards for the season and to our offensive line. They played a great game! I also have to shout out all the Eagles fans that were at the game! They didn’t run from the snow but filled the stands like it was a summer day. They started to throw a few snowballs but were better behaved than I had expected. What can I say, we're a spirited bunch!

Next up is Denver, then Dallas, then the playoffs! I can’t wait. It’s our time!

Have a Merry Christmas and I’ll see you on the sidelines!


Helen “Love My Eagles” Little

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Video: Gridiron Gals Week 15 NFL Picks

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R.I.P. Chris Henry

Cincinnati Bengal Chris Henry was pronounced dead at 6:36 a.m. Another young man, gone to soon due to a senseless accident.

Henry was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after being found on a residential road. Police say a dispute began at a home about a half-mile away, and Mr. Henry jumped into the bed of the pickup truck as his fiancée, Loleini Tonga drove off.

Police said at some point when she was driving, Mr. Henry “came out of the back of the vehicle.”

The Gridiron Gals are praying for his family, children and Ms. Tonga. This tragic accident is a lose/lose situation.

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Poll: If the season ended today?

The Colts, Saints and Vikings are in. The Eagles, Bengals, Packers, and Chargers can secure a playoff spot with a win. Both the NFC and AFC East are in a three-way race for the division title. Will week 15 seal the deal for some? Who do you have playing in Super Bowl XLIV? Vote now!!

Who Will Go to the Super Bowl from the AFC?

• 
  
  Cincinnati Bengals


• 
  
  Denver Broncos


• 
  
  New England Patriots


• 
  
  Indianapolis Colts


• 
  
  Jacksonville Jaguars

view results
Free vote poll

Who Will Go to the Super Bowl from the NFC?

• 
  
  Arizona Cardinals


• 
  
  Dallas Cowboys


• 
  
  Green Bay Packers


• 
  
  Minnesota Vikings


• 
  
  New Orleans Saints


• 
  
  Philadelphia Eagles

view results
Free vote poll

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No Hustle with Russell

All seemed well leading up to the half in Oakland, even though the Redskins were up by a touchdown. Bruce Gradkoswki had led fourth quarter comebacks and I had all the faith in him that he'd get it done. Like always we were ready to play and got going early and at a good pace. McFadden looked good lined up as a receiver and Gary Russell showed that he deserved to see some time on the green. The Raiders moved the ball well as Bruce looked all over the field to make things happen for Oakland. This was a matchup between two struggling teams; games of that nature are always played with energy and heart. Raiders showed both. We pressed Washington O-line and sacked the quarterback. A few Raiders went by the offensive linemen untouched looking for blood but lucky for Campbell he knows how to scramble. A win felt imminent and then......OH NO!!! Gradkowski goes down and does not return. As if the penalties weren't killing us, we get to have JRuss back on the field as our QB.

Game over, forget about it. There is no way that we were going to get another score. JaMarcus comes in and completes his first 2 passes and they were good passes, I'm not going to take that away from him. After his first two completions and a quick thought that Russell might have learned a good lesson while on the bench, here he goes. In his second half of play, he fumbled, threw an interception and out of the 8 sacks Washington recorded, 6 of them he fell victim to. He creates such a negative vibe on the field, he looks uncomfortable the opposition knows it and feeds off of it. The final score was 34-13. Two touchdowns and a field goal for Washington in the last 11 minutes of the fourth quarter would seal our fate. No fourth quarter comeback for us and word is Gradkowski has sprained MCLs in both his knees. If it wasn't for bad luck we wouldn't have luck at all. I'm not giving Russell a hard time, like most would like to think. Gradkowski played the first half and went 10/18 for 153 yards, no interceptions no fumbles. He was sacked twice but Oakland got on the board with 13 points. After his injury, Jamarcus had to play the second half. Russell went 10/16 for 74 yards, one interception, and a fumble. He was sacked 6 times and his interception set up the second touchdown by Fred Davis. It doesn’t take a Rocket Scientist to see who the problem is.

The Raiders did sign former Bills and UFL QB J.P Losman so we’ll see what happens as either Losman or Frye takes the field Sunday against the Denver Broncos...

Win Lose or Tie, I’m a Raider till I die.

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Taking It One Game At A Time

The Ravens took care of business on Sunday, embarrassing the Detroit Lions in a 48-3 rout. Not since 2005 against the Green Bay Packers, have the Ravens scored so many points. The offense put up a whopping 548 yards against a hapless Lions team. And while most people expected the Ravens to beat the rebuilding team with ease, the Ravens were the only team in the AFC North that had more than a margin of victory of over 10 pts.

The Ravens are at 7-6 and are still very much alive in the playoff race for the #6 seed in the AFC. While the Jaguars also have a 7-6 record, they have a better conference record than the Ravens, which keep them at the final spot in the playoff picture. So what do the Ravens have to do, in order to get a playoff spot at the end of the season? Simple: Play one game at a time.

The Ravens approach for the final 3 games should not be about the playoffs. It should be about the opponent in front of them. While they have one of the easiest schedules going into the final 3 weeks of the season (Bears, Steelers, Raiders, all with losing record), everyone knows this is spoiler time, when losing teams are playing for the upset and for roster spots for next season. The Ravens should focus one week at a time. Next up: the Chicago Bears.


While Bears QB Jay Cutler has struggled, he can still make plays. And the problem of the Bears is not all his wrongdoings and interceptions. The offensive line is horrible and his WRs include Devin Hester (a former special teamer) and Johnny Knox, a rookie. The Ravens know that Cutler can still be a threat to a secondary that has been without S Ed Reed for the past 2 weeks with a hip injury.

If the Ravens want to handle the Bears, they need to continue to run the ball. RB Ray Rice had over 200 yards from scrimmage on Sunday, and over 160 yards in rushing with a TD. The 3 headed monster finally came to play, with McGahee and McClain finally getting the ball to help the offense. As long as the Ravens can run the ball and take some pressure of of an ailing Flacco, they can get the victory.

From the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens need a strong pass rush, one that has been lacking the past few weeks. But with the recent sightings of LB Antwan Barnes and the return of Terrell Suggs, that can help tremendously. The Ravens also need to see a continuing strong performance of rookie CB LarDarius Webb, who's filled in nicely since Fabian Washington went down with an injury.

As for the games against Pittsburgh and Oakland, I could comment on them. But I won't. This is a one-game season for the Ravens. One game at a time.... til next week

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3 is a Magic Number

So it looks like there have been three keys to success these past few weeks.

1. Play good defense.
2. Run the ball
3. Play a team with a losing record.

This week the formula was played to perfection against the Bucs this weekend, who arrived with a 1-12 record, a turnover friendly quarterback, and a pretty good defense.

The game was over almost before it started, and David Harris picking off the first play from scrimmage pretty much set the tone for the day.

When it was all said and done, they were intercepted three times (of course the Jets got in on the fumbelina party as well) and held the Bucs to two first downs, total yards and 6 points.

The running game took a bit of time to establish itself, but got the only two touchdowns in the game from runs of 33 and 7 yards from Thomas Jones who ran for a total of 99. Shonn Greene contributed to the party as well, tacking on 41 rushing yards.

Kellen Clemens? Not so much. What he showed on Sunday is that after four years in the Jets system, he's just not game ready. He looked a lot like a deer in headlights for much of the game, and threw more bad passes than the law should allow in the red zone. His final numbers: 12/23 for 11 yards, but what stood out was his inability to make good decisions in the pocket.

He's in the last year of his deal too. I don't think yesterdays game is doing much for his resumé tape.

Of course the Bucs are 1-11, so who knows how much worse his game would have been against a contender.

I'm glad they won. It always makes the week go by a little bit better. Let's see what they do against Atlanta.

Sunshine. Moonlight. Good times. Boogie.

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Guess Who the NUMBER ONE Team in the NFC EAST is! The E-A-G-L-E-S!

You’ll never guess who the number one team in the NFC East is! OK, I gave it away already. But I’m very proud to tell you again if you already knew or if you’re finding out for the first time, it’s none other than MY PHILADELHIA EAGLES!

Did I not call it? Did I not say that we’d get past Atlanta and New York and that Dallas would choke in December? No, I’m not psychic but I can read a play that’s being telegraphed by an opponent. And the telegraph from Dallas and New York today is …---…! That’s Morse code for Save Our Season!

Ahhh…I love it when I can talk a little trash!

Ok, back to the game and what happened. Trust me, it was a good one! New York didn’t just roll over and lay down. It was a good fight but the better team won. It was a high scoring game so defense wasn’t the highlight but our defenders showed up when it counted the most. There were some unnecessary penalties on defense and a bit of scrapping on the field that we could have done without though.

However, the stars of the show were on offense! From the start of the game we meant business. The Eagles won the toss and opted for first up. I always question this move but it proved to be a good strategy as we scored on the opening drive. Brent Celek’s thumb was still bothering him a bit but you couldn’t tell. He scored the first touchdown with a short pass from Donovan McNabb after a Mike Vick to Desean Jackson combination for 32 yards that put us in the red zone.

Then it was the Giants first turn with the ball. Oops, Trent Cole forced a fumble from Brandon Jacobs and Sheldon Brown recovered to score our second touchdown giving us 14 points from the first and second plays of the game. This was foreshadowing that it was going to be a very good night!

Michael Vick was productive on the field again this week much like in Atlanta. On a first half play with both him and Donovan in on the same drive they were unable to grab six. But David Akers stepped in to put three on the board. And just when you thought Santa had already filled our first half stockings, Desean returns a punt for a touchdown, and then Vick scores a rushing TD and we go into the locker room up by 13 after a blocked extra point by Akers.

The officiating left a lot to be desired on both sides of the ball. Both coaches lost a challenge in the second half, forfeiting one time out each but Andy Reid actually won a second challenge! (It’s about time!) The Giants did lead at one point in the second half. But we answered any numbers they put on the board which made it look more like a half time score for a basketball game. Desean scored another six in the third. Then Leonard Weaver ran one in to cap off a 91 yard drive and Jason Avant added icing on the cake with a 2 point conversion to complete the win.

Final score - 45-31, Eagles!

There was so much to be excited about for Eagles fans in this shoot out but the crowning moment of the game other than the win was Coach Andy Reid jumping into a chest bump with ity bity Desean Jackson. Duh, Andy, you could have seriously hurt him. I know you're excited about your 3 year extension and being one of only three coaches to win 100 games during their tenure in a single decade. But we just got Jackson back off injured reserve so chill with that Andy!

Since I work in New York, I do have a sympathetic soft spot for my friends who are Giants lovers. I knew they’d be totally avoiding me after the Eagles big win. You would have thought that Manhattan had been evacuated as there wasn’t a Giant fan to be found anywhere in my office! That’s ok…I’ll still be bragging for the rest of the week and they can’t avoid me forever! I also have a very little soft spot for Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and fullback Madison Hedgecock because they are both alumni of my alma mater, North Carolina. But since they’re wearing Big Blue now and not Carolina Blue, sorry my Tarheel friends, that soft spot is so small that it’s pretty much non-existent!

The only thing better than the Eagles win was the Cowboy’s loss to San Diego. Hey Romo, Cry Me A Phillip Rivers! LOL! That put us solely in the number one spot in our division. With San Francisco on the way to Philadelphia to face us next week and Dallas going to New Orleans to take on the undefeated Saints, it’s safe to say that for the rest of December, we’ll remain perch on the top limb all by ourselves!

Ain’t life grand?
Yes it is; yes it is!
I’ll see you on the sidelines…with a great big smile!


Helen “Love My Eagles” Little

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Video: Gridiron Gals Week 14 NFL Picks

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A Perfect Sunday for Bird Watching

Last week in the midst of a pigskin parley I was discussing this weekend’s battle of the birds between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons, which turned into a literal conversation about birds between two logical Aquarians. I was asked, which bird is more powerful, an Eagle or a falcon. My reply was "There's a reason why the falcon is not the national symbol of our country...duh!" If there is still any doubt about which bird is more dominant, I think the answer is quite apparent now.

34 to 7? Enough said. I love bird watching on a sunny Sunday when you see an outcome like that!

Oh yeah, in case it didn't click with you, the Eagles had 34 and the Falcons escaped a shut out as the clock ticked down, scoring sympathy, I mean a touchdown in the final moments of the game. That was our defense being in the holiday spirit. No coals in the stockings of the banged up Atlanta offense but a face saving touchdown left under the tree right before we flew back to Philly.

Everybody on our team came to play and almost everybody did! Donovan, Vick, and Kolb all took snaps while Weaver, McCoy and Buckley lined up in the backfield. Maclin, Reggie Brown, and Avant line up to catch a pass as did Celek and Alex Smith. Touchdowns were scored on both sides of the ball as Sheldon Brown snatched six, following one of his several interceptions. Offense, defense, and special teams completely showed off!
This was also Michael Vick’s first time back in the Georgia Dome since 2006. An obviously emotional trip for him, Vick also brought back memories for the folks in the stands as he scored two touchdowns; one passing and one rushing, just not for the Falcons. His comments after the game was that it was a day he would never forget. Despite the mix of boos and cheers, when he took the field the number seven jersey was definitely visible in the stands in both red and green making it look almost like Christmas!

While my Birds were down south I went up north to watch the Giants and the Cowboys. I had a vested interest in the outcome of that game plus I was in a comfy-dumfy corporate suite with food, drinks and heat. (Did I mention heat?)
I was there to cheer against the Cowboys and apparently my efforts paid off. They lost to the Giants and now share first place in the NFC with none other than the ALMIGHTY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES! Can you tell I’m excited?

So now it’s our turn at New York. They’re probably feeling a little confident right now after their win over the Cows. But remember, it is December. The Giants want a piece of this first place action too, so they’ll be ret to go! But we ain’t skerd! Come wit it!

As our record goes to 8-4 and we are atop the conference standings things are looking pretty good. And whereas Dallas doesn’t’ do December, we sure do. So mark my word, it is officially on. We’ll be back with a fierceness and a DeSean to boot! Jackson sat out the Falcons game due to a concussion but we handled things without him so he can be fresh for Sunday night against New York. That means it’s going to be a pace-yourself-Sunday next week. But with the adrenaline rush we’ve got going right about now, we’ll be just fine!

See you on the sidelines!

Helen “Love My Eagles” Little

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Vikings were "bird food" for the Cardinals: Vikes lose 30-17

I’m not surprised that Larry Fitz caught 8 passes for 143 yards and a TD! Favre was 30 of 45 for 275 yards; But Holding AP to a season-low of 19 yards in 13 carries and outrushing us 113-62, is a HOT MESS and I am sick!

The Vikes were not prepared to play at the intense level of the Cardinals. They were over-matched physically and emotionally. Throw in a missed pass interference call quickly followed by a Cardinals score and it was over! No pass rush, no rushing game, Favre trying to make things happen when behind is a recipe for disaster.

I won't blame AP, but the offensive line is bull crap & has been all year. Last night Hutchinson had a TERRIBLE game. Sullivan is struggling. Hicks played very well...and THANK GOD Ryan Cook was only in for a few plays. Bottom line, the Vikings have struggled in run blocking all season, and Childress has been a COMPLETE FAILURE at addressing this problem. It cost us last night’s game. Our rushing attack was putrid and it forced Favre to become a gunslinger.

Cardinals exposed 3 major weaknesses - 1. If front 4 can't put pressure on the QB and we have to blitz -secondary can't cover good receivers. 2. Our receivers are still young and getting separation and finding holes against a 7 and 8 dropping into coverage is tough. 3. Until the Vikes get back to a dominating running game we are toast against good teams. Cardinals schemed to take Favre away by dropping 7 or 8 into coverage and we could not counter with a good running game. Soft schedule has hurt the Vikes - we'll see what kind of heart this team has next week.

I really believe AP has been over coached and his instincts no longer take over. Defenses are also staying home and taking away the backside cut, Pass blocking is moving backward, run blocking is moving forward and engaging someone. Our O line does not have the mentality to be a good run blocking line. Think the line is a bad combination right now, getting old and slow in some positions and new in rest of positions.

Winfield should have been on the field today. I used to love this guy but now I find myself questioning his dedication. We went up with a great passing team in the Cards today and needed him on the field. Yet, he chose to sit another game out. I am very disappointed in him. Also, sadly, EJ Henderson suffered a bad injury - he may never be the same after this one coupled with the foot issues that he just started to overcome.

EJ deserved better, not going out when the coach gave up with 7 minutes and change when he punts it, when we're down by 17. Go for it, what difference does it make how many points we lose by?!

Our safety positions played terrible and my boy Jared Allen was doubled and sometimes triple teamed the entire night!! The Cards did an unbelievable job against the D-Line of the Vikes. The Vikes did not make the necessary adjustments. They basically kept everyone in to block and beat us down with Boldin and Fitzgerald. Safety blitz didn't work. Finally some LB blitzes were tried and they were picked up too. The secondary of the Vikings got flat out beat and Favre was confused all night long. Our only losses this season have come from the 2 teams representing the NFC and AFC in last year's Super Bowl. This loss was "Ugly Betty", If they take care of the Bengals at home I can get a good nights sleep.

Hopefully this is arbitration, and the Vikings will bounce back and give it to Cincinnati. But the reality is this: We were completely dominated the ENTIRE game. EJ is out for the season and ouch it’s going to hurt. Favre better start Channeling his Native Choctaw Roots and rain dance around the defense instead of taking them hits or his ARSE will be injured next!

~ O’neika “The Touring Empress”

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Avoiding The Tap Out

So there are some rabid fans who are going around talking about what a
great thing it will be if the Jets can win out and get a whole lot of
help from the teams around them. They could be a wild card! I don't
live on that planet, but I do agree that they should be doing their
level best to at least break even on the season-or go 9-7.

They took a step in the right direction on Thursday night, beating the
Bills at the Rogers Centre to move to 6-6, and third place in the
division. That whole "losing to Miami twice" thing is biting them in
the ass right now, but it was a good, necessary win, and it sets them
up to do pretty well as the season winds down.

Unfortunately, Mark Sanchez suffered a sprained PCL, and while all
indications are that he will play this Sunday, it wouldn't shock me at
all if he is held out in favor of Kellen Clemens. Luckily there is a
long week for him to be treated and rest up, and the team will benefit
from getting Clemens extra reps just to be on the safe side.

As for the game-much better than the debacle in the Meadowlands that
saw the Jets give up five interceptions and miss a last second field
goal that sent the game to overtime, and the Jets to the showers as
losers of three in a row.

Thomas Jones had a pretty darned good game, rushing for 109 yards and
a touchdown, and as a team the Jets finished this season's series
against Buffalo with over 500 rushing yards.

There were some spectacular drops (Braylon!) but he did make up for it
with a touchdown and even when Clemens came into the game, he took
care of the ball. I can't say

A nice effort for the Jets this week. Next up? The Bucs. Lets see if
they can go on another three game winning streak, because you know-
they could still make the playoffs. Kind of like I could wake up one
day and not detest the Red Sox.

Hey, you never know!

Terita

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Stealing From The Steelers

20/34 for 396 total yards, 3 TDs and no INTs. 2-2 on fourth down conversions and yes, those are Raiders stats. We played a helluva game. Offense moved the ball and the defense made key stops. Murphy was huge for us and Gradkowski gets a victory in front of his hometown, giving the Steelers their 4^th loss in a row!

I was pleased with our defense not letting Pitt run over them, holding them to a field goal, a three and out and a 4th and 1 stop, ending the 1st quarter in a 3-3 tie. The second quarter would be a little different. Pittsburgh comes out and scores a touchdown their first drive of the quarter. The Raiders answer back with a field goal ending the half with the Stealers up 10-6. This wasn’t the Stealers playing bad; this was the Raiders playing good. The Stealers weren’t airing out passes for 40 and 50 yards or breaking up the field for 60. The longest pass completed was the 34 yard TD they had. They were held to about 5 yards a rush, negative yardage and no gains. Scott, Kelly and Williams were the reasons for the negative yards while Seymour, Howard and Morrison stopped the run before it could even get started. The team was looking good. The 3rd quarter was a scoreless one but we still played Pitt hard and tough, letting them know that we had no intentions of going down and if we were, it wasn’t going to be easy. Once again the defense was awesome. This time Mitchell, Branch, Shaughnessy; William Joseph and Jay Richardson got in on the action. Scott sacked Roethlisberger on 3rd and 6 and they ended their 3rd quarter drive with a missed field goal. That last defensive drive was the spark we needed. We came out in the 4th ready to put this team to bed!

The crowd at Heinz field was quiet and I was at home clapping my team up, stomping and screaming. Fargas and Miller were productive on the run. I remember thinking to myself what did the Pats start with this going for it on 4^th down, when Cable decided to take a chance on 4^th and 1 in Pitt territory for the second time. I’ll be damn if Gradkowski didn’t get that yard. I’m, screaming “Give us another four”. Gradkowski gets to work, hitting McFadden, Higgins and Schilens for the TD. I loved the way Schilens shook his finger to the crowd. 13-10 Raiders. It seemed liked that started a free for all. The Steelers come out and Roethlisberger hits his receiver for a TD, 17-13 Pitt. Raiders come back and serve Pitts D real nice, airing a 75 yard pass to my favorite gator, Rookie, Louis Murphy for a touchdown. I replayed that catch about four or five times. The move he gave the defender was a good one and then tipped toed the side line for the score, 17-20 Raiders. I’m ready for the defense to come on the field and take care of business. The offense has controlled time of possession the whole game and it was time they finished the defending champs off. Roethlisberger shuts up all my trash talk with a TD to Heinz Ward. NOOOOOO! I couldn’t believe it, however it’s not over until the clock reads 00:00.

Our team had energy. Schilens was hype, Murphy had a mojo and I’m talking major head to the Steelers fans on television (don’t judge me) my sister looks at me and shakes her head as if to say it’s hopeless. I tell her ‘Look, anything is poss...’ Cutting me off she says “yeah, yeah I know. The Raiders scored 2 touchdowns with 65 seconds left to beat the Jets” I told her ‘act like you know something then’ (my family hates when I bring up the Heidi Bowl because I wasn’t even born) we take the field and start moving the ball. After three first downs, a dropped interception by Pitt and a penalty that proved to be costly, Gradkowski put a pass in the air and guess what? It was an open receiver in the back of the end zone and guess who? Louis Murphy. TOUCH. DOWN. OAKLAND! After the extra kick the score is 27-24 Raiders with 9 seconds left. Raiders win.

KNOW ABOUT US!

--
JaNaye NC Granberry

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