The Amazingly Cool Blog: October 2010

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Crosby kicks Packers past rusty Jets, 9-0

By Dennis Waszak Jr., AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets came out of their bye-week break with one big dud.

Mason Crosby kicked three field goals for Green Bay, and that was all the Packers needed as they held the rested but sloppy Jets off the scoreboard for a 9-0 victory Sunday.

Mark Sanchez and the Jets' offense couldn't get much of anything going as New York, which entered tied for the league's best record, had its five-game winning streak end. The Jets (5-2) were shut out for the first time since a 10-0 loss to Chicago on Nov. 19, 2006, at home.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (5-3) didn't exactly light things up, either, but did just enough to win their second straight - a snoozer on blustery day at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

The wind might have caused some problems for both teams' passing and kicking games. Crosby and the Jets' Nick Folk missed field goal attempts, while Sanchez and Rodgers misfired often with balls sailing past receivers.

After turning the ball over on downs, the Jets held the Packers to a three-and-out and had one more chance to get into the end zone trailing 6-0 with less than 4 minutes left.

Following a 5-yard run by LaDainian Tomlinson, Jerricho Cotchery couldn't hold onto a long pass from Sanchez, who was sacked on the next play by Clay Matthews. Sanchez was then incomplete, and the Packers took over.

Crosby sealed it with a 40-yard field goal with 27 seconds left.

Rodgers finished 15 of 34 for 170 yards, while Sanchez was 16 of 38 for 256 yards and two interceptions - both on disputed calls - and had at least four passes dropped by receivers.

The Jets had a nice drive end in the fourth quarter when Dustin Keller caught a pass from Sanchez, rolled and then had the ball grabbed out of his hands by Charles Woodson.

The Packers cornerback jogged into the end zone while several players on both teams looked around bewildered. Woodson was later ruled down by contact at the Packers 43.

Replays showed it appeared Keller was down and it should not have been an interception, but New York was out of challenges after using them both in the first half.

The Packers capitalized on the turnover when Crosby gave them a 6-0 lead with a 41-yard field goal with 6:36 remaining.

The Jets had another promising drive short-circuited in the second quarter when Tramon Williams ripped the ball out of Cotchery's hands while the two were on the ground for an interception. The play was challenged by Rex Ryan, but upheld by replay review.

Green Bay got down to the Jets 23, but David Harris sacked Rodgers for a 9-yard loss on second-and-10. Two plays later, Crosby was wide left on a 45-yard field goal try, keeping it 3-0 with 1:48 remaining in the opening half.

It was a brutal first half for both teams. Green Bay gained 123 yards of net offense and went 0 for 7 on third downs. The Jets had 148 yards, routinely started deep in their own territory and went 3 for 9 on third downs. They were also penalized five times and had two turnovers.

It didn't get much better in the second half for either team. The Packers finished with 237 total yards. The Jets had 360 - but were done in by their seven penalties and three turnovers.

The Jets took a huge gamble on fourth-and-18 from their own 20 early in the game as punter Steve Weatherford took off on a fake and sprinted along the right sideline for what initially appeared to be a first down. But Packers coach Mike McCarthy challenged, and referees ruled Weatherford stepped out of bounds a yard short of the first-down marker.

The Packers took over at the Jets 36 after the change of possession and Rodgers immediately connected with Greg Jennings for a 30-yard completion. But New York's defense stifled Green Bay, which settled for a 20-yard field goal by Crosby that gave the Packers a 3-0 lead with 4:41 remaining in the opening quarter.

It was the first points New York allowed in the first quarter this season - and enough for Green Bay to win.

Folk had a chance to tie it for the Jets, but was wide right on a 37-yard attempt with 3:44 left in the third quarter.

It was the Jets' first home loss to the Packers in five games.

The Packers were able to win despite having been hit hard by injuries, with six starters out, including linebacker Brad Jones, running back Ryan Grant, tight end Jermichael Finley and linebackers Nick Barnett and Brad Jones. Wide receiver Donald Driver also was sidelined after the first half with a quadriceps injury.

The Jets blew a chance at their first six-game winning streak since the end of the 1998 season - when they went to the AFC championship game.

Game stats

Amber Valletta America Ferrera Amerie Amy Cobb Amy Smart

Packers Week Eight inactives

Starting DE Ryan Pickett is the most prominent name on the Packers' inactive list for the Week Eight game against the Jets. In addition to Pickett, who continues to battle an ankle injury that forced him out of Green Bay’s Week Seven victory over the Vikings early in the first quarter, the other inactive players are: CB Brandon Underwood, RB Dimitri Nance, LB Diyral Briggs, OT Mark Tauscher, OL Marshall Newhouse, OG Nick McDonald and FB Quinn Johnson.

The way we see it

With Pickett sidelined, the Packers will be hoping that rookie C.J. Wilson can pick up the slack in a starting role. Wilson had a strong outing last week after Pickett left the game. Tauscher, who will be missing his fourth straight game due to a shoulder injury, might have an increasingly difficult time regaining the starting ORT job from rookie Bryan Bulaga.

Salma Hayek Samaire Armstrong Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton Samantha Mumba

Heidi Klum Jets Out Of Town For Her Halloween Party In NYC

Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore Charlies Angels

The 2011 BMW R1200R Gets the DOHC Treatment

Ahead of EICMA, BMW has released information on the 2011 BMW R1200R & 2011 BMW R1200R Classic street bikes (along with the 2011 BMW G650GS). Getting the R1200GS/R1200GT's dual-overhead cam twin-cylinder boxer motor, the R1200R series gets a 500 RPM boost, more power (110hp), and more torque (87.77 lbs?ft) from the updated air-cooled 1170cc motor. Other minor updates include a more distinct old school style for the 2011 BMW R1200R Classic, while both bikes benefit from an increased stand pipe (41mm up from 35mm) on the front Telelever suspension.

Sarah Wynter Scarlett Chorvat Scarlett Johansson Selita Ebanks Shakara Ledard

There's No Place Like Home for Heat

Filed under: Heat, Magic

MIAMI -- The city of Miami had to wait 113 long days since the biggest prize in 2010 NBA free agency, LeBron James, announced his intentions to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat for this night. The fans couldn't even enjoy a sneak preview of what was to come when Wade went down with an injury three minutes into the preseason at home against the Detroit Pistons. But the wait to see their home team finally playing their stars at the same time for a full game while making a quantum leap in team chemistry made it all worth it.

"The crowd was amazing," remarked Wade after the game. "We were very satisfied with the energy and the atmosphere that was in the building tonight. When they come out that way and support us we want to give them our best effort. And that's what we did."

The media earlier in the day pounced on the news that a couple of hundred tickets were still available for the game several hours before tip-off, leading many to speculate that it wouldn't be a sold out event. Those concerns were officially put to rest by the punctual and rowdy crowd that had the arena shaking with each basket the Heat made. And yes, the arena was officially listed as a sellout with 19,600 in attendance.

Tami Donaldson Tamie Sheffield Tara Conner Tara Reed Tara Reid

Montoya Edges Bowyer For AMP Energy Juice 500 Pole at Talladega

Juan Pablo Montoya celebrates winning the Coors Light Pole Award at Talladega Superspeedway - Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCARTALLADEGA, Ala. ? The sun was out in full force Saturday for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying at Talladega Superspeedway. And lately whenever that happens, Juan Pablo Montoya shines as well. Montoya captured the pole...more»

Amber Heard Amber Valletta America Ferrera Amerie Amy Cobb

X17 EXCLUSIVE - Victoria Beckham Gets Brazilian Food With Her Boys

Noureen DeWulf Olivia Munn Olivia Wilde Padma Lakshmi Paige Butcher

Florida Crushes Georgia in First Cocktail Party Overtime Game

Filed under: Florida, Georgia, SEC

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Maybe Florida and Georgia should be unranked every year. Playing the first overtime game in World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party history, the Gators and Bulldogs dueled through the afternoon and into the night before Florida pulled out a 34-31 victory on Chas Henry's 37-yard field goal.

In a fitting moment, the kick split the uprights where the two fan bases join, red on the left, blue on the right. You didn't even need to watch the football to see whether the kick was good. Georgia fans sank to their seats in defeat while Florida Gator fans leapt for joy.

It was the duality of fandom writ large, the latest loss in a string of Georgia cocktail party losses that seem like they will never end.

And this one may be the cruelest of all.

Trailing 21-7 at the half, the Bulldogs stormed back and tied the game at 24 early in the fourth quarter. Maybe after the 1-4 start, after the suspension of Georgia's top player for the first four games of the season, maybe, just maybe, this would be the Bulldogs year in the end. Just in time for Halloween, maybe the Bulldogs could dress up as cocktail party victors for a change.

But it wasn't to be.

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Milla Jovovich Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen Miranda Kerr Mischa Barton

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Statement from Jack Roush on the passing of Jim Hunter

Jack Roush - Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCARStatement from Jack Roush on the passing of Jim Hunter: “The entire NASCAR community is mourning the passing of Jim Hunter. As a new team owner from the outside joining NASCAR in 1988, I was welcomed and befriended by Jim and his wife Ann in the...more»

FSU Cowgirls Gabrielle Union Garcelle Beauvais Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson

Kyle Busch Wins Truck Series Mountain Dew 150 in Controversial Finish at Dega

In a finish that looked to be taken straight from Kevin Harvick's playbook with his win in the Cup race in the Spring, Kyle Busch pulled off the last lap pass to beat Aric Almirola to the line by 0.002 seconds.

"That's cool," Busch said after the race was over. "I didn't want to do it. Aric deserved that race. He should've won it last year. I had the 13 right up under me and I wanted to protect my position. I went up high to block and then came down and I got under Aric. Once I got under him, there was no going back so I made my move."

With the move, Busch crossed under the double-yellow line, which on the two restrictor plates—Daytona and Talladega—it is illegal to improve your position once under the line. In 2008, Regan Smith was stripped of his win due to a move like Busch's.

"I didn't even know where the yellow was," Busch said. "I was just loose through there and wanted to save my stuff."

In reviewing the tape, it could be deemed that Almirola came down, causing Busch to go below the line. Though even before that happened, Busch had a nose on Almirola before getting close to the line.

"You can tell in that shot—he is well below the yellow line," Almirola said. "If they give him that win, I feel like I let the team down, but there was nothing else I could've done."

This was the same controversial debate that was brought up in 2003 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. got a nose on Matt Kenseth and then went below in finishing the pass.

With the win, it puts Busch 45 points ahead of Germain Racing's No. 30 driven by Todd Bodine in the owner's championship.

Bodine, who has the driver's championship pretty much locked up, had an eventful day on his way to finishing 18th.

Coming onto pit road under green, Bodine and Hornaday made contact, causing damage to both trucks.

Then on the next set of pit stops under caution, Bodine sped up to beat Busch off, yet was deemed over the speed limit.

Then with six laps to go, Bodine was making his way back through the field when contact from Grant Enfinger caused Bodine to get into Skinner, collecting numerous other trucks.

"The 95 gave me a shot out of hell," Bodine said of the contact. "He was bumping me, but I don't know where he was trying to send me."

The result of the contact between Bodine and Skinner caused Ron Hornaday to flip over numerous times and land on his roof.

"Hornaday is actually joking around in there about how calm it was for the first part." Bodine said of Hornaday in the care center.

"Harvick always told me that if I couldn't win to make sure I brought the steering wheel home so here it is." Hornaday said after coming out of the care center while holding the steering wheel.

Talladega is one of eight tracks that Hornaday hasn't won a Truck race on, with the other seven tracks being Las Vegas, Michigan, Daytona, Chicago, Iowa, Darlington and Pocono.

Johnny Sauter finished third with Matt Crafton fourth and Ricky Carmichael fifth.

Kelly Ripa Kelly Rowland Kerry Suseck Kim Kardashian Kim Smith

What Am I??

We love seeing what celebrities dress up as on Halloween…And we definitely love looking at Ryan Kwanten, no matter what he's dressed as, but he has us wondering - what in the world is his costume??
The True Blood star attended the Veuve Clicquot's Yelloween party at Tao in Las Vegas' Venetian wearing a suit, [...]

Kirsten Dunst Krista Allen Kristanna Loken Kristen Bell Kristin Cavallari

Taylor Swift Sings Her Heart Out

Christina Applegate Christina DaRe Christina Milian Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh

Week Eight matchup tidbits

GREEN BAY AT N.Y. JETS

Packers' Key To The Game:
Can the Pack do enough with RBs Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn against the Jets' No. 4-rated run "D" to open up the field for Rodgers and company?

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is 63.8%, 1,848 yards, 7.8 avg., 12 TD, 9 INTs, 14 sacks / 86 yards, 89.0 rating and 26-127 rushing, 4.9, 3 TDs.
Packers RB Brandon Jackson has 80-363, 4.5, 2 TDs and 19-150, 7.9.
Jets OLB Jason Taylor has 19 tackles, 3 QB sacks, 3 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR.
Jets CB Antonio Cromartie has 17 tackles, 11 PD, 2 INTs - 66 yards.

Jets' Key To The Game:
How will Mark Sanchez rebound from first subpar outing of season vs. Broncos the week before the bye?

Sanchez 55.4%, 1,100, 6.21 avg., 9 TD, 2 INTs, 9 sacks/60 yards, 86.4 passer rating.
Jets RB Shonn Greene 71-323, 4.5, 1 TD and 2 catches - 3 yards.
Packers OLB Clay Matthews has 22 tackles, 8½ sacks, 1 PD and 1 FF.
Packers CB Tramon Williams has 28 Tackles, 1 QB sack, 8 PD, 2 INTs - 64 yards and 1 FR.

Other tidbits:
NYJ 17TH OFF; GB 18TH DEF
NYJ 2ND RUN; GB 23RD VS. RUN
NYJ 27TH PASS; GB 14TH VS. PASS
NYJ 4TH PTS; GB 12TH PTS ALLOWED
GB 11TH OFF; NYJ 12TH DEF
GB 20TH RUN; NYJ 6TH VS. RUN
GB 8TH PASS; NYJ 22ND VS. PASS
GB 12TH PTS; NYJ 4TH PTS ALLOWED
NYJ 1ST TO/TA; GB T-16TH TO/TA
NYJ HAS WON FIVE CONSECUTIVE GAMES.
RB LADAINIAN TOMLINSON IS AVERAGING 5.3 YDS/ATTEMPT, HIGHEST OF HIS CAREER.
NYJ HAD THREE TURNOVERS IN WEEK SIX AFTER HAVING ONLY ONE IN THEIR FIRST FIVE GAMES.
NYJ 3-0 ON THE ROAD THIS SEASON.
GB DEFENSE HAD THREE INT VS. MIN, INCLUDING ONE RETURNED FOR TD.
DONALD DRIVER DID NOT HAVE RECEPTION VS. VIKINGS, SNAPPING HIS 133 CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH A CATCH STREAK.
AARON RODGERS THREW FOR 295 YDS AND 2 TDS IN WEEK SEVEN WIN.
GB ALLOWED NO SACKS VS. THE VIKINGS AFTER ALLOWING NINE TOTAL IN TWO GAMES PRIOR.

HOUSTON AT INDIANAPOLIS

Texans' Key To The Game:
Can the Texans' 31^st-ranked total "D" and 32^nd-ranked Pass "D" slow Manning and friends in Colts' ballpark?

Texans RB Arian Foster 115-635, 5.5, 6 TDs and 19-180, 9.5, 1 TD.
Texans WR Andre Johnson has been limited by ankle but still has 32-488, 15.3, 2 TDs.
Colts DE Robert Mathis has 24 tackles, 5½ sacks, 1 FF.
Colts S Antoine Bethea is Colts' leading tackler with 43 tackles, 3 PD, 1 FF.

Colts' Key To The Game:
How will Colts respond to devastating injuries, including loss of Dallas Clark for the season?

Colts QB Peyton Manning is 67.3%, 1,916 yards, 7.5 avg., 13 TDs, 2 INTs, 6 QB sacks/31 yards, 103.4 passer rating - 2^nd in NFL.
Colts rookie TE Brody Eldridge just 3-23, 7.7, will have to pick up slack for sidelined Clark.
Texans DE Mario Williams has 16 tackles, 5 QB sacks, 2 PD and 1 FF.
Before going on I.R. with torn left Achilles tendon, Texans MLB DeMeco Ryans was 2^nd in tackles with 54, 1 QB sack, 2 PD.

Other tidbits:
HOU 4^TH OFF; IND 21^ST DEF
HOU 4^TH RUN; IND 26^TH VS. RUN
HOU 10^TH PASS; IND 12^TH VS. PASS
HOU 6^TH PTS; IND 16^TH PTS ALLOWED
IND 2^ND OFF; HOU 32^ND DEF
IND 26^TH RUN; HOU 14^TH VS. RUN
IND 2^ND PASS; HOU 32^ND VS. PASS
IND 3^RD PTS; HOU 29^TH PTS ALLOWED
IND 12^TH TO/TA; HOU 16^TH TO/TA
IND IS 15-2 ALL-TIME VS. HOU.
ARIAN FOSTER RUSHED FOR 231 YDS ON 33 CARRIES VS. IND IN WEEK 1.
HOU ALLOWING 410.5 YDS PER GAME.
OWEN DANIELS CAUGHT 5-79-0 IN WEEK 6, HOU'S LAST GAME BEFORE BYE; HE HAD 10-113-0 IN FIRST 5 GAMES.
ANDRE JOHNSON HELD TO 3-33-0 IN FIRST MEETING BETWEEN TEAMS.
IND HAS RUSHED FOR 116.8 YDS PER GAME IN 4 WINS AND 51.0 YARDS PER GAME IN TWO LOSSES.
PEYTON MANNING ON PACE FOR 677 PASSING ATTEMPTS.

PITTSBURGH AT NEW ORLEANS

Steelers' Key To The Game:
Can the Steelers "D," just 23^rd vs. the pass, afford to play bend-but-don't-break vs. Saints in New Orleans?

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 64.8 %, 559 yards, 10.4 avg., 5 TDs, 1 INTs, 3 sacks/12 yards, 122.4 passer rating.
Steelers WR Mike Wallace has 14-354, 25.3 avg., 4 TDs.
Saints MLB Jonathan Vilma's 42 tackles lead team, 1 QB sack, 2 PD, 1 INT/5 yards, 1 FF.
Saints SS Roman Harper has 36 tackles, 4 PD, 1 INT/6 yards, 4 FF.

Saints' Key To The Game:
Can Saints, who led NFL in takeaways last year but are just tied for 17^th this year, rediscover the big play on defense?

Saints RB Chris Ivory has 59-325, 5.5 avg., 0 TD and 1-17 receiving.
Saints WR Marques Colston has 40-452, 11.3, 1 TD.
Steelers OLB James Harrison has 44 tackles 2^nd on team, 5 QB sacks, 1 PD, 4 FF and 1 FR.
Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons' 62 tackles lead team, plus 3 QB sacks, 3 PD, 1 INT/5 yards, 1 FF and 1 FR.

Other tidbits:
PIT 26^TH OFF; NO 4^TH DEF
PIT 11^TH RUN; NO 17^TH VS. RUN
PIT 26^TH PASS; NO 3^RD VS. PASS
PIT 13^TH PTS; NO 14^TH PTS ALLOWED
NO 6^TH OFF; PIT 5^TH DEF
NO 27^TH RUN; PIT 1^ST VS. RUN
NO 5^TH PASS; PIT 24^TH VS. PASS
NO 17^TH PTS PIT 1^ST PTS ALLOWED
NO 25TH TO/TA; PIT 2^ND TO/TA
SINCE 2004, PIT ALLOWING 4.4 YPC IN GAMES THAT AARON SMITH HAS MISSED.
PIT ALLOWING 2.8 YPC THIS SEASON, BEST IN NFL.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER HAS THROWN 5 TDS AND ONE INT IN TWO STARTS SINCE RETURNING FROM 4-GAME SUSPENSION.
HINES WARD HAS CAUGHT 12 PASSES FOR 185 YDS AND 2 TDS IN LAST TWO GAMES.
HALF OF MIKE WALLACE'S 14 CATCHES HAVE GONE FOR 20 YDS OR MORE.
DREW BREES HAS THROWN 10 INTS IN 7 STARTS; HE HAD 11 ALL OF LAST SEASON.
MARQUES COLSTON HAS CAUGHT 22 PASSES FOR 262 YARDS AND A TD IN LAST THREE GAMES.

MINNESOTA AT NEW ENGLAND

Vikings' Key To The Game:
Brett Favre and Randy Moss have to exploit the Pats' struggling pass "D" and Favre must take care of the football.

Favre (questionable with left ankle injury) is 58.1%, 1191 yards, 6.7 avg., 7 TDs, 10 INTs, 14 sacks / 97 yards, and 68.0 passer rating is 4^th-worst in NFL.
Vikings WR Randy Moss has 12-166, 13.8, 2 TDs as a Viking.
Patriots ILB Jerod Mayo leads Pats with 72 tackles, 1 QB sack, 1 PD and 1 FR.
Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich has 29 tackles, 1 QB sack, 2 PD, 2 INTs - 1 yard, 2 FR.

Patriots' Key To the Game:
Can Pats get enough done on the ground to keep Moss on the bench as much as possible?

Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis has 68-259, 3.8, 4 TDs and 1-6 receiving.
Patriots WR Deion Branch has 13-137, 10.5, 1 TD as Patriot.
Vikings MLB E.J. Henderson's 41 Tackles are 2^nd on team, plus 3 PD, 2 INTs - 10 yards, 1 FF, 1 FR.
Vikings FS Madieu Williams has 35 tackles, 1 PD, 1 INT and 1 FF.

Other tidbits:
MIN 20TH OFF; NE 29TH DEF
MIN 7TH RUN; NE 9TH VS. RUN
MIN 24TH PASS; NE 30TH VS. PASS
MIN 24TH PTS; NE 23RD PTS ALLOWED
NE 19TH OFF; MIN 7TH DEF
NE 14TH RUN; MIN 11TH VS. RUN
NE 17TH PASS; MIN 13TH VS. PASS
NE 1ST PTS; MIN 11TH PTS ALLOWED
MIN 27TH TO/TA; NE 5TH TO/TA
TOM BRADY HAS THROWN FOR 611 YDS, SEVEN TDS AND JUST ONE PICK IN TWO CAREER GAMES AGAINST THE VIKINGS.
NE HELD TO 179 TOTAL YDS IN 23-20 WIN OVER CHARGERS.
RANDY MOSS 9 CATCHES FOR 139 YDS AND 3 TDS AS A PATRIOT IN FOUR GAMES; 12 CATCHES FOR 166 YDS AND 2 TDS AS A VIKING THROUGH THREE GAMES.
NE GAINED JUST 51 RUSH YDS AGAINST CHARGERS.
NE GAVE UP TWO SACKS IN FIRST THREE GAMES, GIVEN UP 10 SACKS IN LAST THREE GAMES.
BRETT FAVRE THREW THREE INTS IN WEEK SEVEN LOSS VS. PACKERS; HAS THROWN 10 INTS AND SEVEN TDS.
JARED ALLEN HAS JUST ONE SACK IN 2010 AFTER RECORDING 14.5 THE LAST TWO SEASONS.
VIKINGS ARE 0-3 ON THE ROAD THIS SEASON, PATRIOTS ARE 3-0 AT HOME.

TAMPA BAY AT ARIZONA

Bucs' Key To The Game:
Can Tampa, just 29^th in points scored, take advantage of the Cardinals' 30^th-ranked scoring "D"?

Bucs QB Josh Freeman is 58.8%, 1,255 yards, 6.3 avg., 7 TDs, 3 INTs, 12 sacks / 70 yards, 82.8 passer rating and 23-154 rushing, 6.7 avg.
Bucs WR Mike Williams has 28-365, 13.0, 3 TDs.
Cardinals LB Paris Lenon has 49 tackles to lead team, plus 1 QB Sack, 4 PD, 2 INTs - 12 yards.
Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson has 23 tackles, 1 QB sack, 4 PD, 2 INTs - 4 yards, 1 kick blocked.

Cardinals' Key To The Game:
Can Cardinals, 29^th on the ground and 30^ththrough the air, find anyone to lead the offense?

Cardinals QB Max Hall is 50.8% 289 yards, 4.9 avg., 0 TD, 3 INTs, 12 sacks / 78 yards, 43.7 passer rating.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald has 29-331, 11.4, 2 TDs.
Bucs MLB Barrett Ruud's 47 tackles lead team, plus 1 PD, 1 FF.
Bucs CB Rhonde Barber's 41 tackles 2^nd on team, 4 PD, 2 INTs / 69 yards.

Other tidbits:
TB 23RD OFF; ARIZ 27TH DEF
TB 22ND RUN; ARIZ 29TH VS. RUN
TB 18TH PASS; ARIZ 21ST VS. PASS
TB 29TH PTS; ARIZ 28TH PTS ALLOWED
ARIZ 32ND OFF; TB 22ND DEF
ARIZ 29TH RUN; TB 31ST VS. RUN
ARIZ 32ND PASS; TB 7TH VS. PASS
ARIZ 29TH PTS; TB 18TH PTS ALLOWED

TB 5TH TO/TA; ARIZ 30TH TO/TA
JOSH FREEMAN HAS DIRECTED 4TH QUARTER RALLIES IN 5 OF HIS 7 CAREER VICTORIES.
MIKE WILLIAMS HAS AT LEAST 82 YARDS RECEIVING IN 2 OF BUCS' LAST 3 GAMES.
TB HAS ALLOWED 3 SACKS IN 4 OF ITS 6 GAMES.
TB HAS REGISTERED ONLY 5 SACKS (1 IN LAST 4 GAMES).
AZ REGISTERED FIVE TURNOVERS (4 FUMBLES) IN WEEK SEVEN LOSS TO SEAHAWKS.
LARRY FITZGERALD HAS GONE 10 REGULAR-SEASON GAMES IN A ROW DATING BACK TO LAST SEASON WITHOUT A 100-YARD RECEIVING GAME.
AZ HAS AVERAGED ONLY 91.7 YARDS RUSHING PER GAME.
MAX HALL COMPLETED ONLY 4-OF-16 PASSES IN WEEK SEVEN AND HAD A 13.5 PASSER RATING.

JACKSONVILLE AT DALLAS

JAX 25^TH OFF; DAL 3^RD DEF
JAX 10^TH RUN; DAL 12^TH VS. RUN
JAX 28^TH PASS; DAL 4^TH VS. PASS
JAX 22^ND PTS; DAL 20^TH PTS ALLOWED
DAL 3^RD OFF; JAX 30^TH DEF
DAL 25^TH RUN; JAX 25^TH VS. RUN
DAL 3^RD PASS; JAX 27^TH VS. PASS
DAL 18^TH PTS; JAX 31^ST PTS ALLOWED
DAL 25^TH TO/TA; JAX 32^ND TO/TA
JAX ALLOWING 29.4 PTS PER GAME, 2ND MOST IN NFL.
JAX ALLOWING 6.4 YDS PER PLAY, WORST IN NFL.
MAURICE JONES-DREW AVERAGING CAREER-LOW 3.8 YPC THROUGH 6 GAMES.
THIS IS THE 5TH ALL-TIME MEETING BETWEEN THE TEAMS; CLUBS HAVE SPLIT 4 PREVIOUS GAMES. JAX WON LAST MEETING, 24-17, IN 2006.
JAX'S 4 LOSSES HAVE BEEN BY AT LEAST 22 PTS APIECE.
JAX HAVE PLAYED 4 QBS THIS SEASON.
ROY WILLIAMS ON PACE FOR 67 CATCHES THROUGH 5 GAMES (NOT INCLUDING MONDAY NIGHT); HE HAD 38 ALL OF LAST SEASON.

DENVER VS. SAN FRANCISCO (in London)

DEN 10^TH OFF; SF 13^TH DEF
DEN 32^ND RUN; SF 15^TH VS. RUN
DEN 4^TH PASS; SF 15^TH VS. PASS
DEN 21^ST PTS; SF 24^TH PTS ALLOWED
SF 21^ST OFF; DEN 25^TH DEF
SF 28^TH RUN; DEN 30^TH VS. RUN
SF 18^TH PASS; DEN 10^TH VS. PASS
SF 31^ST PTS; DEN 30^TH PTS ALLOWED
DEN 20^TH TO/TA; SF 27^TH TO/TA
4^TH GAME OF INTERNATIONAL SERIES PLAYED AT LONDON'S WEMBLEY STADIUM.
SF WON 26-23 THE LAST TIME THE TWO TEAMS MET IN 2006.
KYLE ORTON HAS THROWN AT LEAST 1 TD PASS IN 13 STRAIGHT GAMES.
DEN RANKS DEAD LAST IN RUSHING DEFENSE, AVERAGING 68.4 YARDS PER GAME.
KNOWSHON MORENO CAUGHT A CAREER-HIGH TWO TD PASSES LAST WEEK.
FRANK GORE HAS RUSHED FOR 100-PLUS YARDS IN TWO STRAIGHT GAMES.
THE 49ERS HAVE ALLOWED QBS TO THROW FOR 250 OR MORE IN 5 OF THEIR PAST SIX GAMES.
ALEX SMITH (SHOULDER) WILL BE REPLACED BY TROY SMITH.

TENNESSEE AT SAN DIEGO

TEN 24^TH OFF; SD 1^ST DEF
TEN 8^TH RUN; SD 3^RD VS. RUN
TEN 29^TH PASS; SD 1^ST VS. PASS
TEN 2^ND PTS; SD 17^TH PTS ALLOWED
SD 1^ST OFF; TEN 14^TH DEF
SD 17^TH RUN; TEN 10^TH VS. RUN
SD 1^ST PASS; TEN 23^RD VS. PASS
SD 7^TH PTS; TEN 3^RD PTS ALLOWED
TEN 7^TH TO/TA; SD 30^TH TO/TA
KENNY BRITT HAD A CAREER-HIGH 225 YARDS AND 3 TDS IN LAST WEEK'S WIN OVER PHILLY.
CHRIS JOHNSON HAS AT LEAST 100 RUSHING YARDS IN 8 STRAIGHT ROAD GAMES.
TEN IS AVERAGING 31 POINTS IN THEIR 3 ROAD GAMES THIS YEAR, ALL VICTORIES.
SD ALLOWED JUST 179 YARDS OF OFFENSE IN LAST WEEK'S LOSS TO NE.
ANTONIO GATES HAS CAUGHT A TD IN 6-OF-7 GAMES THIS SEASON.
THE CHARGERS HAVE WON THEIR PAST 7 MEETINGS WITH THE TITANS.

MIAMI AT CINCINNATI

MIA 13TH OFF; CIN 20TH DEF
MIA 16TH RUN; CIN 22ND VS. RUN
MIA 12TH PASS; CIN 19TH VS. PASS
MIA T-24TH PTS; CIN 26TH PTS ALLOWED
CIN 7TH OFF; MIA 11TH DEF
CIN 19TH RUN; MIA 13TH VS. RUN
CIN 6TH PASS; MIA 17TH VS. PASS
CIN 15TH PTS; MIA 22ND PTS ALLOWED
MIA T-20TH TO/TA; CIN T-10TH TO/TA
MIA FOR 64 YDS AGAINST STEELERS IN WEEK SEVEN LOSS.
MIA GAVE UP 302 YARDS PASSING TO STEELERS; BENGALS QB CARSON PALMER THREW FOR 412 YDS AND THREE TDS IN WEEK SEVEN.
CHAD OCHOCINCO HAD 131 YDS AND TWO TDS IN LAST MEETING VS. MIA.
OCHOCINCO AND JORDAN SHIPLEY COMBINED FOR 239 YDS RECEIVING AND TWO TDS IN WEEK SEVEN LOSS TO FALCONS.
CHAD HENNE HAS NOT THROWN INT IN LAST 66 PASS ATTEMPTS; THREW FIVE PICKS IN 47 ATTEMPTS BEFORE CURRENT STRETCH.
CIN ALLOWED 452 TOTAL YDS TO FALCONS IN WEEK SEVEN LOSS.
RONNIE BROWN HAS JUST ONE RUSHING TD THIS SEASON.
CAMERON WAKE HAS SIX SACKS; AT LEAST ONE SACK RECORDED IN FOUR OF SIX GAMES.

BUFFALO AT KANSAS CITY

BUF 28TH OFF; KC 17TH DEF
BUF 15TH RUN; KC 5TH VS. RUN
BUF 23RD PASS; KC 25TH VS. PASS
BUF 19TH PTS; KC 7TH PTS ALLOWED
KC 12TH OFF; BUF 28TH DEF
KC 1ST RUN; BUF 32ND VS. RUN
KC 30TH PASS; BUF 9TH VS. PASS
KC 8TH PTS; BUF 32ND PTS ALLOWED
BUF 24TH TO/TA; KC 9TH TO/TA
RYAN FITZPATRICK HAS THROWN A TD IN SEVEN CONSECUTIVE GAMES, THE LONGEST STREAK BY A BILLS QB SINCE DREW BLEDSOE HAD A 10-GAME STREAK IN 2002.
BUF HAS A SEASON-HIGH 504 YARDS IN OT LOSS TO RAVENS.
LEE EVANS HAD THREE TD RECEPTIONS VS. BALTIMORE.
BILLS ALLOWED 17 POINTS IN ONE MINUTE, 12 SECOND STRETCH AT END OF FIRST HALF/START OF SECOND.
KC HAS WON THEIR FIRST THREE GAMES AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2003.
KC TIED A SEASON-HIGH WITH 25 FIRST DOWNS IN 42-20 WIN VS. JAGUARS IN WEEK SEVEN.
THOMAS JONES AND JAMAAL CHARLES COMBINED FOR 35-196-2 IN JAX GAME.
MATT CASSEL HAS NOT THROWN AN INT IN THREE CONSECUTIVE GAMES.

CAROLINA AT ST. LOUIS

CAR 31ST OFF; STL 15TH DEF
CAR 23RD RUN; STL 16TH VS. RUN
CAR 31ST PASS; STL 18TH VS. PASS
CAR 32ND PTS; STL 8TH PTS ALLOWED
STL 22ND OFF; CAR 8TH DEF
STL 13TH RUN; CAR 24TH VS. RUN
STL 21ST PASS; CAR 5TH VS. PASS
STL 27TH PTS; CAR 19TH PTS ALLOWED
CAR 27TH TO/TA; STL 16TH TO/TA
CAR OFFENSE HAD SEASON-HIGH 379 TOTAL YARDS IN WEEK 7.
DAVID GETTIS AND BRANDON LAFELL COMBINED FOR 14 CATCHES, 216 YARDS AND 2 TDS (BOTH BY GETTIS) IN WEEK 7.
CAR HAS AVERAGED OVER 3 TURNOVERS A GAME THIS SEASON.
CAR HAS AVERAGED 3 SACKS ALLOWED PER GAME.
STEVEN JACKSON HAS GAINED OVER 100 YARDS IN 3 STRAIGHT GAMES.
STL WERE OUTGAINED 226-96 IN THE SECOND HALF OF ITS WEEK 7 LOSS.
CHRIS LONG HAS 3 SACKS IN LAST 2 GAMES.
STL DEFENSE HELD BUCS TO 5 FIRST DOWNS IN FIRST HALF LAST WEEK.

SEATTLE AT OAKLAND

SEA 27TH OFF; OAK 16TH DEF
SEA 24TH RUN; OAK 28TH VS. RUN
SEA 20TH PASS; OAK 29TH VS. PASS
SEA 20TH PTS; OAK 27TH PTS ALLOWED
OAK 14TH OFF; SEA 19TH DEF
OAK 3RD RUN; SEA 2ND VS. RUN
OAK 25TH PASS; SEA 29TH VS. PASS
OAK 5TH PTS; SEA 5TH PTS ALLOWED
SEA 10TH TO/TA; OAK 12TH TO/TA
MIKE WILLIAMS HAS A COMBINED 21 CATCHES IN LAST 2 GAMES.
MATT HASSELBECK HAS COMPLETED PASSES TO AT LEAST 10 DIFFERENT RECEIVERS IN EACH OF THE LAST 2 GAMES.
SEA ALLOWED 5 SACKS IN WEEK SEVEN AFTER ALLOWING ZERO SACKS IN WEEK SIX.
SEA HAD A SEASON-HIGH 144 RUSHING YARDS IN WEEK SEVEN.
OAK'S 59 POINTS LAST WEEK SET SINGLE-GAME FRANCHISE RECORD.
OAK GAINED 508 YARDS IN WEEK SEVEN AFTER GAINING ONLY 179 IN WEEK SIX.
DARREN McFADDEN HAD 196 TOTAL YARDS AND 4 TDS IN WEEK SEVEN.
OAK HAS ALLOWED AT LEAST 2 SACKS IN EVERY GAME THIS SEASON.

WASHINGTON AT DETROIT

WAS 18th OFF; DET 26th DEF
WAS 21st RUN; DET 27th VS. RUN
WAS 15th PASS; DET 20th VS. PASS
WAS 22nd PTS; DET 25th PTS ALLOWED
DET 16th OFF; WAS 31st DEF
DET 31st RUN; WAS 21st VS. RUN
DET 7th PASS; WAS 31st VS. PASS
DET 10th PTS; WAS 9th PTS ALLOWED
WAS 2nd TO/TA; DET 12th TO/TA
DEANGELO HALL TIED NFL MARK WITH 4 INTS IN GAME LAST WEEK VS. CHI. HALL RAN BACK ONE INT FOR 92-YARD TD.
LAST PLAYER TO INTERCEPT 4 PASSES IN GAME BEFORE HALL WAS DELTHA O'NEAL IN 2001.
HALL'S CAREER HIGH FOR INTERCEPTIONS IN A SEASON IS 6. HE HAS 5 NOW.
WAS (4-3) HAS EQUALLED ITS WIN TOTAL FROM LAST SEASON.
WAS WAS ALLOWING 420 YARDS PER GAME COMING INTO WEEK 7. CHI TOTALED 322 YARDS.
BRIAN ORAKPO HAD 2 SACKS VS. CHI.
DET HAS LOST 24 IN A ROW ON ROAD, TYING ITS OWN NFL RECORD FROM 2001-2003.
DET LAST WON ON ROAD 10/28/2007.
MATTHEW STAFFORD EXPECTED TO MAKE FIRST START SINCE WEEK 1, WHEN HE INJURED HIS SHOULDER.
DET AVERAGING ONLY 3.5 YARDS PER RUSH.
DET OUTGAINED NYG IN WEEK 6, 366-334.
REPLACEMENT LB ASHLEE PALMER HAD GAME-HIGH 13 TACKLES IN WEEK 6.

Jill Arrington Jill Wagner Joanna Krupa Joanne Montanez Jodi Lyn OKeefe

Week Eight selections from 'Pro Football Weekly on TV'

PFW publisher/editor Hub Arkush moved into the top spot among the panelists on the "Pro Football Weekly on TV" show for the season to date, going 9-5 against the pointspread in Week Seven. Arkush and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Hampton each hit on his lock of the week, and Hampton holds the season-to-date lead on locks with a sterling 6-1 record.

These picks will be posted on Friday afternoon each week. No Thursday games will be included. Pushes are dropped from each panelist's record.

Thursday Las Vegas line	Tom Waddle	Dan Hampton	Hub Arkush
CINCINNATI -2 vs. Miami	Miami	Cincinnati	Cincinnati
DALLAS -6½ vs. Jacksonville	Dallas	Dallas	Dallas
DETROIT -2½ vs. Washington	Detroit	Detroit	Detroit
KANSAS CITY -7½ vs. Buffalo	Kansas City	Kansas City	Kansas City
ST. LOUIS -3 vs. Carolina	St. Louis	St. Louis	St. Louis
N.Y. JETS -6 vs. Green Bay	Green Bay	N.Y. Jets	Green Bay
SAN FRANCISCO -1 vs. Denver (London)	Denver	Denver	Denver
SAN DIEGO -3½ vs. Tennessee	Tennessee	Tennessee	San Diego
ARIZONA -3 vs. Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay	Arizona	Tampa Bay
NEW ENGLAND -6½ vs. Minnesota	Minnesota	Minnesota	Minnesota
OAKLAND -2½ vs. Seattle	Seattle	Oakland	Seattle
NEW ORLEANS -1 Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh	New Orleans
Monday night INDIANAPOLIS -5½ vs. Houston	Houston	Indianapolis	Houston

Lock of the week	St. Louis	N.Y. Jets	Detroit

Last week vs. spread	5-9	7-7	9-5
Season to date vs. spread	44-56	42-58	47-53
Last week's locks	0-1	1-0	1-0
Season-to-date locks	1-6	6-1	4-2-1

Michelle Branch Michelle Malkin Michelle Obama Michelle Rodriguez Michelle Trachtenberg

Five questions with Vikings LB Chad Greenway

This week, PFW spends a few minutes with Vikings LB Chad Greenway to talk about his excellent play, the vibe in the locker room and digging out of the hole they are in.

PFW: First of all, is this the best you have played to date?

CG: Yeah, I am up there. You always want to get better and better. My goal is to be as consistent as possible. I feel like I am doing that. And so that's why I feel like I am playing close to my best.

PFW: Does each loss from here on out get tougher considering you guys have to dig out of a little hole?

CG: Well, they are definitely compounding. It's one of those things where you say every week, 'OK, we have got to get going now. We have to start getting some wins put together.' Just like when we came off the Dallas (win), we said, 'OK, now have to put two together. Getting two, three (in a row) will get us some confidence.' We just weren't able to do it. You just try to look at yourself and ask yourself what you can do. Then hopefully everybody does that and it's good for the team as a whole.

But it's hard to get out of a rut sometimes. Hopefully, we can go out on the road and play well this week. It's ours to win or lose. But we have to start playing better if that's going to happen.

PFW: And yet, are you reminding yourself that you are still in the division race? You have to keep it in some perspective, right?

CG: Yeah, fortunately, we have been put in a position where we're actually OK, surprisingly. We're not necessarily in prime position here, but it's not like it's something we can't get ourselves out of. We certainly have enough division games left, enough games against NFC teams, to give us some help. But you got to start now. There are enough games left to do it. But you have to turn it around, no time to waste.

PFW: Has there been a change to the locker room from last year? Are you having as much fun as last season, when you guys seemed like a really loose bunch?

CG: Well, I can't say that we are as loose as we were last year. Obviously, the confidence is not where it needs to be. We need to gain confidence and you do that by playing well and winning. I'd be lying if I told you that we had the same confidence we did last year. We have to gain that; we know that we have the experienced players, the talent and the team to win. But that isn't good enough. You can't just roll your helmet out and say, 'Here we are, we got this one.' You got to go out and do it.

PFW: You are in your final year of your contract. Brett Favre is, too. Pat Williams could retire. Other guys are in their ninth, 10th years. Are you looking at this like, 'OK, we have 10 games to prove ourselves before this window closes completely?'

CG: It isn't (like that). I don't think that we can get to the point where we are constantly thinking that way. We can't put that much on ourselves. That's just going to make it worse. We want to go out and have fun with the game. It's a business, and it's our jobs, but the biggest thing is if we go out there and have fun and play loose, we will be better. We just have to focus on that.

Leslie Bibb Lil Kim Lily Allen Lindsay Lohan Lindsay Price

Hilary Duff Stays Silent When Asked About Working With Charlie Sheen

Natalie Portman Natalie Zea Natasha Bedingfield Natassia Malthe Nelly Furtado

Friday, October 29, 2010

90210's Shenae Grimes Heads To Melrose Place In A Sexy See-Thru Dress

Anna Paquin AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel

Foster Brooks Roasts Johnny Carson

At a Dean Martin celebrity roast for Johnny Carson, Foster Brooks has his turn. Video Rating: 4 / 5

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2010 NSCS AMP Energy Juice 500 Q & A with Team Chevy Driver, Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart - Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCARTONY STEWART, NO. 14 OFFICE DEPOT/OLD SPICE CHEVROLET met with media and discussed car speeds during practice, have at it boys, drafting partners, re-paving at Daytona, and more. HOW WAS THE CAR IN PRACTICE? “I think it’s pretty decent. I guarantee we’re a lot better than...more»

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NFL Week 8 Odds Show Lions Laying Three at Home Over Redskins

Following a bye week, the 1-5 Detroit Lions will look to defeat the 4-3 Washington Redskins for a second straight season.

Detroit only won two games in 2009, and one of those was a 19-14 home victory over Washington. NFL oddsmakers are giving Detroit the edge again this season, listing the Lions as a slim 1.5-point favorite with the total set at 44.

While Washington ranks 31st in the league in yards allowed (406.0), this team has been able to capitalize on turnovers. The Redskins have come up with 17 takeaways this season, six of those coming in last week’s 17-14 win at Chicago. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall personally picked off four Jay Cutler passes and brought one back 92 yards for the winning score.

Hall and the Redskins will try to come up with a few more picks to slow down Detroit’s seventh-ranked passing offense (258.7) this week.

While quarterback Shaun Hill has filled in admirably for the injured Matthew Stafford, we won’t have a quarterback controversy now that Stafford is ready to play. Hill suffered a broken left forearm in a Week 6 loss to the New York Giants and will be out at least another week after undergoing surgery to repair the fracture.

It will certainly be interesting to see how much rust Stafford will have as he takes the field for the first time since a Week 1 loss at Chicago. Rookie running back Jahvid Best, who is nursing a turf toe injury, doesn’t seem to think Stafford has lost a step.

“I think we’re going to have a little bit of a boost just seeing him back in the huddle,” Best said. “We’re glad to have Matt back. I saw him throw a deep one and that was pretty cool.”

Stafford, who has a much stronger arm than Hill, is able to stretch the field with the deep ball. That’s something the Lions have been missing. The good news is, head coach Jim Schwartz doesn’t think arm strength will be an issue.

“Arm strength shouldn’t be an issue,” Schwartz said. “The injury he had shouldn’t affect his arm strength. It’s more just being comfortable with all the different throws and the body angles you’re going to get. You can only get that from reacting to a defense.”

The Detroit offense, which currently ranks 16th in total yards (337.7), should get a boost is Stafford is indeed ready to play. Teams must respect the long ball with him under center. That takes another player out of the box and allows the Lions to get a few more easy yards on the ground. Detroit is 5-1 against the spread this season.

The Washington running attack has started to pick up a little steam. The Redskins have rushed for at least 113 yards in four or their last five games. Big Ryan Torain led the way with 125 yards on six yards per carry against Chicago last week. He could be poised for another big day against a Detroit defense allowing 138.8 yards per game on the ground (27th in the league).

It is worth noting that plays against home favorites with a poor rushing defense, allowing 130 or more yards per game on the ground, after being outrushed by 75 or more yards in their last game, are 134-76 against the spread since 1983. This situation is already off to a 3-1 start in 2010.

Bet with confidence in Week 8 by playing the same NFL picks as World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd!

Raquel Alessi Rebecca Mader Rebecca Romijn Reese Witherspoon Rhona Mitra

2011 BMW G650GS ? A Face Only a Mother Could Love

The 2011 BMW G650GS is a quasi-new model from the Bavarian factory, as the bike is built around the same F650GS platform we’re all familiar with, but adds a new headlight and bodywork package to the mix. Taking over from the old G650Gs which was built in China, the 2011 BMW G650GS is built in [...]

Jessica Alba Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel Jessica Paré Jessica Simpson

Bears DT Adams receives Ed Block Courage award

DT Anthony Adams was named the Bears' recipient of the 2010 Ed Block Courage award Thursday.

One player from each NFL team recieves the award for best exemplifying a commitment to sportsmanship and courage. Each team's players vote to decide who receives the honor.

Adams is respected within the Bears' locker room because of his work ethic, and he also is considered one of the funniest members of the team.

Ed Block was a long-time head trainer for the Baltimore Colts. The award's foundation promotes the prevention of child abuse by raising awareness and assisting agencies that provide care for abused children.

Maria Sharapova Mariah Carey Mariah OBrien Marika Dominczyk Marisa Coughlan

UConn Shifts Practice Habits Because of Alleged Spy

Filed under: Connecticut, Rumors

Randy Edsall moved UConn's Wednesday practice indoors because of the rain and another, more interesting reason: someone is allegedly watching UConn's practices.

On Wednesday, when asked whether the Huskies would be practicing indoors, Edsall said, "Yeah, so people don't report on what we practice. No, we'll be inside because of the rain but we got an issue where we have somebody that wants to write everything we do from the dorm room so ... we have to look at that now.

"One of our former players' parents e-mailed [Program Assistant Joanne Fazio]. We had somebody that was giving a blow by blow of everything that happened in practice [Tuesday]. We might have to practice inside all the time now."

Carrie Underwood Cat Power Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter

Thursday, October 28, 2010

David Ragan Looks to Continue Restrictor Plate Success

Roush Fenway?s driver No. 6 leads all others in last 10 restricted races David RaganCONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 27, 2010) ? Roush Fenway?s David Ragan will look to continue his success at NASCAR?s restrictor-plate tracks as the Sprint Cup Series rolls into Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. Over the course of the last 10 restrictor-plate races, the...more»

Diane Kruger Dido Diora Baird Dita Von Teese Dominique Swain

They Said It: Vikings Thursday edition

Here are some selected quotes from Vikings coaches and players leading up to Sunday's game against the Patriots. All quotes come from transcripts provided by the team.

Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell on Tarvaris Jackson feeling more confident and being able to determine if he is on game day: "I think that's half the battle, that he's confident. That's a positive going for it, that he feels more comfortable, that he feels more confident in himself and the guys around him, how he's been performing in practice. I think that's half the battle. Are you ever going to know for sure until you're under the lights and playing in real time? Probably not. The barometer of what he's done to this point, whether it's in training camp when he was taking the first reps, he takes a number of reps with our first team anyways while Brett's here; we give Brett some time off. He takes a lot of scout-team reps. He does probably get more reps than most backup quarterbacks. He's done a nice job. Those guys are there for a reason. They deserve opportunities. When they come, they need to excel in those opportunities. He may get a chance this week."

Bevell on whether preparing for a Bill Belichick-coached team is more difficult: "Without a doubt. He schemes the teams that he's playing against and the offense that he's playing against, whether it's protections, whether it's specific plays that he might try to take away. We're prepared for the unscouted looks basically. We talked to our guys about this being a rule week. Whether it's in protection, whether it's in assignments, you go by the rules. The rules can always take care of any look that's an unscouted look."

Bevell on the Vikings not scoring on their first two drives in any game: "Last week I thought there were a couple execution things that we could have done better, particularly the third downs. We kept them both manageable in those first two series and could have probably executed a little bit better on the third downs, kind of to get you in the flow. That would have got the game going, I think, a little bit better."

Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier on whether it's against his nature to blitz: "We've had a lot of success rushing with four, especially since Jared Allen arrived. We led the league a year ago. A lot of our sacks came off of a four-man rush, although we will pressure at times. I still have complete confidence in our front four. There are times when we need to mix it up a little bit and do some things pressure-wise. I still have a lot of confidence in our front that we will get those sacks coming."

Frazier on whether Jared Allen is pressing at all: "I don't know if he's pressing yet. It's something he's looking at on tape. I know he was here on his day off, looking at some tape and just trying to get with Coach (D-line coach Karl) Dunbar and trying to figure out what are some things I am doing differently or what are some things I need to work on to get a little more pressure. That was probably the one game, of the games we have played this season, where he had a number of one-on-one rushes. That was unusual that we got those for him. It did begin to make him think a little bit, 'I got to figure out some things here.' We're looking forward to watching him play Sunday."

Frazier on whether CB Chris Cook looked tentative on Sunday: "Coming off his injury and the amount of time that he's played, just trying to catch up to the speed of the game. It took him a little while to get caught up. We got him back in there the second half of the game, and he played a little bit better. Early on, the speed of the game was really hard to gauge."

Vikings special-teams coordinator Brian Murphy on whether the Vikings are shifting away from directional punting and focusing more strictly on hang time: "It depends upon where you're at. When you're outside — especially with the conditions, wind, what have you — you're going to have to move the ball around. You want to try to use the conditions to your benefit. We've really kind of left that open-ended, in terms of directional punting, because you've got to make the wind work for you. We'll never come away from the hang time as the most important, but the direction is a close second. It's going to be based upon the conditions and what he [punter Chris Kluwe] feels like he can do into the wind."

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson on whether he feels more of a responsibility with Brett Favre struggling: "I can carry the load. That's one thing I've always said. That's how I prepared, going into this offseason, to be able to carry the team if I have to. I accept the challenge."

Peterson on whether 28-30 carries a game bothers him: "Forty would be nice. Forty-five, 50."

Peterson on whether he's being realistic about that: "Yeah, that is realistic."

Peterson on noticing a difference in Tarvaris Jackson's confidence: "You can see his comfort level. He is more comfortable out there. This is from what I have seen in practice. He displayed that during the preseason, too. He's just more comfortable. He does a better job making his reads. He's taken steps forward."

Peterson on whether he ever tells Favre that if he needs to get rid of the ball quickly, to dump it off to him: "Yeah, I tell him that every game. 'Hey, just know that I am your outlet, man. I'll make sure that I put myself to be open for you. When you are in trouble, just look for me and I'll be there.' "

Bijou Phillips Blake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan

Patriots-Vikings matchup of the day: Thursday

Here's a matchup to watch in the Week Eight game between the Patriots and Vikings:

Patriots OLT Matt Light vs. Vikings DE Jared Allen

Neither veteran is having a great season, which is why this is a battle to keep an eye on. The Patriots started the season in great fashion protecting QB Tom Brady, allowing just two sacks through three games. Since then, he has been sacked 10 times.

Light gave up a strip-sack to Jets OLB Jason Taylor in Week Two and gave up a sack in the red zone to the Chargers on Sunday. The two-time Pro Bowler has not had his best performance this season protecting Brady's blind side.

Allen also hasn't been the monster on the D-line that we are used to seeing. Through six games, he has just one sack after three consecutive seasons with at least 14½ sacks. He did pick off a pass against the Packers Sunday night.

Teams have found success slowing down the Patriots' passing attack by getting pressure on Brady. The Chargers held him to just 159 passing yards and sacked him four times. The Vikings will be counting on Allen to rattle Brady, with the Patriots expecting Light to step up and hold his ground.

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Bears? Martz: Cutler a strong man

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz didn't hesitate when he was asked whether QB Jay Cutler is losing confidence after another rough outing in Sunday's loss to Washington.

"If you know Jay, then you'd know not to ask that question because he is a strong man," Martz said at Halas Hall on Wednesday. "He is very, very, very strong emotionally and likes what we do and is confident."

Cutler, who was picked off four times by Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall in Week Seven, did not throw at Wednesday's light practice and he said it was the coaching staff's decision to rest him, not his own.

The Bears apparently want to make sure Cutler, who has taken a beating behind an offensive line that has allowed him to be sacked a league-high 27 times in six games, returns from a Week Eight bye well rested.

"Even though he feels good, his body, he needs to rest," Martz said. "We'll throw him a little bit tomorrow."

Chicago will use the bye to recharge and try to fix some of the problems that have consistently plagued its offense. Cutler didn't seem to like the line of questioning when he was asked just where to start in correcting the issues.

"That's a very negative question," he said. "… Obviously, offensively we have some things we need to clean up. We're aware of that and we're going to address it this week."

Despite the obvious weaknesses, the Bears have a 4-3 record and are in first place in the NFC North, as Cutler pointed out, and they'll face the Bills, who have yet to win a game this season, in Week Nine.

Haylie Duff Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff

NFL transactions for October 26, 2010

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

CINCINNATI - Reserve/injured: CB Adam Jones (neck). Roster addition: TE J.P. Foschi (released by Bills 9/5). Placed on waivers: TE Daniel Coats.

CLEVELAND - Roster addition: WR Demetrius Williams (released by Ravens 9/4). Placed on waivers: WR Yamon Figurs.

DENVER - Roster addition: DE Le Kevin Smith (released by Broncos 9/7). Practice-squad deletion: TE Riar Geer.

INDIANAPOLIS - Practice-squad addition: TE Rob Myers.

JACKSONVILLE - Reserve/injured: OT Eben Britton (shoulder). Roster addition: OT Erik Pears (released by Raiders 9/25).

KANSAS CITY - Practice-squad addition: WR Jeremy Horne. Placed on waivers: DT Atiyyah Ellison.

MIAMI - Placed on waivers: DE Robert Rose.

N.Y. JETS - Roster addition: LB Joshua Mauga (from Jets practice squad). Practice-squad addition: LB Kenwin
Cummings. Placed on waivers: NT Howard Green.

OAKLAND - Practice-squad deletion: LB Alex Joseph.

SAN DIEGO - Placed on waivers: LB Cyril Obiozor.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

ARIZONA - Placed on waivers: CB Brandon McDonald.

CHICAGO - Practice-squad additions: LB Chris Johnson; P Richmond McGee. Practice-squad deletions: LB Marcus Buggs; WR Greg Mathews.

GREEN BAY - Reserve/injured: DE Mike Neal (shoulder); LB Brady Poppinga (knee). Assigned on waivers: LB Diyral Briggs from Broncos. Roster addition: LB Matt Wilhem (released by 49ers 9/9). Placed on waivers: LB Maurice Simpkins.

SAN FRANCISCO - Roster addition: CB Tramaine Brock (from 49ers practice squad). Placed on waivers: S Chris Maragos.

SEATTLE - Roster addition: RB Quinton Ganther (released by Seahawks 9/28). Practice-squad addition: OT Breno Giacomini. Practice-squad deletion: LB Chris McCoy.

TAMPA BAY - Practice-squad additions: OG John Malecki; TE Nathan Overbay.

WASHINGTON - Practice-squad addition: RB Jeremiah Johnson. Practice-squad deletion: RB Quinn Porter.

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Healthy Burnett bringing the heat for Bolts

It certainly doesn't reflect in their 2-5 record, but the Chargers have been one of the league's premier defenses in 2010. Not only are they not allowing yardage through the air, but they're also pressuring opposing passers at a tremendous rate — even without Shawne Merriman. Not surprisingly, OLB Shaun Phillips and his seven sacks have been a big part of the Bolts' pass rush, but another major reason for the defensive showcase has been the improved play of ILB Kevin Burnett, who we're told "looks awesome." Finally healthy after missing time last season with an ankle injury and undergoing offseason neck surgery, Burnett already has a career-high five sacks, a team-leading 38 tackles, an interception and two forced fumbles. While the linebacking corps has been riddled with injuries, he has been a steady presence and serious playmaker in the middle. Any talk of San Diego cutting ties with the 27-year-old veteran after his disappointing '09 has long been forgotten.

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Manny Pacquiao: Will a Margarito Win Put the Final Nail in a Mayweather Match?

By: Joe Martin (SBB)

After all the smoke and mirrors employed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. avoiding fighting Manny Pacquiao is it possible that Antonio Margarito can do the self proclaimed best fighter of all time a favor and bury it for good.

Could a victory by the “Tijuana Tornado” in his upcoming fight with Manny Pacquiao November 13th at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas take all the attraction from a Mayweather / Pacquiao bout adding another reason to list of excuses for Mayweather not to fight boxing’s most popular star.

As reports file in about Manny Pacquiao, 51-3-2, 38Ko’s missing workouts because of a cold and canceling roadwork because of a heel injury but taking time out to play basketball and rehearse his singing many are becoming suspicious of the new congressman’s focus and the possibility of “Pac Man” overlooking Margarito.

Despite the fact that many boxing insiders feel Margarita doesn’t deserve the fight his after infamous plaster hand wrap scandal with Shane Mosley.

Margarito appears to be using the scandal as motivation and training as the fight will bring him redemption. All the hype out of Margarito’s camp and his new trainer Robert Garcia claiming Margarito is "training like a monster," could the Mexican warrior pull off the upset and effectively kill a Pacquiao/ Mayweather fight.

Garcia claims to have the big tough Mexican puncher doing intensive roadwork alternating running on the track, running on the beach and in the mountains together with a strenuous abdominal workout, chopping wood and ten round sparring sessions alternating four sparring partners (Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis, 2000 Olympian “Slick” Ricardo Williams, Austin Tour and KC Martinez).

There is also the matter of the beating that the “Tijuana Tornado” took from Shane Mosley January 2009 in the now infamous “plaster hands” fight. There is no question Mosley gave Margarito a beating but I can’t help wonder how much of a distraction all the pre fight hoop-la over the hand wraps had on Margarita. Especially when you consider the decisive beating Mosley took from Mayweather and the mediocre performance by Mosley against Sergio Mora.

If Margarito, 38-6, 27Ko’s should somehow pull off a victory my guess is that Mayweather will now have a new collection of reasons not to face the speedy Filipino and a fresh list to begin the Mayweather / Margarito chronicles.

Mayweather may finally fight Margarito now but it will only add to the myth that Mayweather has always hand picked his opponents finally facing them when he sees himself with a significant edge.

With Pacquiao guaranteed around 15 million the “Pac Man” is putting an end to all the rumors of being distracted during training as trainer Freddie Roach who has admitted the “Pac Man” is now only about 90% ready will refine the seven time world champion moving the camp to LA at his renown Wild Card Boxing Gym. The high profile gym will be on lock down while “The Pac Man” puts the final edge on his training sparring with the likes of Michael Medina, Glen Tapia, Amir Khan who prepares for his December 11^th fight bout with interim challenger Marcos Maidana and Vanes Martirosyans who openly stated he has his eyes on the $1,000 bonus Roach will pay to any sparring partner that floors the Philippine star.

Pacquiao’s training is expected to move to Texas around November 8^th a week before his November 13th showdown with “The Tijuana Tornado” Antonio Margarito at Cowboy Stadium.

Margarito getting the biggest payday of his career a reported 3 million dollars guaranteed is said to be a in the best shape of his and totally focused on his shot at redemption.

Pacquiao speed will be the difference and Margarito should join the list of “Pac Man “ victims with the only question being when will the opponent be just too big.

The November 13th Manny Pacquiao / Antonio Margarito WBC Jr. Middleweight Championship presented by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, in association with Cowboys Stadium and MP Promotions will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Tickets are priced at $700, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50 and can be purchased at the Cowboys Stadium ticket office, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more boxing go to www.StrictlyBusinessBoxing.com

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Katherine Heigl Takes A Break From Acting To Practice Her Craft

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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Saints RB Bush misses practice, unlikely to play

Saints RB Reggie Bush did not practice Wednesday after being cleared to do so earlier in the week.

Bush fractured his right leg in Week Two and has not played since. He planned to test the leg at full speed on Wednesday.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported that it is highly unlikely for Bush to return for this Sunday's game against the Steelers.

The way we see it

Bush was optimistic he could go on Sunday, so it seems that he underestimated the severity of his injury. Starting RB Pierre Thomas has been out with an ankle injury and undrafted rookie Chris Ivory has gotten the bulk of the work the past couple weeks, but the Saints have a 2-3 record since Bush's injury after starting the season 2-0.

Fantasy Spin

Even if Bush can play Sunday, which is looking bleak at this point, he wouldn't be a good play going against the Steelers' rugged defense. With Bush out, you can count on Ivory continuing to get the bulk of the carries, but production will be an issue against Pittsburgh.

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50 Most Ridiculous In-Your-Face Dunks of All Time

The dunk: A beautiful expression of explosiveness, power, coordination, creativity and grace. The dunk is awe-inspiring, "oh my god" inducing, earth shattering, everlasting. It is both primal and sophisticated, not to mention so incredibly cool.

One dunk is all it takes to make its practitioner a hero, a legend, a god. One dunk can signify arrival, vindication or apotheosis. It can raise the roof, bring down the house, ignite the crowd and even transcend the game.

It's no coincidence that dunking is described by so many euphemisms; it is among our culture's most compelling actions. Players spend entire careers trying to posterize each other. The first time I threw down may have been the proudest moment of my life.

Now, it's time to serve you up some facials. So here they are, the 50 most ridiculous in-your-face dunks of all time.

Before we start, though, some criteria:

1. Each dunk must be on, through, or over somebody. No flashy dunk contest slams in open space.

2. The defender matters. Anyone could dunk on my little sister in the driveway. But few have successfully dunked on the greatest shot-blockers of all time.

3. Size matters. A little guy dunking over a big guy is always more impressive than the opposite.

4. The post-dunk reaction counts. Extra points for leaving defenders sprawled on the floor in pain or embarrassment.

5. When the dunk happened is irrelevant. We're not talking clutch or important dunks here, just dunks that inspire sour-milk face in all who watch.

Begin Slideshow

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Audrina Patridge Lands New Reality Show With Mark Burnett

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Joe Girardi Did Very Little to Help Overmatched New York Yankees in ALCS

In the end, the Rangers were simply better than the Yankees in every facet of the game.

During the six games of the American League Championship Series, Texas outscored New York, 38-19, outhit the Bombers, .304 to .201, and outpitched them, 3.06 to 6.58 in the ERA category.

The Yanks were also outmanaged.

New York was the highest-scoring team in baseball this year and had the third-most home runs, but Joe Girardi's resistance to using small ball sent the Bombers into offensive droughts when the homers stopped coming.

The Yankees ranked just eighth in the American League in steals and sac flies and 11th in sacrifice hits.

The downfall of station-to-station baseball was never more evident than in the ALCS, when the Rangers stole nine bases and laid down three sacrifice bunts, while the Yanks stole only two bags and had just one sac bunt.

But Girardi's biggest blunder came when he pulled Phil Hughes during the fifth inning of Game 6. The right-hander had just surrendered a two-run double to Vladimir Guerrero, but he was still pitching well.

At the time he was taken out, Hughes had allowed three runs on four hits and two unintentional walks with three strikeouts over 4.2 frames.

He had thrown only 83 pitches and retired 12 of the previous 18 batters he had faced, with two of those six men reaching via intentional walks.

This was a complete panic move by Girardi, who bought into the myth that you have to immediately pull your starter at the first sign of trouble in an elimination game.

So with the season on the line and 16 outs for the bullpen to get, did the manager go to Mariano Rivera (who he had been saving all series allegedly for this very spot) or Kerry Wood or even CC Sabathia? No, he went to David Robertson, who yielded five runs in one-third of an inning in Game 3.

Girardi brought the right-hander in to face Nelson Cruz, who smacked a two-run single off Robertson in Game 3, and the outfielder quickly put Game 6 on ice with a 425-foot two-run blast.

What's even more confounding is that the skipper brought in Wood to pitch the sixth. If Wood is allowed to pitch as early as the sixth and he's been better than Robertson over the prior two months, why not bring in Wood in the fifth?

Because that's not allowed.

Managers must follow a strict regimen that dictates that you have to bring in your middle reliever first, then your setup man, and then your closer, even if your season is on the line in the fifth inning, not the ninth.

This is why, despite Girardi's bonehead decision, I'm not calling for his head. Because, after all, who would replace him?

Joe Torre made the same mistakes, so I was excited when Girardi, a small ball manager with the Marlins, came over to replace him. But the new Joe fell into the same patterns as the old one.

There are only a few managers in baseball these days that have the guts to think outside the box, and since Joe Maddon, Mike Scioscia and Ozzie Guillen are all currently employed, the Yankees can't really do anything but bring Girardi back. After all, he did help lead the team to a World Series title last year.

You just have to hope he learns from his mistakes.

Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison. Jordan Schwartz is one of Bleacher Report's New York Yankees and College Basketball Featured Columnists. His book Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and authorhouse.com. Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com

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Heat Will Stick It to Foes, Haters

Filed under: Heat

In a recent poll of 302 million Americans, the Miami Heat were rated as less popular than bed bugs dressed as Nancy Pelosi. So if likability mattered, Miami would go winless this season.

Sadly for Heat haters, your desire to see an alligator eat LeBron James is largely pointless. Oh, it may give you fleeting moments of joy as Miami loses two or three games between now and Memorial Day. But when this season ends, coach Dick Cheney's team will rule the NBA.

What's that, Erik Spoelstra is Miami's coach? Sorry, but it's just hard to keep up with all the bile Miami has released. According to USA Today, they rank among the 1.5 percent of most arrogant brands in the world.

That's not just sports teams. That's everything from athletes to companies to South American dictators.

The Other Side

LeBron moved to lessen the weight of the basketball world on his shoulders, but, like Atlas, he may find out that shifting the position of the globe doesn't much alter the weight that he must bear..
-- Clay Travis on why the Miami Heat will not win the championship this year The only sports brands viewed as more arrogant are the Yankees and Tiger Woods, according to a survey of 16,000 consumers by BrandAsset Consulting. Heat fans can take comfort in knowing their team still rates ahead of Halliburton, Harvard and France.

France?

"People are afraid of them and don't think of them as a friendly team," said Anne Rivers, senior vice president at BrandAsset.

Friendly team? When was the last one of those to win a title?

Miami's not out to make friends. If anything, the bashing is just going to fuel its little crusade to conquer the world.

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Childress fined for comments on officiating

Vikings head coach Brad Childress has done a lot of talking this week about his quarterback's play and the Patriots stealing signals, but those are not the comments the NFL is most concerned about.

The league fined Childress $35,000 on Tuesday for violating NFL policies that prohibit public criticism of officiating. Childress called Sunday's loss to the Packers "the worst-officiated game I've seen," most upset with a TD catch by Visanthe Shiancoe that was reversed.

Childress also disclosed confidential conversations with the head of the NFL officials, which is a no-no. He told the Vikings media on Monday that Carl Johnson said the Shiancoe call was a mistake by the referee.

The NFL wrote in an e-mail that Childress was made aware of the fine by NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson.

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