Jackson still predicting division title
Coach Hue Jackson isn't retreating from his training camp mandates of playing for a division title, the playoffs and the Super Bowl.He even upped the ante the day after the Raiders' 31-19 loss to the Patriots.We're not backing down from what the expectation here is by no stretch of the imagination, Jackson said. We're going to win the AFC West. We're going to do everything we can to get in the playoffs and go challenge for a Super Bowl.Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly wants to do whatever it takes for Jackson to be right.I like Hue and the way he runs the show, Kelly said. I just don't want to disappoint him. You know what I mean?How does Kelly deal with expectations of perfection from the head coach?He goes straight to the point. He tells us how we messed up, Kelly said. You really don't want to get on his bad side. You try to keep him as happy as possible. You can't keep him happy 100 percent, but if I can keep him happy 80 to 85 percent, I'm good.Middle linebacker Rolando McClain is second on the Raiders in tackles but has fared poorly in the two games. Buffalo and New England averaged more than 7 yards per carry.Former Raiders linebacker Bill Romanwoski, in his role as an analyst on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, implored McClain to make a play and wondered why he seemed invisible.McClain, talking about the Raiders' defensive problems, said, If I knew what was wrong I'd fix it. Obviously, I don't.As for his demeanor, which shows little in the way of outward emotion, McClain said he has always been that way.I have to be composed at all times so I never get too high or too low, McClain said. I'm the quarterback of the defense and they all look at me, so if I'm rattled, then they'll be rattled, too.Jacoby Ford can feel the big one coming. His hamstring is healed, but he concedes he still wasn't able to turn it completely loose against New England, although he burst 30 yards with a reverse and was brought down at the 6-yard line.I probably could have had another extra burst, but I didn't hit it all the way, Ford said. I didn't feel anything either way, so that was a positive. I'm just going to take this week and keep doing my rehab and practicing well until I'm 100 percent.Ford did feel well enough to field a kickoff 9 yards deep in the end zone and bring it out, returning it 27 yards to the 18-yard line.They gave me the green light. I almost split it, but it was close, Ford said. It felt good to get back there, though. I've got a lot of work to do.Ford set the Raiders franchise record with three kickoff returns for touchdowns as a rookie. He has been also been practicing punt returns in practice along with rookie Denarius Moore.BY THE NUMBERS 105.4 Jason Campbell's passer rating in his last five starts on the road. He has completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 1,024 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. The lone interception was a Hail Mary pass into the end zone against Buffalo in Week 2 that nearly caught for a touchdown by Denarius Moore.QUOTE TO NOTE For me, personally? The best start we've had in eight years. There's a lot we need to improve on. We could be 0-4. And I've been 0-4. Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, surmising that things could be a lot worse than being 2-2.Copyright C 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShareAuthentic Johnny Knox Jersey, Nate Solder Jersey Outlet, Ryan Fitzpatrick Replica Jersey, Tony Romo Replica Jersey, Tony Romo Premier Jersey, Replica Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey, Tony Romo Jersey Replica, Johnny Knox Replica Jersey, Johnny Knox Premier Jersey, Authentic Tony Romo Jersey, Tony Romo Jersey Premier, Ryan Fitzpatrick Premier Jersey, Johnny Knox Jersey Authentic, Johnny Knox Jersey Replica, Premier Tony Romo Jersey, Nate Solder Jersey Free shipping, Johnny Knox Authentic Jersey, Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey Premier, Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey Authentic, cheap Nate Solder Jersey, Premier Johnny Knox Jersey, Johnny Knox Jersey Premier, Tony Romo Jersey Authentic, Nate Solder Jersey On sale, Authentic Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey, Ryan Fitzpatrick Authentic Jersey, Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey Replica, Replica Tony Romo Jersey, Replica Johnny Knox Jersey, Tony Romo Authentic Jersey, Premier Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey
Vikings enjoying unique continuity in kicking game
Eds: With AP Photos.By DAVE CAMPBELLAP Sports WriterEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. AP - Chris Kluwe is on Minnesota's injury report this week because of a strained right hamstring, a twinge he felt running up the field after his first punt of the game last week.Kluwe said Thursday his leg feels fine and that he should have no problem playing Sunday against Arizona. But Kluwe has not kicked yet this week in practice, and Vikings coach Leslie Frazier acknowledged his absence would be a concern if he can't punt Friday.Bringing in free agents for tryouts is a near-weekly ritual during the regular season for NFL teams, but the Vikings were at least moved enough to invite former Detroit punter Nick Harris to show off his leg, one option in case Kluwe for some reason is deemed unusable."We're taking the amputation off the table for right now," Kluwe quipped before practice Thursday.Kluwe said he feels discomfort actually on the outside of his leg, not in the middle of the hamstring muscle, so it doesn't affect his kicking motion."It's football, not tiddlywinks, so I'll play through it," Kluwe said.The mere mention of a punter's status for a game being in question is unusual, particularly for Minnesota, where specialist stability has been a rather underrated plus.Since kicker Ryan Longwell signed with the team before the 2006 season, Kluwe, Longwell and long snapper Cullen Loeffler have taken part in every game together. According to STATS LLC, that's the longest tenure of any such trio in the league. The next group is punter Shane Lechler, kicker Sebastian Janikowski and long snapper Jon Condo, who've been with the Oakland Raiders since 2007.The Vikings 0-4 have a lot of issues on both sides of the ball this year, but special teams at least aren't a problem. The kick coverage units have been mostly effective, Marcus Sherels has shown some flash returning punts and Percy Harvin has a kickoff return for a touchdown.Longwell has not missed a kick. Kluwe is 10th in the league with a 46.7-yard average per punt. Loeffler hasn't had any bad snaps."When you've been through the pressure kicks and those situations when you know how each other is going to react, that's huge in a league where games come down to kicks a lot," Longwell said.Kluwe is just as critical to the Vikings as a holder, and the sync that Loeffler, Kluwe and Longwell have found together is a direct cause of this special-teams success."I think when guys see the field goal team going out they feel good about the three of us and our chances of putting it through," Longwell said.The timing from snap to hold to kick is critical, and the trust the three of them have in each other is also important."There have been times when one of us may not have been on point and because of our continuity we've been able to correct it," Loeffler said. "We can make up for it because we've seen it before, we've dealt with it before and we're able to adjust. It's been a good group and we all get along really well and have been fortunate to have a lot of success."-Follow Dave Campbell on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DaveCampbellAP Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use ordistribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and TheAssociated Press is strictly prohibited. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShareJerod Mayo Jersey Outlet, Jairus Byrd Replica Jersey, Jairus Byrd Jersey Authentic, Jerod Mayo Jersey Free shipping, Authentic Kenny Phillips Jersey, Jairus Byrd Premier Jersey, Jairus Byrd Jersey Replica, Premier Jairus Byrd Jersey, Kenny Phillips Replica Jersey, Authentic Jairus Byrd Jersey, Jonathan Vilma Jersey Authentic, Jairus Byrd Jersey Premier, Authentic Jonathan Vilma Jersey, Jonathan Vilma Jersey Replica, Jonathan Vilma Authentic Jersey, Jonathan Vilma Jersey Premier, Jonathan Vilma Replica Jersey, Jairus Byrd Authentic Jersey, Kenny Phillips Jersey Premier, Kenny Phillips Jersey Replica, Jerod Mayo Jersey On sale, Kenny Phillips Jersey Authentic, Jonathan Vilma Premier Jersey, Premier Jonathan Vilma Jersey, Replica Jairus Byrd Jersey, Premier Kenny Phillips Jersey, Kenny Phillips Authentic Jersey, cheap Jerod Mayo Jersey, Replica Jonathan Vilma Jersey, Replica Kenny Phillips Jersey, Kenny Phillips Premier Jersey
Fitzpatrick, Bills still apart in contract talks
By Len Pasquarelli It's been nearly a month since media reports that the Buffalo Bills had entered into early negotiations with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on a possible contract extension. There's no deal yet, and it appears that the two sides still have considerable work to do to consummate an add-on to the contract. "We're talking, and I think that we are all hopeful, and there's mutual interest ... but we're certainly not close to anything yet," agent Jimmy Sexton told The Sports Xchange this week. "I wouldn't say we're not getting anywhere, but it's slow right now." The 28-year-old Fitzpatrick, who is coming off a career season in 2010, is in the final year of the three-year, 6.9 million contract he signed with the Bills as a free agent in 2009. The seventh-year veteran, arguably the least-known 3,000-yard passer in the league last season, will earn a base salary of 3.195 million for 2011. That might seem like a lot of money for a guy who began his career in St. Louis as a fairly forgettable seventh-round draft pick from Harvard in 2005, and who probably is viewed by some as a journeyman, but there aren't many starters in the NFL cashing as little. And there aren't many starting quarterbacks who ever make it to unrestricted free agency, either, so Fitzpatrick would be a rarity if he didn't finish an extension and went on the market. Given the dearth of quality starters in the league, and the ascending regard in which the self-deprecating Fitzpatrick is held, he'll also be in demand. The Bills, who didn't take a quarterback in the draft this year, as some assumed they would, really don't have a fallback guy for the future, so it's critical that they get a deal with Fitzpatrick, who definitely has flourished under coach Chan Gailey.Copyright C 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShare
Campbell benefitting from Raiders' power approach
By Len Pasquarelli One quarterback who hasn't yet fallen into the sack trap, somewhat surprisingly to some, is Oakland's Jason Campbell, who has been dumped only two times in four outings. That's tied with Fitzpatrick for the fewest in the league. In his four previous seasons, Campbell was sacked an average of 33.8 times, and has been criticized even privately by some opposing defensive coordinators for lacking awareness and being a statue in the pocket. But the Raiders have done what few teams in the league have been able to accomplish - run the ball effectively - and the line play has been much better than expected. Darren McFadden leads the NFL in rushing yards for a Raiders attack that also ranks No. 1 in the league in rushing, and Oakland has the NFL's second most attempts. As a result, Campbell has registered only 121 pass attempts, and just five starters who have played all five games, have fewer. "When you can run the ball like we have," Campbell told The Sports Xchange, "you don't feel like a sitting duck back there. You're the one who is kind of dictating to the defense, and you can do a lot of things." There is a tinge of irony, some might suggest, to the Raiders' emergence as a power team. The perception in some quarters of the league was that when Hue Jackson succeeded Tom Cable as head coach, the new guy, whose expertise is as a receivers coach and offensive coordinator, would want to throw the ball all over the field. But Jackson, from Day 1, has talked about implementing a more physical game, and so far, the Raiders have practiced what he's preached.Copyright C 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShareTyron Smith Jersey Premier, Julius Peppers Replica Jersey, Tyron Smith Jersey Authentic, cheap Danny Woodhead Jersey, cheap Deion Branch Jersey, Julius Peppers Jersey Replica, Devin McCourty Jersey Free shipping, Julius Peppers Jersey Premier, Danny Woodhead Jersey Outlet, Replica Julius Peppers Jersey, Tyron Smith Authentic Jersey, Tyron Smith Premier Jersey, Danny Woodhead Jersey Free shipping, Julius Peppers Premier Jersey, Replica Tyron Smith Jersey, Tyron Smith Replica Jersey, McCourty Jersey Outlet, Authentic Julius Peppers Jersey, Julius Peppers Jersey Authentic, Deion Branch Jersey Free shipping, Deion Branch Jersey On sale, Premier Tyron Smith Jersey, Danny Woodhead Jersey On sale, Tyron Smith Jersey Replica, Authentic Tyron Smith Jersey, Devin McCourty Jersey On sale, Julius Peppers Authentic Jersey, Devin McCourty Jersey Outlet, Deion Branch Jersey Outlet, Premier Julius Peppers Jersey
Texans WR Johnson expects to miss a couple weeks
HOUSTON AP - Texans star receiver Andre Johnson expects to be out a couple of weeks after a minor procedure to repair a right hamstring injury.Johnson said he is scheduled to get the stitches from two incisions removed early next week."I wish I could go out there and try to run around today to see how it feels," he said Friday. "But I have to just wait until I get the stitches out and then I'll go all out."The five-time Pro Bowl selection says he has felt great since Tuesday's procedure and is confident he will be back soon. He described himself as a fast healer."I haven't felt any pain with any of the exercises I've been doing ... so I'm pretty pumped," he said. "I've been bending my leg and everything. The only thing that really bothers me a little bit is where I have the stitches. So I think once I can get those out and the cuts close up I'll be fine."The Texans 3-1 host Oakland 2-2 on Sunday and then play at Baltimore on Oct. 16.Johnson was injured Sunday in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He recounted his thoughts when he was hurt after catching a pass in the second quarter without being touched."I was scared," he said. "I really couldn't explain what it was, I just felt pain. You see I was grabbing my leg when I was on the ground."Johnson isn't walking with any sort of a limp, a fact that has caused several coaches to comment on the "pep in his step" this week. He said an old injury led to a "pretty big lump" of scar tissue that had been causing pain behind his knee off and on for some time."I had a lot of scarring around my tendon and that was the irritation that everything was coming from, so they had to go in and clean it up," he said.Johnson has 25 catches for 352 yards this season to lead the team. Jacoby Jones will fill in for Johnson this week and the Texans can also go to tight end Owen Daniels, who has 14 receptions for 182 yards and three scores."We're being challenged right now from a numbers standpoint as a football team," coach Gary Kubiak said. "That's what this league is about - trying to find a way each week to regroup and put your best group on the field to win another game. We've got to pass the test."Johnson hates sitting out when the Texans are playing so well. But he believes the team is better equipped to deal with his absence than in the past when he was injured."The whole attitude of the team is totally different than it used to be," he said. "Of course you don't want to lose anybody, but at the same time we know what's at stake for the team. Guys are going to go out and get the job done." Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use ordistribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and TheAssociated Press is strictly prohibited. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShare
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. AP - Buffalo Bills starting linebacker Chris Kelsay's calf injury will keep him out of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles 1-3, and it could keep him sidelined for an extended period of time.Kelsay was injured during Thursday's practice, and coach Chan Gailey said Friday Kelsay would be "out for a little while."Starting cornerback Terrence McGee hamstring is expected to play after missing the past three games. His return would bolster a depleted Bills defensive backfield against an Eagles explosive offense led by quarterback Michael Vick.Rookie cornerback Aaron Williams will miss his second straight game because of a chest injury for the Bills 3-1. Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use ordistribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and TheAssociated Press is strictly prohibited. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShareDanny Woodhead Jersey On sale, Brian Urlacher Authentic Jersey, Chris Ivory Jersey Authentic, Premier Chris Ivory Jersey, Danny Woodhead Jersey Outlet, DeMarcus Ware Jersey Replica, Authentic Darren McFadden Jersey, cheap Danny Woodhead Jersey, DeMarcus Ware Jersey Premier, cheap Danny Woodhead Jersey, DeMarcus Ware Jersey Blue, Darren McFadden Premier Jersey, Darren McFadden Replica Jersey, Authentic Brian Urlacher Jersey, Darren McFadden Jersey Premier, Darren McFadden Jersey Replica, Brian Urlacher Jersey Authentic, Authentic Brian Urlacher Jersey, Replica Darren McFadden Jersey, Authentic Chris Ivory Jersey, Chris Ivory Jersey Premier, Danny Woodhead Jersey Free shipping, Brian Urlacher Authentic Jersey, Replica Chris Ivory Jersey, Brian Urlacher Jersey Authentic, DeMarcus Ware Jersey White, Premier Darren McFadden Jersey, Danny Woodhead Jersey Outlet, Danny Woodhead Jersey On sale, Chris Ivory Premier Jersey, Replica DeMarcus Ware Jersey, Danny Woodhead Jersey Free shipping
Titans' Stevens back at practice, questionable vs. Steelers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Tennessee Titans tight end Craig Stevens is questionable against Pittsburgh after being able to return to limited practice Friday. Stevens was receiving treatment on his injured ribs after practice, but said through a team spokesman he is feeling better and hopes to play Sunday against the Steelers. Coach Mike Munchak said it's a question of whether Stevens can tolerate the soreness. More on Tennessee TitansRelated linksBenoit: Film Room preview of Titans-SteelersSunday: Titans at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)Titans: RapidReports | News, notes, scheduleNFL coverage on the goOn iTunes | Subscribe to newsletter Fullback Ahmard Hall was excused from Friday's practice after returning from a four-game suspension. That apparently will not affect the Titans' plans to activate him for Sunday's game. Fullback Quinn Johnson, acquired Sept. 3 in a trade from Green Bay, was released Friday afternoon to free up a roster spot for Hall. Receiver Kenny Britt, who is on injured reserve, had surgery Friday to repair the torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. Britt tweeted a photo of himself dressed in a hospital gown ready for surgery and wrote, "Greetings from surgery tweeps:." Safety Michael Griffin returned to practice after missing Thursday with an illness. Griffin says he lost nine pounds due to the virus. Receiver Marc Mariani hip and linebacker Gerald McRath left knee are probable after a full practice Friday. Starting left guard Leroy Harris left ankle was added to the injury report, but he practiced fully and is probable. Safety Chris Hope is out recovering from a broken left forearm. Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use ordistribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and TheAssociated Press is strictly prohibited. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShare NEW YORK AP - Baltimore All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been fined 15,000 for lowering his helmet into the back of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.Ngata was one of four players fined that amount by NFL on Friday for rough hits.Washington linebackers Rob Jackson and Perry Riley were disciplined for their play in Sunday's against St. Louis. Jackson was fined for driving Rams quarterback Sam Bradford to the ground. Perry was docked for striking a defenseless player fielding a punt.Also, Oakland defensive lineman Richard Seymour has been fined 7,500 for each of two hits. The first was for unnecessarily driving New England quarterback Tom Brady to the ground, and the second for a facemask penalty against running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use ordistribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and TheAssociated Press is strictly prohibited. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumbleUponGoogle BuzzYahoo!DiggDeliciousShare FOXBOROUGH, Mass. AP - The New England Patriots released running back Eric Kettani from their practice squad Friday after he was ordered back to duty with the Navy.Kettani said in a tweet Friday that he had arrived at the USS Klakring, a frigate which is in Jacksonville, Fla."Just reported on the USS Klakring and thank you everyone for your encouraging thoughts and support," the tweet said.The Patriots had signed Kettani, who played fullback at Navy, on May 4, 2009, and placed him on the reserve/military list July 23, 2009. He was activated from that list July 28, released after training camp and signed to the practice squad.Kettani is appealing the decision by the Navy.By releasing him rather than putting him back on the reserve list "we have the option to bring him back if other things get worked out," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday. "Once he's on reserve, then he's out for the year."The Patriots filled the practice squad vacancy with defensive back Josh Victorian, who had been released Wednesday. Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use ordistribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and TheAssociated Press is strictly prohibited. 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Gov't watchdog: No merit to Cuban's claims vs. SEC
WASHINGTON -- A watchdog report says Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has no grounds to claim that Securities and Exchange Commission attorneys engaged in misconduct in an insider trading case against him. The SEC's inspector general's office says in a report issued Friday there wasn't enough evidence to support Cuban's claims. They include allegations that agency attorneys notified him of possible civil charges before their investigation was complete. The SEC filed charges against him in November 2008, accusing him of avoiding a 750,000 loss in 2004 by selling shares of Internet search company Mamma.com after receiving confidential information about a private stock offering. Cuban has fought the SEC charges and sued the commission in May 2009. Last September, a federal appeals court revived the SEC's lawsuit against the billionaire.
SEC watchdog finds no merit to Cuban's claims
WASHINGTON AP - A watchdog report says Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has no grounds to claim that Securities and Exchange Commission attorneys engaged in misconduct in an insider trading case against him.The SEC's inspector general's office says in a report issued Friday there wasn't enough evidence to support Cuban's claims. They include allegations that agency attorneys notified him of possible civil charges before their investigation was complete.The SEC filed charges against him in November 2008, accusing him of avoiding a 750,000 loss in 2004 by selling shares of Internet search company Mamma.com after receiving confidential information about a private stock offering.Cuban has fought the SEC charges and sued the commission in May 2009. Last September, a federal appeals court revived the SEC's lawsuit against the billionaire.
Players, owners arrive for crucial NBA meetings
NEW YORK AP - LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and other NBA players arrived for meetings with owners that could determine if the season starts on time.The sides will meet Friday and are prepared to talk through the weekend. Commissioner David Stern has said there must be progress toward a new labor deal this weekend or there will be "enormous consequences." The regular season is scheduled to begin Nov. 1.Owners locked out players on July 1 and the sides continue to spar over the division of revenues and salary cap system.Both sides have said they aren't close to a deal yet. They have been talking in small groups but summoned their full bargaining committees back for Friday's meeting.Union leadership was briefing the players, while owners met among themselves before the bargaining meeting later in the afternoon. It was unclear how long the star players, who are not part of the executive committee, would remain.The league has already postponed training camps that would have begun next week and canceled 43 preseason games scheduled for Oct. 9-15. NBA officials have said they will make decisions about the rest of the exhibition schedule as warranted.But already real games are in danger, given it could take about four weeks from an agreement being reached to being able to play. The collective bargaining agreement would have to be written and a condensed free agency period allowed to happen first.Coming off a strong 2010-11 season, the NBA is trying to avoid losing games to a work stoppage for only the second time. Owners, however, are seeking significant changes after saying they lost 300 million last season and lost hundreds of millions more in every other season of the previous CBA.Union head Billy Hunter has said players would sit out rather than accept the deal owners have proposed, which would slash salaries and reduce the lengths of contracts. But Stern has warned that offers will only get worse once games are missed.
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Kobe, Bologna working 'intensely' on deal
ROME -- Kobe Bryant's representatives and Virtus Bologna are "working very intensely" to bring the Los Angeles Lakers' star to Italy during the NBA lockout. Bologna President Claudio Sabatini had told the Associated Press on Friday he had reached a tentative deal with agent Rob Pelinka for a 10-game contract worth more than 3 million. Bologna president Claudio Sabatini on bringing in Kobe: 'I hope that very shortly we'll have a deal.'(AP) The Italian team and Bryant's management said in a joint statement Monday they are "working very intensely to try and create this important deal. Reaching such a complex deal requires both sides' maximum attention for every little detail." "Everyone wants a positive outcome to the deal, the goal of which is Kobe Bryant's presence in Italy, economic interests for the 17 clubs in Serie A and more attention for all of Italian basketball," the statement added. The deal, however, hinges on other clubs changing their schedules to ensure Bologna has five home games during Bryant's 10-game contract. Bologna also wants its opening five away games played in Italy's biggest arenas, and wants to avoid an early-season bye. Smaller clubs Cremona and Varese have been reluctant to alter their schedules, although the Italian league said Saturday it was intervening to help spur an agreement. "I hope that very shortly we'll have a deal," Sabatini told the ANSA news agency. "I want to thank Kobe, who demonstrated again overnight that he wants to return to Italy." Bologna would need to have the deal signed by the end of this week to register Bryant before its opening game with Roma on Sunday. "But even if he's available for the second game, that's not a problem for us," Sabatini said. "We're very confident, but we're waiting for news tonight." With Venezia recently added as a 17th team, the Italian league released its full schedule Monday. Although it could be changed again if Bryant signs with Bologna. After hosting Roma, Bologna visits Avellino the following weekend, then plays at Olimpia Milano, which recently signed Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari. In the following seven rounds, Bologna has home games with Cremona, Varese and Sassari; away games with Teramo, Montegranaro -- which is in talks with Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani -- and Biella; and a bye in the eighth week. Bryant lived in Italy between ages 6 and 13 while his father played in the country. He still speaks fluent Italian and has said it would be a "dream" to play in the country. In New York on Saturday, NBA owners and players failed to reach a new labor deal after about seven hours of talks focused mostly on the league's salary cap structure. The sides were meeting again Monday, though time is getting short to save the scheduled start of the regular season on Nov. 1.Detroit Lions John Abraham Jersey, Premier Donte Stallworth Jersey White, Jahvid Best Jersey Authentic, Premier Calvin Johnson Jersey White, Premier Calvin Johnson Jersey Black, Jahvid Best Authentic Jersey, Cleveland Browns Donte Stallworth Premier Jersey, Jahvid Best Jersey Premier, Authentic Blaine Gabbert Jersey White, Authentic Calvin Johnson Jersey White, Authentic John Abraham Jersey Red, Detroit Lions John Abraham Replica Jersey, Premier John Abraham Jersey Red, Detroit Lions John Abraham Premier Jersey, Jacksonville Jaguars Blaine Gabbert Authentic Jersey, Replica Calvin Johnson Jersey Black, Premier Calvin Johnson Jersey blue, Premier Jahvid Best Jersey, Authentic Jahvid Best Jersey, Jacksonville Jaguars Blaine Gabbert Jersey, Jacksonville Jaguars Blaine Gabbert Replica Jersey, Detroit Lions John Abraham Authentic Jersey, Replica Blaine Gabbert Jersey Green, Premier Blaine Gabbert Jersey Green, Cleveland Browns Donte Stallworth Authentic Jersey, Jahvid Best Premier Jersey, Replica Calvin Johnson Jersey White, John Abraham Jersey 55, Premier Blaine Gabbert Jersey White, Replica Calvin Johnson Jersey blue, Authentic John Abraham Jersey Black, Cleveland Browns Donte Stallworth Replica Jersey, wholesale chanel jewelry, Cleveland Browns Donte Stallworth Jersey, Reebok Donte Stallworth Jersey, Replica Donte Stallworth Jersey White, Premier John Abraham Jersey Black, Jacksonville Jaguars Blaine Gabbert Premier Jersey, Replica Blaine Gabbert Jersey White, Replica Donte Stallworth Jersey Orange, NFL Donte Stallworth Jersey, Premier Donte Stallworth Jersey Orange, Authentic Blaine Gabbert Jersey Green
Time to see what Tebow and Ponder can bring to the table
The first quarter of the NFL season is over and blaming the lockout for a poor start doesn't really hold water. NFL teams had four preseason games and four regular season games to get things right. This week, a few players who got big contracts finally lived up to the money. A few pleasant surprise teams made some adjustments to improve. There is panic in one state where football is very important and winning is a way of life. We also saw two of the dumbest plays of the year, and two teams that should be considering a change. Time for a change? Cam Newton looks fantastic as the new leader of the Panthers. Andy Dalton led the Bengals to a win over the undefeated Buffalo Bills. Blaine Gabbert is starting to show some promise under center for the Jaguars, and I wonder if it's time for a few other teams to think about a change at quarterback. The Vikings are 0-4 and maybe it's time to see Christian Ponder. He can't do any worse record-wise, especially since the Vikings just lost to the previously winless Chiefs. Ponder needs to acquire experience sometime, and the division race is starting to get away from Minnesota with Green Bay and Detroit undefeated. Meanwhile, I didn't think Tim Tebow was an option this season after visiting the Broncos this summer and seeing him really struggle in practice. But now I wonder if he should get some playing time. At the end of the third quarter of the Broncos' game Sunday against the Packers, the score was 42-17; it looked like the perfect time to send Tebow in for a quarter of work. Kyle Orton threw 10 passes in the fourth quarter, and it might have been interesting to see Tebow get those throws. Panic in Pennsylvania? There are mounting questions about the Eagles and Steelers. The Pennsylvania NFL teams lost this weekend with the Eagles now 1-3 and the Steelers 2-2. Both teams have issues keeping their quarterbacks upright because the offensive lines are shaky at best and this week was no exception. Both run defenses are porous. The Eagles are trying to play with inexperienced linebackers and gave up 164 yards on the ground while the experienced Steelers surrendered 180 yards on the ground. Last year after the first four games, the Steelers run defense had defended 95 run plays, giving up 249 yards at 2.6 per rush. This year through four games, the same defense has defended 98 runs, giving up 478 yards at 4.8 per run. Teams are not afraid to run at the Steelers. The Eagles spent a lot of money on the secondary but have given up 10 touchdown passes (tied for most in the NFL), which is the most alarming issue of all. Teams are not afraid to throw at the Eagles. There is time to fix these problems for both teams, but it really has to start now. The Steelers host the 3-1 Titans next week while the Eagles visit Buffalo. Finally, they deliver In the Week 4 previews, I targeted three running backs who received big contract boosts this year and had not delivered a thing in the first three weeks. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina), Chris Johnson (Tennessee) and Frank Gore (San Francisco) came into the weekend with a combined 307 yards rushing at 2.3 yards a carry and one touchdown in nine games. It was starting to look like the contracts were a mistake, but things look a whole lot better now. The three combined for 48 carries, 310 yards at 6.4 yards per carry and a touchdown. All three men are legitimate 1,000-yard runners now that they are back on track. Balanced offense Ironically, it was the Carolina-Chicago game last year that turned the Bears' offensive philosophy around when Mike Martz finally stopped attempting to throw the ball 70 percent of the time. Entering this weekend, Martz was back to the pass-happy ways that got him in trouble in early 2010, with a 28.5 percent to 71.5 percent run-pass ratio. Whether or not Lovie Smith ordered a more balanced offense, it happened -- and I wonder where the Bears would be if they were balanced all season. Chicago ran the ball 51 percent of the time for 224 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-29 win over Carolina. They came into the game with 161 yards and zero touchdowns on the ground in three games. Beyond the terrific run production, Jay Cutler was only sacked once after 14 sacks in the first three games. Trust me, the Bears' next opponent -- the Detroit Lions -- would much rather see a one-dimensional pass package from Chicago than a balanced offense. Didn't think they'd be outrun Mention the New England Patriots to any football fan and the conversation goes right to Tom Brady and the most prolific passing attack in the NFL. After four games, Brady is averaging 388 yards and three touchdown passes a game. Brady is on pace for 6,200 yards and 52 touchdowns. I know the Patriots really want to run the ball well, but I never thought they would outrush the Raiders this weekend. Teams playing the Raiders only averaged 21 run plays a game and passed it 48 times per game. Of course, when you think you have New England figured out they surprise you. The Pats (30 rushes for 183 yards and two TDs) outrushed the Raiders (27-160-1). New England still has problems with its defense, but now that the offense is multidimensional they will be giving their opponents far more problems all season long. Head-scratching plays, and one big regret Every week, there are plays that make me wonder what a player was thinking. Here are Week 4's "head-scratchers": Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones, on the last play of the game in a fourth-and-20 situation, steps out of bounds after a 7-yard catch. ... Eagles running back Ronnie Brown, on a second-quarter inside run play that was going nowhere, attempts to throw the ball, which turns into a fumble recovered by the 49ers. That play happened on the 49ers 1-yard line! As for the one regret, that also came from the 49ers-Eagles game. David Akers was the Eagles kicker for 12 years and was released after the team drafted Alex Henery last spring. Henery missed two field goals Sunday from less than 40 yards, while Akers kicked the game-winning extra point for San Francisco. 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Frustration sets in as Eagles' problems mount; Week 4 notes
Social activist Elliott Larsen once said, "Anger always comes from frustrated expectations." And every Eagles fan woke up angry Monday morning -- angry that their team gave up 21 unanswered points to lose to the 49ers; angry that their team is now 1-3 and in last place of the NFC East; and most of all angry that their team is not a "Dream Team." Even Michael Vick proclaimed when asked how he felt after the game, "I'm frustrated." In fairness to the Eagles, this whole dream team nonsense was placed on them by their backup quarterback, Vince Young, not a player who actually plays. But the nickname stuck, in part because it was embraced by the Eagles organization. Could you imagine a new player signing with the Patriots, then proclaiming them the dream team? He might get cut the next day. At 1-3, the Eagles are in trouble, obviously, but the good news for Eagles fans is it is still early. The Eagles have several problems, the first being their red zone offense and defense. The Eagles lost to the 49ers in part because they missed two field goals, but don't overlook the fact they were 2-for-7 in red-zone opportunities. Good teams score touchdowns once arriving in the red zone, but for the past two weeks, the Eagles cannot score from inside the five. They signed former Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown as their short-yardage, power back. But Brown has never been a power back during his entire career. Brown is like the basketball player who would rather settle for the jumper than drive to the rim. He is not a power player. He is an open-field player, which the Eagles seem to stockpile. The biggest offensive problem for the Eagles is Michael Vick not playing as consistently as he did when he first became the starter early last year. Now, I am not blaming Vick for all of the Eagles problems, but rather making a point that there is a difference between Vick in September of 2010 and Vick in September of 2011. I realize Vick is not getting the protection, taking too many hits and, as he has said, normally ending up on his butt once releasing the ball. However since the DeSean Jackson punt return game against the Giants last December, when the Eagles mounted a huge fourth-quarter comeback, the Birds are just 2-5. Vick is missing open receivers, his overall percentage of completions is down and when the Eagles don't make big plays down the field, their offense struggles to score touchdowns. Take away the deep ball or the big play, and the Eagles are not consistent in their execution on offense. And then there's the Eagles defense. When it was announced that Juan Castillo was moving from offensive line coach to defensive coordinator, there were shockwaves through the inner circle of the league. Most veteran defensive coaches I talked to looked with skepticism at the move. It wasn't because Castillo would not work hard or wouldn't know the blackboard jargon, but because football is a game of adjustments and making the right moves takes experience. And Castillo has none. The whole concept of Castillo's defense is to put pressure on the quarterback and force opponents into making mistakes, especially when they get behind. Yet in each loss this year, the Eagles had a fourth-quarter lead, some double-digits, only to see the opposition not make a mistake and the defense surrender the lead. Sunday, the Eagles allowed the 49ers offense to look like the 1999 Rams late in the game. For the first time this season, Alex Smith threw for more than 20O yards. Smith and Frank Gore dominated the game late, with the offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage, as the Niners never allowed the Eagles to get the ball back to mount a last-second comeback. The Eagles defense dominated the game early, but when adjustments were needed, Castillo fell short. Credit the 49ers for fighting, competing and making the right adjustments during the game. The Eagles spent a ton of money on man-to-man, press corner Nnamdi Asomugha, but they play a post-safety defense which means Asomugha plays more zone than man. In fact, if the opponent lines up in slot formation away from Asomugha, he becomes the free safety in the middle of the field. Not where Asomugha wants to be, or where he plays his best. The Eagles allow too many big plays in both the running game and pass. They struggle to close out games, which has to be alarming since they invested so much this offseason in securing corners and rushers. They have problems in all three areas of football, from personnel to coaching to scheme. And according to defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, the Eagles have attitude problems: "The things we are missing here is attitude. There is not that fire, not that mental toughness knowing that we will make it happen." The time is now for the Eagles to stop dreaming and start playing for four quarters. Things I loved I loved how the 49ers kept competing. Clearly, their team is taking on the personality of their highly competitive coach Jim Harbaugh, as my NFL Network colleague Albert Breer outlined last week. Harbaugh has done a wonderful job of giving his team the best chance to win. 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New England Patriots victory over Oakland Raiders masks lingering issues: Fan's take
The New England Patriots rode a balanced offensive attack to outpace the Oakland Raiders 31-19 on Sunday. The team received strong rushing performances from rookie Stevan Ridley(notes) and BenJarvus Green-Ellis(notes) who combined for 171 yards on 26 carries; taking pressure off Tom Brady(notes) to carry the offensive load for the leagues highest scoring team.The win represented the fourth straight game that the Patriots scored over 30 points this season. Including last season, the regular season streak of 30+ point games stands at 12. The more balanced attack did not detract from Bradys ability to connect with favorite wide receiver Wes Welker(notes) who caught nine of Bradys 16 passes for 178 yards. In the game Welker established a new NFL record for yards through the first four games of a season with 616. In spite of the victory, the Patriots defense still struggled, surrendering over 500 total yards; representing the fourth straight game the defense would surrender over 400 yards in a game. New England would be the beneficiary of early penalties and two Raider interceptions; with the turnovers more mistakes by Jason Campbell(notes) than quality defensive play. The first interception would prove to be at a critical time; occurring on an end zone pass late in the first half that was picked off by Patrick Chung(notes); stopping an Oakland scoring drive with the Raiders trailing by just four points.The Patriots pass rush would again struggle; unable to put pressure on Jason Campbell and failing to register a sack for the second straight game. For the season the Patriots have recorded just six sacks; with four occurring in a week one victory over the Miami Dolphins.With ample time to throw, Campbell was able to find tight end Kevin Boss(notes) early; connecting on two opening drive pass attempts for 35 yards, leading to a Raider field goal. An early New England lead helped keep the leagues top-ranked rushing game in check; as Campbell had to take to the air to keep pace with the Patriots. For the game, the Raiders passed for 344 yards compared to the 160 yards gained on the ground.The already injury-depleted Patriots defense would lose middle linebacker Jerrod Mayo and defensive tackle Kyle Love(notes) to injury on Sunday. The status of both players is still not known but both are likely to miss action next week. The news comes at a bad time for the Patriots as they continue to struggle to establish a defensive presence and continuity in the secondary as well as defensive line. New England entered play on Sunday with defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth(notes) and starting cornerback Leigh Bodden(notes) already out of action with injuries.The win draws New England into a first place tie with Buffalo in the AFC East as the Bills lost on a last-second field goal to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots must now turn their attention to next Sunday as the team hosts division rival New York Jets. The Jets enter play on the heels of two straight losses and will look to right the ship against a weakened Patriot defense.New England will need to find relative health and a solid defensive scheme to counter a Jets offense that has had difficulty establishing their running attack and becoming more pass-dependent in 2011. Coach Bill Belichick can do little to remedy the injuries already sustained and will need to establish schemes to win with the players at his disposal. Regardless of who is on the field, the intensity will be present as these two AFC powers clash.Scott Duhaime is a fan and follower of the New England Patriots for over 30 years, witnessing the teams ascent from league irrelevance to among the leagues elite franchises. His professional career includes a solid foundation of analytics that contributes to a better appreciation of player and team contributions.Sources: Yahoo! Sports New England Patriots Home PageYahoo! Sports Oakland Raiders Home PageYahoo! Sports NFL Box Score: New England Patriots 31 @ Oakland Raiders 19Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content. 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