30 Dec 10 NBA Clutch City—Population Five: Do Role Players Deserve to Live Here?

:ImagesA recent spirited discussion among my friends stemmed from this controversial statement: Robert Horry is a top five clutch player of all time. Two heavily debated sides, lack of compromising, and 10 personal attacks on fanhood later, we agreed to disagree on the definition of clutch.Clutch is an intangible, butterflies-in-the-stomach type of category. It all comes down to a feeling. Even on our weekend warrior basketball teams there are players you trust to have the ball in game deciding possessions.To me, there are few playersReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
that imbibe confidence more than Robert Horry. The list is short, and definitely sweet: Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant (modern era).To some, putting an average player in this list, above such greats as Reggie Miller, can be sacrilege.The two main schools of thought regarding clutch: with the game on the line, or during a game deciding possession the player you would want taking the shot . The other definition: player you would want during important moments that will help decide a game (not necessarily just the last shot/possessions).Given the two differing opinions, the clutch city list can be skewed greatly one way or another. For example, with the first definition Carmelo Anthony is well below Big Shot Bob, and in the second would be well above Horry. To clarify, CarmeloReebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
would take the shot when the 24 second clock is running down, shots during key possessions, and shots at ends of games. His body of work in these moments is much larger, simply given the fact that he is a far superior player, and as such is placed in more critical, pressure moments on a day to day, game to game level.I am with the first school of thought. Additionally, shots in playoff series receive a much higher clutchability barometer rating than regular season heroics. Given his opportunities, Robert Horry is the single biggest benefactor of Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
circumstance.He has six championship rings courtesy of excellent teams, balls batted out to him last second, and surprisingly wide open shots (Portland series ending three). However, he has proved time and time again that, given the opportunity, you can take his check to the bank.A "top 10 clutch moments" YouTube video, six championship rings, nine game winners, and countless clutch game changing shots later, Robert Horry battles it out with the best of best for being the ultimate 'ice in the veins' player.Sunil Top 5 1. Michael Jordan 2. Larry Bird 3. Kobe Bryant 4. Robert Horry 5. Reggie MillerWho would you want taking the final shot with a championship on the line?

29 Dec 10 The Lakers' Blasphemous Rallying Cry

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images In the coming days, the NBA playoffs will get under way and the Los Angeles Lakers will begin defending their title of World Champions. The team, initially thought to be a juggernaut and later disinterested, now has people thoroughly confused. The Lakers are, after all, the number one seed in a hypercompetitive Western Conference, but theyre backpedaling with an intensity not seen since Charles Barkley raced Dick Bevetta. There have been a variety of excuses made for the Lakers slide. Recipients of blame for the Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
recent string of losses include Kobe Bryant shooting slump, Andrew Bynum Achilles, an imploding bench, and a lack of motivation. The last charge is the most unsettling. Presumably, Kobe will find his form, Bynum will return, and the bench will be bolstered by the return of Lamar Odom who is starting in place of Bynum. However, there is no reason to believe that anything is about to change regarding the malaise infecting the Lakers locker room. What the Lakers lack is an identity. And they need to find one quickly. Just about every other playoff team has had a consistent rallying cry throughout the season and they can draw on that for motivation. In the east there the he might stay if we win Cavs and the now is our time Hawks. In the West there the, were not dead yet Spurs, the too young to know any better Thunder, and the we don need no stinkin bench centers meniscus Trailblazers.The Lakers used to be the win one for Kobe (without Shaq) crowd, but, mission accomplished, they never found a new reason for urgency. There is no excuse for this. They have had one sitting right in their locker room the entire season, and he seven feet tall.Blasphemy, noun, irreverent behavior toward anything held sacred, priceless. In this case, the Hall of Fame.If the Lakers repeat and retain their title of NBA Champions Pau Gasol is a hall of famer. If this sounds outrageous, please take a second to examine the following stat lines before throwing your computer monitor out the window. Through the Arizona Cardinals jersey
first nine years of their careers, Pau Gasol and James Worthy have nearly identical numbers, and remember, James Worthy is not your standard issue hall of famer. He was named to the NBA fiftieth anniversary team. Additionally, Worthy only played until he was thirty two so Pau, who has already signed contracts to play with the Lakers until he turns thirty three, should be able to crush him in terms of career totals if he can stay healthy.The non statistical credentials of each man are similar as well. In their first seasons, both made all rookie first teams with Pau being Rookie of the Year. James Worthy made seven All Star teams in his career, while Pau has only made three, but playing in the Memphis market undoubtedly hurt Pau in this respect. If All-NBA teams are looked at instead, the numbers come together. James Worthy received third team honors twice and Pau who already has one on the mantle, should match him in that category this season.Outside of the NBA, the two Lakers forwards again have received accolades which can be seen as equal. Worthy was a standout for the North Carolina Tar Heels whom he led to the National Championship in 1982. For his efforts, he was awarded the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Award. Gasol international achievements mirror Worthy collegiate career resume. In 2006, Pau brought his home country of Spain the FIBA World Championship. Keeping pace with Worthy, he was named tournament MVP. Additionally, Gasol earned a silver medal in the Beijing Olympics where Spain kept the United States on the ropes until the closing minutes.The one area where the two men are not comparable is championships. Worthy has three and a finals MVP, Gasol has one and none, respectively. Of Atlanta Falcons jersey
course championships aren all telling, but they are worth something, just ask KC Jones. If the Lakers do win this year, Pau will have two championships and I wouldn be surprised if he picked up the NBA Finals MVP to go along with them.MVP or not, Pau is going to Springfield if the Lakers raise another banner next fall. That statement may be shocking to some people and laughable to others, but the numbers don lie. If you are a Lakers fan this is the identity your team has been looking for. The slant rhymed get Pau to the hall Lakers would be a force to be reckoned with. If you are a fan of any of the other fifteen playoff teams pray. Pray that the blasphemy goes unnoticed.

28 Dec 10 Michigan's Fab Five and The Media

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images I don't really get too much into the NBA until this time of year, when the games getmore intense.As I was watching SportsCenter and TNT's coverage of the playoff, I started to think about how well the Fab Five has done after basketball when it comes to getting jobs in the media.We all know they were the center of media coverage during their Michigan recruitment, Final 4's, Time Outs and even the Ed Martin scandal. But most of the five have gone on to solid basketball careers off the floor.Let's take a quick Atlanta Falcons jersey
re-cap of what all the Fab Five members are doing these days.First off, Juwan Howard is still in the NBA, and playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.He is averaging 6.0 points and just over four boards a game.Howard is now 37-years-old and has had a15 year NBA career, which isvery impressive.Congratulations Howard, I hope you continue playing! Chris Webber also had a 15 year NBA career and has also seen some success off the court as well.He is a regular on TNT's studio coverage and also an analyst on NBA TV's Gametime live.As you may also recall, CWeb has a Charity called the TimeOut Foundation and has an impressive collection of African artifacts that he started collecting in 1994 when he joined the NBA. Jalen Rose had a 12 year career in the NBA and has becomea regular NBA analyst on ESPN's Sportscenter.I also learned during research for this post he also did a couple of stints as a sideline reporter for TNT as well . Rose is also the owner of Three Tier Entertainment, an independent, LA based management and production company. Created in 2007, Three Tier Entertainment is heavily involved in the development of television and film projects and also manages talent including directors, actors and screenplay writers. Many expect Jalen to get into coaching a some point and maybe even as an assistant coach for the Wolverines.Talk about a guy that could recruit and mostly in Metro- Detroit! Jimmy King was not as lucky as his Fab Five teammates during his NBA career. Baltimore Ravens jersey
King only played two NBA seasons with two teams the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets. He bounced around other professional leagues for a few years as well.King was the CBA MVP in 1998 and won a bronze medal representing the US in the 1998 FIBA World Championships.Even though King didn't have a high profile NBA career, he has also found away to make a few dollars in the media.King did Michigan Basketball games on the radio for the 2008-2009 season and also did a few Michigan Basketball games on The Big Ten Network last year. Ray Jackson is the final member of the Fab Five but henever made it to the NBA.He was cutin1995 by the New York Knicks, and a year later, cut by the Detroit Pistons.Jackson did play some professional basketball getting drafted in the third round of the CBA draft by the Grand Rapids Hoops.A highlight of Jackson's professional career was that he was named the CBA Rookie of the Year during the 1995-1996 season.During an interview with Yahoo Sports in 2007 Buffalo Bills jersey
Ray said , "It took me a long time to get over the fact that I was the only one that didn't make it to the NBA from the Fab Five, but I'm over it because I'm back home and I'm happy with what I'm doing with my life." Jackson lives in Austin, Texas and runs a moving company and youth non-profit organization called Rise Up.This article is also featured onThe BIG HOUSE Blog

27 Dec 10 Minnesota Timberwolves: Is Evan Turner Worth the Cost of Elton Brand?

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThis has been in my mind terribly over the last few days, as I haven't been able to write for the last few days amongst disgust over the NBA lottery, which once again cheated the Minnesota Timberwolves (and the New Jersey Nets whom I felt sorry for) out of their supposed lottery position.The Washington Wizards win the lottery, and the Philadelphia 76ers win the 2nd overall pick.While the Wizards will have a perfect fit with John Wall, the Washington Wizards will look like the most athletic team in the Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
NBA. With a core of John Wall, Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee, they have good pieces in place for their future. The Philadelphia 76ers would be adding Evan Turner, a versatile player that resembles Andre Igoudala.So far, the signs point to the 76ers wanting to trade down, and the Wolves are in perfect shape to do so. More than likely, the 76ers want to draft either Demarcus Cousins, or Wesley Johnson, two perfect fits for the 76ers.The Wolves want to trade up to the number two slot. To do so? They would have to more than likely take on Elton Brand, and his contract which will pay him 66 million dollars over the next 4 years.Wow.The question is, would the Wolves do this? This would totally take away any free agent opportunities that the Wolves could have this upcoming period, and would do the same following any other free agency periods.More than likely, this is a trade that the Wolves would have to make in order for this to transpire: To 76ers:No. 4 pickNo. 16 or No. 23 pickFill in player for cap space clearing/ young talent To Wolves:No. 2 pickElton BrandIn my opinion, the Elton Brand contract situation is a complete headache, but for the Wolves, they might have to look at it from another standpoint. Say the Wolves were to trade both their later 1st round Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
picks, European big Nikola Pekovic, Ryan Gomes and Ramon Sessions (or a combination of something else) without having to sacrifice their 4th overall pick, than the Wolves would possess No. 2 and No. 4, which they will use to draft Evan Turner and Favors/Cousins.The Wolves core, added with Rubio coming over the season after next, would be something to look twice upon. The Wolves core would then be much respected, have all-star potential, and could possibly compete for an NBA title within 5 years if the chemistry is great.Would taking on Elton Brand's contract be worth that? Is it worth the risk of say having a bust with both the lottery picks?If you look at it from a standpoint of money, than the Wolves probably won't do it. However, I think they will look at it as their future, and Evan Turner could be the start of it. The free agent possibilities for the Wolves signing a marquee player are very slim, and the Wolves need to explore every possibility to getting Evan Turner.So the final verdict?If the Wolves can nail Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
Evan Turner, and even Demarcus Cousins/Derrick Favors together, although the risk might be high, the payoff could be incredible. It isn't like Elton Brand can't play anymore (now I've really gone crazy). All jokes aside though, it will be very interesting to see what the Wolves do.I however think the Wolves need to nabb Turner regardless. His versatility and star potential could be well worth the money of Elton Brand's contract.

26 Dec 10 Michael Jordan Can Get Away With Things The Average Person Can't

Air Jordan can get away with things the rest of us can. He can bet millions of dollars on the golf course. He can talk his way onto a minor league baseball roster. He can claim nobody ever believed in him at his Hall of Fame induction speech.And on top of all that, he can pull off a Hitler moustache? Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
(click to see video of Jordan's stache)It seems Jordan learned something from Adam Morrison while he was scouting him at Gonzaga people who are good at basketball can pull off some pretty terrible moustaches. Either that or,as ESPN Bill Simmons speculates, he was thinking this:You may have given me crap after my Hall of Fame speech, but in case you forgot, Im still Michael Jordan. I won six titles and five MVPs. I paid my ex-wife one of the biggest divorce settlements in American history. I once left basketball at the peak of my powers to learn how to play another sport just for the hell of it. I am the most famous athlete alive, even right now, even though Ive been retired for eight years. I can have any woman I want, including yours. And if I want, I can grow a mustache that hasn been seen in 65 years, not since the most reviled political leader in modern history wore it. Why? Because I like it, because I don care and because Im Michael Jordan.My favourite part is that now if you look up a toothbrush moustache (apparently its actual name) on Wikipedia, under Notable people with a toothbrush moustache Jordan name appears.He listed right along such other current Hitler moustache-wearers as current Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, and former Ecuadorian President Abdal Bucaram, currently in political asylum in Panama while he flees corruption charges at home.Maybe His Airness should invite these guys to go golfing as a foursome.Yep. Michael Jordan can get away with things the rest of us or at least those of us not leading a war-torn or third-world country can.

25 Dec 10 Should The Denver Nuggets Consider Rebuilding?

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesIt may sound like a strange question for a team coming off a 53-win season, one of the premier small forwards in the land and a nucleus that has been together for several years.Do the Nuggets want to take the risk and end up like the Raptors orworse yet,like the Cavaliers?Think about it.If Carmelo Anthony opts to take his talents to the big apple or any other destination, the Nuggets would essentially be left with an over the hill point guard in Chauncey Billups a past his prime Power Forward signed long term, Al Harrington, and a nice solid New Orleans Saints jersey
starting center in Nene.It kind of sounds like the Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao trio left over in Cleveland.The situations are not really much different.Both cities are smallish markets, both Anthony and James have nearly a decade left of their prime, and both teams have experienced their history of losing seasons.The attachment of LeBron James to the state of Ohio is the personal difference maker here.From a Basketball standpoint; however, thekey difference, and this is probably why Denver should actually opt for a rebuild, is that the Nuggets stand further away from contention than Cleveland did last season.Should Denver start rebuilding?Should Denver start rebuilding?Yes59.7%No40.3%Total votes: 72The Lakers have actually improved with the additions of Steve Blake and Matt Barnes.Utah has at worst stayed on par with Raja Belland Al Jeffersonreplacing Wesley Matthewsand Carlos Boozer.Dallas should be better with last year's new faces enduring a full training camp.Oklahoma City, of course, will probablybuild on last season's successwith the progression of the new big three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green.The New Orleans Hornets and Portland Trailblazers both expect to be healthy and50 plus win teams when intact.So right off the bat, is Denver really that much better than a fourth seed out West?They have made one improvement, the signing of Al Harrington, but is that enough for them to get past the second round of the playoffs?It is actuallyriskier to keep Carmelo.Right now the team doesn't have enough assets to really accumulate enough talent for a title contending run anytime soon.By dealingMelo andcompany now, at least Denver can start a rebuilding process early, maximize their return on assets, and hope for contention later down the road.Even if they keep Anthony and he signs an extension, aren't the Nuggets looking more like a perrenial 1st to 2nd round loser in the playoffs than a true contender?So now the question is, what could Denver get in a Carmelo deal and of course help jumpstart the rebuilding process?First off, the plan shouldn't be just to deal Carmelo Anthony.The Nuggets would have to continue their rebuild by at least dealing Chauncey Billups along with Carmelo Anthony.The obvious reasoning for a Billups departure is his age (34), contract (13.15 Millionfor 2011), and likely diminishing talents.AlsoDenvercould pave the way for 2nd year guard Ty Lawson to blossom in a starting role.Obviously, we'll start a rebuilding plan with Carmelo of course.The one team that it would make most sense to deal Anthony to would be the Knicks.For nothing else, it would seem he'd likely sign an extension if he were to dealt thereand New York Giants jersey
New York does have some nice assets in Anthony Randolph, Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari as well as the expiring contract of Eddy Curry to potentially offer.The New Jersey Nets may also be in consideration for Carmelo Anthony, but it would seem doubtful that the team would take such a risk to acquire Anthony and lose one of their two major prospects: Derrick Favors or Brook Lopez in the process (considering that Anthony may debate on whether to sign an extensionin New Jerseyupon a trade).In the end, New York may seem confident that they will land Carmelo Anthony in the summer of 2011 free agency, but they thought the same thing about LeBron James.If Carmelo agrees to an extension prior to such a trade, the Knicks may accept a CarmeloAnthony for Anthony Randolph, Dallino Gallinari, and Eddy Curry deal.The next step is then finding a home for Mr. Billups.The obvioussuitors that come to mind are Portland andCharlotte.The Portland Trailblazers could potentially offer a slew of youth for Billups in the form of Rudy Fernandez, Jerryd Bayless the expiring contract of Joel Pryzbilla, and perhaps a 2011 1st round pick.Denver could even attach recently signed Al Harrington and veteran Anthony Carterintosuch amove and take back Andre Miller who has an uncertaindeal after next season (or probably better yet, Andre Miller could be swung to Indiana in a three-way deal where Jeff Foster andseveral future secondround picks come to Denver).The Charlotte Bobcats; meanwhile, may be able to package the non-guaranteed/instant savings contract of Eric Dampier, young point guard prospect DJ Augustin, and an unprotected 2011 first round pick.Of these suitors' potential packages though, the Portland route would look more attractive considering the overall youth and potential coming to Denver.Denver could then simply work out a buy out with veterans who would like to contend elsewhere like Kenyon Martin and Aaron Affalo(whoare expiring anyway) and could be left with the following lineup:PF Anthony Randolph/ Chris AndersonSF Danillo Gallinari/ Ronaldo BalkmanC Nene/ Jeff Foster/ Joel Pryzbilla/ Eddy CurrySG JR Smith/ Rudy FernandezPG Ty Lawson/ Jerryd BaylessThe team would likely be in the lottery, but would also have an additional first round pick and would be around $28 million under the cap.So should the Nuggets rebuild now?If they can get a lineup that resembles the above, definitely.This team would have loads of promise, cap New York Jets jersey
flexibility and multiple picks to be a promisingfranchise down the road.Even ifCarmeloseems unsure about leaving, the option would be wise to rebuild.Why hasn't Carmelo signed an extension this summer?Especiallywhen the new CBA agreement is approaching and he may risk losing out on a larger contract next off-season.Denver you have been warned.Carmelo'sactions (or lack thereof)are clearer speaking louder than words and Denver management should take notice.If the Nuggets don't rebuild now though, will Cleveland fans have enough Kleenex boxes to lend to the state of Colorado after Anthony declares his decision to go to New York on a 90-minute ESPN360 special?The better question: is it even worth the risk.

24 Dec 10 NBA Rumors: Blockbuster Trade Which Can Change NBA, Make the Blazers Champions

Imagine Nene and Melo in Portlands lineupBrian Bahr/Getty ImagesPortland is an up and coming team filled with talent, but needs more experience. They also need a guy who will get his points night in and night out. Roy will always be the leader of this team, but he cannot take on the offensive load all by himself. Aldridge is a solid 2nd option, but on a championship team he would be the 3rd option on offense.Denver is looking to go into rebuild mode. Carmelo is not happy with the team and does not feel like he is in the best position to win a Chicago Bears jersey
championship.See where I'm going with this?Carmelo going to the Blazers has been in the rumor mill for quite some time, but imagine a bigger trade than that. Imagine Nene being included in the talks, too.Now, listen, I know this may sound crazy, but numbers wise this trade can be pulled off.Melo is owed $17,149,243 this season, and Nene is owed $11,360,000. This is added up to $28,509,243.On the other side of the deal, Portland can offer some nice young pieces and expiring contracts.Portland can offer Marcus Camby, Rudy Fernandez, Joel Pryzbilla, Andre Miller, and the draft rights to Victor Claver. All of their contracts add up to $27,671,076. Their is a difference of roughly $1,000,000 dollars, which Portland's owner Paul Allen would more than likely be willing to pay due to the billions of dollars he swims in.This makes sense because Miller and Fernandez are better in a fast paced offense, Camby could return to the city he won a Defensive Player of the Year award in, Pryzbilla could back Camby up, and Claver is still in Spain.Portland would love adding Nene's and Melo's skill set to their team.Nene may be no Camby, but he is a solid defender, averaging around 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Nene can also score with his back to the basket, run the floor, and the shoot the midrange jump shot. Those match Portland's slow pace as they can run their offense through the post with Nene and Aldridge.Now for the main show, Carmelo Anthony.Melo's skill set is perfectly fit for Portland's Cincinnati Bengals jersey
offense. He can be a spot up shooter, can slash, get to the line, create his own shot, and can score in the post because of his strength. He's also a good rebounder for his position.The only thing I can see keeping this trade from happening is a personal problem on Melo's side.His wife doesn't want to live in a small market like Portland. She wants to see the big lights and glamor of New York. If this trade were to be pulled off, Melo might not resign with the team to please his wife. If Melo has the drive to win, he will not go to New York and will stay in Portland, if he is traded.He'll take stress off Roy and let him be more of a playmaker. Roy can move over to point to take over Miller's job, and Batum or Mathews can be plugged in at shooting guard, leaving Melo as the Small Forward, Aldridge as the Power Forward, and either Nene or Oden as the center. Scary lineup, right? I thought so.Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesMelo can spread the floor for Roy to go to work on the drive, and his own slashing can create opportunities for Portland's many shooters, including Roy, Aldridge, Mathews, Batum, Patrick Mills, and Luke Babbit.If Melo accepts the extension the Nuggets offered, Portland would be assured that he would stay there for a couple more yearsCleveland Browns jersey
.But if he accepts the offer, why would Denver trade him?That question I cannot answer right now, and if someone would like to put in the effort and write an article about that, I would be more than happy to read it as it could make for an interesting debate.For now, us Portland fans can keep this trade in our minds and hope GM Rich Cho can pull this off and show himself as the best GM in the league. LETS GO BLAZERS!

23 Dec 10Erick Dampier: Can He Replace Udonis Haslem for Miami Heat?

Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesESPN is reporting that the only thing delaying the Miami Heat's signing of Erick Dampier—to fill the gap left by the injured Udonis Haslem—is the staff deciding who to drop from their full 15-man roster.Haslem had emerged as one of Atlanta Falcons jersey
the most consistent players on a Heat roster that has been criticised for its lack of depth beyond their Big Three. It is unsure how long Haslem will be out after tearing a ligament in his foot against Memphis, though estimates have ranged from a minimum of six weeks to the possibility he may not return until the All-Star break in February.With Haslem sidelined, the Heat need a dominating force who can make up for his eight rebounds. Dampier could bring an on-court big man presence that Chris Bosh cannot offer.Dampier is not an All-Star, but the Heat have enough former All-Stars on their team to suffice. The centre spent six years playing for the Dallas Mavericks, before being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in July and subsequently waived in September.Dampier had already tried out for the Heat, who believed before the season that Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Jamaal Magloire could suffice at center. But after a disappointing beginning to the season and the loss of the team's primary rebounder in Haslem, Dampier looks like he may be able to bring something to the team.Dampier's has averaged 7.4 rebounds and 1.46 blocks per game throughout his career. He won't be much of a scoring presence, though the Heat don't need another high scorer. He is also a 14-year veteran and yet to win a ring, so he may want to finish his career on a high note, get better career statistics and try to get a title if he goes to Miami and plays hard, though this is pure speculation.Despite reports that Miami is Baltimore Ravens jersey
Dampier's first choice location, and that the team is interested in him, it is no forgone conclusion that he will end up there. Apparently, the Lakers have also made offers to the centre to replace the injured Andrew Bynum.Even when Udonis Haslem returns, Erick Dampier could be a very valuable player, as the veteran centre can not only put up reasonable numbers when necessary. However, Dampier can deal with dominating power players, which Miami has had difficulty with in recent games.

Will the Sonics be Super Through Expansion?

I write this article with the almost forgotten state of the now defunct Supersonics in mind. Oh, I know many remember there once was a team here that gave the city of Seattle its only championship (sorry, Storm), but I divulge from that thought.What I indulge upon is whether or not you, the Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
Seattle community/fans, could handle the city taking another franchise away the way the Sonics were taken from Seattle.Is it necessary that the Sonics must now be an organization that is rebooted through an expansion process? Does the team from Oklahoma City need to be ransacked back to the Pacific Northwest? My feelings are neither one of these options are going to bring a team back to Seattle.The real option: Taking the Grizzlies or Bucks from Memphis or Milwaukee.I don't agree with those choices, but in the past two years since the Sonics left, that has been signaled as the closest sign to basketball being brought back to Seattle. I, for one, do not support this avenue. The Bucks themselves have won a title and also have been around for over 40 years. If you don't count the Packers, since they are in Green Bay, that would be Milwaukee's only title out the door.Memphis' departure makes more sense, but I still don't agree with it. The Grizzlies began as the Vancouver Grizzlies, so they have experience being a Northwest ball club (before they made their trip in 2001 to play in Memphis). They are still a relatively new team at only 14 years old—the same length as Kevin Garnett's career.These are still established franchises, and taking them away would mean San Diego Chargers jersey
souring another fan base from getting the enjoyment that they deserve themselves.This is only one opinion by me, however, and I don't think Mike McGinn or Patty Murray are in any hurry to hear what I have to say.Hopefully, the devil who is David Stern will award Seattle a new franchise sooner rather than later and allow the youth of the Seattle area a new Sonic boom.

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade Turning Up Heat in Miami, but Is LeBron James Next?

The buzz and suspense over the current free-agent period has been endless. The amount of reports from "reliable" sources over the last week has driven fans insane, whether supporters of Miami, Cleveland, Chicago, New York or New Jersey.They say good things come to those who wait. For fans of Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
the Miami Heat in particular, these words must sound like absolute truth right about now.Breaking news reports from ESPN has announced that Dwyane Wade will in fact return to Miami, and Chris Bosh will join him.They plan to make the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, although it remains to be seen whether Bosh will sign with the Heat outright or be dealt in a sign-and-trade from Toronto.In the latter case the Raptors could receive anything from draft picks to promising third-year forward Michael Beasley.ESPN reported that talks between Bosh and the Raptors had been limited in recent days, with Toronto becoming frustrated with Bosh's lack of communication.In contrast the city of Miami will be ecstatic to hear that Wade will return. Fans will be able to breathe a collective sigh of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
relief after Wade's consecutive talks with the Chicago Bulls had locals questioning his loyalty to the city.The biggest question now, is whether LeBron James will follow suit and depart Cleveland in what has been called the biggest off-season in NBA history.While it remains to be seen whether James will join the pair in South Beach, the combination of Wade and Bosh will be lethal regardless.Yahoo Sports reports that Andre Miller may be a consolation target if James chooses to stay put in Cleveland.Other players the Heat have shown serious interest in Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
include Ray Allen, David Lee, Raymond Felton and Mike Miller.The biggest news to date in NBA free agency 2010 is great news for the Miami Heat and their supporters. Regardless of what happens from here, the Heat's off-season will no doubt be considered a success.

Jayson Werth and the Washington Nationals: A Match Made in Heaven

Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesWell, first off, I haven't seen any of the details of Jayson Werth's brand spanking new $127M deal with the Washington Nationals. And I'm not about to say anything about the demise of baseball after another deal that is likely to be seen as a disaster.In fact, I think there should be some kind of celebration! Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
After all, while most average fans like me rightly consider ourselves much smarter than whatever general manager represents our favorite club, a deal like this only confirms what we already knew. I don't know about you, but that's a GREAT feeling!Werth is going to be taking a lot of heat for this deal. Maybe not right away, but in 2012, when he's hitting .249 with one home run at the All Star break and Stephen Strasburg is 5-7 with a 1.53 ERA after losing his third straight 1-0 decision, there might be some Nats fans starting to get just a tad impatient.If Werth turns out to be a dud like his former mates Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell, the market for Phillie outfielders who become free agents just might dry up.We shouldn't be blaming Werth or even everybody's favorite agent Steve Boras for this. After all, nobody (as far as I know) was holding a gun to anybody's head.Really, the worst part of this deal is that the Nationals have not only tied their future to one player, but they have basically crippled their organization as far as making other improvements to the team. Barring disaster, in a few years they will have over $50 million a year invested in three players (Werth, Strasburg, and Bryce Harper) and will have to round out their roster by filling it out with a bunch of castoffs and misfits (I know that worked for Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
one team this year, but there's a reason the term "castoffs and misfits" doesn't describe most World Champions).Bottom line is, like the Rockies on the heels of their massive deal for Troy Tulowitzki, the Nationals will have very little flexibility in the next several years. Like our current World Champion San Francisco Giants, it might well take four to five years after their big mega deal expires before they can become competitive again

Arizona Diamondbacks Add Bullpen Help, Sign JJ Putz

Donald Miralle/Getty ImagesAccording to Tom Krasovic of AOL Fanhouse, it’s down to the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers on a minor league deal for Mark Prior.Like I wrote about Rich Harden, it appears the Yankees would like to sign some low risk, high reward types in case Andy Pettitte doesn’t sign. That way they can have some guys with big potential battle it out with the rookies including Ivan Nova for the fifth starter spot.Prior was once the top young starter in baseball, but he has made Carl Pavano look like Lou Gehrig. Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
He hasn’t pitched since 2006. His last and only full season in the majors was in 2003.Prior was actually drafted by the Yankees as the 43rd overall pick in the 1998 draft, but he didn’t sign. Instead he went to the University of Southern California and was eventually drafted by the Cubs second overall after Joe Mauer in the 2001 draft.I actually read a really good story last year about Prior and his struggle to stay in baseball. I’ll have to dig to find it so I’m only going to look it up if he does indeed sign. If any readers know what I’m talking about and want to share a link that would be really cool.

20 Dec 10 Pittsburgh Steelers: Injuries Continue To Pile Up for the Team

Jared Wickerham/Getty ImagesOn paper the Pittsburgh Steelers look as good as any team in the entire NFL. They have pro-bowlers all over the place on defense, a few good skill players, and a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback. That being said, the Steelers are starting to get beat up and are losing players left and right. Before the 2010 season even started, the Steelers lost Willie Colon for the year to a torn Achilles injury. Colon was considered the Steelers best offensive linemen by most at the time and was a major loss. The Steelers then went outReebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
and signed free-agent tackle Flozell Adams. Adams has gotten adjusted to right tackle and has done a good job filling in. Against the Miami Dolphins. the Pittsburgh Steelers then lost defensive end Aaron Smith to a torn tricep. The Steelers didn't rule out a possible late season return for Smith, but he would miss most of the regular season. This was the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons that Smith suffered an injury of these proportions. The Steelers other starting defensive end, Brett Keisel, also continues to battle nagging hamstring injuries. Keisel looks like he's going to try and tough out the injury, but the Steelers can't afford to lose any more linemen. After a close victory over the Cincinnati Benglas, the Steelers seem to have what head coach Mike Tomlin describe as "a laundry list of injuries". Here's a list of players that are either questionable or probable for the Steeler's next game against the Patriots: Heath Miller (probable) Miller has fluid in his knees as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Isaac Redman (questionable) Redman suffered a concussion in Monday's game against the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Mewelde Moore (questionable) Moore suffered a concussion in the Monday night win over the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Will Allen (questionable) Allen suffered a concussion in the Monday night game against Cincinnati, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Brett Keisel (questionable) Keisel suffered a hamstring during the Monday night game. With all these injuries do the Steelers still have a chace to win a Super Bowl ?With all these injuries do the Steelers still have a chace to win a Super Bowl ?yes 40.4%no17.2%yes but can't afford many more injures42.4%Total votes: Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
99To top that list off, the Steeler's lost their starting left tackle Max Starks to a neck injury Monday night. On Wednesday, the Steelers officially placed Max Starks on injured reserve, ending his 2010 season. Now the Steelers have their starting right and left tackles to season ending injuries. The Steelers don't have a lot of other options for their replacements. They can move Flozell Adams from right tackle to the left tackle position, which he played for over 10 seasons, or they can have young tackle Jonathan Scott fill in at left tackle for the time being. Neither option seems that great but the Steelers have to try and overcome this. The Steelers are 6-2 and gearing up for a big showdown with the New England Patriots (6-2) Sunday night at Heinz Field. If the Steelers are going to overcome these injuries and beat the Patriots, they're going to need their star players to step up. I'm talking about two individuals in particular: safety Troy Polamalu and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers played without Roethlisberger for the 1st 4 games of the season this year. They banned together and went 3-1 without him. They played a team game and made some big plays to overcome not having their star quarterback. Roethlisberger has played well since being back, but now they need him to play even better. They need Roethlisberger to play some of the best football of his career to overcome all of the deficiencies of this team. He's certainly capable of it. They need him to "take over" games and make everyone around him better. Who needs to step up more?Who needs to step up more?Troy Polamalu11.8%Ben Roethlisberger31.4%both56.9%Total votes: 51The same thing can be said for the Steeler's star safety Troy Polamalu. Polamalu missed 11 games last year and the Steeler's looked lost without him. The secondary gave up big plays in the passing game almost weekly, and nearly everyone blamed it on Troy's absence. Now that Troy is healthy, he needs to be the hero of this defense. Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
Polamalu needs to play the best football he is capable of playing. Ed Reed, who is often Troy's counterpart for being considered the best safety in football, already has 3 interception in the 4 games he's been back. Polamalu hasn't had an interception since week 2 and hasn't been playing anywhere near the level that he's capable of playing. That has to change immediately. Despite the list of injuries, if these two players step their games up and play the at their highest level of football from hear on out, the Steelers will still very much be contenders. If that happens the rest of the team will band together and this season can still be a great one. The Steelers just need to go back to 2008, when they thought of themselves as a "band of brothers".

19 Dec 10 Donovan McNabb Should Have Said No To Redskins, Dan Snyder

Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesWe have ironically many feuds or emotional drama in our lifetimes, from the Jon and Kate messy divorce to the McCourt’s dispute in court to the Paris Hilton troubling news.Before the game on Monday night, the heavy talk circled theReebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
latest confrontation involving head coach Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb, a veteran fifteen days removed from spending time on the bench, replaced by backup Rex Grossman near the end of a disheartening loss to the Detroit Lions.Either way, that is, the Washington Redskins manifests itself in a league of much enigma and still hasn’t rendered basic fundamentals under the brilliancy of Shanahan. If there is one perception that seems outlandish, from the inexcusable benching of McNabb, it’s dauntlessly given him a five-year, $78 million contract extension at a time when the Redskins are unproven and disoriented as far as fostering unity and protecting chemistry among the coach and quarterback.And now, after the entire world witnessed a throbbing 59-28 loss at FedEx Field to the Philadelphia Eagles, it was the most humiliating loss the Redskins have endured in years while under an immense of scrutiny for owner Dan Snyder’s boneheaded decisions by wastefully signing high-profile stars to dismantle his underachieving franchise.The bonanza is drawing much publicity, as usual, at the Redskins Circus, quickly becoming a laughable setting in sports for the Redskins foolish blunders and Snyder’s hellish 12-years in which he has dismantled his team.Every year, he is blamed for the Redskins struggles and befuddles us with his mystic decisions in building a high-profile franchise by giving his players enormous paychecks.As long as he is the chairman of a much-scrutinized team with overexposed talent, his Redskins will always expose its futility and sketchiness. Only if he realizes that, while his product continues to accumulate as a brand because of the fond supporters in the realm of D.C., his franchise is presenting the most dumbfounded tragicomedy in sports.The Redskins, a team that seems more like a Simpson’s episode, are labeled as a dysfunctional franchise. And so, here in the late stages of his career, McNabb is tied to a poorly run business, a team that has already lacked gratitude, a team that has already embarrassed him for the faulty decision in benching McNabb in favor of Grossman.Wait, who? Yes, the inconsistent Grossman.What were Shanahan and the team executives thinking in allowing this to happen?We may never know what took place or went wrong, but we cannot dismiss the mistreatment of McNabb. In the wake of his benching, maybe this was an inkling of Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
bad karma for the Redskins Monday night when the Eagles basically manhandled them by jumping to a 35-0 lead in 15 minutes, nine seconds.In the end, the Redskins somberly walked out, the crowd had made its way to the exits and no longer had the patience in witnessing one of the worst games in NFL history from the stands as the rain poured.What happened Monday night added to the dismay on the day McNabb had signed a five-year contract extension. Snyder strongly believes in the aging veteran considering his underperforming achievements with the Redskins. Ordinarily, in recent memory, the Redskins have targeted players without valued marketability, and accepted the availability of players well past their primes or players who were bust.Not too long ago, McNabb had been benched for his subpar performance, and as much as he continues to age, he is unlikely to be with the Redskins another five years. So why sign him to such a long-term deal?If the Redskins keep playing like a JV team as if all their games are played in the schoolyard, expect a choosy Snyder to once again weigh his options and delude McNabb.As the ever changeable owner, he has dismissed a legion of coaches and hired a multitude of new ones. As the confounded owner, he has given additional money to unproven players and has allowed them the benefit of the doubt. As the baddest owner ever, he has dismantled his own franchise, more concern with his egotism and finances, but has never been concerned of advancing to the brightest stage in football in embracing the noteworthy holiday in sports.If the Redskins had the intentions of signing McNabb to a much richer deal, Snyder had ample time to extend his deal in their bye week. But unlike most organizations, he waited hours before kickoff of a nationally televised game and omitted that he played poorly in prior weeks. More stunning, though, he seems content with a franchise that wrongly sent him to the bench. He was infuriated over the benching, but never advertised his disillusionment publicly and stayed to himself for much of the week.When he arrived to Washington, he was welcomed and adored by the cheerful population, but hastily fell as the centerpiece of the franchise and began committing blunders on the field. If Snyder assembles talent or works aggressively to subplot a deal, instead it normally backfires and sabotages his umbrage team.There are some, Snyder, in particular, willing to endorse McNabb while the roasted fallout provoked ridiculous drama, and empowered the citizens to believe the benching of McNabb was dumb and badly mishandled.The timing of McNabb’s contract extension couldn’t come at a worse time, on a night he gazed at his replacement of the Eagles, Michael Vick showcased his dynamic, six-touchdown theater. It’s never surprising when McNabb is criticized for a paltry performance, regularly humiliated by his critics and even his coaching staff.The baffling thing is that he’s willing to finish his career with a team with poor management and misguidance.Besides, he should be tired of being accused for demoralizing defeats, especially when his coach Shanahan bullies his star players. It’s clearly understandable that he doesn’t quite bond with offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, Mike’s son. And lately, Shanahan has protected his son by foolishly benching McNabb because they Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
felt he hadn’t adjusted to the play calling. He is a typical father who pampers his sensitive son.Deemed as a brainless quarterback, McNabb really isn’t as stupid as people think he is. Mind you, he’s a very savvy pass thrower, if people are kind enough in reducing the criticism and giving him some time to dazzle in Shanahan’s tactics.With Shanahan in control, he has had turbulent relationships with players in the past and bullied Albert Haynesworth in the offseason, when he tried to use him as an example in voluntary workouts and mandatory minicamps. The bottom line is, of course, Shanahan made a severe mistake in his handling of McNabb. As for his boss psyche, Snyder wastefully spent and destroyed his franchise. It’s obvious that Snyder doesn’t know how to run his business.

18 Dec 10 Fantasy Football Week 11: Who Is Hot On The Waiver Wire?

Cassel lit up the stat sheet in Week 10.Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesMatt Cassel, Kansas City ChiefsFor a guy that has been on the waiver wire all season, Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel had a career game in Week 10 against the Broncos.This performance came in a blowout loss, but Cassel did throw for 469 yards and four touchdowns. It is difficult to believe that Cassel will repeat this type of game, but after his best game as a pro, he will be one of the hottest players on the waiver wire.Cassel and the Chiefs have a nice matchup at home Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
against the Cardinals in Week 11.Shaun Hill, Detroit LionsDetroit Lions quarterback Shaun Hill is back as a hot pickup off the waiver wire.Hill returns because of starter Matthew Stafford's season ending injury. Hill has thrown a touchdown in all of his starts and now has 10 on the season.Hill and the Lions travel to Dallas in Week 11.Mike Thomas, Jacksonville JaguarsJaguars' wide receiver Mike Thomas now has a touchdown in two straight games and is coming off a career day in Week 10.Although his touchdown came on a last-play Hail Mary, Thomas was still having a solid game before that. No. 80 finished with eight catches for 149 yards and a touchdown.Mike Thomas was a hero in Week 10, and can be a big pickup for Week 11.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesThe Jaguars are Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
home against the Browns in Week 11, so add Thomas if he is available.Brian Hartline, Miami DolphinsHartline has now had back-to-back solid games and is worth giving a look off the waiver wire.Hartline had five catches for 98 yards in Week 10 against the Titans but failed to reach the end zone. The Dolphins face a tougher test in Week 11 as the Chicago Bears travel to Miami.Hartline is worth adding in deeper leagues.Anthony Fasano, Miami DolphinsDolphins tight end Anthony Fasano had his best game of the 2010 season in Week 10.Fasano caught five passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins win over the Titans.With injuries to some of the top tight ends in the league, Fasano is a nice pickup for Week 11.Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati BengalsBengals rookie tight end Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
Jermaine Gresham shined in Week 10 despite the loss to the Colts.Gresham had nine catches for 85 yards and a touchdown and can be another weapon for Carson Palmer and the Bengal offense.The Bengals are at home against the Bills in Week 11.

17 Dec 10 Fantasy Football Week 12 NFL QB Rankings: Aaron Rodgers Leads the Pack

Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesHere are my Week 12 fantasy football quarterback rankings. 1. Aaron Rodgers Atlanta2. Ben Roethlisberger Buffalo3. Peyton Manning vs. San Diego4. Drew Brees Dallas (Thursday)5. Michael Vick Chicago6. Tom Brady Detroit (Thursday)7. Philip Rivers Indianapolis8. Shaun Hill vs. New England (Thursday)9. Kyle Orton vs. St. Louis10. Eli Manning vs. Jacksonville11. Joe Flacco vs. Tampa Bay12. Jon Kitna vs. New Orleans (Thursday)13. Matt Cassel Seattle14. Mark Sanchez vs. Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
Cincinnati (Thursday)15. Matt Ryan vs. Green Bay16. Sam Bradford Denver17. Brett Favre Washington18. Carson Palmer New York Jets (Thursday)19. Matt Schaub vs. Tennessee20. David Garrard New York Giants21. Jay Cutler vs. Philadelphia22. Josh Freeman Baltimore23. Donovan McNabb vs. Minnesota24. Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Pittsburgh25. Troy Smith Arizona (Monday) Inside the numbers The Chargers (No. 1) and Colts (No. 8) are two of the best at holding opposing quarterbacks to low yardage, but that goes out the window when Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning square off. The Cowboys have improved in recent weeks, but they still struggle to defend the pass. Drew Brees has many things to be thankful about on Thursday, and facing the Cowboys is one of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
them. New England is allowing 300.5 passing yards per game this year with 20 passing touchdowns. Shaun Hill isn’t sexy, but he has thrown for 300-plus yards or multiple touchdowns in five of the six games he started and finished. Seattle is allowing 300.2 passing yards per game, making Matt Cassel a borderline fantasy starter this week. Carson Palmer, Matt Schaub, and Jay Cutler have tough match-ups this week, meaning your likely No. 1 to start the season will be riding the pine. With Tennessee’s quarterbacks dropping like flies, the Texans get a reprieve. There’s an outside chance that they end the week out of the cellar in passing yards allowed. What a difference a couple of days make. For starters, Colt McCoy (ankle) will likely be out so I replaced him with Brett Favre. With Brad Childress gone, I think the Vikings play inspired football, moving Favre up the rankings. Also check out: Sneaky Week 12 Fantasy Football Pick-ups Week 12 Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
‘em Waiver Wire Advice Week 12 Fantasy RB Rankings Week 12 Fantasy WR Rankings Week 12 Fantasy TE Rankings Week 12 Fantasy K Rankings Week 12 Fantasy DEF Rankings Week 12 Fantasy IDP Rankings Week 12 Start/Sit AdviceWeek 12 Fantasy Sleepers Click here to enter the contest to win a cool fantasy football t-shirt

16 Dec 10 Fantasy Football Week 12 Thanksgiving Day: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys

Week 12 Match-up: New Orleans Saints(7-3) at Dallas Cowboys(3-7)Rankings based on top 16 QBs, 32 RBs, 48 WRs and 16 TEs(brought to you by pyromaniac.com)New Orleans Saints (Saints Schedule)Opponent Defensive RanksDallas Pass Defense—2010: Yards Allowed/Game 21st—TDs Allowed 31stDallas Rush Defense—2010: Yards Allowed/Game 22nd—TDs Allowed T-8thNew Orleans Offensive CastDrew Brees (QB Week 12 Ranking: No. 2)2010 Season: 290/417—for 2,969Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
yards and 22 TDsBrees is on a serious hot streak right now throwing no less than two TDs over the last six games while averaging 306.3 yards in that time. With Dallas allowing an average of 303.4 yards and three TDs to opposing QBs during its last five games, this has the makings of a fantasy explosion for Drew.Reggie Bush (RB Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: Seven carries for 18 yards and zero TDs. Nine receptions for 63 yards and one TDIt’s tough to say whether or not Bush will be in uniform or street clothes this Thanksgiving as he was deactivated at the last second before the previous game. Watch for the news coming out of the Saints camp on s worth playing or not.Chris Ivory (RB Week 12 Ranking: No. 29)2010 Season: 101 carries for 481 yards and one TD. One reception for 17 yards and zero TDsWith Pierre Thomas out another week, Ivory will get the call once again as the main ball-handler against the Cowboys. Dallas has been decent against the run this year, but the Saints will still use him to set up the pass enough to give him fantasy value this week.Ladell Betts (RB Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: 45 carries for 150 yards and two TDs. 23 receptions for 141 yards and zero TDsBetts has been ruled out for this game due to a neck injury.Pierre Thomas (RB Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: 46 carries for 147 yards and one TD. 17 receptions for 133 yards and zero TDsAnd again, Thomas will miss another week due to his ongoing ankle problem.Marques Colston (WR Week 12 Ranking: No. 7)2010 Season: 62 receptions for 705 yards and four TDsColston started the year off slow, so for those who had the patience enough to hold onto him, congratulations! The guy could be fantasy gold this Thanksgiving going up against a Cowboys secondary that has a better chance of being caught eating a turkey leg on camera Thursday than defending a pass.Lance Moore (WR Week 12 Ranking: No. 39)2010 Season: 38 receptions for 491 yards and five TDsMoore has been the most consistent of the Three Stooges sitting behind Colston (Moore, Meachem and Henderson), and I fully expect him to show it this Thursday.Robert Meachem (WR Week 12 Ranking: No. 48)2010 Season: 27 receptions for 354 yards and four TDsThe inconsistency is maddening! Meach may have caught two TDs last weekend, but he only caught three balls in total for just 50 yards. Considering he’s caught more than four balls just once in a game this year, it’s tough to recommend him highly, but he’s definitely worth the chance against this porous Cowboys D.Devery Henderson (WR Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: 23 receptions for 279 yards and one TDEven more frustrating than Meach is Devery Henderson. He’s a total crapshoot every week. Don’t bother.Jeremy Shockey (TE Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: 31 receptions Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
for 314 yards and three TDsShockey has been listed as questionable, so as with Bush, check the news coming out of the Saints camp on Thursday at www.pyromaniac.com or www.ffpharmacy.com to find out what his story is.Jimmy Graham (TE Week 12 Ranking: No. 9)2010 Season: 13 receptions for 170 yards & one TDGraham looked great last week getting the second most targets, catches and yards acting as Shockey’s backup. If Jeremy can’t make it back into action this Thanksgiving, Graham could be worth a look.Dallas Cowboys (Cowboys Schedule)Opponent Defensive RanksNew Orleans Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 2nd - TDs Allowed 2ndNew Orleans Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game T-13th – TDs Allowed T-8thDallas Offensive CastJon Kitna (QB Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: 100/158—for 1,223 yards and 10 TDsNew Orleans boasts one of the top passing defenses in the league, but even so, Kitna should be able to do relatively well. Would I throw all my chips in on him? No, but 200-250 yards and one or two TDs could happen.Marion Barber (RB Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: 92 carries for 294 yards and two TDs. Nine receptions for 41 yards and zero TDsBarber got the most rushes he’s had since Week three of this season last week (13), though he could only eek out 36 yards with them (2.8 YPC). If Felix Jones is healthy enough to go, don’t even think about him. In fact, don’t think about him no matter what happens with Jones.Felix Jones (RB Week 12 Ranking: No. 31)2010 Season: 98 carries for 404 yards and zero TDs. 30 receptions for 277 yards and one TDIf Felix suits up on Thursday, I can envision him totaling a good 80-100 yards as both a runner and receiver. TDs have been scarce with him, but he’s always a threat to break a long one so if you have no one else to turn to, you might as well take a chance.Miles Austin (WR Week 12 Ranking: No. 24)2010 Season: 49 receptions for 732 yards and five TDsI’m not entirely sure how this much talent can end up with just two catches for seven yards against the lowly Lions last week, but I guess the fact that both of them went for TDs says something…I’m just not sure what. Miles always has the chance to put up some lofty numbers, but don’t expect the world on Thanksgiving against one of the best pass defenses in the game.Dez Bryant (WR Week 12 Ranking: No. 19)2010 Season: 44 receptions for 547 yards and six TDsDez continues to produce with Kitna as his QB, but this game will prove to be quite a test for the young rookie. Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
ou can’t go against the type of streak he’s riding right now, but I certainly hope you have at least one or two better WRs you’re starting along with him.Roy Williams (WR Week 12 Ranking: Not ranked)2010 Season: 27 receptions for 386 yards and five TDsRoy now has a grand total of six catches over the past five games combined. My goodness how the mighty have fallen!Jason Witten (TE Week 12 Ranking: No. 8)2010 Season: 50 receptions for 561 yards and three TDsWitten hasn’t done much over the past three weeks, but the Saints can be had by opposing tight ends. I expect a bunch of dump-off targets from Kitna as the Saints corners blanket the ‘Boys wide receivers in this game.

City of Hope: How Buffalo Bills Fans Remain Faithful Week In and Week Out

Rick Stewart/Getty ImagesMake whatever pokes you want at the 2-9 Buffalo Bills. You can point out their run defense is atrocious and that they have no superstar players. However, there is no denying that with only two wins, the Buffalo Bills could very well have seven wins right now. After the end of Steelers jersey
last year's campaign, not many believed Trent Edwards would stand a chance to be the starter in Buffalo. However, with new coach Chan Gailey, he entered training camp with the starting position. Gailey even said he could see "light at the end of the tunnel" for the Bills with Edwards as his starter. However, as last season went, Edwards flopped. The first game of the season against the Miami Dolphins, Edwards threw for 149 yards, and Fred Jackson led the team in rushing with 19 yards. The Bills lost 15-10. The next week, Edwards threw for 102 yards against Green Bay. The Bills lost, 34-7. This was the final game the Buffalo Bills played with Trent Edwards as their starting quarterback. His replacement, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who carried a 3.2 GPA at Harvard, was doubted by many. There seems to be a general disbelief that a football player out of Harvard, especially a quarterback, would have talent. However, Fitzpatrick threw for 247 yards in his first game against the New England Patriots, nearly leading the team to a victory, but the Patriots overwhelmed the Bills in the second half and won, 38-30. Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesSo how do Bills fans remain faithful this season? Look at the positives. Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for over 300 yards twice, and hit 299 another time. He is the first Bills quarterback to eclipse 300 since J.P. Losman quarterbacked the Bills. If you think about it, the Bills should have won their first game. If Ryan Fitzpatrick were the starter, the Bills would have beaten the Dolphins because he is willing to put the ball up despite the risks. The Green Bay game probably would not have resulted in a win under Fitz, but the game would not have been the demoralizing scenario it turned into. The New England game quite possibly could have changed if the Bills had Fitzpatrick as the starting QB from the start. Then, after two relatively disappointing efforts from the Bills against the Jets and the Jaguars, the Bills nearly stunned the NFL by taking the Baltimore Ravens to overtime. Had Shaun Nelson held onto the ball in overtime, the Bills would have been within spitting distance of Ryan Lindell's field goal range. Instead, the Ravens went down the field and made a field goal that gave them a 37-34 football jersey
victory. The following week, the Bills kept the drama as they attempted to secure their first win of the season. They made the field goal for the win, but the worst non-rule in the NFL came in to effect: Icing the kicker. Ryan Lindell was forced to kick the 51-yard field goal again, and as it would be, the second try would clang off the uprights, and the Chiefs would secure victory, 13-10. Rick Stewart/Getty ImagesIf the Buffalo area thought that three weeks straight of overtime in football was impossible, well they were right. Instead of losing by a field goal in overtime, the Bills lost by three points in regulation. They did not lose by a field goal. That would require a field goal being made. The Bills lost 22-19 because for the first time ever in Ryan Lindell's kicking career, one of his extra point attempts was blocked. The line allowed the Chicago Bears to penetrate through enough to get a hand on the ball. If the Bills would have made that field goal, they would not have had to go for two points on their next touchdown, and the Bears would not have gone for two with their ensuing touchdown. A touchdown plus an extra point equals a brand new ball game. However, with the Buffalo area on high alert for another disappointing loss, the Bills pulled out their first win against the Detroit Lions, 14-12. They even followed a not-so-convincing win with a comeback rout of the Cincinnati Bengals, 49-31. The Bills scored five unanswered touchdowns to make the three-score comeback a blowout. That brings us to yesterday, where the Bills had the game-winning ball in Steve Johnson's hands, in the end zone, in overtime. Then the laws of physics kicked in, and since there was nothing to hold the ball up, the ball dropped through the wide-open Johnson's hands. The Buffalo Bills have the worst run defense in the NFL. They have been beat up on by many for their 2-9 record this year. But Bills fans remain faithful. Why? Because it's a pretty scary thought when the 25th overall defense in the NFL could very Buffalo Bills jersey
well have a playoff-bound record if not for a few bounces. And that is what Bills fans accept, and use to keep cheering.The Bills fans are true football fans, they're in it no matter the ups, or of course, the downs. Where else would you see a full stadium in freezing conditions, when your team has only two wins? No where.

NFL Odds: Dallas Cowboys Getting Five Points Against Indianapolis Colts

Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesWith last Sunday’s loss to San Diego, the Indianapolis Colts saw their NFL-record streak of seven consecutive 12-win seasons go down the drain. The Colts (6-5), however, are still in the running for a ninth straight trip to the postseason.The Colts will try to get back on track Sunday when they host the the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL oddsmakers have listed the Colts as 5-point favorites with the total set at 48.Indy has lost back-to-back games and three of Dallas Cowboys jersey
its last four following last week’s 36-14 blowout defeat. Perhaps even more shocking than the loss was the fact that Peyton Manning threw four interceptions.Despite Indy’s recent struggles, they remain tied with Jacksonville for first place in the division. Tennessee and Houston are both one game back. In such a tight race, the margin for error is slim.Perhaps no team depends on one player more than the Colts, who would not have enjoyed such a lengthy run of success had it not been for Manning.With that said, Indy is going to have a tough time reaching the postseason if it doesn’t get better play from its MVP signal caller. Manning has been intercepted seven times the last two weeks. Chemistry has certainly been lacking as he has missed Dallas Clark, Austin Collie and Joseph Addai.With these three out of the lineup, teams have been able to key on Pro Bowl wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who was held without a touchdown catch for the seventh time in nine games last Sunday.Clark has been placed on injured reserve with a hand injury. Collie is listed as questionable as he continues to recover from a concussion he suffered in Week 9. Addai is listed as doubtful as he continues to recover from2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
a neck injury.Despite the injuries, Indy should have a decent shot at if it can take care of business in its divisional games. The Colts have another showdown with Jacksonville, and they play Tennessee twice down the stretch.The Colts are 7-2 against the spread in their last nine games as a home favorite of 3.5 to 10.0 points.The Cowboys are 3-8 but they haven’t been playing like it. They are 2-1 under interim coach Jason Garrett and nearly pulled off a sensational comeback against New Orleans on Thanksgiving.The Cowboys are hoping to finish the season strong to build some momentum for next year, but that is not something they have been good at in recent years. In fact, Dallas is just 4-8 in December contests the last four seasons. Perhaps things will be different under Garrett.While veteran quarterback Jon Kitna has played extremely well during the last three games, completing over 69 percent of his passes for 787 yards with six scores and two picks, Dallas may not need a big game from him this week.Indy has one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL, ranking 29th with 136.0 yards per game allowed.Marion Barber is banged up and listed as questionable, but Felix Jones and Tashard Choice have 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
certainly proved they can pick up the slack.The Colts are 1-5 against the number in their last sic games following a double-digit loss at home.Bet with confidence in Week 13 by playing the same NFL picks as expert handicapper Jimmy Boyd!

San Diego Sports Fans' Bad Day: Chargers Lose the Game, Padres Lose Their Star

Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesSunday was a horrible day for San Diego sports fans.
On the same day the Chargers lost to the Raiders for the second time this season, the Padres traded All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox.
Two seasons potentially ended for two teams in two different sports in the same city on the same day.
The Chargers entered Sunday a 13-point favorite 4 Brett Favre White jersey
against a reeling Oakland Raiders team. Winners of their previous four games, the Chargers climbed back to within one game of the first place Kansas City Chiefs.
At the end of the day, the Chargers lost the game, lost ground in the division and lost control of their playoff destiny.
The Raiders thoroughly trounced the listless Chargers 28-13 in front of 68,183 fans at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers No. 1 ranked defense gave up their highest point total of the season and their No. 1 ranked offense scored their lowest total of the year.
Raiders running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush combined for 192 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The defense routinely harassed quarterback Philip Rivers and held the Chargers to just 21 rushing yards on eight attempts.
The loss dropped the Chargers to 6-6 on the season, moved them into third place behind the Chiefs and Raiders and put their playoff chances in serious jeopardy. It also marked the first time they lost a game in December in their last 19 contests.
Across the country, the Boston Red Sox and representatives for Adrian Gonzalez were negotiating a contract extension that ultimately would not be necessary to consummate a trade with the Padres.
While the trade was officially announced on Monday, enough ground work was laid on Sunday for the Padres and Red Sox to agree on a five-player deal that sends Gonzalez to Boston.
In exchange for Gonzalez, the Padres receive a package of prospects including pitcher Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, outfielder Reymond Fuentes and a player to be named later.
Kelly was Boston's first-round pick in the 2008 draft and finished the 2010 season 3-5 with a 5.31 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 95 innings for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. Rizzo hit .263 with 20 home runs and 80 RBI in 107 games with the Sea Dogs. He also struck out 100 times in 414 at bats.
Fuentes, selected by the Red Sox in the first round of Dallas Cowboys jersey
the 2009 draft, hit .270 with 42 stolen bases in 104 games with Single-A Greenville.
Gonzalez leaves the Padres as No. 2 on their all-time home run list with 161 long balls. He also is in the top-five for batting average, RBI, runs and extra base hits. Gonzalez won two Gold Gloves and represented the Padres as an All-Star the past three seasons.
The trade leaves the Padres with a gaping hole on the right side of the infield and in the middle of their lineup. The Padres overachieved in 2010 with a combination of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance, but Gonzalez was the centerpiece of their success.
Without Gonzalez, the Padres can't expect to compete in an improving National League West Division.
Sunday was a tragic day for San Diego sports. The Chargers 2010 season lurched closer to a disappointing end and the Padres 2011 season is over before it begins.

Pittsburgh Steelers "This is your Steelers Life: Najeh Davenport"

It was a busy weekend for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ front office, with the team releasing a group of four players headlined by veteran running back Najeh Davenport. Davenport spent the past two seasons with Pittsburgh, which apparently had been trying to trade him away but was Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
unable to reach a deal. In his two years as a Steeler, Davenport played in 28 regular-season games, racking up nearly 1,100 total yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s now without a team, despite having a career year on the ground in 2007. The writing was on the wall for him this offseason, though, when the Steelers signed free agent Mewelde Moore and used a first-round pick on ex-Illinois star Rashard Mendenhall in the April's NFL draft. With that said, let's look back at Davenport’s time as a Steeler.2006The Steelers wanted to defend their Super Bowl XL title the same way they won it – on the ground. But there were concerns about their crop of running backs. The great Jerome Bettis had retired. Willie Parker was back, but skeptics wondered if his 2005 breakout (1,202 yards) was a fluke. Duce Staley had been spending more time on the injured list than the field, and Verron Haynes was primarily a third-down back.At the time, Davenport was expected to spend another season backing up Ahman Green in Green Bay. However, Davenport had a long history of injury, and in the last round of cuts in early September, the Packers sent him to the unemployment line. Davenport’s hard-hitting style of running was exactly what the Steelers were looking for, and just six days later, he signed with Pittsburgh.Davenport first made a splash in the black and gold during a Week 6 blowout at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, carrying the ball 12 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. Parker carried the load the entire season, but Davenport touched the ball a few times each game. He had 74 total yards against Denver in Week 9, 83 against the Browns in Week 14 and 45 and a touchdown in Carolina in Week 15. Davenport finished the season with 221 rushing yards (one TD) and 193 receiving yards (two TDs). Nine of his 15 receptions that season were for first downs.2007The first hint that Pittsburgh may have been expecting more from Davenport came during the 2007 offseason, when the Steelers signed former 49er and Jet Kevan Barlow -- who was expected to split carries with Davenport and provide depth in the backfield; however, he had a poor camp and never made it to the opening-day roster. Davenport would remain Parker’s main backup.Davenport immediately made an impact in the '07 season, accumulating 117 total yards in the Steelers' first two games. In Week 3 against San Francisco, Davenport had a humorous highlight that showcased his hard-hitting potential. At the two-minute warning, the Steelers attempted to run out the clock with a handoff to Davenport, but he ended up breaking off a 39-yard touchdown. His other key performances included 96 total yards and a pair of scores in a Week 5 win against Seattle, 61 in a Week 11 loss to the Jets, and 65 and a score in a Week 14 loss to the Patriots.Late in the season, Davenport had an opportunity to really make a name for himself in Pittsburgh. Early in Week 16 game against the Rams, Parker broke his right fibula. Davenport came in and had his best game with the Steelers, racking up 24 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown while also adding two 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
catches for 44 yards and another score. It seemed like the perfect omen for the Steelers, who were about to make their first playoff appearance under rookie head coach Mike Tomlin.Unfortunately, Davenport couldn’t reproduce those numbers against tougher defenses. As the starter in Week 17 against the Ravens, he only ran for 27 yards on 12 carries before leaving in the third quarter. When everything was on the line against Jacksonville in the playoffs, Davenport was shut down, amassing just 48 yards on 18 touches.Despite his lackluster performance in the clutch, Davenport had his best year in 2007, finishing with 683 total yards (499 rushing) and seven touchdowns (five on the ground, two receiving). Additionally, Davenport averaged 4.7 yards per carry, which was 13th best in the NFL last season.Davenport will get a shot somewhere to make an NFL roster this season. If not, he could always build up his acting resume. But for now, the fans of Pittsburgh say goodbye to No. 44, whom they knew for two seasons.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Stopping Larry Johnson

The 49ers' defensive gameplan is very simple this week: Stop Larry Johnson.The former first-round pick out of Penn State rushed for an astounding 1,750 yards last season, and he is the Kansas City Chiefs' primary offensive weapon. How much do the Chiefs use him? Of their 117 offensive plays this season, 54 have 36 Bettis White Jersey
featured Johnson, be it through the air or on the ground.Of course, things would likely be different if Trent Green was not still nursing a severe concussion he suffered in the first game. Luckily for the Niners' he will be watching from the sidelines again on Sunday afternoon. Starting in his place is veteran quarterback Damon Huard. (Sorrell's note: the last time Damon Huard started and won an NFL game, Bill Clinton was still in office.) Huard is still adapting to the Chiefs' offense and is very, very shaky in the pocket, having fumbled four times in two games. He prefers to dump the ball off to the shorter routes, as evidenced by the fact that 22 of his 29 completions so far have either been to Larry Johnson or All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez. Other than that, no Chiefs receiver has more than three receptions. The Chiefs simply do not trust Huard to throw the ball down the field. Through their first two games, the Chiefs have scored only 16 points...mostly because defenses can load up to stop the run/short passing game.Not that the offensive line has done much to help. After Willie Roaf decided to retire before the season, the Chiefs' line has struggled to adapt. In its first two games, the unit has allowed seven sacks and Johnson is averaging 4.4 yards per carry -- more than half-a-yard less than his career average.The 49ers, like every other team in the NFL, are not scared of Huard's arm...nor should they be. Huard is not the type of player who can beat you by himself. The Niners should play tight against the run and make Huard 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
prove that he can move the Chiefs up and down the field. Look for them to move strong safety Tony Parrish up into the box on running downs, giving the Niners a quasi-4-4 look. If the 49ers can keep Johnson from breaking off huge gains on first and second down, they have an excellent chance of coming out of Kansas City with a victory.Original San Francisco 49ers coverage