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      LaMarr Woodley chats with The Scores Report

      December 15, 2009 /

      While the Steelers aren’t having the season they envisioned after winning the Super Bowl last year, linebacker LaMarr Woodley is turning in a solid 2009 campaign. The third-year linebacker has racked up nine sacks and 45 tackles through 13 games this season and has helped steady a defense that has been hit by a rash of injuries. Woodley was kind enough to chat with The Scores Report about a variety of topics, including his fondest memory of winning the Super Bowl last season, what his secret was to becoming the first player in NFL history to record three consecutive multi-sack games in the postseason, and which running back is the toughest to bring down.

      The Scores Report: Besides winning, what is the one moment that you’ll always remember from your Super Bowl victory last season?

      LaMarr Woodley: The sack and forced fumble I caused against Kurt Warner that sealed the win.

      TSR: What’s the toughest challenge that you and your teammates face in trying to repeat as champions?

      LW: The toughest challenge is trying to repeat as champion, period.

      TSR: In the playoffs last year, you became the first player in NFL history to record three consecutive multi-sack games and then you sacked Warner twice in the Super Bowl. What’s the key to getting to the quarterback in a timely manner?

      LW: Getting off the ball fast, which means moving before the offensive line moves. Getting a good edge on the rush makes all the difference.

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      Interviews, NFL

      Amare Stoudemire staying in Phoenix?

      December 15, 2009 /

      When asked whether or not he’ll make a move prior to the February trade deadline, Suns GM Steve Kerr said the following (via FanHouse)…

      “I don’t think we’re going to do anything,” he said. “I’m pretty happy with this group.”

      Kerr was asked if that means Stoudemire, who can opt out of his contract next summer and become a free agent, is safe from being moved.

      “I’d be pretty surprised if we did anything,” Kerr said. “We’re playing well. You always want to get better and you never say never (regarding a move). But we’re playing well.”

      For his part, Stoudemire says that he’s not sure that he’s going to opt out at the end of the season.

      “I’m right in the middle,’ he said. “There’s no particular way I’m leaning.”

      “It’s up to them to approach me about whatever situation they think, whatever they’re thinking,” Stoudemire said. “Until then, I’m just going to keep playing and keep trying to win. The ball is pretty much in their court. Whenever they’re ready to discuss anything, just let me know. If not, I’m just going to keep playing.”

      What a difference winning makes. The Suns are 16-8, an impressive mark considering Phoenix has only played eight home games thus far. They’re getting good play from Stoudemire (19-8, 56% shooting), Steve Nash (18-3-11, 53%) and Jason Richardson (16-5-2, career-high 48% shooting). Grant Hill (12-6-2) and Channing Frye (12-6) round out a pretty balanced starting five.

      If the Suns can keep winning, Kerr is unlikely to make any moves. I’ve been hard on him over the last couple of seasons (mainly for trading Shawn Marion and letting Mike D’Antoni slip away), but the proof is in the pudding. He realized that the Shaq trade got the Suns away from what they do best — push the ball. The Suns are running again (4th in the NBA in pace) and that style suits their personnel.

      If Amare is still on the roster after the trade deadline, then it’s up to the Suns to decide whether or not they want to commit to him long term. He’s still likely to opt-out, especially if he stays healthy and continues to play well. There are too many teams with salary cap space to let an opportunity for a long-term contract pass him by.


      Photo from fOTOGLIF

      NBA, News, Rumors & Gossip

      Five players who could be on the move

      December 15, 2009 /



      Marc Stein lists five “big” names who could be on the move as the NBA trade season begins in earnest. Those names are: Andre Miller, Nate Robinson, Brandon Bass, Marcin Gortat and Ramon Sessions. Here’s part of Stein’s writeup on Miller:

      Miller might actually find it easier to operate in Portland’s offense with Oden off the floor and less of an emphasis on throwing the ball inside. Harsh as that sounds, given Oden’s unquestioned likability and hideous luck, Miller and Roy appeared to be the main sufferers from the lack of offensive flow that has plagued Portland this season as Oden’s role expanded. If the Blazers open things up a bit more with Oden sidelined, as Roy envisions, that could really help Miller.

      Yet the reality remains that Miller and Roy are an iffy tag team because both need to see so much of the ball to be effective, which explains why Miller has started only nine games. There’s this, too: While NBA front-office sources say there is considerable outside interest in young (and mostly forgotten) Portland guard Jerryd Bayless, Miller’s more substantial salary — $6.7 million to Bayless’ $2.1 million — would probably bring a bigger talent payoff in a trade.

      “They need a Mo Williams-type to play with Brandon Roy,” said one rival team executive in the West. “They need a shooter to play off him.”

      Stein suggests that both Miller and Sessions were signed so that the Blazers and T-Wolves would have tradeable assets that they can “flip” at some point during the season. Sessions supposedly had an opportunity to play for the Knicks on a one-year deal and probably should have done just that. Chris Duhon is struggling, so it’s likely that Sessions would be the starter by now, and with his ability, he could post some nice numbers in Mike D’Antoni’s system. The Knicks aren’t going to trade for Sessions now because his contract would eat into their projected cap space next summer.

      Fantasy Basketball, NBA, Rumors & Gossip

      Report: Browns met with Mike Holmgren

      December 15, 2009 /

      According to the Akron Beacon-Journal, the Browns held a meeting with former Seahawks and Packers coach Mike Holmgren on Monday. The meeting was to gauge Holmgren’s interest in becoming a football “czar” for the Browns next season.

      It’s not known if Holmgren would accept a job immediately; he’s a thoughtful guy who probably would want to think things through. But team owner Randy Lerner is working hard to convince Holmgren the Browns would be right for him.

      As for Mangini’s future, many rumors and reports have trickled out of Berea that the win over Pittsburgh guarantees that Mangini will be back in 2010.

      What the win did was make the Browns 2-11, and Randy Lerner has to be aware of that reality.

      Lerner, though, will not force his will on the new football leader. The team’s owner will have input into the coach, but he will not force a decision on someone he hires to run his football operations.

      Holmgren would absolutely be a great fit for Cleveland. He would bring credibility to the job and a proven track record, which are two things that are incredibly valuable to an organization like the Browns.


      Photo from fOTOGLIF

      NFL

      Giants D-coordinator Sheridan on the hot seat

      December 15, 2009 /

      Anyone that watched the circus that was the Eagles-Giants Sunday night football game last week knows that New York’s defense wasn’t all to blame for the team’s 45-38 loss. The Giants turned the ball over four times, allowed a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown, a fumble return for a touchdown and committed seven penalties.

      That said, New York’s overall defensive game plan was pathetic, which is why they gave up 374 yards of total offense, 31 points (the punt and fumble returns shouldn’t be pinned up them) and countless big plays.

      On Monday, head coach Tom Coughlin said that the Giants aren’t considering an immediate change at defensive coordinator. It’s too late in the season to make a change, so they’re stuck with Bill Sheridan at coordinator for the time being. That said, if the Giants continue to stumble and miss the playoffs, Sheridan would likely get the boot in the offseason.

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      NFL

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