Tag: Anthony Stalter (Page 75 of 133)

      Texans finally face their demons, defeat Colts on Foster’s monster day

      September 12, 2010 /
      NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Arian Foster of the Houston Texans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

      Arian Foster probably got to the Texans’ locker room after Houston’s 34-24 win on Sunday and said, “No seriously, that was the team you guys have been scared of all these years?”

      Entering today’s game, the Texans were just 1-15 against the Colts lifetime. But thanks to Foster’s 231-yard rushing performance (which is the most by a running back in an opening weekend game since O.J. Simpson ran for 250 yards in 1973), Houston finally got the Indianapolis monkey of its back.

      Perhaps what was most impressive about Foster is that he grinded it out for a full four quarters. Don’t forget that this is a highly inexperienced player, one that spent most of 2009 on the practice squad. So with his team up 20-10 midway through the fourth quarter and looking to punch another hole in the Colts’ jugular, Foster rushed for 78 yards on just three carries and scored his second touchdown of the day. He showed his mettle all day, but especially on that drive.

      The win was big for the Texans for two reasons: 1) they proved that they could finally beat a team that has dominated them over the years and 2) they also showed that they could beat a team in the AFC South after going 1-5 a year ago. It’s only Week 1, but this is the type of win that could give a budding postseason contender confidence for the rest of the season.

      Perhaps what was most impressive was that the Texans didn’t beat the Colts through the air, but on the ground. Matt Schaub only completed 9 of 17 passes for 107 yards, so clearly he didn’t have his best day. Thus, for Houston to attack Indy’s greatest weakness (defensive tackle) and execute to perfection will have Gary Kubiak sleeping well tonight.

      The same goes for Arian Foster.

      External Sports, NFL

      Vernon Davis should give half of his new salary to Mike Singletary

      September 12, 2010 /
      SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is introduced prior to his game against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park on November 12, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

      After he displayed the speed of a wide receiver and the strength of an offensive line at the 2006 scouting combine, there were plenty of people who thought Vernon Davis was going to be something special in the NFL.

      But through his first three seasons, he had caught only 103 passes for 1,132 yards and nine touchdowns. Those numbers would have been fine for a tight end who predominantly blocked, but certainly not for a player that many thought would be a weekly mismatch for his opponents in the passing game.

      The media started to get on Davis in his second year because they could see a bust in the making. He wasn’t producing on the field and even worse, his work ethic and maturity had come into question as well.

      Then, following a 34-13 loss to the Seahawks in late October of 2008, this happened:

      It was the day that Vernon Davis got a fire lit under his ass by one of the best motivators in the game today.

      Last year, Davis played in all 16 games and racked up 78 receptions for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns – by far his best season as a pro. He still displayed some of the mental mistakes that have haunted him throughout his career, but because he worked hard and produced, he recently earned a $37 million contract extension that includes $23 million in guaranteed money.

      For those that are unaware, that contract now makes him the highest paid tight end in league history.

      Now, I’m not going to debate whether or not he’s done enough to earn that kind of money. I’ve written many times before that this is just how the NFL salary structure works – the latest to sign get paid the most. That’s just how it is.

      But it’s interesting that Davis was essentially a bust for three seasons in San Francisco before Singletary became the head coach. He has always had the physical tools and ability to succeed in the NFL, but before Singletary arrived he wasn’t focused or motivated enough to become great (not saying he’s great now, but he’s working towards it, at least). And while he still has a long way to go, he’s become a leader under Singletary and someone whose work ethic is now admired in the locker room.

      Davis can thank his head coach for that, as well as his phat new contract.

      External Sports, NFL

      2010 NFL Week 1 Predictions

      September 10, 2010 /
      PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 13: Kevin Kolb of the Philadelphia Eagles drops back to pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 13, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

      Here are some predictions that are sure to get me yelled at in the comments section come Sunday and Monday night…

      Sunday, 1:00PM ET

      Broncos at. Jaguars
      I’ve seen more firepower out of a soaking wet pistol than what these two teams produce on offense. The Broncos are going to have trouble generating a pass rush all season, but it won’t matter in Week 1 because the Jaguars don’t have anybody to stop. We’re going to find out by the end of the first quarter whether or not Jacksonville is hiding an injury to Maurice Jones-Drew.
      Odds: Jaguars –2.5
      Prediction: Broncos 17-13

      Raiders at Titans
      The new-look Raiders are going to be more competitive this season, but they still have a ton of issues on the offensive line. This game goes down to the wire, but the Titans eek one out at home.
      Odds: Titans –6
      Prediction: Titans 20-17

      Bengals at Patriots
      The key to the Bengals’ season is not T.O. getting along with Chad Ochocinco – it’s whether or not Carson Palmer can lead an improved passing game. The Patriots have issues on defense, but they’re awfully tough to beat at home.
      Odds: Patriots –4.5
      Prediction: Patriots 23-20

      Browns vs. Buccaneers
      It’s amazing to think that one of these two teams will still be undefeated after the first week of the season.
      Odds: Bucs –3
      Prediction: Browns 16-13

      Colts at. Texans
      If the Texans hope to make the playoffs this year, they better learn how to beat teams in their own division – starting this Sunday with the Colts. Thanks to Houston’s inexperienced secondary, I don’t see the Texans getting the Indy monkey off their backs this week.
      Odds: Colts –1
      Prediction: Colts 30-21

      Continue reading »

      External Sports, NFL

      Top 5 Storylines of Week 1 in the NFL

      September 10, 2010 /
      SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Head coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets stands on the field during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

      It’s Week 1 in the NFL, so you know there are going to be some juicy headlines heading into this weekend’s action. Here are my top 5…

      1. What will Rex Ryan and the Jets do for an encore?
      We’ll have to wait until Monday before we see “Hard Knocks” play out on the field, but Ryan’s squad is going to get a stiff test right off the bat. The Ravens are loaded offensively and some believe could challenge for a Super Bowl berth this season. Meanwhile, Darrelle Revis is back at practice after holding out for 36 days, but is he ready to play after missing all of training camp? How will his chemistry be with a defense that he hasn’t played a live game situation with in over seven months? Can the Jets live up to their own Super Bowl expectations? Something tells me we’re going to find out a lot about both of these teams in four nights.

      2. How will the new-look Redskins fair?
      The Redskins were a disaster under Jim Zorn last year, so owner Daniel Snyder hired Mike Shanahan to help restore order and then signed off on a trade for Donovan McNabb. Now questions remain not only about McNabb’s health, but about whether or not he has enough help around him. The O-line is still a major question mark, as are the running back and receiver positions. On the other side of the ball, Shanahan has been feuding with Albert Haynesworth for the better part of a decade and rumors have started to circulate that he could be traded to Tennessee (uh, Haynesworth – not Shanahan. That would be ridiculous.). Kind of a bad time to be playing on national television against a divisional rival that is expected to be a Super Bowl contender, huh?

      3. Kevin Kolb gets stiff opening test
      All eyes will be on Kolb this week in the first game of the McNabb-less era in Philly. He won’t have time to get acclimated to the situation for very long, because the Super Bowl-hopeful Packers are coming to town with their top ranked defense from a year ago. It’ll be interesting to see what the backfield combination of Kolb and Shady McCoy will produce in their first live run of 2010. The offensive line is good and Kolb has plenty of weapons in the passing game thanks to DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin, but if McCoy can’t find running room then the Packers will certainly amp up the pressure. This could wind up being the best matchup on the Week 1 schedule next to Ravens-Jets’ bout on Monday night.

      4. Mike Martz’s Windy City Debut
      If you’re like me, I’m waiting for one of two things to happen in Chicago this year: Jay Cutler becoming the second-coming of Jeff George in Martz’s offense…or Jay Cutler becoming the second-coming of Jeff George in Martz’s offense. George, if you remember, could zip the ball around a football field as well as any quarterback in the league. Too bad he also forced passes into small windows instead of throwing it out of bounds or take sacks. He was also a pistol when it came to dealing with teammates and coaches, which is not unlike Cutler. It stands to reason that given Cutler’s skill set, he could wind up having a great season under Martz. But considering his offensive line still isn’t that good and he’ll be throwing the ball even more than he did last year, he could also wind up breaking the NFL record for interceptions in a single season. Either way, it should be fun.

      5. Welcome to the NFL, Sam Bradford
      Unlike some people, I don’t mind when teams start rookies at quarterback. The best way to learn the game is to play and while young signal callers are going to make plenty of mistakes, they’re also going to gain valuable experience as well. Bradford needs a better set of receivers than what the Rams currently have on their roster, but it’s not like the team is sending him into a firefight with a water gun and a shank. The offensive line is improving and having Steven Jackson in the same backfield will help take some of the pressure off of the rookie’s shoulders. He’s going to make some dumb mistakes and chances are, he’s also going to make some plays that make you say, “Hmm, nice throw kid.” Either way, Week 1 isn’t going to make or beak his future. It’ll be fun to see how he does in his first NFL test though.

      Just missing the cut…

      6. Is Maurice Jones-Drew healthy?
      7. Brady and Welker sans car accidents and knee injuries
      8. T.O. and Ocho Act I
      9. Can the Texans finally get the Colts monkey off their backs?
      10. How will the Ben Roethlisberger-less Steelers fair with Dennis Dixon under center?
      11. Pete Carroll makes his debut in Seattle
      12. Will we actually see Brandon Jacobs’ head explode if Bradshaw gets more opportunities in the Giants’ offense?

      External Sports, NFL

      Hiring Kevin Towers as GM a great move by Diamondbacks

      September 10, 2010 /
      The Arizona Diamondbacks practice at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, in this October 2, 2007 file photo. Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has to deal with a small but growing movement that wants to either boycott or move next year's All-Star game, in Phoenix. At issue is Arizona's pending immigration law, allowing police to check the immigration status of people they stop for other reasons, if they are reasonably suspected of being in the country illegally. REUTERS/Jeff Topping/Files (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY LAW SPORT BASEBALL)

      The deal isn’t completed yet, but once it is the Diamondbacks should reap the rewards of hiring a man that should still be employed by the Padres.

      Kevin Towers led the Padres to four division championships and an appearance in the 1998 World Series when he was their general manager from 1995 until he was fired in October of last year. He was let go after two losing seasons in 2008 and 2009, yet before he was canned he built the team that has shocked everyone in 2010. (As of this writing, the Padres are clinging to a one-game lead in the NL West.)

      Towers was the person that traded for Adrian Gonzalez following the 2004 season – the same deal that also brought starter Chris Young to San Diego. He also drafted Jake Peavy in the 15th round (472nd overall) of the 1999 MLB Draft and then traded him to the White Sox for, among others, starter Clayton Richard, who is now a valuable piece of the Padres’ future.

      San Diego is in first place right now largely because of the success of Richard and Mat Latos (another one of Towers’ draft picks), an outstanding bullpen, Gonzalez and Jon Garland.

      Outside of Garland, Towers had a hand in all of the above factors that have attributed to the Padres’ success in 2010. When he left, the San Diego front office did next to nothing to improve the team in the offseason and even thought about trading Gonzalez on several occasions last winter.

      Granted, Towers is just one man and it takes a team of scouts and personnel directors to run a baseball team. But given his track record, two losing seasons shouldn’t have cost him his job in San Diego.

      No matter – he’s going to be Arizona’s GM soon enough and considering the Diamondbacks are a team that has underachieved over the last couple of seasons, he’s the right man for the job. The club needs an experienced leader – someone that know how to build through the draft and with youth – and that’s what they’ll get out of Towers.

      It might take a year or two, but Arizona should be competing again soon.

      External Sports, MLB

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