Aloha, Reggie

Dec/23/06 12:59 PM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

Reggie Wayne was driving to an autograph signing in Carmel when his cellular phone rang. The call was from the Indianapolis Colts' Westside complex.

He had made the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Before that could sink in, a buddy from Arizona text-messaged him. Former teammate Edgerrin James typed, "Did you get in?"
"Then my phone started going haywire," the receiver said.

The autograph signing took more than two hours. He met with fans and scribbled his signature with the No. 87 on helmets, jerseys, posters, cards, programs. He didn't have time to return any calls.

Hester prepares for more action

Dec/23/06 12:58 PM Filed in: Devin Hester

LAKE FOREST -- The Bears will proceed with caution when it comes to rookie return phenom Devin Hester.

Last Sunday they tried to expand his role with an offensive play in addition to more defensive duties due to injuries. During the game, he fumbled two punts and a kickoff and lost one fumble.

"It was exciting," Hester said about playing offense. "I'm hoping that another opportunity will come and like I said, I told (special teams) coach (Dave) Toub I'm a team ball player. Wherever he needs me to go that's where I'm going to go."

Winslow, Cribbs are Pro Bowl caliber

Dec/23/06 12:58 PM Filed in: Kellen Winslow

BEREA — Before the season started, Kellen Winslow said that at 90 percent of full strength he’s better than any tight end in the NFL. Fourteen games into the season, Winslow remains confident in his ability, but he now knows he’s not at the top of the list. Winslow was selected as the second alternate on the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster. Kansas City’s Tony Gonzalez and San Diego’s Antonio Gates were selected to the team. Baltimore’s Todd Heap is the first alternate. “Antonio and Tony are well-deserving guys,” Winslow said. “They deserve my respect. I’ll just wait my turn. We’re just focusing on getting a win around here. We have to get a win, and individual stuff will come with it.”

Pirates touch base with Huff - Free agent had 21 home runs last season

Dec/23/06 12:57 PM Filed in: Aubrey Huff

The Pirates have made contact with Aubrey Huff, the most prominent left-handed power hitter remaining in free agency, and are one of a handful of teams considered to be in the running for his services.

The others are the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles.

Huff, who turned 30 Wednesday, batted .266 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs last season, which he split between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Houston Astros. In the previous three seasons, all with Tampa Bay, his home run totals were 34, 29 and 22, his RBI totals 107, 104 and 92. He can play first base, third base and the corner outfield spots.

Winslow grinding though final games

Dec/22/06 07:20 PM Filed in: Kellen Winslow

It's been a big year for Kellen Winslow. The tight end has managed 76 receptions -- the most by a Browns tight end since Ozzie Newsome matched the team receptions record of 89 in 1984.

In doing so, he has become just the third player in team history to mark a 70-catch season. Meanwhile, his 755 yards are the most by a Browns tight end since Newsome's 1,001 in 1984.

Not bad for a player who, prior to September,

Leon Williams Update

Dec/22/06 02:10 PM Filed in: Leon Williams

MAKING A CASE: Rookie linebacker Leon Williams caught the attention of Crennel with his play against the Ravens last Sunday. Williams, starting in place of the injured D’Qwell Jackson, had a team-high 10 tackles and one forced fumble. Jackson and Andra Davis would appear to be locks to start on the inside next season. Williams, who’s the fastest linebacker on the roster, could project to the outside to eventually replace Willie McGinest. ‘‘If they want me to play outside, I’ll play outside,’’ Williams said. ‘‘It doesn’t matter, as long as we win.’’

(tribune-chronicle.com)

Redskins Sean Taylor's problems are now between the lines

Dec/22/06 02:09 PM Filed in: Sean Taylor

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Sean Taylor got fooled twice on the same play.

He bit when Donte' Stallworth faked an out pattern, then bit again when Donovan McNabb faked a handoff. A few seconds later, Stallworth was racing toward the end zone with Taylor trailing helplessly in his wake, having caught a deep pass from McNabb over the middle for an 84-yard touchdown.

This was the year Taylor was supposed to be the beast, "the best player in the NFL," according to teammate Clinton Portis. The Washington Redskins safety, who was in constant trouble during his first two seasons, finally had his legal problems behind him and was free to concentrate on terrifying receivers, quarterbacks and running backs league-wide.

Mills & Williams out, James & Terry in (Tamara James Update)

Dec/22/06 02:08 PM Filed in: Tamara James

When Tausha Mills arrived in Motzkin she was a mystery. Former #2 pick in the draft who didn't find her place in the league, played a little in Europe, got hurt and fell off the radar. She leaves Motzkin as the Israeli league's rebounding leader with a blistering 15.8 rebounds per game average, along with 18.1 points per game. Those numbers caught the attention of one of the rich teams in Poland, who made her an offer no Israeli team can compete with.

After her last game with the team, where Motzkin lost the cup semi final ticket to Bnei Yehuda, Mills shed some more light on the reasons for her leaving: "It's very sad for me to leave, I have one of the greatest coaches, the staff is incredible. I hate the fact that I gotta get outta here but an opportunity awaits and I thank God for it.
Every time I get on the court wheather it’s in Motzkin Israel or Iraq, I have to play to my abilty. The coaches have done a great job, if anyone I credit I credit him, Adan and Ilan have done a tremendous job preparing me and allowing me to get in shape."
Angelina Williams also decided not to return to Motzkin, who won their last 6 games and are 5th in the standings.

Enough about those on the way out, Motzkin has already signed two new players. The bigger name out of the two is Tamara James (5'10, 22), a young and talented forward who can play both outside and inside. James was the 8th overall pick in the last WNBA draft, by the Washington Mystics after a superb career at the University of Miami. She averaged 20.0 points (49.6% from the field), 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game over four years. James was named to the All-ACC 1st Team as a junior and a senior for the Hurricanes. She is a versatile player who can play the 3, 4 and 2 positions.

BDC approves development backed by Ray Lewis in closed session

Dec/22/06 02:07 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis

The Baltimore Development Corp. voted behind closed doors Thursday morning in favor of a development team led by the Cormomy Company and linked with Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis to redevelop a group of waterfront properties in the Carroll Camden section of the city.

The vote appeared to have taken place under the same circumstances as another redevelopment project which was challenged in the courts and ultimately required the city's economic development arm to open its meetings to the public.

Following the meeting, board Chairman Arnold L. Williams and BDC President M.J. "Jay" Brodie said they consulted with an attorney from the city's law department before taking the closed door vote.

McGahee and Evans Creating Problems for Opponents

Dec/21/06 01:21 PM Filed in: Willis McGahee

We've seen successful offensive teams in the NFL before. Oftentimes their talent at the skill positions creates big matchup problems for opposing defenses. The most current example would be San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison when they played together in Indianapolis posed matchup headaches as well.

Buffalo's offense is beginning to show that same potential with Willis McGahee and Lee Evans, and you need only look at the big plays they've provided as evidence.

Last Sunday's game against Miami is a perfect example. After watching McGahee rumble for 125 yards against the Jets including a 57-yard touchdown run the week before, the Dolphins were committed to stopping Buffalo's top back. With the wind whipping as hard as it was at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Miami was even more comfortable loading up the box with defenders

Pros give props to preps

Dec/21/06 11:44 AM Filed in: Vince Wilfork

Each issue, Hot Shots asks a professional athlete for their favorite high school memory. This issue: Patriots [team stats] defensive lineman Vince Wilfork [stats].

Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork was more than a football player in high school. He also broke the Florida state record in the shot put -- throwing 68 feet -- in his time at Santaluces High. But it was clear his future was on the gridiron, and that’s where his scholarship came from, courtesy of the University of Miami.

Wilfork displayed impressive athleticism on the football field, leading the Santaluces coaches to play him not only on the defensive

Vilma's stats don't add up in the 3-4

Dec/21/06 08:34 AM Filed in: Jonathan Vilma

No forced fumbles and 58 solo tackles. This doesn't sound like the Jonathan Vilma who rocked a lot of fans, and running backs, at the University of Miami, or in his first two seasons with the New York Jets.

But he insisted Wednesday the downturn in his statistical portfolio has nothing to do with rookie coach Eric Mangini's switch to a three-four defense and that all is well with both himself and the astonishing Jets.

If Vilma is not the inside linebacker he was a year ago, when he had more than double the number of solo tackles at 124, 169 total when you fold in assists, then neither are the Jets the same pack of losers

49ers Gore has overcome two knee surgeries

Dec/21/06 08:33 AM Filed in: Frank Gore

When Frank Gore wrecked his anterior cruciate ligament, Edgerrin James made sure he talked to his fellow Miami Hurricane often as support, since James knew all about coming back from such a devastating injury.

And when Gore blew out his other knee, James did it again.

So as the 49ers’ Gore approaches the end of this Pro Bowl season, already with 1,491 yards rushing and king of an impressive lineup of NFC West running backs, it’s no shock that James beams with pride. “I am super happy for him because of what he went through,” James said. Gore has been the biggest surprise in an NFL season with plenty of big rushing performances. Last season, there were 16 1,000-yard rushers in the league. This season, 13 players have already reached that plateau and another 10 are 128 yards or closer with two games left.

James is one of those players, needing 12 yards, although he knows he probably should have already reached that mark.

Pro Bowl vote 'crazy,' Lewis says - Snub saddens linebacker, not for self but his teammates

Dec/20/06 11:51 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis

OWINGS MILLS // Proudly wearing his AFC North championship cap, linebacker Ray Lewis insisted he wasn't bitter about being snubbed for the Pro Bowl.

Speaking for the first time since he was named an alternate Tuesday, Lewis expressed regret that teammates Trevor Pryce and Bart Scott did not make the team before openly questioning the voting of players around the league.

"I never played this game for Pro Bowls," Lewis said Wednesday. "Is it sad the way it goes down? Of course. I was around when the voting was right. I was around when you used to vote for guys for what they did and not by whatever comes up.

"Now, it's getting kind of crazy because the league is getting very young. These guys don't know how to vote no more. That's not the way the game should be."

Texans' Johnson gets second Pro Bowl nod

Dec/20/06 11:51 PM Filed in: Andre Johnson

HOUSTON - Andre Johnson is returning to the Pro Bowl, and he hopes to take along the man who helped him get there.

The Houston Texans receiver rebounded from the worst season of his four-year career to lead the NFL in receptions, thanks in part to the addition of fellow receiver Eric Moulds. In his second appearance in the game, Johnson will start for the AFC squad with Cincinnati's Chad Johnson.

Johnson said he planned to invite Moulds to join him at the February game.

"He's just been a good mentor for me," Johnson said. "That's something that I didn't have my first three years. Most guys, when they come in, they have a veteran guy to show them the ins and outs of the game and I didn't have that. So I have Eric here now and he's helped out a whole lot."

Top Pro Bowl Snubs, by ESPN

Dec/20/06 03:43 PM Filed in: Warrren Sapp

1. Warren Sapp, DT, Raiders: All right, we know the Raiders' offense stinks. Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter are just waiting to be sacked every time they drop back to make a pass. At 2-12, Raiders fans have a commitment to heading to the exits. But Sapp has been sensational this season. He has eight sacks on the fourth-ranked defense in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan went back to the 4-3 defense, which plays to Sapp's strengths and he became a disruptive force again. He was beaten out by Richard Seymour (Patriots), Williams and Hampton. He wasn't even one of the top three alternates at the defensive tackle position. That's unbelievable.

4. Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens: Those who voted in favor of Al Wilson (Broncos) need to step into Lewis' office and have a chat. Lewis may not be the playmaker he was six or seven seasons ago, but he bounced back this season with Pro Bowl-caliber play. The Ravens have the league's top-ranked defense. Wilson is one of the game's best middle linebackers, but the Broncos rank 13th on defense and are giving up 26 yards a game more than the Ravens. We need a recount.

The voice of experience: Vinny’s wisdom benefit to Brady

Dec/20/06 09:17 AM Filed in: Vinny Testaverde

FOXBORO - If you think it’s a little strange watching quarterback Vinny Testaverde [stats] come on to the field to take a knee at the end of blowouts, it’s nothing compared to what it’s like seeing him stroll through the Patriots [team stats] locker room on any given Wednesday.

You stand in the midst of huge, young men, tattoos and cornrows everywhere, and suddenly out of the corner of your eye you catch this tall, slender, older gentleman with grey-speckled hair and whiskers slowly walk by. He’s wearing a sweat suit and carrying a ratty old work bag. Picture Harold Ramis, at 6-foot-5, in a Patriots baseball hat. Your first thought is that one of the accountants from upstairs must be coming through to use a treadmill. Or maybe the team dentist.

But it’s just the 43-year-old Testaverde punching the clock.

Moss will return kicks with Ward put on IR

Dec/20/06 09:16 AM Filed in: Sinorice Moss

It's not that the Giants don't want to get rookie Sinorice Moss involved. It's just that he's not quite up to speed with the offense because he missed too much time to injury this season.

Well, now the Giants have a perfect excuse to involve Moss by giving him a pretty simple job: kick returner. The team needs a new one after Derrick Ward was placed on injured reserve yesterday with a fractured foot. Ward originally broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot midway through training camp. X-rays taken on Monday revealed he re-injured it in Sunday's loss to the Eagles.

Ward's injury provides the perfect opportunity to give Moss a chance to make an impact. And the way the Giants are going, they need impact in a lot of places. The speedy second-round pick could give the Giants a boost on special teams by kick-starting a unit that ranks 29th in the NFL with a 20.1 yards per return average.

Pro Bowl beckons 49ers RB Gore will start for NFC in Honolulu

Dec/20/06 09:16 AM Filed in: Frank Gore

Frank Gore's spirited running has been the most surprising development for the 49ers this season. His selection to the Pro Bowl was not.

Gore, who leads the conference in rushing with 1,491 yards and is third in the NFL, was chosen Tuesday as a starter for the NFC in the Pro Bowl on Feb. 10 in Honolulu. Selected as NFC reserve running backs were Tiki Barber of the Giants and Steven Jackson of the Rams.

"I feel I deserve it,'' Gore said. "I worked hard all season. I worked hard all offseason. My offensive line worked hard. I'm just happy.''

Reggie Wayne finally makes the Pro Bowl

Dec/20/06 09:15 AM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

INDIANAPOLIS - Reggie Wayne may always get overlooked playing next to Marvin Harrison. At least now, he knows he's part of the Pro Bowl club.

Wayne, Harrison and two-time MVP Peyton Manning were among five Indianapolis Colts named to the AFC squad Tuesday, four fewer than conference-leading San Diego and two fewer than the NFC's best team, Chicago. The Bears and Chargers are both 12-2.

The Colts thought Wayne had Pro Bowl-worthy stats each of the last two years, though he was bypassed in the voting by coaches, players and fans.

This time, they were pleasantly surprised.

"I really didn't think he would make it, not that he didn't deserve it," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "But it's a tough perception to overcome, that your No. 2 receiver is better than 28 other receivers in the league."

Ravens Send Five to Pro Bowl, But Not Ray Lewis

Dec/20/06 09:14 AM Filed in: Ray Lewis

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP)- The AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens had five players selected to play in the Pro Bowl, including two linebackers- neither of whom is named Ray Lewis.

Safety Ed Reed, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas were named starters; linebacker Terrell Suggs and cornerback Chris McAlister will head to Hawaii as reserves.

Lewis, tight end Todd Heap, kicker Matt Stover and special team standout Gary Stills were named alternates. To join their teammates at the Pro Bowl, a player listed ahead of them must choose not to play.

A cold reality - Frustrated Kings lose to Mavs

Dec/19/06 11:35 PM Filed in: John Salmons

John Salmons sat at his locker in one corner, his shirt half off and his smile all the way gone.

This was, he said in hushed tones after the Kings' 109-91 loss to Dallas on Monday night at Arco Arena, as bad as it gets.

"Frustration," the Kings swingman said when asked what was going through his mind. "We're losing these games. I can't get used to losing. We've done hit rock bottom."

Except that, as Salmons noted a moment later, ugliness can always get uglier.

"I mean, I guess it's not rock bottom," he said. "I know the guys want to win. We've got the desire. We've just got to bring that desire out and get it done."

Texans receiver Johnson tabbed for Pro Bowl

Dec/19/06 11:33 PM Filed in: Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson was the only Texan invited to the Pro Bowl, but the fourth-year wide receiver doesn't intend to go alone.

One of Johnson's Christmas presents to Eric Moulds will be a ticket to the Pro Bowl. Moulds, an 11-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler, has been the mentor Johnson lacked in his first three seasons with the Texans.

Johnson also wants to be joined by teammate and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who leads the lead with 113 solo tackles and is the leading candidate for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Ryans is listed as a third alternate at inside linebacker.

``I think DeMeco should be a starter,'' Johnson said. ``He's having a tremendous season. If you saw him play on the field, you'd never expect he's a rookie. He looks like a nine- or 10-year veteran. Personally, I think he's our MVP this season.''

NFL U ProBowl Selection

Dec/19/06 03:58 PM

Congrats to the following 'Canes that are headed to Hawaii for the ProBowl:

Andre Johnson WR - Texans

Ed Reed S - Ravens

Reggie Wayne WR - Colts

Frank Gore RB - 49ers

Jeremy Shockey TE - Giants

Devin Hester KR - Bears

Devin Hester Update

Dec/19/06 02:01 PM Filed in: Devin Hester

The Bears were tight-lipped about Devin Hester's potential contributions on offense prior to Week 15, but the rookie sensation did see action on offense vs. the Bucs. He was thrown to once but did not come up with the catch. Chicago is hesitant to put too much on his plate, and he just recently added kick returns and is working hard at cornerback. Still, we hear it wouldn't take much to design a few basic packages that feature Hester on the offensive side of the ball. The Bears will likely revisit his long-term future more carefully this offseason, after he has put in a full season of work in the defensive backfield.

(profootballweekly.com)

NFL U Week 15 Video Highlights

Dec/19/06 10:36 AM

Check out Week 15 NFL U Video Highlights featuring Gore's big day, Moss' TD, Wayne's TD and more! Click at the top on NFL U Video Highlights or click here!

NFL U Week 15 Season Gallery Updated

Dec/19/06 08:18 AM

Check out Week 14 pictures to NFL U Gallery. Check out more pictures of Frank Gore, Najeh Davenport, Ray Lewis and more by clicking above on NFL U Season Gallery or click here.

Leon Williams Update

Dec/19/06 08:17 AM Filed in: Leon Williams

ON WILLIAMS Crennel on linebacker Leon Williams’ first NFL start: “He made plays and didn’t have mental errors. He played pretty well.”

(cantonrep.com)

49ers notes: Gore has his eye on the rushing title

Dec/19/06 08:17 AM Filed in: Frank Gore

SANTA CLARA-When San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson ran for a season-high 199 yards on national television Sunday night, no one was following more closely than Frank Gore.

The 49ers tailback, with 1,491 yards, trails Tomlinson for the league rushing lead by 135 yards and is 25 yards behind Sunday night's other featured running back, Kansas City's Larry Johnson. Despite how far he trails Tomlinson, Gore said Monday he believes he has a chance to wear the rushing crown at season's end.

"I'm going to play those last two games because we're still fighting and trying to get into the playoffs," he said.

Jets' Vilma just doing his job

Dec/19/06 08:16 AM Filed in: Jonathan Vilma

HEMPSTEAD - The music was blasting inside the Jets' big white practice bubble. They were trying to simulate the noise and indoor feel they will experience tomorrow at the Vikings' home dome. Jonathan Vilma stood on the field simulating with them, directing traffic before the scout team's snaps.

The 2005 Pro Bowl linebacker has been cited for being more of a traffic cop and less of a playmaker in the 3-4 defensive system coach Eric Mangini brought here this year. He has been calling signals and getting guys in the right spots. Then he has been staying in his proper area, meeting up with a lot of linemen and not having as much of a loud impact.

Still, all accounts have him learning well and getting better in the role. And Vilma hasn't whined about it, just been a good team guy, accepting what he has been asked to do and devoting himself to his studies of each week's opposing offense.

Offensive Hester a downer

Dec/19/06 01:13 AM Filed in: Devin Hester

CHICAGO -- Everyone wanted to see Devin Hester get more chances to carry the football.

On Sunday in the Bears' 34-31 overtime win over Tampa Bay, Hester might have had a few chances too many. The Bears' explosive rookie made a few exciting returns, but lost one critical fumble on a third-quarter kickoff return, fumbled but recovered on a fourth-quarter kickoff and fumbled a punt return out of bounds.

Hester also got his first chance to play offense -- coming in during the first quarter for one play at wide receiver. The throw went his way on a slant pass from Rex Grossman, but he was well covered and the ball fell to the turf.

Antrell Rolle Update

Dec/19/06 01:13 AM Filed in: Antrel Rolle

It’s clear now that Antrel Rolle, the Cardinals’ first-round pick in 2005, is better suited to play safety than cornerback. He has more knee surgeries (two) than career interceptions (one), and he can’t seem to cover a wide receiver without putting his hands on him.

(eastvalleytribune.com)