Ray Lewis' Pre-Game Dance To Return Sunday Against Chargers

Sep/30/06 11:37 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis

Two weeks ago I wrote about how Ravens head coach Brian Billick was wondering how the team was going to handle pre-game introductions. On the one hand, the team had been introducing the entire team during the preseason just like the New England Patriots. On the other hand, the pre-game introduction of the defense had always seemed to amp up the home crowd at M&T Bank Stadium. So Billick split the difference, and the first team offense was introduced before the home opener against the Oakland Raiders. Starting quarterback Steve McNair got a lot of love when he was introduced last.
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Panthers' Morgan still out

Sep/30/06 11:36 PM Filed in: Dan Morgan

CHARLOTTE (AP) -- Carolina linebacker Dan Morgan and tight end Mike Seidman won't play Sunday against New Orleans.

Morgan hasn't played since suffering at least the fifth concussion of his career in the season opener against Atlanta. Seidman suffered a knee injury in last Sunday's win over Tampa Bay.
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Colts' Wayne starting, other key players out vs. Jets

Sep/30/06 11:36 PM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

INDIANAPOLIS — Wide receiver Reggie Wayne will be in the starting lineup when the Indianapolis Colts play the New York Jets today at the Meadowlands, but several other key players will be sitting out.

Wayne returned to practice Thursday after missing workouts Monday and Wednesday in order to tend to family matters in Louisiana concerning the death of his older brother Rashad. Reggie Wayne took part in the Colts' final three workouts of the week, including Saturday's walkthough session.
(tribstar.com)

Lewis, Merriman clash in Ravens-Chargers showdown

Sep/30/06 11:35 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis

BALTIMORE - Months before Shawne Merriman became a first-round NFL draft pick, Ray Lewis felt compelled to provide advice, encouragement and guidance to the budding star.

Lewis was watching his brother, running back Keon Lattimore, at a University of Maryland football game when he noticed Merriman, a defensive end who played with enthusiasm and tackled with authority.

"I took him under my wing. I kind of met him then, and from there, the relationship just actually blossomed," said Lewis, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens. "He has the same kind of heart and the same kind of passion I do."

BEARS CLAIM MAXEY

Sep/29/06 09:21 PM Filed in: Marcus Maxey

LAKE FOREST, IL — The Chicago Bears claimed defensive back Marcus Maxey off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs today and placed wide receiver Airese Currie on injured reserve due to a foot injury.

Maxey was inactive for the Chiefs first two games of this season before being placed on waivers. The University of Miami product was drafted by Kansas City in the fifth-round (154th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.

(sportsfeatures.com)

I APOLOGIZE - THE DESIRE TO WIN DRIVES ME CRAZY (Jeremy Shockey)

Sep/29/06 09:20 PM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey

September 29, 2006 -- Every Friday, lightning-rod Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey gives Post readers his insights, even on this bye week, following the upsetting loss to the Seahawks:

Immediately after Sunday's loss in Seattle, I said we got outplayed and outcoached. I shouldn't have said it, but let me ask you: Have you ever lost your temper and out of frustration said something you didn't want to say and wish you could take back? Well, that's what happened.

The truth is, I am a competitor that can't stand losing. It drives me over the edge. I just can't accept mediocrity and that kind of performance on Sunday hurt more than any hit, injection or surgery I ever had. It should be getting easier for me, but it's only getting tougher.

Portis Feeling Like Himself Again

Sep/29/06 09:19 PM Filed in: Clinton Portis

Tailback Clinton Portis says his injured left shoulder feels healed, but that good news was not enough to compel him to put together a costume for his weekly meeting with reporters. Portis's array of outfits and characters became part of the Washington Redskins' five-game winning streak in 2005 and, even with some players calling for a return of his personal "Project Runway," Portis offered no assurances.

Of greater importance, he said, is his health. Portis said that he suffered no setbacks Sunday, when he tore through Houston for 164 total yards and two touchdowns, and that he feels better than he has in some time.

Antrell Rolle Update

Sep/29/06 09:17 PM Filed in: Antrel Rolle

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle was fined $5,000 for a horse collar tackle on Seattle Seahawks halfback Shaun Alexander. Alexander believes that is the injury that might have caused the fracture in his left foot.Information from ESPN.com's John Clayton and ESPN's Chris Mortensen was used in this report.
(abclocal.go.com)

R. Lewis taps Tomlinson, not dance - Raven isn't focusing on his celebration

Sep/29/06 09:02 AM Filed in: Ray Lewis

During yesterday's practice, several Ravens players were questioning middle linebacker Ray Lewis about whether there will be any changes to his much-anticipated pre-game dance, which is expected to return Sunday after a yearlong hiatus.

Lewis' response: His attention has been on the moves of San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson and not his own.

Lewis said he has been watching film of the Chargers from the moment he gets home until he goes to sleep. Though he'll typically split his time between dissecting the running back and quarterback, that's not the case this week with San Diego.

Niners RB Gore expected to play, but TE Davis out

Sep/29/06 09:01 AM Filed in: Frank Gore

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers got good news about running back Frank Gore and confirmed bad news about tight end Vernon Davis on Monday.

Gore is expected to be in the 49ers` lineup at Kansas City on Sunday despite bruised ribs that sidelined him in the third quarter of their loss to Philadelphia. Davis, the sixth overall pick in the draft, will be out four weeks with a broken bone in his right leg.

Seahawks' nickel defense can turn on a dime - Kelly Jennings Update

Sep/29/06 09:01 AM Filed in: Kelly Jennings

KIRKLAND -- One of the defensive tackles really isn't. He's an end, and Bryce Fisher is a 268-pound end at that.

Same thing with the ends, who are actually 235-pound linebacker Julian Peterson and 265-pound rookie Darryl Tapp.

The secondary includes a left cornerback -- 178-pound Kelly Jennings -- who has been dubbed "Slim" by his teammates.

Texans' receivers provide a big test

Sep/29/06 08:59 AM Filed in: Andre Johnson

DAVIE — Houston Texans wide receiver Eric Moulds always has been a Dolphins killer.

In 10 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Moulds had 1,145 yards on 69 catches with 11 touchdowns against Miami. He also owns the post-season record for receiving yards in a game with 240, also against the Dolphins.

And if that's not scary enough, Moulds plays second fiddle to former University of Miami star Andre Johnson.

Piazza leads San Diego over St. Louis

Sep/29/06 08:58 AM Filed in: Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza's RBI-single snapped a seventh-inning tie and the San Diego Padres beat the sagging St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 in a matchup of National League division leaders on Monday.

Brian Giles hit a three-run double in a five-run second and the bullpen allowed three hits in 5 2-3 innings to help the Padres win for the 10th time in 13 games.

San Diego has a two-game lead in the NL West over idle Los Angeles with six games to play.

James says mistakes keeping talented Cardinals from success

Sep/29/06 08:58 AM Filed in: Edgerrin James

TEMPE, Ariz. -- End the mistakes and success will come.

That's the simple recipe Edgerrin James is offering after his first three games with the Arizona Cardinals.

"Go out and play the game and don't beat yourself," James said after Thursday's practice. "That's what it boils down to. We just go out and play and don't make mistakes and we do all right."

Giants' Shockey softens his stance

Sep/29/06 08:57 AM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey

A fire alarm went off in the Giants' locker room Monday. According to one Giants player, it would have been fitting if Jeremy Shockey had been the one who pulled it.

Shockey started the fire after Sunday's 42-30 embarrassment against the Seahawks when he ripped coach Tom Coughlin and said the .Giants were "outplayed and outcoached." But Monday afternoon, he had a little less bravado after a team meeting in which the comments were directly addressed by a smoldering Coughlin.

Colts get Wayne back, should play Sunday

Sep/28/06 08:54 PM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

NDIANAPOLIS - Receiver Reggie Wayne rejoined the Indianapolis Colts for practice Thursday and is expected to play Sunday against the New York Jets. Wayne flew to Louisiana on Sunday night after learning his 32-year-old brother, Rashad, was killed in a traffic accident.

Although Reggie Wayne did not speak with reporters on Thursday, coach Tony Dungy said he anticipated the 27-year-old receiver would play this week as the Colts (3-0) try to remain unbeaten.

"That's what we're planning, so I would think so," Dungy said after practice. "But it is good to see him back."

Parrish's small size producing big plays

Sep/28/06 08:18 PM Filed in: Roscoe Parrish

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - If Roscoe Parrish grew an inch every time someone knocked him for his lack of size, the Bills receiver would be bigger than Goliath.

No such luck, though.

"I was always the smallest guy, even when I started Pop Warner football," said Parrish, generously listed at five foot nine and 169 pounds, by far the smallest player on Buffalo's roster.

Fashion Trendsetters - College Edition (Ray Lewis)

Sep/28/06 02:24 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis

We don't want to say anything bad about Ray Lewis, but thankfully, the half-shirt look never caught on.

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LEWIS AND MERRIMAN FACE OFF

Sep/28/06 02:06 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis and Shawne Merriman get to state their case for the AFC's best defence on Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens host the San Diego Chargers in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Led by Lewis at middle linebacker, the Ravens have allowed a total of 20 points and recorded 16 sacks in their first three games.

With Merriman creating havoc from his outside linebacker spot, the Chargers have yielded just seven points and registered nine sacks in two games.

Lewis pumped about collision of unbeatens

Sep/28/06 08:15 AM Filed in: Ray Lewis

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, healthy and playing as well this season as he has in a while, is excited about Sunday's game, a matchup between two of the league's seven remaining unbeaten teams and the two top defenses.

“It's one of those games,” Lewis said yesterday. “The National Football League doesn't get any better than this. This is one of those games you sit home and say, 'Can I play in that game one day?' You're talking about LaDainian Tomlinson to Keenan McCardell to Antonio Gates to Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Adalius Thomas, Shawne Merriman, it goes on and on with big-name players who are going to be facing each other, going at it head to head. So this is one of those games where legends are made. If you want your name, this is where you grab it from, right here.”

Winslow get his wish

Sep/28/06 08:13 AM Filed in: Kellen Winslow

CLEVELAND - After two weeks of getting raked over the coals by fans, it didn’t take long — the Browns’ offense got booed on Sunday’s first series.

A quick pass to Dennis Northcutt gained nothing. Jason Wright ran up the middle for zip. Trevor Pryce sacked Charlie Frye for a 10-yard loss.

On first down on their next series, Bart Scott and Adalius Thomas suffocated Frye for a big loss. Scott blitzed again on second down, arriving at Wright at the same time as a handoff. Wright somehow got back to he line of scrimmage. A third-and-19 screen pass was good for 2 yards and more boos.

No start for struggling Burrell

Sep/28/06 08:10 AM Filed in: Pat Burrell

As Pat Burrell's average and power numbers have steadily declined over the past month, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has sat him on occasion.

Those breaks have been brief as Manuel continues to return the highest paid player to the lineup time and time again.

The second-year manager has tried everything to correct Burrell's aversion to inside fastballs, outside junk and just an overall failure on the slugger's part to contribute on a consistent basis.

Injury makes Shockey sore

Sep/28/06 08:09 AM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey

Moments before Jeremy Shockey set off an explosion Sunday night, he was sitting quietly at his locker at Qwest Field in Seattle, listening to a teammate answer questions. He was already simmering.

In fact, his frustrations had been bubbling for almost a month.

From what his teammates and coaches have been able to tell, a left ankle injury has left Shockey in a cranky mood this year, more than any complaints he has about the coaches. He may create headlines by saying the Giants were "outcoached" and complain again about his diminishing role in the passing attack. But the bottom line is really this:

Wayne to practice Thursday, could play vs. Jets

Sep/27/06 10:37 PM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts receiver Reggie Wayne is expected to return to Indianapolis on Thursday and could be available to play Sunday against the New York Jets.

Wayne left town Sunday night after finding out his older brother, Rashad, was killed in a traffic accident that day in Kenner, La. Reggie Wayne has been in Louisiana all week to help the family make funeral arrangements.

"The last conversation I had with him, he said he'd be back in Indianapolis sometime tomorrow," coach Tony Dungy said Wednesday. "Right now, I think he will play."

Johnson great in Texans dismal start

Sep/27/06 10:35 PM Filed in: Andre Johnson

HOUSTON (AP) -Through three games, Andre Johnson is having the best season of his career.

Too bad the Houston Texans are having another bad one.

Johnson is third in the NFL with 21 receptions for 309 yards for the 0-3 Texans. He's already almost halfway to his 2005 total of 688 yards.

He's also ahead of his performance through three games in 2004, when he finished with 79 receptions for 1,142 yards and made the Pro Bowl.

News briefs: Panthers LB Morgan ruled out against Saints

Sep/27/06 10:34 PM Filed in: Dan Morgan

CHARLOTTE -- Carolina Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan and tight end Mike Seidman won't play Sunday against New Orleans.

Morgan hasn't played since suffering at least the fifth concussion of his career in the season opener against Atlanta. Seidman hurt his knee in last Sunday's win over Tampa Bay.

Coach John Fox said there is no target date for Morgan's return.

Magic Benton Update

Sep/27/06 01:32 PM Filed in: Magic Benton

Quarterback Chris Wallace and receiver Magic Benton, who are being courted by AFL teams, might make the headlines, but Bouis is clearly the face of the franchise. But Magic Benton, a veteran, might be the first to go. Bouis said the record-breaking receiver, a Firecat since the Estero franchise's first season, has been offered a contract by the Chicago Rush, the champions of the AFL this past season.

Magic Benton currently plays for the Florida Firecats AFL2 League along with former 'Cane Ethenic Sands.
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(naplesnews.com)

Here comes Vinny

Sep/27/06 08:06 AM Filed in: Vinny Testaverde

You knew there would be a Vinny Testaverde sighting at some point.

Interesting that it’s coming now.

The 42-year-old, 20-year veteran quarterback was in Foxboro yesterday for a workout and visit with team officials. Of course, Testaverde hardly needs an introduction to Bill Belichick and personnel director Scott Pioli, whom he played under in Cleveland and with the Jets. The fact the Pats felt the need to get a firsthand look at him, and likely give him a physical, means their interest is beyond cursory.

NFL: REDSKINS: Getting Rocky Ready: Another 'Cane In Mix

Sep/27/06 08:05 AM Filed in: Roger McIntosh

Apologies to Penn State, Ohio State and USC. It's just that you could make a case for "Linebacker U" now being a team associated with the University of Miami.

Yes, the Hurricane program has been traditionally known for its flash and brash, its fleet-footed wide receivers, running backs and defensive backs. Just look at the Redskins' roster, sprinkled with great "Made in Miami" athletes such as Clinton Portis, Santana Moss and Sean Taylor.

Yet it seems as though Miami has also turned out more quality linebackers than any other football program in recent memory.

The most notable is Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl XXXV MVP. He is considered one of the best to ever play the position.

Vernon Carey Update

Sep/27/06 08:05 AM Filed in: Vernon Carey

On a disappointing offensive line, Vernon Carey has stood out, grading out as the Dolphins' most consistent lineman. But some talent evaluators expected more from Jeno James (who was victimized for two sacks Sunday), among others. . . . How shocking are Keith Traylor's team-high three sacks? Traylor, 37, had the same total in his previous 64 games. Dan Wilkinson, 33, believes sharing time with Traylor will keep them fresh in December
(herald.com)

Giants coach advises Shockey to think first, talk later

Sep/27/06 08:03 AM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The next time Jeremy Shockey wants to mouth off, New York Giants tight ends coach Mike Pope hopes that his Pro Bowler thinks of former owners Wellington Mara and Bob Tisch before speaking.

Pope, who has coached Shockey in his five seasons with the Giants, disclosed on Tuesday that he had a long chat with his pupil in the wake of his comments that New York was outcoached in a 42-30 loss to Seattle over the weekend.

"Part of coaching these players, obviously, is to make them aware of comments that they make, how they can be broadcast and how they're interpreted," Pope said in a bye week interview with the media.

Parking Ramp: Slow Progress Ahead - Najeh Davenport

Sep/27/06 08:01 AM Filed in: Najeh Davenport

It was more than a year ago that the City of Green Bay built a new parking ramp on a downtown corner. But the ground level of the Cherry Street ramp, intended for retail shops, is still empty.

The empty space is across the street from another downtown building on a corner lot slow to show development.

With room for 800 cars, the Cherry Street parking ramp fills a major space in the city's downtown. Since it opened, though, the city hasn't filled the building's ground level, 12,000- square feet of space intended for retail tenants who want a spot on a prime downtown corner.

Colts support grieving Wayne

Sep/26/06 02:10 PM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

An important AFC South win over Jacksonville and a pending road test with the New York Jets were secondary to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday.

Instead the team's focus was on rallying around wide receiver Reggie Wayne, whose older brother was killed in a traffic accident Sunday morning near Kenner, La. Rashad Wayne, 32, suffered a severe head injury and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The team made arrangements Sunday evening for Reggie Wayne and his mother to return to their home in New Orleans. Funeral arrangements haven't been announced and it's uncertain when Wayne will return to the team.

Gore might lose short-yardage job

Sep/26/06 10:33 AM Filed in: Frank Gore

Rookie running back Michael Robinson is being considered for short-yardage and goal-line situations because of Frank Gore's fumbling problems, 49ers Coach Mike Nolan said Monday. ``That's something we're discussing right now,'' Nolan said. ``It's something that could possibly happen.''

Gore has lost a goal-line fumble in each of the past two games. His fumble Sunday was returned 98 yards for a touchdown, a 14-point swing in a 38-24 loss to Philadelphia.

``In the field of play, Frank is a very secure ball carrier -- at least he has been,'' Nolan said. ``Down on the goal line both times, he was hit and turned around and they punched the ball out. That's correctable, but it also lends its way to giving another back an opportunity on the goal line and in short yardage to carry that ball.''

Memo To Shockey: Shut Up, Get Out

Sep/26/06 10:32 AM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey

Fellow G-Men (and women):

The last thing you ever want as a sports fan is to fall into dislike with the players on your team.

But I’m there with Jeremy Shockey. He is all I have come to despise about the modern athlete: A player who talks more than he produces. And really, what’s he really done here except limp around, chirp and work out with everybody but his teammates in the offseason?

Winslow thinks he's penalized by past

Sep/26/06 10:30 AM Filed in: Kellen Winslow

Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. said Monday his taunting penalty against the Ravens was unwarranted.

He said he's an easy target for the officials.

Winslow was flagged 12 yards for taunting linebacker Bart Scott after an 11-yard catch in the first quarter. The Browns later punted.

Parrish makes himself scarce on touchdown pas

Sep/26/06 10:28 AM Filed in: Roscoe Parrish

The blur you saw across your television screen in the first quarter was Bills wide receiver Roscoe Parrish streaking past the New York Jets' secondary for a 51-yard touchdown reception.

The play started a big day for Parrish, who finished with a career-high 104 yards on four receptions.

"We saw the guys blitzing, so my role in the offense is make the right read and adjust [my route]," Parrish said of his touchdown. "We made the right read, J.P. made the right throw and it so happens to be a big play for a touchdown. When I turned around I saw no one in front of me. I just gave it all I got to the touchdown."

Charlton Jimmerson Update

Sep/26/06 10:25 AM Filed in: Charlton Jimmerson

Charlton Jimerson got his second major league hit on Monday with a single to center in the fifth inning. Both of his hits have come while pinch hitting against the Phillies. He drilled a pinch home run in his first major league at-bat Sept. 4 at Citizens Bank Park.

(chron.com)

Giants' Shockey contrite a day after blowup; Coughlin disappointed

Sep/25/06 10:09 PM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A seemingly contrite Jeremy Shockey said Monday that his emotions got the best of him when he ripped Tom Coughlin and his New York Giants staff for being outcoached in a blowout loss to the Seahawks in Seattle.

Coughlin talked with his Pro Bowl tight end and the team on Monday, but he would not discuss either what was said or "decided." He conceded he was surprised and extremely disappointed by something that should not be done by anyone, especially when his door is always open to any player.

"It's between the player and I," Coughlin said less than 24 hours after his defending NFC East champions fell to 1-2 heading into the bye week.

Hester glowing like neon

Sep/25/06 05:32 PM Filed in: Devin Hester

It was the phone call every kid dreams of receiving. Your childhood idol, the guy upon whom you try to base your own career, does a little legwork to get your digits and dials you up.

That's what happened to Devin Hester when he was a sophomore at Miami. In a nationally televised game against Louisville, Hester returned a kickoff 100 yards, only to have the touchdown erased by penalty. He scored on a 78-yard punt return and set up the winning score in a 41-38 victory with a 34-yard kickoff return in which he covered twice as much ground zigzagging across the field.

Colts rally around Wayne after tragedy

Sep/25/06 05:21 PM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis' victory celebration turned somber Monday.

The usually boisterous locker room noise was replaced by emotional, thoughtful reflection as Colts players offered support to their grieving receiver, Reggie Wayne.

Wayne's older brother, Rashad, was killed in an automobile accident Sunday -- something Colts players didn't learn until well after Sunday's game ended. After hearing the news, Wayne flew back to his home state of Louisiana so he could help the family make funeral arrangements.

Week 3 NFL U Video Highlights Just Added!

Sep/25/06 11:58 AM

Check out Week 3 NFL U Video Highlights featuring Roscoe Parrish, Clinton Portis, Kellen Winslow, DJ Williams, Andre Johnson and more. Click at the top on NFL U Video Highlights or click here!

NFL U Season Gallery Updated!

Sep/25/06 11:53 AM

More pictures added to NFL U Gallery. Check out the NFL U gallery which has been updated with week 3 pictures, but click above on NFL U Season Gallery or click here.