Chad Ocho Cinco tweeted: Just finished working out with @Johnson80 @eighttodanine @antonionbrown84 and @bothetrainer



Click here to order Santana Moss’s proCane Rookie Card.


(twitter.com)

As the quarterback of the Miami Hurricanes, Ken Dorsey led his fellow teammates to a National Championship in 2001. Now working as the quarterback coach for the IMG Madden Football Academy , Dorsey has established a new kind of success through the athletes he instructs.

After receiving his first recruiting letter his junior year of high school, Dorsey ultimately ended up with the Canes. At Miami, his 38-2 record landed him as a National Champion, a two-time Heisman finalist, a Maxwell Award winner, and a two-time Archie Griffin Award recipient.
Dorsey accredits his high school football coach as the motivating factor in his career.

“In terms of teaching me the game and the techniques of how to play quarterback, he provided me with a good base of fundamentals.”

Even though Ken wasn’t “the most athletic or strongest guy on the team,” he claims that, “fundamentals made up for the things [he] wasn’t as talented at.” Dorsey’s impeccable work ethic landed him with an impressive college record and ultimately took his career to the next level.

Growing up in the San Fransisco area, Ken Dorsey dreamed of someday playing for the 49ers. In 2003, that dream came to life.

After his stellar career with the Miami Hurricanes, Dorsey was drafted to the San Fransisco 49ers. He played for the 49ers until 2005 when he moved to the Cleveland Browns. However, it was his time with the Canadian Football League that finally guided him toward a career in coaching.

“I always knew I wanted to coach when I was done playing professionally. It was great for me to be able to play for the Toronto Argonauts, because it made me realize how much I really loved the game of football.”

It didn’t take him long to find his place at IMG’s Madden Football Academy. After working with the NFL Draft prospects at the combine training, Director Chris Weinke offered Dorsey a position as the quarterback coach.

“When Chris contacted me about helping out, in my opinion, it was a no-brainer. He does a great job with the program, and that is what I want to be associated with. Not only IMG, but Chris specifically. With the IMG Academy structure and facilities, the sky is the limit with this program.”

Despite all of the reputable accomplishments and statistics of Ken Dorsey, the characteristic that makes him a qualified coach is his sincere investment in the athletes in the IMG Madden Football Academy.

“To me, the part I love is working with the kids. It’s fun to work with the athletes that are just naturally talented, and helping them achieve their goals. We also get those kids that are maybe less talented, and they don’t really get the attention they need from their high schools. I really enjoy getting see them get better and improve through the week.”

Dorsey can relate to the process of working hard to get where you want to be as an athlete.

“I have always believed in the work ethic you have to have to be great. I had to put in the time to work at it.”

And that is exactly what he is doing with the athletes in the IMG Madden Football Academy. At only 30 years-old, Dorsey has words of wisdom beyond his years. His advice for his pupils:

“No matter what your talent level, you can give yourself a chance if you put in the time to work at it.”


(blog.imgacademics.com)

While some of the Redskins spent their Wednesday getting their hands dirty, others kept with the football theme.

Leonard Hankerson and Brandon Banks played a contentious game of Madden. Listening to Hank talk about it told us one thing: These guys really miss football.

It was a simple video game, but Hank broke down every play, analyzed the defenses and recounted the final minutes of the two-point game.

“It was a high-scoring game,” he told us. “There wasn’t no defense. It was tied up 42-42 at halftime and I said, ‘Let me get this defense right.' So after that I got a couple of stops, scored two more touchdowns. He was up by four points, and I scored a touchdown and went for two, but I missed so I was only up by two. He got the ball back but I stopped him on fourth down and won.”

Geez. This lockout can’t end soon enough, huh?

Apparently Banks played as the Philadelphia Eagles, which is quite the scandal on a slow news day.

Banks wasn’t at the practice Thursday and Hank has his own idea as to why.

“He got beat," he said. "He’s probably embarrassed.”


(nbcwashington.com)

WASHINGTON, DC (June 16, 2011) — Potomac Family Dining Group (PFDG) announced today that it will be the primary sponsor for the remainder of the 2011 racing season of Tim George Jr., driver of the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Chevrolet in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The PFDG sponsorship commences with the Rain Eater 200 at Michigan International Speedway this weekend.

The Washington, D.C.- based restaurant group is the exclusive franchisee of 30 Applebee’s® restaurants in southern Maryland, northern Virginia, and parts of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

In addition to sponsoring George’s ARCA Racing Series entry, PFDG will also be the primary sponsor for three NASCAR Nationwide races in 2011 – on the high banks of Daytona and on the road course at both Watkins Glen and Montreal. PDFG will also be on George’s Camping World Truck Series entry at later this season.

PFDG first appeared as the primary sponsor on George’s Chevrolet at Talladega Superspeedway in April in both the ARCA and Nationwide Series events and again in the ARCA race at Chicagoland Speedway earlier this month.

George brings a new-found momentum to Michigan International Speedway this week having scored his first career ARCA Series victory at Pocono Raceway last weekend, his third top-five finish in the last five races.

“Our association with Tim has been very rewarding,” said Jim Rieger, CEO of Potomac Family Dining Group. “It brings a new level of excitement to our family of guests and employees.”

Along with being one of the most recognized brands in the casual dining segment of the restaurant industry, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® is also its largest with over 2000 restaurants worldwide.

“I think it’s terrific that I’ll be able to represent the team members at Potomac Family Dining Group and the Applebee’s brand for the rest of the season,” said George. “I’m proud to say that the team’s hard work is starting to pay off and we know that we’ll make our new partners very proud of our accomplishments.”

About PFDG
Potomac Family Dining Group was established in 2010 to facilitate the acquisition of 30 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas. Through the leadership of its experienced management team, PFDG is positioned to deliver operational excellence and support future franchise restaurant growth throughout the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.

About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 190 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2011 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menard’s Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Its Camping World Truck Series program includes 2010 Rookie of the Year Austin Dillon (No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) and Joey Coulter, Jr. (No. 22 RCR Development Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. (No. 31 RCR Chevrolet) and Ty Dillon (No. 41 Chevrolet) will compete in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.


(catchfence.com)

Barry Bonds hated being a designated hitter. Pat Burrell was terrible at it. Aubrey Huff loves it.

"DHing is as good as an off day, to be honest," Huff said. "The times you get tired are when you're standing around on the field. That's when you get worn down."

The Giants will need a DH for the three games in Oakland this weekend and three in Detroit at the end of the next road trip.

A week ago, manager Bruce Bochy said Huff would be a prime candidate to DH because of how many games he has played. He has started 66 of the Giants' 69 games.

On Thursday, though, Bochy said Huff likely will DH only once this weekend, partly because the Giants face three righties and have a day off Monday.

"I certainly wouldn't object to it," said Huff, who has a career average of .278 with on-base and slugging averages of .335 and .482, including 69 of his 237 career home runs, as a designated hitter.

Huff said the key to his success was not dwelling on his hitting between at-bats. He has seen DHs take hacks in the cage, run in the tunnel, watch video and generally drive themselves nuts during the downtime.

"I just watch the game and root for my team," he said. "If you're the DH, you've got to let it go."


(sfgate.com)

Jemile Weeks doubled, singled and drove in three runs for the A's in the win over the Royals on Thursday.
Weeks is making a strong case for keeping a starting job after Mark Ellis returns next week. He's 11-for-32 and has three triples already since his callup. Despite batting ninth in eight of his nine games, Weeks has five RBI already. Ellis had 15 in 59 games, and he was always batting seventh or higher.

Weeks has really settled in since being called up and has one more week until Mark Ellis can be activated from the disabled list. If he keeps anything resembling his current pace, Weeks will put the A’s in a position where they have to decide what to do with Ellis as opposed to deciding what to do with Weeks.


(rotoworld.com)

Danny Valencia went 0-for-3 on Thursday and is hitting just .152 in 46 at-bats this month.

Valencia posted solid RBI numbers despite mediocre numbers everywhere else in April and May. Unfortunately, so far in June, he's driven in just three runs, and his season line is down to .216/.279/.328. The Twins don't have anyone to replace him with, but he's a liability with the way he's playing right now.


(rotoworld.com)

After reading about the major upgrades to the new franchise mode on “Madden NFL 2012,” I am pumped to pick up the latest installment of the legendary video game. But if you’re not a huge nerd and/or bad boyfriend like me and you aren’t in the year 2029 in the franchise mode of the 2011 game, check out this video of the Ravens’ pre-game introductions for the new “Madden,” which will be released in late August.

They have nailed the details, like the male cheerleaders sprinting out of the tunnel, the Ravens defense being introduced and a more accurate version of Ray Lewis’ pre-game dance.

Click here to order Ray Lewis’ proCane Rookie Card.


(baltimoresun.com)

New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham said he currently weighs 265 pounds after finishing the season at 255 pounds. Graham said all of the weight he added was muscle. "That's all I've been doing is working out," he said. "It's all muscle."




(kffl.com)

Jarrett Payton Running Chicago Marathon 2011 for Team Sweetness: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

A professional football player, an aspiring musician, an internet radio host and the son of bears legend Walter Payton, Jarrett Payton does it all.

This October, he'll be running the Chicago Marathon in his father's honor with Team Sweetness. Payton joined us to tell us more.

For more information and to register, go to www.teamsweetness.com

Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez is on the way to establishing himself as one of the top ninth-inning men in baseball. This season, Perez ranks among American League leaders with 15 saves and has posted a stellar 2.70 ERA in 23.1 innings pitched. In addition to his excellence on the mound, @ChrisPerez54 is also one of the most entertaining players to follow on Twitter, constantly interacting with fans. Perez recently discussed his fast start and notable Twitter experiences during an interview at the MLB Fan Cave.

MLB Fan Cave: Having come up in the St. Louis Cardinals’ farm system, what’s your favorite thing about playing with the Tribe?
Perez: It’s so loose, and we’re a younger team. When I played for St. Louis, we were more of a veteran team, so it’s a different atmosphere here. You don’t really have to follow a lot of rules and do some of the old-school baseball rookie stuff. It’s a good atmosphere to come to the ballpark every day and just worry about baseball. I’m not worrying about other stuff.

MLB Fan Cave: So, you’re famous on Twitter for selecting a “Song of the Day.” How did you come up with the “Song of the Day?”
Perez: I actually stole it from Manny Acta (Indians manager). He does a song of the day, too, but his selections are terrible. So I try to help out some of the Tribe fans by giving them some better music selections. He listens to like Miley Cyrus. It’s one thing to listen to Miley, but it’s another thing to actually admit it. So, around spring training, it started from there.

MLB Fan Cave: How do you pick the songs each day?
Perez: I really don’t have a way of picking songs, actually. I just wake up in the morning and just scroll through my library. Whatever jumps out at me is what I will go with.

MLB Fan Cave: You have a pretty large Twitter following. How did it grow so fast?
Perez: I don’t know the exact date, but I started on Twitter in ’09, during the second half of the season. It was really fun doing it, but I couldn’t get any followers. Then, last April, this guy in Cleveland set up a fake Twitter account for me, and he started getting a lot of followers. The account was really funny, and he started really interacting with the people. I saw it and decided to get back on it, and I began interacting with him. It just went from there.

MLB Fan Cave: Your teammates told us that you’re the reason they’re so active on Twitter. Is that true?
Perez: Probably. I mean, it’s obviously getting more main stream and everybody is on it. Then they started seeing how many people that are following me and people I get to meet because they follow me on Twitter—just random people at the stadiums. They started to want to be a part of it, too, and now we are a mafia on there.

MLB Fan Cave: Final question here. We saw that you interviewed Jerry "The King" Lawler last week. How did that go?
Perez: That was awesome. That was probably one of the funniest interviews I have ever done. I used to be a big WWF follower. I grew up listening to The King Lawler on Monday Night Raw. And he’s a Tribe fan, which I didn’t even know. But he was there and it was awesome; he’s just a great guy and he had some really funny stories. He’s not as tall as I thought he would be, but for being 50-plus, he’s still jacked.

MLB Fan Cave: Did you body slam him?
Perez: No, it was right before the game.

MLB Fan Cave: Chris, thanks for taking the time. Good luck the rest of the way.


(mlb.com)

The Cincinnati Reds have several potential big-league starters with Class AAA Louisville who are blocked by current starters. Most notably, left-handed-hitting Yonder Alonso, originally a first baseman, is spending most of his time in left field. He is batting .315, slugging .504 and making contact in 84% of his at-bats. Alonso is a natural replacement for Fred Lewis if the Reds opt to make a change.


(usatoday.com)

Jemile Weeks went 1-for-3 with a run scored and stolen base in Oakland's 2-1 win over the Royals on Wednesday.

The swipe was Weeks' third in eight games since being recalled from Triple-A, while he is now batting .321 through his first 28 major-league at-bats. The time to take a flier is now if he's still on your league's wire.


(rotoworld.com)

In April Graham was at the University of Miami campus working out with others, including Denver Bronco linebacker D.J. Williams. Apparently Williams challenged Graham to a mock forty-yard dash expecting to smoke him as the lighter, faster of the two. Instead just the opposite took place, enjoy the video.

We all know former NFL star Warren Sapp loves to eat, well know he’s looking to open his own spot in NY. BMS has learned he’s in talks about becoming an owner of a new outpost of Murray Hill hot spot Teqa.

The restaurant is in negotiations with a hotel in the Union Square area to open a taqueria on the ground floor and a tequileria on the rooftop. Sapp and Teqa’s owner, Derek Axelrod, who are close friends, were seen talking business this past weekend over dinner at the restaurant.

Click here to order Warren Sapp’s proCane Rookie Card.


(blackmediascoop.com)

With the owners’ lockout into its second month, there’s no telling when the NFL players will be back at work and since only so many hours can be spent at the gym, guys are finding all sorts of ways to keep busy.

Steelers receiver Hines Ward took a winning turn on “Dancing With The Stars,” while others took up pet projects.

For Gaffney’s Rocky McIntosh, the work stoppage is a time to plan for life after football.

“Of course, you have to stay in shape and do your regular routine, but right now it’s time to explore what I’ll do after football,” said McIntosh, in town last week for the graduation of his cousin, Tanasia Lattimore.

McIntosh, a second round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 2006, is going back to school, seeking a master’s degree from George Washington University in business.

The classes will start on June 20. McIntosh said he has an interest in commercial investments.

“It’s something I’ve been doing,” he said.

The time off also has given McIntosh more time to spend with his wife and two young kids.

The Redskins were the first team to organize players-only workouts. McIntosh said the Redskins have gathered four times for team workouts.
“We were really the first team to do it,” he said. “We had a lot of guys show up.”

But McIntosh admits he’s eager for the stoppage to be over and the real OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and mini camps to begin.

“I’ve enjoyed the time off,” he said. “But as it gets further the body is in the mode that it’s time to start playing.”

It’s still unclear what team McIntosh will be playing for in 2011. Last year, he signed a one-year tender offer with the Redskins and put up big numbers with 115 solo tackles and two sacks.

A year later, McIntosh and many other NFL players are stuck in an uncertain labor environment, not sure when he’ll be able to sign, and whether his free agency will be restricted or unrestricted.

McIntosh said he’d be happy to return to the Redskins - the only team he’s played for - and be a part of the rebuilding effort under coach Mike Shanahan. However, he’s open to moving to another team.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I’ve moved around all my life.”

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(gaffneyledger.com)

Thirty-one Washington Redskins players gathered Tuesday morning for a third round of informal group workouts as the NFL Lockout reached its 94th day.

Twelve defensive players and 19 offensive players met for the first of three days of workouts at a location in northern Virginia.

Quarterbacks John Beck and Rex Grossman again alternated leading the offense. Linebackers Lorenzo Alexander and London Fletcher headed up the defense as they did last time around, in May.

That session drew 41 players the first day, including 10 rookies. Six rookies - Ryan Kerrigan, defensive lineman Chris Neild, receivers Leonard Hankerson and Aldrick Robinson, and running back Evan Royster were are on hand today.

Alexander said some of the rookies weren’t able to make the trip for financial reasons.


(washingtonpost.com)

There's still room improvement for Devin Hester on offense. Yes I know I'm stating the obvious, but it fully came to my attention watching the highly popular NFL Network the Top 100 NFL Players of 2011. Being rated the 32nd best player in the NFL by his peers is quite the accomplishment for Hester, but then you have fans and media weighing in on his placement. I have read and heard silly things like Hester is too high on the list, because he's not as good of a receiver as he is a return man; he shouldn't be that high, and even some saying he shouldn't be on the list at all. I totally disagree with all these NFL fans that share this opinion on Hester, and in my opinion these people should be sent to a NFL re-education learning camp in Quebec (Emceed by Rich Eisen). At 28 years old, Devin Hester has a golden opportunity to put the return touchdown record far within reach. Going into his 6th season he still has the speed, combined with his quickness and field vision (his main strengths), so 20+ touchdowns on kick returns or even greater than that is not too far-fetched.  

Although Hester's spot is well deserved, I honestly feel that the darts being thrown his way because of his placement wouldn't have been thrown if the Bears figured out how to use him on offense. Maybe the light has finally went off in GM Jerry Angelo and Head Coach Lovie Smith heads that Hester will never be that elite #1 WR that they envisioned since 2007. Towards the end of last season, Hester snaps at WR were cut down to have him focus more on special teams and get Earl Bennett more opportunities in the passing game. This year we should most likely see Martz's original vision on how he wants to utilize Hester in his scheme. Instead of using him as a primary wide receiver, he could now be used as a versatile weapon in the mode of how Martz used Az Hakim in his system, and how Sean Payton uses Reggie Bush in New Orleans system.

Hester has the potential to be a touchdown machine when you think about his impact on special teams and his potential on offense if used right. From 2007 to 2010, the Bears should have drafted or found a #1 primary receiver and used Hester as a versatile weapon that you can line up all over the field. The good thing is that at 28 years old, they still have time to do this; and if I'm Angelo, I will go hard after a Sidney Rice or Braylon Edwards etc, to help Martz with this vision. The All-Time Return TD record holder was destined for greatness the minute he put on a pair of cleats and football pads. The Bears still have time to fully cement his hall of fame status by using his skills properly.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(windycitygridiron.com)

Well, there are less than 10 days until the first day of competition at the USA Outdoor Championships.

The last two races have gone incredibly wrong and without a whole lot of explanation. Obviously, this was not in the grand comeback plan. The key is not to panic and to continue to think positive.

Easier said than done, but I know the mental aspect of track and field is just as important as the physical, and I have trained too hard to let my brain talk me out of thinking I can make this team. I have trained well and believe I am ready to race well.

One good thing I experienced in New York was a trip to a community outreach center called The Door in Soho.

The resources provided are so broad, and really provide the support a young adult may need to get on a path to success. Services include but are not limited to food, shelter, counseling, GED programs, creative arts, health and dental check ups, jobs and recreational sports.

I spent a short time sharing with the members about my personal journey, then hung out for open mic night. The talents displayed showed how great having an outlet to share with other creates positive energy. I love being able to spend time with and encourage those younger than me to continue to reach for the stars no matter what obstacles have come their way.

It is my intent to practice what I preach and show up in Eugene with winning energy and attitude.

See you in Oregon!


(universalsports.com)

(espn.com)

Am I the only one that thinks it's cool/is slightly turned on by the fact that Ryan Braun and Aaron Rodgers are BFFs? Like this might be the hottest picture on the internet right now and if that's ghey than so be it. In all seriousness if there is not a meeting going on at One Miller Park Way right now where they are printing up Aaron Rodgers #12 Brewers jersey's it is an actual crime. Because there are wants and needs in life. I want a bigger house. I want to drive a vintage Corvette. I want the Brewers to win the World Series. I NEED an Aaron Rodgers Brewers jersey. And if the pro shop doesn't have them available by the time I arrive at Miller Park tonight I've got a right mind to....meekly accept it.....swear under my breath and buy a Jonathan Lucroy jersey. But I am to empty threats what the Cubs are to losing and books are to boring.

The other cool thing about Rodgers last night was his half inning of commentary where he was talking about being a big Brewers AND Bucks fan. Like I'm not even making up the fact that I had an emotional moment when he said he was a Bucks fan. And he CHOSE to be a Bucks fan. That's like rooting for Poland in World War II. But I'll tell you it re-invigorated my Fear the Deer fandom. Like if Aaron Rodgers is there with us then we can all go on. He's like the William Wallace of moribound sports franchises.

PS: How much cooler are the conversations between these two than the conversations I have with any of my friends. Chronicling Super Bowl championships, Wild Card clinching home runs, and dating swimsuit models and country music stars. Ho-hum. The last conversation I had with one of my friends involveda debate about which 3rd movie was the worst cap to a trilogy; The Godfather, X-Men, or Jurassic Park. Advantage: Rodgers/Braun.


(b93radio.com)

This week we went to the chalkboard to check out the Saints Cover 7 scheme and an example of how to defeat the Bears zone blitz. Today, let’s breakdown some video of Ravens safety Ed Reed and talk technique as it applies to the free safety position.



We know Reed is a playmaker (and the best at tracking the ball in the secondary), but focusing on his pre-snap read and technique will give us a better idea of why he is always making plays from the middle of the field. Check out the video of Reed’s pick-six off of Carson Palmer from the ’09 season and then we will get into some coaching points.

Overload blitz: We won’t spend too much time on scheme, but take a look at the Ravens up front. Working vs. a 3x1 set into the boundary, they run an open (weak) side overload blitz scheme. Regardless if the blitz gets home, this tells you as a FS that the ball has to come out hot. Expect a quick, inside breaking route.

Pre-snap look: Go back and check out the end zone angle on the replay. Reed is showing strong and “rolls” to the middle of the field at the snap of the ball. The key (and a coaching point for young players) is Reed’s footwork. He doesn’t backpedal, or take any false steps. Instead, he stays at a depth that will allow him to break to the football.

Breaking on the ball: This is what makes this play special from my perspective—because Reed is breaking before Palmer throws the ball. As I said above, expect an inside breaking route with from the X receiver with a 3x1 formation into the boundary, but this is more about anticipation and natural playmaking ability. See the route develop, read the drop (plus the eyes of the QB) and attack the football.

Angle: Reed drives on the skinny post from the X receiver, Chad Ochocinco. It is downhill, at a 45-degree angle that puts him at a “cut-off point” in front of the Bengals wide out. If you go parallel to the line of scrimmage, you can still make the tackle (or a big hit). However, to put yourself in a position to intercept this ball, always go back to the angle. Safeties that take proper angles from the middle of the field make plays.
Can you teach this?

Yes, when we talk about technique, plus understanding offensive formations, route concepts and alignments. Although Reed has unique talent and instincts in the middle of the field, his technique is clean in this clip. And you don’t need the talent of Reed at the FS position to teach good, fundamental football in the classroom and on the field.


(nationalfootballpost.com)

Sean Taylor
Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins was shot in his home when he was just 24 years old. The highly-rated safety in the NFL was the victim of a forced entry into his home and a bullet pierced an artery in his leg in November of 2007.

Four people were arrested in connection to the death of Taylor. Investigators say they were intent on burglarizing Taylor's home but were surprised when he was home in Miami instead of with the team. Taylor was leading the league in interceptions at the time of his death.

To see the rest click here.


(yahoosports.com)

You know, I hate to keep hammering on the series that Pro Football Focus is doing on pass blocking, but it flies so directly in the face of what I and so many others said about the Minnesota offensive line during the course of the season that I can't help but do it. It's got a Rosemary's Baby sort of appeal. . .I just can't look away from it.

Today the folks at PFF have started getting into individual pass blocking numbers, starting with offensive tackles. Now, I know what you're thinking. . ."Okay, how awful were Bryant McKinnie and Phil Loadholt, exactly?" The answer is "not nearly as bad as we all think they were."

The formula that PFF uses to compute their "Pass Blocking Efficiency" looks like this:

((Sacks + (0.75 * Hits) + (0.75 * Hurries)) / Pass Pro Snaps) * 100

So, starting over on the left side with Bryant McKinnie, PFF gives him a Pass Blocking Efficiency rating of 4.57 (lower numbers are better, in this case). That puts him in the top ten in left offensive tackles in the NFL, tying him with Chad Clifton. . .who, if you buy into the stupid, non-sensical list that the NFL Network has been running for the past couple of months, is one of the top 100 players at any position in the NFL. Don't get me wrong, we know that McKinnie gets beat. . .and usually when he gets beaten, he gets beaten badly (see also: Corey Wootton damn near decapitating Brett Favre during last year's game at TCF Bank Stadium), but most of the time he's actually not that bad.

Now it's entirely possible that you're saying to yourself, "Okay, so McKinnie might not be terrible. . .but Phil Loadholt was a disaster, wasn't he?" Well. . .not really. His PBE in 2010 was 5.14, which puts him at 14th, or in the top half of offensive right tackles in the NFL. Given that Loadholt suffered a pretty serious shoulder injury at the end of 2009, played through it, had surgery in the off-season and wasn't able to lift weights until a week or so before 2010's training camp got started, his drop-off in performance from a pretty good rookie season is understandable. As long as he doesn't suffer anything significant this off-season or anything, I would expect the 2011 Loadholt to be closer to the 2009 version than the 2010 version.

Tomorrow, PFF is going to bring us the interior lineman rankings. . .and I'm afraid that this is where it could start getting a bit ugly for our favorite team.


(dailynorsemen.com)

Remember the name Jimmy Graham on fantasy draft day. Hear me now, thank me later. And you will be thanking me for this one. Drew Brees and Saints coach Sean Payton will see to it that the second-year player out of Miami (Fla.) will be in the top half-dozen point scorers among tight ends in 2011. Graham showed flashes of potential at the end of last season, and the offseason release of Jeremy Shockey makes him the clear-cut starter in an offense that will put up major points. I can see Graham being one of the season's best fantasy draft bargains.


(nfl.com)

Devin Hester the 32nd-best player in the NFL? That's where the Chicago Bears receiver/kick returner ranks in the NFL Network's top-100 poll of 415 players, ahead of stars such as teammates Brian Urlacher (No.49 on the list) and Lance Briggs (No. 92).

The network unveiled Nos. 31 through 40 in its "Top 100 Players of 2011" feature on Sunday, with the top 30 players yet to be revealed.

Hester's ranking already has been questioned by Sports Illustrated's esteemed Peter King, who is simultaneously presenting his top-100 list and has Hester nowhere on it.

"Devin Hester at 32 on the players' list?" King writes in his "Monday Morning QB" column on SI.com. "Way too high for me. Outstanding punt returner, but I can't put a guy in my top 100 who, in two seasons as a full-time starter for the Bears, has 97 catches for a pedestrian 12.7-yard average. Antonio Gates is my 32nd-ranked player. He's a tight end. Average per catch in the last two years: 15.0."

King has Urlacher on his list (also at No. 49) and ranks Bears quarterback Jay Cutler as the 85th-best player in the league. Interestingly, Cutler shows up nowhere so far in the players' voting (not surprising given the heat he took from some players after being unable to finish the NFC Championship Game).

Among the other notables on the players' list: Chicago native Donovan McNabb of the Redskins (No. 100), outspoken receiver Terrell Owens (91), former Illinois star Brandon Lloyd of the Broncos (58) and former North Chicago and NIU star Michael Turner of the Falcons (42).


(chicagotribune.com)

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss has been sued by a Miami businessman who accuses him and others of defaulting on a lease for a dry cleaning business that was operated by members of the football player’s family.

According to court documents filed June 4 in Miami-Dade County, Stadium Corners Shopping Center LLC contends that 3 Kings Dry Cleaners Inc. owes $24,151.78 in back rent, plus accelerated rent and court and attorney’s fees. In all, Stadium Corners is seeking $308,870.64.

Craig Bernstein, owner of Stadium Corners shopping center in Miami Gardens, said that 3 Kings Dry Cleaners, which lists Moss as its president in a filing with Florida’s secretary of state, vacated the property in the past few months but had agreed to pay the rent owed until that date. But payment never was received and Bernstein said the dry cleaners is now six months behind.

The filing lists Lloyd Moss as vice president and Natalie Moss as secretary of 3 Kings Dry Cleaners.

Bernstein said he tried to work with the Moss family, and at one point believed he had a tenant who would take over the remainder of a seven-year lease, leaving 3 Kings liable only for the delinquent amount. But that deal fell through, and the shop that housed 3 Kings remains the only vacant storefront in the shopping center, Bernstein said..

“I’d love to work out a deal with them,” Bernstein said. “I’m from D.C., I’m a Redskins fan. But I really need to get paid the back rent. The agreement was to pay rent until release and they haven’t been released. I still have to pay my mortgage.”

Bernstein said a representative of Moss’s told him that the receiver would not be able to settle with him until NFL players reach new collective bargaining agreement with the league.

Moss could not be reached for comment, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not return a voice mail and e-mail left for him.

Moss’s contract with the Redskins is up and he is due to become a free agent whenever the NFL lockout is lifted. Last season, he earned a base salary of $ 968,500. In 2009, he renegotiated his contract with Washington and, as part of that arrangement, received a signing bonus of nearly $6.3 million.


(washingtonpost.com)

June 13--AL HALA ended a nine-year finals drought last night as they punched their ticket to this year's Zain Bahrain Basketball League championship series with an 87-81 win over Manama.

American professional Patrick Simpson had 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to spearhead the victors. He scored eight in the final five minutes of the game when Hala took the lead for good en route to completing the two-game sweep of their heavily favoured rivals in their Golden Square semi-final.

Manama's Darius Rice lit up the scoreboard for 44 points, but his fine individual effort was not enough to lift his team. He was limited to a string of tightly contested shots down the stretch.

Hala will now play for the league title for the first time since 2002, when they were ousted by Manama. They will face the winner of the other final four head-to-head between Muharraq and defending champions Al Ahli, which is headed to a third and decisive game on Wednesday.


(americanchronicle.com)

F/G James Jones (free agent): Didn't play in NBA Finals, but this is home, and he's cheap, reliable labor.






(sun-sentinel.com)

An injury to Oakland Athletics second baseman Mark Ellis has opened up a spot for 2008 first-rounder Jemile Weeks. The younger brother of the Milwaukee Brewers' Rickie Weeks hasn't stood out in any one area during his minor league career, but he has shown fairly consistent improvement. Hitting .321 with 10 steals and 30 runs scored in 45 games at Class AAA, Weeks hasn't looked overmatched during his brief stay in the majors.

Even though Ellis is due back soon, the A's could continue to give Weeks playing time — especially in the wake of a 10-game losing streak and the firing of manager Bob Geren.


(usatoday.com)

CLEVELAND - Danny Valencia was out of the starting lineup for a second straight day Tuesday.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he wanted to give Valencia another breather, then added that Valencia also "doesn't have any success off this guy, he's 0 for 7 with no quality at-bats," referring to Tuesday's opposing starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.

Valencia was batting .219 this season - and just .179 in his past 14 games. Before sitting on Monday and Tuesday, he started each of the Twins' first 58 games of the season. He pinch hit for Rene Rivera in the eighth inning Tuesday and grounded out.

"It'll be good for him, because I know his head's going to be spinning now, and you know what, sometimes that's a good thing," Gardenhire said of Valencia's time off. "Maybe get him a little fired up and stay focused."

Asked whether, because he mentioned Valencia perhaps getting fired up, he thinks the third baseman has become complacent, Gardenhire said no.

"I like it when you can irritate people as a manager," he said. "It's good. I get irritated all the time, so sometimes a manager gets a chance to irritate people a little bit, and that kind of maybe (will) get a little extra oomph out of him. We'll see. He hasn't come in here yet, so...I dare him. Just kidding."


(twincities.com)

Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun remained the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game among National League players.

In the third round of balloting figures, released Monday by Major League Baseball, the left fielder had more than 2.23 million votes to again edge Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols for the top spot.

Pujols, the leader after the first round of balloting figures, had more than 2.08 million votes in the new numbers -- over 300,000 more than reigning MVP Joey Votto of the Reds among first basemen.

In the always competitive race at the position, Milwaukee's Prince Fielder was third, Philadelphia's Ryan Howard was fourth and Atlanta's Freddie Freeman was a distant fifth.

In the outfield, Braun was trailed by Cardinals Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday and Dodgers Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp.

In a close race at second base, Cincinnati's Brandon Phillips was the leading vote-getter with more than 1.75 million. Trailing him was another Brewer, Rickie Weeks, who was fewer than 300,000 votes behind for the July 12 game.

Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco led his position, trailed by Atlanta's Chipper Jones and San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval, while Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was holding off his only real competition at shortstop, New York's Jose Reyes.

The next round of balloting figures will be released Monday, June 20.


(miamiherald.com)

Denver Broncos
D.J. Williams, linebacker: Williams was a first-round pick in 2004, and the Broncos paid handsomely to keep him a couple of years ago. He is appreciated in Denver, but this athletic, smart linebacker doesn’t get much national notice. He has never been to a Pro Bowl, yet Williams is a tackle machine. He has had at least 119 tackles in three of the past four seasons. He is versatile and has played virtually every linebacker position possible.

Buffalo Bills
Roscoe Parrish, receiver/punt returner: For five years, Parrish practically begged to be thrown the ball. He made the most of his touches, becoming one of the most dangerous punt returners in the NFL and setting franchise records.

But his listed position was wide receiver, and in the Bills' passing game under head coaches Mike Mularkey and Dick Jauron, the undersized Parrish always seemed to be an afterthought.

That changed last year under new coach Chan Gailey. He played just eight games because of a broken wrist, but Parrish caught 33 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns. The yardage was the most of his career. His touchdowns tied a career high. Two more receptions would have matched a career high.

Houston Texans
Chris Myers, center: A team with a good deal of flashy names and stars needs quality players in support roles to be effective. The Texans don’t have enough of them, but Myers is certainly one. I’ve heard from scouts he’s underrated and good at what the Texans ask their line to do. He worked as the man in the middle for the line that helped a guy who wasn’t drafted, Arian Foster, to the NFL rushing title in 2010. Most fans couldn’t name a single Texans lineman, but Myers deserves more recognition. He'll be hard-pressed to get it, though, while Jeff Saturday is still playing center for the rival Colts.


(espn.com)

Javarris James has gone from locked out to briefly locked up.

James, a former Immokalee High football star and current Indianapolis Colts running back, was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession Thursday in Fort Myers during a routine traffic stop. He is scheduled to appear in court June 28 after posting $1,000 bond on one count of possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana.

Fort Myers police officers pulled over the 23-year-old at about 6:45 p.m. over concerns about the level of tint on his windows. Upon approaching James’ black Audi, officers smelled marijuana and found several pieces of pot on the floorboard between the passenger seat and the center console, according to the arrest report.

The report states James had 0.4 grams of marijuana in his car.

Online records show he was booked about 9:30 p.m. Thursday and released on bond one hour later.

With the National Football League owners and players at odds over a new collective bargaining agreement, players have been locked out since March. In past years, the Colts have scheduled offseason minicamps intermittently throughout May and June, sessions that aren’t taking place during the lockout.

Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney told the Associated Press that some of the team’s players are gathering for private workouts, but it isn’t known whether James is included in the group.

James followed in the footsteps of his cousin, Edgerrin James, who also played at Immokalee, Miami and for the Colts.

After going undrafted out of the University of Miami in 2010, James signed a free-agent deal with the Colts.

Indianapolis cut James before the season’s start but signed him for the final 12 games of the year after injuries depleted its backfield. He carried 46 times for 112 yards and six touchdowns, recording a pair of scores twice during the season.

At Miami, James rushed for 2,162 yards and 18 touchdowns, though his best season came as a freshman with 802 yards. James led Immokalee in 2004 to a state title under head coach John Weber.

“I am extremely disappointed,” Weber said Friday of James’ arrest. “I would have never expected this to happen but I guess a lot of things happen.”

Indianapolis Colts officials could not be reached for comment Friday, though NFL teams haven’t been commenting on player arrests during the lockout.

The arrest report lists a local Fort Myers address for James. He could not be reached for comment Friday.


(naplesnews.com)

Comcast Sports Washington beat writers Rich Tandler and Ryan O'Halloran are both convinced that No. 79 overall pick Leonard Hankerson will be a rookie starter.

Even if the Redskins re-sign free agent Santana Moss, Hankerson is likely to be a starting outside receiver in Washington. Without OTAs or minicamps, Hankerson is going to have to learn on the fly. On the bright side, Hankerson was a touchdown maker at Miami, comes from a pretty pro-style offense, and has the size to compete immediately with NFL defensive backs.


(rotoworld.com)

Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork ranks No. 35 on the NFL Network Top 100 players poll, as voted by players.

Wilfork was presented by Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who like Wilfork attended the University of Miami. Some soundbites from Vilma on the NFL Network broadcast Sunday night (video from NFL.com here):

1. “Big. Big. I just watched him get bigger and bigger and bigger.”

2. “He was with me in college for three years, I played against him twice a year when I was with the Jets, and the best thing about him is that as big as he’s gotten, it looks sloppy, but when you watch him on film it’s not. He’s very explosive, very athletic.”

3. “From college, we knew he had good feet, which is pretty impressive for a guy his size to have feet like that. All those things you want in a defensive tackle, that rough, down-in-the-trenches-type mentality, he has that. He’s going to disrupt it. If you’re one-on-one, he’s going to make the tackle. You have to double him.”

4. “You turn on the film and watch that and you know, that was because of him. [Another player] may have gotten the stats, but that was because of Vince.”

5. “He lets you know ‘this is how I’m going to set the tone’ and you love that, especially in a d-lineman, where it’s that big personality. He wants to be that guy who takes the leadership as far as being on the field and showing you how I’m going to play.”

6. “He has a Super Bowl under his belt. He’s got three Pro Bowls under his belt. Year in and year out, you look and watch on film, you [say] ‘He’s a helluva player.’”

Click here to order Vince Wilfork’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

CSN Washington's Ryan O'Halloran believes the Redskins "have no choice but to re-sign" free agent Santana Moss.

O'Halloran cites "practical purposes" after the Redskins' three rookie receivers missed out on OTAs and minicamps this offseason. At age 32, though, Moss isn't a great fit for a rebuilding roster. Both sides will likely feel out the market before a deal is reached.

Click here to order Santana Moss’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

Tennessee Titans rookie LB Colin McCarthy mentioned on Twitter earlier today that he would answer a few questions if anyone had any for him.

McCarthy is another guy that I am really excited about from this draft. He is a big LB that, as he mentions in one of his answers, can play all three linebacker positions. Jerry Gray said he wanted versatility, and he got that in McCarthy.

What is your greatest strength as a LB?
my versatility. Being able to play all three LB positions and my passion for the game. Love to play and want to be great!

What do you think is one part of your game you will have to step up at the next level?
Footwork for sure. No false steps. Getting my pre-snap reads run pass and then read and react. Go when you know.! Get to the ball

Who was your favorite player when you were a kid?
Brian Dawkins with the Eagles


(musiccitymiracles.com)

Sitting on a concrete bleacher Friday morning prior to the Carolina Panthers' final player-organized offseason workout at Charlotte Christian, linebacker Jon Beason was asked if he felt like the team's unofficial defensive coordinator during the lockout.

"Some might say that," Beason said, a smile crossing his face.

"I'm not going to say it myself. If someone else says it, I appreciate it."

Beason was happy to be back playing and thinking about football, even if the lockout was still in effect and there was no guarantee training camp and the NFL regular season would begin on time. Coming off a 2-14 season in which he was moved to outside linebacker after the injury to Thomas Davis and had the lowest tackle total in his NFL career, Beason spent a portion of the offseason facing a civil assault trial.

A jury found no evidence Beason had assaulted Gregory Frye in a 2009 incident at a local night club. It was a legal and personal victory for Beason.

"When you're going through something like that, it's tough, especially when you're in the public eye," Beason said. "I'm sure there are a million civil cases a day that might have a little insert in the newspaper or something like that but nothing on a mass scale.

"I'm getting calls from Miami and from friends in California talking about it. To get it behind me is a relief."

Beason was one of the leaders of the offseason workouts, which drew approximately 50 players daily. Beyond the on-field conditioning and scheme work, the Panthers broke into offensive and defensive units in a portable building near the private school stadium.

That's where they worked through the basics of new playbooks that will be installed by coach Ron Rivera and his staff. It also allowed veterans such as Beason to work with younger players, who will be fighting for jobs when training camp begins.

"It felt good," Beason said of his teaching role. "I've always had a passion for coaching. To get up there in front of the defense was kind of fun.
"The thing about it is when we do it, we kind of leave it open for questions. It's like, 'How do you guys want to do it?' There are some things in the playbook you may not agree with but, for now, it's our meeting so we're putting it in the way we want."

Due to the lockout, Beason has had only one meeting with Rivera. Once a resolution is reached to the NFL's labor issues, Beason knows the Panthers will get a crash course from their new coaching staff. Schemes, terminology, personnel - it's all getting a makeover.

Defensively, Beason anchors a strong linebacker group, but there are holes to fill along the line and in the secondary. Getting in a few days of work during the lockout was critical to the Panthers' efforts to move past what happened last season, Beason believes. There was a value in working with teammates, some of whom he just met.

"This is the ultimate team sport," Beason said. "There's no Dirk (Nowitzki) or (Dwayne) Wade to drop 40 and steal a game. It just doesn't happen.

"You need the guy beside you to be successful. You learn guys' personalities. That's the biggest disadvantage for our coaching staff. They don't know anybody. With the playbook, we're doing a good job of putting in what we got the one day the lockout was lifted. We had a few coverages, a couple of blitzes. It's been productive."

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(charlotteobserver.com)

A weekly look at a player whose performance must improve in 2011.

Jonathan Vilma is a good player, but I consider him an overrated player. I recognize his competitiveness and leadership skills, which put him in the cross hairs of my Pressure Point series. He must help the Saints' defense to improve in 2011 if the team is going to make a run at the Super Bowl.

I expect the Saints' defense to be improved by leaps and bounds from a year ago, but I am not certain that Vilma is a major reason for any improvement.

New Orleans' run defense and coverage were below average in 2010, and the ability to rush the quarterback was terrible. The defense did not create turnovers on par with the pace of the Saints' 2009 Super Bowl season, although expecting the Saints to maintain such a pace was probably unwise to begin with. But they need to create more than the nine interceptions they had last season, and I expect they will. The offense also put the defense in several difficult predicaments last season. Is Vilma to blame for all this below-average defensive play? Of course not. But he didn't help things, either.

As 4-3 middle linebackers go, Vilma is undersized and has never excelled taking on bigger blockers in the run game, shedding quickly and making the play. He needs to be protected and then can use his excellent vision, anticipation skills, knowledge of the game and speed to get to the ball carrier. New Orleans didn't protect Vilma well enough in 2010, and I also am starting to think that Vilma's speed, quickness and pursuit skills could be in slight decline. He just was not a very good run defender last season. As 4-3 middle linebackers go, I now see Vilma as just a middle-of-the-pack starter.

What shocked me most was that Vilma was not much of a force versus the pass. His coverage skills were just middling, and he was too often beaten. If this continues, New Orleans might have to consider taking him off the field in clear throwing situations. Maybe the Saints would give a younger linebacker like Martez Wilson, Jo-Lonn Dunbar or Jonathan Casillas a chance to shine in this capacity. Wilson is a rookie. Dunbar was in and out of the lineup last season. Casillas didn't play a snap last year because of a Lisfranc foot injury. Casillas is the one I am most excited about, but Wilson has an exciting skill set. He could become a dynamic edge pass-rusher and blitzer. Scott Shanle remains in the equation. Free agency still looms, and adding another outside linebacker to the Saints' stable seems highly possible.

Given Vilma's knowledge of the defense and opposing passing schemes, I expect him to remain on the field on throwing downs in the immediate future. However, maybe a year or two down the line -- if Vilma's game doesn't pick up -- Wilson could very well be the starter in the middle.

I expect the Saints' defense to improve drastically in 2010. The addition of the versatile Wilson could add a wonderful new tool for creative defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Johnny Patrick has the look of an instant contributor to an already deep secondary and should be a nice insurance policy if some cover men fall to injury or Patrick Robinson doesn't step up his game. Cameron Jordan could be poised for a Defensive Rookie of the Year type of season. He should immediately grab the starting left end spot opposite Will Smith and then move inside on passing downs. It is a tremendous situation for this rookie, and I expect him to thrive. I still am baffled that Jordan lasted as long as he did on draft day.

But the best addition is Shaun Rogers. When motivated, Rogers is an animal in the middle of the defense. He will he protect Vilma and, if kept fresh and used in a rotation, can dominate. He is an elite interior pass-rusher and will form an exceptional threesome on the interior on passing downs with Jordan and Sedrick Ellis, another former first-round pick, who registered six sacks last season. Ellis could be coming into his own as a player overall. Although he appears to be passed over by superior players, Anthony Hargrove could also factor in on the interior rushing the passer. Hargrove did have five sacks in 2009.

I also doubt that Drew Brees will throw as many interceptions again, and the Saints should better be able to sustain offense with the addition of a running back like Mark Ingram.

But this improvement might be in spite of Vilma instead of because of him. I am not suggesting that Vilma needs to be replaced at this point. I expect him to improve along with the defense. But I also see him as a complementary piece of this defensive puzzle now rather than a headliner.

Click here to order Jon Vilma’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

The Arizona Rattlers never trailed Saturday night, cruising to a 61-41 win over the Iowa Barnstormers in front of 8,644 fans at US Airways Center.

Rattlers (11-2) quarterback Nick Davila completed 20 of 28 passes for 268 yards and seven touchdowns, finding Rod Windsor for two of those scores. Windsor finished with nine catches for 119 yards, eclipsing the 100-yard receiving mark for the ninth time this season.

Also making an impact in the passing game was wideout Jason Geathers, who hauled in seven catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

With 12:35 to go in the fourth quarter, Arizona’s defense forced a turnover on downs. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Geathers grabbed a 14-yard touchdown pass from Davila to make the score 54-34, putting the game out of reach.


(azcentral.com)

LONG POND, Pa. (AP) - Tim George Jr. won the rain-shortened ARCA race Saturday at Pocono Raceway for his first victory in 50 career starts in the series.

The race was called after a lengthy delay and only 59 of 80 laps completed.

George made the go-ahead pass on the last lap of green-flag racing in his No. 31 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. Chris Buescher was second and Grant Enfinger third.

Ty Dillon, who won last week at Chicagoland, was fourth and Brennan Poole fifth.

George passed Enfinger on the 57th lap and that was enough to hold on before the fog and rain made racing too treacherous. The red flag had already dropped once earlier in the race. The final one lasted 47 minutes, 54 seconds.


(cnnsi.com)

Aubrey Huff went 3-for-4 with two RBI as the Giants topped the Reds 4-2 on Sunday night.

Huff doubled in the Giants' first run in the fourth and singled in their last in the seventh. Hopefully this marks the end of his latest slump. He had been hitting .176 in 34 at-bats since his three-homer game on June 2.


(rotoworld.com)