The new "Madden" game came out on Tuesday, which partially explains why I wasn't blogging very often Tuesday and Wednesday. Are any of you "Madden" junkies out there having trouble beating your buddies at the game? If so, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is here to motivate you with this video:



Click here to order Ray Lewis’ proCane Rookie Card.

Colin McCarthy was a tackling machine for the Tennessee Titans with 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, a pass deflection and a forced fumble.

For the Philadelphia Eagles Graig Cooper had 11 carries for 24 yards & 1TD & Sinorice Moss had 3 receptions for 49 yards & 3 punt returns for 38 yards.

Baltimore Raven Damien Berry had 8 carries for 31 yards and 1 TD, along with 2 receptions for 18 yards.

Giants DL Dwayne Hendricks had 5 tackles (4 solo) 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit. Great game as he is fighting for a roster spot.

Carolina Panther Jeremy Shockey had 2 catches for 19 yards & a TD vs the Pittsburgh Steelers where Baraka Atkins had 1 tackle.

Calais Campbell had 1 tackle for loss in limited action for the Arizona Cardinals.

Redskin Leonard Hankerson has 4 catches for 36 yards.

KC Chief Allen Bailey so far tonight has 1 tackle, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit. His sack was actually a safety for the Chiefs.

Minnesota Viking Ryan Hill led the Minnesota Vikings with 7 solo tackles.

Damione Lewis of the Houston Texans had 6 tackles (3 solo) and 1 tackle for loss while Brandon Harris had 2 tackles and Darryl Sharpton also added a tackle for the Texans.

49er Corey Nelms had a pass deflection.

Tonight, the Raiders pop the DVD back in. Action movie? Horror flick? We'll see.

Rookie cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke is back in the starting lineup against the Seahawks, a week after giving up four passes for 73 yards in the first four minutes of a loss to quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints.

His confidence is not shaken.

"No, once you have the mind-set that you're a great player, you never lose confidence," the third-round pick out of Miami said. "You just have to stay confident, because in the NFL, guys are going to beat you some days. And you're going to beat them some days. Stay positive and you'll be OK."

Van Dyke, in the lineup for the injured Chris Johnson, said he learned something last week.

"I just have to make plays," he said. "I was in position to make a play the first play (a 37-yard pass), but I just gotta turn my head around. That's about it. Just make plays. Coach (Rod) Woodson told me to make plays on the ball and all that will stop."


(sfgate.com)

Jason Fox is out of his walking boot, but after almost a month on the sidelines, the second-year offensive tackle is realistic about what his role with the Lions will be when he returns.

"I'm here just to do whatever they want me to do," Fox said Tuesday. "Obviously, I'm a competitive guy. I want to play as much as possible. I want to help this team win, but with me missing the better part of camp, it's going to be tough coming back to earn a job right away."

With starter Jeff Backus out with a chest injury, Fox filled in as the Lions' first-team left tackle for the first week of training camp. A fourth-round pick out of Miami last year, Fox showed signs of progress after barely playing as a rookie, but he lost his grip on the top backup job when he limped off the practice field with a foot injury Aug. 6.

Corey Hilliard, who filled in at right tackle early in camp, started the Lions' first two exhibition games at left tackle and has been working at right guard since Backus' return before the third exhibition game.

Fox said he doesn't consider his injury a setback -- "It's a part of the game, and I just got to make the most of it when I come back," he said -- and neither he nor Lions coach Jim Schwartz has put a definitive timetable on his return.

"I don't know if it's a big step (that he's out of the boot)," Schwartz said. "It's part of his progression."


(freep.com)

Willis McGahee rushed for over 2,800 yards and 31 touchdowns on 671 carries during his four-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens. Solid numbers, but figures that declined substantially after McGahee’s 100 carry, 380 yards and 5 TD campaign in 2010. Yes the 5 scores represent a healthy total for a complimentary back, but by just about every metric out there, McGahee’s ’10 season was the worst of his four in Baltimore — both in terms of how frequently he was utilized, and how effective he was when his number was called. He needed to find a new home and seems to have done just that in Denver. With Ray Rice set to assume an ever greater role in the Ravens offense in future years, McGahee decided for understandable reasons that it was the right time to find a new home

Playing for first-year head coach John Fox in Denver, who’s notoriously committed to establishing the run, McGahee has been only marginally effective this preseason, amassing just 49 yards so far on 17 carries.  Similar to how he was utilized in Baltimore however, McGahee has shined in his short-yardage and goal-line duties, scoring a pair of touchdowns already. There’s no doubt that Knowshown Moreno will get the lion’s share of the carries, but Fox loves to run the football, so McGahee is wisely preparing this offseason as if he’ll be the starting running back for the Broncos in 2011.

Willis McGahee joined 104.3 The Fan in Denver with The Drive to discuss what goes through his mind when he trots on to the field in short-yardage situations, how he clearly understands and embraces his roles on Denver’s offense in 2011, whether he really believes that he’s in an open competition for Knowshown Moreno for significant snaps in Denver’s regular offense, how this Broncos team compares to any number of successful squads he played on while in Baltimore,  and how successfully bouncing back and rehabbing from a gruesome hip injury late in his college career has driven him to prove his doubters wrong and carve out a career for himself in the NFL.

What are you thinking when you get in the game in short-yardage situations?:
“I’m thinking get it by any means necessary. They brought me here for a reason and my job is to get the first down and make plays. That’s my goal.”

OK, what was that reason? What is your role?:
“My role is to come in and make plays regardless of the situation or who’s going to start. If I’m going to start, I’m going to start. If I’m not, I’m still going to go in there and approach it the same way.”

Have they told you it’s an open competition?:
“Nowadays, it’s a two-back team now. There’s no way one person carries the load. So I really think everybody’s going to get their share.”

Where is this Denver Broncos team compared to your time with the Ravens?:
“I really think we’re on schedule. We don’t have the team that Baltimore had because Baltimore had a lot of vets on the team which were some key leaders as far as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. But we do have the Brian Dawkins and those guys are going to make sure that we’re going down the right path. The good thing about our team is we’re young and we’re going to be together a long time.”

Why are you so special around the goal line?:
“I’m not special without the guys in front, blocking for me. But I’ve got this itch to get in that end zone because that’s where I feel like I belong.”

Take us through the mentality and attitude you’ve had to come back from the gruesome injury in college:
“I look at it as, when I got hurt, it is what it is. It’s something that you can’t control. You can’t do anything about it, just move on and keep fighting. Through that whole process, you had the writers and the fans saying, ‘He’ll never play football. He’ll never do this, never do that.’ That’s what I feed off of, people telling me I can’t do something. They told me I wouldn’t be a starter in the NFL. I did that. They told me I wouldn’t be in the NFL long, I’m going on my ninth year. … They told me that I wouldn’t be Willis McGahee. Who is somebody to tell me I’m not going to be Willis McGahee?”

What’s the difference between NFL franchises that win and those that lose?:
“In an organization that’s winning … there’s just a feeling in the locker room. The locker room is feeling like everyone has one common goal and that’s to win. … When I was in Buffalo, it was like everybody wasn’t on the same page. They didn’t have that one common goal. … It was just a handful of guys, it wasn’t everybody.”

Click here to order Willis McGahee’ proCane Rookie Card.


(sportsradiointerviews.com)

DENVER (AP) — Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams will go on trial in January for a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence and not having headlights on his car.

Williams, the teams' leading tackler, was scheduled to appear in Denver County Court Thursday for a motions hearing. Defense attorney Harvey A. Steinberg says Williams couldn't make it because he's undergoing medical treatment. A judge rescheduled the motion hearing for Nov. 17 and scheduled Williams' trial for Jan. 17.

Williams suffered a dislocated right elbow in the Broncos' 23-20 win over Seattle.

Williams was arrested in Denver in November on suspicion of driving under the influence. It was hours before he was supposed to report to training camp.

NFL officials recently said they would not comment on possible discipline.

(chron.com)

The Bills have approached receiver Roscoe Parrish about a contract extension, a league source tells The News.

Parrish is in the last year of a deal that averaged $3.3 million a year. Parrish just turned 29 and revived his receiving career under coach Chan Gailey last season with 33 catches in eight games. Parrish, in his seventh season out of Miami, likes playing for Gailey.

Click here to order Roscoe Parrish’s proCane Rookie Card.


(buffalonews.com)

Ryan Braun's teammates were not going to allow him to get away with his pratfall on the bases Wednesday night without having some fun.

Pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Shaun Marcum and bullpen catcher Marcus Hanel went to considerable expense to put outlines of Brauns' tumble on the field today, using athletic tape for the police-like "chalk" outlines of victims.

They had two outlines on the field, representing the initial landing and then the second fall upon trying to get up. Particularly ingenius was the use of a protective screen used during BP to put an outline in "the air," representing Braun going airborne after rounding third on what could have been an inside-the-park homer against St. Louis.

That's a bat taped to the ground, by the way, to represent the "speed bump" that Braun tripped over.

Batting practice was optional today and Braun did not go out to hit, so he presumably didn't see his teammates' elaborate prank. But he did hear about it.

"That's OK if he doesn't see it," said third baseman Casey McGehee. "We can still laugh at it."

Braun did say he had received considerable trash talk via text messages, phone messges and e-mails from various folks about his spectacular pratfall. He lost balance rounding third and went down hard, getting tagged out for what became an RBI triple instead of an inside-the-park homer.

"The further I get away from it, the funnier it becomes," he said. "There's nothing you can do about it. There's no reason not to laugh about it. You can't go back and change anything.

"I think if I had been able to get up after the first time I fell, I still would have made it. I had it easy.

"I think I tried to increase my stride. I saw (third base coach) Eddie (Sedar) sending me and I got excited and tried to run faster than I needed to and lost my form. My stride got too long. I felt it coming. Not much you can do at that point."

Braun admitted he didn't break hard out of the box, which wouldn't have stopped a inside-the-parker had he not fallen.

"I was watching the ball to see if (CF Allen Craig) was going to catch it or not," said Braun. "I still had plenty of time to score. I don't think it would have affected me in any way.

"I'm fortunate I didn't get hurt. I've got a lot of trash talk. Every one of my friends who play another sport, all my basketball and football friends, are texting me, talking about lack of athleticism. I take a lot of pride in my athleticism so I've been getting a lot of trash talked to me."

That included former NBA star Reggie Miller, a friend and California neighbor who was at the game and was shown laughing heartily after Braun's stumble. The two had dinner after the game.

"He was laughing about it," said Braun.

As for the outlines created on the field by his teammates, Braun said, "I'm not even going out. I won't go out until right before the game so I'll probably miss it. I'll check it out at some point.

"Baseball's always weird that way. It's a crazy game, an unexplainable game. You  just move on to the next one."

Braun, who had a hamstring injury earlier in the year, said he escaped unharmed physically. Just a bruised ego. And those "chalk" outlines.


(jsonline.com)

2B Jemile Weeks extended his career-high hitting streak to nine games with a two-out single in the fifth inning at Cleveland on Thursday. Weeks is 15-for-39 with seven stolen bases during the streak. He scored three runs on Thursday.



(latimes.com)

CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – The past few seasons as the Cleveland Indians have been looking to rebuild for the future, the closer spot has been nothing more than an afterthought.

There was the ill faded experiment to sign and bring in Kerry Wood, which turned out to be nothing more than an awful waste of a two-year deal that cost the team $20.5 million. In return, Wood was an unhappy, mostly injured pitcher who put up 28 saves before he was finally shipped off in a deal to the New York Yankees.

What that move did was open the door for the pitcher that Indians fans now cheer for entering the game in the ninth inning. Chris Perez.

Perez is the best closer the Indians have had since Joe Borowski, who in the magical season of 2007 put up 45 saves in a year that saw the Indians come just short of reaching the World Series.

Monday night at Progressive Field, Perez notched his 30th save of the year. He’s 30-for-34 in save situations, to go along with a mark of 3-6 with an ERA of 2.79.

While Perez has gotten the job done a lot in 2011, it usually doesn’t happen until a few beads of sweat fall from the brows of fans during his save situations.

That was not the case Monday, as Perez struck out Brandon Allen and Conor Jackson before getting Kurt Suzuki to hit a harmless pop up to Asdrubal Cabrera at short to end the game and save the 2-1 win over the Oakland A’s.

“I felt good in the bullpen,” Perez said. “Just one of those nights where everything was going where I wanted it. Kept the slider down and fastball was going away where I wanted it.”

Moving forward, the Indians are happy with the direction that Perez has taken, and entering 2012 and beyond, there’s no doubt the team has their closer.

“I wanted the highest save percentage I could get,” Perez said. “My main thing is to stay healthy and help this team 60 to 65 times a year, that’s my job. If I’m healthy and my arm is good and I execute my pitches I’m gonna have a pretty good year.”

Following in the footsteps in some of the great Indians closers of the past like Ernie Camacho, Doug Jones, Bob Wickman and Jose Mesa, Perez already is on his way to being one of the great Indians closers in the team history.


(cleveland.cbslocal.com)

Running back Frank Gore on Wednesday signed a three-year extension through the 2014 season that will pay him $21 million in new money, including $13.5 million guaranteed.

Gore was the sixth running back taken in the 2005 draft. And he said being chosen in the third round continues to provide him with motivation even after six NFL seasons. In fact, Gore had no problem ticking off the names of the five running backs picked ahead of him.

"I still carry that chip on my shoulder, especially with the guys who went before me, like Ronnie Brown, Cadillac (Williams), Cedric Benson," Gore said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters. "They're all great players.

"J.J. Arrington, Eric Shelton, and then me. I told myself when I came into the league that I'm going to show everybody that they passed up the best back. Look at the career, look at the numbers, and it shows. I do carry that chip on my shoulder, and I'll continue to carry that on my shoulder."

Here are the career stats of those running backs:

Ronnie Brown, No. 2, Miami: 76 games, 1,128 att., 4,815 yards (4.3), 36 TDs Cedric Benson, No. 4, Bears: 76 games, 1,256 att., 4,702 yards (3.7) 25 TDs Cadillac Williams, No. 5, Buccaneers: 70 games, 968 att., 3,677 yards, 20 TDs J.J. Arrington, No. 44, Cardinals: 58 games, 183 att., 654 yards (3.2), 3 TDs Eric Shelton, No. 54, Panthers: 9 games, 8 att., 23 yards (2.9), 0 TDs Frank Gore, No. 65, 49ers: 84 games, 1,371 att., 6,414 (4.7), 35 TDs

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(csnbayarea.com)

According to NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora, former Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis will visit with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. Portis hasn't been as effective compared to his earlier pro-bowl years, but there was enough interest from head coach Pete Carroll and the Seawhawks' braintrust to take a look at Clinton.

The 29 year old Portis has played in only 13 games during the last two seasons combined, missing 19 of 32 regular-season games over the past two years with Washington. Portis was one of the most dominant backs in the league from 2002 through 2008, rushing for more than 1,200 yards in six of his first seven seasons in the league. He earned the NFL rookie of the year award in 2002, and is a two time pro-bowler. He currently is only 76 yards shy of 10,000 career yards, sporting 75 touchdowns in his career thus far as well. 

Seattle isn't exactly in need of another aging running back, but if there is talent to be had out there still, it's always prudent to do their due diligence.

Click here to order Clinton Portis’ proCane Rookie Card.


(sbnationc.om)

ALLEN PARK — Detroit drafted Jason Fox in the fourth round of last year's NFL draft despite the knee surgery the big offensive tackle had in December, following his senior season, and the injured hamstring he sustained the following March, while working out for scouts at the University of Miami Pro Day.

The 6-foot-6, 314-pounder had the physical presence to play either right or left tackle in the pros. The Lions weren't looking for immediate help on the line, so he'd be able to develop slowly.

Unfortunately, it's been even slower than Fox and the Lions anticipated, as he spent most of his rookie season on the inactive list and suffered a foot injury early-on this training camp. Now that he's out of his walking boot, Fox hopes to make the most of any opportunity he gets once he's fully recovered, yet he remains realistic.

"I'm here to do whatever they want me to do," he said. "Obviously, I'm a competitive guy. I want to play as much as possible. I want to help this team win. But with me missing the better part of camp, it's going to be tough coming back to earn a job right away. Whatever they expect me to do, I'm ready to do, and help this team."

Though his return date is unknown - the Lions will play it safe in bringing the youngster back, rather than risk re-injuring the foot - Fox is taking it day by day. Setbacks happen, but it's up to the player to prepare himself as best he can while sidelined.

"I'm not trying to look at it (as a setback)," he said. "It's a part of the game. I've just got to make the most of it when I come back, and try to prove to my coaches and teammates that I'm ready to help and contribute.

"I'm feeling good right now, and I'm just working as hard as I can to get back as soon as possible."


(mlive.com)

A former tight end for the Buffalo Bills will speak at MCCC on September 10 about the career-ending injury that changed his life.  

Kevin Everett began a lucrative professional football career with the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills in 2005.  But three short years later, it was all taken away by one hit that left him paralyzed. 

Given only a 5-10 percent chance of recovery, Everett turned the catastrophic injury into a faith-filled purpose for living.  He has since regained the use of his arms and legs and now has a new life as a professional speaker, giving a voice to others who have spinal cord injuries and providing insight to doctors interested in his recovery.

Everett’s presentation, entitled “Faith Speaks,” will begin at 7 p.m. in the La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater on the MCCC Main Campus, which is located at 1555 S. Raisinville Rd.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, and proceeds benefit scholarship opportunities at Monroe County Community College.  They can be purchased online at www.monroeccc.edu/theater, via phone at (734) 384-4272 or in person at the MCCC Cashier’s Office in the Warrick Student Services/Administration Building.  There is a $3 fee for online orders.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door, if available.

Everett’s appearance is sponsored by Interventional Pain Management Associates, P.C. – Dr. Lesly Pompy, M.D., MBA, CPE, MSF.


(monroe.wtol.com)

The Rock is getting ready to rumble, Biblical-style. Dwayne Johnson (we just can't stop calling him The Rock, sorry), is in talks to play Goliath, the giant who goes up against a little shepherd boy named David.

Relativity Media reportedly wants none other than 'Twilight' hunk Taylor Lautner for the role of the sling-shot -wielding future king of Israel. That's right, it would be The Scorpion King versus Shark Boy. Bring it!

The Lautner casting offer probably comes courtesy of producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey, who worked with him on the 'Twilight' franchise.

They might not even need CGI for this thing: Johnson stands at an impressive 6'5" while Lautner is a relatively puny 5'10."


(moviefon.com)

Gore spoke with reporters on a conference call. Here is that transcript:

Q: How did this come about and what kind of relief is it for you to get this over with? Gore: "It's real big, especially knowing that the team drafted me and stepped up and told me they want me here for my whole career, and to my fans, I'm a Niner for life. I also want to recognize (team president) Jed (York), (general manager) Trent (Baalke), my coach (Jim) Harbaugh, (chief negotiator) Paraag (Marathe) and my agent Drew (Rosenhaus) and his brother Jason for working it out and getting a fair deal for both sides. That's a plus. And, now, I can just get ready for Seattle and try to take a step every week to win the West. It's blessing. I'm a Niner, and I'm happy."

Q: Why is it important for you to finish your career as a 49er? Gore: "Because of the guys in the locker room, and this is the team that drafted me. Coming out of college, they saw something in me. You rarely see running backs get to finish their career with the team with drafted them. Obviously, I'm one of them. And, hopefully, I can get my name on the 10-year wall, and break some more records out here."

Q: Frank, the 49ers haven't had a winning record since you've been here, your home is in Miami, why do you feel such an affinity for the 49ers? Gore: "Like you said, we haven't had a winning season, and fans here have been 100 percent. There are great fans here. I see coach Harbaugh and his coaching staff, they're football guys. I have no doubt. I know we can get it done. I know we have talent in the locker room -- probably more than a lot of teams in the NFL. I love my teammates and I feel we can get it done with the talent in the locker room."

Q: You followed career of LaDainian Tomlinson. He's one of the guys who started with one team and went to another. Is that what you're talking about, guys like him who don't end finishing their careers with their original team? Gore: "Yeah, LT, for example. Clinton Portis, for example. Larry Johnson, for example. The list goes on. The team stepped up and showed they wanted me here for at least 10, 11 years. I'm happy about that. I can go out there and keep giving it my all on Sundays."

Q: What running back did you try to pattern yourself after? Gore: "I always liked Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith. I liked those guys when I'm younger."

Q: Barry Sanders played 10 years, is that where you think you're going to max out and walk away from the game? Gore: "I won't say that. My body is feeling good. If can go more, I would love to go more because I love the game of football. I won't say that. But I would say, I'm happy to be on the Niners and they gave me a three-year extension."

Q: Have you thought about life after football? Do you foresee yourself remaining with 49ers after your playing career is over? Gore: "Trent and I joked around about it. He knows how much I love the game of football, and he knows how much I pay attention to other guys and see what kind players they are. He did say I do have a skill to pick talent out. We'll see when that time comes. If they want me here to help them pick out players, I'll do it."

Q: Mike Nolan always said you had a talent in that area. What is it that enables you to find out what a teammate is all about? Gore: "I go off, especially being from the University of Miami, being around Andre Johnson and Clinton Porton, Willis McGahee and Jonathan Vilma . . . I know they love the game. And I know I love the game. Just pick people by talking to them and watching them in practice, especially when you get into gear and pads. When go live, seeing who shies away from contact and who brings it every time. That's how I judge it . . . just by being from the University of Miami and playing high-school ball in Miami and being around a lot of talented guys."

Q: When both Jed and Trent said they wanted you to be a 49er for life, you believed them. What gave you a good feeling that these guys were being sincere and it would get done? Gore: "I know they wouldn't say it if they didn't mean it. Since I've been here, they've been true to me. Like my first deal, when I was coming off that good year in 2006, they said I'd be taken care of the following year, and they did it. Just knowing they wouldn't say anything unless it's true."

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(csnbayarea.com)

ASHBURN, Va.—As WR Santana Moss has aged, he’s become a better route-runner. Moss learned from former Jets teammate Wayne Chrebet at an early age in the NFL that he needed more than speed to survive a long time. Moss listened and improved his route-running and also learned when to use his speed and when not to. Because of that, Moss has a knack for being able to slow down going into a catch, then exploding afterward. He’s become a trusted receiver for both John Beck and Rex Grossman and a terrific fit in the slot for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Moss might not catch 93 passes again—with better receiving depth, he shouldn’t need to—but he will be productive again.

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


(sportingnews.com)

MIAMI— If the goal of Wednesday's scaled-down negotiations regarding a new NBA collective-bargaining agreement was to reduce the pessimism in the room, then the session involving union chief Billy Hunter and NBA Commissioner David Stern may have achieved at least one objective.

The meeting in New York amid the NBA lockout was limited to Hunter, NBPA President Derek Fisher, union attorney Ron Klempner, Stern, Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver and San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt, who heads the league's labor-relations committee.

Sitting out the session was union secretary-treasurer James Jones, the Miami Heat forward.

"We're very far apart," Jones said on a Wednesday appearance on WQAM. "There's always a chance of a deal being reached, because these things can moved fast, especially as you start to get up against the clock. I think football showed everyone."

Still, Jones was not optimistic about a quick fix, with training camps, which were scheduled to open Oct. 3, now in jeopardy, as well as the preseason. The Heat are scheduled to open the regular season Nov. 2 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks.

"We're polar opposites right now," Jones said. "Unless something serious happens, I expect for us to miss some time."

As for his own free agency, Jones said he is leaving the door open on a possible return to the Heat.

"Most definitely," he said. "I've stated before, I'm a free agent, so that means every team has a shot. I love my teammates, I love the organization.

"I'm just hoping we can get a deal, a CBA done first."


(sun-sentinel.com)

CHICAGO - A day after absorbing more criticism from his manager, Twins third baseman Danny Valencia vowed to be a better defensive player next season.

"I've always been an offense-minded player, but this past offseason I took my defense seriously - and this year it will be even more so," he said. "I want to be good on both sides. I want to be a very good hitter and a very good defensive player, and I take pride in that. I want to be the best player I possibly can be."

Valencia has played a team-high 130 games and is tied with Michael Cuddyer for the team RBI lead with 61. But his defense has been a consistent irritant to Ron Gardenhire, who has worked hard to correct what he sees as a hitch in Valencia's mechanics.

He also has at times criticized Valencia for lacking focus in the field.

After Monday's 3-0 loss to the White Sox, the manager singled out Valencia for failing to stop a hot grounder that led to a run, and went on at length about the third baseman's tendency to straighten up when balls are hit to him. On Tuesday, he gave Valencia the day off.

Though Valencia declined to fall on the sword Monday, he acknowledged Tuesday that, in his first full major league season, there are still flaws in his game.

"The things I feel like I can take out of this year are two things: My first-step quickness has to get better, second thing is I need to get with a long toss program," he said. "I have a strong arm, but I have not done long loss as much as I need to. Those are the two things that I'm really going to emphasize going into this offseason and carrying into next season."


(foxsports.com)

SAN FRANCISCO -- Brett Pill spent his first day in a Major League uniform Wednesday, but 12-year veteran Pat Burrell cherished the afternoon just as much.

Burrell, who missed 43 games with a strained right foot, rejoined the active roster from the 15-day disabled list as outfielder Aaron Rowand and infielder Miguel Tejada were designated for assignment -- moves that corresponded with Pill's contract being purchased from Triple-A Fresno. It was difficult to tell who was the rookie and who had appeared in his 1,629th big league game after the Giants' 4-0 triumph over the Chicago Cubs.

"It was fun," said Burrell, who beat out a grounder for a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning. "I felt like I was 10 years old today. There's a difference between being in the dugout and knowing you can't help as opposed to being in the dugout and knowing you have a chance."

Burrell's availability heartened manager Bruce Bochy, who repeated that his slumping Giants missed Burrell during his absence. Bochy explained himself by enumerating Burrell's traits as a ballplayer, including his being a "positive" and "calming" influence and providing an example with his patient plate approach.

"He's a winner," Bochy summarized. "We saw what he did last year when we acquired him. ... I think he did change our lineup a little bit [when he went on the DL]. We lost some power; we lost some presence a little bit. It's good to have him back."

Bochy added that he plans on starting Burrell in left field Friday night when the Giants open a critical three-game series against National League West-leading Arizona.

Don't expect Burrell to become a fixture in San Francisco's lineup, though. His foot has improved enough for him to resume playing, but it likely won't allow him to perform regularly.

"I don't like putting [Bochy] in a position where he has to see how I'm doing. But that's kind of where it's at," Burrell said. "If he wants me out there, I'm going to be out there. That being said, I have some limitations."

Bochy also envisions Pill as a part-time player. He'll pinch-hit and, as a right-handed batter, might start occasionally against left-handed pitchers.
Pill, 26, didn't learn of his promotion until 9:15 a.m., when Fresno manager Steve Decker conveyed a happy order by telephone. Pill had to jump on an 11 a.m. flight from Reno, where the Grizzlies were playing a series.

"It's probably better that it happened so quick because I really didn't think about it," Pill said.

Pill hit .312 with 25 home runs and 107 RBIs in 133 games for Fresno in his first season after being removed from the 40-man roster. He indicated that his reduced status actually helped him by "not thinking about being here."

Said Pill, "Last year, being on the roster, when you don't get a hit, you think, 'I'm not going to get called up in September.'"
Now he really can stop worrying.


(mlb.com)

LOS ANGELES -- Brad Brach showed up in the Padres clubhouse early Wednesday, not just early in the morning before a day game against the Dodgers -- but two days before the right-hander would have been added to the Padres roster.

Brach's early arrival immediately helped a taxed San Diego bullpen, as the right-hander made his big league debut with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers. Brach gave up two hits while walking one and striking out three.

The Padres purchased the contract of the 25-year-old Brach from Triple-A Tucson after squeezing 6 1/3 innings out of their bullpen in Tuesday's 8-5 loss to the Dodgers.

To make room for Brach, the Padres sent outfielder Blake Tekotte to San Antonio.


(mlb.com)

If Jeremy Shockey(notes) can be a lifesaver for the Carolina Panthers this season like he was for teammate Ben Hartsock(notes) today, it will be a heck of a year.

Hartsock is crediting Shockey with helping save him today after Hartsock, a fellow tight end, could not breathe in the team’s lunch room. A piece of pork tenderloin lodged in Hartsock’s throat and Shockey came to the rescue, the National Football Post has learned.

“He said to me a little while ago, ‘I really hope this doesn’t get out but if it does it’s going to be a funny story,’” said Chicago-based agent Mike McCartney, who represents Hartsock.

It's more of a story with a good ending than it is a funny one. Hartsock tried drinking some water to clear his throat and when that didn’t work it became evident to others in the room he could not breathe.

“He started to go to the bathroom and I don’t know if he collapsed, but he couldn’t breathe,” McCartney said. “Some new guy came and tried to give him the Heimlich. It didn’t work. Then, Shockey hit him in the back pretty hard and out came the meat. The Panthers told me it was really scary.

“Ben told me Shockey came over and gave me the Heimlich Maneuver and saved my life. He was in good spirits and he’s real thankful for Shockey.”

The story serves as a good reminder that it’s important to know how to administer the Heimlich because you never know when a friend or teammate could be in need.

It gave the Panthers plenty to chat about on the practice field. “Don’t choke, Hartsock,” became a new line in practice.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sports.yahoo.com)

Thank to proCane fan @gumavirg for sending us this video!

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.

Last hour, the 49ers and running back Frank Gore had not agreed to terms on a new deal.

This hour, they have.

Per a league source, the player and the team have agreed to terms on a three-year extension.

The extension has $21 million in new money, with $13.5 million guaranteed.

Coupled with his current deal, which pays out $4.9 million in 2011, Gore can earn $25.9 million over four years.

It’s a far cry from DeAngelo Williams money, but no one not named Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson is going to get close to what Williams got.

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(profootballweekly.com)

Falcons re-signed C Brett Romberg. A 19-game starter over six seasons, Romberg last saw action as a reserve and special teamer with Atlanta back in 2009. Overall, Romberg has played in 46 NFL games, also with the Jaguars and Rams, and made 19 career starts.


(fantasysp.com)

Five quick notes/thoughts on the Seattle Seahawks' trading cornerback Kelly Jennings to Cincinnati for defensive tackle Clinton McDonald:

• Size matters: The Seahawks have gone big and tall at cornerback. Jennings is listed at 5-foot-11, but he's slight of frame and struggled in matchups against bigger receivers.

• Experience does not matter: Jennings was one of two cornerbacks on the Seahawks' roster with significant starting experience. The team has decided to go young -- very young -- and Jennings was practically ancient by Seattle cornerback standards at 28.

• Roster churn: Jennings' departure leaves the Seahawks with five of their own first-round choices and three from other teams. One of their own, cornerback Marcus Trufant, took a pay reduction from $5.9 million to $3 million recently. One of the others, linebacker Aaron Curry, restructured his contract in a manner that makes him easier to trade or release next year. The other three first-rounders project as long-term starters. James Carpenter, Russell Okung and Earl Thomas were chosen by the team's current leadership. The Seahawks are taking a sledgehammer to the foundation they inherited. Chris Spencer, Lofa Tatupu, Josh Wilson, Lawrence Jackson, Rob Sims and Darryl Tapp were all relatively high draft choices under previous regimes.

• Money inconsequential: The Seahawks paid a $200,000 signing bonus to Jennings as part of the one-year deal he signed this offseason. That bought little security in the end.

• NFC West reunion: Jennings heads to a Bengals secondary already featuring NFC West castoffs Taylor Mays and Nate Clements, both late of the San Francisco 49ers. Jennings was never going to live up to his first-round status in Seattle. He has more value to the Bengals without those expectations.

• Clinton who?: McDonald was a seventh-round choice of the Bengals in 2009. The team had released him previously. He played in eight games last season. McDonald stands just under 6-2 and converted from linebacker in college. Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly, writing for his 2009 draft guide, lauded McDonald for possessing toughness and a mean streak. He thought McDonald would project as a three-technique defensive tackle in a one-gap scheme. McDonald was not expected to earn a roster spot in Cincinnati.

Click here to order Kelly Jennings’ proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

The Patriots were busy on Monday, releasing 11 players.

The players cut were: LS Matt Katula, TE Garrett Mills, S James Sanders, CB Jonathan Wilhite, DL Kade Weston, WR Tyree Barnes, WR Darnell Jenkins, DB Malcolm Williams, PK Chris Koepplin, DE Clay Nurse and OL Mark Wetterer.

Jenkins needs to latch on somewhere other than New England. After missing the final cut last year, he returned as the seventh wideout this season. Patriots also released WR Tyree Barnes and FB Eric Kettani.


(rotoworld.com)

Chargers waived RB Shawnbrey McNeal. A productive runner and receiver in June Jones' spread offense, McNeal drew a few raves as an undrafted free agent last offense.




(fantasysp.com)

The Kansas City Chiefs waived RB/FB Tervaris Johnson.

Johnson never had a shot at the final 53 once LeRon McClain was signed. The Chiefs also waived LB Erik Bakhtiari, DB Javes Lewis, WR Chris Manno, WR Josue Paul and DB Mario Russell.


(nbcsports.com)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos were money between the 20s last year, and middling in the red zone.

Willis McGahee to the rescue.

Since his first season in the NFL in 2004, McGahee ranks third in the league among active running backs with 50 red-zone TDs, tied with Larry Johnson and trailing only LaDainian Tomlinson (96) and Thomas Jones (52).

The ninth-year running back has quickly become the offense's biggest offseason acquisition, scoring three red-zone TDs in the last two weeks, on runs of 1 and 2 yards sandwiched around a 13-yard touchdown catch on a screen pass from Kyle Orton.

"Willis just brings a good physical dimension to us," running backs coach Eric Studesville said. "But really, it's just a complement to what we're trying to emphasize offensively anyway."

More touchdowns, fewer field goals. All of which starts with a better ground game.

Last year, opponents didn't respect the play-action and blitzed like crazy when they were backed up, double-covered Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Lloyd, and forced a lot of Denver's drives to fizzle.

"We're just trying to run the ball more vertically, more physically down there," Studesville said. "And I feel like we have a talented room and any of those guys, I feel like I'd want to touch the ball down there."

A leaner, quicker Knowshon Moreno, a more experienced Lance Ball, a promising Jeremiah Johnson.

But especially McGahee.

The Broncos converted 29 of 56 trips into the red zone into touchdowns last season.

The 55.8 percent clip was actually middle of the pack in league rankings, but the failures were exacerbated by a dismal Denver defense that was the worst in the NFL and left such a thin margin for error.

"Oh yeah, that's going to change," McGahee said. "That red zone is where we weren't getting it in last year? It's going to be totally different this year. I know I ain't going to get it in every time, but we're going to be getting it in more than last year."

New coach John Fox likes to use a lot of two-tight end, two-back sets, so there's a renewed emphasis on the run in Denver with McGahee on board and Moreno getting through training camp healthy for the first time. Moreno leads the team with 98 rushes on 20 carries for a 4.9-yard average.

"He got hurt the very first 15 minutes of camp last year," Studesville said, recalling Moreno's pulled hamstring that sent him into the regular season still on the mend for the second straight year. "This time he's done a great job in the offseason of preparing himself, and I think you're seeing it. He is quicker, he is still strong, he's still aggressive and he's playing at a high level right now."

The M&M tailback tandem features a bruiser in McGahee and a cruiser in Moreno.

"It's a change of pace not only for the defense but also for the offense," McGahee said. "Knowshon's one of those scat backs that can get outside and hit the corner real quick. I'm a downhill guy and I like to be in the trenches banging."

McGahee swears he's not going to complain if Moreno gets the ball near the goal line and not him.

"If he's in or I'm in, one of us is going to get in regardless," McGahee said.

With their newfound balance and improved efficiency, the Broncos lead the league in yards per pass play (8.7) and they're finally finishing off the drives, converting six of nine trips into the red zone into TDs during the preseason.

"I like where we're at right now," Orton said.

And he absolutely loves being able to get the ball into McGahee's hands inside the 20.

Click here to order Willis McGahee’s proCane Rookie Card.


(newstimes.com)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Two years ago Roscoe Parrish wanted out of Buffalo. This season, the Bills receiver can’t wait to get back on the field.

All it took to inspire Parrish’s change of heart was the arrival of a new coach in Chan Gailey, who provided Parrish the chance to prove, once and for all, that he can be more than a bit player on offense.

And not even a left hamstring injury that’s wiped out much of Parrish’s preseason can dampen his eagerness.

“I’m ready. I’m fired up,” Parrish said, after returning to practice this week for the first time since Aug. 10. “I’m just appreciating every moment.”

He expects to be ready once the Bills open the regular season at Kansas City on Sept. 11. And he has every reason to be upbeat.

For the first time in his seven-year career, Parrish enters a season with a clearly defined role, having already secured the slot receiver’s job. He has a quarterback who trusts him, and a coach who believes in him as a receiver, and not merely a dynamic, but one-dimensional, punt and kickoff-return specialist.

And the 2005 second-round draft pick finally has the production from last year to prove it, even though his season was cut short after breaking his right wrist in November.

“Man, I’m very confident,” Parrish said. “Last year was a privilege. I was able to play wide receiver and show some of my skills.”

His numbers last year might have been modest by NFL standards: a career-best 400 yards and two touchdowns. And yet, Parrish did that in only eight games before getting hurt.

It was still good enough to finish third among Bills receivers in yards, and also more than doubled the production he had in his previous two seasons combined. That includes a career-worst 34 yards receiving in 2009, when he opened the season being the odd-man out behind Terrell Owens, and was then left to ride the bench after losing the trust of former coach Dick Jauron.

Parrish wanted out after 2009.

“I’m a competitor,” he said. “Any competitor would rather go somewhere else to compete, because if you’re not a competitor, you’ll just sit back and be complacent with it. And that’s not me.”

Parrish didn’t get his trade wish granted. What he got instead was the arrival of an offensive-minded coach in Gailey, and a real shot to shine.
Awarded the slot receiver’s job out of training camp, Parrish wound up blossoming, particularly after Ryan Fitzpatrick took over as starter three weeks into the season.

In Fitzpatrick’s first game, Parrish had five catches for a season-best 83 yards — the most he had since a career-best 104 in 2006. He then added another 25 catches for 233 yards and a touchdown in his final four games before getting hurt in the fourth quarter of a 22-19 loss to Chicago.

“I don’t want to be selfish and say it was enjoyable,” Parrish said, referring to his production in a season the Bills got off to an 0-8 start and ended with a 4-12 finish. “But at the same time, it was a good feeling to be a permanent wide receiver and not just be a package guy.”

The Bills are counting on getting even more out of Parrish this season, and not only because he’s now the team’s senior receiver after Lee Evans was traded to Baltimore three weeks ago. Parrish is small, generously listed at 5-foot-9, and yet fast and shifty. He’s capable of stretching defenses and also cutting off routes short to find open spots.

“He’s got another gear than everybody else. The quickness that he has definitely adds another element,” Fitzpatrick said. “Today, he was out there running around a little bit, and you almost forget how talented he is because the last few weeks he’s been nursing back to health.”

Gailey has such trust in Parrish that he’s held the slot spot open for him all preseason.

“I’m confident he can do it,” Gailey said. “If I wasn’t confident in that, I would’ve been working some other people really hard to take that spot.”

Click here to order Roscoe Parrish’s proCane Rookie Card.


(ap.com)

Learning to play cornerback in the NFL can be a painful – and very public -- process.

Take Raiders rookie DeMarcus Van Dyke, for instance.

With starting corner Chris Johnson out with an injury, Van Dyke was in the starting lineup for Sunday night’s exhibition matchup with the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees, one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league.

Brees picked on Van Dyke several times in the first quarter as the Saints marched quickly and efficiently down the field en route to a 40-20 victory.

The entire Raiders secondary had its breakdowns throughout the game, but Brees’ early victimization of Van Dyke set the tone. Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle noted Brees completed four passes for 73 yards to receivers matched against Van Dyke in the opening minutes of the game.

“He’s got to learn from it,” Raiders head coach Hue Jackson told Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times. “He’s a rookie and he’s a very talented young man. He’s learning the NFL game. Until he starts making those plays consistently – and he made some and he missed some – until he makes them consistently and he’s out there, he’s going to get targeted. That’s the way this league is. Wherever you’re bleeding, people will keep scratching at the area, so we’ve got some things to fix.”

Van Dyke, a third-round pick from Miami, certainly wasn’t the only one in the secondary with a target on his helmet. Brees picked apart the defense, completing 15 of 23 passes for 189 yards.

The injuries and youth in the defensive backfield were reasons the Raiders signed veteran cornerback Lito Sheppard late last week. Sheppard did not play Sunday night.

Said cornerback Stanford Routt: “We’ve got to stop it. Plain and simple.”


(nbcbayarea.com)

Middle linebacker Jon Beason hasn't missed a start in his first four years with the Panthers.

And though doctors told him he would likely be out three to four weeks after foot surgery, Beason hopes to be on the field Sept. 11 for the season opener at Arizona.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since his Aug. 22 surgery, Beason said his goal is to return to practice next week.

"I feel pretty good," Beason said Sunday. "I want to be moving pretty fast (by) mid-next week. Hopefully, I'll be ready for preparation for the Cardinals."

Beason has started 64 consecutive games since the Panthers drafted him in the first round in 2007. A three-time Pro Bowler, he was training in Miami during the lockout when his foot began bothering him in May.

He was initially diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis in the foot. But a second MRI exam revealed a bone bruise in his heel. Doctors inserted three headless screws in the foot last week to reduce inflammation and strengthen the bone.

"It just gradually got worse through training and not sitting still (or) listening to my body. It got to the point where I couldn't do anything," Beason said. "That's when you start to run to the docs and get treatment. But by then it's already so inflamed."

Beason has yet to practice this preseason while the Panthers have installed a new defense. His two months without running are the longest break he can remember since he started playing organized sports.

While he has been attending meetings and taking "mental reps" during practice, he knows those are not the same as the real thing.

"Essentially, when I get out there it's not going to be magic where I'm just going to plug right in and not make mistakes," he said. "The biggest thing I'm concerned about now is just conditioning."

Beason, who owns the four highest single-season tackle totals in franchise history, said he feels comfortable with Dan Connor and Omar Gaither, who have been manning the middle in his absence.

Beason, who has been linked to rogue booster Nevin Shapiro in the University of Miami scandal, did not say much about the allegations.
"There are so many different people involved, it's hard to comment," he said. "But I'm sure it will work itself out."

Beason believes the Panthers' defense can work out its problems. He blamed the defensive lapses on a lack of discipline in losses to Miami and Cincinnati after a strong showing in the exhibition opener against the New York Giants.

"It was just guys being where they're supposed to be and playing with an attitude" against the Giants, Beason said. "The last couple weeks guys have kind of freelanced a little bit and it cost us some big plays."

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


(charlotteobserver.com)

Considering some of the deficits along the Ravens offensive line, signing a left tackle with the resume that Bryant McKinnie boasts might not be considered a huge leap for the organization.

But in his remarks confirming an agreement with McKinnie on Tuesday, general manager Ozzie Newsome noted that several University of Miami standouts like inside linebacker Ray Lewis and free safety Ed Reed vouched for McKinnie.

McKinnie, a former Hurricane himself, said he appreciated the endorsements from his new teammates.

“I definitely like to hear that from my guys from the ‘U,’” McKinnie said prior to Saturday’s practice at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills. “They have my back and supported me and led me to this team and this organization.”

McKinnie, who has a history of off-field troubles, was then asked if he needed the players to keep an eye on him.

“It’s just good to have somebody keep you competitive and things like that,” he said. “We have a good bond between us.”

McKinnie, the seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft who is entering his 10th year in the NFL, said he has become more laidback as he has matured and doesn’t intend to rock the boat with his new team.

“I’m not real vocal, but I’ll pull people to the side and give them tips on stuff that I’ve learned from my past,” he said. “Just try to make us better.”

Click here to order Bryant McKinnie’s proCane Rookie Card.


(baltimoresun.com)

Bills WR Roscoe Parrish (hamstring), WR Donald Jones (head), and RB Johnny White (head) all returned to Monday's practice.

Parrish had been out since August 10, but he's likely to remain Buffalo's top slot option to open the season. Jones was a projected starter, but Marcus Easley is making a push with a big preseason showing. White is locked in as the Bills' No. 3 running back behind Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller.

Click here to order Roscoe Parrish’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

Cincinnati Reds OF Yonder Alonso was back to the bench Tuesday, Aug. 30, with SP Bronson Arroyo pitching. Alonso made the start at third base Monday, Aug. 29. Alonso's playing time and position going forward appears to have much to do with that night's starting pitcher. "I've got spray charts with guys where they'll most likely hit the ball, which pitchers that they pull the ball," manager Dusty Baker said.


(kffl.com)

LOS ANGELES - The San Diego Padres announced today they have recalled outfielder Blake Tekotte from Double-A San Antonio and optioned right-handed pitcher Erik Hamren to Triple-A Tucson. Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer made the announcement.

Tekotte, 24, is making his fourth stint with San Diego this season. The outfielder was previously optioned to Double-A San Antonio on August 14. He has hit .182 (6-for-33) with one double, one triple, one RBI, one run scored, two stolen bases and four walks against 20 strikeouts over 18 games for San Diego this year. Originally selected by the Padres in the third round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Miami, he was selected from San Antonio on May 23 this season and made his Major League debut for San Diego on May 25. In 88 games total for San Antonio this year, he has hit .298 (101-for-339) with 25 doubles, two triples, 17 home runs, 56 RBI, 66 runs scored and 32 stolen bases.


(mlb.com)

CHICAGO - Danny Valencia knows he has a tendency to stand straight when a ball is hit to him at third base. He's working on it, but he doesn't believe it cost the Twins a game Monday night.

"You can't win games without scoring any runs," he said after the Twins' 3-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, and certainly he is correct.

But with one month remaining in a lost season, questionable defense is going to stick out more than another lousy offensive performance against Mark Buehrle. That's why manager Ron Gardenhire was focused on plays his defense didn't make in the Twins' 10th loss in their past 12games.

Valencia, Gardenhire said, probably could have stopped at least one of two hot grounders hit by him at third in the seventh and eighth innings. Both runners scored. If Valencia could curb his tendency to stand straight up before stooping to make a play, maybe one of those is an out.

"That's his mechanics, and we've been trying to get him out of that habit," Gardenhire said. "He stands up. It's just like a pitcher that's dropping his elbow, or a hitter that's hitching. You're trying to get him out of the habit to make him a better fielder and give him more range.

"But he's got bad habits; he just stands up. We're not trying to pick on him."

It seems that way to Valencia, who declined to take any blame for Monday's loss beyond his part in a four-hit performance. He went 1 for 4 with two strikeouts and an infield hit, and was one of two Twins baserunners to reach second.

"There are some plays that could have gone either way," he said. "Like I said, (Kevin) Slowey pitched really well, we just didn't score any runs."
Asked about his fielding mechanics, Valencia said, "It's something I work on, obviously, and it's something I can get better at, obviously, but I don't think it was a factor in tonight's game at all."

The reality is, Minnesota's defense has been bad all season, and all around the horn. The Twins entered Monday's game with 95 errors, third most in the American League, and there was plenty of blame to go around in their latest loss.

Trevor Plouffe, playing just his third game in left field, had trouble tracking Alejandro De Aza's fly ball in the second. The White Sox right fielder reached on a double, stole third and scored on Tyler Flowers' sacrifice fly. The third run scored when Alexei Ramirez came home on a weak chopper to short by Dayan Viciedo.

Valencia charged it but couldn't make the pick. That Viciedo reached safely was no surprise. What was a surprise was he scored on the play, essentially because shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka - back in the lineup for the first time in eight games - didn't back up the play.

"Nishi's got to be there," Gardenhire said. "He was right in behind him, then he runs to cover third. He's got to be right there in case Danny misses it. We told him, 'You can't play without the ball.' "

Also consider that Ramirez tagged from first on a fly ball to right because teams know they can run on center fielder Ben Revere's arm. Later in the inning, Nishioka failed to make a swipe tag despite a perfect throw from Rene Rivera when Viciedo stole second.

Some of the Twins' young players may feel like it's nitpicking, especially in a game that featured just four Twins singles, but in a season like this, nitpicking is really all that's left. In that sense, only Slowey's performance stood out for the right reasons.

He held a potent Chicago lineup to two earned runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings.

"If we had made some plays," Gardenhire said, "it could have been a 0-0 ballgame. I think all three runs, really, shouldn't have been out there without us giving them to them."


(twincities.com)

Frank Gore is encouraged that progress might be made toward the new contract he wants.

His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was scheduled to meet Monday with the team, though Gore wasn't sure when the process would begin. The two-time Pro Bowl running back has repeatedly said he would like a new, long-term commitment from the team before the Sept. 11 season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

"He's here. I'm happy about that," Gore said about Rosenhaus during an interview with The Associated Press. "It may pick up. That's a positive. I hope I'll get a fair deal. I want to be a 49er for my career. I love it here. I love my teammates. I like the new coaching staff. I can see that we're going to get things together here. Having a football coach like Jim Harbaugh and his style of doing what they're doing and knowing what they want from each and every player, and that's being a football player."

The 28-year-old Gore, who missed the final five games last season with a broken right hip, said it's "a step" in the right direction that Rosenhaus and Niners executives are meeting face to face.

"I just want to get it done, man. Hopefully both sides will come to a fair deal and I can be here and get it out of my head and try to get (going on) these 16 weeks and move on and win the West," Gore said. "It's best for me to let the fans know I want to be here. It's not me. It comes down to the organization and the team."

Both general manager Trent Baalke and team president Jed York have said they would like to make Gore a "49er for life," while Harbaugh has made similar statements.

The 28-year-old Gore, who held out for the first four days of training camp, was sidelined for the last five games of 2010 after sustaining the hip injury in a Monday night game at Arizona on Nov. 29.

Gore would like a contract comparable to the $43 million, five-year deal running back DeAngelo Williams — 20 days older than San Francisco's star — recently received from the Carolina Panthers. That includes $21 million guaranteed. Williams missed the final 10 games last year with a sprained right foot.

Gore begins the year third on the franchise career rushing list. He needs 931 yards to be No. 1. He wants to have a big year to help turn the 49ers around after eight straight seasons without a playoff berth or winning record.

He ran for 853 yards and three touchdowns last year before getting hurt in his sixth NFL season. Gore also caught 46 passes for 452 yards and two TDs. His 24 100-yard rushing games are the most in 49ers history.

The 49ers rewarded two other key players with long-term contracts last year.

Tight end Vernon Davis signed a five-year extension worth $37 million overall, including $34 million guaranteed, a night before the 2010 season opener. That made him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. In May of last year, All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis received a $50 million, five-year contract extension that takes him through the 2016 season and includes $29 million in guaranteed money. He earns $10 million per season.

Willis is one of several teammates to say he's hoping the offensive star will receive a new deal soon.

"Frank is a very valuable asset to our team. The offense for many years now has gone right through him," Willis told the AP on Monday. "I would love to just have him as a part of this team and I'd love to have him get that off his mind so he can put it all in what he knows how to do best, and that's to play football."

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(washingtonexaminer.com)

Who is that Atlanta Falcon in mid air? Matt Bosher of course! Pittsburgh Steelers kickoff-returner Antonio Brown (84) tried to shake off Bosher (5) on his return in the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, in Pittsburgh. Bosher who is now the Falcons’ starting kickoff kicker and punter continued where he left off at the []_[] contributing with special teams tackles. His tackle was deemed to be a horse collar and the Falcons were penalized 15 yards, regardless what other NFL kicker do you see doing that?

DENVER -- Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams has a dislocated right elbow that could sideline him up to a month.

Williams and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley were hurt in the Broncos' 23-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night.

Williams tweeted Sunday that he'll "b back n no time" because he's a fast healer.

"I'm a supreme being so the recovery is cut in half," he wrote.

The versatile Williams has led the Broncos in tackles in three of the last four seasons, and his teammates said they expect him to work on getting back as hard as he works on the football field.

"It's unfortunate because he's one of our leaders," Champ Bailey said. "But you've got to just keep on ticking and he knows that. He's going to do whatever he can to get back as soon as possible. He's got to make sure he takes care of himself."

Williams left the stadium after the game in a sling with his right arm heavily taped from his wrist to his biceps.

Bunkley, who said he wasn't seriously injured, was cut-blocked by Seattle guard Robert Gallery, but declined to call out Gallery for a cheap shot.

"It's the game, man," Bunkley said. "We're in the trenches, and things like that are going to happen. I'm not going to say anything is dirty. That's just the way the game is played."

Safety Brian Dawkins said he hopes to get both Williams and Bunkley back by the Sept. 12 season opener.

"There's a next-man-up mentality but you definitely miss those guys when they go down," he said.

Click here to order DJ Williams’ proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

NEW YORK — The Giants decided against moving Antrel Rolle to cornerback after Terrell Thomas suffered a season-ending knee injury. That doesn’t mean Rolle won’t play cornerback this season.

During practice this week, Rolle lined up as the slot cornerback in nickel situations. Deon Grant entered at safety. Rolle confirmed yesterday that, as it stands now, the nickel cornerback is his spot in that formation.

“I don’t know what to expect this season, but I know as of right now, that’s the plan,” Rolle said at a fan festival for MetLife Stadium. “I have no problem doing that. It’s something I’m very comfortable with pretty much my entire career.”

This will be different than the three-safety formation the Giants employed last season because Rolle will take the responsibilities of a cornerback. He said he plans on dropping from 206 pounds to 200 pounds to get quicker.

Rolle came into the NFL as a cornerback in 2005. He switched to safety with the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. In 2010, the Giants made Rolle the highest-paid safety in the NFL. He was productive last season, although he expected an even better 2011 after getting used to the “mental gymnastics of the position.” He does not expect this change to require much adjustment.

“There’s a lot of carry over from last year, so it’s not like everything’s going to be new to me,” Rolle said. “I pretty much know what to expect and I know how to play my teammates.”

Click here to order Antrel Rolle’s proCane Rookie Card.


(nj.com)

Free agent RB Clinton Portis has reportedly informed teams he is willing to pay his own way to fly to workouts.

Portis' desire to play football obviously remains strong, but apparently not to the point that he stayed in NFL shape during the lockout. Two weeks shy of his 30th birthday, Portis' chances of landing a job before the regular season do not seem particularly high.

Click here to order Clinton Portis’ proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

Jimmy Graham caught five passes on eight targets for 73 yards against the Raiders in third preseason game.

The performance in just one half solidified our opinion that the breakout candidate is a top-seven fantasy tight end with monster upside. The Saints moved Graham around in a combination of routes and alignments reminiscent of Jermichael Finley in Green Bay. At a legit 6'6/260 with 4.5 wheels, Graham is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. If tonight's game is any indication, he could threaten for the team-lead in receptions.


(rotoworld.com)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Still massive at roughly 370 pounds, new Baltimore Ravens left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie says he’s working hard to get down to his usual playing weight of 350 pounds.

“I play at like 355, not 335,” McKinnie said Saturday. “I haven’t been that since college, my junior year.”

Cut my the Minnesota Vikings after reporting to training camp at 387 pounds, McKinnie signed a two-year contract with the Ravens last week and is eager to start the next phase of his career in the NFL.

“I have a lot of motivation,” he said. “So you are definitely going to see a lot of pancake (blocks) this year.”

McKinnie played left tackle with the Vikings, and the Ravens have every intention of keeping him there. So Michael Oher will shift back to the right side, where he played as a rookie two years ago.

Oher took the change in stride.

“I just like playing football,” he said. “I am going to work hard at any position that I’m at. I’m going to work hard and be the best player that I can be at any position. We are going to be a great team with him, and that’s exactly what we needed.”

If McKinnie can regain his Pro Bowl form from two years ago and Oher is solid on the right side, a patchwork offensive line could potentially become a formidable group.

“He is a pro, he will be ready to go,” offensive line coach Andy Moeller said. “He is a great player. He is plenty bright enough. He just comes from a little bit of a different system, so the terminology and stuff will take a little bit of time. He will be ready to roll.”

Asked what Ravens fans can expect from him, McKinnie replied: “A dominant player that is trying to be the best at his position.”

McKinnie has had off-field issues in the past, including his involvement in the infamous “Love Boat” scandal while he was with the Vikings several years ago. He downplayed any perception of that character issues would be a factor in Baltimore.

“I am actually more quiet and laid back than people think,” McKinnie said. “It’s just little things here and there that used to pop up in my past. It’s nothing like that I see happening anymore. I was kind of in my younger days anyway.”

Click here to order Bryant McKinnie’s proCane Rookie Card.


(washingtonpost.com)

SAN FRANCISCO – Frank Gore spoke at his locker shortly after the game about the upcoming meeting between the 49ers and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The meeting is scheduled for Monday.

Here are selected quotes from that interview.

Q: Your agent is scheduled to meet with the 49ers on Monday. Is there a goal in your head as far as what you’d like to happen?
GORE: I want something to get done. Hopefully it can get done. Hopefully I can get something done. But like I said, if it doesn’t happen I’ll be here for my teammates, you know, and try to stick it out.

Q: Will you be involved with the negotiations?
GORE: No, I’m a football player. If I was an agent I would, but that’s my agent’s job, and hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, I hope it gets done.

Q: Is your preseason over?
GORE: No. Whatever the coach tells me to do. Coach is a great coach and I like him a lot and I respect him a lot.

Q: Are you ready for the regular season?
GORE: I’m ready, I’ve been, hey, I trained my behind off this offseason, I practice hard every day. When my number is called, 21 is going to be ready. When it’s time to shoot my gun, I’m going to shoot my gun.

Q: So you’re not going to request a trade if a deal doesn’t get done?
GORE: I don’t have nothing, it’s up to the team. I don’t have anything to do with it. That’s my agent and the team. The team has to do that, and hopefully they don’t. I want to be here, I want to be a 49er, and I want to be treated right.

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(pressdemocrat.com)

Dolphins RG Vernon Carey admitted that he "took a step back" against the Bucs on Saturday.

Carey and RT Marc Colombo made Bucs DE Michael Bennett look like a Pro Bowler while the Dolphins managed just 15 yards on 13 first-half carries. The right side of Miami's offensive line figures to remain an issue all season long.

Click here to order Vernon Carey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Broncos rookie right tackle Orlando Franklin is keeping it simple, trying to fend off onrushing defensive players one play, then attempting to send them reeling backward the next.

"I try to bring as much physicality to the game as possible," Franklin said.

It was that same, nasty demeanor that initially piqued the Broncos' interest while breaking down Franklin's game tapes at the University of Miami before the draft. The team saw a player who wasn't afraid to mix it up and throw his substantial weight around — 330 pounds in all on a 6-foot-7 frame.


(kdvr.com)

TE Kellen Winslow, making his preseason debut, left early in the second quarter with an ankle injury. He likely would have returned if it had been a regular-season game.

"No big deal," Winslow said.

Winslow made a third-down catch for 6 yards near the right sideline then limped off the field.

The Bucs held Winslow out of the first two games as a precaution, wanting to make sure his chronically sore right knee made it to Week 1 of the regular season.

Click here to order Kellen Winslow’s proCane Rookie Card.


(tampabay.com)

Reggie Wayne caught six balls for 105 yards and a touchdown in the Colts' third preseason game.

The highlight of Wayne's night was a 57-yard touchdown bomb down the left sideline on a badly blown coverage by the Packers. How any defense could let Wayne get that open -- even in a preseason game -- is beyond us. Regardless, Wayne remains one of the most precise route runners in football and will get open on possession routes this season. He's just not a deep threat anymore.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

Drew Rosenhaus is scheduled to meet with the San Francisco 49ers beginning Monday in efforts to hammer out a contract extension for running back Frank Gore(notes), who recently has “snapped” at assistant coaches as the pressure of the situation wears on him.

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports that it’s out of character for Gore, who staged a brief holdout at the start of training camp. The running back wants a big deal along the lines of the $43 million, five-year deal DeAngelo Williams(notes) received from the Carolina Panthers last month, a contract with $21 million guaranteed. Williams, however was an unrestricted free agent, and Gore is under contract so there is an element of comparing apples to oranges.

Per the report, Gore is unhappy he is being used as much as he is in preseason. Entering his seventh season, he should become the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher provided he remains healthy in 2011. He trails Joe “The Jet” Perry by 930 yards.

Gore’s considered the possibility he doesn’t get the extension he wants.

"I'd be upset, but I'm still a football player," Gore said. "I want to be here for my whole career. That's up to upstairs, the team. If they want me here, I want to be here. I'm just going to come out every day and practice hard."

From the sounds of things, he’s already upset by the situation.

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sports.yahoo.com)

LB DeMeco Ryans missed another start for the Houston Texans because of his elbow injury. He was replaced By Darryl Sharpton who has gotten a lot of playing time this preseason and has proven he is worthy of a starting spot on the Texans 3-4 defense.

Frank Gore views himself being in the middle of his career and as the 49ers' best offensive player. The 49ers may see Gore as a declining player coming off a hip fracture and with a history of ankle and knee injuries. Those two views are in deep conflict as the 49ers try to workout a contract extension for their prized running back. ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted yesterday that a face-to-face meeting between the two sides will take place Monday.

Gore and his agent will likely contend that his knee injuries are long in the past. He tore the ACL in his left knee in 2003 and then snapped the same ligament in his right knee a year later. Since then, his knees have been injury free.

But his knee history is one reason Gore lasted until the third round of the 2005 draft. Since then the injury label stuck. In 2008 and 2009, Gore hobbled through a frustrating string of ankle sprains but those injuries disappeared last season.

Niners management might find his 1,371 carries concerning. But several running backs have played well far past that threshold. Emmitt Smith enjoyed six straight 1,000 yards seasons after the 1,200 carry mark. Former Jet Curtis Martin gained 1,697 yards right around the 3,000 carry mark. Ram Steven Jackson galloped past 1,300 carry mark two years ago and is still running effectively.

So what does Gore deserve particularly in light of Panther DeAnglo Williams' five year, $43 million deal with $21 million guaranteed? Williams' career average of 5 yards per carry is slightly higher than Gore's 4.7. Williams missed more games in the last three seasons with injury, and it's hard to believe Williams is Gore's equal in pass protection or locker room leadership.

But Gore has 530 more carries than Williams, which means he's about two seasons further down his career than Williams. Gore deserves a three year, $30 million with $20 million in guarantees. Such a contract would probably be extended to a five-year, $42-$47 million deal with the final two years gratuitous and meaningless in order to inflate the overall contract value to make the agent look good - a common practice in the NFL.

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sfgate.com)

HOUSTON -- Numbers mean almost nothing to Andre Johnson. Or so he says -- and I truly do believe him.

I recently tried to flatter him with an amazing statistic I dug up about his career, one in which he exceeds even Jerry Rice, the man I consider the greatest football player of all time.

Johnson has averaged at least 90 yards receiving per game in each of the past four seasons for the Houston Texans. Rice never did that; his best run was three consecutive years. The only player in the top 50 receivers to do it more than four times consecutively is Lance Alworth, who did it five times with the San Diego Chargers from 1964-68.

So what did Johnson have to say about it?

"I don't get caught up into that stat thing," Johnson said.

That's Jerry Rice, Andre.

"It's [an] amazing accomplishment when you look at the guys who played the position, but I have a lot more to offer," Johnson said. "I just like to know everything when I finish playing. I don't get caught up in stats. I just do whatever I need to do to help this team to win a Super Bowl."

Even nudging Johnson to extol his virtues won't work. He is the anti-diva receiver. At a time when you have guys quitting on routes, self-promoting themselves with reality shows and Twitter and calling out their quarterbacks, Johnson just works, plays, catches passes and can do something that none of the others can do.

Stand tall as the best receiver in football.

To truly put into perspective Johnson's four consecutive seasons of 90-plus yards per game, take a look at some of the other contemporary receivers and how many seasons they've gone past 90 for a season in their entire careers.

Terrell Owens: Four times. Marvin Harrison: Three times. Torry Holt: Three times. Randy Moss: Twice. Larry Fitzgerald: Once. Reggie Wayne: Once. Chad Ochocinco: Once

Johnson's four-season average of 96.2 yards per game is higher than any four-season run Rice had in his career. The only players among the all-time leading receivers to have better four-year averages are Alworth and Marvin Harrison (1999-2002).

That's why Johnson tops the list of players with a per-game average of 79.7 yards in his career. That's over 2 yards more than Holt, who is second at 77.4 yards per game. Rice finished his career at 75.6 per game.

Johnson also has 673 catches in eight seasons. If he somehow were to play 20 seasons -- hey, Rice played 21 -- and kept up his average, he would break Rice's all-time record for catches of 1,549. That's a long way off, but it's possible.

"That's not anything I am worrying about," Johnson said.

Of course it isn't. That's not Andre Johnson's way. He keeps a low profile for sure. This is a player who could walk into a grocery story in any other city except Miami -- his home and college town -- and Houston and most people wouldn't know who he was. That's the opposite of Ochocinco, his cousin, who is everywhere and even had his own reality show.

The fact Johnson is quiet and isn't in the tabloids or all over the papers could be the reason he doesn't get his due.

"I don't think that's it," Johnson said. "If you hear people talking about top receivers, look at their teams. They're successful. When people talk about Larry [Fitzgerald], it's because of what he did in the playoffs and the Super Bowl. That elevated him. I've never been on that stage."

Johnson, who has never played in a playoff game in his eight seasons with the Texans, played the 2010 season on an ankle that required offseason surgery. The coaching staff and his teammates were truly impressed by his dedication. Mondays were brutal, yet he missed just the final three games.

"It was really tough on him, but he found a way," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's one of those players who will fight to stay in there. He really had to battle through it each week."

"It was tough," Johnson said. "At the end of the season, the only thing that kept me out was the ankle specialist told me it wasn't worth playing because my ankle was getting worse."

Johnsons said he is pain-free in the ankle now, which is bad news for opposing defensive backs. He's also about to get some national exposure -- courtesy of Michael Jordan, one of the most recognizable athletes ever. He is one of the few football players featured as part of Jordan's "Jumpman" Nike line. Johnson is also featured in a Men's Fitness pictorial in September.

"I've been doing a lot of photo shoots," he said.

Johnson has just one national commercial on his résumé, for Nike gloves. What's wrong here? Why can't the best receiver in football get some love?

Maybe it's because he doesn't crave it -- or even really seem to want it. Hate to tell you, Andre. Keep it up on the field, and it's coming your way.

You just might be the next Jerry Rice, which is saying something in my book.

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.


(cbssports.com)

About a month after last season ended, Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano received a text from a friend that read: "I’m watching one of your players run in the sand for an hour."

Later that morning, another text flashed on Pagano’s phone: "Now, I’m watching your player swim 30 minutes in the ocean."

When Pagano finally asked for the name of the player, it was as if he already knew the answer: Ray Lewis.

The enduring face of the franchise is entering his 16th season - a feat impressive for any NFL player, much less an inside linebacker - and the secret of Lewis’ longevity is really no secret at all.

The 36-year-old Lewis prides himself on outworking everyone, whether it’s on the field, in film study or inside the weight room.

Lewis’ 210 games played rank fourth-most among active players, but the others ahead of him are a kicker (Jason Hanson), long snapper (David Binn) and fullback (Tony Richardson). None of them have been in as many high-impact collisions or logged as many plays as Lewis.

That’s why coaches praise him and players look up to him. Even baseball’s "Iron Man" admires Lewis’ durability.

"The fact that Ray has been able to play the game at such a high level for so long is amazing to me," said Cal Ripken, who holds the baseball record for consecutive games played at 2,632. "His passion for football is clear and I would imagine that it is that love of the game that keeps him going so strong. As a Ravens fan, I have enjoyed watching him play since his career began here in Baltimore."

Just like no one can talk about Orioles history without mentioning Ripken, the same goes for Lewis.

He is the longest-tenured Raven on this roster by six seasons (Ed Reed is second). The Ravens actually selected Ray Lewis in the draft before they had selected their team colors.

Lewis did not play in the Ravens’ second preseason game, a 31-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Stadium last Friday night, because he has been excused from team activities to deal with a serious family medical issue. He rarely misses time due to injury; he has played in 14 or more games in all but two of his 15 seasons.

Lewis is the team’s ultimate survivor, lasting through three head coaches, two salary-cap purges (2002 and this year) and one trip into free agency. This year’s first-round pick, cornerback Jimmy Smith, was 8-years-old when Lewis played his first NFL game.

While few players have lasted as long as Lewis, even fewer have been playing as well at this stage of their careers. Lewis was the highest-rated defensive player in an NFL Network poll of current players and ranked No. 4 overall behind Tom Brady [stats], Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson.

"He’s still playing as well as any middle linebacker in football today," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "I want him to play as long as he wants to play, and I think he’ll know when it’s time. But as he has told me before, it’s not time."

Trying to figure out that "time" is as difficult as breaking a Lewis tackle.

He recently said he may retire this year if the Ravens win a Super Bowl, but he doesn’t guarantee it.

"I don’t know when it will all be over for me," Lewis told CBS Sports. "People want to use my age against me. They say I’m too old. People fear getting old. I don’t fear that because now I have wisdom and a tough body to go with that wisdom."

When Lewis will end his Hall of Fame career has been a hot topic in recent years.

Four months ago, Lewis hinted that he will play for two more seasons, telling the NFL Network that he can’t see playing football past 37. His contract runs through 2015.

"People would always ask me about when Ray would retire and I used to say, ’Next year," linebacker Jarret Johnson said. "Now, I don’t even say anything. I don’t even guess. To me, he could play 25 more years because he comes in every year in better and better and better shape."
No other great middle linebacker has played as along as Lewis.

Mike Singletary retired after 12 seasons before his play declined. Jack Lambert walked away after 11 years because of a severe toe injury. And Dick Butkus stopped after nine seasons because of multiple knee injuries.

One of the reasons why Lewis can continue to take the field is how he takes care of his body off of it.

His offseason regimens over the years have included kickboxing, martial arts, swimming and wrestling. This past year, he’s even picked up cycling because it improves cardio-vascular conditioning "without all that pounding."

"My world is a violent world," Lewis said. "That’s why I train so hard. I don’t know if I have ever found a man on this Earth that would flat-out outwork me."

Lewis can talk boldly after playing in 1,111 snaps last season. He missed only five of the Ravens’ total defensive snaps and that was due to a thumb injury.

His 12th Pro Bowl season included 139 tackles (sixth-most in the NFL), two interceptions (including one for a touchdown), two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

There has been talk within the organization of reducing Lewis’ snaps to extend his career. When asked if the Ravens are thinking about lessening Lewis’ workload, Pagano said, "You can’t take him out of there. It would take a tractor and chain to pull him off the field. Because all of those other guys feed off his energy, he raises everyone else’s bar. They see No. 52 on all of those downs and it’s all about accountability - we’re not going to let this guy down."

Criticism of Lewis and his play appears to increase with each passing year, which only motivates him more to keep playing and proving them wrong.

"I listen to people that say, ’Oh, he lost a step,’ " Lewis said. "Then you go watch film yourself and you see why players say he’s still the best in the game. Bottom line, it’s about making plays. It’s not about running a fast 40. I’m not trying to run against Usain Bolt.

"As long as I take care of my body and I love the game like I did from Day One, I can honestly play as long as I want."

Click here to order Ray Lewis’ proCane Rookie Card.


(bostonherald.com)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Texans cornerback Brandon Harris, drafted in the second round (60th overall) out of Miami (Fla.), will chronicle his rookie season with periodic diary entries for HoustonTexans.com.

This week has been interesting. This is our first week preparing like the regular season. We’re treating this game like a true game week in terms of schedule and time, and we’re out of a camp mode. It’s been interesting just to take on the daily life of an NFL player – waking up in the morning, going to meetings, getting practice done, doing a bunch of stuff but in a limited time.

I realized that it doesn’t take all day to prepare yourself to be ready to play. We have a seven-hour work schedule every day, and that’s enough time from 8-3 to get all your work in and get done and go home and relax. Coming from college, I’m used to grinding all day – waking up at 6 a.m. and not getting home ’til about 9 o’clock at night between classes and study hall. You don’t have to do any of that anymore. It’s kind of a shock to me, like, “Oh, that’s it; I’m done?” Go to practice, go to meetings, study, and I’m gone. There’s no middle work in between. That’s been fun.

Last week’s game against the Saints was a good experience. It was a good chance to go up against a great team, a team that’s a Super Bowl contender every year. It was exciting to me just to go out there in pregame and get a chance to talk to some of my fellow ‘Canes who play for the Saints, Jimmy Graham and Jonathan Vilma. We all just got together and just joked and laughed about different things that we can relate to, and it was fun to be able to do that for the first time. We didn’t have any Miami guys on the Jets’ roster.

Other than that, things have been going great. I’ve been having fun. We installed a lot of things for San Francisco, which should be pretty good in the game. I was able to do some great things on special teams in the game last week. Coach Kub (Gary Kubiak) and Coach Joe (Marciano), the special teams coach, they applauded me a lot on special teams and are going to give me more opportunities to go out and play that way. That’s all I want: An opportunity to play. Special teams is a huge part of the sport. I just want to be able to get on the field, and getting that opportunity is going to be exciting.

I’m excited about the first road trip. Get to travel with the team, get on the airplane with the guys, have that camaraderie, stuff like that. I’ve heard it’s a pretty fun experience. I heard the plane is nice. I already know everything’s A-plus with the organization. Every hotel we’ve stayed in has been top-quality, so I’m excited just to get a chance to travel with an NFL team. We had a pretty good traveling experience at Miami, but to know you’re at the highest level, I know they do things different. That’s what I’m excited to see. I’m excited to see just the simple things: The buses, the hotel, all of that.

I heard American Idol was here at Reliant Stadium this week. I was trying, I was begging and pleading, for three days for somebody to set me up with an audition. I couldn’t get it done. I don’t know what I had to do. I just wanted to get in the audition room and just show ‘em what I can do. I’m a decent karaoke guy; I have fun with it back with my family and friends in Miami. So I think I could pass. And I’ve been saying it for a while, I really want to meet J-Lo. But they couldn’t make it happen for me. I was screaming to anybody who would listen to me to get me in the room and just shake some hands and just introduce myself. That’s all I was asking for, but unfortunately it didn’t come true.


(houstontexans.com)

Cowboys’ linebacker Bradie James caused some waves last week when he said that in the recent past, the franchise has been doomed by a sense of entitlement. If nothing else, it was a brutally honest assessment of the team’s recent years from one of its leaders.

What’s more, according to Michael Irvin, the remarks could be a sign of a culture change at Valley Ranch, the result of Jason Garrett’s presence as head coach. Irvin, who played with Garrett for seven seasons in Dallas, believes his redheaded former teammate is bringing accountability back to Valley Ranch.

“I told you guys when Jason Garrett took over that he will change things,” Irvin said in a recent interview on the NFL Network, via the Dallas Morning News. “He’s going back to the old Jimmy Johnson style where you’re going to have to earn everything. And I certainly do like that.”

Of course, Garrett was a backup on those early- to mid-90s Cowboy teams that won Super Bowls, while Irvin was a star. But even back then, the Hall of Fame receiver saw an impressive work ethic from Troy Aikman’s backup.

“Jason Garrett was one of the guys that earned it,” Irvin said. “He didn’t step on the field on Super Bowl Sunday, but I worked his butt to death everyday in practice when I couldn’t go with Troy [Aikman]. So, he understands what it takes and he’s going to deliver it.”

Click here to order Michael Irvin’s proCane Rookie Card.


(nbcdfw.com)

Jemile Weeks stole a career-high three bases and a scored a run in Saturday's loss to the Red Sox.

Weeks had just one hit on the afternoon, but also reached base on a fielder's choice and a walk. The rookie second baseman now has 19 stolen bases in 26 attempts this season. The 24-year-old has maintained a high batting average for nearly three months now, so he should be owned in most mixed leagues.


(kffl.com)

Cincinnati Reds OF Yonder Alonso understands he is a rookie, but he is happy that the fans want to see more of him. "First of all, I'm a rookie," Alonso said. "I'm not here to be a guy that's going to open his mouth. Whatever it is they have for me, that's what it is." Alonso entered play Saturday, Aug. 27, batting over .400, but he has not started since Tuesday, Aug. 23.


(kffl.com)

San Francisco Giants 1B Aubrey Huff was not in the starting lineup Friday, Aug. 26, against the Houston Astros, because he has been slumping recently. IF Mark DeRosa started in his place and Huff went 0-for-1 after entering the game on a double switch. It is uncertain if he will remain out of the lineup for several games. Huff is batting .083 (1-for-12) on the team's current homestand.


(kffl.com)