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NFL
Jan 22, 2010 19:31:46 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Jan 22, 2010 19:31:46 GMT -5
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
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NFL
Jan 22, 2010 19:34:09 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Jan 22, 2010 19:34:09 GMT -5
I think the Jets will beat the Colts. 1/22 — Rex Ryan was asked if he has had any words of advice for Mark Sanchez, two days before the rookie-no-more quarterback will try to lead the Jets past the Colts and into the second Super Bowl of their existence.
"Go have fun. Play the position. Let's have fun." Rex said. "Just because every kid in the world dreams of being in this spot, don't let it affect you."
From the sound of it, and from the way he's been playing, Sanchez will only be letting the electricity of the moment juice him in a positive way.
"I'm more excited. I'm not nervous or scored to go play or afraid of the opportunity. I'm just excited," Sanchez said today after he followed his coach to the podium at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center for the final two interviews of the week before the Jets and Colts collide in Indy. "You've built up this picture in your mind. You know what the first play is, some sort of idea what their defense will be like.
"It's the coolest thing in the world, knowing everybody in the stadium, everybody on your team and their team, is waiting for you to hike the ball. We're excited. We very definitely want to take advantage of it."
Rex, do you ever get nervous before games?
"I always say this: 'Whatever you guys do, just d-d-d-don't panic,' " Rex mock-stammered. "We're not going to panic. No, never. There might be some concerns, but I never feel like that. I'm excited. All week you prepare. Now it's just let's go out and do it."
There are many more key players and coaches to the Green & White operation, of course, and many of them will play pivotal roles on Sunday, win or lose. But this is football, where coach and QB are first among equals. Rex and Mark will be linked for a long time in the minds of their team, their organization and their fan base. For one, they look to be a team for the proverbial next decade. For another, each has trusted in the other to do the things necessary to get the Jets to this point, a juncture the Green & White have reached only four times in their 50-year history, only once in the last 11 years.
Don't let it affect you.
And Sanchez said it won't. He reflected on the pep talks he's participated in with Thomas Jones and Tony Richardson, the coaching he's received and his attention to detail. He, like his coach, does not seem to feel any pressure, even as the needle pushes into the red numbers on the gauge.
"I'm just treating it like any other game, doing the same stuff throughout the week," he said. "I'm staying smart and getting my rest. T-Rich and TJ reminded me again, 'Be sure you get your rest.' I know when I get home I have a burst of energy at 11 o'clock every night. If I don't stay down, I'll be up till two in the morning. I know how I am.
"It's important for me to understand that you don't always get to come back here. It's a privilege to be here. Once you get by the excitement of it, the distractions, really you just focus on playing."
Coach and QB reflected the mood of the locker room today, the final availability for the players until after Sunday's title tilt. Ryan's final analysis again removed nerves from the equation and emphasized the excitement.
"I know both teams are going to be excited about this opportunity," he said. "Both teams have earned this opportunity. It's just going to be a great game. I think when you look at it, both teams were built differently. Both teams have really good defenses. Their style of play is different than ours, yet that's an accomplished defense just like our defense is very accomplished. Offensively they're built more to throw down the field, we're built more to run it. We're both effective.
"We both got here. It's old school vs. new school."
And soon class will be in session.
Mouthguard with a Message
Ryan, who mentioned a few of his superstitions the other day, was asked about one of those big jinxes that continue to rear its ugly head on the national sports scene, the Sports Illustrated cover jinx. Sanchez is on this issue's cover following the triumph in San Diego.
"That's not even a real superstition. ... That's nothing. That's like the 'Same Old Jets' thing. That means nothing to us," the coach said. "Good shot of the mouthguard, though."
Yes, the mouthguard. Background on Sanchez's dental deal: He has 10 different mouthpieces that he's worn as a Jet, all fitted for him by his dentist back home from his Southern Cal days. Each game he picks out his favorite. The last two games at least, he's worn his green and white Jets logo guard. We haven't asked him yet, but we suspect that, just as he hasn't taken a razor to his beard since the first Indianapolis game, he probably has worn the same guard during the Jets' current four-game win streak.
Health Watch
Ryan didn't go through his injury report as usual, but he did mention that Shaun Ellis, despite his broken left hand, is "not restricted. I know his hand's in a cast, and that's tough, but there's no limitations whatsoever for him."
We now have both teams' injury reports for today. All eight Jets on the list are "probable" for the game. And 17 of the 18 Colts on the list this week are probable as well, with only starting RCB Jerraud Powers listed as questionable and not participating in team drills with a foot injury.
Revis Island Just Jumped in Value
Ryan was asked if he had taken in the Jets pep rally in Times Square on Thursday night. "I'm sheltered," he said. "This is what I know, right here and my house."
For those who also missed the rally, we've got photos on the newyorkjets.com home page, and there are these newsworthy developments:
■ New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg renamed Manhattan Island "Revis Island." The press release on this was careful to include the word "unofficially." Bloomberg also unveiled a "Revis Island" sign to be posted at the Times Square information center on Seventh Avenue between 46th and 47th streets through the end of the Jets' season.
■ Mayor Mike and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard announced a friendly (and tasty but only as an appetizer) wager on the game. A Jets win and Ballard will send a famous shrimp thingytail from St. Elmo's Steakhouse east. A Colts win and Bloomberg will ship pizza from Denino's Pizza Place on Staten Island, owned by FDNY firefighter Michael Burke and his family.
■ GM Mike Tannenbaum made this guarantee: "We are working hard and plan to make you all proud in Indianapolis on Sunday." All right, not much of a guarantee. But we're sure he's right.
Weekend Plans
We'll have Kyle Richardson's special teams Radar entry Saturday at midday to get you through the day and into the night. Then I'll check in from Indianapolis once we're settled and let you know the scene with the team and in the city. Sunday morning, Eric Allen's game advance on pressuring Peyton and challenging for the Super Bowl will be up early, and I'll check in with a pregame blog from Lucas Oil Stadium somewhere between 1 and 2 p.m. EST. And shortly after that, we'll move into game coverage mode — make that AFC Championship Game coverage mod
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NFL
Jan 23, 2010 12:40:34 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Jan 23, 2010 12:40:34 GMT -5
The Vikings will beat the Saints
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Minnesota has won 18 of 25 regular-season games in this matchup, and has won three straight played in New Orleans since 2002. Minnesota also has a 2-0 record in the playoffs against the Saints. Both teams are coming off big wins in the divisional playoffs. In addition to the action on the field, look for the Superdome crowd to make more noise than the Vikings crowd made last week vs. Dallas. NFC Championship Game
Related: » Wyche: Edge goes to Saints | Pressing questions » Brandt: Key matchups | Discuss: Who will win?
Video: » Title game: Tale of the tape | Insiders weigh in » Inside the NFL: Has Favre been a surprise? » Favre on Saints | Allen on Brees | Childress » Super Bowl predictions | Mariucci: Dream matchup
Minnesota QB Brett Favre vs. New Orleans S Darren Sharper Brett Favre had a career game last week, throwing four TD passes against the Cowboys. He beat the zone and he beat man coverage, throwing phenomenal passes and putting the ball in the hands of receivers who were blanketed. In his previous nine playoff games, Favre had thrown 18 interceptions; last week he wasn’t even close to getting picked off. He no longer moves like he once did, but still has a rocket arm and still is accurate on short, medium, and long passes. You have to make him move around. No matter what is called, he can change the play at any time. He likes to double-count to check the coverages and identify blitzes. When he uses a quick count, it’s usually a running play. Favre is not playing like a 40-year-old.
Sharper is a classic free safety who will get the Saints’ defensive backs lined up correctly. He knows Favre well, having played eight years with him in Green Bay. Sharper has good hands, and he will intercept anything he gets his hands on. He also has good instincts and awareness. Sharper had nine interceptions this year -– the third time in his career he’s had at least nine interceptions in a season –- and returned three of them for touchdowns.
Minnesota LB Chad Greenway vs. New Orleans RB Reggie Bush Greenway is the leading tackler on Minnesota’s sixth-ranked defense, a unit that allowed 305 yards per game in the regular season. He is an active player who has been very productive for the Vikings, with great ability to key and diagnose. He is good underneath in zone coverage and has play-making ability. He’s at his best covering running backs who look to go vertical – which makes his role in covering Reggie Bush vital.
Bush had a career day last week with 217 all-purpose yards on 12 touches. He ran aggressively last week vs. Arizona. Injuries have slowed him in the past, but Bush has a lot of quickness to go with his outstanding burst. He has great vision and can break a long return from the inside or outside at any time. He has good hands and good route-running ability. Knowing Saints coach Sean Payton, I would think he’ll have some type of special packages for Bush, who can change a game quickly. And don’t forget, in 2008 Bush returned two punts for touchdowns against Minnesota – and he would have had a third if he didn't trip.
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NFL
Jan 23, 2010 12:41:39 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Jan 23, 2010 12:41:39 GMT -5
Match ups for the Jets and the Colts
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
The Jets' 29-15, come-from-behind win in Week 16 helped them make the playoffs with a 9-7 record. This game is yet another chapter in a rivalry that began when the Jets shocked the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. From 1970-2001, with the exception of 1982, these teams met twice a year as AFC East rivals. The Colts have won 40 of 66 regular-season games. In addition to the Super Bowl III win, the Jets trounced the Colts in a 2002 playoff game, 41-0. AFC Championship Game
Related: » Carucci: Edge to Indy | Pressing questions » Brandt: Key matchups | Discuss: Who will win?
Video: » Manning on Jets | Caldwell on challenge » Jets' Ryan: 'Colts will get our best' » Inside the NFL: Can Jets upset Colts in Indy? » Insiders: Keys to AFC title game | Super Bowl picks
N.Y. Jets CB Darrelle Revis vs. Indianapolis WR Reggie Wayne Revis, selected as a starter for the Pro Bowl (if he's not in the Super Bowl), had six interceptions and 31 passes defended in the regular season. He's had two more picks in the playoffs, including an incredible one last week in San Diego. The interesting thing about last week's win against the chargers is that Revis was not man-up against Vincent Jackson all game long, as expected. The Jets switched him around a bit, which is unusual compared to the way Revis took out the opposition's best receiver throughout the season. Receivers have a hard time getting separation on him. He plays with lots of toughness, and he is the best cornerback in the NFL.
Wayne is the Colts' leading receiver with 100 regular-season catches for 10 touchdowns. He is the go-to guy for Peyton Manning. He makes every catch - crossing routes, slants, comebacks. He loves the double move in the red zone.
After seeing Revis move around more last week, we should also expect to see him covering tight end Dallas Clark - who is a big matchup problem because of his size and speed. Clark, who has great hands, was selected to his first Pro Bowl this year after catching 100 passes. He has amazing ability to be in sync with Manning, does good job blocking on the edge, and is smooth in and out of cuts.
N.Y. Jets RBs Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene vs. Indianapolis S Antoine Bethea and LB Gary Brackett The Jets run the ball almost 63 percent of the time. Jones and Greene had a combined 445 carries this season. Both are strong inside runners who can also bounce it outside. They benefit from running behind three offensive linemen who were selected for the Pro Bowl.
Bethea is a very explosive player and the Colts' leading tackler. He will need to step up to help stop the run game. Brackett is an every-down linebacker who is a very good tackler. He is very aware of his fits and can cover in space.
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NFL
Jan 23, 2010 12:43:31 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Jan 23, 2010 12:43:31 GMT -5
Some News on the New Orelans Saints Tight End Jermey Shockey
Jeremy Shockey (TE) New Orleans Saints Updated 1/22/10 12:23 PM
Shockey has missed practice with a sore right knee. Shockey was able to practice the previous two days, but couldn't make Friday's final full workout before Sunday's NFC championship game against Minnesota.
Impacts: The eight-year veteran from Miami had three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown in last week's victory over Arizona, but hurt the knee on the 17-yard TD reception. During the season, he had 48 receptions for 569 yards and three scores
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NFL
Jan 23, 2010 12:45:33 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Jan 23, 2010 12:45:33 GMT -5
Pro Bowl
2010 Pro Bowl rosters
NFL.com Rosters by position
* Asterisk denotes starter # Injury replacement AFC Offense Position Player(s) Quarterback * Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Philip Rivers, San Diego (injured) Tom Brady, New England (injured) # Matt Schaub, Houston # Vince Young, Tennessee Running back * Chris Johnson, Tennessee Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Ray Rice, Baltimore Fullback * Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore Wide receiver * Andre Johnson, Houston * Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Brandon Marshall, Denver Wes Welker, New England (injured) # Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Tight end * Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Antonio Gates, San Diego Tackle * Jake Long, Miami (injured) * Ryan Clady, Denver # D'Brickashaw Ferguson, N.Y. Jets Joe Thomas, Cleveland Guard * Logan Mankins, New England * Alan Faneca, N.Y. Jets Kris Dielman, San Diego Center * Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Defense Position Player(s) Defensive end * Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis * Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Mario Williams, Houston Interior linemen * Haloti Ngata, Baltimore * Vince Wilfork, New England Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Outside linebacker * Elvis Dumervil, Denver * James Harrison, Pittsburgh Brian Cushing, Houston (injured) Inside/middle linebacker * Ray Lewis, Baltimore DeMeco Ryans, Houston Cornerback * Darrelle Revis, N.Y. Jets * Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Champ Bailey, Denver Free safety * Ed Reed, Baltimore Jairus Byrd, Buffalo (injured) Strong safety * Brian Dawkins, Denver # Brandon Meriweather, New England Special teams Position Player(s) Punter Shane Lechler, Oakland Placekicker Nate Kaeding, San Diego Kick returner Josh Cribbs, Cleveland Special teamer Kassim Osgood, San Diego NFC Offense Position Player(s) Quarterback * Drew Brees, New Orleans Brett Favre, Minnesota Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Running back * Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Steven Jackson, St. Louis (injured) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina # Frank Gore, San Francisco Fullback * Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia Wide receiver * Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona (injured) * DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Miles Austin, Dallas Sidney Rice, Minnesota # Steve Smith, N.Y. Giants Tight end * Vernon Davis, San Francisco Jason Witten, Dallas Tackle * Jason Peters, Philadelphia * Bryant McKinnie, Minnesota Jonathan Stinchcomb, New Orleans Guard * Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota * Jahri Evans, New Orleans Leonard Davis, Dallas Center * Andre Gurode, Dallas (injured) Shaun O'Hara, N.Y. Giants # Jonathan Goodwin, Saints Defense Position Player(s) Defensive end * Jared Allen, Minnesota * Julius Peppers, Carolina Trent Cole, Philadelphia Interior linemen * Kevin Williams, Minnesota * Darnell Dockett, Arizona Jay Ratliff, Dallas Outside linebacker * DeMarcus Ware, Dallas * Lance Briggs, Chicago (injured) # Clay Matthews, Green Bay Brian Orakpo, Washington Inside/midde linebacker * Patrick Willis, San Francisco Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans Cornerback * Charles Woodson, Green Bay (injured) * Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Arizona (injured) # Antoine Winfield, Minnesota # Terence Newman, Dallas Free safety * Darren Sharper, New Orleans Nick Collins, Green Bay Strong safety * Adrian Wilson, Arizona Special teams Position Player(s) Punter Andy Lee, San Francisco Placekicker David Akers, Philadelphia Kick returner # Percy Harvin, Minnesota Special teamer Heath Farwell, Minnesota
Rosters by team
* Asterisk denotes starter # Injury replacement AFC Team Player(s) Baltimore (5) * Ray Lewis, inside/middle linebacker * Le'Ron McClain, fullback * Haloti Ngata, interior lineman * Ed Reed, free safety Ray Rice, running back Buffalo (1) Jairus Byrd, free safety Cincinnati (1) # Chad Ochocinco, wide receiver Cleveland (2) Joshua Cribbs, kick returner Joe Thomas, tackle Denver (5) Champ Bailey, cornerback * Ryan Clady, tackle * Brian Dawkins, strong safety * Elvis Dumervil, outside linebacker Brandon Marshall, wide receiver Houston (5) Brian Cushing, outside linebacker (injured) * Andre Johnson, wide receiver DeMeco Ryans, inside/middle linebacker # Matt Schaub, quarterback Mario Williams, defensive end Indianapolis (6) * Dallas Clark, tight end * Dwight Freeney, defensive end * Peyton Manning, quarterback * Robert Mathis, defensive end Jeff Saturday, center * Reggie Wayne, wide receiver Jacksonville (1) Maurice Jones-Drew, running back Miami (1) * Jake Long, tackle (injured) New England (6) Tom Brady, quarterback (injured) * Logan Mankins, guard # Brandon Meriweather, safety # Randy Moss, wide receiver (injured) Wes Welker, wide receiver (injured) * Vince Wilfork, interior lineman N.Y. Jets (4) * Alan Faneca, guard # D’Brickashaw Ferguson, offensive tackle * Nick Mangold, center * Darrelle Revis, cornerback Oakland (2) * Nnamdi Asomugha, cornerback Shane Lechler, punter Pittsburgh (2) Casey Hampton, interior lineman * James Harrison, outside linebacker San Diego (5) Kris Dielman, guard Antonio Gates, tight end Nate Kaeding, placekicker Kassim Osgood, special teamer Philip Rivers, quarterback (injured) Tennessee (2) * Chris Johnson, running back # Vince Young, quarterback NFC Team Player(s) Arizona (4) * Darnell Dockett, interior lineman * Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver (injured) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cornerback (injured) * Adrian Wilson, strong safety Carolina (2) * Julius Peppers, defensive end DeAngelo Williams, running back Chicago (1) * Lance Briggs, outside linebacker (injured) Dallas (7) Miles Austin, wide receiver Leonard Davis, guard * Andre Gurode, center (injured) # Terence Newman, cornerback Jay Ratliff, interior lineman * DeMarcus Ware, outside linebacker Jason Witten, tight end Green Bay (4) Nick Collins, free safety # Clay Matthews, outside linebacker Aaron Rodgers, quarterback * Charles Woodson, cornerback (injured) Minnesota (10) * Jared Allen, defensive end Heath Farwell, special teamer Brett Favre, quarterback # Percy Harvin, kick returner * Steve Hutchinson, guard * Bryant McKinnie, tackle * Adrian Peterson, running back Sidney Rice, wide receiver * Kevin Williams, interior lineman # Antoine Winfield, cornerback New Orleans (6) * Drew Brees, quarterback * Jahri Evans, guard # Jonathan Goodwin, center * Darren Sharper, free safety Jonathan Stinchcomb, tackle Jonathan Vilma, inside/middle linebacker N.Y. Giants (2) Shaun O'Hara, center # Steve Smith, N.Y. Giants Philadelphia (6) David Akers, placekicker Trent Cole, defensive end * DeSean Jackson, wide receiver/returner * Jason Peters, tackle * Asante Samuel, cornerback * Leonard Weaver, fullback San Francisco (4) * Vernon Davis, tight end # Frank Gore, running back Andy Lee, punter * Patrick Willis, inside/middle linebacker St. Louis (1) Steven Jackson, running back (injured) Washington (1) Brian Orakpo, outside linebacker
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NFL
Jan 23, 2010 12:46:38 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Jan 23, 2010 12:46:38 GMT -5
got these articles from nfl.com
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NFL
Feb 8, 2010 19:21:50 GMT -5
Post by flyer33 on Feb 8, 2010 19:21:50 GMT -5
Super Bowl 44 New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts for the upset and the Saints first Super Bowl
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