Yardbarker: Matt Leinart

Poll questions are Overrated!!!

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:58:25 -0500

You know I happened to be looking around on SI's website and I came across this poll of who is the most overrated. And the poll was aimed at quarterbacks, namely Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Philip Rivers, and Vince Young. Philip Rivers was at the top of the list, which I can't undserstand and will break down shortly. But I just couldn't help but be beside myself in annoyance. I mean I wondered just how you could scientifically ask this information among NFL players (you know where it would actually count because they are the ones voting) I mean if it was a player do you put forms in their hotel rooms before they arrive. Do you post them above urinals when random drug testing is done (hopefully because they're already in a situation where they have to tell the truth). Or do you give them to coaches to hand out during team meetings. Oh wait, the majority of players fall asleep during meetings so that won't work. I know it's all tongue and cheek, and that by taking a poll on the most overrated quaterback, SI is essentially taking a popularity poll. They are giving us a reason to discuss your most important position on the team with a slight edge of negativity, without the backlash. But do we really need to talk about Philip Rivers who is playing with a hurt Ladanian Tomlinson and also played with a torn ACL in the playoffs last year? Do we need to discuss Tony Romo who wasn't even drafted and, although playing with incredible weapons, has weathered the storm of T.O. and balanced his play with dating superstars. Or what about Eli Manning who has won a Superbowl and is 4-0. No, he is not as good as his brother (a notion that is a joke...sorry ESPN) and he does play on a team with an imposing defense, and he has only had one good statistical season (which I know sounds a little like Rex Grossman). But he has been extremely impressive this year, and doesn't figure to be taking any steps backward any time soon. The only one of these quarterbacks who is overrated is probably Vince Young, primarily because his team has won (maybe even has gotten better) since his departure. Why not discuss the players in the NFL who are truly OVERRATED like Jared Allen. He is the NFL's highest paid defensive player and through 5 games he has 2 sacks. What about Roy Williams who continues to make Pro Bowl after Pro Bowl but is so bad in pass coverage that he gets taken out in pass plays. Or what about Chad Johnson who is so good that he is on Sportscenter every week. Too bad it's just not for catching touchdowns. Or what about Matt Leinart because, well I think his play speaks for himself. I won't even get into Brian Westbrooke of the Eagles or Mr. Iron man Adrian Peterson of the Vikings. I'll just save that for my next blog at www.thesportsrotation.squarespace.com

Stuart Scott Does Not Appreciate You Taking Pictures In His General Direction

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:52:16 -0500

Sorry for the The Internet has caused a lot of grief for athletes and media members over the past few years. On of the more famous, or rather infamous, incidents was Stuart Scott's texting habits during a Super Bowl party, and since then, Scott has done just about everything he can to stay out of the limelight (well besides that whole karaoke thing).

Well according to a story relayed to Deadspin from a cameraman at last Monday's Vikings-Saints game, Stuart doesn't want you taking pictures of him while he's working. Even if you're not REALLY taking pictures of him talking to a Saints Cheerleader....

Bachman was working the sidelines during the Monday Night Football game in New Orleans and at one point was taking photographs of the stadium crowd from the Vikings sideline which was near the MNF Countdown set. Bachman was standing directly behind Scott, who just so happened to be speaking with a Saints cheerleader at the time. Bachman wasn't photographing him, but given that his lens was pointed in their general direction, it caught Scott's attention. Scott said to Bachman something to the effect of "With the internet now man? Why? All I'm asking is why?" Bachman, startled by the question, tried to tell Scott that he wasn't taking pictures of him, but it initially didn't convince Stu. Bachman said that Stu wasn't testy with him and was quite polite a?" Stu didn't grab his camera or even demand he stop taking photos a?" but he was just a little taken aback that Scott would question why he was doing his job to begin with. Bachman said he showed Scott that he was deleting the shot of Stu and the cheerleader (which didn't exist, mind you a?" Bachman just pushed a button and deleted another photograph to spite him) and Stu said "Cool, cool" and walked away.

Scott, via ESPN media relations, had "no comment" on the incident. Just for some background via other ESPN sources close to the situation: Scott's reaction was in direct response to the "Lemme know" goofiness that caused him such distress.

I've always gone by the assumption that people are smart enough to take into account all the variables of a situation, but maybe that's naive of me. I personally thought the Matt Leinart photos weren't a big deal, and that it was the offseason, but I guess in the case of Stu....it's better safe than sorry. At least he was cool about it. Whether his ego was a bit on display or not.

Stuart Scott is Desperate to Avoid Any Photographic Evidence of Him Chatting Up Cheerleaders (Deadspin)

Ranking QBs by Likeability

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:15:43 -0500

Plenty of well-informed NFL experts put together lists of the best quarterbacks in the league, but to me these rankings are always flawed. A What happens if my favorite team signs one of these guys? A How happy will I be? A Will I have to stop making fun of Eli? A Will I have to retire my best Tom Brady jokes? A

With that in mind, this list ranks all the starting quarterbacks (and some backups) in the NFL based on how happy A I would be if my favorite team signed them.

Ecstatic

If my team signs one of these guys, I'm buying a jersey right away.

David GarrardA

He's young, he's strong, he's fast. A Garrard isn't the flashiest or the best quarterback, but if my team signed him, I'd be really happy to cheer for him.

Ben Roethlisberger

This is slightly biased since he's already the quarterback for my favorite teams, but I couldn't be happier about that. A He's a proven winner and he always makes the team better. A This year he's partially hiding the team's glaring weakness at offensive line. A

The big knock against him is that all sportscasters annoyingly refer to him as "Ben" all the time.

Drew Brees

Brees is by all accounts a really nice guy, and he's doing some great things with the Saints. A Plus, I love a QB who can throw the long ball.

Happy...ish

I'm happy, but I might have a few reservations about the signing.

Peyton Manning

Yeah, it's great, he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league. A But now you're subjected to years of the Manning face, and your team's offense will be limited to a boring, pocket-passing scheme.

Tom Brady

Well, for starters, he's injured. A Sure, he wins all the time, but can I really turn on a dime from hating his guts to cheering for him? A And do I really want my team quarterbacked by a deadbeat dad?

Tony Romo

I don't buy the choker label, but having every article about your team reference some Jessica-Simpson/Carrie Underwood feud would get annoying. A On the other hand, it's more excuses for websites to run pictures of Jessica and Carrie. A I guess that's a wash. A

Nervous

These guys will make you worry, but there's plenty of upside there.

Eli Manning

Eli is the butt of a lot of jokes, but he led the Giants to a Super Bowl win. A He even looks pretty good to start this year, but lurking in the back of every fan's mind is the worry that he'll revert to form.

Joe Flacco

The best thing about Flacco is that we don't know just how good he is yet. A He looks like the type of guy who doesn't make many mistakes and he'll get your team out of a jam a few times a game. A But he's only played 4 games so far.

Aaron Rodgers

We don't have a lot to go on with Rodgers, but he handled the Favre situation with class, which counts for a lot in my book. A He's also looked good to start the season, so I think you'd be happy to have him.

Donovan McNabb

You're happy to have him on your team, but he's old and there are rumors that he chokes in big games. A I'd like to cheer for him, but I'd have a lot of reservations.

Jay Cutler

I'm never sure how good Cutler is. A He's surrounded by a good team, and he looks decent most of the time. A In the NFL, that's high praise.

Jason Campbell

He didn't look very good last year, but Campbell looks like a legit good quarterback this year. A I think Redskins fans are very happy with him.

That's the best we could do?

He's good, but really? A There wasn't anyone better available?

Carson Palmer

Some day, people will stop putting Palmer in the discussion of the best quarterbacks in the league. A He's better than a lot of players, but he's definitely not in the elite group.

Derek Anderson

Had flashes of goodness last year, but hasn't shown much at all this year. A He's your replaceable, vanilla semi-decent QB.

Matt Hasselbeck

Probably underrated for years because he played in Seattle and no one saw him, Hasselbeck is now overrated because he plays in Seattle and no one sees him.

Phillip Rivers

He's probably a better player than a lot of the guys ranked above him, but do you really want to cheer for him? A Rivers comes across as a petulant whining asshole, and I wouldn't really want him on my team.

Jake Delhomme

You're just hoping that he'll regain his 2005 form.

Matt Ryan

There's some potential, but you're not sure at all what you're going to get.

Chad Pennington

He wasn't good enough for the Jets, which tells you something. A On the other hand, he's played well this year and seems to be a decent QB.

Depressed

If your team signs one of these guys as your starter, it might drive you to drink.

Matt Schaub

Not only are you rooting for a UVA alum, he's not that good and he's been hit way too many times.

Brett Favre

It's amazing that he dropped from the top category to this one just by being a douchebag during the offseason.

Kerry Collins

I know his team's 5-0, but would you really be happy if yourA team signed him?

Jeff Garcia

He's had some decent successes in the past, but he's past his prime and his prime wasn't even all that good.

Matt Cassell

He's a career backup for a reason.

Kurt Warner

Had a couple good years, but he's headed for retirement.

Kyle Orton

Ummmm, he's just not very good. A There's a reason Chicago has a QB controversy every year in training camp.

Football isn't that fun to watch

Maybe you should just stop following football.

J.T. O'Sullivan

The butt of far too many Irish jokes before the season started, O'Sullivan hasn't done a lot to move the discussion forward.

Matt Leinart

When your picture is on thedirty.com more than espn.com, that's a problem.

Trent Green

Five years ago, you might have been happy with this pickup.

Trent Edwards

The only thing I know about him is that he isn't good enough for me to want him on my fantasy team.

Jamarcus Russell

I really thought he was a good pick coming out of college, but the Raiders are a soul-crushing organization.

Jon Kitna

Well, if your team signs him at least people will make stupid Jesus jokes at you all the time, so you have that going for you.

Gus Frerotte

It's never a good thing when you get a start and everyone says "I can't believe he's still in the league!"

The big story of Sunday was the fall of Tom Brady. Perhaps out for the season, Patriots fans and fantasy football players alike shrieked in pain over Brady's knee agony. As bad of a day as it was for the nationwide Brady "family," it was a that good of a day for the real life Cassel family.

Consider newly-minted Patriots starting QB Matt Cassel the Sarah Palin of the NFL. Drafted in the 7th round out of USC Cassel backed up Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, playing rarely but for mop-up duty. Ditto that for his three seasons with the Patriots, albeit this time with Tom Brady. Like Palin, Cassel has been thrust into the spotlight, and nobody really knows anything about him. And much like Palin made a well-received first impression this past Wednesday at the RNC, Cassel did the same on Sunday, putting up decent numbers in a win.

A good day it was for the Cassel clan. It would have been enough! But then entered brother Jack, a reliever for the Houston Astros. There's no Palin metaphor here, really. It's just that Jack became the second Cassel brother to enter the game as an injury replacement, taking over for Wandy Rodriguez in the second inning. This Cassel notched four innings for the Astros, giving up two earned runs.

Sunday was an unexpected day for the Cassel family, with two brothers playing big roles. Like Palin we'll probably be learning a lot more about Matt Cassel over the next few weeks. The only difference being the lack of opposition researchers pouring over his past.

Red Birds Flock East

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:27:51 -0500

As most of you should know, the Cardinals are playing the next two weeks back east in Washington and New York against the Skins and Jets. They will be playing the Skins at Fed Ex Field this week and then head to the Meadowlands to play the Jets on the September 28th. With two long trips facing them,

New England Patriots beat New York Jets ESPN The Blitz

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:14:21 -0500

New England Patriots beat New York Jets ESPN The Blitz

Keep Your Heads Up, Husky Fans

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:12:44 -0500

Hope.

Failure. Most Husky fans have already pinned this team, their season, our season, as a failure. I don't blame them, it's hard to keep on being excited after an 0-3 start and it's even less exciting knowing that the Dawgs haven't been to a bowl since 2002.

I'm not going to talk about the whole Tyrone Willingham situation, that will deserve a post of itself. However, it's important to know that the Huskies aren't the most terrible team in the history of football.

The Huskies lost against an extremely talented team in Oklahoma. The Sooners were almost invincible. Honestly, the last time I saw the Huskies got handled at home was when USC visited Montlake with future NFL players, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and LenDale White.

Before the game, every fan agreed on one thing, that this game was either going to be the biggest blowout ever or the biggest upset over. The only thing "upset" after the game was grumpy old Husky alumni (Who haven't seen a good team fielded since 2001).

Here are the little things that added to the big blowout:

Horrible special teams. Bad punting and bad field goal kicking. This needs to be fixed.

Horrible execution. Too many turnovers. You can't make mistakes against top teams like Oklahoma.

Failure to come out with fire. The first quarter was absolutely disastrous.

I love Juan Garcia, but man...are you kidding me! You're hurting the team if you can't snap the ball effectively. Little things like that absolutely kill an offenses' efficiency. On any other college team, you'd be benched.

The Husky defense would be really good, if they could tackle.

The Huskies get a little easier game in Stanford next week. Until then, keep your heads up Husky fans, we just got through the toughest three game stretch out of any team in college football this season. Although we have no wins, the Huskies have seen and played the best. It's up to them and the coaching staff to keep this season alive and finally get to a bowl!

Are you sticking with this team? Have you given up on them yet?

Photo Source: [USCsportstalk]

Who's The Bigger Bust?

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:22:10 -0500

There's a lot of talk going around about Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and Vince Young. And analysts are beginning to wonder … who's the bigger bust?

Imagine having a disease that only a few people in the world know about, and even fewer people have. 13-Year Old Champion, Josh Rusnock -- Needs your help.

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:33:33 -0500

Dean, Here is the story I wrote about 13 year-old Josh Rusnock of Freeland, Pennsylvania for an edition of the Standard Speaker newspaper. I'm so sorry about that missed attachment. Here it is. And everything you said is fine. I will be more than happy to pass the news on to Josh's mom. Please let me know if you need anything further and I would be more than happy to assist you. Josh is such a good kid and it's become part of my mission as well to find every avenue of help for him and his family. Like I said, please let me know if there's anything more you need. Thanks So Much And Take Care- Imagine having a disease that only a few people in the world know about, and even fewer people have. By BOBBY MASO Staff Writer Imagine being at a crossroads in life, preparing for the transition from boy to young man, yet not being able to do common things like spending time with friends, playing football in the backyard or even riding a bike. That is the life 13-year-old Josh Rusnock of Freeland lives every day. On the surface, Josh looks like an average teenager. He loves most sports, and watching some of his favorite teams, the Houston Rockets of the NBA, the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoys spending time on his uncle's fishing boat where the two like to talk about, what else? fishing. But under his smile and quiet demeanor is a world hard for most to fathom. Josh's condition, a degenerative nervous system disease known as leukodystrophy, often makes it hard for him to go to the bathroom unassisted or climb the steps inside his home. His hands shake so hard sometimes that if he were holding a glass of soda, the drink probably would spill all over his lap. As hard as it is to imagine, it's even harder for Josh, his mom, Rachael, and their family to live through day after day. Rachael has taken Josh to numerous doctors. Some of them are in awe of the rare condition, while others, including a doctor from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, have traveled the world, to places like Amsterdam, where the majority of cases exist, just to learn more about leukodystrophy. Now, Rachael, along with her friends at the Tresckow Fire Co., are preparing for a benefit dart tournament, silent auction and bake sale to be held Sept. 13. They're hoping to raise enough money so that she can purchase a vehicle large enough to accommodate a power chair that Josh will receive next month, something he needs just to get around. His mother is hoping that the community can help by donating money or items that can be sold at the auction. "Right now, all this is for is to raise enough money for Josh so that I can get a van or a vehicle big enough for his chair. And what we're really looking for are food donations, like buns or pierogies, or items for the auction. Whatever anybody can give would be so appreciated, you have no idea," Rachael said. She explained that the disease has taken a lot out of Josh, whose life "used to revolve around the Freeland YMCA. Now he's forced to stay inside and can pretty much just play video games." Leukodystrophy comes in many forms and closely resembling multiple sclerosis, thus causing many victims to be misdiagnosed. The disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system by disrupting the growth or maintenance of the myelin, a fatty "white matter" that protects and insulates the body's nerve fibers. It's a progressive disease that usually gets worse as time goes on. There are about 70 documented cases of leukodystrophy worldwide, and as of now, there is no cure. "There are 34 different types of leukodystrophy, but Josh displays symptoms of all of them, so it's hard to pinpoint exactly which one he has," Rachael said. Josh began showing signs of the disease at age 4 but was not officially diagnosed until he was 10. All the while, Rachael has been taking Josh to doctors and specialists all over, causing the medical bills to mount and making it impossible to buy the van. "It's gotten so bad that we've actually moved in with my mother in Weatherly because she has a bathroom on the first floor, so Josh won't have to go upstairs. Sometimes, he has to crawl on his hands and knees if he has to go to the bathroom, it's been so bad lately. It's just very difficult," Rachael said. To help ease the family's financial burden, a special account has been set up at Bank of America, where anyone can make a monetary donation to the Joshua Michael Rusnock Medical Fund. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch, and Rachael said all are appreciated. Josh's mom and other siblings, brother John, 15, and twin stepbrothers Trevor and Derek Remak, and his other relatives hope that spreading the word about leukodystrophy will help others who might be experiencing similar health issues but do not know they have the disease. "I just want to help spread the word because it's very possible that someone else might have this and not know it," Rachael said. "Like I said, it took Josh's doctors a long time to figure out what it was and I'm thinking that there might be others out there who are suffering the same way Josh is, and might be diagnosed with something else because a doctor is unfamiliar with leukodystrophy. I just don't want anyone to have to go through this." Anyone interested in donating toward the Sept. 13 benefit can contact Jennifer Coxe at 570-427-3329 or by e-mail at jen3329@verizon.net. Donations can also be made by calling the Tresckow Fire Hall at 570- 455-5701. bmaso@standradspeaker.com Bobby Maso Standard Speaker Newspaper 21 North Wyoming Street, Hazleton, Pa. 18201 570-455-3636 Ext. 3588 bmaso@standardspeaker.com Click here for more information on Leukodystrophy >>> http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/leukodystrophy/leukodystrophy.htm Events coming up for Josh; CHINESE AUCTION & BAKE SALE 9:00 am to 5:00 pm To make a donation contact Jennifer Coxe @ 570-427-3329 DART TOURNAMENT Teams are still needed Registration at 11:00 Contact Rich Contrady 570-455-5701 To benefit Joshua Rusnock Saturday, September 13th, 2008 Treskow Fire Hall 26 East Oak Street, Treskow A variety of food will be available for purchase.

“All About Sports” - Keep Your Eye on the Target

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:14:08 -0500

Even with mic troubles, Troy and Michael still bantered about whether the Diamondbacks can beat an NFL team in a friendly game of baseball and how likely it is that Ohio State will beat USC. They also talk Cardinals and the UofA/ASU dominance. Not to mention the Tom Brady injury and how that will

MANUFACTURED JOY - CINCINNATI BENGALS

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:49:02 -0500

by Zac, Throwing Into Traffic

1. Carson Palmer is officially underrated!

You know what? I've never liked the guy, but even I am smart enough to realize that Carson Palmer is not what's holding this team back. Despite having no rushing game to speak of, Palmer still managed to lead the 2007 Bengals to the number seven passing offense in terms of yardage. Considering the craziness that surrounded that team, this is a very good sign. Now consider that they were playing a week 1 opponent with an underrated defense and an offense that was committed to keeping Palmer off of the field. While he was never in the rare air that many tried to force him into, neither is he a Matt Leinart style bust. Palmer will recover, and once the team gives Kenny Watson the work he deserves, the offense will begin to open up for him.

2. Kenny Watson should get some work sooner or later!

This brings me to my second point: WHY THE HELL IS CHRIS PERRY THE STARTING RB ON THIS TEAM? Kenny Watson averaged 4.3 yards per carry and put up 7 TD in limited action last year. Meanwhile, Chris Perry, the darling project of this ground game for a few years now, managed just over 2 yards per carry with the Ravens set on stopping the pass. I completely agreed that getting rid of Rudi Johnson was the right call (the palpable air of defeat he carries with him is PERFECT for Detroit…), but just because you get rid of one disappointment doesn't mean that you need to replace him with another.

3. Ben Utecht!

If this offense is ever going to click, someone is going to have to get under defenses, and for whatever reason Chris Henry has refused to be that guy for the entirety of his career. That could change when he comes back, but until then TE Ben Utecht is going to have to be the guy. The good news for fans is that he's coming from a system where the TE is the most important safety valve on the team (learning from Dallas Clark can't have hurt). The bad news is that unless the ground game gets going, opposing linebackers are going to be able to float in that intermediate pass range. Two catches for 10 yards in week one isn't a bad start, but he'll need 3-5 receptions per game if he's going to start loosening coverages on the outside.

4. Getting the embarrassing loss out of the way is a GOOD thing!

The Cincinnati Bengals were manhandled on both sides of the ball by a team with no real scary passing weapons (Derrick Mason put up 44 yards? Was he covered by a large rock?), a second string running game, an aging defense, and a rookie quarterback. That sucks. What's better is that the Bengals are a team filled with the kind of personalities that need to get offended a little bit. Chad Ochocinco's (and I hope that's as stupid for him to write as it is for me) mind has been more focused on his nametag and contract than his performance. TJ Houshmandzadeh is playing to prove he deserves more money. Carson Palmer has been desperately fighting to not let his prime be wasted. All of that needs to move to the background while these guys figure out that if they just play football, they're actually pretty damn good at it. Look for a bigger second week from Palmer and Johnson in particular, who always seem to come back from these kind of off weeks looking pissed off and ready to do something about it.

5. OCHOCINCO!

Act like you don't want to see some sideline joy…

Slide Jay, Slide

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:56:38 -0500

Jay Cutler gave Broncos' fans a scare on Monday night when he took a hard hit while trying to scramble for the first down. He was a little sore the next day and received treatment on his knee. Watching Cutler go airborne made the organization nervous as well. Mike Shanahan said, "I gave him a hard

TOP 11 REASONS WHY VINCE YOUNG DOESN'T WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL ANYMORE

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:56:03 -0500

by DMtShooter, Five Tool Tool

11. When Brett Favre threatens to quit, everyone shows him the love

10. Big fat meanies like you and me, making fun of him and stuff

9. As the past Wunderlic scores show, pro football makes his brain hurt

8. Interferes with his celebration of 9/11

7. Titans' coach Jeff Fisher cares more about winning games than nurturing, feeling good about yourself, and having fun

6. You -- yes, you -- just aren't praying for him enough

5. That $25 million signing bonus was, like, years ago

4. Wants to be able to disappear for hours at a time with a handgun without having the SWAT team involved

3. Looking to take back the Biggest 2006 Draft Bust label away from Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart

2. Hopes to show all of those mean home town fans that they can't boo him, even after terrible, terrible play

1. Wants to set a new standard for being thin-skinned, despite stiff competition from Longhorn legends Chris Simms, Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson

Vince Young Quitting Football?

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:57:23 -0500

Vince Young has definitely had his ups and downs. He was picked 3rd overall in the NFL Draft right behind Reggie Bush and ahead of Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler. His rookie season was a success for the most part, as his ability to lead his team to victory was obvious. Big plays and close escapes had many people becoming fans, asking how the Texans passed on Vince to draft a defensive end. But last season Vince dealt with "the madden curse" and though the Titans made the playoffs, Vince really struggled, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and his frustration grew. After the game this weekend, Vince's family witnessed Young at his "lowest point" even calling coach Jeff Fischer in hopes of finding Vince. Some news came out that it was probably a big misunderstanding and a non-issue, but this isn't the first time Vince has been linked with thoughts to end his football career. I think it'd be a shame, and that Young has a bright future if he works hard enough - but right now it sounds like he might just want to run away from it all - not everyone can handle the pressure, that's for sure. Check out this article.