ENGLEWOOD, CO. - Cowboys cornerback Adam Jones put some spice into Dallas' visit to Denver this week by taking aim at Denver receiver Brandon Marshall. He has been often compared to Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens and he even came into the NFL with the nickname of "Baby T.O."
Jones, though, isn't buying it.
"He's nowhere near T.O.," Jones said of Marshall.
But that was not all.
"First of all, T.O. is 10 times faster than Brandon Marshall," Jones said. "And 10 times stronger than Brandon Marshall. You can sometimes get your hand on 'B' at the line. T.O. has a good thing where he snatches and whips. I wouldn't say he's nowhere near T.O."
When told that Jones took some shots at his top receiver, Denver quarterback Jay Cutler said Jones could say whatever he liked. Then, Cutler made a comment that he gets to face Denver star cornerback Champ Bailey every day in practice, clearly a veiled shot at Jones.
Owens took the high road when asked about Marshall, saying he took Marshall's nickname as a compliment.
Today, I will bring you my top 20 corners in the NFL. Corner is a very tough position to play as you are constantly by yourself with the receiver and any play to your side can be a hit or miss. These 20 guys though, are the ones who excel at being in tough positions and show how great they really are as players.
1. Champ Bailey, Broncos: Champ is the premier corner in all of football. He truly defines the saying "shutdown corner" in every way. He has everything a corner needs to be great: athleticism, speed, jumping ability, toughness, ball skills, and is a great tackling CB. What makes him the best in football though, is his ability to take the other teams best receiver out of the game completely. No matter if he is playing man to man or in a cover 2 scheme, you know what you are going to get with Bailey.
2. Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders: Aso is a very underrated corner in the game. He is the closest in comparison to Champ Bailey. He has very good range, speed, and overall athletic ability. Every year that he has been in the league, he's become more reliable each year, and could soon be the best in the game in a few years if he keeps up his production.
3. Charles Woodson, Packers: Some may disagree with Woodson at this spot, but he is more solid than most CB's in the league. He doesn't get burned very often, and shows flashes of being that shutdown guy. He may not be as physical as his counterpart in Al Harris, but his coverage ability and speed show why he should matchup against the other teams best receiver.
4. Chris McAlister, Ravens: CMac might not be the most flashy corner out there, but he gets the job done. Many others have overshadowed him, but that fuels him to be the best he can be. He has 22 picks since 1999, which is second most to Champ Bailey. Though Chris was injured last year, his numbers are very consistent and he is one corner anyone would like to have on their team.
5. Asante Samuel, Eagles: Here's your man, Eagles fans. Asante has been the NFL's interception leader for the last two years combined and is a flat out playmaker. He might not be the best in one on one coverage, but his covering skills are solid. Obviously, he has great ball skills and is athletic, and those help him be the playmaker he is. He has elevated the Eagles secondary to the best in the league, and opposing quarterbacks will hate challenging this athletic bunch. That's what kind of difference Asante can make to a team.
Nease Football added more awards to their collection this weekend. Thursday and Friday the Panthers traveled to Moultrie, Ga to compete in a 7 on 7 passing tournament against teams from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. For those who don't know what 7 on 7 is, its played with offensive backs and WR's against a defense with linebackers and DB's. The Panthers played well in pool play and went undefeated to win the championship in tournament play on Friday against Foley High School from Alabama, 27-25. This was another great team effort from everyone's favorite high school football team.
With the news of the Seattle Supersonics moving to Oklahoma City, but leaving the colors and name behind, it got me thinking: What should be the name and colors of the new OKC team? I personally like the name Outlaws, which has been discussed already and good colors in my opinion would be Maroon, Vegas Gold, Black, and White. What do you guys in the Yard think?
With the 4th of my 7 part NFL series, I will give you my top 20 tight ends today. Tight end is a very unique position in today's NFL, as they are now a huge part of the offense in both blocking and receiving. Some are mainly blocking oriented, some are receiver oriented, and some can do both. Anyway, tight ends can really improve an offense immensely.
1. Antonio Gates, Chargers: Gates has been a premier TE in the game for a few years now, and he shows why every Sunday. His combination of size and athleticism make him very hard to cover and tackle, and therefore he records many TD's.
2. Jason Witten, Cowboys: Witten is a physical TE who puts up receiver-like numbers. His size helps him plow through defenders and his toughness does the rest.
3. Kellen Winslow, Browns: Winslow had a breakout year last season with Derek Anderson at the helm. He posted career bests in yards and TD's. He is also a pretty good blocker. kellen is also a soldier.
4. Dallas Clark, Colts: As usual, Clark had another solid year with the Colts, and caught 11 touchdown passes. He seems to do everything a TE is suppose to do well.
5.Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs: What can you say about Gonzo? He has achieved everything a tight end can hope for and still is playing at a high level today, even though he will enter his 12th season in two months.
6. Todd Heap, Ravens: Heap could probably be the definition of "solid." Even though he was out for a lot of the season last year, he was on pace for another good season.
7. Chris Cooley, Redskins: Cooley has a well-rounded game and has real good numbers for only being in the league for four years.
8. Heath Miller, Steelers: Miller is a young, physical tight end who can block well, and also be solid on the receiving end.
9. Tony Scheffler, Broncos: Tony has exceeded expectations in his first two years with the Broncos. Yes, he was supposed to be a decent pass catching TE, but he has flourished into a really good young talent.
10. Owen Daniels, Texans: Average sized tight end that has played much better than average in his first two seasons with Houston. I think we'll be poised for an even bigger season this year as the Texans make a run at their first playoff appearance in their history.
11. Ben Watson, Patriots: Watson doesn't have the best numbers due to Randy Moss and Wes Welker, but he is a tight end that can get it done when given the opportunity. He has some decent speed as well.
12. Jeremy Shockey, Giants: Shockey has always been a tough player who could throw a good block. His receiving skills are solid as well, but we will see how he comes off his injury.
13. Daniel Graham, Broncos: Graham is possibly the best, if not the best, blocking TE in the league. He fits well in Denver as he poses as an extra blocker for Denver running backs in the zone blocking system. He can also catch a few passes.
14. Vernon Davis, 49ers: Davis, like Gates, is an extremely athletic end and has improved in both seasons in the NFL, which is saying something when you don't have a decent QB throwing to you.
15.Greg Olsen, Bears: Olsen was a good performer for the Bears as a rook last season, and should get a bigger role this year, as he will be the Bears best pass catcher.
16.Zach Miller, Raiders: Miller was strong at the end of the year last season and I expect it to carry over to this season. If JaMarcus Russell can get him the ball, things for the Raiders O will improve all around.
17.L.J. Smith, Eagles: Smith has some good talent, and if he can become a better pass catcher, Smith could be a top 10 TE by the end of the season.
18. Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars: Lewis has good size and is able spread the D, and I think he could play a bigger role this year as the Jags try and make a run at the Super Bowl.
19. Kevin Boss, Giants: Boss has good upside and filled in for Jeremy Shockey very well last season when Shockey was injured. He also came up big in the Giants Super Bowl victory.
20. Alge Crumpler, Titans: Crumpler is a very dependable TE, who has good blocking size and is a decent receiver.
The wide receiver position in the NFL is very talented and full of playmakers. It's hard to make a top 20 list, but I tried and here is my list. Hope you enjoy!
1. Randy Moss, Patriots: Moss was outstanding last season in his first year with Tom Brady and the Patriots. Moss broke the single season TD catch record with 23 grabs and help lead the Patriots to a 16-0 regular season record and a Super Bowl appearance.
2. Terrell Owens, Cowboys: T.O. had another great season last year and has become one of the most consistent WR the NFL has seen in a while. Owens shows every year that he is a dominant receiver, and last year was no exception. He had over 1300 yards and 15 TD's.
3. Reggie Wayne, Colts: With Marvin Harrison out for most of the year last season, Wayne knew he had to setup, and did he ever. He had the best season of his career by far, grabbing 104 passes and gaining 1510 yards.
4. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Even though Fitz plays for the Cardinals, he still is able to put up big numbers and be a threat. Last season he tied his career high in yards and TD's.
5.T.J. Housmandzadeh, Bengals: Though he might be over looked sometimes due to Chad Johnson, T.J. has been just as good as Chad the past year or two. His 12 TD's and 112 receptions were both better than Chad, and he has become Carson Palmer's favorite target.
6. Braylon Edwards, Browns: Edwards had a breakout year last season as he improved in every statistical category by far. With Derek Anderson solidly at the head, it could mean another fantastic season for Braylon this year.
7.Chad Johnson, Bengals: Ocho Cinco was very consistent again last season as he put up his usual big numbers. What is even better is that Chad continues to be great along side another outstanding wide out in T.J. Housmandzadeh.
8.Steve Smith, Panthers: Steve may not be the biggest or tallest receiver out there, but he plays like it. He is always a deep threat and you can count on him to make the big play.
9. Andre Johnson, Texans: Dre might be the most underrated receiver in the NFL. You don't here a lot about him like Ocho or T.O., but he is turning into a real good receiver. He only played nine games last season, but was on pace for career best numbers.
10. Torry Holt, Rams: Holt has been a staple in the NFL for years for being one of the best receivers the game has to offer. Every year, no matter what, you know he will produce and get his numbers. You can count on him to make plays.
11. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: Quan doesn't have the numbers Fitz has, but they are nothing to slouch about. 9 TD's for a guy who is on the other side of Fitz is real good. He is also a receiver you can trust as a QB to make the clutch plays.
12.Roy Williams, Lions: Roy might not have had the best numbers last year, but he definitely was key in the Lions pass happy offense. Without Roy, what would have the Lions been? He does make some incredible catches as well.
13.Marques Colston, Saints: Some have said that Colston is overrated. How? Everyone said he had a great rookie year and now he is overrated after he put up better numbers than in his first year? Not a chance. Colston is solid overall, especially with Drew Brees throwing to him.
14. Brandon Marshall, Broncos: B-Marsh was an absolute beast last year. He gathered up 102 receptions and over 1300 yards and quickly became Jay Cutler's favorite target. Even with his recent arm injury, I still expect big this again from Marshall this season.
15. Wes Welker, Patriots: Welker had a breakout year last year, but what else do you expect from a guy who was on the Patriots? He's not the biggest guy, but his game is huge as he was maybe more consistent than All Pro Randy Moss last season.
16. Plaxico Burress, Giants: Plax is a real big receiver that can dominant a corner physically through a game and his height helped him reel in 12 TD's last season. Oh yeah, he also had the game winning TD catch in the Super Bowl.
17. Hines Ward, Steelers: Though Ward is smaller than other receivers, he might be the toughest around. He doesn't have mind-boggling numbers, but he is solid and is an outstanding blocker. He plays with a lot of heart.
18. Marvin Harrison, Colts: Marvin was unfortunate last year as he was out for most of the season with an injury, but that isn't saying he can't come back this season and produce again. If anyone could, it would be Harrison who has been one of the greats.
19. Lee Evans, Bills: Evans has had some good seasons with Buffalo, but I think this year will be his best yet. With Trent Edwards becoming a solid QB, Evans could have a huge season numbers wise, as he will be the main target in the offense.
20. Donald Driver, Packers: Driver is another receiver who basically knows what he has to do to get it done. His numbers aren't huge, but he will consistently make big catches and be a good target for Aaron Rodgers to gain confidence with.
I'm not a big fan of Prisco, but at least he got one thing right: Champ Bailey in the top 5. Next year, he should have Pacman and Marshawn on the list.
1. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: Can he do any more than he did last season? The scary thing for the rest of the league is, yes he can.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers: His failure to play in the AFC Championship Game hurts his rep some, but he's still the best runner in the game.
4. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots: Talk about resurrecting a reputation. He wasn't on many top 50 lists a year ago. Now he's a top 10 player.
5. Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos: It's chic to pick his game apart. That's foolish. Bailey is still the best cover corner in the game.
6. Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: Williams is making the Texans proud for passing on Reggie Bush and Vince Young to take this pass rusher. He might have been the league's best defensive player in the final eight weeks of 2007.
7. Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts: The only thing holding him back is the injury issues. When he's on the field, the Colts have a different defense.
8. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: After Brady and Manning he's the third-best quarterback. The Bengals need to run it a little better to take the heat off him.
9. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys: He was given more freedom in Wade Phillips' version of the 3-4 and played better in 2007. Ware is a speed rusher who has his best football still in front of him.
10. Kevin Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings: He is a powerful inside player who teams with Pat Williams to form the best tackle tandem in the league. He is good against the run, yet quick enough to get pass-rush penetration.
11. Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers: Merriman is a pass-rush force off the edge. His quickness and power are the perfect combination for the Chargers' 3-4 system. You have to account for him on every pass play.
12. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings: He led the league in sacks last season with the Chiefs. The Vikings added him to give them the best defensive line in the league. Allen plays hard all the time.
13. Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Forget all the theatrics. He's a star player. He bounced back from his off 2006 season to be one of the best last season. I'd take him on my team any day.
14. Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee Titans: Before he got hurt midway through last season, he was on his way to a potential Defensive Player of the Year award. When motivated, he is as good as anybody inside.
15. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson was special as a rookie and should be even better this time around. He is a big, strong and fast and can rip off the big runs with an Eric Dickerson-like ease.
16. Walter Jones, T, Seattle Seahawks: Jones is a rock on the left side of the Seattle line. He is a great pass protector who has improved as a run blocker.
17. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: At 26, he's entering his prime. Roethlisberger has developed into a quality passer. Playing behind a bad line last year, he hung in tough and led the Steelers to a division title.
18. Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay Packers: Ask Packers insiders who was better last season, Woodson or Pro Bowl player Al Harris. The answer is Woodson. After Bailey, I'd take him over all other corners.
19. Steve Hutchinson, G, Minnesota Vikings: He wasn't his usual self in his first season with the Vikings in 2006, but bounced back to his dominating form last year.
20. Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: It's scary to think what the Eagles offense would be like without him. He's a better runner inside the tackles than many expected and he's good in the passing game. He's a versatile weapon.
21. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers: He was hurt last season when Jake Delhomme went down. It doesn't help that Smith has little help on the other side. Defenses all double him.
22. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: When Marvin Harrison was out last season, Wayne emerged as the team's go-to receiver. The guess here is that is that it stays that way. He's a true star now.
23. Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens: He is the prototype modern safety: rangy and can still tackle. He is what safeties like Roy Williams wish they could be.
24. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers: When the Chargers need a first down through the air, Gates is that guy. And he does it facing constant double-coverage.
25. Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts: He's coming off a serious foot injury, which is a concern. It's why his ranking is down. When he's truly healthy, he's a top 15 player.
26. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans: Injuries limited him last season, but Johnson is one of the best when he's on the field. The Texans were a different team without him last season.
27. Jason Peters, T, Buffalo Bills: I love young, rising players like Peters. He plays with a mean streak. Watching him play is like watching a defensive player go at it.
28. Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: He isn't nearly as good as he thinks he is. But he's still pretty damn good. He does have a tendency to disappear in big games.
29. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders: DeAngelo Hall might get more attention on the other side this season, but Asomugha is a better player. He's been overlooked for the past two seasons.
30. Richard Seymour, DE, New England Patriots: He played hurt last season and wasn't the same player as in years past. But he's still one of the best when he's healthy.
32. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago Bears: A few years back he was overrated. He's not anymore. Urlacher excels in the middle of the Chicago defense.
33. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams: The offensive line woes of the Rams really hurt Jackson last season. That line will be better this season and his numbers will go up.
34. Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland Browns: Edwards was second to Moss with 16 receiving touchdowns in his third season in the league. He averaged 16.1 per catch and will only get better as he hits his prime.
35. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: For the second consecutive season, Brees put up huge numbers in the Saints offense. He might not be the biggest or have the strongest arm, but Brees knows how to throw the football.
36. Tommie Harris, DT, Chicago Bears: Harris is strong and quick. He had eight sacks last season, showing off his quickness. He can still hold the point against the run.
37. Asante Samuel, CB, Philadelphia Eagles: He had a big season at the right time, cashing in on a huge deal with the Eagles. He's great at playing the ball in the air, but some scouts think he freelances too much.
38. Shawn Andrews, G, Philadelphia Eagles: He's a huge guard at 6-4, 345 pounds and he shows off that power when blocking for the run. He improved in pass protection in 2007, although the Eagles line regressed as a whole.
39. Ernie Sims, LB, Detroit Lions: It's too bad more people don't get to watch him play. He's a fast linebacker who always seems to find his way to the football. He's a younger Derrick Brooks.
40. Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seattle Seahawks: He's a fierce tackler in the middle of that Seattle defense. He's not big at 6-feet tall, but he plays big. You can tell he loves the game.
41. Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots: He was the best front-seven player on the Pats defense last season. He's a load in the middle. Moving him off the ball is tough for any center.
42. Osi Umenyiora, DE, New York Giants: His speed off the right side is a huge plus for the New York defense. Without Mike Strahan playing on the other side this season, it will be interesting to see how Umenyiora does now.
43. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers: It didn't take him long to establish himself as a top middle linebacker. He is fast, active and packs a punch. In a year or so, he might be the best insider linebacker in the game.
44. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland Browns: He has emerged as one of the rising stars for a rising team. His ability to stretch the defense is vital to the Cleveland offense.
45. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay Packers: He plays all out all the time. Despite being light at 265 pounds, he holds up against the run at left end quite well. He has speed and strength as a pass rusher.
46. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Kansas City Chiefs: He's one of those guys who doesn't seem to ever slow down. He had 99 catches last year in a bad offense.
47. Marcus Trufant, CB, Seattle Seahawks: He led all NFC corners with seven interceptions. He also got credit for 22 passes defensed. He has emerged as a top-tier corner.
48. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots: Yes, he belongs on this list. He had an amazing season as a slot receiver in 2007. Even when teams knew he was getting the football, he made plays.
49. Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Taylor finally got his due last season with his first Pro Bowl appearance. At 32, he remains one of the biggest home-run threats in the league. His 5.4 per-carry average was second best among the league's best rushers to Peterson (5.6).
50. Devin Hester, KR, Chicago Bears: I don't normally put return men on these lists, but this guy has earned it. It will be interesting to see how long he can maintain it.
Three days ago, I dropped my Top 20 quarterback list. To say the least, Eagles fans didn't approve of it, but today they will approve as I release the second of my seven part series: Running Backs.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers: LT has it all: Speed, power, strength, size, and vision and they all form together to make him the best in the game today. Because he is so versiatile, it makes him the biggest running back threat in the league.
2. Brian Westbrook, Eagles: Westbrook is very talented as both a running back and a receiver. His quickness sets him apart from other backs because he can slip tackles and get into open field as a runner and as a receiver he can beat linebackers and get to the next level.
3.Adrian Peterson, Vikings: AP is a very strong and physical back that has misleading speed when he hits the hole. He is probably the most explosive back today. The strength and power AP possesses makes a big difference.
4. Joseph Addai, Colts: Like a lot of backs, Addai has a one-cut style and hit the hole quick. He is very tough to tackle on the next level.
5.Steven Jackson, Rams: Jackson is another RB that possesses great speed, but he is also a back that will run over defenders between the tackles. He is another versatile back.
6. Marion Barber, Cowboys: Barber is a very physical back who like Peterson, is strong with great power. He doesn't run around defenders, he runs right into them and keeps his legs churning.
7. Frank Gore, 49ers: Gore hits the hole fast because he has great speed and is explosive.
8. Marshawn Lynch, Bills: Marshawn is one of the most solid backs in the league as he is good in every asset. He has speed, can make a defender miss, and also be physical between the tackles.
9.Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Johnson is yet another physical NFL runner who can wear down a defense. What is surprising is that he has pretty good open field speed.
10. Willie Parker, Steelers: Parker has thrived in the Steelers run first system, which lets him showcase his ability to hit the hole and accelerate.
11. Clinton Portis, Redskins: Though smaller than some backs, Portis is physical and takes on contact well. He can break tackles with his strength.
12. Fred Taylor, Jaguars: Fred may have had his share of injuries, but you can't deny his talent. He has always had good speed, but his best asset is his elusiveness to get by defenders.
13. Willis McGahee, Ravens: Another tough runner who appears to be slower in movement, but he always seems to get where he needs to be. He can run inside or outside well.
14.Jamal Lewis, Browns: Lewis has great size, and combined with his strength and power, make him a very solid runner. He is a productive back.
15. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: Jones-Drew is a playmaker. He can run the ball with power, catch it out of the backfield, and return kicks. he is very tough and is a 100% effort guy.
16. Justin Fargas, Raiders: Fargas is a very underrated back who is aggressive when given the ball. He also breaks tackles.
17. Laurence Maroney, Patriots: Maroney is another RB with playmaking ability who can be dangerous if he gets to the next level of defenders.
18.Michael Turner, Falcons: Turner attacks the line well and keeps accelerating on contact. Overall, he is a solid back.
19.Ryan Grant, Packers: This one-cut back has enough speed and strength to be a good back today. His vision is also decent.
20. LenDale White, Titans: White has a natural physical presence when carrying the ball and is very good strength wise. If he keeps up his focus to football, then he can be effective.
The NFL season is fast approaching and what better way to get ready for football than countdown the top 20 players at each skill position? My 7 part series will include exactly that as I will breakdown the top 20 at QB, RB, WR, TE, LB, CB, and S. every other day. Today, the series kicks off with the quarterbacks. Hope you enjoy!
1. Tom Brady, Patriots: How can you not have him #1? Brady had a career year last year and he has 3 Super Bowl rings
2. Peyton Manning, Colts: Peyton is one of the hardest working and most prepared QB's in the league and it shows on Sunday
3. Drew Brees, Saints: Yes, Brees is #3, as he puts up great numbers each week
4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: Ben is a top 5 QB as he is a leader and knows how to make plays on Sunday. He also has a Super Bowl ring
5. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks: Matt has consistently lead the Seahawks to the playoffs each year and shows that he is one of the best
6. David Garrard, Jaguars: Garrard emerged last year as a confident and consistent QB, only throwing 3 INT's
7. Carson Palmer, Bengals: Palmer puts up huge numbers each week as he has 2 great WR's in Chad Johnson and T.J. Housmandzadeh
8. Derek Anderson, Browns: Derek also emerged last year and became a leader for the Browns, who just missed the playoffs
9. Eli Manning, Giants: Eli showed great courage last year when he and the Giants went on a great run to a Super Bowl victory
10. Jay Cutler, Broncos: Cutler has showed many flashes of great talent so far and this season should be Jay's breakout year
11. Tony Romo, Cowboys: Romo has thrived in the Cowboy offense, especially with T.O. and Marion Barber
12. Trent Edwards, Bills: Trent showed last year that he could be a great starting QB in the league and lead the Bills to 7 wins as a rookie
13. Marc Bulger, Rams: If not injured, Bulger is a top 10 QB, who has always has been fanatastic with the Rams
14. Donovan McNabb, Eagles: Many people will say he is too low, but without all the injuries, McNabb is a great leader who puts up big numbers
15. Jake Delhomme, Panthers: Jake has always been solid, even leading the Panthers to the Super Bowl and multiple playoff appearances
16. Philip Rivers, Chargers: Rivers has shown he can lead the Chargers to the playoffs, now he has to lead them even farther
17. Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers: After all these years, Garcia still is getting it done no matter where he is
18. Vince Young, Titans: Though he may not be the ideal QB, Young has shown he can be great and lead the Titans to the playoffs last year
19. Jon Kitna, Lions: Jon has been solid for many years, even stablizing the Lions last year
20. Matt Schaub, Texans: Schaub and the Texans are poised for the playoffs this year, and it will be up to Scaub to lead them there
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Rick Ankiel scored from second on the Philadelphia Phillies' second error at first base in the 10th inning, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 7-6 victory Sunday.
The game was marred by a potentially serious injury to Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina in the ninth. Molina was removed on a stretcher and wearing a neck brace after getting run over on a tag play in the top of the inning. Molina was taken to a hospital for evaluation of neck and back pain.
Manager Tony La Russa said initial reports were positive. Albert Pujols, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf, told the manager in the 10th inning that he had spoken with Molina before the catcher was taken to the hospital.
"The initial stuff was OK," La Russa said. "At least right now. We're keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best."
Ankiel reached with two outs on second baseman Chase Utley's wild throw to reliever Tom Gordon, who was covering the bag. After Troy Glaus singled, Gordon (5-4) again had to cover the bag on Chris Duncan's grounder between first and second. He missed the ball as he ran across the base.
Skip Schumaker homered and doubled to wrap up a seven-hit series and Glaus added a two-run shot for his sixth homer of the month. Anthony Reyes (2-1) worked a perfect 10th.
Ankiel doubled off the left-field wall, tripled off the right-field wall and had an RBI for the Cardinals, who took the three-game series after getting routed 20-2 on Friday. St. Louis is 9-0-1 in its last 10 series and has won eight of the 10 series in which it dropped the opener. The Cardinals are 3-2 since Pujols went on the DL.
Ryan Howard had two hits and four RBIs for the NL East-leading Phillies and was 6-for-13 with nine RBIs against his hometown team. Philadelphia stranded 15 runners, leaving the bases loaded four times, and concluded a 5-4 trip.
Molina had to reach back to glove a one-hop throw from Duncan on Jimmy Rollins' bad-hop grounder. He got drilled by pinch runner Eric Bruntlett as he was turning to make the tag.
Molina showed home plate umpire Tim McClelland he still had the ball, before collapsing in front of the plate. He lay face down for several minutes while being attended to by medical personnel and did not appear to be moving as the cart left the field and a sellout crowd gave him a standing ovation.
La Russa said Molina was told not to move because he had been complaining about his neck.
"It gets your stomach a little bit because you fear the worst," the manager said. "It was very scary and we'll see. Hopefully, we're OK."
Bruntlett and Jayson Werth, Philadelphia's next hitter, were among those watching nearby. La Russa had no problem with the play, saying, "I don't blame the runner."
Bruntlett missed a chance to score the go-ahead run from second on Shane Victorino's clean single to right on the previous at-bat, first retreating to second.
St. Louis relievers walked four straight batters, including Howard and Pat Burrell with the bases loaded, to allow the Phillies to tie it at 6 in the eighth. Burrell had been 0-for-6 with four strikeouts against Russ Springer before driving in the tying run on a five-pitch walk with most of the pitches well off the plate.
Cardinals pitchers walked eight batters, while Phillies pitchers didn't walk any.
Phillies starter Brett Myers allowed six runs on eight hits in six innings and has been charged with 11 runs in 11 1-3 innings in his last two appearances.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- It had been eight years since Florida State baseball coach Mike Martin had guided a team to the College World Series.
Mike Martin has Florida State back in the College World Series for the first time since 2000.
But with the national No. 4 seed Seminoles beating Wichita State 11-4 in Sunday's championship game of the Tallahassee Super Regional at Dick Howser Stadium, Martin finally could allow himself to think about returning to Omaha, Neb.
FSU had scored six times in the first inning, chasing Shockers starter Anthony Capra from the mound before he recorded even three outs in the game. Senior right fielder Jack Rye belted a three-run homer, and second baseman Tommy Oravetz hit a three-run double.
"It put us in such a hole," Wichita State coach Gene Stephenson said.
Such a deep hole, in fact, that there didn't seem to be any chance the Shockers would come back. Wichita State had stunned FSU 10-7 in the opening game on Friday, but its heralded pitching staff was no match for the Seminoles in a 14-4 loss Saturday.
Now, the Shockers' third-team All-America starter with the perfect record was sitting on the bench before he could even break a sweat in the first inning.
Enter the guy who almost ended up being Florida State's Steve Bartman.
Trailing 6-0 in the second inning, the Shockers had two outs and a runner on first. FSU starter Geoff Parker got leadoff hitter Andy Dirks to hit a popup down the left-field line. Third baseman Stuart Tapley ran toward the fence to catch it. But then an FSU fan stuck his glove over the fence and snatched it.
Dirks hit a two-run homer to center on the very next pitch, cutting FSU's lead to 6-2. The Shockers scored two more runs in the third to make it 6-4.
All of a sudden, it seemed as though Bartman, the infamous foul-ball poacher at Chicago's Wrigley Field, had relocated to North Florida.
"We weren't every happy about it," Martin said. "I have to admit I couldn't think of his last name, but Steve did come to mind. He's in Siberia now."
Ryan Strauss held the Shockers in check to secure the win Sunday.
That's where the FSU fan who stuck his glove over Tapley's mitt might have ended up if the Seminoles hadn't come back with a run in the fourth and four more in the last three innings to break the game open.
In the end, the play didn't unravel FSU. But the Seminoles have endured so much heartache in trying to get back to Omaha that anything that went wrong seemed to be a sign of impending doom. Before Saturday's win over the Shockers, FSU had lost eight consecutive games in super regionals.
"I'll be honest with you, it's been tough," Martin said. "You work hard and have a group of guys you feel are good enough to get there. And we just couldn't get back there."
Sports fans are very unforgiving, so the fan who plucked Dirks' foul ball might have ended up in FSU sports infamy next to former Seminoles quarterback Chris Rix. At the very least, the fan was escorted out of the stadium by security personnel.
"It was a hell of a catch by the fan," Stephenson said. "He took a sure out away from the field. He really impressed his son because he was high-fiving him after making the catch and then passed the ball over to him."
The foul-turned-homer was enough momentum to give the Shockers new life in a game in which they seemed dead.
"When something like that happens, we've got a chance if we keep them under control," Stephenson said.
But it was FSU reliever Ryan Strauss who kept Wichita State under control. After replacing Parker to start the fourth inning, Strauss allowed only two baserunners in the final six innings.
Buster Posey, one of Florida State's most decorated players, will make his first trip to the College World Series.
Meanwhile, the Seminoles got a two-run homer from All-American catcher Buster Posey in the seventh and insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings. The score might have been much worse if FSU hadn't stranded 16 runners on base.
After the Seminoles recorded the final out with a ground ball to second, they mobbed each other behind the mound. Posey, one of the most decorated players in FSU history, danced around the pile as if he wasn't sure what to do. It had been that long since the Seminoles celebrated a trip to Omaha.
"It's something I've never felt before," Posey said. "To work as hard as you do with a group of guys, and to get to share that moment with them, it was unbelievable."
It will be the 13th time Martin takes a Florida State team to the College World Series. He'll be seeking his first national championship when the Seminoles open play against Stanford at Rosenblatt Stadium next weekend.
"It's ain't about me," Martin said. "It's about us."
Thankfully, it's not about another Bartman, either.
Without the controversy that led to his departure from Philadelphia, Terrell Owens quietly received a new contract with the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, team sources told ESPN's Michael Smith.
The wide receiver was slated to earn $7 million this season in the last year of his contract, but he now receives a four-year, $34 million deal. Owens is slated to earn $27 million over the next three seasons, making him -- along with Randy Moss, Javon Walker and Larry Fitzgerald -- one of the highest paid wide receivers in the league.
Owens will receive $12.9 million to sign and $100,000 of his $830,000 2008 base salary guaranteed, for a total of $13 million guaranteed. He is now under contract through 2011.
In 2004, Owens was heading into the second year of a seven-year, $48.97 million contract with the Eagles when he began squawking about a new deal. He showed up for training camp wearing camouflage, signifying he was at war with the organization, and wound up getting sent home, leading to the bizarre scene of him giving interviews while doing sit-ups in his driveway. The saga dragged on for months, ending with a suspension, then his release.
He signed a three-year, $25 million contract with Dallas in March 2005 and has certainly lived up to it, leading the team in receiving both years while piling up club records. His 28 touchdown catches over the last two seasons are more than any other receiver, and that includes Moss, who set the league record for TDs in a single-season last year.
Adam "Pacman" Jones and the Dallas Cowboys got what they were hoping for Monday -- a partial reinstatement of the suspended cornerback.
Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Jones on Monday he may participate in organized team activities, and the bonus includes training camp and pre-season games. While that decision finally gives Jones the chance to earn his way back into the league, Goodell didn't guarantee he would be reinstated.
"This limited reinstatement is a step in the process," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "Adam is aware of the things that needs to be done in order to take the next step."
A final determination will be made by September 1. Jones will have to be on perfect behavior in order to be eligible for the 2008 season.
Vince Young is known for escaping pressure. The quarterback almost took that to extremes.
The Tennessee Titans 2006 Rookie of the Year told NFL.com in an interview posted on Monday that he considered retirement after his first season.
"I really thought long and hard about it," Young told the Web site. "There was so much going on with my family. It was crazy being an NFL quarterback. It wasn't fun anymore. All of the fun was out of it. All of the excitement was gone. All I was doing was worrying about things.
"My teammates helped lift me out of it. I prayed really hard. And I began to focus on God's calling for me. Play football. Be a role model."
Young was installed as the Titans starter in Week 4 of his rookie season and led Tennessee to an 8-8 record. The Titans barely missed making the playoffs, but Young was named to the Pro Bowl.
Last season, the Titans did make it to the playoffs, but Young threw all nine of the team's touchdown passes for the fewest of any team in the league. Nonetheless, he learned to live with the pressure of being an NFL quarterback.
He proved that to himself when he handled scrutiny that came his way when pictures of him drinking shirtless at a party showed up on the Internet.
"I have a stronger circle," Young told the Web site. "Now I can handle this kind of stuff without it making me want to give up football. I learned that 24/7 I'm representing the Titans and, especially, the kids all over I am trying to influence. I look at my man Michael Vick. I learned from that. I look at Pacman [Jones]. I learned from that. I look at some troubles recently for rappers T.I. and Lil Wayne, guys I listen to. I learned from them. I've learned from my life."
Great article on why the Patriots can't beat the beat the Broncos.
Guarantee you that no one in the Denver media is surprised the New England Patriots have done a poor job of cracking the Broncos' signals.
Is it possible for a team to guard its practices and game plans more than Mike Shanahan's Broncos? This organization may have laid off eight front-office and stadium employees two months ago, but those strong men with dark sunglasses and crossed arms continue to peer beyond the stone wall that surrounds the Dove Valley practice fields.
In the latest revelation of Spygate, evidence is overwhelming the Patriots had been illegally videotaping opposing coaches' signals from the 2000 season until the first game of 2007, when the New York Jets finally snitched.
Many teams were identified as victims, but not the Broncos. The Pats are 1-5 against the Broncos since the start of the 2001 season.
The Broncos' secretive nature, and their success against the Pats, can't be a coincidence.
Don't ask Broncos tight end Daniel Graham about the Pats' past practices. The future is fine, but Graham did not come to Dove Valley to talk about the past.
"I could care less about what the Patriots do," Graham said. "I don't play for them anymore. I'm a Bronco now. I look forward to playing them this year. But I don't have that game circled on the schedule, yet. We've got Oakland first."
Now, that's a well-schooled football player. All players are conditioned to live in the now. Which is why an estimated zero players are losing sleep over the possibility NFL owners will lock them out in 2011. Most players understand they will be lucky if they're part of a 2011 lockout.
"Maybe I'll be on 'Dancing with the Stars' by then," said John Lynch, laughing in reference an Internet blog suggesting he would be an ideal candidate for the popular show.
Even the Broncos' game Oct. 20 in Foxborough isn't worth more than a cursory glance (and perhaps an early prayer that Tom Brady plays on a sprained ankle), not when Denver opens in the Black Hole on Sept. 8.
As for Graham, chances are he's younger than you think. That 2002 Super Bowl when the Patriots didn't illegally videotape, but did illegally observe, the walkthrough of their heavily favored opponent, the St. Louis Rams?
Graham still belonged to the University of Colorado at the time. It wasn't until a few months later that Graham became the Patriots' first-round draft choice and later helped them win two more Super Bowls.
"I wasn't with them for that Super Bowl against the Rams, so whatever happened doesn't concern me," Graham said.
Other than 18 meaningless games, the Pats haven't won a thing without him. The Broncos won only seven meaningless games with Graham last year, but in the end, what difference does it make how many you've won unless you win the Big One?
Graham thinks both he and the only team he cares about will have a much better season this year. He had 24 catches as a blocking tight end for the 7-9 Broncos in 2007, even though he essentially missed the final three games with a high ankle sprain.
"I feel real good," he said. "The offense is coming much easier to me this year. I don't have to stop and think about what I'm supposed to do like I did at this time last year. I'm much more relaxed and comfortable with the system. I think we're going to have a real good offense this year."
Graham was talking seconds after the Broncos completed one of the offseason practices last week that the media was not allowed to observe past the team stretch. When Graham was finished offering nothing about his past, he turned and walked toward the Broncos' locker room, where the media is forbidden except for select days during the regular season.
If the Pats are going to beat the Broncos on Oct. 20, they'll have to beat them fair and square. -Mike Klis, Denver Post
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