Archive for the ‘Football’ Category
2009 Dallas Cowboys Tickets on Sale
August 27th, 2009
The Dallas Cowboys, mainstays of the NFL’s Eastern Conference, joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1960 and have become one of the premier organizations in the league, winning five Super Bowl championships and winning their conference eight times.
Despite their history of success, the team failed to make the playoffs during the 2008 season. Losing an embarrassing game to the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of 2008, the Cowboys understand that they need to make major changes in the 2009 offseason in order to remain competitive in an exceptionally tough division and conference.
During the 2009 offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have made some major changes. Adam “Pacman” Jones, known more for his off field exploits than on field successes, was released. They also released perennial troublemakers Terrell Owens and Terry “Tank” Johnson. Roy Williams will become the primary receiver, while Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton will see much more playing time this season.
Although the Cowboys defense was one of the areas where they stumbled last season, they haven’t found the answers for this season, and the draft is not likely to have helped. With problems in the secondary and defensive line, the Cowboys will need to find ways to slow down strong running teams.
There were a few bright spots in the 2009 draft. One of the smartest picks was Robert Brewster, who is an offensive tackle from Ball State. In addition, the Cowboys acquired Michael Hamlin, who is a safety from Clemson. It remains to be seen if, and when, any of these players will have a positive impact on the team.
The Cowboys are looking for more than just a few roster moves to put the past season behind them. During offseason workouts, the Cowboys were thumped by a windstorm that blew through Texas on May 2 and destroyed a practice facility, injuring a dozen players and coaches. The organization is looking forward to their new stadium opening on September 20th to try and get the entire team back on track.
Most forecasters agree that Dallas should have early season successes. Unfortunately, the team’s defense will be tested early by the Carolina Panthers’ formidable running game, and often during a grueling five game stretch that will end the season. The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles will be especially tough games. Considering Dallas’ recent history of late season collapses, during which they have not had a winning record in December since 1996, it will be hard for them to make the playoffs. However, if they can start out strong early in the season, then it is very possible that the Dallas Cowboys can achieve the success that has eluded them over the last few years.
Tags: games, pets, self help, sports
Tags: Football, Sports
Posted in Football | Comments (0)
Tom Terrific Returns to the Field
August 26th, 2009
It seems like an eternity, but the day is finally here. Tom Brady has returned to action for the Patriots, finally putting to rest his horrible injury that sidelined him for all of 2008. I remember being there exactly when it happened.
My girlfriend went to her first game and perhaps last after the jinx she may have put on Brady (I am cringing about the Atlanta game this year. Love you baby!). I remember someone saying that #16 is in the game. I thought it was a cruel joke but it wasn’t. NIGHTMARE realized!!
While Cassel was a great backup in 2008, he’s with the Chiefs now and we have our real QB back in order. Brady played his first preseason game last week, and was 10-15 with 100 yards and two touchdowns. Just one interception. Things are looking fine.
He put up very impressive numbers, but my favorite Brady moment last week was his reaction to his badly thrown interception. From Brady’s reaction, you would have thought he threw the pick in the middle of a playoff game.
He was pissed! You have to love that competitive fire Tom has. It doesn’t matter that this was a meaningless pre-season game or a playoff game. He goes full throttle all the time. This is why hands down he is the best QB in the league.
He is a passionate leader that blames no one but himself for his mistakes. There is no crying about his line or wide receivers like Mr. Peyton Manning has done in the past.
Preseason game #1 is in the books and mission accomplished. Brady is shaking the rust off and is getting the games reps he needs.
He is getting his rhythm back with Mr. Moss and has made new friends with Chris Baker. Tom’s toy box is full this year and he just can’t wait to play.
Tags: sports, men, self help, general
Posted in Football | Comments (0)
British Soccer Legend Robson Dead At 75
August 21st, 2009
One of Englands most beloved sporting figures, Sir Bobby Robson, yielded to his courageous fight with cancer recently at the age of 75. British soccer fans mourned his passing after a lifetime in the game, first as a player and then a team manager and elder statesman. Even the often snippy British press had nothing bad to say about the universally respected Robson, headlining their obituaries with adjectives like The Bravest Knight or simply The Legend.
Robson enjoyed a productive career as a player that spanned 20 years and was spent primarily in the English Premier League with Fulham and West Bromwich Albion. He also earned twenty ‘caps’ in International play for England, scoring four goals.
After his retirement in 1968 as an active player, he found more fame as a team manager. His guiding hand transformed Ipswich Town from a laughing stock to an EPL powerhouse and he would lead the club for well over a decade. He would also serve as the England National Team manager for 8 years, before ending his career in British football with a stint as manager of Newcastle United that ended in 2004.
Robson earned even more love and admiration from his countrymen due to his public battle with cancer. Although a brain tumor left him partially paralyzed in 2006, he never wavered in his commitment to English football or to raising money and awareness for cancer treatment. After being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2007, he dedicated the rest of his life to helping others with the same diagnosis. He started the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and raised well over one million pounds for the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre in Newcastle.
Even two men who seldom see eye to eye on anything–Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson–were in agreement on Robson’s greatness:
I wanted to and I will keep with me always the Bobby Robson of every day, a person who had extraordinary passion for life and for football, with an extraordinary enthusiasm. Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die, not so much for what he did in his career, for one victory more or less, but for what he knew to give to those who had, like me, the good fortune to know him and walk by his side. My thoughts and embraces go to all his loved ones.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson shared these touching comments:
In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above him. I was never too big or proud to ask him for advice, which he gave freely and unconditionally. And I’m sure I am speaking for a lot of people when I say that. I mourn the passing of a great friend, a wonderful individual, a tremendous football man and somebody with passion and knowledge of the game that was unsurpassed.
His character was hewn out of the coalface; developed by the County Durham mining background that he came from. His parents instilled in him the discipline and standards which forged the character of a colossal human being. He added his own qualities to that which he passed on to his sons. The strength and courage he showed over the past couple of years when battling against his fifth bout of cancer was indescribable. Always a smile, always a friendly word with never a mention of his own problems.
The world, not just the football world, will miss him. Let’s hope it won’t be long before another like him turns up because we could never get enough of them.
Many EPL clubs will honor Robson in some form or another during the upcoming season with a number of more lasting tributes planned. Several statues and other permanent forms of remembrance are reportedly under consideration.
Tags: self help, sports, hobbies, self motivation
Posted in Football | Comments (0)
Ravens Maul Redskins In NFL Preseason Rivalry Matchup
August 20th, 2009
The Baltimore Ravens are clearly responding to first year defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. In Mattisons debut as an NFL coordinator the Ravens obliterated their regional rivals the Washington Redskins, completing a shutout by a final score of 23-0. The Baltimore offense played competent football but the Ravens stop unit looked to be in regular season form already.
There had been some concern about the Ravens lack of depth at wide receiver, but on this night at least that wasn’t an issue. Backup QB Troy Smith said that Ravens signal callers had been instructed to get as many players involved in the offense as possible:
“It’s been drilled into both our heads to spread the ball around, to not have tunnel vision. The sky’s the limit for us.”
Starting QB Joe Flacco was pleased with the effort:
“As an offense, everything felt really good. I was happy with the way our receivers and running backs were moving. Our line did a heck of a job for being their first time out. I didn’t have to do anything but sit in the pocket and make throws.”
The Ravens defense, meanwhile, was simply stifling. Washington never got closer than the Baltimore 30 yardline, and 9 of their 12 drives failed to reach midfield. Head coach John Harbaugh joked about awarding defensive coordinator Mattison the game ball:
“I don’t know how he’s going to do it, but he said he’s going to divide it up for every one of the 80 guys on the team.
Redskins coach Jim Zorn remained upbeat despite the decisive loss:
“This is a tremendous tool for us to use. We look for these things, these learning situations.”
The Redskins will continue their NFL preseason play by hosting the Superbowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. Baltimore, meanwhile, will welcome the New York Jets to Charm City on Monday night. The Redskins will open the NFL regular season with a big divisional tilt against the New York Giants at The Meadowlands on Sunday, September 13 while Baltimore will host the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tags: pets, recreation, hobbies, general
Posted in Football | Comments (0)
