Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Mike Tolbert, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Week 16 injuries 2010
UPDATE: NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reported Tolbert has passed all of his initial medical tests and was scheduled to travel home with the Chargers. Tolbert could sit out Week 17 as a precaution, but seems to have avoided serious injury.
A scary scene played out on Sunday in Cincinnati, where Chargers RB Mike Tolbert was taken off the field on a stretcher following a collision with two Bengals defenders.
Tolbert went down midway through the first quarter when he was hit by Reggie Nelson after a short run. Nelson appeared to hit Tolbert on the left side of the helmet. Tolbert did lower his head slightly, and appeared to be injured on the impact from Nelson, and not the ground. It left Tolbert face-down on the field, and motionless.
Players from both teams surrounded Tolbert as medical personnel immobilized him and strapped him to a body board before loading him on a stretcher. Because teams take every precaution available, there’s no indication to the severity of Tolbert’s condition to be taken from the scene on the field.
It was certainly encouraging to see Tolbert give a thumbs-up as he left the field, which drew a cheer from the crowd.
Tolbert was presumably taken to the locker room, and we’ll pass along any updates.
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Matt Forte, Chicago Bears, Jason La Canfora, New York Jets, Santonio Holmes, Shonn Greene
Here is this weeks’ recipe for a fantasy shootout: Freezing temperatures. Conditions so dangerous that our Jason La Canfora could not film from the field. And mix in a couple of top-eight defenses.
That is fantasy gold, Jerry. Gold.
No really. Because the Jets and Bears have combined for 72 points. Most of those points going to waste because a lot of people benched their Jets and Bears players. Santonio Holmes has a touchdown, and he is started in less than 40 percent of leagues. Shonn Greene is having a good game, he is starting just over 40 percent of leagues.
And seriously, why does Matt Forte decided to become a matchup-proof running back after he has already ruined most fantasy seasons? He is not only on the list, it is named after Forte. And Forte was only started in 50 percent of leagues.
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Brian Westbrook, Jerome Simpson, Larry Fitzgerald, Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Reggie Wayne, Tim Tebow, Tom Brady, Wes Welker
Remember when Emperor Palpatine told Darth Vader (formerly Anakin Skywalker) that in his anger he had killed Padme Amidala (the love of his life) at the end of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith? That “Nooooooo!” Vader screamed at the realization of his actions was one of the most memorable (and humorous) parts of the film.
I think I heard that same yell from fantasy owners when Peyton Manning decided to slide near the goal line rather than score a touchdown against the Raiders.
In a play that would have been more likely called for someone like Michael Vick or Tim Tebow, Manning took off for 27 yards on a naked bootleg and ran inside the Raiders’ 5-yard line. But rather than continue on into the end zone for the touchdown, Manning slid down short as a defender closed in behind him.
Had Manning continued to run and scored, he would have finished with closer to 24 fantasy points instead of the 17 he recorded in lieu of the touchdown. If you’re a fantasy historian, you’ll remember that Brian Westbrook made a similar decision against the Cowboys in 2007.
Maurice Jones-Drew did the same thing in a game against the Jets last season, and he had himself in a fantasy league!
Of course, Westbrook and Jones-Drew didn’t slide and cost owners a touchdown in championship week.
But in a week where Tebow outscored Manning, Philip Rivers and Tom Brady and Jerome Simpson put up more fantasy points than Larry Fitzgerald, Vincent Jackson, Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker combined, well, I guess it’s all par for the course.
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Published: December 28th, 2010 | Tags: New Orleans Saints,
The defending NFL champions will get a chance to defend their title.
By virtue of their 17-14 win Monday night in Atlanta, the Saints clinched a spot in the NFC playoffs.
The battle for home-field advantage in the NFC playoff picture still remains undecided. The Falcons control their destiny and can clinch a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFC with a win Sunday against Carolina (2-13). But the Saints also have an outside shot at the No. 1 seed, needing to beat the Buccaneers (9-6) along with a Falcons loss.
The Eagles and Bears are also still alive to earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
As for the rest of the NFC playoff picture, only one wild-card slot remains. The Packers control their playoff destiny and would clinch with a win over the Bears in Week 17. The Packers also could get in with a loss and losses by the Giants and Buccaneers.
The win by the Saints seriously damaged the playoff hopes of the Giants and Buccaneers, who can clinch only with a win and a loss by the other team, as well as the Packers.
Here’s a look at the clinching scenarios for Week 17.
1. Regardless of your opinion on whether 6-6 records are bowl-worthy, no teams’ seasons are defined by their bowl results quite like these. Louisville beats Southern Mississippi to go 7-6? Charlie Strong has a successful rookie season. Air Force takes advantage of a slew of Georgia Tech mistakes to win, 14-7 in the Independence Bowl on Monday night? The Yellow Jackets (6-7) lose five of their past six games and face a very long offseason.
2. Leave it to Sue Paterno to crush the rumors of her husband’s ill health. Joe Paterno is fine, Sue said Monday during Outback Bowl week, and the two of them have not discussed the possibility that he will not coach in 2011. Paterno, who turned 84 last week, has been quoted as saying he plans to coach five more years. That’s been his stock line for 25 years, which is also about how long he has had to deal with rumors of his impending retirement.
3. Most coaches schedule a walk-through at the stadium on Friday. By Monday afternoon, both Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema and TCU coach Gary Paterson already had taken their teams to the Rose Bowl. They did it to take pictures and, of course, to minimize the jitters that will overtake the players when they come out of the end zone tunnels on Saturday. And they did it because who wouldn’t visit the Rose Bowl as soon as you could?
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Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst, Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks, Week 16 injuries 2010
For the second straight week, we have a Charlie Whitehurst sighting. This time around, though, it’s because starting QB Matt Hasselbeck left Sunday’s game during the first quarter with a hip injury.
The Seahawks announced Hasselbeck is questionable to return. The FOX game broadcast reported the injury is to Hasselbeck’s left hip.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll elected to stick with Hasselbeck as his starter against the Bucs after contemplating a switch to Whitehurst following last Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. Hasselbeck was benched during the third quarter following a series of mistakes.
This time around, Carroll didn’t have to make that decision.
The Seahawks are still alive for an NFC playoff spot. With a win by the Rams over the 49ers, the NFC West title will be decided next week when the Seahawks host the Rams.
Published: December 27th, 2010 | Tags: Tom Brady, Michael Vick, NFL MVP
It has become clear over the last several weeks that the NFL MVP race turned into a two-man sprint. Tom Brady and Michael Vick.
There’s an argument that Brady cemented the award with his performance in Week 16, setting an NFL record with 319 consecutive passes without an interception. But that could have been argued three weeks ago. And Vick, deservedly so, also has his supporters. Because of their performances each week, this conversation seems to sway toward the player who most recently took the field. So maybe minds will change again Tuesday night.
While we found out last week who Vick would vote for, Brady was asked for his take during his weekly radio appearance Monday.
“My feeling, as always, is the most valuable player award in a team sport, to me that doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Brady told WEEI Radio. “I can understand you have a most valuable golfer or something like that. Michael Vick is a great player, and he’s the best player for that team. He fits what they do well. Peyton Manning fits what his team does well.
“Unfortunately, it’s really a quarterback award, not a lot of other great players get that recognition, which they probably should. There are so many great players in the league. You know, I guess it’s something they have to do. The only award I ever cared about is a Super Bowl ring.”
Without making a complete distinction off one simple question, it’s telling the way Brady formulates answers about his personal achievements. The mark of a leader has been aptly described as one who deflects praise and accepts criticism. That’s what we see repeatedly from Brady.
A couple of injury notes to pass along out of Denver.
The Broncos announced CB Champ Bailey is questionable to return against the Texans due to an ankle injury, while RB Knowshon Moreno is probable to return after sustaining a rib injury.
Bailey is standing on the sidelines with a winter cap on, and doesn’t look like he has any intention of returning to the game. He’s been replaced by Parrish Cox.
Moreno hasn’t played yet in the second half as the Broncos have gone with a combination of Correll Buckhalter and Lance Ball. According to the team, Moreno aggrivated an injury that limited him in practice during the week. He had been listed as qeustionable against the Texans.
Video: Preparing for the Rose Bowl - College Football Nation Blog - ESPNespn.memberservices.welcome();EDITIONS:USADEPORTESMoreAsiaAustraliaBrazilUnited KingdomCITIES:BOSTONCHICAGODALLASLOS ANGELESNEW YORKESPNCollege FootballShop.ie6 #searchBox, .ie6 #searchBox div { display: inline; } 855499College Football Nation BlogBlogs HomeCollege FB NationACCBig 12Big EastBig TenPac-10SECespn.core.init.flashHeader(jQuery('#sub-section-title'));window.fbAsyncInit = function() {FB.init({appId: "116656161708917",cookie: true, // these two are not required for partners thatstatus: true, // only rely on stk plugins and don't use connectxfbml: true,channelUrl: document.location.protocol + '//' + document.domain + '/facebook/channel.html'});jQuery(document).ready(function () {FB.XFBML.parse();FB.Event.subscribe('edge.create', function(href, widget) {if(typeof anTrackLink === 'function') {anTrackLink(jQuery('.fb_iframe_widget')[0],'espn','facebook','like');}});});};(function() {var e = document.createElement('script'); e.async = true;e.src = document.location.protocol + '//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js';document.getElementById('fb-root').appendChild(e);}());.post-wrapper .mod-content img, .post-wrapper .mod-content table { vertical-align: none; }.mod-blog-post .mod-inline .mod-content p.stats-title {margin: 0 !important;}.mod-blog-post .mod-content ul.stats li {margin: 0 !important;} Video: Preparing for the Rose BowlDecember, 27, 2010Dec 278:25PM ETEmailPrintCommentsBy Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett
Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett discuss the Monday preparations of Wisconsin and TCU for the Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO.
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Wisconsin Badgers, TCU Horned Frogs, 2011 Rose Bowl coverage
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112909 (6)helmet stickers 120609 (5)what to watch 120309 (7)what we learned 112209 (8)what we learned 112909 (7)TOP 25 SCOREBOARDTuesday, 12/286:30 PM ET 22West VirginiaNorth Carolina StateESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets10:00 PM ET 12MissouriIowaESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsSaturday, 12/18Final Brigham Young52UTEP24RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartFinal Northern Illinois40Fresno State17RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartFinal Ohio21Troy48RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartTuesday, 12/21Final Southern Miss28Louisville31RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartWednesday, 12/22Final 19Utah310Boise State26RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartThursday, 12/23Final Navy14San Diego State35RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartFriday, 12/24Final 24Hawaii35Tulsa62RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartSunday, 12/26Final Florida International34Toledo32RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartMonday, 12/27Final Air Force14Georgia Tech7RecapBox ScoreDrive ChartWednesday, 12/292:30 PM ET East CarolinaMarylandESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets6:00 PM ET IllinoisBaylorESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets9:15 PM ET 14Oklahoma StateArizonaESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsThursday, 12/3012:00 PM ET ArmySouthern MethodistESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets3:20 PM ET Kansas StateSyracuseESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets6:40 PM ET North CarolinaTennesseeESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets10:00 PM ET 18NebraskaWashingtonESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsFriday, 12/3112:00 PM ET South FloridaClemsonESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets2:00 PM ET Notre DameMiami (FL)CBSPreviewTickets3:30 PM ET Georgia25UCFESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets7:30 PM ET 20South Carolina23Florida StateESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsSaturday, 1/112:00 PM ET NorthwesternTexas TechESPNU PreviewTickets1:00 PM ET 16Alabama9Michigan StateESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets1:00 PM ET FloridaPenn StateABCPreviewTickets1:30 PM ET 21Mississippi StateMichiganESPN2/ESPN3PreviewTickets5:00 PM ET 5Wisconsin3TCUESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets8:30 PM ET Connecticut7OklahomaESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsMonday, 1/38:30 PM ET 4Stanford13Virginia TechESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsTuesday, 1/48:30 PM ET 6Ohio State8ArkansasESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsThursday, 1/68:00 PM ET Middle TennesseeMiami (OH)ESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsFriday, 1/78:00 PM ET 11LSU17Texas A&MFOXPreviewTicketsSaturday, 1/812:00 PM ET PittsburghKentuckyESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsSunday, 1/99:00 PM ET 15NevadaBoston CollegeESPN/ESPN3PreviewTicketsMonday, 1/108:30 PM ET 2Oregon1AuburnESPN/ESPN3PreviewTickets
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UConn Huskies believe they belong (6 minutes ago)
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Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Philadelphia Eagles, 2010 NFL playoff picture, NFL playoffs
The Eagles didn’t even have to play Sunday in order to clinch the NFC East. That was taken care of by the Giants.
The Eagles entered Week 16 needing a win or a loss by the Giants to stake claim to the division title. But due to an expected blizzard on the East Coast, they won’t get their chance against the Vikings until Tuesday night. No matter. Thanks to the Giants’ loss in Green Bay, the Eagles’ spot is now secure.
As division champs the Eagles would host a first-round game, but they still have a hand in controlling their playoff seed. The Bears need the Eagles to lose on Tuesday night in order clinch the NFC’s No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. However, if the Eagles win and the Bears lose in Week 17 to the Packers, the Eagles would claim the first-round bye. If the teams finish tied, the Bears hold the tie-breaker given their win over the Eagles earlier this season.
Keep an eye on the updates as to how the playoff picture would look if the season ended right now.
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Anthony Fasano, Arrelious Benn, Calvin Johnson, Carlos Rogers, Champ Bailey, Chris Houston, David Nelson, Dennis Pitta, Earnest Graham, James Ihedigbo, Keaston Kristick, Knowshon Moreno, Lee Robinson, Lydon Murtha, Matt Hasselbeck, Mike Tolbert, Morgan Cox, Nolan Carroll, Phillip Adams, Tavares Gooden, Week 16 injuries 2010, Zach Miller
With Sunday’s Week 16 games in the books, here’s a look at the notable injuries around the league:
It was a scary scene in Cincinnati when Chargers RB Mike Tolbert was taken off the field on a stretcher with a neck injury. NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reported initial tests done on Tolbert were negative, and he avoided serious injury.Buccaneers rookie WR Arrelious Benn (knee) and RB Earnest Graham (neck) didn’t return after suffering injuries against the Seahawks.The Broncos played much of Sunday’s game against the Texans without CB Champ Bailey (ankle) and RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs). Backup LB Lee Robinson also left the game late with a hamstring injury.Ravens HC John Harbaugh said LB Tavares Gooden (dislocated shoulder) and LS Morgan Cox (knee) sustained injuries against the Browns. According to the team’s official site, TE Dennis Pitta (concussion) was also injured. Harbaugh indicated Cox could have “serious” knee damage, which he believes is a torn ligament. There was no mention of WR Derrick Mason, who limped off the field during the fourth quarter.The Dolphins lost TE Anthony Fasano (knee) and RT Lydon Murtha (head) against the Lions. The Associated Press also reported reserve CB Nolan Carroll left the game in the first half with a concussion.Lions HC Jim Schwartz said WR Calvin Johnson will be day to day after re-aggravating his ankle injury and sitting out the fourth quarter Sunday, while CB Chris Houston didn’t return after injuring his shoulder.The Redskins lost CB Carlos Rogers to a calf injury. Rogers told The Washington Post he hopes to play in the season finale against the Giants.Bills HC Chan Gailey told reporters TE David Nelson won’t play in the season finale next week due to the rib injury he suffered against the Patriots.Jaguars reserve TE Zach Miller didn’t return after suffering a concussion in the first quarter against the Redskins.49ers backup CB Phillip Adams was carted off with a broken left ankle against the Rams. Matt Maiocco reported rookie LB Keaton Kristick sustained a concussion.Jets HC Rex Ryan said backup SS James Ihedigbo will likely sit out next week against the Bills after sustaining a knee injury against the Bears.Posted in: News
The Saints played for their proverbial lives Monday night. Offensively, they played very well, but defensively they were spectacular. When no one but themselves and their fans gave them a snowball’s chance in hades of winning this game, they marched into the Georgia Dome and took care of business.
The game started off rather uneventfully for Drew Brees and company as they went three-and-out. But the defense kept the Falcons in check as well and so it went until the Saints put together an impressive drive that ended with a 52-yard Garrett Hartley field goal. Next Falcons possession, the Saints caught a huge break when the Falcon’s center, Todd McClure mishandled the snap to Ryan and a blitzing Jonathan Vilma alertly fell on it. The Saints were very impressive after the turnover, particularly Pierre Thomas who rumbled through for a critical 16-yard run before walking 2 yards into the endzone for the game’s first TD giving his team a 10-0 lead.
The lead was short-lived, however, as the Falcons responed quickly with a 78-yard touchdown drive of their own. With 7:28 left in the first quarter, Matt Ryan hit Roddy White for a 7-yard touchdown pass to narrow the score to 10-7. The Saints made one more impressive drive after that, but were knocked out of scoring range by a couple of big defensive plays by the Falcons. The score was 10-7 at halftime.
In the second half, the Saints defense flexed its muscle in front of the national television audience and showed everyone that they are capable of playing some tough football too. On a penalty-ridden drive in which the Saints literally escorted the Falcons down the field, the goal line defense of New Orleans came up huge. Jeff Charleston hit Michael Turner on the goal line, forcing a fumble that was alertly recovered by Marvin Mitchell. The Saints failed to take advantage of the turnover that time though, even though they put together a few good series to move the ball down the field. Instead they ended up punting after using three minutes and some change off the clock.
The Saints defense kept Atlanta off their game to start the second half. The Falcons offense couldn’t seem to get anything going. It was a horribly ill-advised throw by Drew Brees that led to the Falcons only other touchdown when Chauncey Davis intercepted a little flip pass intended for Reggie Bush. Atlanta took its first lead 14-10. Brees subsequently threw his second interception of the night to John Abraham on the Saints very next possession. Worthy of noting though is the fact that Brees was the one who tackled Abraham and prevented him from running it all the way back. It was a great job by the Saints defense to keep Atlanta from capitalizing off the turnover.
The Saints offense drove the field almost effortlessly, capping the drive with a 25-yard touchdown reception from Brees to Colston. But once again, a penalty wiped it out when Jermon Bushrod was flagged for a false start. Talk about a momentum killer! The drive eventually stalled. Fortunately, the Saints defense came to play and was able to keep Atlanta from scoring.
The Saints final scoring drive was nothing short of brilliant. This time, Payton used a balanced offensive scheme that kept the Falcons defense off balance. For the first time all night, New Orleans weathered the blitzes leaving the Falcons looking confused. Brees hit Lance Moore for an 18-yard pickup to move the chains on 3rd and 11. Then Payton called a reverse run by Devery Henderson for 11 yards and another first down. Then the crafty skill and footwork of Pierre Thomas turned a short pass into a critical 22-yard gain! With 3:24 left in the game, Brees threw a strike to Jimmy Graham for a 6-yard touchdown. After marching 90 yards and chewing up more than 7 minutes off the clock, the Saints regained the lead and never looked back. The defense was able to hold the Falcons, forcing them to punt on 4th and 6 with 2:52 left in the game. The Saints subsequently picked up some key first downs and were able to just run the clock out.
This, the final Monday Night Football game of the 2010 season, certainly lived up to all the hype. With this victory, the Saints clinch a playoff berth for the second time in two years. There were so many impressive performances on offense, but I was so very proud of the defense. After being ridicluled last week because of the lack of defense against Baltimore, Gregg Williams had his guys ready to play and they rebounded nicely. Hopefully, they’re just getting warmed up for the playoffs.
The No. 2 bowl in the Big East pecking order is also the second-earliest bowl for the league. West Virginia gets back to action after a few weeks of wild coaching news. Here's a quick preview of Tuesday night's Champs Sports Bowl:
WHO TO WATCH: West Virginia running back Noel Devine. It's the final college game for Devine, who has amassed over 4,000 rushing yards in his career. He hasn't been the same player this year ever since a foot injury against LSU, which was later exacerbated by an ankle problem in the Louisville game. But now he's had a few weeks to heal, and perhaps he's ready to deliver a fitting swan song. When he's right, there's no more explosive player in the country. If he's not himself, then the Mountaineers may turn to Shawne Alston and Ryan Clarke for the bulk of the carries.
WHAT TO WATCH: West Virginia's defense versus NC State quarterback Russell Wilson. The Mountaineers had one of the best defenses in the country this year, not once allowing more than 21 points. That defense will be facing the best quarterback it has seen this year in the dangerous, multi-dimensional Wilson. Add to that the fact that top cornerback Brandon Hogan will miss the game with a torn ACL, and this is arguably the biggest challenge all season for this defense. Defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel's 3-3-5 scheme and a ton of veterans has made West Virginia difficult for any quarterback to solve this year. It will be fun to watch how Wilson fares.
WHY TO WATCH: West Virginia is the highest-ranked team in the Big East, and many people think the Mountaineers would have made a better BCS representative for the league than Connecticut, to whom they lost in overtime on the road. Here is their chance to prove it. It will also be the final game before Dana Holgorsen takes over as offensive coordinator/coach-in-waiting, so this marks the end of an era in some ways. The Big East is looking for respect, and so its top-ranked team needs to take care of business against an ACC also-ran.
PREDICTION: This is a tough one because nobody knows exactly how much of a distraction the coaching situation was for this team. Hogan's loss hurts, too. I think Wilson will help NC State exploit West Virginia's defense more than any other team all season, but in the end Geno Smith and the Mountaineers make one more play. Give me West Virginia by a field goal, 26-23.
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Derrick Mason has left Sunday’s game against the Browns with what looks to be a right leg injury.
Mason was injured while running a route down the field early during the fourth quarter. He first tripped after his feet got tangled with T.J. Ward, and then after regaining his balance pulled up lame as he made his way to the sideline. It didn’t look like Mason was able to put much weight on his right leg, and he was down in pain on the sideline for several moments.
Mason is the Ravens’ leading receiver today against the Browns with four receptions for 50 yards, and was on the receiving end of one of Joe Flacco’s two touchdown throws.
No official word from the Ravens just yet, but Mason was limited in practice this week due to an ankle issue.
Published: December 27th, 2010 | Tags: Mike Singletary, Charles Davis, Michael Lombardi, NFL Total Access, Warren Sapp
Charles Davis, Michael Lombardi and Warren Sapp discuss what didn’t work for Mike Singletary in San Francisco, and who could be his successor. Two names Lombardi suggests as possible replacements: Jon Gruden and Jim Harbaugh.
The Kansas City Chiefs are your 2010 AFC West Champions.
The Chiefs entered Week 16 needing a win and a loss by the Chargers to capture the division crown, and both came through. The Chiefs dismantled the Titans earlier in the day, and the Chargers have lost to the Bengals.
While the AFC seeding has yet to be determined, the Chiefs will open the playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium. It could come as the No. 3 seed, hosting either the Jets or the second wild card between the Ravens/Steelers. Looking at the current playoff picture, the Chiefs would host the Jets, the AFC’s No. 6 seed.
As expected after a 25-17 loss to the Rams which officially kicks them out of a chance at making the playoffs, the 49ers have canned head coach Mike Singletary.
The team fell to 5-10 Sunday, and the loss to the Rams knocks them from playoff contention in a wide-open NFC West. A preseason favorite to win the division, San Francisco underachieved all the way, never living up to its expectations.
Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula will replace Singletary for the final game against Arizona.
Singletary went 18-22 in two-plus seasons as 49ers head coach, including a surprising 8-8 mark last year. But this season has been an almost wire-to-wire disaster.
Flip-flopping between starting quarterbacks, Singletary had a confrontation with his last choice during Sunday’s loss in St. Louis, jawing with Troy Smith on the sideline after he threw an interception.
Singletary is known, of course, as a Hall-of-Fame linebacker with the Chicago Bears. But he called coaching the 49ers one of the greatest experiences of his life.
“What made it so special were the players,” Singletary said in a release issued by the team. “They were some of the most outstanding men I have ever been around in my life.”
Singletary called the coaches “professionals” and said he wished the team “nothing but the best.” He thanked the owners for giving him an opportunity to coach in the NFL.
“I am indebted to them for that,” Singletary said. “I am also thankful for the faithful fans, I am just sorry I couldn’t give them more.”
Tomsula was in his fourth season as the 49ers defensive line coach after a nine-year career in NFL Europa.
A full-time head coach isn’t the only position the team will have to fill in the offseason. The 49ers have been working without a general manager since firing Scot McCloughan back in March.
Senior writer jclombardi grades Packers win over Giants.
GAME BALLS: NT Raji; LB Bishop; WR Nelson; FB Kuhn; QB Rodgers.
INJURY REPORT: S Bigby (groin).
Report Card Grades–Good, Bad, & Ugly (JC vs. SE):
PASSING OFFENSE: A vs A. Rodgers threw for 404 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 139.9 passer rating, returning from a concussion to lead the Pack past the Giants 45-17. Rodgers completed passes to nine different targets and challenged the Giants downfield. With good protection and scrambling against a strong pass rush, Rodgers connected seven passes for longer than 20 yards. Though the Giants sacked Rodgers twice, they generally didn’t get much pressure. When they did, Rodgers escaped the pocket and either completed a pass or ran for a first down. WR Jennings had 7 catches for 142 yards. WR Nelson had 4 catches for 124 yards and 1 touchdown.
RUSHING OFFENSE: C+ VS C+. The Packers rushed for 118 yards averaging a poor 2.8 yards. Yet, they kept the Giants defense honest running often enough and well enough to open up play- action pass plays with these running plays and tough yards. The Giants have a swarming defense. And what the Packers essentially did was use their strength against them. They got the Giants defenders running to the ball and then threw over the top of them. It also slowed down the Giants defensive ends on the pass rush. And the Packers accomplished that by the number of times they ran. The ball-carrying committee of RBs Jackson and Nance and FB Kuhn combined for 93 yards in 33 carries. Although FB Kuhn had only 29 total yards, Kuhn scored three touchdowns on an 8-yard run, a 5-yard pass from Rodgers and a 1-yard plunge.
PASSING DEFENSE: B- vs C. The defense gave up two big touchdown pass plays on two freak plays. Manning (17-for-33, 301 yards) did have his good moments and capitalized on one-on-one coverage breakdowns by cornerback Charles Woodson and Williams for touchdown throws of 36 and 85 yards to Nicks and Manningham, respectively. The Nicks touchdown was the plays in culmination of three consecutive which Woodson slipped, committed an illegal-contact penalty and slipped again. Yet, the defense got 6 big takeaways including 2 fumbles. With a decent pass rush against QB Manning, the Packers got good pressure forcing 4 crucial interceptions. Manning completed only 17 of 33 passes for 301 yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs, and 63.6 passer rating. The Packers scored 24 points from turnovers. After CB Williams’ interception set up the Packers’ second touchdown, fumbles forced by CB Woodson and LB Matthews and interceptions by CB Shields, S Collins and LB Hawk turned the game into a rout.
RUSHING DEFENSE: A- vs A-. The Packers held the Giants to 21 carries for only 90 yards. The two momentum changing takeaway fumbles were caused by CB Woodson and by OLB Matthews.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B- vs B-. The Giants averaged only 18.6-yard on kickoffs and only 4.3 on punts. Punter Masthay did okay with five punts averaging 39 yards including a 54 yard one. The return combination of Shields on kickoffs (15.0 average) and Williams on punts (3.5 average) looked very average.
COACHING: A vs A. For the game, the Packers were 5 for 6 in the red zone. The Packers had season highs in total yards (515), points (45), and defensive takeaways (six). A second straight week of well-balanced play-calling between the pass and run enabled Rodgers to thrive with play-action and by going deep as the Packers piled up a season-high 515 yards and held the football for more than 37 minutes. The combination of never trailing and controlling the line of scrimmage when the Giants did run allowed defensive coordinator Capers to have his ball-hawking charges zero in on Manning and generate a season-high six takeaways.
OVERALL: A vs CBS Sportsline A-. Rodgers threw for 404 yards and 4 TDs in his return. The offensive line held up against the Giants’ active front four and the WRs were too much for the Giants cornerbacks. Eli Manning was forced into four INTs and the Giants turned the ball over six times. The Giants were held to 90 yards rushing on 21 carries.
In a game that will decide the NFC West title, the Seahawks will be turning their offense over to little known QB Charlie Whitehurst, as coach Pete Carroll said today he will start for the injured Matt Hasselbeck.
Carroll said Monday he wasn’t ready to rule out Hasselbeck after he left Sunday’s 38-15 loss to Tampa Bay after running for a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Hasselbeck suffered a strain to his lower back/hip/gluteal area that did not allow him to return.
Hasselbeck underwent an MRI and additional tests Monday morning and the results were positive enough that Carroll remained somewhat optimistic.
“It’s something (that) it may be manageable. It may be,” Carroll said. “The MRI results were not such where he doesn’t have a chance. They were very hopeful that he has an opportunity to get back, but we won’t know for days. So it’s kind of a difficult situation for us because we don’t know and we’re not sure what is going to happen until we find out the news probably by Saturday, or it may go all the way to game time.”
Whitehurst would be making just his second career start, with Seattle going for its first division title since 2007.
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Rashad Jennings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Maurice Jones-Drew
Angels fans for years have suffered for years because the organization has fallen in love with its hot minor league prospects and failed to trade for proven Major League players. Dallas McPherson, Brandon Wood and Jeff Mathis have all been more hype than production.
The lesson here, sometimes you have to look past the hype. And the same goes for fantasy football.
Jaguars RB Rashad Jennings certainly falls into this category. All week we have been hearing about Jennings. And I am guilty of it, too, having told more than one fantasy enthusiast to start Jenning this week. Jennings had a tasty matchup, he had been playing well with Maurice Jones-Drew, so he seemed like a much start.
Jennings has rushed for 22 yards on 11 attempts. Good bye fantasy season.
Well the bright side here is that second place is not so bad. And it looks like I am going to finish second in at least one league unless Jennings can rally late for the Jaguars and all of us. I will remember this next time somebody is billed as the next great player.
In other words, good luck if you starting Broncos QB Tim Tebow this week.
Here’s a look at the Week 17 playoff scenarios, even with two games left to be played in Week 16. Note: For a complete look at what the playoff slate would like like if the regular season ended today, check out the playoff picture.
CLINCHED: Atlanta – playoff spot. Chicago – NFC North division. Philadelphia – NFC East division.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Philadelphia has clinched NFC East division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.
CHICAGO BEARS Chicago has clinched NFC North division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.
ATLANTA FALCONS Atlanta clinches NFC South and homefield advantage with a win or tie against New Orleans Monday night. If Atlanta loses tonight, it still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS New Orleans clinches a playoff spot with a win or tie against Atlanta Monday night and still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week. If New Orleans loses Monday night, it can still clinch a playoff spot next week with: 1) NO win or tie 2) NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie
GREEN BAY PACKERS Green Bay clinches a playoff spot: 1) GB win 2) GB tie + NYG loss or tie + TB loss or tie 3) NYG loss + TB loss
NEW YORK GIANTS NY Giants clinch a playoff spot: 1) NYG win + GB loss or tie 2) NYG win + NO loses twice 3) NYG tie + GB loss + TB loss or tie
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Tampa Bay clinches a playoff spot: 1) TB win + NO loss to ATL + NYG loss or tie 2) TB win + NO loss to ATL + GB loss or tie 3) TB win + NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie 4) TB tie + NYG loss + GB loss
ST. LOUIS RAMS St. Louis clinches NFC West division: 1) STL win or tie
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Seattle clinches NFC West division: 1) SEA win
CLINCHED: New England – AFC East division and homefield advantage. NY Jets – playoff spot. Pittsburgh – playoff spot. Baltimore – playoff spot. Kansas City – AFC West division.
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: New York Jets, 2010 NFL playoff picture, Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL playoffs
The Jets didn’t take care of business in Chicago on Sunday, but still exit Week 16 with a ticket to the playoffs.
Thanks to the Redskins’ overtime win over the Jaguars, the Jets (10-5) secured a playoff berth and a wild-card slot in the AFC playoffs. The Jets entered the weekend needing a win, or a loss by either the Jaguars or Colts.
So the AFC wild-card slots are filled with the Ravens and Jets, who entered the weekend as the No. 6 seed. The Jaguars and Chargers are still in the playoff hunt, however, as neither have been eliminated from winning their respective divisions.
Here’s a look at all of the clinching scenarios in Week 16, and the current playoff picture will be updated here following today’s games.
Pulling in a couple of fantasy thoughts from the Twitterverse:
Sebastian Janikowski just nailed a 59-yard field goal. A very nice five fantasy points for that one. Janikowski with another field goal, this one from 45 yards. He’s closing in on 20 fantasy points.For those of you asking, Knowshon Moreno still hasn’t played a down in the second half. He’d be such a stud if he could stay healthy.4 TD passes for Josh Freeman. Two have gone to Kellen Winslow.I guess Ray Lewis was right about Peyton Hillis — he rushed for just 35 yards today. Clearly, the huge workload has affected him.RT @AdrianPeterson @Jdub300C: how’s the knee, going to win my fantasy league for Me?” Knee is feeling pretty good! Two more days to recover.
Want daily fantasy football advice? Follow me on Twitter!
The Ravens are the third team to punch a ticket to the AFC playoffs.
It’s the third-straight playoff appearance for the Ravens, who defeated the Browns 20-10 on Sunday.
The Ravens entered Week 16 as the No. 5 seed in the current playoff picture and will face the Bengals (3-11) in Week 17, while the Steelers (11-4) are on the road against the Browns (5-10). The Steelers control their playoff destiny, and will win the AFC North if the teams finish tied due to a better division record.
The Ravens do hold the head-to-head tie-breaker with the Jets, who entered the week as the No. 6 seed.
In a time where players are clamoring to shorten the amount of preseason games (and money- grubbing owners itching to turn those preseason games into regular season games), the Redskins last three games of the 2010 season (last week’s loss against Dallas, this week’s win over Jacksonville, and next week’s finale against the Giants) are ironically nothing more than three extra preseason games for the 2011 season.
When you boil it all down, they’re nothing more than a few extra 2011 exhibition games that take place at the end of 2010, serving as auditions for players to keep their jobs and earn invitations to the 2011 training camp in Ashburn.
And like a late preaseason game where the coaches withheld the majority of their starters to prevent injuries heading into the regular season, the group of starters that the Redskins trotted out on Sunday looked like a rag-tag menagerie of football players thrown together and duct-taped for the purpose of finishing an NFL game.
Here’s a fact to digest: thirteen of the Redskins 22 opening-day starters did not start against the Jaguars yesterday. That includes the starting quarterback, running back, tight end, 3/5ths of the offensive line, 2/3rd of the defensive line, and half the secondary. Their starting running back on Sunday (and overall leading rusher) wasn’t even on the active roster when they played Dallas in September. Neither was their nose tackle, the lynch-pin for the much-discussed 3-4 defense. Both of the starting safeties were guys who were originally drafted as cornerbacks within the last three years, and one wasn’t even on the team as recently as Thanksgiving day. I really wound’t be surprised if the Redskins coaches made players where those “Hi, My Name Is:” stickers on their practice jersey during the week.
So like any other preseason game, the Redskins coaches undoubtedly spent Sunday sifting through the this hodge-podge of passed-over veterans and newly signed & promoted youngsters to determine if any of them can legitimately make a difference for this team next year, and who should be updating their resume(s).
Sunday was day for defensive players like nose tackle Anthony Bryant and linebacker Rob Jackson to make impressions on their coaches. Bryant has the size to be a nose tackle in the NFL, and while he isn’t the most dominant guy in the league at that position, he’s played a lot better than the disappointing Ma’ake Kemoeatu has. Jackson showed glimpses of being a very effective situational pass rusher on Sunday, just a few days after being promoted off the practice squad. His speed and hand placement on pass rushers frustrated Jaguars offensive tackles for a good part of the afternoon.
Sunday was also a day for someone like Kevin Barnes to showcase his skills. Barnes was drafted as a cornerback yet started the game at safety for the Redskins, since they had almost nobody else healthy enough to start there. And ironically, probably just as Barnes was getting comfortable in his new position, he was flippled right back to cornerback after Carlos Rogers went down with an injury. So it was a game like this where Barnes could showcase his ability to help out against the run (which he did very effectively, both as a safety and as a corner), and his coverage ability (leading to the game-deciding interception in overtime).
In the end, all the 2010 standings will tell you is that the Redskins dropped almost 5-7 slots down the first round of the 2011 draft, and simultaneously took a big dump in the punch bowl that was the Jaguars playoff aspirations.
But it in reality, it gives the Redskins players, coaches, and fans something to hold on to and discuss as this season comes to a close and we begin to spout the inevitable mantra of “we’ll get ‘em next year.”
NC State is wrapping up one of the program’s most successful seasons since the Philip Rivers era. West Virginia enters the game with an awkward impending coaching transition, and three players who have been suspended for academics. The intangibles favor NC State, but here’s a closer look at NC State’s matchup against West Virginia in the Champs Sports Bowl:
WHO TO WATCH: NC State quarterback Russell Wilson. Not only is he one of the most entertaining quarterbacks in the country, it could be his encore performance. Wilson hasn’t announced yet whether or not he will return next year or join the Colorado Rockies. If this is his final football game, you don’t want to miss it. Just when you think a play is over, Wilson scrambles for the first down. He has thrown for over 300 yards eight times this year, and West Virginia has yet to face a quarterback as talented.
WHAT TO WATCH: NC State’s offensive line against the Mountaineers’ top pass-rushers. Defensive ends Julian Miller (8.0 sacks) and Bruce Irvin (12.0 sacks) have combined for 20 sacks this year. The Mountaineers’ 3.3 sacks per game ranks third nationally, just ahead of NC State, which ranks fourth with 3.25. NC State ranks 104th in the nation for sacks allowed this season, as Wilson has been sacked 34 times. That is the fourth-highest number of opponent sacks at NC State since 1978.
WHY WATCH: Milestones for NC State. In addition to the possibility that this could be Wilson’s last game, NC State is looking for its first bowl win under coach Tom O’Brien, who needs one more to reach 100 career wins. A ninth win would tie for the second-most victories in the program’s history. It’s not a bad consolation prize for a team that was one win away from playing in the ACC championship game. It’s the most wins the program has seen since 2003, when NC State finished 8-5. Since 1993, only two Wolfpack squads have posted more than seven regular-season victories -- the 1994 squad and the 2002 team, which played 13 regular-season contests. The record for wins was 11 in 2002.
PREDICTION: NC State 35, West Virginia 21. There have been too many off-field distractions for the Mountaineers, and losing their starting center will be a factor. So will the injury to standout cornerback Brandon Hogan. NC State’s passing offense should be the difference in this game.
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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Philadelphia has clinched NFC East division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.
CHICAGO BEARS Chicago has clinched NFC North division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.
ATLANTA FALCONS Atlanta clinches NFC South and homefield advantage with a win or tie against New Orleans Monday night. If Atlanta loses tonight, it still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS New Orleans clinches a playoff spot with a win or tie against Atlanta Monday night and still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week. If New Orleans loses Monday night, it can still clinch a playoff spot next week with: 1) NO win or tie 2) NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie
GREEN BAY PACKERS Green Bay clinches a playoff spot: 1) GB win 2) GB tie + NYG loss or tie + TB loss or tie 3) NYG loss + TB loss
NEW YORK GIANTS NY Giants clinch a playoff spot: 1) NYG win + GB loss or tie 2) NYG win + NO loses twice 3) NYG tie + GB loss + TB loss or tie
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Tampa Bay clinches a playoff spot: 1) TB win + NO loss to ATL + NYG loss or tie 2) TB win + NO loss to ATL + GB loss or tie 3) TB win + NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie 4) TB tie + NYG loss + GB loss
ST. LOUIS RAMS St. Louis clinches NFC West division: 1) STL win or tie
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Seattle clinches NFC West division: 1) SEA win
CLINCHED: New England – AFC East division and homefield advantage. NY Jets – playoff spot. Pittsburgh – playoff spot. Baltimore – playoff spot. Kansas City – AFC West division.
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals, Jermaine Gresham, Jerome Simpson, Terrell Owens
Well maybe it was his receivers fault. No Chad Ochocinco and no Terrell Owens has been no problem for QB Carson Palmer as the embattled signal caller has already tossed a pair of touchdowns vs. the Chargers.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a blowout for the Chargers?
Palmer has been perfect so far, throwing touchdowns to TE Jermaine Gresham and WR Jerome Simpson — household names you probably know better from their reality show. Oh wait, that’s right, Gresham and Simpson don’t have a reality show. They are too busy scoring touchdowns.
Palmer might not be making a huge impression on fantasy enthusiasts — he is only starting in 11 percent of leagues — but he could be showing off his skills to his next employer. Right Arizona Cardinals?
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Troy Smith, Alex Smith, Mike Singletary, San Francisco 49ers
With their season on the line Sunday in St. Louis, tensions are running high for the 49ers. It has all led to coach Mike Singletary pulling QB Troy Smith for Alex Smith during the fourth quarter, hoping to pull out a season-extending win over the Rams.
The 49ers need wins in their final two games to punch their postseason ticket, and Singletary made the decision early last week to go back to Troy Smith as his starter over Alex Smith. That hasn’t quite worked out, though, as the Rams hold a 22-17 third-quarter lead and Troy Smith isn’t having the best of days, fumbling a shotgun snap in the end zone for a safety and throwing a fourth-quarter interception to a wide-open A.J. Otogwe (who plays for the Rams).
Following the pick, Singletary and Smith had a heated exchange on the sideline. There’s no way of knowing what was being said, but clearly, Smith wasn’t happy. Ted Ginn Jr. tried his best to play good Samaritan, somehow thinking Troy Smith could use a towel to the face.
If Singletary went over to Troy Smith with the intention of pulling him for Alex Smith, it didn’t happen immediately. But after three more series of Troy Smith, Singletary made the change.
We can’t wait for Singletary’s postgame explanation for going back to Alex Smith, whom he decided shouldn’t be the starter just days earlier.
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Mike Tolbert, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Week 16 injuries 2010
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Matt Forte, Chicago Bears, Jason La Canfora, New York Jets, Santonio Holmes, Shonn Greene
Published: December 26th, 2010 | Tags: Brian Westbrook, Jerome Simpson, Larry Fitzgerald, Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Reggie Wayne, Tim Tebow, Tom Brady, Wes Welker
College Football Nation
C. Robinson Troy - QB32-42, 387 yds, 4 tdsvs OHIO | Final
R. Hillman San Diego St - RB28 car, 228 yds, 3 tdsvs NAVY | Final
G. Salas Hawaii - WR13 rec, 214 yds, 2 tds@ TUL | Final
OddsPick Center 
WHO TO WATCH: West Virginia running back Noel Devine. It's the final college game for Devine, who has amassed over 4,000 rushing yards in his career. He hasn't been the same player this year ever since a foot injury against LSU, which was later exacerbated by an ankle problem in the Louisville game. But now he's had a few weeks to heal, and perhaps he's ready to deliver a fitting swan song. When he's right, there's no more explosive player in the country. If he's not himself, then the Mountaineers may turn to Shawne Alston and Ryan Clarke for the bulk of the carries. 
Published: December 27th, 2010 | Tags: Mike Singletary, Charles Davis, Michael Lombardi, NFL Total Access, Warren Sapp
