2010年7月28日星期三

The Chargers obviously saw an opportunity here

The Chargers obviously saw an opportunity here," said Jim Kelly, a Davis Elen partner and managing director. "They are San Diego's team, but they certainly would like to draw more fans from Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and Orange County."

The Los Angeles market has been without a major football team for 15 years. The Rams left Southern California in 1995, the same year the Raiders decamped and returned to their longtime home in Oakland.

Davis Elen landed the account, in part, through its existing relationship with the Chargers. Kelly also manages media buying for the San Diego County Toyota Dealers, which has been one of the sponsors of the football team for several years. San Diego-based Sexton Communications previously handled the Chargers' business.

"The team was looking to capitalize on Davis Elen's strength and leverage in Los Angeles and Orange counties," said Kelly, who has been with the firm for 24 years. He said Davis Elen would also utilize its partnership with Castells & Asociados, a Los Angeles ad agency that focuses on the Latin market.

Davis Elen plans to coordinate the Chargers' ad campaign on various platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. With billings of more than $150 million a year, the firm also handles media buying for the Southern California Toyota Dealers and McDonald's restaurant operators.

Jackson had 1,167 receiving yards and scored 9 touchdowns in 2009, ranking Phillip Rivers him as one of the best receivers in the league. Without him, the Chargers will have to rely on Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates.

Still, the three game suspension of Jackson won't necessarily kill the Chargers. They'll face the Chiefs, Jaguars and Seahawks in their first three games meaning that the loss of Jackson doesn't imperil this team like many think it's going to.

Philip Rivers is easily one of the best passers in the game, and is coming off his best season in 2009. The Alabama native threw for 4,254 yards, 28 touchdowns, with just 15 turnovers (9 picks and 6 fumbles). He's become one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league, and his hyper competitive nature makes him a great leader for a team stocked with personality.

So the biggest question mark on the offense becomes running back. Darren Sproles is not an every-down back like fantasy pundits wish he was. Ryan Matthews may have been a stud at Fresno State but he also played in a terrible conference. The Bulldogs played just two ranked teams and while Matthews' numbers were staggering last year, they're hardly a reason to bet on the Chargers jerseys blindly.

Matthews is a 6-foot-0, 220 pound back who tallied 1,808 yards and Antonio Gates 19 touchdowns for Fresno State in his junior year. He was drafted 12th overall in the 2010 NFL draft, and on paper he is probably in the best situation of any running back in the league but that is largely because he's filling a void left by Tomlinson that Sproles isn't big enough (literally) to fill.

Still, my worries about San Diego's offense are largely based around Matthews. I'm always hesitant about running backs who emerge from the lesser known conferences. It may be a position that is prone to big time impact from a rookie, but the jump for Matthews from the WAC to the NFL is a tremendous one.

The Chargers football jerseys are facing tough personnel decisions with offensive tackle Marcus McNeil, Jackson, and perhaps linebacker Shawne Merriman becoming holdouts. Merriman should be a little easier to deal with, but McNeil and Jackson could become ugly holdouts that last well into the regular season.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith recently said he might be willing to trade Vincent Jackson, but Marcus McNeil probably isn't going anywhere.

It is definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on; the rumor mill identifies Seattle as one of San Diego's likely trading partners (probably because of an admitted interest in acquiring Jackson). But what franchise, if the price is right, wouldn't want to add a Pro Bowl talent to its roster?

The Seahawks were interested in trading for Brandon Marshall earlier this offseason. They were linked to T.O. rumors before head coach Pete Carroll abruptly shot them down. They invested a second-round pick in the NFL Draft on Golden Tate, a talented prospect out of Notre Dame.

It seems obvious the franchise would like to upgrade its group of wide receivers. But at what cost?

To acquire Brandon Marshall, the Miami Dolphins sent two second-round picks to Denver and rewarded the disgruntled wide receiver a huge, new contract. But Miami is a possible contender, and the Seahawks are clearly rebuilding.

Parting with second-round picks in consecutive years would be counterproductive for a rebuilding team; spending cash on skilled positions is pointless when you're thin in the trenches. A rebuilding team needs to focus on acquiring as much young talent as possible, and in my opinion, should build from the inside-out.

2010年7月25日星期日

Contract with the Seattle Seahawks

I haven't got any calls," White told FOX Sports Radio via SportsRadioInterviews.com. "Nobody's called me, but I'm preparing to play in the NFL and that's what I'm going to keep continuing to work on. That's the highest league that we have. I'm not taking any shots or disrespecting any other leagues, but it's the Aaron Curry National Football League that everybody wants to play in. I'm preparing to play for a team this year in the NFL."

White said he'll keep working hard and hoping for another chance.

"I've just got to keep working out, keep grinding and stay out of the way," White said. "That's all I'm doing right now, working on my craft, trying to be the best player I can be. When a team does give me a call, whenever they do, be in the best shape I can possibly be in and go over there and play football and win everybody's trust. ..

"You never know what's going on. They can tell you in a month, two months, T.J. Houshmandzadeh bring you in for training camp. It all just depends on what's going on with the teams and what their needs will be at the time. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity. Whoever gives me an opportunity definitely won't regret putting me on their team."

I was touted as the savior," said Bosworth, who was taken with the first supplemental pick of the 1987 draft. "Seattle really didn't have an identity. I was the face of the franchise. It was a little freaky. I can't lie. It was uncomfortable for me."

Think about that. No one ever sought the spotlight like the Boz, but not even Bosworth felt at home in its brightest glare.

It has been quiet for LenDale White since he was suspended by four games by the NFL for violating the league's substance-abuse policy and cut by the new Seattle Seahawks jerseys.

Bosworth played only 24 NFL games; injuries ended his career early in his third season. He's generally considered one of the biggest busts in pro football history.

"They wanted me to do the Super Bowl shuffle before I even got on the field," Bosworth said. "That certainly has an impact."

Bosworth described his Seattle experience as "circuslike." People Matt Hasselbeck following him around town. Newscasts polling the public on the Boz.

Bosworth said that kind of scrutiny wasn't good for his game.

"I was thrust into a position I didn't understand," he said.

Bosworth says he still recalls his emotions during the third exhibition game of his rookie year. "I felt the pressure so badly from people who said, 'We really need to see the Boz, we really need to see what we saw in Oklahoma.' I was just trying to figure out where I was supposed to be on the field."

2010年7月21日星期三

Chargers "aren't left with a lot of alternatives

Unfortunately this tremendous run came to an abrupt end when they lost to the Jets in the Divisional Round of the playoffs; 14-17 at home.

Despite this disappointing early exit, optimism for another West title and a deep run in the playoffs this season remains high. With the exception of the loss of RB LaDanian Tomlinson, their roster remains fairly intact from last year. They have an offense that finished the season ranked 10th in total yards per game, but fourth in total points scored. Their defense was ranked 16th overall, but 11th in points allowed.

QB Philip Rivers will once again be the key component on offense. Last year he threw for 4,264 yards, completing over 65% of his passes. He ended the year throwing 28 TD's against only nine interceptions.

One problem on the horizon is the status of his favorite receiver; Vincent Phillip Rivers Jackson. Already faced with a three game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Jackson is also caught up in a contract dispute that could keep him out of the lineup even longer.

If he is not part of this offense for a prolonged period of time it could have a serious impact on River's production.

In an effort to replace Tomlinson, the Chargers used Antonio Gates their first pick in the draft (12th overall) to select Fresno State RB Ryan Matthews. Matthews bring a power style of running that should be an excellent complement to the outside speed of Darren Sproles. He should also help to balance out an offense that was ranked fifth in passing but 31st in rushing in 2009.

San Diego used their next three picks in the draft on the defensive side of the ball in order to add some depth to unit that is starting to show its age. In the third round they added LB Donald Butler and in the fourth round they drafted FS Darrell Stuckey. They were also able to retain LB Shawne Merriman and DE Travis Johnson by resigning both to a one year deal.

Given the fact that the AFC West is one of the weakest divisions in the league, it is no wonder that San Diego is far and away the odds-on-favorite to win it again.

The NFL's new San Diego Chargers jerseys haven't made a threat to move out of San Diego and the antiquated Qualcomm Stadium, but, according to a report from NBC Sports, the team might make an ultimatum soon.

Mark Fabiani, a "Chargers stadium guru" was quoted in the report saying that the Chargers "aren't left with a lot of alternatives."

Fabiani was asked by a San Diego newspaper why the Chargers don't buck up and say in essence, "build it, or we leave."

2010年7月19日星期一

San Diego Chargers aren't one of them

"It's also a business," Mathews told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "That's what I have to Phillip Rivers realize. I want to be on time. Hopefully, that happens. If not, there's nothing I can do."

Earlier this month, Mathews had vowed that he wouldn't be a holdout.

The former Fresno State star is slated to start at tailback. So, it's important that he not miss much, if any camp time.

"My main thing is to get into camp as soon as possible," Mathews said earlier this month. "I've talked to my agent; I need to be there. Too many guys hold out for all the wrong reasons and I'm not going to be one of them."

Mathews is represented by veteran agent Frank Bauer.

In an appearance on ESPN's "NFL Live" last week, Rosenhaus said five teams were interested in Owens. However, the new San Diego Chargers jerseys aren't one of them, despite Vincent Jackson being suspended three games by the NFL and threatening to hold out over his contact situation.

"We're all set right now with our receivers," general manager A.J. Smith told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The Seattle Seahawks are also out of the picture.

"No, you know, I go way back with T.O.," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle on Monday. "I was there [as an assistant coach] when he showed up with the 49ers when he was a rookie and nobody knew he had any initials or anything. And I really liked Terrell. But we won't be able to do that this time around. I think at our time in our program development, we're going to continue to work with the guys that we've got and go in a different direction than that. ... We're really looking to get the young guys going as much as we can."

Owens said recently that he believed teams are swayed by the Antonio Gates perception he's a troublemaker. It's a perception he believes he disproved with his agreeable behavior in Buffalo during a disappointing season in 2009.

"There were a number of times where prior I probably would have reacted, said something I wasn't supposed to say," Owens told The Associated Press last week. "I really had some restraint, very patient."

The 36-year-old promised in the interview with the AP that he'll make sure to be in excellent shape.

Owens is clearly sensitive to the coverage he receives in the media. He disputed talk that Darren Sproles he's making exorbitant salary demands.

2010年7月16日星期五

Chargers are prepared to open the playbook

Starting a rookie is risky business. They are green, they are young, and it is impossible to predict how the pressures of professional sports will affect them.

The Chargers seem to have the utmost confidence in Darrell Stuckey, despite all of the weight on his shoulders. San Diego canned Kevin Ellison, in the wake of his vicodin arrest, the final show of their trust in Stuckey.

I like what I've seen from him when he played for Kansas, but his mechanics require a lot of refining before he becomes a true impact player. I expect teams to attack Stuckey, because he may be the only big hole in the secondary.
Right now this position is up in the air. I will rest with Antoine Cason right now, only because he has the media spotlight right now, and that makes it seem like the Chargers really have faith in him. By the time the regular season rolls around, Nate Vasher may be in this spot, but we'll ignore that for now.

Cason is lightning fast and has a lot of potential, but he has yet to tap it. He has a  Phillip Rivers tendency to play soft and it almost seems like he looses focus some times.

A lot of San Diego fans are nervous about having him start, considering the fact that he lost his nickel back job during the regular season in 2009. However, Cason seems to have matured as a player and a person, and his consistent improvement should bode well for his roster spot and the Chargers as a whole. Don't set your expectations too high, but don't think defenses will walk all over Cason. He'll put up a fight.

A lot of people still have question marks in their minds when they think about Eric Weddle. While he has shown inconsistency at times, Weddle has also shown flashes of brilliance and he has a great presence in the backfield. He knows what he needs to do and he gets it done most of the time.

That having been said, he's not a Troy Polumalu kind of player. He'll make  Darren Sproles great plays, but he isn't the kind of guy that you can scheme a defense around.

Personally, I really like this guy. He is young and he has shown that he has a lot of potential. I expect him to improve this season, as he continues to grow within Ron Rivera's defense. Don't expect him to be an island, but don't expect him to be a turnstile either.

This year Jackson has been a burden. Jackson left the dream of what could have been last year. He has been convicted twice for driving under the influence, stemming from incidents in 2006 and 2009, pleading guilty to the most recent charge in February. Jackson also was arrested in January, hours before the Chargers' playoff game, for knowingly driving with a suspended license.

Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith issued the following statement: "Obviously we're disappointed. Vincent made a mistake and now must deal with the consequences."

This year is beginning very different for Jackson. Jackson has been threatening new San Diego Chargers jerseys to sit out through the season's tenth game as a restricted free agent, refusing to sign his tender while seeking a contract extension this year. This year it had been reported that Jackson would miss three games without pay. This year Smith, Norv Turner and the Chargers are prepared to open the playbook without Jackson.

If it all pro tight end Antonio Gates wasn't still a prime target for quarterback Philip Rivers, the inexperience at the receiver position to the naked eye leaves most Chargers fans a little nervous. The Chargers losing the 6-5, 230 pound receiver off the starting line forces the rest of the roster to fill the void. Taking a quick look at the Charger's receiver depth chart... they have it covered.

The Chargers have already secured the services of Malcom Floyd coming into his fifth season. Floyd also stands at 6-5 but weighs in just shy of Jackson at 225 pounds. His 45 receptions for 776 yards and a touchdown show he has the potential to absorb Jackson's load at the number one spot with ease. At 6-5 Floyd will continue to tower over the mismatched undersized defensive backs.

2010年7月14日星期三

Around San Francisco 49ers headquarters

The 49ers were a schizophrenic bunch in 2009, veering from a staid, straight-ahead Frank Gore running attack early in the season to one that opted for plenty of shotgun formations and a spread attack at midseason. Raye is aiming for more balance this season, but look for Gore to continue to be the bell cow. Gore and the rest of San Francisco's skill players should benefit from an improved line led by new coach Mike Solari.
 
No team has allowed more sacks (150) the last three seasons than the 49ers. The Alex Smith running game was supposed to be a strength in 2009, but the 49ers failed there, too, finishing 25th in average yards per game. Both statistics point to problems along the line. Right tackle has been a problem spot for two seasons, and first-round pick Anthony Davis likely will replace Adam Snyder.
 

Guard play also has been inconsistent. Right guard new San Francisco 49ers jerseys Chilo Rachal has perhaps more talent than any 49ers blocker, but he needs to be more steady. Rookie Mike Iupati, selected with the 16th pick overall, is likely to start immediately on the left side. The good news is that Solari and assistant Ray Brown have brought a fresh attitude and a renewed focus. With Rachal, left tackle Joe Staley and steady center Eric Heitmann, the line has talent. What it needs in 2010 is more smash-mouth attitude and a sense of direction. Grade: D

Howard Mintz of the San Jose Mercury News reports that the Santa Clara City Michael Crabtree Council muat "continue to push through the countless procedural hoops" that remain.

On Tuesday, council members will vote on a $525,000 engineering contract associated with the relocation of an electric utility substation, a project that will account for $20 million of the $114 million in public funds to be devoted to the project.

2010年7月12日星期一

Chris Johnson, who missed the ride yesterday through suspension

"I am a bit disappointed that I am only second in line to ride him in the Winter Cup," Taylor said. "It will be interesting to see what weight he gets."

He was guaranteed a start with his win yesterday.

Chris Johnson, who missed the ride yesterday through suspension, has the mount in the $100,000 Winter Cup at Riccarton on August 7.

Chris Johnson has ridden Romany in five of his seven wins and his previous seven starts. Three of those wins have come on rain-affected tracks in eight starts in the past 3 months.

"He [Romany] had an attitude problem but with Chris riding him this season, he seems so different," Laurie Jarvis, the Riccarton owner-trainer of Romany, said.

Chris Johnson has won the Winter Cup on Kar Dan (1986) and Robyn's Affair (1991).

Taylor rode Tangarakau to win the race in 1997.
 
She is now making 'good progress' after being moved out of intensive care on Friday to recover in a private clinic.
But medics have warned the hard-working star that she now need to take things easy to ensure a full recovery.
 
The boot camp stages of the X Factor are scheduled to start filming on July 22, while V Festival takes place in Chelmsford and Stafford on August 21 and 22.
A spokesman for Cole told MailOnline: 'Cheryl Cole is making good progress but following medical advice she will not be able to take part in X Factor's boot camp stage or perform at V Festival.'
 
A source told MailOnline that no decision has yet been made on whether another guest judge will be drafted in, specifically to replace Cheryl.
An ITV spokesman added: 'Cheryl will not be attending The X Factor boot camp later this month. Our priority is to ensure Cheryl is fit and well before she returns to work and to give our contestants a fair and proper opportunity to compete in the show.'
 
 

2010年7月7日星期三

Its not often that offensive coordinators get a quarterback that is a dual threat

Philly had hoped to turn the Michael Vick project into a decent round pick, probably around a two or three.  That's not going to happen for two reasons.

First of all, and most importantly, there is still no word about whether or not he will face any punishment from the league or the justice system over the shooting that occurred at his birthday party.  Vick could very well have violated his probation just by being near Quanis Phillips.  No one knows exactly whats going to happen.

Secondly, Vick's play last year simply doesn't warrant a high round draft pick.  Had he used his opportunities to score a bunch of points or put his team in great position for scoring every time he touched the ball, he would have been worth much more.  The fact of the matter was that when Vick got on the field, the defense knew who to focus on and Vick wasn't fast enough to have a huge impact.
Unlike the three quarterbacks currently competing for the starting job under center, Vick has started in 68 games and has a winning record of 38-28-1.  As recently as 2006, Vick was a player who energized his team and outright frightened defenses.

Can you say that about Trent Edwards?  Ryan Fitzpatrick?  How about Brian Brohm?  Yeah, didn't think so.

We're talking about a guy who has compiled 11,591 yards in the air and an impressive 3,954 on the ground in his career.

Vick is 2-2 in the playoffs, so he's been successful in the postseason before as well.
Tickets to individual new Buffalo Bills jerseys tickets will go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. Tuesday, the team announced yesterday.

However, some fans will be able to buy tickets online a day earlier, starting at 9 a.m. Monday. They include Bills Backers members, friends of the Official Buffalo Bills Page on Facebook and fans signed up to receive Text or Twitter updates will also be granted early access.

There is no cost to be a Buffalo Bills jerseys Backers member or to join the Buffalo Bills Facebook or Twitter accounts. Standard text messaging rates apply for Bills text alerts (Text BILLS to 64621). On Tuesday, game tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster online and at retail locations, listed at ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased online at buffalobills.com, calling (877) 228-4257 or visiting the Ralph Wilson Stadium ticket office. Due to high demand, tickets for individual games are subject to availability. There is limited ticket availability for the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers games. The Bills home schedule at Ralph Wilson Stadium is presented by Tops Friendly Markets and includes the preseason "Kid's Day" game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals on August 28, the home opener vs. the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12, the divisional rival New York Jets on Oct. 3, the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 10, the Detroit Lions on Nov. 14, the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 28, the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 12, and the New England Patriots on Dec. 26. Bills

2010年7月6日星期二

Cincinnati Bengals starting running back

After a 30-catch season in 2009, Leonard is expected to be an integral part of the passing game.

"Brian has a key role in our offense," running backs coach Jim Anderson said. "He's a guy that you don't want to paint into a corner. He did a tremendous job for us on third down. But yet when we called for him to play on first and second downs he can do that as well.

"He has a tremendous amount of versatility and he can add to our offense. We're counting on him to play at an even higher level this season."

Leonard is playing in the final year of his rookie contract and is a guy the team obviously holds in high regard. That being said, there has been no dialogue between the new  Cincinnati Bengals jerseys  and representatives for Leonard regarding a contract extension. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

The Riggins comparisons have resulted from Leonard's rugged running style. Could he be the second coming of "The Diesel" in the Bengals football jerseys offense?

Benson, 27, was booked into the Travis County jail, where he later posted $5,000 bail and was released. The charge of assault with injury carries a maximum potential penalty of up to $4,000 in fines and up to a year in jail.

According to the Austin police arrest affidavit, Benson was at Annie's West bar when he got into an altercation with an unknown bar patron that left the patron spitting blood from a cut lip.

After staff intervened, witnesses told police, Benson shoved a bar worker and was verbally abusive. After being asked to leave, Benson was escorted to the door.

"As they took him outside, he continued to push and shove," Senior Police Officer Veneza Aguinaga said.

Bartender Bryan White told police that once outside, Benson complained to people passing by that "all these white boys are ganging up on me and kicking me out."

White said he told Benson he wouldn't take time out of his night to kick him out; he alleged Benson responded by hitting him in the face.

Benson's attorney, Sam Bassett, said his client "looks forward to telling his side of the story at the appropriate time."

In 2008, Benson was arrested twice in a month on alcohol charges that were later dropped. While in college at Texas, he was suspended for a game and pleaded no contest to a charge of criminal trespassing for forcing his way into an apartment to find a TV he said was stolen from him.

Benson led the Bengals jerseys  with a career-high 1,251 yards in 2009.

Steelers tackle Colon is likely to miss season: Pittsburgh offensive tackle Willie Colon, 27, is to have surgery Wednesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon and is expected to miss the season. He was injured while working out at the team's practice complex.