Tebow's Performance Against Lions = Pathetic

If there was ever a case where a guy was on top of the world one week and then the laughing stock of the league the next - it would be now with Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.

A week after putting together a phenomenal fourth quarter comeback win against the Miami Dolphins, Tebow couldn't do anything right against the Detroit Lions Sunday. Tebow was 18-of-39 passing for 151 yards, one touchdown and one interception. That all equaled a quarterback rating of 56.8. He was inaccurate, he made bad decisions and it was quite frankly painful to watch. Everything anybody criticized Tebow for before came to light Sunday. Tebow did run for 63 yards on 10 carries, which at times was necessary because the Lions defense was terrorizing him all afternoon.

The fact of the matter is that Tebow will never be an elite NFL quarterback, but that doesn't mean that he can't win. Denver was outmatched in almost every aspect Sunday. The defense couldn't stop Matt Stafford and the Lions high powered offense and the Broncos offensive line couldn't stop the menacing Lions defense.

Before Tebow is crucified for being a terrible quarterback, the facts must first be analyzed. The Broncos have a lot of work to do if they are going to be a true competitive football team. Tebow is a young quarterback with little offensive talent around him. Until some playmakers are brought into the Broncos offense, the team will struggle. Sure Tebow will struggle at times, but so did Kyle Orton when he was in there. The truth is that Tebow gives the Broncos the best chance at winning right now with the current personnel the Broncos have.

[Image: Ron Chenoy, US PRESSWIRE]

Is Fitzpatrick The Bills Quarterback of the Future?

It was only a year ago that we were talking about the Buffalo Bills and their search for a quarterback of the future. With Cam Newton and several other quarterbacks available in this past year's NFL draft, it was very unclear if the Bills were going to stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick. It turns out that they did decide to go with him and he has led the Bills to a 4-2 start. As a result, the Bills signed him to a six-year extension worth $59 million, $24 million of it is guaranteed.

I think this a good move for both sides. First of all for Fitzpatrick, this is a significant pay raise from the $3.22 million he was making this season. For the Bills, Fitzpatrick has taken a pathetic team and turned them into a competitor. The guy is smart and he has talent. Fitzpatrick may never get the credit of being one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but the guy is solid. He is very deserving of being the guy in Buffalo and this contract extension gives both him and the Bills the comfort of knowing they don't have to look for another signal caller anytime soon.


[Image: Sports Then and Now]

Case Keenum Throws 9 Touchdowns

Houston quarterback Case Keenum celebrated a record setting nine touchdown performance as Houston beat Rice 73-34 last night.

Keenum threw for 534 yards and nine touchdowns on 24-of-37 passing. He did throw one interception and had a fumble returned for a touchdown, but those proved to be only minor blemishes in the rout.

I understand that a record was at stake, but why was Keenum and Houston passing the ball late in this game when up by a ton of points? If I was Rice, I would remember this for the next time the two schools meet up, but then again if I was Rice I would be pissed that we allowed such a performance to happen. Obviously Rice isn't very good, but this was a pathetic performance.

[Image: The Matador Sports]

Freese Hits Walkoff, Forces Game 7

The game was ugly, but there wasn't a better ending as St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese hit a walkoff homer in the 11th inning as the Cardinals beat Texas 10-9 to force a seventh game.

There were five errors in the game and there were 19 runs scored. It was ugly, but it ended so pretty. I can't think of a better ending to a baseball game than a walkoff homer. The only thing that is greater is when a walkoff homer forces a Game 7. It's an even playing field now. You win you win the World Series and if you lose it's over and all you can think about is how close it was.

Tonight is Game 7 and I'll be watching.

Source: Terrell Owens Attempted Suicide

 According to a TMZ report, free agent receiver Terrell Owens attempted suicide before paramedics were called to his residence on October 6.

This situation was very similar to the one that occured in 2006 when Owens was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after a reported overdose. Later Owens and his publicist addressed media stating that it was an allergic reaction to medication.

There is no doubt that Owens is having a rough time right now. He is at a point in his career where he is fighting just to keep playing. For an athlete that was at the top of his game a few years ago, that can be tough. Whether this was a suicide attempt or not, there is a serious situation here. I hope for Owens' sake he takes care of whatever he needs to in order to get his mind right. For a guy that is struggling to find a team to take him, this is just another self-imposed distraction.

[Image: NFL Passers

Terrell Owens Works Out, Nobody Cares

When 37-year-old Terrell Owens held a workout yesterday to show that he was ready to come back from a major knee injury, no NFL teams showed up. Sure, the workout was hyped by agent Drew Rosenhaus and media was there, but no teams even bothered to send a scout.

Without a doubt there is a buzz surrounding the workout and chances are some teams desperate for a receiver could use Owens. After all, he had a good season last year in Cincinnati catching 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns. But a knee injury to a receiver in his late 30s can be a big deal.

According to ESPN, Owens and Rosenhaus plan on sending the workout tape to all 32 teams hoping for a bite from one of them. There is a slight buzz that Oakland with newly acquired former Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer could be interested, but that is only speculation at this point.

It's going to either take an injury or desperation for a team to make a move for Owens at this point in the season. With Owens' track record for being a locker room distraction, I don't see many teams that are legitimately interested in bringing him in, but stranger things have happened. 

[Image: NFL Passers]

Sources: West Virginia To The Big 12

According to reports, West Virginia will be accepted into the Big 12 pending final approval. That approval could come as early as next week.

Finally, West Virginia can get some competition on the football field. This is a great get for the Big 12, since it seems to be falling apart as we speak with the loss of Texas A&M and possibly Missouri. At least now, the Big 12 is able to field another competitive team.

Vols Freshman Justin Worley To Start Against South Carolina

Just when senior Matt Simms got the starting job back, he lost it. The University of Tennessee football team will start freshman Justin Worley against South Carolina after head coach Derek Dooley was dissatisfied with the way the Vols offense played Saturday against Alabama.

"We're not throwing and catching the way we need to and we're not calling the game the way we want to," coach Derek Dooley said today according to GoVolsXtra. "We just need to make this move.

The fact of the matter is that Simms has played awful this season. Against Alabama, Simms threw for 58 yards on 8-of-17 passing. He also threw an interception. On the season, Simms has completed 19-of-45 passes for 243 yards, 0 touchdowns and three interceptions.

[Image: Tri Cities Sports]

Cowboys Rookie DeMarco Murray Has Career Day

The Dallas Cowboys may have found their running back of the future in Oklahoma rookie DeMarco Murray. Filling in for injured Felix Jones, Murray ran wild with 253 yards on 25 carries, breaking Emmitt Smith's Cowboys record of 237 yards set Oct. 31, 1993.

It was quite a coming out party for Murray as he took the opportunity and ran with it. I would imagine Murray getting a lot of touches in the coming weeks.

[Image: The Landry Hat]

Tim Tebow Shines In Season Starting Debut

For the first three quarters, the Denver Broncos offense struggled. Trailing 15-0 heading into the fourth, it was Tim Tebow's time to go to work. The second year pro out of Florida, led the Broncos to 15 straight points to send the game into overtime, where they went on to win 18-15. The win was a milestone and the Tebow era has begun in Denver.

Tebow's numbers weren't overly impressive as he threw for 161 yards on 13-of-27 passing and two touchdowns. He ran eight times for 65 yards, including a crucial two-point conversion. He didn't turn the ball over and most importantly, he showed leadership as he orchestrated a memorable come from behind victory in his first start of the season.

[image: Ron Chenoy, US PRESSWIRE]

Carson Palmer Debut, Not Great

For as much hoopla surrounded the Oakland Raiders trade to acquire quarterback Carson Palmer, there was little to celebrate about on Sunday in his season debut.

Palmer looked rusty as expected and the Raiders offense performed terribly. Granted star running back Darren McFadden only carried the ball two times before leaving with a foot injury, but the Raiders didn't look like themselves.

When you bring in a new quarterback, the team begins to lose its identity a little bit. While I think Palmer can be a good fit for the Raiders, it may take a little time.

Starter Kyle Boller struggled heavily, going 7-of-14 for 61 yards and three interceptions before Palmer entered the game, going 8-of-21 for 116 yards and three interceptions. It was hard to see who did better of the two because they were both terrible.

[Image: Football Sickness]

Carson Palmer Must Really Hate The Bengals

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer must really dislike the Bengals if he was willing to take a $5 million paycut to sign with the Oakland Raiders.

According to a source, Palmer was set to make $11.5 million under his old contract. Prorated over the final 11 games, he would have made $7.44 million. The Raiders will pay him $2.5 million for the remainder of this season.

It was no secret that Palmer disliked the Bengals organization and some said that he didn't have the same desire to play the game that he once had. If Palmer was willing to take a paycut, he obviously wanted to get back into action for another NFL team besides the Bengals. This is a good situation for Palmer as the Raiders are a team on the rise. With plenty of weapons offensively, Palmer won't be asked to do so much. All he has to do is effectively control the offense and not turn the ball over. If he does that, I see the Raiders as a legitimate playoff team this season.

[Image: Football Sickness]

Brown To Detroit Deal Scrapped

A deal that added instant depth to the Detroit Lions backfield has been voided due to health concerns. The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to ship Ronnie Brown to the Lions in exchange for Jerome Harrison and a draft pick. That deal never was finalized because Harrison reportedly has previously undisclosed health issues. It is now being reported that Harrison has a brain tumor, which could have been deadly if gone undetected. Those same reports say that he is not expected to play again this season, but his long-term prognosis both for life and his football career appear to be good

This is a major blow to the Lions, who are in need of depth at the running back position as starter Jahvid Best deals with another concussion. The concussion Best suffered Sunday was his third and his immediate future is uncertain.

The Lions are left with Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams as the only healthy running backs currently on the active roster.

[Image: Bleed-Green]

8 Myths About College Sports

Created by: Online Masters Degree

LSU Suspends Mathieu and Ware

According to The Daily Reveille, LSU sophomores Tyrann Mathieu and Spencer Ware are suspended for Saturday's game against Auburn after failing drug tests. The source also says that the two could be suspended longer.

This is terrible news for the nation's No. 1 team as Mathieu is being regarded as the top defensive player in the country and Ware has been dominating the ground game. Talk about a couple of players that are letting down their team in a possible championship season.

[Images: ology and Matthew Visinsky]

Bears Hester Slapped At Casino, Didn't Retaliate

In what could have escalated into an ugly situation at a Des Plaines casino, didn't as it was quickly and responsibly handled by Chicago Bears receiver Devin Hester.

Hester was reportedly standing in a cash transaction line at the casino when a man slapped him on the back of the head. Hester then reported the incident to security and the man was promptly arrested on a misdemeanor count of battery.

I have got to give it up to Hester in this situation. It would have been easy for Hester to retaliate, but he kept his cool and handled the problem like a responsible adult.

[Image: MKRob]

John Beck To Start For Redskins

After a four interception performance last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Redskins have benched quarterback Rex Grossman in favor of John Beck according to sources.

Up until this past week, Grossman was playing okay enough to win games as the Redskins starter. The offense was productive enough to start the season with a 3-1 record. After a poor performance Sunday, the Redskins lost their second game of the season and it was apparently enough for him to also lose his starting job.

I can't say I understand why Shanahan would give up on Grossman so fast given that Beck hasn't done anything special in his NFL career. Sure there is a chance Beck could surprise some people, but is that really a risk you want to take right now when the Redskins are sitting near the top of the NFC East?

Grossman's overall numbers this season are less than spectacular, throwing for 1,132 yards and completing only 55.8% of his passes. His nine interceptions to only six touchdowns may be what was the final undoing for Grossman. The big question is will Beck be any better leading the burgundy and gold?

[Image: National Football Authority]

Lions Nab Ronnie Brown From Eagles

The Detroit Lions were looking for running back depth and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they got it by trading Jerome Harrison and a seventh round pick for the former Dolphin.

Brown was used sparingly as LeSean McCoy's backup this season by the Eagles. Since he was pretty much a non factor this season with only 13 carries for 28 yards, getting rid of him wasn't too difficult.

For the Lions, getting a back like Brown can be a good thing given the health of starting running back Jahvid Best. Best has a history of concussions and he is dealing with one right now. There is no telling how long he will be out, so having depth with a proven back like Brown gives some stability to a Lions team on the rise.

[Image: Bleed-Green]

Vols Alex Bullard Working At Center, Stone Back At Guard

With sophomore James Stone struggling much of the season to consistently snap the ball in shotgun, the Vols and head coach Derek Dooley decided to make a change. Enter sophomore Alex Bullard.

Bullard has started the previous six games this season at left guard for the Vols. He and Stone will simply switch positions.

I'm not sure how easy it is to switch from guard to center and as evidenced by Stone's struggles it appears very difficult. I'm not sure if Bullard will be any better, but the Vols coaching staff obviously had enough of seeing Stone struggle as the center. Nonetheless the Vols will have a new center when they take on No. 2 Alabama Saturday.

[Image: Tri Cities Sports]

Rookie Christian Ponder To Start For Vikings

I knew the end of the road was near for Donovan McNabb when the Vikings benched him in favor of rookie Christian Ponder last Sunday against Chicago. It looks like the job is now Ponder's, ending speculation about when the rookie was going to take the job away from the declining veteran.

This move is not surprising to me as McNabb has been terrible since his days in Philadelphia. Last season in Washington was a bust and this season in Minnesota has been worse.

It's Ponder time now and only time will tell how that will go. Ponder threw for 99 yards on 9-of-17 passing against the Bears last week for a 70.5 quarterback rating. The positive about this performance is that he didn't turn the ball over and if he doesn't throw short-hops to receivers on a consistent basis, it will be a better effort than McNabb showed when he was the starter.

[Image: Gridiron Fans]

Sources: Carson Palmer To The Raiders

The retirement appears over for Carson Palmer as the Cincinnati Bengals are set to receive two first round picks from the Oakland Raiders in exchange.

Needing to fill a void fast as a result of Jason Campbell's collarbone injury, the Raiders have apparently found their guy in Palmer. Dropping two first round picks is a big deal and it proved to be enough for the Bengals to get rid of their former quarterback. It's a risky move for the Raiders, but if Palmer is productive in the black and silver, it could be a very worthwhile move. There was nothing to lose for the Bengals, but getting two first round picks for a player that said he wouldn't play for Cincinnati seems like a pretty good deal.

According to the report, the first first-round pick is in 2012 and the other is a conditional first-round pick in 2013. Palmer was in the Bay Area on Tuesday morning getting a physical before the deal could be completed.
According to a source, if the Raiders win a playoff game in the 2011 season, the Bengals would get a first-round draft pick in 2013. If the Raiders don't win a playoff game in the 2011 season then the Bengals would receive a second-round pick in 2013.

[Image: Football Sickness]

Missouri Coming To The SEC?

With 13 teams now, it is obvious that the Southeastern Conference will need to add another team. Reports have been floating around about Missouri being a possibility for the 14th team and now those reports have some substance.

Broncos Trade Lloyd To Rams

Sources are reporting that the Denver Broncos have traded receiver Brandon Lloyd to the St. Louis Rams for a sixth round draft pick that could be a fifth rounder depending on Lloyd's production.

This is good news for Sam Bradford, who has a lousy selection of wideouts to choose from. Lloyd gives the Rams and Bradford a legitimate number one receiver and for a struggling offense, this could be just what they need.

Lloyd will be reunited with Josh McDaniels, the Rams' offensive coordinator who was the head coach of the Broncos last season when the receiver led the league with 1,448 yards receiving.

[Image: Pigskin Loving Lady]

Will This Be Cooley's Last Year In Washington?

With his role diminishing as of late, Chris Cooley's latest injury could spell his end in Washington. In Sunday's game against the Eagles, Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman through a pass that led Cooley into traffic and consequently shattered his left index finger. Cooley will undergo surgery and is expected to miss six weeks.

As the injuries keep piling up for Cooley, fourth year pro Fred Davis is getting more and more playing time. Davis has had a good season for the Redskins so far with 22 receptions for 343 yards and a touchdown. With more playing time, he is surely going get better and play a bigger role in the Redskins offense. If Davis continues to impress, I don't see his playing time diminishing when Cooley returns - begging the question of do they need Cooley?

[Image: Feared and Loathed]

Campbell Injury Opens Door For Terrelle Pryor

We may find out real quick if former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has what it takes to be an NFL quarterback. After starter Jason Campbell went down with a season ending collarbone injury Sunday, the opportunity may have arrived for Pryor.

NFL journeyman Kyle Boller got the call to enter the game after Campbell's injury and put up a modest and respectable 100 yards on 8-of-14 passing. The question will be, will Boller continue to be the starter or will they let Pryor take the reins and run with it?

A lot of that could be decided on who has the hot hand, or who performs better than the other. For a 4-2 Raiders team with playoff aspirations, a lot rides on who their starting quarterback will be. It is hard to imaging Pryor being ready for NFL action, but the question may be is he a better option than Boller?

[Image: terrelle-pryor.org]

Raiders Jason Campbell Breaks Collarbone, Out For Year

When Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell went down with a collarbone injury after diving for a first down, it didn't look good for a few reasons. First of all, the Raiders have been playing good football as of late. Their offense was fast, balanced and effective and their defense has been solid. Remove Campbell from the equation and it is uncertain how well the Raiders offense will perform from here on out.

Former Ravens first round pick, Kyle Boller, took over quarterback duty after the Cambell injury and was a respectable 8-of-14 for 100 yards in his first action of the season. The real question is will he be the guy to lead the 4-2 Raiders for the rest of the year? The Raiders also drafted Terrelle Pryor in the NFL's supplemental draft this year. After sitting out a mandatory five games of the season, this could open the door for one of the more controversial rookies this season.

[Image: Pro Football Zone]

South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore Out For Year

When it happened, it didn't look pretty. South Carolina stud sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore got tangled up making a block Saturday and consequently is done for the year with a torn ligament and cartilage damage in his left knee.

It's never a good thing when you see a player get injured, but it hurts even worse when it is one of the best players on the team. As we have seen with Tennessee, an injury to a top playmaker causes a magnitude of problems. South Carolina's offense was based around Lattimore and not having him down the stretch could be detrimental for the No. 14 team in the nation.

[Image: Meat Locker Sports]

Red Sox Owner John Henry Opposed Carl Crawford Signing

It sure is easy to say now, but reports are saying that Boston Red Sox owner personally opposed the Carl Crawford signing last offseason. Crawford was arguably the biggest free agent last winter and when the Red Sox nabbed him for seven years, $142 million, many thought he was missing piece for Boston.

After a dreadful 2011 season that saw Crawford hit .255, 11 homeruns, 56 RBI and only steal 18 bases, it is easy to say that signing him was a mistake.

It just seems like poor timing to bring more negativity to the team. The Red Sox fired manager Terry Francona, general manager Theo Epstein is apparently on his way out and dumbass slugger David Ortiz is saying he wouldn't mind being a Yankee and now this. When will it end for the Red Sox, or will the walls just keep crumbling around a franchise that has shown very much promise in the past couple years?

[Image: Raysin' Banners]

General Neyland's Game Maxims

During the 1930s, Vols coach Robert Neyland began having his teams recite seven sentences that he felt summarized everything it took to win a game. These came to be known as "the Seven Maxims of Football," or "the Seven Game Maxims." To this day, Vol teams still recite them in the locker room before every game.

• The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win.
• Play for and make the breaks and when one comes your way - SCORE.
• If at first the game - or the breaks - go against you, don't let up... put on more steam.
• Protect our kickers, our QB, our lead and our ball game.
• Ball, oskie, cover, block, cut and slice, pursue and gang tackle... for this is the WINNING EDGE.
• Press the kicking game. Here is where the breaks are made.
• Carry the fight to our opponent and keep it there for 60 minutes.

Redskins Hall Questionable With Knee Injury

Talk about a blow to the Washington Redskins defense if cornerback DeAngelo Hall cannot go Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins are already thin at cornerback and an injury to their best cornerback causes a serious issue in the Washington secondary.

If he isn't out there Sunday, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin could run wild very similar to last year's game where Michael Vick exploded onto the scene. The Eagles need a win bad and an injury to Hall could definitely help them.

For the Redskins, let's hope this is just a ploy by coach Mike Shanahan to get the Eagles thinking about it, or this could be a long game.

[Image: The Curly]

Dolphins Receiver Brandon Marshall Has Priorities

Forget winning, the goal for Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall  is to be ejected when the Dolphins take on the New York Jets this week.

Marshall was quoted with this ridiculous statement:

"I'm not joking. I'm serious," Marshall told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "They're going to fine me. It's probably going to be like a $50,000 fine. But that quarter and a half that I'm out there, I'm going to play like a monster.

"I might get in a fight with Bart Scott. (Antonio) Cromartie, we pretty much matured our relationship and grew a little bit. We used to fight in Denver and San Diego. If that happens, it happens, so we'll see."

There is nothing like putting a target on your chest before a football game, but I guess when you can't win football games, priorities change. Then again having players like Marshall on your team could be a good reason why the Dolphins aren't winning very many games.

[Image: The Cover Two]

Cowboys Tony Romo Promises To Win Super Bowl

When I first read that Tony Romo promised to win a Super Bowl at some point, I busted out in laughter. Not because I think the Cowboys aren't worthy of achieving such a thing, but because Romo is definitely not going to be the quarterback to lead them to a Super Bowl victory.

It is nice for Romo to have confidence, especially since he is paid to be a leader on the Cowboys. Even though he should be and is expected to be a leader, we know better. Romo has shown glimpses of greatness, but he has also shown equal moments of incapability. Let's face it, Romo is a choke artist. The real question is how long are the Cowbody and owner Jerry Jones going to let Romo lead an underachieving team?

Here is what Romo said via Pro Football Talk:

“This team is going to win a Super Bowl at some point. It’s going to be exciting when that time comes. And when we look back, we’ll know who was on what side of the fence during those tough moments. That’s exciting for us as competitors knowing that we get a chance to go out there and have a chance to win."

[Image: Texas Golf]

Vols Rushing Attack Must Get Going

If the Tennessee Vols are going to have any success the remainder of the year, they must find a way to get the running game going. The Vols are averaging an SEC worst 84.8 yards per game this year and that is simply not how you win football games.

Without gunslinger Tyler Bray in the picture, the running game needs to be a priority in the Vols offense for the remainder of the year. With senior Matt Simms leading the offense, a good balanced attack is what the Vols need. Simms is a more than capable quarterback as shown at times last year and at the end of the Georgia game last week, but he is going to need some help.

Senior Tauren Poole has been slowed by a hamstring injury, so the Vols are going to need freshman Marlon Lane to step up big time if Poole cannot go. The offensive line must improve and find a way to get back to the way they played in the first half of 2010 when Simms was the starter.

It's going to be an interesting ride for the Vols, but if they can get some production out of the running game, it might make things a little better.

[Image: Wade Rackley • The Daily Beacon]

Rangers Want C.C. Sabathia

Word out of Texas is that if C.C. Sabathia doesn't resign with the New York Yankees, the Texas Rangers would be very interested in the lefty.

The Rangers are expected to lose C.J. Wilson to free agency, which would leave them without a legitimate number one starter. Sabathia would definitely fill the void if Wilson does depart.

It still is a longshot of Sabathia to leave New York. The Yankees are expected to offer him a lucrative deal and since he has been quoted as saying he likes playing in New York - it seems unlikely he would leave. Needless to say, Sabathia will be a wanted man by at least a few MLB teams this offseason.

[Image: NJ.com]

Broncos Brandon Lloyd On The Trade Block

The Broncos has reportedly been shopping around All-Pro receiver Brandon Lloyd. The nine year pro really never lived up to potential until last year when he led the league with 1,448 yards. He had 11 touchdowns to compliment that. After poor seasons with San Francisco, Washington and Chicago, Denver seemed to be the right fit for Lloyd.

This season Lloyd has been solid through four games with 19 catches for 283 yards. Not bad for a struggling Broncos offense.

It is interesting that the Broncos would be shopping their best receiver when it was just announced that Tim Tebow will be the new starting quarterback. It is likely due to the fact that Lloyd is a deep threat and that is not going to be Tebow's style.

The Broncos are asking for a third, fourth or fifth round pick in exchange for Lloyd and there are reports that a few teams are interested. It could be a low risk, high reward for a team looking for a big time receiver.

[Image: Pigskin Loving Lady]

Victor Cruz Emerging As A Star For Giants

With the departure of Steve Smith to the Eagles, Eli Manning and the New York Giants were is desperate need for somebody to stand out in the receiving game. Sure, they had Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, but it was vital to find a third option. Enter Victor Cruz, a second year player that was undrafted out of UMASS that before this season had zero catches in his three career games.

What a difference a year makes. Through five games this season, Cruz is second on the team in receiving (behind Nicks) with 19 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns. His 20.3 yards per catch average lead the team. Not bad for a guy that seemingly came out of nowhere.

[Image: NY Daily News]

David Ortiz Wants To Be A Yankee?

As if there wasn't drama going on within the Red Sox organization right now, slugger David Ortiz decided to add to it by saying he would be open to playing for the New York Yankees. There may not be a bigger rival in all of sports than the Red Sox and Yankees, but Ortiz seems to be keeping his options open.

Similar to what Johnny Damon did a few years ago and of course Roger Clemens and Babe Ruth are among the most notable former Red Sox turned Yankees stars, Ortiz may be following a similar path.

The big question is do the Yankees even want the aging Red Sox star? My guess immediate guess is no, but it could depend on how much money Ortiz is ready to settle for.

[Image: Red Sox Beacon]

Skylar McBee's New Mustache

 

Tennessee Vols basketball player Skylar McBee has some new facial hair for the 2011 season. 

Via KnoxNews

Not Shocking If McNabb Loses His Starting Job

It would not be a surprise is Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb lost his starting job at some point this season. It is clear that McNabb is not the same player that he was when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles. The reason is a simple one, he is not as athletic.

McNabb's greatest asset was his ability to scramble and make plays outside the pocket. His athletic ability to extend plays is what made him valuable. As McNabb has gotten older, he has lost the ability to move around like he was once able to. He has never had great passing accuracy, so being a pocket passer is not what has made McNabb a good quarterback.

This is why he wasn't successful with the Washington Redskins and this is why he won't be successful with the Vikings. His days as a starting NFL quarterback are most likely over.

[image: Donald Miralle/Getty Images]

Blame 'Swag Resons' For Tajh Boyd Injury

Is this real life? Swag reasons.. Seriously? Now I know why Lane Kiffin didn’t want this guy when he was coaching at Tennessee.

Found first at sbnation via Tiger Illustrated

LeBron James To The NFL?

via LeBron James on Twitter

Three Way Running Back Battle For The Redskins

Heading into Week 6, the Washington Redskins (3-1) find themselves in a position with three talented running backs. They may not be the highest profile running backs in the league, but they are very fitting for the Redskins offense. Tim Hightower started the season as the featured back in the Redskins offense, but the emergence of rookie Roy Helu has cut into Hightower's playing time. A banged up shoulder in Week 4 opened the door for Ryan Torain and he took advantage of the opportunity by rushing for 135 yards yards and a score on 19 carries. So who is going to be the guy in Washington? Or is it going to be a committee? Here is the breakdown of each back:

Tim Hightower
233 yards, 67 carries (3.5 avg), 1 TD
Hightower is a local guy that started his career with the Arizona Cardinals. He seemed to fit the mold of a Mike Shanahan back perfectly, making sense as to why they went out and got him. He had a strong preseason and looked poised for a monster year in 2011. He has been the starter in each of the Redskins four games, but has yet to take advantage of being the number one back.

Roy Helu
126 yards, 24 carries (5.3 avg), 0 TD
Helu has looked very good in his rookie season. The back out of Nebraska has done everything right and has earned the backup role. Some feel like he is as good, if not better than the other two backs in this system, but he needs the game experience the other two have. I would expect for Helu to keep getting his touches.

Ryan Torain
135 yards, 19 carries (7.1 avg), 1 TD
Torain was the starter towards the end of last season after Clinton Portis was injured. Torain had his ups and his downs, but he was a promising young back in the Shanahan system. A broken hand limited Torain's work this preseason and Hightower emerged as the number one guy while Helu has impressed as the backup. After finally getting some playing time, Torain had a breakout game in Week 4 against the Rams.

The 1-4 Eagles Are The Worst Dream Team Ever

At the beginning of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to be the best team. Well, at least that's what a lot of people thought. Through the first five weeks of the season, the team is sitting at 1-4 and at the bottom of the NFC East.

Some dream team...

WTF Happened to Christina Aguilera?

What happened? Seriously. Does anybody know? I think it's the outfit.

[Image: Star Pulse]

Pregnant Woman Runs Marathon

Woman runs marathon, gives birth

Yes, apparently this is real life. I commend anybody that can run a marathon, but running a marathon while 39 weeks pregnant is just nuts. 

Restaurant Review: Calhoun's

What's not to like about Calhouns?

From BBQ to Sandwiches to Salads to Ribs and Steaks, Calhouns has something on the menu to please almost anybody. Good quality food at a reasonable price is what makes Calhoun's one of my favorite restaurants. In addition to the main course, Calhoun's has fantastic appetizers and desserts to make this one of the most well rounded restaurants in Knoxville. With several locations to choose from, Calhoun's is always a great choice when it comes to great food.

Knox Animal recommendations:

Calhoun's is one of the few restaurants I routinely switch up my order, with so many good options, I will list my favorites from each category.

Appetizer
Rocky Top Potato Skins

Burger
Kick-Back Burger

Sandwich
Southern Chicken Cordon Blue

Salad
Smokehouse

Tennessee BBQ & More (main entree's)
Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Ribs

Steaks, Chops & Prime Rib
"Ale" Steak

Sides
Spinach Maria
Smoky Mountain Baked Beans
Creamy Country Slaw

Desserts
Banana Pudding
Key Lime Pie
Strawberry Shortcake (when available)

With so many good options, Calhoun's is the place to take people when they visit Knoxville. A taste of Tennessee that will be sure to please any guest is why Calhoun's is one of the top restaurants in Knoxville.


Knox Animal Rating: 5 out of 5

Netflix Cancels Qwikster

Apparently the confusing company split for Netflix isn't happening now?

Does anybody making the decisions for Netflix actually know what they are doing?

Netflix please go.

Finishing 2011 Strong Is Going To Be Tough For Vols

First, star receiver Justin Hunter went down with a season ending knee injury against Florida. Then, star quarterback Tyler Bray breaks his thumb on his throwing hand against Georgia and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks. Things in Knoxville couldn't be going any worse right now for the struggling Vols.

The running game has been atrocious all season long and losing two integral parts of the passing game surely will not help get the rushing attack going. The play calling has been criticized along with clock management at times. You put all these things together and it spells disaster for the Vols as SEC play is heating up.

Season Breakdown:
Currently the Vols are 3-2 Overall and 0-2 in the SEC. After playing No. 1 LSU, No. 2 Alabama and No. 15 South Carolina, the Vols will likely be 3-5 Overall and 0-5 in the SEC. They should win against MTSU, giving them an overall record of 4-5 heading into No. 10 Arkansas. We can assume the Vols will lose and will have an overall record of 4-6 and 0-6 in SEC play. The Vols then finish the season with games against Kentucky and Vanderbilt, but even those aren't going to be easy for Tennessee. It's going to be a struggle to finish 6-6.

Sources: TCU To Accept Big 12 Invite

Sources are saying that TCU is finally going to join a real college football conference today. All I can say is we can finally take TCU seriously.

It's Tebow Time

Like him or not, Tim Tebow is an exciting football player. As the Denver Broncos offense struggled again Sunday, the team pulled starting quarterback Kyle Orton in favor of Tebow. The former Florida standout ran for a score and tossed a touchdown in the game. The Broncos still lost, but the spark Tebow gave the Broncos may just have earned him the starting job from here on out.

[image: Ron Chenoy, US PRESSWIRE]

Bray Has Broken Thumb

Just as many feared when they saw the play where Tyler Bray got injured yesterday against Georgia, it is a broken thumb. X-Ray's confirmed the break and Bray is expected to be out at least four weeks.

The news just keeps getting worse for the struggling Vols. It was going to be very hard for the Vols to win the next three games against LSU, Alabama and South Carolina, but it's going to really be hard now without their leader.

[image: Saturday Down South]

Please Remember Not To Steal

Is it really necessary to have to have a sign reminding people not to steal the shopping carts?

Most Legendary Postgame Party Schools

College Football: Ranking the Most Legendary Postgame Party Schools

According to the Bleacher Report...

Yes UT is on the list, but 13? Seriously? What makes it worse is that Georgia in number one. How is Georgia better than LSU(4)? 

Raiders Owner Al Davis Dies

Al Davis

1929 - 2011

"Once a Raider, always a Raider." - Al Davis