Poland#39;s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (1) and Tomasz Jodlowiec (19) fight for the ball against France#39;s Guillaume Hoarau during their international friendly soccer match in Warsaw June 9, 2011. Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland failed to inspire yet again on Thursday, losing 1-0 to France in a friendly that underlined their defensive woes. Defender Tomasz Jodlowiec deflected a shot by France midfielder Charles N#39;Zogbia into his own goal in the 12th minute, accidentally beating his own keepe
The 1990′s was a great decade for NFL football. The San Fransisco 49ers made way at the top of the football heap for the Dallas Cowboys and no one could beat the Buffalo Bills, except the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. For “Way Black When” I present the top 9 Black NFL players of the 1990′s. With apologies to the likes of Tim Brown, Shannon Sharpe, Aeneas Williams, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin I could only pick 9 and here they are. Let the debate begin (NFL career in parentheses) . 9. Junior Seau (1990-2009) The heart and soul of the Chargers defense from 1990-2002, Seau was named to a Pro Bowl nine straight times during the 1990s. He helped lead the Chargers to an AFC championship and an appearance in Super Bowl XXIX. He also was named first-team All-Pro eight times in his career including seven seasons in the ‘90s. Seau signed with the New England Patriots in 2006 in hopes of getting the elusive Super Bowl ring, but had his best shot derailed when the Patriots perfect season was stopped in Super Bowl XLII by The New York Giants. 8. Rod Woodson (1987-2003) Woodson led the NFL with 46 interceptions during the 1990s that included eight that he returned for touchdowns. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1993. Seven of his 11 career Pro Bowl nods came during the ‘90s. While best known in his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler, he won his only Super Bowl as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2000. 7. Derrick Thomas (1989-1999) The late great anchor of the Kansas City Chiefs defense, no player in the NFL had more sacks in the 1990s than Derrick Thomas who totaled 116.5 sacks during the 10-season span. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection during the decade, he had his best season in 1990 when he had a league-high and club record 20 sacks. His seven sacks in one game against the Seahawks that year remains an NFL record. 6. Emmitt Smith (1990-2004) Smith, the Cowboys No. 1 pick in 1990, narrowly missed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie before earning his first of four rushing titles in the 1990s his second season. He added rushing crowns in 1992, 1993, and 1995 as he led the Cowboys to victories in Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX. He was named first-team All-Pro each year from 1992 to 1995 and was named the NFL’s MVP in 1993. In his final year with the Cowboys in 2002, Smith surpassed Walter Payton for the all-time rushing yards lead. 5. Reggie White (1985-2000) This list would not be complete without the “Minister of Defense”. Although his career began in the mid-80′s, Reggie White had seven 10-plus sack seasons during the 1990s and amassed 111.5 sacks during the decade. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Most Valuable Player during his final season with Green Bay in 1998 when he recorded 16 sacks. In all, White was named to 13 Pro Bowls during his career with nine of those selections coming in the ‘90s. 4. Bruce Smith (1985-2003) One of the most feared defensive ends to come around the right side of the field. Bruce Smith recorded 113.5 of his NFL record 200 sacks during the 1990s. No other defensive lineman had more sacks than Smith in the decade. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 and 1996 and was a huge part of why the Buffalo Bills earned four straight Super Bowl berths to start the decade. 3. Deion Sanders (1989-2005) Before there was Darrelle Revis there was Deion Sanders. Sanders earned his “Primetime” nickname by effortlessly shutting down the opposing team’s best receiver on a weekly basis. Sanders picked off 39 of his 53 career interceptions during the decade and returned eight of them for scores. He had a career-high 7 picks in 1993; and then earned Defensive Player of the Year in 1994 after totaling 303 yards on six interceptions during his one season in San Francisco. His flashy persona arguably blazed the trail for guys like Ochocinco and T.O. and his high-step-hand-behind-the-helmet trot to the endzone is oft-imitated by today’s players. His “Neon” Deion kicks (you can’t front on the white and gold joints) earn him extra cool points. 2. Jerry Rice (1985-2004) Like Reggie White and Bruce Smith, Jerry Rice began his career in the mid 80′s. Although Rice was winning Super Bowl titles in the 80′s he got better in the 90′s. Rice’s most memorable season of his 20-year career came in 1995 when he set the NFL record for receiving yardage in a season with 1,848 yards. In all, he had 860 catches during the ‘90s and led the NFL in receptions twice and receiving yardage four times during the decade. By the time he retired, Rice had accumulated a remarkable 1,549 career catches. Rice also broke the all-time touchdown record in 1994 (Randy Moss would eventually surpass him) scoring for the 127th career time ironically against the Oakland Raiders, the team he would eventually end his career with. Rice took his dominance into the 2000′s leading the aforementioned Raiders to the Super Bowl in 2001. 1. Barry Sanders (1989-1998) Arguably the greatest running back ever (definitely that I’ve ever seen). Sanders was a video game on the football field, stopping on a dime and reversing field effortlessly, breaking many a defensive ankle in the process. Sanders turned five yard losses into the most exciting three yard gain in football. He became the first player ever to rush for 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons in the NFL. He also became the first runner ever to record four straight 1,500-yards seasons when he accomplished the feat from 1994 to 1997. He was named the league’s co-MVP in 1997 after he rushed for 2,053 yards. Sanders could have easily become the all-time rushing leader, but he chose to walk away from a prolific career because the inept Detroit Lions refused to trade him to a contender. That takes guts and secures a number one spot on this list. Who are your top 9 players of the 1990′s? NFL Playoffs Kick Off In Wild Fashion
From the Houston Chronicle : Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland went on the defensive Thursday during a meeting with local journalists, saying officers have made recent traffic stops in which residents leave their vehicles to take pictures or shoot video — encounters he says could endanger officers and that have increased following the release of the Chad Holley beating footage. “Officers are… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Reason Magazine – Hit & Run Discovery Date : 24/02/2011 17:30 Number of articles : 2
Filed under: Justin Tuck , TMZ Sports The New York Giants season is on the line tomorrow … and TMZ has learned they will have their defensive star Justin Tuck when they take on the Washington Redskins. As TMZ first reported, Tuck was in a minor accident last night in Teaneck, NJ. Tuck’s… Read more
Former Washington Redskin Defensive End Charles Mann will also be at the Anthem activity zone on Saturday, Sept. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. Mann is a two-time Super Bowl champion, four-time Pro Bowler and a former “Washingtonian of the Year.” WHAT: HealthFair screening bus, Health Footprint calculator stations and fun, interactive activities for the whole family WHERE: Meadow Event Park, off Interstate 95 Doswell-Kings Dominion-State Fair exit in Caroline County ,State Fair of Virginia, Doswell,
Filed under: Sara Evans , Celebrity Justice Sara Evans ‘ ex-hubby Craig Schelske is on the defensive after the country singer’s new man accused him of being possessed by Satan — claiming it’s all part of a smear campaign to turn his own kids against him. Schelske ( left ) filed legal docs in… Read more
Here’s is the NBA Draft for the year 2010 that all of us have been waiting for. We have the Top 15 of the 2010 NBA Draft. That includes the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 75ers, New Jersey Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and Milwaukee Bucks. Check out the details of each list below. Washington Wizards John Wall from Kentucky Point Guard Height: 6’4″ Age: 19 Even if Wizards hangs on to GIlbert Arenas, This Kid will definitely be the future point guard of the Wizards. Wall has a showman attitude to draw a crowd. He can create his own shots and has the ability to contest shots as well. He has great body control with lateral quickness but he needs to improve his 3-point shooting. He needs to be a consistent shooter around the perimeter. Philadelphia 76ers Evan Turner from Ohio State Guard / Forward Height: 6’7″ Age: 21 He has the ability to create his own play. Versatile to defend different positions. He has mid-range jumpers. He is an excellent rebounder and can play very good defense. New Jersey Nets Derricks Favors from Georgia Tech Power Forward Height: 6’10″ Age: 19 He has a solid free throw shooting and with above average mid-range shooting ability, a requirement for a big man in the post. But he must work on his foot work and post up abilities. He is an excellent rebounder and he can play above the rim. Minnesota Timberwolves Wesley Johnson from Syracuse Guard / Forward Height: 6’7″ Age: 22 Athletic and versatile. He has the size and wingspan for his position. He has the ability to create his own shots, he can create space away from the defender. but he does not have the “go-to-mentality” but he is very efficient in scoring and can shoot beyond the arc. He also has the defensive potential. Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins from Kentucky Forward Height: 6’11″ Age: 19 He has the star quality. He can play as the go-to-guy in a team. He plays excellent mid-range game. He can create his own shots, and has the ability to establish position in the post. He has a defensive post presence but sometimes he lacks commitment on playing defense. Needs maturity on the court. He settles for bad shots and doesn’t know his limitations. Golden State Warriors Ekpe Udoh from Baylor Power Forward Height: 6’10″ Age: 23 He has mid-range shooting skills. He has the ability to face the basket and has some passing skills. He is above average in athleticism. He has work ethics. He has great timing and with good shot blocking skills. He needs to be aggressive in rebounding and focus on physical toughness. Detroit Pistons Greg Monroe from Georgetown Power Forward / Center Height: 6’11″ Age: 20 He can create his own shot. He has good decisions on the floor. He has post up ability and has good vision around the court and has better passing skills as well. He must be consistent in shooting. He must also establish his defensive post presence. Dribbling skills must also be in the list of improvements. Los Angeles Clippers Al-Farouq Aminu from Wake Forest Forward Height: 6’8″ Age; 19 He is versatile to defend multiple positions. He has lateral quickness and has the ability to contest shots. He is an excellent rebounder, and has a potential to make his mark in defense. But he has to improve his shooting. He needs to be coached about his shot selections. He needs experience and maturity on the court. Utah Jazz Gordon Hayward from Butler Small Forward Height: 6’8″ Age: 20 He is an extreme versatile swingman. He can score, pass and rebound. He is an explosive player and he shoots in good range with excellent mechanics. Good physical toughness. Must improve assertiveness and consistency. Indiana Pacers Paul George from Fresno State Shooting Guard / Small Forward Height: 6’9″ Age: 20 He is a good leaper. He has prototypical small forward size and length. Possesses the potential to stretch the defense at the NBA level. Solid rebounder. Comes up with a lot of steals. Potentially an all-around contributor at the next level. Needs efficiency in scoring. New Orleans Hornets Cole Aldrich from Kansas Center (Traded to Thunder) Height: 6’11″ Age: 21 He can play pick and roll. He has the ability to establish position in the post. He is efficient inside the paint and he can play better defense as well. He can make his defensive post felt. He has the size for the position and physical toughness. He needs to improve his shooting mechanics. Lateral movement is his weakness and needs some improvements on his all around offensive game. Memphis Grizzlies Xavier Henry from Kansas Guard / Small Forward Height: 6’7″ Age: 21 He has excellent skill level. He can play point forward position. He has the ability to create his own shots. He has very good defensive awareness and versatile to defend multiple positions. He has the ability to change gears and has hesitation moves. He has good court vision and makes unselfish plays. He needs to limit turn overs and improve 3 point shooting. Toronto Raptors Ed Davis from North Carolina Power Forward Height: 6’9″ Age: 21 Executes good offense. He has defensive fundamentals. He can contest shots and commits to playing defense. He is a role player and has good basketball IQ. He has very good rebounding skills. He needs to improve his foot works in the post. His ability to face the basket and create his own shots must be improved and his mid-range jumpers as well. Houston Rockets Patrick Patterson from Kentucky Power Forward Height: 6’8″ Age: 21 He is efficient in scoring. He has nice jump-hook shot, mid-range jump shots and basketball IQ. He can run the floor. Good athleticism. He needs to improve defense. Lacks defensive awareness. He is a jack of all trades type, but master of none. Milwaukee Bucks Larry Sanders from Virginia Commonwealth Power Forward Height: 6’9″ Age: 21 Extremely long and athletic forward who can rebound and block shots at a high clip. Runs the floor extremely well for his size. Has a frame that should fill out nicely. Offensive game is a work in progress. Needs more attention to his assertiveness inside the paint and jump shots. More News.. Top 15 of the 2010 NBA Draft is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading →
The Patriots today announced that they will not hire a defensive coordinator to replace the outgoing Dean Pees. Bill Belichick will be de facto coordinator. Of course, Bill Belichick is also the de facto offensive coordinator. The Patriots will be the first team since… well, since anybody can remember to have no official coordinators. Belichick can’t possibly run things on both sides of the ball, so this probably turns QB coach Bill O’Brien into the new de facto OC, the same path Josh McDaniels traveled. read more
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — I made no bones about being an unabashed advocate for Chicago hiring Mike Martz as its offensive coordinator. And so I don’t mind telling you that I see no upside in promoting Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator. Marinelli has never been a coordinator in 33 years as a coach, and his new responsibilities will take at least some of his focus away from his specialty as a defensive line tutor. Marinelli wasn’t known for his organizational skills as Detroit’s head coach from 2006 to 2008 and he doesn’t seem well-suited for this job. Frankly, I wonder if Marinelli thinks it’s a good idea. Last month, coach Lovie Smith strongly implied Marinelli didn’t want the job. Here’s what Smith said Jan. 5: “I’ve talked to Rod about all of the different things I am going to do. Rod would like to be in his position of being an assistant head coach, and helping me with other things like that, and coaching the defensive line. That’s a full-time job.” So Smith pursued one-time Bears assistant Perry Fewell for the job, only to be spurned when Fewell joined the New York Giants. With few other options, it appears Smith talked Marinelli into making the change. In a statement released Friday, Smith said: “We considered outside possibilities, but I didn’t feel our defense would benefit the same way it will with Rod in the coordinator role. From the first day I became head coach of the Chicago Bears I envisioned Rod as our defensive coordinator. I considered him for the role last year, but wanted him to have the opportunity to work exclusively with our defensive line and become acclimated to our team. He will remain in our defensive line room, but will add the responsibility of the defensive calls on game day.” Assistant defensive line coach Eric Washington was promoted to the full-time role, but it sounds as if Marinelli will split his time between the line and his coordinator duties. To me, that presents a problem on both fronts: His influence with the line will be watered down, and the Bears still don’t have a coach to serve solely as the defensive coordinator. Wasn’t that what they needed after Smith gave up those duties after the season? There are some ways this could work, and it’s worth noting that Marinelli and Smith are united in their advocacy of the Tampa 2 scheme. It’s ingrained in their souls and they should be able to hit the ground running. But it sure feels like the Bears targeted only one candidate for this job and were at a loss after Fewell went to the Giants. Ultimately, it seems they circled back on an emergency backup plan. Their offense got better with the additions of Martz and offensive line coach Mike Tice. I can’t say the same about their defense after Friday’s moves.
