Kickin’ It with the Ol’ School Players

by Nkeshi Free

Yes, ladies it’s the start of another season and its time to bring back the Sideline Pass favorite “Cutie of the Week” section.  So to whet your appetites, I decided to start off with a dedication to the fine former players of the NFL in a section called “Still a Cutie.”   So for the next week, sit back and enjoy a look at the throw-back classic cuties who can give the current players a run for their money on the looks department! Get ready for Aikman, Keyshawn and Rod W! Enjoy.

© Brooks Ayola

Troy Aikman

Okay, seriously, with those baby blues and “All-American” good looks there is no question that Troy Aikman was the perfect fit to serve as the QB for “America’s Team,” none other than the Dallas Cowboys.  Standing at a commanding 6′ 4″, he was known for being tough and his ability to take a hit and keep getting up, until he had one concussion too many and retired in April 2001.  While the starting QB for the Cowboys, Aikman led the team to three Super Bowls including back to back championships in 1993 and 1994 over the Buffalo Bills and the 1996 win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.  After retiring, Aikman was the first of the famed Cowboys “Triplets” to reach the NFL Hall of Fame.  The “Triplets” was comprised of Aikman and teammates Michael Irving at wide receiver and recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee, running back Emmitt Smith.  In his retirement, Aikman serves as a game day commentator for Fox Sports along with hosting a weekly sports radio show and running the Troy Aikman Foundation.  One thing’s is for sure when Aikman’s in the booth I have to remember to watch the game and not the sportscaster!  All I know is that this All-American girl can only say one thing when it comes to this fine piece of eye-candy…”How ‘Bout Them Cowboys,”  because in addition to a tradition of winning there’s a tradition of fine men!

Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

Yes Lawd!  Really ladies I had to work extra hard to focus on the story and not look at this picture all day….I mean, how can I look at anything other than that smile and beautiful teeth…Whew…okay focus…focus… (lol)! Keyshawn Johnson, this former wide receiver for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys (see what I mean about tradition of fine men, see previous Troy Aikman story), and Carolina Panthers is just a chocolate bar vision waiting to be devoured as eye candy!  In 2007 he retired after an 11-year career that included three Pro-Bowl selections, a Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  He is the first wide receiver to score a touchdown on Monday Night Football with four different teams.  Johnson finished his career with 814 receptions and is tied with Henry Ellard at 17th for all-time career NFL receptions.  In addition to his sports casting, Johnson is known for his ties and love of all things fashion including an interior design show on A&E.  I tell you one thing that Keyshawn can come design me, my closet and my house all day everyday as long as he keeps smiling!!

Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson by ©J. Monroe Butler II

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, my work is done!  Rod Woodson….okay carry-on!  I know age ain’t nothing but a number and this man is just getting better like fine wine….I mean somehow, they thought I was supposed to look at pictures of this man and just pick one (lol)!!  I’m glad I don’t have to worry about selecting which one, because truthfully all of the photos I saw should just be one big collage dedicated to the fineness that is Rod Woodson! Oh and let me be PERFECTLY clear, I am 100% biased about his good looks because we share the same birthday (but not the same year, so don’t get it twisted, ha-ha-ha)!!  This defensive back and what a “back” it is… inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame, was best known for his years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it was with the Baltimore Ravens that he found Super Bowl glory.  I can’t believe he was in my back yard!!  Talk about a winning combination Ray Lewis and Rod Woodson on the same team…That’s not a super team, that’s super hot!  Woodson also played with the San Francisco 49’s and Oakland Raiders and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.  Inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame with class of 2009, the analyst for the NFL Network on the show NFL Total Access has my TOTAL attention EVERYTIME he is on the screen!

Mark Your Calendar

It’s time to make some moves! The critical dates listed below mean the world to those fringe players looking to make the NFL roster. The opportunity to cement a position with a team depends on a number of factors – not simply based on whether the player is good or not. Depth at certain positions, injuries and special circumstances (i.e. Steelers QBs situation) change the complexion of the team roster.

Here are the dates to know for the rest of 2010!

• August 31: Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players.

• September 4: Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.

• September 9-13: 2010 Kickoff Weekend.

• October 19: Trading deadline.

• November 16: Signing deadline for franchise players.

By Patricia Hseih

Are you ready?

It’s FINALLY that time of year again.  The end of summer, kids back at school, and the start of FOOTBALL!!!   Months, in football time what amounts to ages, have gone by since the last meaningful NFL game.  The draft in April, off season workouts and OTA’s (Organized Team Activities), and now training camps are coming to a close.   And in the words of Hank Williams Jr., “Are you ready for some football?!?!”

Along with the news that Favre has touched down on Eden Prairie, MN is the fact that thousands of men and women all across the country have one thing on their minds: fantasy football (FF).  I got bit by the fantasy football bug three years ago when one of the college guys at church, knowing I loved the NFL, needed an extra player.  I had NO IDEA what I was doing or what fantasy football all about.  All I was told was that I’d be acting like a General Manager (GM): drafting/picking players and a Head Coach (HC): taking those players on your team and compiling a starting roster each week.  Teams go head-to-head each week and the fantasy team with the most points win.  My rookie year as a fantasy football manager was a painful yet good learning experience.  But I learned the ins and outs of drafting a good team.

Drafting: Online or In-Person

Die hard FF leagues actually come together and have live drafts.  A draft kit is made or ordered with each NFL player’s name on a sticker or card.  Once selected that NFL player is placed on that FF team’s roster.  One web series that I like to watch called “Fantasy Over Reality” has a great depiction of what takes place during these live drafts.  The FX channel has a show called “The League” but I haven’t watched it yet.

We played in a standard league run by Yahoo with ten (10) teams, each with 15 players selected in the draft.  One of the best things about Yahoo leagues is their accessibility. Yahoo had a fantasy football app for the iPhone giving me access to my team and stats from anywhere.  Due to the fact that our league was spread out across the country, we opted for an online draft.  We were still able to ridicule one another’s picks in real time and talk smack via the chatting feature.

What Makes a Team

Basic starting rosters typically consist of these positions:

• 1 Quarterback (QB)
• 2 Running Back’s (RB)
• 3 Wide Receivers (WR)
• 1 Tight End (TE)
• 1 Team Defense (DEF)
• 1 Kicker (K)

The rest of the players sit on your bench.  Each league has its own tweaks.  For example, Instead of the third WR you can have a flex position.  My other league we agreed on a WR/TE flex position.  Some leagues have RB/WR, etc.

Paty’s TIPS!

Paty H - SPass FF Guru

Some Basic Draft Strategies:

Most people draft their starters plus some back ups for most positions: RB’s & QB’s especially.  There are some crazy guys out there who carry two kickers???  Huh?  Some hoard good DEF’s.  I won’t name names.  You guys know who you are.   Then there’s handcuffing and I’m not talking about the law enforcement variety.  RB’s are more proned to injury so it’s common practice to also draft your #1 RB’s back up.  For instance, last season those who picked Adrian Peterson (AP) also drafted his back up Chester Taylor as insurance.  If AP goes down you know that the Taylor will take his place next week.  [My quick rant! Thanks to Mr. Mangini in Cleveland last season that theory all went down in flames and I got screwed many weeks trying to guess which RB he was going to start.  Talk about annoying!  Mangini is not to be trusted – ever!]

Watch the Clock!

Each manager has 2 minutes to make their selection.  If a manager cannot be present they can opt to “auto draft.”  That manager predetermines his or her player rankings from their #1 pick all the way down the line.  But please beware, you can get unintentionally loaded with one position depending on the order and placement of the picks.

Know Your Players’ Schedules!

One key factor to take into consideration while drafting is paying attention to your players’ BYE WEEK schedules. [Newbies: in a 17-week season, each teams plays 16 games and gets one week off, called a "Bye Week." If your players are in a bye week, you can't get points.]

1. Make sure that your players’ bye weeks are spread out.  The last thing you want is to have half your roster on a bye week all at the same time.
2. Along those lines, you might want to shy away from taking too many players from any one NFL team.  If you do, you really have to plan those bye weeks carefully.
3. Before your draft make sure you print out the season’s schedule in a 32 team x 17 playing weeks grid which gives you the entire season’s schedule on one page.
4. I highlight the bye weeks so I can access the data easily.  There are weeks that are bye week heavy having 4-6 teams taking that week off.

Welcome Paty H.: I am a former science major & SAHM turned fantasy football enthusiast. I haven’t quite reached “fanatic” – yet.  Join me this season as I juggle 3 kids, my first triathlon, & take on 3 fantasy football leagues for the first time.

2009 Regular Season Record: Colts 15-1; Packers 11-5

Colts Packers '08

Two teams so close to holding the Lombardi trophy face each other in a preseason game that may be great fun to watch – even if it doesn’t tell us much. The Indianapolis Colts took to the field of the Super Bowl in Miami ready to add a new ring to the collection. They were favored and walked into the playoffs having only lost one game. The Green Bay Packers anointed the arm of Aaron Rodgers (a good arm I might add) as a divining rod back to Super Bowl glory. Didn’t happen.

The Green Bay Packers were only two losses away from commanding the NFC North. Those two losses were to Brett Favre’s Vikings, which added more drama to the NFL than you’d find on the Real Housewives of Atlanta.  The playoff position may have cost the Packers the shot at playing in the big game. Try as he might last year, Rodgers wasn’t able to complete the team’s separation from Favre. Just like any breakup, the feelings are much stronger until you get the new trophy.

The Indianapolis Colts were one win away from a perfect regular season – but they chose to forgo the shot at history to keep the starters rested and healthy. With the #1 seed wrapped up, Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell put his star QB Peyton Manning on the bench. Perhaps watching Bill Belichick’s Patriots, the most recent almost-undefeated, he decided to let go of the opportunity to knock the ’72 Dolphins off the perch. During the Super Bowl, by the fourth quarter, the audience could see the momentum swing to the underdog Saints. When the clock struck 00:00, the Peyton and the crew sat dejected on the sidelines – wondering how in the heavens this happen.

We should see some great football. Tonight we get to see the two great QBs do their thing with near flawless offenses and tight defenses. It’s that “near” thing that changes the whole story.

(By the way, my opinion is that the Colts lost because they ticked off the football goddesses. You can’t cheat destiny like that. Sorry Caldwell.)

Just learning the game? Here’s a brief breakdown of positions on the field during a typical game. The players may change based on the offensive or defensive scheme. Also, there are different setups for special teams plays, such as the punting unit or kickoff return team. We’ll deal with those more thoroughly throughout the season. Also, we’ll go through the nuances of each position in the Weekly Wink, the Sideline Pass Newsletter, beginning next Tuesday! Next, thanks to Patty, we’ll have a breakdown of Fantasy Football. Look for it.

NFL Team Positions

OFFENSE (Blue): For full explanations of each offensive position, click HERE

T= Tackle

G= Guard

C= Center

QB = Quarter Back

TE = Tight End

WR = Wide Receiver

FB = Fullback

HB = Halfback

DEFENSE (Orange): For full explanations of each defensive position, click HERE

E = End

T = Tackle

ML = Middle Linebacker

OL = Outside Linebacker

CB = Cornerback

S = Safety

Albert Haynesworth, #92

Daniel Snyder saw something in Albert Haynesworth. One can liken it to Al Davis, believing faithfully in JaMarcus Russell – looking past the stats and lackluster play to the natural born talent. What the fans see today is the same man, singing the same song, making the same excuses. I’m sorry Albert. I, too, would like to do as little as possible in the weight room and get the maximum results. It ain’t happening.

Linebacker Darren Hambrick asked, “what do voluntary mean?” when he realized that he didn’t necessarily have to attend all off-season workouts. Like Hambrick, Albert decided it wasn’t necessary for him to join his teammates. For the best definition of voluntary, the players should look at film of Jerry Rice running hills and showing up early. They should watch Emmitt Smith working out harder than most though could. Opting for best is another definition of voluntary. So I implore Albert – CHOOSE to play at your peak performance and earn at least half of your money.

Neither of Rice nor Smith were perfect off the field, but what they brought to their profession and their teams was immeasurable. The work ethic was contagious. Instead, Haynesworth bring a throng of reporters asking will he-can he-should he-could he play? Barring real injuries, those questions should be replaced by inquiries about productivity and vision for the season. Instead, it’s a guessing contest about his weight and bets on whether he can pass the conditioning tests. Last season, JaMarcus brought with him those same questions. He answered them with inconsistent play, lack of durability and downright trifling crap when the man could have been a great QB. Could have been, Albert, is not what you want to define your legacy.

Three times (on record) Albert has kicked or hurt a defenseless player – once kicking his own teammate in the chest during practice. Snyder looked past those lapses in judgment and offered the man one of the richest contracts in NFL history. Had he met all the incentives, which doesn’t appear likely, Haynesworth could have earned $115 million. Instead, he’ll still take some serious money to the bank while he whines about what’s happening on the field. While we’re all looking to other coaches, players and pundits to describe what’s happening, Haynesworth himself said it best.

Yes, Albert, what you’re doing out there is still disgusting.

Big Boo-Boos!

The beginning of preseason is always met with hype and enthusiasm. Some claim that coaches are too cautious with their prized starters, denying fans the opportunity to see their favorite players, like the Giants Eli Manning. His team’s Rhett Bomar, third on the depth chart, played the entire preseason game because #1 and #2 were in street clothes. (side note: doesn’t Rhett Bomar sound like a movie star name?) Based on the list below, we may see fewer minutes and series for the starting players next week.

Who did I miss? Any updates? Fill us in here or on facebook!

Quarterbacks:
• Eli Manning: Gash on the forehead.
• Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins: Left ankle, day-to-day
• Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Fractured the top of his thumb on this throwing hand. Out for preseason.
• Jim Sorgi, New York Giants: Torn shoulder muscle, expected return 2-3 weeks
• Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos: Bruised ribs, out 2 – 3 preseason games
• A.J. Feely, St. Louis Rams: Thumb and elbow, MRI Monday

Cornerbacks:
• Maurice Leggett (reserve): Neck injury

Tackles:
• Russell Okung, Seattle Seahawks, LT: Ankle injury; potentially season-ending.
• Corey Peters, Atlanta Falcons, Defensive Tackle: Left knee injury, should start.
• Trent Williams, Washington Redskins, LT: Elbow contusion

Safeties:
• Gibril Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals: Knee injury, potentially season-ending.
• Kareem Moore, Washington Redskins: Right knee injury, light sprain

Linebackers:
• Stephen Hodge, Dallas Cowboys: Knee, PUP list
• Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears, Middle Linebacker: Left calf sprain; out for the remainder of preseason.

Running Backs:
• D.J. Ware, New York Giants: Concussion.

Fullbacks:
• Mike Sellers, Washington Redskins: Left knee injury, day-to-day

Guards:
• Kyle Kosier, Dallas Cowboys, Left Guard: Sprained right MCL, out 4 – 6 weeks

Defensive Ends:
• Marcus Spears, Dallas Cowboys: Knee; out 4 – 6 weeks

Tight Ends:
• John Phillips, Dallas Cowboys: Knee, out for season.

The Purple People Eaters. The Steel Curtain.  Air Coryell. The Hogs. The Greatest Show on Turf.

Minnesota Vikings Defense

Team nicknames were a source of pride for winners throughout NFL history. Yesterday, when the Patriots agreed to an injury settlement with Torry Holt, it could perhaps end the careers of the Greatest Show on Turf, the St. Louis Rams amazing offense that unexpectedly turned the league on its heels. I had to look back at some of those electrifying moves. Were they the last team to have a group ID?

Today’s players have individual nicknames to keep their personal brand out front. On his radio show yesterday, Coach John Thompson wondered if sports are losing the concept of team due to free agency and other decisions. Players move more often and more quickly, city to city, losing the chance to establish a group identity.

I had the opportunity to do a fun, short video with Carl Eller of Minnesota’s heralded Purple People Eaters. When he id’s himself, he lists the name of the other member of that front four as if they’ve all somehow taken each others name to merge into one identity, while still keeping their individualism. The Washington Redskins’ Hogs were just as tight. Over two seasons (1982 and 1983) Jacoby, Starke, Grimm, May and Bostic would miss a combined total of just ONE game. Where one went, the others followed. They were a true group that prides themselves to this day in their playing days.

One of the past week’s blog posts looked at five players who moved on from teams they’d spent over a decade with, searching for glory. I couldn’t think of once during theses five talented players careers where the team developed and maintained a group ID. Jason Taylor, Flozell Adams, Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook – each has built a lasting legacy. None have a ring. They need a team for that.

Carl Eller Minnesota Vikings HOF/Ron Kramer Green Bay Packers from Sideline Pass on Vimeo.

Purple People Eaters: The front four of the Minnesota Vikings from the late 60′s through the 70′s.  Their motto was “Meet at the quarterback.” The team won three Super Bowls in four years.

The Steel Curtain: The front four the Pittsburgh Steelers in the ’70s that soon extended to the entire defense. The team won four Super Bowls.

Air Coryell: The high-flying offense of the San Diego Chargers in the late ’70′s and early 80′s  named for its head coach Don Coryell.

The Hogs: The chunky front line named “The Hogs” by Washington Redskins Offensive Coach Joe Bugel.

The Greatest Show on Turf: The St. Louis Rams amazing offense from 1999 – 2001, that is the only team in NFL history to score 500+ points in 3 consecutive seasons.

Scoring Big in the NFL

After speaking with Charlotte Jones Anderson for just a few seconds it’s clear – the woman is about the business of winning. Not only does this apply to football, but also across the wide world of professional sports. She applies that same passion to managing charitable efforts, making certain that communities are well-served.

LISTEN HERE:

Charlotte Jones Anderson

Watching any Dallas Cowboys game, you’re sure to see her handiwork. The brand has her imprint all over it. Clearly, she works with her father and brothers to propel The Star to even greater notoriety. With a new stadium designed as a showroom for some of the greatest athletes and entertainers in the world, the doors have opened even wider for the company.

As a mother, she shares that the whole family is about the business of growing the Cowboys. Her children keep her current on social media trends and hot topics of the day. She clear though, it’s most important to nurture the personal passion of each child, not the path the parent chooses. Her parents modeled that behavior, allowing Charlotte to make her own decisions and chart her personal course to success.

I learned something about Jerry Jones in this interview as well. The respect and concern he has for his children is undeniable. He’s passed along a drive for excellence and the unwavering confidence necessary to move ideas forward.  Listen as Charlotte tells how he sat down with she and her brothers to discuss the purchase of the team – and how each of them has been integral to the success of the franchise.

Enjoy!

“Loyalty is something that hurts you at times, because you can’t get youth back. I can honestly say that if I could go back and do my situation over, knowing what I know now with this organization, I’d have done it a little sooner.” Kevin Garnett

Jason Taylor, Flozell Adams, Donovan McNabb, LaDaininan Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook have to learn their way around a new locker room and a new city. Each probably knew the layout of his stadium better than that of his own home, spending countless days there season after season. All but Taylor have had the increasingly uncommon experience of playing for one team their entire career. Even Taylor, who left his team the Miami Dolphins briefly for the 2008 season, went back home to his familiar last year. The stay didn’t last long and he finds himself in a whole new world with a dynamic young team, but all new surroundings. If, like Garnett, these players find a renewed sense of purpose and greater promise in their new stadium homes, will it translate to championships?

Donovan McNabb: Philadelphia Eagles, 1999-2009; Washington Redskins, 2010

Donovan McNabb

McNabb played hard in that Philadelphia Eagles jersey – a broken leg, a punctured chest, and more – but was dismissed quite quickly. He’s been so close to finish line he could taste it, instead watching the Lombardi trophy hoisted over the head of his Super Bowl opponent. Now in his new home down the highway, the QB says he feels like a rookie again. Will the new energy, new coach and unceasing faith of a football city push him across for the win? Do you think he wonders what would have happened if he switched sooner?

Jason Taylor: Miami Dolphins, 1997 – 2009* (Washington Redskins, 2008); New York Jets, 2010

Jason Taylor

We’re getting glimpses of Jason Taylor, who in a recent interview with Dan Le Batard revealed the pain of the tough times in Miami. He said simply, “1-15” when asked what was the most the game ever hurt him. In the darker shade of green he now wears, he tends to look deep in thought at times. Perhaps wondering, “what if I’d left sooner?”

Flozell Adams: Dallas Cowboys, 1998 – 2009; Pittsburgh Steelers, 2010

Flozell Adams

Flozell Adams lined up for the Pittsburgh Steelers at right tackle after holding down the other side of the Dallas Cowboys line for 11 seasons. At times, he looked like a confused toddler trying to determine which shoe goes on which foot, learning left from right all over again. Even when critics labeled him a dirty player at times, his talent and drive were never questioned. He was a Cowboy! Many fans watching preseason ball were really confused, too– it’s almost like the jersey didn’t fit.

LaDaininan Tomlinson: San Diego Chargers, 2001 – 2009; New York Jets, 2010

LaDaininan Tomlinson

On his opening night debut for the NY Jets, L.T. received a vote of confidence from a player who’d been there. Curtis Martin, the retired Jets running back, reminded the audience that he won his rushing title at 31. “I won the rushing title at 31, and I think LaDainian has much more ability than I had,” said the retiree. That’s high praise, though San Diego fans would disagree.

Brian Westbrook: Philadelphia Eagles, 2002 – 2009, San Francisco 49ers, 2010

Brian Westbrook

Lastly, we’ll see what Brian Westbrook can bring to Singletary’s San Francisco 49ers. After seven seasons with Donovan in Philly, he’ll play with a new starting QB for the first time. He’ll need to learn what to wear in San Francisco and how to deal with fans who may not throw snowballs at Santa Claus but have been spoiled by Montana, Clark, Rice and Young. They have low tolerance for lots of talk without results.

“There is a season … turn, turn, turn … I swear it’s not too late”
Turn! Turn! Turn!, The Byrds