by Deborah “DJ” Johnson

Deb and Jay

On Monday morning I was sitting in a restaurant having breakfast with my oldest son, Jay [Richardson], when we got the news that Coach Tressel had resigned.  Immediately, Jay sent out a tweet of prayer and support for the man who helped him to grow up.  I was deeply saddened over the news.

It wasn’t long before the barrage of negative press gained steam and took over as the top story of the week.   I have had to listen to former loyal fans joined the bandwagon of people who are now vilifying the man they once revered.  Did I miss something?  I find it very interesting that people with no son on the team, no connection to NCAA sports besides a season ticket or a couch in front of a flat screen on game day are now judge and jury and calling for Coach Tressel’s execution.  They are now adding the athletic director and university president to their list of people who should be fired.  SERIOUSLY!!!

I have heard people in the supermarket giving their opinions about what should be done and how disgraceful this has been.  Many have said “I KNOW there is even more to this story.”  Well, they are absolutely right, there is a lot more to this story.  Unfortunately, it is not going to be printed on the front page of any major publication nor will it be “breaking news” during primetime.

For those of you who have not heard this story (I am sure there is at least one person who has been on an expedition to Antarctica and hadn’t heard the story), I will give you the Cliff Notes version. Five Ohio State Players were suspended for 5 games for getting discounts on tattoos in exchange for giving autographed OSU memorabilia.  A few others sold some of their gifts from OSU before they were given clarity on the fact that they could not sell even a gift that was theirs (including championship rings or gold pants charms) in exchange for money or services.  Interestingly, this all came out before a bowl game and the NCAA allowed the players to play.  It is no secret that millions of dollars would have been lost if the players were not going to be in the game.  These are things that make you go HMMM…

My son was in Coach Tressel’s first recruiting class.  I have had the joy of watching him lead him and the other team members.  I have seen him take time to ensure that family came first.  He taught them that there is more to life than football and took the time during every team meeting to teach them principles to live by.  I am the co-founder of the Football Parents Association at Ohio State.  Coach Tressel worked long hours with the OSU Compliance Office to make sure we were not doing anything that would violate rules and we felt like part of the team.  I have seen him stress community service and respect for fans.

The media continues to make a big deal about how Coach Tressel should have known what was going on with his players (all 105 of them) at all times–REALLY?  I only have three children and I can tell you I am still learning about things they did when they were teens.  It wasn’t until I read my son’s English paper that I learned he had put a hole in the basement wall and then covered it up and we live in the same house!

Were rules broken by the Coach?  It appears that they were.  Were they so heinous as to deserve this level of negative press?—ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Let those without sin cast the first stone.  This incident cannot hold a candle to all the love and care I have seen Coach Tressel show his players.  I have watched him nurture players until they got it right.  I have seen him give a player time to grow up rather that kick him off the team.  I have watched him see about team players in crisis—including one who is now paralyzed.  I have seen him lead the charge to help a player’s family who lost their home during Hurricane Katrina.

I will sorely miss Coach Tressel and I am appreciative for all he has done.  I have heard it once said “people love a success story but hate successful people”.  The haters are now having a field day with this story.

Before you judge this too harshly, take the time to find out the other side of the story. We don’t always get it right as a parent but we do what we think is best for our children.   

by Mia Jackson

AP. Stow Family Members John and Erin comfort each other.

Bryan Stow, SF Giants fan, is in a coma because he went to baseball game. The 42-year-old paramedic and father of two was waiting at a cab stand after attending a game a Dodger Stadium when two goons (I don’t consider them fans) began to taunt him and other Giants-clad baseball folks. They punched him and kicked him – and like the punks they are (there’s another word I’d like to use but I keep it clean) – they ran away. Today, Stow remains in critical condition with what appears to be lasting brain damage.

Now pardon me – but damnit! – when did going to the ballpark become a life-threatening situation? I’ve attended many games in the Black Hole, but never did I think that Violator or Spike would take a life. They may have talked about your mother, but they wouldn’t try to send her into early grief.

On ESPN’s first take, Skip Bayless and Rob Parker discussed the horrific event that took place at Dodger Stadium. I agree with Dana Jacobson who asked, “What kind of message is that, to say you can’t wear [team gear]?…that is the saddest message if I’ve ever heard one. ” Little kids can’t go on and cheer their team in a treasured t-shirt because some older men – I won’t call them grown – drink too much and yell at them.

What’s YOUR Opinion? Please comment. The inmates have turned the ballpark into the asylum. Here’s the earlier discussion:

Ladies – Get Your Votes In!

by Nkeshi Free

Can the AFC win this year? Darren Sharper of the New Orleans Saints wrapped up the Cutie of the Year Award and the Super Bowl in 2010! Who will win the 2011 Crown?

Choose three – voting is open until Monday, January 24th – and then the top two choices from the NFC and AFC will battle for the Finest Man in the NFL! Here are your NFC candidates.

VOTE for the NFC Cutie, too! Click here: NFC Cutie of the Year Contest

VOTE for the NFC Cutie, too! Click here: NFC Cutie of the Year Contest

NOTE: If you can’t see the pictures, please click the PDF link below.

AFCCuties

Thanks for voting!

Week 15 – Semi-finals in all 3 leagues!

I could be in serious trouble in Yahoo1:  Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers was knocked out of the Packers vs. Lions game

Patty Hsieh is the featured Fantasy Football Writer for Sideline Pass. Follow stories of her 3-League team management in write-ups each week.

with a concussion.  They are not saying how badly he’s concussed until they run further tests on him but I should have a back up QB, right?  I do, but unfortunately his name happens to be Kyle Orton  – otherwise known as one who has taken this inexplicable nose dive into the ff black hole.  What’s worse is that he very well may be taking Brandon Lloyd down with him.  This being a 12-team league, the remaining QB’s may as well be named “the not-so-desirables.”  Not exactly the type of QB you want going into the semi-finals of your ff playoffs.  “Them’s slim pickins…”  Not good.  Not good at all.  I will have to see if the GB backup QB Matt Flynn is available.–>  Okay, I just did a search and long story short Flynn is available but being unknown that he is I am hesitant to sign him up.  DAL QB John Kitna is still on the waiver wire and would be starting against a league bottom feeding WAS DEF.   Kitna seems like the safer choice.  Also, with KC coming into town to face STL I’m going to switch out their DEF & pick up DAL’s DEF.  Guess I’m rooting for the Cowboys this week!

Yahoo2 was the league in which I would take risks. I’ve been picking up players and plugging them in each week as was needed.  Some week 14 sleepers include BAL WR Derrick Mason and JAC RB Rashad Jennings but I will most likely be searching for K Rob Bironas’ replacement.  The TEN offense has stalled to the point where Bironas is not even getting FG attempts.  The past two weeks have been pretty bleak.  I am eyeing the new PIT K journeyman Shaun Suisham to fill Bironas’ spot.

Also, I do not like my BAL DEF this week against PIT so I’ll be picking up the NE DEF which is playing against a battered and undermanned GB team.  But I’d like to keep the BAL DEF around just in case for next week so I’ll be dropping NO RB Chris Ivory to get the NE DEF.

ESPN: I’ve been keeping an eye on DAL K David Buehler the last couple of weeks and have a feeling that he will be having a good week against a torrid WAS team.  So, thank you Mr. Cundiff for the one week visit and welcome aboard Mr. Buehler.

WIN! An autographed picture of Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald Click here to fill out your entry form.

Roster Adjustments

Brady? Vick? Decisions!

Yahoo1: Lots of big moves this week as each substitution could mean winning or losing your match – with the biggest one being substituting John Kitna for my injured #1 QB Aaron Rodgers.  I’m not expecting spectacular numbers from Kitna but I know he’ll have a decent outing (15-20 fantasy points).

As I alluded to earlier, the downward spiral of Kyle Orton has impacted how his receivers output as well.  The skeptic in me says that Brandon Lloyd can’t be a no-brainer starter like he used to be.  With this mind I was reading and doing some research on what to do.  Now with Brett Favre’s starting status in question (but you and I know better than to wonder whether Favre will start this game…) some of the ff gurus on twitter discovered a loophole in the Yahoo leagues position designation for MIN 3^rd string QB Joe Webb.  Joe Webb was a QB for UAB and was drafted 199^th overall in the 2010 by MIN originally as a WR prospect.  But after watching Webb on the field former MIN coach Brad Childress decided to use him as a QB.  Consequently, Yahoo lists Joe Webb both as a QB and WR.  Which means, at least in the Yahoo leagues, Webb can be started in either position.  The upside is that Webb can get more reliable points being the QB from the unpredictable WR position.  This is however a very risky move because one just never knows that Favre will do.  As of right now, it looks like Favre WILL NOT be playing this week.  I’m going to take a HUGE gamble, bench Brandon Lloyd with Tim Tebow set to start at QB, and start Webb in his place.

Another big roster move is going to be benching RB Cedric Benson for RB Ryan Torain.  With Washington’s shocking move to Rex Grossman for their QB my guess is that they will be relying on their running game even more.  I hesitate a bit because Cedric Benson has been on a terror these past few weeks.  This leads me to wonder if he’s going to hit the end of the season wall.

Yahoo2: This brings me my second big decision of the week.  Brady or Vick?  Vick is going up against a pumped NYG team whereas Brady will be hosting the banged up & back up starting GB.  Heart says Vick.  Head says Brady.  As they say in the biz: GTD.  It will be a game time decision!  LOL!

The other question was whether to start DMC (Raiders RB Darren McFadden) or LeGarrett Blount in the flex position.  Kind of a tossup this week so I’m just going to go with my gut and start DMC.

Lastly, NE DEF takes over for BAL & Shaun Suisham will be doing the kicking duties over Rob Bironas.

ESPN: I’m shuffling Ryan Torain and Devone Bess in favor of benching Danny Amendola.  I don’t have much confidence in STL on either sides of the line against KC.  And David “the Ferris” Buehler will be my kicker from here on out.  Anyone?  Anyone?

Week 15 Results: GTD’s!!!!

Yahoo1: 116.76-89.48 Secured League Championship Match

Although I usually advise against being so dependent on one team, the 3 Cowboys starters really came through for me this week!  Jon Kitna (305 yds, 2 TD’s& 11 rushing yds=21.3 pts)) and Jason Witten (140 rec yds for 1 TD=20 pts) both scored 20 pts or better.  And the DAL DEF, although allowing 30 pts, still managed 5 sacks, 2 INT’s, and 1 fumble recovery for 10 pts.

Which is more than I can say for the Vikings…  So my love-hate relationship with Favre (ok, it’s been more hate and frustration as of late) has taken its toll on me.  Late Monday afternoon, just hours before kickoff of MNF, it was announced that Favre and NOT Joe Webb would be starting the game.  There were several unmentionable adjectives that ran through my mind when I heard the news.  Here’s a G-rated one: NO WAY!  How in the world does someone who is declared OUT all of a sudden get upgraded to questionable and start the game?  Isn’t there some sort of NFL rule where you can’t do that?  So with everyone else on my roster already done for the week I had no choice but to start Joe Webb in my WR3 spot despite not getting the start.  And since I’m not the type of person to wish a player to go down so my guy can come in, I was screwed.  The gamble failed even before it had a chance to succeed.

Remember how I benched Cedric Benson thinking he’d hit the end of the season wall?  Well, I was wrong.  The Bengals RB

Benson: Points on the Benc

decided he was mad at being benched and ran off 150 yds & 1 TD (21 pts) just to spite me!  Also, another player who didn’t take the benching well was Brandon Lloyd (79 rec yds & 1 TD= 13.9 pts).  I left over 35 pts on my bench and was only leading by 4 pts going into MNF.

So Favre starts the game, throws a TD and I’m crushed because I was really counting on Webb’s points to help me win the  match.  But wait, the football gods have mercy on me.  And that mercy’s name was Cory Wootten.  Wootten sacks Favre for a 13-yard loss & knocks Favre out of the game with a head injury.  Joe Webb enters the game for Favre (as it should have been in the first place!) and all is right in the ff world.  The rookie did about as well as could have expected. 129 passing yards, 2 INT’s, 38 rushing yds for 1 TD= 12.96 pts.  Not bad QB3, not bad.

My other hero of the week is Johnny Knox.  JKnox had a huge 67 yd TD rec for 12.7 pts which along with Joe Webb’s numbers secured my spot in the league’s championship match with a total score of 116.76-89.48.

In next week’s finals, I go up against a fierce #2 seed.  I’ve already taken a peek at the projected totals for the match and they have me losing my nearly 20 pts!  But I wasn’t supposed to win this week either (was projected to lose by 18 pts).  But that’s why you play the game, right?

Yahoo2: 140.42-60.66 – 2nd Championship Finals

Vincent Jackson - Last minute pickup!

The time?  Thursday early evening.  I just sat down to go over my rosters one last time before all the free agents go on waivers until the following week.  (Week 13 I had dropped Vincent Jackson.  His first two games back were not very encouraging so I let him go.)  The Thursday night game was SF @ SD and rosters are locked in 30 mins prior to kickoff.  So at an hour before kickoff I read on Twitter that SD’s WR2 Malcolm Floyd will be inactive due a hamstring injury.  Twitter was all a flutter with “pick up and start VJax if he’s still available.”  My luck would have it that he was still around!  Unreal!  I was sure that someone had picked him up.  But at the same time did I really want to go down this road of uncertainty again?  Maybe with two games under his belt he’d be better?  So with about 5 mins left I snatched up VJax & immediately plugged him into my starting lineup.  Talk about GTD!!!!  And it was a beautiful thing because Philip Rivers and VJax had great chemistry going.  When it was all said and done VJax finished with 112 rec yds for 3 TD’s=29.2 pts!!!!

Sunday afternoon’s routine went all to pot this week and I actually had to get other things done.  I couldn’t believe I was on the road driving to Costco yet once again (3^rd time this week…) and not watching the games on tv.  But just as I was leaving a last second check on Twitter I read DAL’s WR2, Roy Williams was declared inactive for the game.  I’m driving along thinking about what to do.  Should I bench Deion Branch in favor of Miles Austin with Williams out?  If I was going to make the change I had only 5 minutes to do it.  So I’m yelling at my husband sitting in the passenger seat to get my iPhone out.  Luckily, Yahoo has a ff app where I can edit my roster.  Unfortunately, my husband had a little difficulty trying to navigate through it.  My kids must have thought that mommy was losing her mind.  About 2 miles later, hubby’s mission was accomplished & the roster move was submitted.  This GTD wasn’t a fruitful as the first but I still came out ahead.  Austin had 38 rec yds for 1 TD=9.8 pts vs. Branch’s 38 rec yds.

Other notables on my team were Steven Jackson who ran for 67 yds for 1 TD and 37 rec yds=16.4 pts., DMC who ran for 119 yds and had 39 rec yds=13.8 pts., and the NE DEF who gave up 27 pts to GB but had 5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 Fum Rec, and 1 TD=15 pts.

But the big man on my team this week ironically happens to be smallest in stature.  Ray Rice had a career day with 233

Ray Rice

combined yds from scrimmage!!!  The little big man RAN for 153 yds for 1 TD and racked up 80 rec yds for 1 TD=35.3 pts!

My third and final GTD was at the QB position.  Knowing that the NYG DEF had already knocked out several QB’s I wasn’t going to hold my breath each time they rushed Vick.  I went with the safer option of Tom Brady.  As I was reading the plays as they came through Twitter it was apparent that Vick was getting knocked around quite a bit, realizing what I had feared.  But in the last 8 mins of the game it became the Michael Vick (and DeSean Jackson) show again.  The Eagles came back to score 28 pts to absolutely terrorize the NYG.  Vick threw for 242 yds, 3 TD’s, 1 INT and ran for 130 yds for 1 TD=39.68 pts.  Brady had a modest 163 passing yds for 2 TD’s=14.52 pts.

After a crazy weekend of games the final score was 140.42-60.66.  I am now moving on to my 2^nd championship finals!

ESPN:  125-53 3rd Championship Match

No real drama here.  I had Brady (14), Ray Rice (35), Peyton Hillis (7), Ryan Torain (15), Miles Austin (9), Hines Ward (3 L), Davone Bess (7), Witten (20), CLE DEF (zero L L), and David Buehler (15).  This match up was actually over pretty quickly and beat the #2 ranked opponent 125-53!

The hat trick is complete and I am now in all 3 of my leagues championship matches! (even though I’m the projected underdog in all 3…)

by Nkeshi Free

“Ho Ho Ho” and what do you want for the Holidays….A fine man on your computer screen? I think that I can make that happen, LOL!!  Line up and put in your wish list, you just can’t sit on my lap (ha ha ha)!!  This week I’m answering the call of TWO cutie requests.  The first was for Arian Foster (great minds think alike) and the second is for Peyton Hillis. Now pay close attention…during the next few weeks check out the “Cutie of the Week” page each week for your chance to win prizes including autographed memorabilia by your favorite football players.  Each week, check out the “Cutie” issue and the Sideline Pass Facebook Page for the contest link.  The contest is open to all of our Sideline Pass Facebook friends and fans.  So if you haven’t liked/”friended” us, hurry up for your chance to win.  Lastly, I’m noticing a really cool trend….that you guys are conversing and communicating amongst yourselves.  So after you post your comments keep checking back, not only to keep enjoying the eye candy, but see what your fellow “Cutie Sisters” are saying about the men as well. Now enough chit-chat, let’s get down to business. So……as always you know what to do….enjoy!!

NOTE: Each of these three players are MONEY in Fantasy Football! Are you playing? Check out Cuts ‘n Waives: Fantasy Football Stylin’ with Paty H.

Maurice Jones-Drew  #32 RB, Jacksonville Jaquars

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew personifies the quote “Great things come in small packages.” Number 32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars checks in at a mere 5’7” and weighs a solid 210 lb, but takes the phrase “explodes out the box” to another level.  After three years, this former UCLA Bruin declared himself for the 2006 draft.  Despite setting numerous records while in college, he wasn’t drafted until the 2nd round with most teams stating his short stature as the reason.  This is why Jones-Drew loves wearing number 32 to represent all of the teams that passed him up.  Well we will NOT pass this hottie up!  With a winning smile, thighs and arms for days, whew….got to catch my breath… it’s running as fast as he does down the sideline (LOL),  Jones-Drew has no problem getting picked on this list!!    Since he first stepped out on the field, he has been stetting football fields on fire and leaving defenders in his dust.  He tied for 2nd place for the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year, was named to his first Pro-Bowl in 2009, and compiled a career total of more than 5, 000 rushing yards and more than 2,000 receiving yards proving his versatility.  Often referred to as “Pocket Hercules” by Dion “Prime-Time” Sanders and Michael “The Playmaker” Irving, Jones-Drew has proven to be a

Win the MJD 32 Ball!

very strong running back using his powerful legs to break tackles and defenders.  I must admit that I’m usually attracted to a man’s upper body… abs, pecks arms etc… but Jones-Drew has got my eyes on those thighs!!!  When he runs, even through all of that padding you can see the muscles at work!! That being said, with a 1st round Sideline Pass Pick overall, Keshi selects Maurice Jones-Drew as a “Cutie of the Week!”

Happy Holidays! WIN! A Maurice Jones-Drew autographed football courtesy of Sideline Pass! Note there is a limit to the number of entries so get yours in early.

Click here to complete the entry form for a chance to win.

Arian Foster #23 RB, Houston Texans

Arian Foster

Arian Foster was another excellent request!!  I noticed Foster for the first time standing on the sideline after that infamous Titans/Texans game featuring the “The Brawl” between Houston’s Andre Johnson and Tennessee’s Courtland Finnegan.  While they keep replaying the fight, I was straining my neck to see this hottie in the Texans Uniform!!  Foster, a former University of Tennessee Volunteer went undrafted and was signed by the Texans in 2009.  They released him in the fall, but resigned him to the practice squad.  After being added to the active roster, Foster played his first NFL game against the Titans as a special teams player, and had his first start as a running back against the Patriots. In that

Poetry writin', beautiful smilin' runnin' back!

game he rushed for more than 100-yards and scored two touchdowns. Foster has accumulated more than 1,000 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs and more than 400 receiving yards.  That is excellent – with much more football to be played this year.  This makes me very happy because it means that I have more time to watch this 6’1” specimen run all over the football field.  I don’t know about you ladies, but this former Tennessee Volunteer has this Southern Belle ready to sign up for volunteer duty with him ANY day.  In addition to be being fine, he’s also very intelligent.  Foster was a philosophy major while in college and writes poetry.  Hmmmmm, let’s see….I write…he writes….I think, he thinks. I have two degrees in communication, he likes to discuss his thoughts….a perfect match!  We can wax poetic about the universe while I stare at his face and he can talk about the stars in the sky and I can talk about the stars in his beautiful brown eyes!!!

Peyton Hillis #40 RB, Cleveland Browns

Peyton Hillis

Can I say that I LOVE me some cornbread and collard greens-fed Peyton Hillis!!  While I don’t know if that is what he really eats, but this boy is so big, stocky and muscular that down south we say he looks country fed and that means, this boy will keep you warm at night!!  I may like them tall, but I sure don’t want them skinny and I won’t have any problem in that department with Peyton Hillis.  I can’t get past those muscles!!!  I am taking cock-diesel!!  What does he bench press, tractor trailers, LOL!!!  Look at those guns!  Thank you for ladies for this request, because I might have missed all of this!!  If there is ONE thing I hate it’s missing a fine man, because it is my duty to bring you the best and finest in the NFL, and I don’t want to let you down!!  Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2008, out of Arkansas (see WHAT did I tell you…..solid country stock) Hillis has earned several highlights in his early career.  While he was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns

Take Me Home, Country Road

in  the 2010 off-season, Hillis earned recognition as the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week and the FedEx Ground Player of the week, in week 13 of the 2008 season.  He was also named the FedEx Ground Player of the week 9 & 12 of this 2010 Season and the 2010 Week 9 AFC Offensive Player of the Week!!  While all of that is nice, because stats are important especially in sports, ladies I’m looking at those arms again (see above I have a thing for arms, abs and pecks) and this big country boy got me ready to “Boot Scoot Boogie” and I will cook this boy a good old fashioned soul food dinner to keep him full and happy!!!  Yee-Haw!!

By Patricia Hsieh

Week 14: All Three Brackets, Baby!

Playoffs - So Satisfying!

Here we are!  We’ve made it!  The position we’ve all strived so hard to achieve – a coveted spot in the championship playoff bracket.  All those countless hours of research, watching games, and taxing decisions it all comes down to these next three weeks.

Everyone pretty much starts out with a clean slate and it’s single elimination.  Win and you’re in.  Lose, you go home.  There are consolation rounds but like the name suggests, it’s not the championship.  There’s even more anticipation because I know what it felt like to have the title of champion.  Once you’ve tasted victory nothing else will satisfy that hunger.  Geez, I sound like a cross between a Snickers commercial and one of my son’s video game introductions.

I have a BYE week in the playoffs for week 14 in one league but that doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention to the waiver wire.  As I was reading Twitter today I came across a couple of guys and an article where they were suggesting that you can pick up opponent’s handcuffs.  For example, if Adrian Peterson goes down then you would want to pick up Toby Gerhart, his back up/handcuff, to PREVENT your opponent from using Gerhart to fill in for Peterson.  Dastardly!  I have to admit that I’ve never thought of actively trying to block/sabotage another team.  But I guess when you’re in a money league the stakes are high.  I’m not sure I’d go as far as swiping handcuffs and tucking them away but people will do what they have to do to win.

This is by far going to be the most stressful and nail biting week of the season.  There’s no next week if you lose.  I’m getting all nervous just thinking about the first kickoff on Thursday night.  Pass the Tums please!

Waivering the Wire

Yahoo1: 1 round bye, baby! But I still have to keep an eye out.

Yahoo2: Mike Goodson suffered a shoulder injury during the game.  On top of that it looks like Jonathan Stewart is working his way quickly back into the starting RB spot so Goodson is not going to be a great play for week 14.  One RB who blew it up during week 13 was NO Chris Ivory.  He had 15 attempts for 117 yds for 2 TD’s.  Why he was still available is beyond me.  Welcome, Mr. Ivory to Team Raging Ogres!

ESPN: Decided to change my kicker.  I currently have CHI K Robbie Gould.  Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good kicker but I’ve been reading reports and forecasts of snow and wind gusts at Soldier Field for Sunday.  Not the most ideal conditions for a kicker.  If he were Adam Vinatieri I wouldn’t think twice but since he’s not I felt I need to make the switch.  BAL K Billy Cundiff who is playing in HOU this week is a solid replacement.

Roster Adjustment

Yahoo2: The problem with having too many good players is, if you can call it a problem, who to start.  My RB’s all have great upsides but trying to figure out who’s going to have that crazy break out day is the big question.  That’s exactly what the ff manager is supposed to guess, I mean, sort out.  Haha…

I am benching the erratic Miles Austin for Mike Wallace at WR.  The TE position is a bit harder.  Vernon Davis had an awesome week 13 with 126 yds for 1 TD.  Tamme is coming off a 47 yds performance with Peyton Manning struggling with back to back 4 INT games.  I’ve never had to say this but I don’t trust Peyton this week.  Maybe he’ll bounce back but he has too many other weapons he can throw to: Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Blair White, and the RB’s.  I’m going to start Davis and hope that the chemistry that he has with his QB Alex Smith will pull me through.

Darren McFadden RB, Raiders

Now for the RB dilemma…  I have Ray Rice, Steven Jackson, LeGarrett Blount, Chris Ivory, and Darren McFadden. I know, I’m totally stacked with solid RB’s.  I have Ray Rice and Steven Jackson as RB1/2.  Question is who to start at the flex since I’m weaker at WR’s.  It’s a big tossup between DMC and Blount.  I think I want to start DMC but you just never know with him.  I may just have to flip a coin for this one.  Will consult the higher powers that be & see what they think.

ESPN: Changed kickers from CHI Robbie Gould (weather decision) to BAL Billy Cundiff.  Also, at the last minute I switched out CLE DEF for TB DEF.  I’m banking on the ineptitude of the Redskins offense to help me out.  Sorry, McNabb….

Week 14 Results:  This is NOT the week for craziness!

Yahoo1: Just out of curiosity I decided to take a look at my point total for this team.  Um, let’s just say I’m glad that I had the bye because my team would have gotten murdered by any other team in the playoff bracket.  Many of the poor performances I blame on the insane weather conditions throughout the league (the collapse of the Metrodome roof and Aaron Rodgers’ concussion).

Also, I was SO relieved to see that my son, who also made it into the playoffs by finishing very strong the last few weeks, was in the other half of the bracket.  If we do meet it will be in the championship match.  I’m amazed that he made it into the ff post-season in his rookie year.  Far better than I had in my first year of playing ff.  Then again, I didn’t have someone showing me the ropes either.  *takes a bow.  Thank you, thank you.  We’ll see how the next two weeks play out.  I’m not sure he’s going to get pass the number two seed but I’ll be proud of him none the less.

Yahoo2: I made a good call in not starting Jacob Tamme.  He only caught for 36 yards even though Peyton Manning bounced back from his slump.  Vernon Davis had 70 yds for 1 TD= 13 pts.  Whew!  Dodged a big one there.  Ah, but in the end I decided to start Blount (68 yds., 1 fumble lost) over DMC and got BURNED in the biggest way.  Of course DMC would have his break out game today against JAC.  123 rushing yds., 2 rushing TD’s, 86 rec yds., 1 rec TD=38.9 pts that were just left to rot on my bench.  Trading Wallace (9 pts) for Austin (4.8 pts) also worked out.  Meanwhile, Michael Vick added his 270 passing yds for 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s and 16 yds rushing for 1 TD=24.4 pts.  His 91 yd TD pass to DeSean Jackson’s game ending got me close.  My opponent had NYG Hakeem Nicks (96 rec yds) on Monday night so it’s anyone’s match to win.  Ray Rice didn’t score a TD but ran for 54 yds & caught for 66 yds.= 12 pts.  He came through as did the BAL DEF!  They allowed HOU to score 28 pts but also had 2 sacks, 1 INT’s, and 1 INT returned for a TD=11 pts.  I WON the match 94.80-83.54 and moved onto the next round in the playoffs.  I will be taking on the tough 3^rd seed team next week.

ESPN: This was the final regular season match up for this league.  I was 3^rd going into week 14.

Hines Ward WR, Steelers

This match was S-L-O-W going.  In other words, I was in big trouble with my starters not showing up.  Eventually I did have Hillis run for over 100 yds but he had one fumble with no TD’s and Hines Ward was decent with 115 yds rec but he didn’t have any TD’s.  The only two players who really came through for me were Jason Witten in SNF: 69 yds for 2 TD’s=18 pts. and Tom Brady whose 369 yds passing for 2 TD’s produced 22 pts.  The switch from the CLE DEF (8 pts) to the TB DEF (5 pts) didn’t pan out as I had hoped.  But all is good.  I have thank my lucky stars because despite leaving over 50 pts. on my bench I was still able to defeat my opponent the 2^nd seed team 85-77.  I finished the season 9-5 tied for 1^st place in the east division and 3^rd seed overall for the 4 team playoffs!  Big exhale…

I have accomplished my first goal of getting into all 3 championship brackets.

Yahoo1: Overall regular season leader & #1 seed

Yahoo2: Overall & #2 seed

ESPN: Tied for division leader & overall 3^rd seed.

WOOT! Two more weeks until I reach the ultimate goal of attaining fantasy football glory!

*Finals thoughts: Remember, it’s not nice to trip people.

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!

April 27, 2010

by DJ the Sports Mom

As I sit here gazing at the most gorgeous yellow tulips I have seen this season, I am reflecting on how thankful I am right now and how different things were a year ago. I just returned from our 12 hour trip from The University of Kansas (KU) and I am still smiling from the experience.

We hadn’t seen our son Joshua since Christmas break and we could not wait to get there and see how things were shaping up with the new coach. At the end of last season, his former coach had resigned and Coach Turner Gil, formerly the head football coach at the University of Buffalo was chosen to replace him. I had heard wonderful things about Coach Gil and Josh sounded like a new person under his guidance.

I learned my lesson about waiting too long to book a hotel room and was delighted to get a reservation at the Marriott Springhill Suites. It is close to campus and was the hotel where we stayed for Josh’s official visit to the campus two years ago. It is such a nice hotel and has two rooms that allowed us to spread out. It is also a great spot when you travel with a family. There are two flat screen televisions in the room, two queen beds and a couch bed in the living room. They offer a nice breakfast at no additional charge and there is an exercise room, indoor pool and hot tub. It is especially nice after the long ride from Ohio and after walking up and down the hills on the campus at KU.

I made an appointment to meet with Coach Gil and was delighted when I got a call right back confirming that he could meet with me and my husband, Glen on Friday morning. He was everything we had heard and more. He talked about how he wanted to do what was best for the team and how he cared for the players. His goal is not just to make the players the best athletes they can be but also to be men who make a positive difference throughout their lives. He has assembled a group of competent and caring coaches who are committed to making this happen. This is what I had been praying for and I was so happy to see the change from last year.

The previous year I was disappointed to find that Josh did not get much playing time in the spring scrimmage and I am sure Josh felt the same way. I encouraged him by telling him that he had to bloom where he was planted. He couldn’t control how often he got to play but he could make sure he was prepared to play whenever he got in. I also encouraged him to become the best student he could be while he was waiting for his turn to play. He received academic honors last year and continues to do well academically.

For two years I have tried to connect with parents to form a parent support group and this year, with the help of the coaching staff, I was able to make that connection and have a core group to get started. I am so glad I didn’t give up my dream of helping parents to connect. Josh may have gotten discouraged over the past two years but he never gave up on his dream to become the player he knew God was grooming him to be. He still has more growing to do but he is well on his way.

The spring game ended with the team doing an autograph session for the fans. We ended our stay by going to dinner at Firorella’s Jack Stack Barbeque on the Plaza, with Joshua, his friend, Monica and her mom and dad. The food was delicious and the ribs had all of us licking our fingers. That area has some of the best shopping in St. Louis and is so picturesque. We even saw a horse-drawn carriage that looked like it was straight out of the Cinderella story.

I was so thankful that we had made plans to just drive four hours to St. Louis and stop at a hotel to sleep for five hours. We stopped at the Red Roof Inn. It wasn’t the Marriott but it was clean, affordable ($54 including the tax) and close to the highway exit. There was a Bob Evan’s Restaurant on the hotel property so we ate breakfast there and made it back to Columbus before dark.

Some things don’t change. Josh didn’t disappoint me and I could only smile when he told me he needed a little help with his laundry. Glen and I took 6 loads of clothes to the Coin Laundry off campus and bonded while we washed dried and folded clothes. It was not a bad deal considering we haven’t had to pay for tuition, room and board nor a book in the two years Josh has been there. What a huge blessing!

]]> http://www.sidelinepass.com/what-a-difference-a-year-makes/feed/ 1 http://www.sidelinepass.com/jewell-greens-event-and-a-cookie-giveaway-2/ http://www.sidelinepass.com/jewell-greens-event-and-a-cookie-giveaway-2/#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:48:50 +0000 Mia Jackson http://www.sidelinepass.com/?p=1069

YOU Can Win a Dozen Sally’s Biscuits!

Jewell Chats with Guests

The POSH GIRL Party with a Purpose at the Ritz Carlton was an awesome event. Although it was a cloudy day in the DC area, you would never have been able to tell by the smiles and laughter in the room. As guests browsed and shopped, Mrs. Green chatted with them about the wonderful deals – and the great causes they supported with their dollars.

Vendors were on hand from all over the country. If you wanted the perfect bag, or a pair of show-stopping stilettos, this was the spot. We chatted with handbag designers, lash experts and more. The deals were great and we found that most vendors were happy to offer great discounts to advance the selected causes. And believe it or not, we found some great football fans.

Darrell Auctions Off a Handbag

Throughout the day, Jewell’s husband and Washington Redskins legend Darrell Green worked the room and served as auctioneer. He was more than gracious with his time as guests stopped to take photos with him, ask his take on the season and much more.

We were able to chat with some of the young girls who took home dresses from Caitlin’s Closet, the foundation started by Stacy Brunell, wife of NFL quarterback Mark Brunell. The girls were all smiles after finding beautiful dresses that fit them to a tee. The mothers were smiling as well. We’ll tell you more about some of the vendors as we move through the summer. You don’t want to miss some of these great deals.

WIN A DOZEN SALLY’S BISCUITS!

Do you like sweet potatoes? Do you like biscuits? Well we’ve got just the snack for you: Sally’s Biscuits. This treat had people running back for more. It’s not to sweet, not too dry, moist and tasty. We’ll randomly select two Sideline Pass readers who comment below and tell us what they want to see more of as the site grows.

All you have to do to enter is comment!

Hear how the owner of Sally’s Biscuits perfected her mother’s recipe.

Ball Girl Gail Sideman Tells How She Blended Sports Her Career

We were delighted to have Gail Sideman as this week’s Ball Girl. She’s quite the PR guru and has keen insight into the sports world thanks to the myriad roles she’s held since college. Beginning as a writer, she found her

Gail Sideman

way penning stories for the collegiate newspaper. Gail tells the story of getting a thank you note for a great article from one of the coaches – to the shocking dismay of her editor. She took that as a cue to move another side of the business.

As a professional today, Gail blends roles that give her flexibility and freedom to create the life she wants. Take a listen and hear this Wisconsin girl tell of her travels around the globe in her role for major news channels. Also, hear as she extols the benefit of proper networking – including the good old-fashioned follow-up (not always by text.)

Gail was born and reared in Wisconsin and grew up on Favre ball, so it’s been hard to let go even though he’s moved to another city. Having been exposed to the life of the athlete, she understands the importance of playing while you can. The same goes for building your own network – play while the ball is in your hands. Thanks to Gail for all her wonderful insight.

Listen to the full interview!