Another One Bites the Dust!!!!

It seems the NFL chopping block is still in high demand. Another coach bites the dust but no need to worry, he was the youngest head coach in the NFL. So he still has plenty time ahead of him to make an impact and he will.

Of course this news didn't take Kiffin by surprise because he was informed by a team executive that he would be fired after the Raiders 24-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills in week three. Let's get one thing straight, it's not Kiffin's fault. If you had a boss who was constantly hoovering over you, taking your decision making abilities away, and defensive coaches who won't even talk to you. You simply couldn't succeed with that team. Get this, Oakland's Offense actually improved 9.5 points better with Kiffin. Defense, not so much.

Unlike the St. Louis Rams firing Scott Linehan, the news was not delivered by Davis in a face-to-face meeting. Kiffin was notified by a team executive that Davis would call him. This proves that Al Davis is a schmuck because he actually fired Kiffin over the telephone and without pay. What type of "Business Man" would stoop so low to not fire someone face to face.


Congratulations Al Davis on winning the "NFL's Lamest Owner of the Year Award".

Penalty Flag thrown on Hochuli

Dan Loumena from the Los Angeles Times made a recent report on NFL referee, Ed Hochuli. This guy has been refereeing in the NFL since 1990 and I've been watching him ever since. However, there does come a time when one needs to step back and evaluate performance which I'm sure they do all the time.

I was watching the Broncos/ Chargers game two weeks ago. Broncos QB Jay Cutler dropped back to pass and the ball slipped from his hand while he was raising his arm. No big deal huh? The Chargers then recovered the "alleged" fumble which is the logical choice but Hochuli ruled it an incomplete pass by blowing the ball dead. This was clearly an error on Hochuli's part which he later admitted that it was the wrong call. This "wrong call" allowed Denver to retain possession, scored a touchdown, get the two-point conversion and presto, WIN the game. Chargers head coach Norv Turner later voiced his disgust for this call.

Well this weekend it hit a little closer to home. Hochuli made another questionable call when he called Carolina's Julius Peppers for a "roughing the passer" penalty which wiped out Carolina's CB Richard Marshall's interception TD return in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons. This call erased the touchdown and gave the Falcons a first down on a drive which luckily ended in a punt. A replay later showed that Peppers hit Ryan as he released the ball and appeared to make contact first with his shoulder.

How many more bad calls do we have to see this season before the NFL takes notice?

Linehan Out, Haslett in... for now

Who would have thought Scott Linehan would be fired before Oakland Raiders' Lane Kiffin? I certainly didn't, knowing how loopy Al Davis is in his old age. Well is seems that too much loosing in the NFL is a bad thing and can loose you a pretty sweet head coaching job. The win-less St. Louis Rams fired coach Scott Linehan a day after a fourth straight this season. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett will replace Linehan on an interim basis.

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen first reported, "Scott Linehan's tenure as Rams coach will go down as the third-worst in Rams franchise history. Linehan was fired after the Rams started the season 0-4." This axing was made heading into the Rams' bye week, perhaps giving them time to regroup. Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom said, "I have enormous respect for Scott Linehan as a person and believe under the right circumstances he will be regarded one day as a fine head coach, Unfortunately, the situation with the Rams as they exist today is no longer acceptable and we have to make a change."

His first year showed promise as the Rams finished with an average 8-8 record. Some of his players and the media questioned some key calls in games which may have the Ram's ending on a better note. Perhaps this was just "first year head coach" jitters as he was still learning on the job. Those darn jitters must have continued into Linehan's second year which was much worse. It may not have been completely Linehan's fault as injuries plagued the offensive line, and a record of poor drafting and crummy free-agent acquisitions landed the Rams to a 3-13 season.

Linehan recorded a 11-25 overall record in his first head-coaching job. Unfortunately for him, the Rams have been outscored 147-43 this season, and have allowed at least 30 points in seven straight games dating back to last year.

Who's next on the coaching chopping block?

Panthers Pluck the Falcons

The Carolina Panthers were out for blood in their first NFC South Division game of the year against their rivals the Atlanta Falcons. The Panthers started early when CB Richard Marshall intercepted a Matt Ryan pass and ran into the end zone. This TD was called back when DE Julius Peppers was flagged for a 15 yard personal foul with a helmet to helmet on QB Matt Ryan. Replays later revealed that Peppers hit Ryan with his shoulder first just as he released the ball. This would make a long game penalty wise for the Panthers as they combined for 11 penalties for 90 yards.

Steve Smith's 56 yard TD reception with 2:31 in the quarter marked a great game for the Carolina receivers. After the play, Smith gave his TD ball to teammate Ken Lucas on the Panthers sideline. The Carolina defense set the tone for the game shutting down the #1 rusher in the NFL, Falcon's RB Michael Turner. Carolina lead the game 14-9 at the half.

Jake Delhomme went 20/29, 294 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 interceptions. Carolina had great success rushing the ball as DeAngelo Williams had 16 carries for 57 yards and Jonathan Stewart had 14 carries for 52 yards. The Carolina Receiving duo Muhsin Muhammad had 8 receptions for 147 yards and 1 TD while Steve Smith recorded 6 receptions for 96 yards and 1 TD. Muhsin Muhammad broke a Panther's Franchise record for All Time Leader in TD Catches passing former Carolina TE Wesley Walls.



When it was all said and done Carolina had a good game against an average Atlanta team. The Falcon's QB Matt Ryan was playing like a rookie being bullied by the Panther's defense all day. On the other side of the ball, Carolina's RB Jonathan Stewart was looking like a pro battling through the Falcons defenders.

Bishops Shut Out Monarchs

The Battling Bishops were in full swing this past Saturday, September 27, 2008 shutting out the Methodist Monarchs 42-0. This was NC Wesleyan's first conference game this year and things are looking good.

This was an epic game for the Bishops which included setting several school records. In the USA South Conference, NC Wesleyan earned it's hard fought 12th consecutive victory which dated back to the 2006 season. Another shattered record was team rushing yards where the Bishops burned up the turf with an outstanding 359 yards rushing and the longest single rushing play for 84 yards. This also marked there largest margin of victory with 42 points. The Bishops defensive was impressive recording their first shutout since the 30-0 win over Shenandoah on October 21, 2006.

NC Wesleyan moves to 2-2 for the season with a great start to 1-0 in the USA South Conference while Methodist drops to 1-2 overall, 0-1 in conference play. Wesleyan travels to it's second conference game with a trip to Maryville, TN. They take on their conference rivals the Maryville College Fighting Scots’ next Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Unfortunately the Methodist Monarch kicker was injured during the game. Read a first hand account of the accident here.

Carolina Mudcats seeing RED..

The Carolina Mudcats will be the Cincinnati Reds new Class AA affiliate, announced on Sept. 26, replacing the Red's 21 year AA affliation with the Chattanooga Lookouts. A two-year player development contract deal was signed through the 2010 season. Carolina will also host a major league exhibition game with the Reds on Friday, April 3, 2009, at Five County Stadium. Does anyone remember the great movie, Major League 3: Back to the Minors? Along with the new affliation, Five County Stadium will get a some new renovations.

The only problem I saw with this deal is when I read the newsobserver.com. Javier Serna wrote, "The Reds had one of the top farm systems in the major leagues this year. Still, unlike the Florida Marlins, who frequently promoted players directly from the Double-A Mudcats, the Reds never directly promoted a player from Double-A this season."

The L.A. Dodgers started a chain reaction when they made the first change in the Double-A Southern League. Last week, the Dodgers left the Jacksonville Suns for the Chattanooga Lookouts, which had been affiliated with the Reds for 21 years. The Marlins then decided to expand their Florida footprint by signing with Jacksonville. That left only two other possibilities for Carolina: the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees, both considering leaving affiliates in the Eastern League. But Thursday, both teams said they would be staying: the Yankees with Trenton and the Giants with Connecticut."

"It's a flawed situation," owner Steve Bryant said of the way teams change affiliations every year, noting only a few contracts come up in a given year. He also commented the Mudcats were lucky to have the Reds, which he called a "gold standard" franchise. "The Reds are a baseball icon and we're proud to have such a highly rated minor league system coming our way," Mudcats owner Steve Bryant said, noting that Baseball America ranked the Reds' minor league organization third in baseball entering 2008.

Also reports was Terry Reynolds, the Reds' director of player development spoke of a "whirlwind" process that began only days before the Mudcats' first meeting with the Reds last Friday in Zebulon, NC.

"We're very excited about having the Reds partner with us," Carolina general manager Joe Kremer said. "Many Midwesterners have relocated to North Carolina over the years, including a large number of Buckeyes and a very strong Reds following."




For more Carolina Mudcats info visit my lovely Wife's page:

• Four Double-A Carolina Mudcats Players Called Up...
• Carolina Mudcats

Plaxico has a case of the Mondays...

It was reported on ESPN that "Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress was suspended for one game by the New York Giants for suspended for failure to appear, not returning calls, a violation of team rules. The suspension takes effect immediately, meaning Burress will miss the Giants' game against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 5. Burress will lose two paychecks under the suspension. He will not be with the team during the bye week, and won't be allowed to practice with the team next week."

Plaxico and his agent Drew Rosenhaus are going to appeal the team's decision in hopes that he will be able to play the next game.

Boo Hoo. Every body's got to go to work. If we don't show up to work then we get in trouble. Plaxico's base salary under the new contract is $2 million. Unfortunately for him this suspension will cost a whopping $235,294. YIKES!!!

Could Favre's injury have him second guessing retirement?

ESPN reported Brett Favre plans to work through his injured left ankle, but was uncertain Wednesday how limited he'd be during practice as he prepares to play in the New York Jets' next game against Arizona. Favre is 38 years old.

Maybe the marketing deal the Packers purposed before the season started would make him feel better right now. The Business Journal Serving Greater Milwaukee reported the Packers marketing deal proposed a 10-year deal worth $20 million. Favre's incentives included a line of clothing, merchandise and collectibles. The Packers Pro Shop would have become the exclusive distributor of autographed Favre memorabilia, and Favre would sign 300 items a year for the team’s use. Favre also would have been required to make 10 personal appearances each year — including two private hunting or golfing trips — and a blog would have been created for Favre on the team’s Web site.

What makes Favre qualified to even get a deal this good? Only because he's a Green Bay celebrity, definitely not his educational qualifications. Favre earned a teaching degree with an emphasis in special education from The University of Southern Mississippi. Perhaps he should have thought more about this option before deciding going to a struggling team where he has to learn a new system all over again, spending long hours studying in the film room, and even getting additional lessons on the sideline during actual games.

What have you done?

Dolphins Slap the Pats for Big Win

Who would have picked this game a year ago? The Patriots were on route to an undefeated season at 16-0 and the Dolphins were flat pitiful at 1-15. New England's 21 regular game winning streak was snapped. This streak began after a 21-0 loss to the Dolphins on Dec. 10, 2006. Ironic huh? More streaks that broke, the Dolphins 11 road game losing streak, done.

New England (2-1) and Miami (1-2) have changed dramatically since last season.

The battle of the quarterbacks was on, Dolphin's Chad Pennington went 17-20 for 226 yards.

New England's Matt Cassel completed 19-31 passes for 131 yards with one touchdown, one interception and a lost fumble. Unfortunate for Cassel, he was sacked three times.











Patriot fans are just plain sad, they booed their team and many left early in the fourth quarter. Those are NOT real fans by any means, they love they when they're winning but forget them when they loose. If I were the Patriots I would feel betrayed.

Smith was not enough...

What can we say? It seems Steve Smith was not enough to help Carolina struggling offense take down the Vikings. The game was riddled with an inconsistent passing game which wasn't able to use the star wide receiver like it used to.

The first half wasn't that bad until the Jake was sacked before the half and the Viking capitalized with 7 points which tied the game 10-10. This was a sign of things to come as the Panthers QB was pestered all day by the Vikings defense.

The Vikings never looked back as they shut down the Panthers offense and tired out the Panthers defense. Unfortunately for Carolina Fans, the Vikings doubled their score 20-10 for the final.


This drops Carolina to 2-1 with a three way tie in the NFC South with Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Carolina will play host to their NFC South rival Falcons next Sunday in Charlotte. Like any division game this is a must win for the Panthers.

NC Wesleyan Sting Wasps

This past Saturday, September 20, 2008 the Bishops won their first home game of the year which happened to be their first when of the year.

For a full recap of the game visit: Henninger earns first victory, Wesleyan downs E&H 17-16

It might seem like a slow start for the Bishops but let's not forget last year. They stumbled to a 0-2 start then kept winning the rest of the year. Let's see if new coach, Mark Henninger can led his team to a repeat of their championship year.


Will history repeat itself? Witness the Bishops take on their USA South rival Methodist University next Saturday. This should be a great day of football in the USA South Conference at 1:00 p.m. at Death Valley, Northern Nash Football Complex.

Hit the Road Josh!!!!

What is this world coming to? These Pre-Madonna players get paid so much money to play a game. Why in the world would a player disrespect the country that was allowing him to become a success? He commented that he doesn't do the national athem because he's black... Obama 08. What does Obabm think of this?

It's a shame that Josh Howard is a good basketball player because he not only disrespected his country but also his team the Dallas Mavericks. How many times will this guy get into hot water? Of course there was the Marijuana charges but he's shown himself to be unpatriotic because when he declined to play for the USA Olympic Basketball Team. Fortunately for Howard, he wasn't on company time. Why is Mark Cuban backing this guy who has a history of PR problems?

What's got the USA in an uproar? Check out the You Tube video below.

Ironic Milestone

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Muhsin Muhammad completed a career milestone that only seven active players have reached. He surpassed the 10,000 career yards mark and is still climbing. His 11-yard reception against the Chicago Bears and gave him 10,002 career receiving yards.

The ironic part is he started his career with Carolina, made a trip for a few year to Chicago then came back home where he belongs.

Will the past repeat itself?

There once was a man name Drew!

During the second game of the 2001 season, Drew Bledsoe was hit by NY Jets linebacker, Mo Lewis while he was trying to make it out of bounds. Bledsoe's injury gave Tom Brady a chance to make his start at quarterback. Brady made the best of his chance and led the Patriots on a Super Bowl run. Bledsoe never regained his starting role and Brady never looked back.

Brady didn't play any of the 2008 preseason due to a right foot injury from the previous season. During the Patriots' 2008 season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady's left knee was seriously injured midway through the first quarter. The hit came courtesy of Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, Brady left the game and did not return.

Brady tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee and discovered he needed season ending surgery. Enter backup Matt Cassel and so far so good.

What will the future hold?

New Kids on the Block...

A new class of quarterbacks are taking the NFL by storm.

Well sorta!

Here's the deal:

1 backup who's filling "legendary" shoes!

1 backup forced into action due to injury!

1 drafted rookie ready to go!

Who will stand the test of time? So far, together they have combined a 5-1 record which is not bad at all. Perhaps there will be a prolonged future in sports and not just another Heath Shuler who earned the honor of #4 on ESPN's The 25 Biggest Sports Flops of 1979–2004.

Another come from behind win...

Who says "Da Bears" are the team to beat?

While on vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC, my wife and I had lunch at UNO's resturant and caught the Panthers game. We witnessed pure delight because for the second week in a row, NO ONE gave Carolina a chance to win but we had faith. I heard sports-casters say, "They can't win without Steve Smith" and "San Diego was a fluke!"

Well folks going 2-0 without Steve Smith was a huge booster going into week 3. The Bears seemed to be digging a hole to put the Panthers away but once again, Chris Harris, Jake Delhomme, and Jonathan Stewart led the way for a Carolina come from behind win.

This puts Carolina's record to 2-0 for the 2008 season gearing up to take on the Vikings next week.

Preview Week 3: The Return!!

New England's Demise?

Reported from the Boston Globe, New England Patriots champion quarterback Tom Brady tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee. Medical tests showed no damage to other knee ligaments and no torn cartilage.

However, Coach Bill Belichick did not go QB shopping as expected. Instead he stays with 4th year backup QB, Matt Cassel and rookie third-round draft pick Kevin O'Connell.

With quarterbacks like Chris Simms and Tim Rattay available, why not invest in a good quality backup to help you this season.

New England came off a record breaking year going 18-1, falling short in a Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. They've never been without Tom Brady.

I have one question, What? Matt Cassel hasn't started a football game since high school, yes I said High School! Cassel is a former USC Trojan looking to make his first start in the NFL.

Is this a smart decision?

ESPN: Chargers' Merriman succumbs to the inevitable

According to ESPN's Bill Williamson, "Shawne Merriman's decision to change course and listen to the four knee specialists and have season-ending reconstructive surgery is not surprising.

Merriman gave it his best effort and it didn't work. Merriman needed to prove to himself he couldn't play with the injury. Apparently, it took one game to acquire proof.

Merriman said often last month when he decided to try to play through the injury, he knew the consequences and the long odds against him. Yet, he wanted to try and help the team.

It didn't work out. Merriman, who played decently in San Diego's shocking 26-24 loss to Carolina on Sunday, had to leave the game late in the second quarter while the Chargers were on defense. He blamed his departure on the knee brace he was wearing."

~Why in the world did he even try to come back this season? He was told before the season even started to go ahead have surgery, have a full recovery and come back next season healthy. Instead he decides to play regardless and possibly injure his knee and end his career.

Is it really worth it?

Luckily for him, it's not too serious and it only took him one game to see the light.

ESPN: Young needs space, 'love and support,' mother says

According to ESPN, "The mother of Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young said he's "hurting inside and out" and indicated he might not want to play football any longer.

Felicia Young said in Wednesday editions of The Tennessean that her son is tired of all of the negativity he's faced after being booed during a 17-10 win Sunday over Jacksonville.

"What would you think, if you were tired of being ridiculed and persecuted and talked about and not being treated very well, what would you do? What kind of decision would you make?" Felicia Young said. "He may not want to deal with it [all], but you have to get to that point before you make that decision first."

For the full story visit: ESPN-Vince Young Story

~I guess I have only one thing to say, WOW! I know in may sound harsh for fans to boo one of their own to most people but please understand, these are millionaire athletes who get paid to play a game. Sports is a TOUGH business and the press will eat you alive if you fail. Young's mental state is in question and maybe it's just too much for him.

If all of us reacted this way after having a bad day, what would people think about us?

Now I realize that he injured his knee in last weeks game. Injuries are a part of sports and should be expected at some point in every athletes career. Unfortunately for Young, he didn't have a very good start to this season. He still has great potential and perhaps after a little time in recovery, he'll bounce back. Maybe he'll also realize how good he has it, getting paid to play a game.

NCWC "Take a Kid to the Game" Promo Ad

Bishops get a slow start!

What a heart beaker! The Bishops of NC Wesleyan couldn't do enough to avoid it's first loss of the season to the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney. It was obvious early on that both teams may have been a little too excited to start their season as they combined for a total of 11 turnovers.

For a complete re-cap of the game visit: NC Wesleyan College Athletics Page

Since NC Wesleyan is the defending USA South Conference Champs, they will be tested this year under new head coach, Mark Henninger. This was just one loss for the Bishops this season and luckily it wasn't a conference game. The Bishops know they have a lot to work on as they continue this season.

This puts NC Wesleyan's record to 0-1 for the 2008 season.

The "Cardiac Cats" are back!

It's been a long time since people got excited in Carolina. With last years loss of Jake Delhomme at QB there was since of lost identity behind the ball. Jake proved he's back and in prime condition.

Even without star wide receiver, Steve Smith who was suspended 2 regular season games for punching a team mate, Carolina proved they have more offensive weapons this year. It turned out to be a nail bitter as Carolina came from behind in the final seconds of the game to win 26-24 as time expired on the clock.

This puts Carolina's record to 1-0 for the 2008 season.