NFL Amazed at Incompetence of Detroit Lions Owner William Clay Ford
Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford is incompetent. As the grandson of Henry Ford, he always has been and always will be a very rich man, but he's never accomplished anything in his life on his own merits, and in his 45 years owning the Lions, he has proven time and again that he hasn't a clue how to run a football team.
I thought everyone who followed football knew this, but apparently not. Peter King writes at SI.com that the football world is shocked -- shocked! -- by the latest example of Ford's incompetence:
I think no one in the league -- and I mean no one -- can believe William Clay Ford didn't move to hire a new GM (even though there is great respect for Martin Mayhew) and the front-office staff.
King is well connected in the NFL, and I guess all of his league sources are telling him they're surprised that Ford didn't overhaul his front office. But really, why would anyone expect Ford to do such a thing? What has Ford ever done that would make anyone expect him to suddenly make big changes to his franchise, after 45 years of being the worst owner in the NFL?
The bottom line is that as long as this man owns this team, this team is going to stink. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
(c)2007 AOL LLC
Young sees extensive action in loss to Colts
INDIANAPOLIS -- With the Titans treating Sunday's 23-0 loss to the Indianapolis Colts like a preseason outing, it gave plenty of backups the chance to play much more than expected.
The most notable of those backups, of course, was quarterback Vince Young, who had played in just one other game - mop-up duty in Detroit - after being injured and losing his starting job after the season opener.
Young replaced Kerry Collins after the first offensive series for the Titans, who had the football for just 4:15 of the first half. Collins was originally supposed to play a second series, but after Indianapolis scored twice, then recovered an onside kick, keeping the Titans offense on the sideline, Young was under center when Tennessee's offense finally returned for its second series with just over 10 minutes to play before halftime.
Young completed 9 of 13 passes, but threw for just 55 yards, including an 11-yarder to Justin McCareins on his first play for the Titans' only first down of the first half. It was Young and the Titans' longest pass play of the day.
"I'd say the first series I was a little rusty getting into the rhythm of the game, but after that it started to slow down," Young said. "It felt good to get in there and get that rush. I got hit bad one time, but it was good to get hit like that."
Young was referring to a hard bump out of bounds from the Colts' Jamie Silva after a scramble. He finished with 25 yards rushing on five attempts.
"I just wanted to be loose. I told the guys earlier that my body feels real good," Young said. "I told the guys earlier that I didn't want to force anything and throw any interceptions, so I was checking the ball down and using my legs. Overall, I thought I did a pretty good job of getting the ball out and moving around. We didn't really have too much in the offense today, but I think I did all right just to get back in my rhythm."
GLAD TO BE BACK: One Titans player who was perhaps most thankful to be back playing was third-string quarterback Chris Simms, who played the final offensive series, his first regular-season action since suffering a ruptured spleen while with Tampa Bay in September 2006.
"It was just good to get some action and get some of the anxiousness away. I'm just happy to get anything I can get," Simms said.
Simms completed 1 of 2 passes for 7 yards and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss.
"It was good to get hit again. It made me feel alive again. It wasn't that bad," he said of the sack.
The Titans wanted Simms to get another offensive series and called timeout late on defense, but Indianapolis running back Lance Ball converted the third-down run and the Colts ran the clock out.
"That's why Coach [Jeff] Fisher called timeout, they were going to try to do the two-minute, but then they ended up getting the first down and that was that," Simms said. "I'm just glad to be out there again and feeling good and being on a team that's successful."
FIRST ONE: The player on the receiving end of Simms' one completion also had a milestone of sorts. It was wide receiver Paul Williams, who caught the pass for a first down and was his first NFL catch after two years in the league.
Williams was inactive for all 16 games as a rookie and was active for only the fifth time this season, seeing his most extensive action in the offense Sunday as the Titans played backups.
"It definitely feels great to get out there and be a part of it. Too bad I was part of a loss, but just to be a part of the team feels real good," Williams said.
INJURIES: The Titans' plan for Sunday was to escape the game injury-free, and they were able to do that, for the most part, except for one player.
Linebacker Josh Stamer, normally a special teams player, got the start in David Thornton's spot Sunday, but made an early exit as he suffered a groin injury.
"We came through this somewhat healthy. The only concern I have right now is Josh Stamer. We're going to have to do some tests," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said.
When Stamer exited, Keith Bulluck came back into the game and played a series or two until the Titans put all their backups in.
"We got down a man, and we were kind of hurting at the position, so it didn't hurt me to go back in for a quarter," Bulluck said. "I actually told [Fisher] to let me go back in."
MILESTONES: While the game didn't affect playoff seeding, the Colts managed to realize some of its goals in addition to winning the game.
The Colts became the first team in NFL history to win at least 12 games for six straight seasons and now have won nine in a row for the third time in the past four years.
Individually, Peyton Manning's 95 yards passing gave him 4,002 for the season, the ninth straight season he has reached the 4,000-yard plateau.
Also, Marvin Harrison caught the 1,102nd pass of his NFL career on Sunday, pushing him past Cris Carter for second place all-time in league annals. He trails only Jerry Rice.
nashvillecitypaper.com
San Diego sets up playoff showdown
Tampa, Fla.: Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers did everything they could to save their season.
The NFL's highest-rated passer threw for 287 yards and four touchdowns Sunday, helping the Chargers beat Tampa Bay 41-24 to keep their playoff hopes alive and deal a crushing blow to the Buccaneers' chances.
After their third straight win in what amounted to elimination games for a team that began the season with expectations of reaching the Super Bowl, San Diego (7-8) got needed help when Buffalo beat Denver 30-23. The Broncos and Chargers meet next week in San Diego in a showdown for the division title.
"I can't say enough about our guys in terms of the way they've handled the last month. The way they prepared, they way they competed," coach Norv Turner said.
The Chargers have won 13 consecutive December games, including seven on the road, since a loss at Kansas City on Dec. 24, 2005.
"I think we are playing like a playoff team. ... Hopefully it's not too late," said running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who rushed for 90 yards to join Barry Sanders and Curtis Martin as the only players in NFL history to run for 1,000 in each of their first eight seasons.
Tampa Bay (9-6), which lost its first home game and has dropped three straight, could have clinched at least an NFC wild-card spot with a win and some help. Instead, the Bucs' day ended with Jeff Garcia's face bloodied and teammates hoping other contenders falter, too.
"We've let ourselves down," said Garcia, sporting a cut on the bridge of his nose.
Rivers threw TD passes of 15 and 5 yards to Antonio Gates, the latter giving the Chargers the lead for good on the first play of the fourth quarter. Darren Sproles turned a screen pass into a 32-yard touchdown before Antoine Cason returned one of San Diego's two fourth-quarter interceptions 59 yards for a score that made it 41-24 with three minutes left.
Garcia was sacked from behind and came up bloody four plays before his pass intended for Ike Hilliard was tipped by Quentin Jammer into the hands of Cason, who raced up the left sideline untouched.
Brandon Manumaleuna caught an 11-yard TD pass from Rivers and Nate Kaeding kicked a team-record 57-yard field goal on the final play of the first half, helping the Chargers build a 20-10 lead.
Garcia kept the Bucs in the game by running for a third-quarter touchdown and lofting a 71-yard TD pass to Antonio Bryant for a 24-20 lead.
But it was all San Diego after that.
"That's the San Diego Chargers that we anticipated on being at the beginning of the year," Gates said. "Tampa Bay, with all due respect, there was nothing they could do about it once we had the rhythm like we had today."
sltrib.com
Offensive Tackle Jon Stinchcomb Named New Orleans Saints Man Of The Year
After several years of serving the community with educational programs in local schools, a dedication to visiting area hospitals and the creation of an offseason youth football camp, OT Jon Stinchcomb has been honored as the 2008 New Orleans Saints Walter Payton Man of the Year. The award - among the most prestigious in the NFL - is voted on by members of the media, Saints front office staff and local non-profit and business executives.
A sixth-year veteran, Stinchcomb has annually taken a lead role as Saints players branch out weekly into local hospitals. His efforts have centered around lengthy stays in the pediatric and chemotherapy wards at Children's Hospital of New Orleans and Ochsner Hospital.
He also spearheaded the creation of the "OL 4 NO" - Offensive Line For New Orleans - Youth Football Camp in the offseason. Free of charge, the camp was run by the entire offensive line for children from the New Orleans area. The group has also purchased 225 bicycles for Christmas and will distribute them to underprivileged children.
"Several of our players were considered for this award, and all were worthy candidates considering the impact they've made on our community," said Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc. "Jon has sought out ways he can make a difference, and with his approach and the way he connects to young people he has been an inspiration with each of his endeavors."
When not visiting hospitals, Stinchcomb can be found in local schools on Tuesdays. He is particularly dedicated to educational causes - his mother was a school teacher, he graduated from Georgia with a degree in microbiology. His wife, Allison, is a teacher in a local high school.
As part of the First Bank and Trust Character Now Program, he visits local high schools - stressing the importance of education, integrity, and building a good character – and as part of the Domino's Literacy Program he reads to children and drives home the importance of education at local elementary and middle schools.
Recently, Stinchcomb visited O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans as part of Teach For America Week and gave biology students a lesson on reflexes. He spoke from experience, having had surgery on both knees during his football career. Teach For America is the national corps of top college graduates who commit two years to teach in urban and rural schools across the country.
"Jon has concentrated on making his adopted hometown of New Orleans a better place," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. "Tuesdays are his day off, but it's rare when he isn't out in the community. His character and sense of purpose make him a role model for young people. This is a responsibility he takes seriously, and this award is well deserved."
Stinchcomb is a native of Atlanta. He and his older brother, Matt - who like Jon attended the University of Georgia and was a standout offensive lineman in the NFL from 1999-2006 - have established the Stinchcomb Family Foundation. Proceeds from their events benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Georgia Transplant Foundation, the Children's Tumor Foundation and the University of Georgia College of Education.
The Man of the Year award has been in existence since 1970 and honors NFL players who demonstrate outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities. All 32 finalists, one from each NFL team, will receive a $1,000 contribution toward a charity of his choice, and the overall winner will receive $25,000 to donate to his selected charity.
The 2008 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year winner will be announced during Commissioner Roger Goodell's press conference prior to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa. The Stinchcomb Family Foundation has been designated as the charity that will receive the $1,000 donation in his name.
(c)2008 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC
Steelers rally for ugly 20-13 win, remain a game ahead of Ravens
The Steelers looked like they were going to drop their fourth game of the season, and fall into a tie with the Ravens in the loss column, as they trailed Dallas 13-6 with 2:10 to play in the fourth quarter.
Pittsburgh rallied and scored two touchdowns in 24 seconds to defeat the Cowboys 20-13 and remain one game ahead of Baltimore, who beat the Redskins 24-10. It sets up next Sunday's showdown, with the division title on the line.
With their offense struggling all afternoon, QB Ben Roethlisberger hit tight end Heath Miller with the game-tying touchdown just before the two-minute warning.
On the Cowboys next possession, QB Tony Romo was picked off by Deshea Townsend, who returned it 26 yards for the game-winning score, lifting Pittsburgh to their fourth straight win and 10th of the season.
The Steelers defense bailed out their offense once again, intercepting Romo three times, sacking him three times and forcing a fumble.
The top-ranked unit was very impressive on a cold night in the Steel City. They gave up 289 total yards and held the Cowboys to 3-14 on third downs and 0-3 on fourth.
Roethlisberger and the rest of the Pittsburgh offense managed just 238 total yards and only 70 on the ground. Running back Willie Parker was ineffective, gaining 25 yards on 12 carries and`Big Ben completed 17 of 33 for 204 and the one TD, but he was sacked five times and hurried all afternoon.
Sunday's game against Baltimore will feature two of the best defensive units in football and will be even more intense since both teams, to put it plainly, hate each other.
(c) COPYRIGHT 2008 MASN
Bucs slow down Brees to beat Saints 23-20
TAMPA, Fla. --Relentless all day long, Tampa Bay's defense finally shut down Drew Brees when it mattered most.
Jermaine Phillips and Phillip Buchanon intercepted the NFL's leading passer in the closing minutes and Matt Bryant kicked a 37-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining Sunday to help the Buccaneers stay atop the NFC South with a 23-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Brees, on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season yardage record, threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns on a rainy day but also was picked off three times - once in the end zone - and bothered by the Bucs' pass rush all afternoon.
The victory was the fourth straight for Tampa Bay (9-3). The Bucs are 6-1 since Jeff Garcia regained the starting quarterback job, which he lost after a poor performance in a season-opening loss against the Saints (6-6).
Garcia was limited to 119 yards passing, but threw 38 yards to Antonio Bryant for a third-quarter touchdown that put the Bucs up 20-10. Carnell "Cadillac" Williams also scored on an 8-yard run, his first TD since a career-threatening knee injury 14 months ago.
Brees completed 25 of 47 passes and wiped out a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit by throwing a 20-yard TD pass to Pierre Thomas and taking advantage of a short punt to tie the game on Garrett Hartley's second field goal with 5:34 to go.
A week after gaining 418 yards in a 51-29 rout of Green Bay, the Saints' high-powered offense sputtered until Brees put together a six-play, 72-yard drive just before the half to give New Orleans a 10-6 lead on his 13-yard TD pass to Lance Moore.
Brees hurt the Bucs with three completions of 39 or more yards in the season opener, but Tampa Bay's secondary did a much better job this time. Marques Colston's 37-yard reception set up the Saints' first TD, though Brees' longest completion other than that was 22 yards to Colston in the first quarter.
The Bucs took control early in the third quarter, marching 46 yards to regain the lead on Williams' first TD since Sept. 23, 2007, against St. Louis - the week before he torn the patellar tendon in his right knee.
Special teams has been a big part of Tampa Bay's success, and return man Clifton Smith was a huge factor again Sunday. He ran down Glenn Pakulak's 70-yard punt and raced 42 yards to the Saints 39 to set up a second-quarter field goal, then had a 12-yard return to the New Orleans 43 to position the Bucs for Garcia's TD throw to Bryant.
Josh Bidwell's 18-yard punt helped the Saints tie the game, but he redeemed himself with a 37-yarder that pinned the Saints at their own 7 with just under four minutes to go. Phillips intercepted a pass intended for Colston to set up the winning field goal, then Buchanon sealed the victory with his pick on a throw intended for Moore with a little more than a minute left.
ledger-enquirer.com
Cassel keeps Pats in playoff picture by going where Brady has not
MIAMI -- Here's a sure way to win $100. Walk into a bar, any bar, sit down on a stool and tell the guy next to you that Matt Cassel has more 400-yard passing days in his career than Tom Brady.
The man will look at you, bet that it can't be true and the next thing you know you're pocketing a Benjamin.
Fast fact: It is indeed true.
Cassel made that a reality Sunday with his second consecutive 400-yard game, throwing for 415 yards and three scores, to lead the New England Patriots to a 48-28 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium.
Cassel's impressive game, coming 10 days after he threw for 400 yards in a loss to the Jets, helped the Patriots get to 7-4 and stay within a game of the AFC East-leading New York Jets, but it also puts him in elite company.
Brady's not the only one to miss out on that feat. Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, John Elway and most of the other great passers in league history have never done it.
In fact, only five men have now accomplished the feat. Three of them are names that might not surprise you: Dan Marino, Dan Fouts and Phil Simms.
The other, and the last to do it before Cassel did it Sunday, is Billy Volek, who did it in 2004 with the Tennessee Titans.
Volek was an aberration, since he has never been considered much more than a backup.
Cassel is not.
Even though he didn't start a game in the NFL before this season -- and never started one in college at Southern California -- Cassel is the real thing.
He's also about to become a rich man -- a very rich man. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season.
"He's playing hellified ball," Patriots receiver Randy Moss said.
OK, so hellified isn't quite a word. But you get the point. That's a Moss-ism for saying that Cassel has been on fire.
Using three-, four- and five-receiver sets for most of the day, Cassel carved up the Dolphins like they were a Thanksgiving turkey at the mercy of Uncle Bob with that giant blade in his hand.
Cassel ended the day with a passer rating of 114.0. It helps to have Moss, who went for eight catches for 125 yards and three touchdowns.
"I'm happy to go out there and have some production with him," Cassel said. "I'm amazed at what Randy can do."
It helped that the Dolphins were foolish enough to play the Patriots in man coverage, especially Moss. Isn't that like asking for it?
Moss took it as a sign of disrespect. He would, but that's OK for the Patriots. He played like an angry man.
"I don't know why coach disrespected me like that," Moss said. "I'm who I am and I love to do what I do. Anytime I feel disrespected, I'm going to go out there and make it happen. They disrespected me today by playing the single coverage."
Moss caught touchdown passes of 25, 8 and 29 yards, beating single coverage on all three. Each time, Cassel put the ball in a perfect spot. His accuracy was Brady-like.
Could anyone, even diehard Patriots fans, have expected this?
"Matt's getting in a comfort zone and at the same time he's getting in his, we're getting in ours," Moss said. "We're getting a feel for how Matt's playing."
When Brady went down in the opener, many buried this New England team. The thinking then was they would try to control the football, play good defense and win close games. Brady threw 50 touchdown passes last season, and there's no way to replace a three-time Super Bowl winner, with that kind of pedigree.
If Cassel managed the game, so be it. They wouldn't ask him to win it, right?
In 11 games, especially the past month, he has proved to be far more than a game manager. That's an insult now, just saying that. You can't call a man who has thrown for 815 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in his past two games, a manager of the game. Cassel also ran for a touchdown against the Dolphins on a quarterback draw.
"At the end of the day, the guy just kept finding people," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said.
This looked like the Patriots' of 2007. They scored fast. They spread people out. The quarterback owned the game.
Pats coach Bill Belichick is a master at taking advantage of a team's weak spots. Instead of running into the teeth of the Miami defense, which is a strong point of that unit, he challenged them with the passing game.
He did the dictating. That takes confidence in a quarterback. It's clear that the Patriots have it in Cassel. Belichick did caution that it's more than just the quarterback by saying "it's not just a one-man band."
That's playing out with Brady, the Bruce Springsteen of this team, out with a knee injury. You think the E-Street Band would be anything without the Boss? The Patriots are still something without Brady, which is a tribute to the team and the new quarterback throwing the ball.
Cassel's magical season comes at the right time, too. With each game, the price on his new contract goes up and up and up. The Patriots won't be able to keep him, not with Brady's huge contract, so some team out there is going to get a passer who can read the field, make quick decisions and stand tough in the pocket.
"I'm going to continue to move forward and continue to try and have production with this offense," Cassel said. "And we're just trying to win games. I don't look, and I don't look to the future because anything can happen. It's pointless."
Anything can happen. Like a backup who was a possible camp cut becoming the hottest free agent on the market.
If Cassel goes for 400 or more passing next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cassel would become the only man in history to have three 400-pluys games in a row.
That truly would be hellified.
(c) 2008 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved
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