The Sporting News back issues from September 2007:
TO KNOW LIST
Sep 03, 2007; ... 7 things to make you an INSTANT EXPERT this week 1 THE MAIN EVENT Justice-and now mercy Michael Vick did the crime. He will more than do the time. A sentence in federal prison of at least one year seems increasingly likely. Two years doesn't seem out of the ...
THIS I GOTTA SEE
Sep 03, 2007; ... ON DECK The week ahead in sports All times Eastern PICK of the WEEK SAT 1 College football is neither life nor death, but East Carolina at Virginia Tech (noon, ESPN) will make you ponder both. * Georgia Tech at Notre Dame (3:30 p.m., NBC). It's only Week 1 ...
COMING AT YOU
Sep 03, 2007; ... In the September 10 Issue That's hot. Peyton Manning has the super brain. Tom Brady has the great arm. LaDainian Tomlinson has, well, just about everything. But which will have the title of best player in ...
BOB HILLE'S STARTING 5
Sep 03, 2007; ... 1 College football. It s the little things that make me glad the season finally is here. For instance, the wife can put away the blow-dryer; I just crank the volume when Corso's talking. 2 Pennant races. I'm telling you, now it's getting serious. Cubs hitters are taking extra B. R, and ...
YOUR TURN
Sep 03, 2007; ... You rant, we listen. Send e-mails to yourturn@sportingnews.com. If by some miracle the Cubs make the playoffs and get to the World Series, I will give up red meat for a month. -feustus 1500 via SportingNews.com * You did a disservice to your readers and to baseball when ...
BLOG ON
Sep 03, 2007; ... From your blogs on sportingnews.com RE: CHEMISTRY COUNTS Posted by dking97 Ham and cheese, pickles and chocolate, celery and peanut butter ... . Chemistry-you never know if it will be good or bad until you try it. Will the Celts have good chemistry this year? Will the ...
Why we love the NFL
Sep 03, 2007; ... Let us count the ways and as we do, get your game face on (painted in appropriate team colors of course)-there's a new season to embrace By Dennis Dillon The unsavory developments of the past several months-news of Michael Vick's involvement in a dogfighting operation; suspensions of ...
Check out Brady's moves-in the pocket
Sep 03, 2007; ... FILM ROOM The most mobile quarterback in the NFL is Tom Brady. What? The guy who couldn't maneuver between two linebackers if his life depended on it? That's right. There are three distinct components to mobility-pocket movement, scrambling and running-and that last one, ...
Nine story lines-and every one of them on the field
Sep 03, 2007; ... September arrives with plenty of unanswered questions that have nothing to do with police reports orTMZcom's gossip page. 1 What wffl Randy Moss bring to the Patriots' offense? There are no more excuses for Moss after two miserable years with the Raiders. Moss is smart enough to ...
A can't-wait-to-see list
Sep 03, 2007; ... Watch the little guys run. It's a joy to see athletes like Brian Westbrook, Reggie Bush, Steve Smith, Santana Moss and Devin Hester undress defenders in the open field. And fellow diminutive dashers Willie Parker and Maurice Jones-Drew have proved it's not just about style points to the ...
2007 NFL PREVIEW: INSIDE DISH
Sep 03, 2007; ... The emergence of Ornar Galther made the decision to release 10-year veteran Jeremiah Trotter a bit more palatable for the Eagles. Gaither, who started the final five games of his rookie season last year at weakside linebacker, will replace Trotter in the middle. Gaither (6-1, 235) is much ...
Instant expert
Sep 03, 2007; ... Your cheat sheet for the 2007 season By Dennis Dillon THE PATS ARE THE PICK Nothing rankles Bill Belichick more than when someone slobbers over his team. So pull that hoodie over your eyes, coach, because the next sentence could spike your systolic pressure. The Patriots ...
The North is the strongest-and weakest
Sep 03, 2007; ... With one week left until the curtain goes up on the 2007 season, let's stir a little debate. Which is the best division in the NFL? Which is the worst? And how do they stack up in between? Using overall competitiveness and potential number of playoff teams as the main criteria, ...
Better late than ever
Sep 03, 2007; ... Sleepers in Seattle ... or Detroit ... or anywhere, really, are mortal sins ... er mistakes ... if taken too early. Fantasy football is so popular that everywhere you go, somebody wants to discuss sleeper picks. I was sitting in the confessional and said, "Bless me, father, for I have ...
FANTASY DISH
Sep 03, 2007; ... Why should 49ers second-year pro Vemon Davls already be considered an elite tight end? Because he has big-play ability. Five of Davis' 20 catches last season went for 20 or more yards, which indicates he has the speed to beat linebacker coverage and run away from safeties. * If you're concerned ...
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The Patriots didn't just reload this winter-they redefined what it means to be championship-driven. They added an all-around threat to their defense in versatile ILB Adallus Thomas, considered the prize of the free-agent market. Then they blew up the receiving unit by ...
NEW YORK JETS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: Once again, the Jets will be a well-coached, well-conditioned team that doesn't kill itself with dumb mistakes. They addressed their biggest weakness by trading for RB Thomas Jones, who will bring more balance to the offense. The offensive line should be improved, with LT ...
BUFFALO BILLS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: With a year of experience in the system, the offense should improve on its No. 30 ranking in 2006. Fourth-year QB J.P. Losman is still not a finished product, but the Bills believe he has the tools to be outstanding. They tried to improve his supporting cast by upgrading ...
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPIMISM: Last season, the Dolphins' defense allowed only 289.1 yards a game, which ranked fourth in the league. Aside from the addition of OLB Joey Porter and the departure of DE Kevin Carter (who will be replaced by Matt Roth), that stout unit, including reigning NFL defensive ...
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The explosive offense is loaded with superb skill position players in QB Carson Palmer, WRs Chad Johnson and TJ. Houshmandzadeh, and RB Rudi Johnson. Palmers combination of size (6-5, 230), arm strength, accuracy and leadership makes him an elite player. Chad Johnson is a ...
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The Ravens return all but one starter from the leagues No. 1 -ranked defense. LBs Bart Scott, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, all Pro Bowl performers, lead the charge, and a solid line featuring NT Kelly Gregg and wide-body RE Haloti Ngata makes it tough for opponents to run ....
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The biggest reason for hope is the return to health of QB Ben Roethlisberger. He appeared tentative and indecisive last season, when he led the league with 23 interceptions and was sacked 46 times. New coordinator Bruce Arians wants to take advantage of Roethlisberger's ...
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The Browns could be better at almost every position on offense. New RB Jamal Lewis says his ankle was killing him last year; surgery to remove bone spurs appears to have made a difference. WR Braylon Edwards looks fast and confident and is two years removed from knee ...
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: As long as Peyton Manning is the quarterback and management surrounds him with talent, the Colts will challenge for the Super Bowl. At 31 and in his 10th season, Manning has passed for 137 touchdowns (with only 39 interceptions) in the past four years. Despite various needs ...
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The defense ranked No. 2 in the NFL in yards allowed last season, and there's no reason to expect a drop-off. The Jaguars intercepted a franchiserecord 20 passes in '06 without a true playmaker at safety. The club believes it now has two in the improving Gerald Sensabaugh ...
HOUSTON TEXANS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: With the addition of Matt Schaub, the team now has the leadership it lacked at quarterback. Schaub also has good pocket presence and is a quality decision maker. Ahman Green, who exceeded 1,000 yards six times with the Packers, will boost the running game. The Texans appear ...
TENNESSEE TITANS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The offensive line is arguably the team's strength. C Kevin Mawae, heading into his 14th season, is the anchor and still moves well. LT Michael Roos is a strong run blocker and good in pass protection. With a year under his belt, QB Vince Young has a better grasp of the ...
DENVER BRONCOS
Sep 03, 2007; ... RENSONS FOR OPTWRSM: RB Travis Henry appears to be the powerful workhorse back the team has lacked the past few seasons. His vision and quick feet are valuable assets in a zone-blocking scheme that requires numerous cutbacks. He's someone coach Mike Shanahan can lean on in the fourth quarter ....
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The pass rush should be much improved and more consistent DEs Jared Alien and Tamba Hall are excellent bookend pass rushers, and the Chiefs have four effective inside rushers - Alfonso Boone, Ron Edwards, James Reed and Jimmy Wllkerson- who will be able to rotate in and ...
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: Added experience should lend itself to improvement. On defense, the Raiders return all 1 1 starters from the end of last season and many of the key reserves from a unit that ranked third in the league in average yards allowed. LE Derrick Burgess and CB Nnamdl Asomugha are ...
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: New coach Norv Turner and new defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell have done more tweaking than renovating, which will help make the leadership transition smooth for a deep, solid team. CottrelTs defense will feature more disguises in the secondary and more blitzes from ...
DALLAS COWBOYS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: QB Tony Romo, who is entering the season as the starter for the first time, has looked confident in practice while honing the subtleties of the game, such as ball fakes and footwork. He is an accurate passer who should only get better as he gains experience. If he cuts down ...
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: Even with QB Donovan McNabb (knee) missing much of the second half of last season, the team made the playoffs behind the play of RB Brian Westbrook, who accumulated 1,916 yards from scrimmage. Combine Westbrook's running and receiving abilities with a healthy McNabb and the ...
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: Not only does new MLB London Retcher-Baker make plays from sideline to sideline, but he also makes sure the players around him do their jobs. The defense also should be aided by improved depth in the secondary. On offense, QB Jason Campbell will continue to develop, ...
NEW YORK GIANTS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: When QB Ell Manning is given freedom in the no-huddle offense, he can play pitch-and-catch as well as anyone. WR Plaxico Burress (6-5, 232) has a size mismatch against most cornerbacks, WR Amani Toomer is a dependable possession receiver who can work the sidelines, and TE ...
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The Packers' defense has the potential to be one of the NFIi best. The line is as strong and as deep as it has been since the mid-'90s Super Bowl years, the linebackers will be better simply because of the development of WLB AJ. Hawk, and the secondary filled a major hole ...
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: What's the best cure for an inexperienced offense? A defense that not only stifles opposing offenses but scores itself. New coordinator Leslie Frazler has put a premium on elevating the pass rush, which is the best way to force turnovers. On offense, the team has added two ...
CHICAGO BEARS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: With the exceptions of RB Thomas Jones and DT Tank Johnson, the defending NFC champions return every key player from a year ago. The defense remains one of the best in the league with Pro Bowlers MLB Brian Uriacher, WLB Lance Briggs and DT Tommto Harris anchoring the front ...
DETROIT LIONS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The team's three- and four- receiver formations will be extremely difficult to defend. WRs Roy Williams and CaMn Johnson both have size, speed, great hands and body control and can't be covered man-to-man. That's going to give slot WRs Mike Fumy and Shaun McDonald even more ...
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The Saints have the NFIi most versatile offense. They led the league in total yards and passing yards last year, and they should be even better in the second year in coach Sean Payions system. RB Reggie Bush looks like he'll be very, very good this year. He was just ...
CAROLINA PANTTHERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... ISASONS FOR OPTWBSM: The core players haven't changed much since the team went to the NFC championship game two years ago, and several key players who missed much of last season with injuries are back and healthy. With LE Julius Peppers, DT KrIs Jenkins and MLB Dan Morgan, the defense has the ...
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: QB Jeff Garcia should make the offense better. He is aging but still has plenty of mobility and savvy-two things missing from the position a year ago. Garcías ability to make plays should allow the team to keep drives alive, and he should be able to take better advantage of ...
ATLANTA FALCONS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: Coach Bobby Petrinos use of multiple formations in his power spread attack helped turn the Louisville program into a national powerhouse. He has not been subject to the usual skepticism that follows a coach from the college level because he spent three years with the ...
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The 49ers have developed one of the most effective rushing attacks in the league, fueled by RB Frank Gore and a deep, physical offensive line. Gore is a quick, tough runner between the tackles and is elusive in the open field, and the line, led by massive LG Larry Alien, ...
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: RB Shaun Alexander is coming off an injury-plagued season and just turned 30. But he also is in the best shape of his career-and he's tired of hearing he's past his prime. That could serve as motivation for him. Look for the receiving unit to be energized by the departures ...
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: The offense features one of the best sets of skill players in the league. Add new WR Drew Bennett and TE Randy McMichael to the mix with WRs Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt and RB Steven Jackson, and QB Marc Bulger can throw to five proven pass catchers. Opponents won't be able ...
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Sep 03, 2007; ... REASONS FOR OPTIMISM: QB Matt Leinart doesn't have the strongest arm, but he's accurate, smart and a good leader. The team has a great pair of young receivers in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald Boldin's forte is running after the catch, and the Cardinals will be creative in getting him the ...
Keeping Joba in the 'pen is the wrong move
Sep 03, 2007; ... You've been watching Mike Mussina pitch lately, so you know the Yankees need help in the rotation. This time last year, Joba Chamberlain was kicking back in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, waiting to sign his first pro contract. This time next week, Chamberlain will be kicking ...
BASEBALL: INSIDE DISH
Sep 03, 2007; ... It's all about the ballpark: Padres LF Milton Bradley slammed his bat in disgust after hitting what would have been a routine, inning-ending fly to left in his home park. Good news for Bradley: He wasn't hitting at Petco Park. He was hitting at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and the ball ...
BASEBALL: speed reads
Sep 03, 2007; ... After Rocco Baldelli's latest leg injury, there is no question he has become to position players what Mark Prior is to pitchers: an always injured disappointment. Remember all the fuss made over Roger Clemens' deal that allows him to skip out on the Yankees whenever he's not scheduled to ...
Jeepers keepers, this list's for you
Sep 03, 2007; ... Fantasy Source Let our updated player rankings bring a little joy into your dog-days-of-summer baseball life. You can always tell when fantasy baseball owners start packing it in for the season. Our Fantasy Source Baseball page views drop, our Fantasy Source Football page views ...
BASEBALL: FANTASY DISH
Sep 03, 2007; ... Need some pitching help down the stretch? Shop the Nationals store-seriously. The starting threesome of Shawn Hill, Tim Redding and Joel Hanrahan is 5-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 12 combined August starts. It's also averaging 5.89 innings per start. Stay away from Matt Chico at all costs, however. > ...
A.L. EAST: BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Sep 03, 2007; ... BALTIMORE ORIOLES RHP Chris Ray (elbow) will miss most or all of the 2008 season. RHP Danys Baez will serve as the closer for the rest of 2007, but the club might have to make finding a relief ace one of its top offseason priorities. YOUTH MOVEMENT: A tough August ...
A.L. EAST: BOSTON RED SOX
Sep 03, 2007; ... BOSTON RED SOX With C Doug Mirabelli (calf) on the D.L., Kevin Cash has held up well when asked to catch RI-IP urn Wakefield. It helps that Cash has experience catching knuckleballers. Wakefield entered the week 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA in August. YOUTH M(WEMENT: CFiacoby Elisbury, the top ...
A.L. EAST: NEW YORK YANKEES
Sep 03, 2007; ... NEW YORK YANKEES IF/OF Wilson Betemit has been taking the field early to work on his fielding at first base as he vies for more playing time. He already has gotten more at-bats than expected, thanks to his versatility and clutch hitting since joining the team at the ...
A.L. EAST: TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
Sep 03, 2007; ... TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS The team is considering going to a six-man rotation for the rest of the season to lighten the load on staff aces RHP James Shields and LHP Scott Kazmlr, both of whom have already thrown more ...
A.L. EAST: TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Sep 03, 2007; ... TORONTO BLUE JAYS With a thin crop of free-agent shortstops, the team likely will re-sign John McDonald this winter. He has been outstanding on defense and is improving at the plate. Keeping McDonald would allow Aaron Hill to stay at second base, his strongest position ....
A.L. CENTRAL: CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Sep 03, 2007; ... CHICAGO WHITE SOX Manager Ozzie Guillen might hit DH Jim Thome leadoff to get him more at-bats if the slugger is still sitting a few homers short of 500 down the stretch. Thome actually fits the criteria Guillen wants in his leadoff hitter; he~d rather have a guy with a high onbase percentage ...
A.L. CENTRAL: CLEVELAND INDIANS
Sep 03, 2007; ... CLEVELAND INDlANSAsdrubaI Cabrera has supplanted Josh Barfield at second base because the team finally lost patience with Barfield's impatient approach at the plate. Cabrera has been working on refining his swing. and he plays excellent ...
A.L. CENTRAL: DETROIT TIGERS
Sep 03, 2007; ... DETROIT11GERSss Carlos Gulilen credits an adjustment at the plate with helping him hit pitches with authority again after more than a month without a home run. Now, he is focusing more on hitting balls hard instead of far. That, plus better health in his sore knees, sets him up for a strong ...
A.L. CENTRAL: KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Sep 03, 2007; ... KANSAS CITY ROYALS After finding new life in the bullpen, RHP Zack Greinke is moving back into the rotation. In the bullpen, Greinke increased his velocity from 90-92 mph to 98-99 and was getting nasty movement on his slider. YOUTH MOVEMENT: RHP Joakim ...
A.L. CENTRAL: MINNESOTA TWINS
Sep 03, 2007; ... MINNESOTA TWINSThC team wants RHP Boof Bonser to lose 10-15 pounds. He hasn't been able to work deep into outings because he lacks stamina. YOUTH MOVEMENT: OF Denard Span likely will get a September call-up. Span has ...
The lowdown on how to handle a beatdown
Sep 03, 2007; ... THE CLOSER Even if you're just scanning box scores, 30 runs will stick out. These are the games that can ruin an entire season, at least when talking about a reliever's ERA. Even the team doing all the scoring just wants to get the game over at some point. All teams get their ...
OUTSIDE THE LINE SCORE: 30 and 30-something
Sep 03, 2007; ... It wasn't pretty last Wednesday-at least not for Baltimore and its manager, Dave Trembley, who had the interim tag removed from his title earlier in the day-when the Rangers skewered the Orioles for 30 runs and became the first team in 1 10 years to reach SUCR 3 total. It VV3S svsn GG.eee ier, ...
Angels' traffic cop doesn't just go with the flow
Sep 03, 2007; ... No third base coach is better at waving runners home than Diño Ebel of the fast-breaking Angels. No third base coach is better qualified to share the do's and don'ts of the job, either. Before joining the Angels in 2006, Ebel coached third for 8 ½ years as a minor league manager. And he grew up ...