2BS Blog - This is it.

Adios 2005.

between Michigan/Nebraska…

despite the fact that Michigan blew a 28-17 lead to lose 32-28

the last play was crazy

Eight laterals, 1 that looked like an incomplete backward pass (but theres no such thing, its a LIVE ball).. which caused Nebraska’s coach to get gatoraded, all the players ran on the field, chad henne started walking, michael hart picked it up and got by a defender, lateralled it again.. some backup tight end got the ball and was basically about to score a touchdown that would have given michigan the win, (or at least upon further review, when they probably would have just replayed the down, whcih the should have anyways).. but basically 1 player on nebraska was paying attention and forced the runner out of bounds.. Even the michigan coaches could have made blocks since they were all on the field too. All he had to do was make 1 more lateral to Michigan’s steve breaston who is there punt/kick returner and he would have scored easily. Camera-men were on the field. It was nutty. but the play stood and that was it, Nebraska 32 Michigan 28

NFC Pro Bowl roster

Offense
Pos. Player Team Stats
WR Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals 92 rec, 1,236 yds, 8 TDs
WR Torry Holt Rams 88 rec, 1,128 yds, 8 TDs
WR Santana Moss Redskins 75 rec, 1,240 yds, 6 TDs
WR Steve Smith Panthers 93 rec., 1,414 yds, 11 TDs
OT Walter Jones Seahawks 6th Pro Bowl
OT Chris Samuels Redskins 3rd Pro Bowl
OT Orlando Pace Rams 7th Pro Bowl
OG Larry Allen Cowboys 10th Pro Bowl
OG Steve Hutchinson Seahawks 3rd Pro Bowl
OG Mike Wahle Panthers 1st Pro Bowl
C LeCharles Bentley Saints 2nd Pro Bowl
C Olin Kreutz Bears 5th Pro Bowl
TE Alge Crumpler Falcons 58 rec., 793 yds, 5 TDs
TE Jeremy Shockey Giants 63 rec., 873 yds, 7 TDs
QB Jake Delhomme Panthers 234-384, 2,998 yds, 15 TDs
QB Matt Hasselbeck Seahawks 271-420, 3,215 yds, 22 TDs
QB Michael Vick Falcons 183-337, 2,136 yds, 13 TDs
RB Shaun Alexander Seahawks 329 att, 1,668 yds, 24 TDs
RB Tiki Barber Giants 313 att., 1,577 yds, 8 TDs
RB Warrick Dunn Falcons 259 att, 1,328 yds, 3 TDs
FB Mack Strong Seahawks 1st Pro Bowl

Defense
Pos. Player Team Stats
DE Julius Peppers Panthers 7.5 sacks
DE Michael Strahan Giants 11.5 sacks
DE Osi Umenyiora Giants 12.5 sacks
DT Rod Coleman Falcons 9.5 sacks
DT Tommie Harris Bears 3 sacks
DT Shaun Rogers Lions 5.5 sacks
OLB Lance Briggs Bears 100 tackles
OLB Keith Brooking Falcons 95 tackles
OLB Derrick Brooks Bucs 102 tackles
ILB Jeremiah Trotter Eagles 106 tackles
ILB Brian Urlacher Bears 115 tackles, 6 sacks
CB Ronde Barber Bucs 5 INTs, 19 pass breakups
CB DeAngelo Hall Falcons 5 INTs
CB Nathan Vasher Bears 8 INTs
FS Darren Sharper Vikings 8 INTs
SS Mike Brown Bears 72 tackles, 3 INTs
SS Roy Williams Cowboys 76 tackles

Specialists
Pos. Player Team Stats
Punter Josh Bidwell Bucs 40.3 net avg.
Kicker Neil Rackers Cardinals 36-37 FGs, 16-16 PATs
Returner Koren Robinson Vikings 26.6 average, 1 TD
Special teamer David Tyree Giants 1st Pro Bowl



AFC Pro Bowl roster

Offense
Pos. Player Team Stats
WR Chris Chambers Dolphins 72 rec, 992 yds, 9 TDs
WR Marvin Harrison Colts 80 rec, 1,127 yds, 12 TDs
WR Chad Johnson Bengals 84 rec, 1,260 yds, 8 TDs
WR Rod Smith Broncos 79 rec, 1003 yds, 6 TDs
OT Willie Anderson Bengals 5th Pro Bowl
OT Jonathan Ogden Ravens 9th Pro Bowl selection
OT Willie Roaf Chiefs 11th Pro Bowl selection
OG Alan Faneca Steelers 5th Pro Bowl selection
OG Will Shields Chiefs 11th Pro Bowl selection
OG Brian Waters Chiefs 2nd Pro Bowl selection
C Jeff Hartings Steelers 7th Pro Bowl selection
C Jeff Saturday Colts
TE Antonio Gates Chargers 82 rec, 1,026 yds, 9 TDs
TE Tony Gonzalez Chiefs 68 rec, 788 yds, 2 TDs
QB Tom Brady Patriots 313-493, 3888 yds, 23 TDs
QB Peyton Manning Colts 295-439, 3,626 yds, 28 TDs
QB Carson Palmer Bengals 315-465, 3516 yds, 30 TDs
RB Edgerrin James Colts 347 att, 1465 yds, 13 TDs
RB Larry Johnson Chiefs 278 att, 1418 yds, 16 TDs
RB LaDainian Tomlinson Chargers 306 att., 1323 yds, 17 TDs
FB Lorenzo Neal Chargers 2nd Pro Bowl selection

Defense
Pos. Player Team Stats
DE Dwight Freeney Colts 10.5 sacks
DE Jason Taylor Dolphins 11 sacks
DE Derrick Burgess Raiders 14 sacks
DT Richard Seymour Patriots 40 tackles, 3 sacks
DT Marcus Stroud Jaguars 40 tackles, 1 sacks
DT Jamal Williams Chargers 44 tackles
ILB Zach Thomas Dolphins 141 tackles, 2 sacks
ILB Cato June Colts 102 tackles, 5 INTs
ILB Al Wilson Broncos 68 tackles, 3 sacks
OLB Shawne Merriman Chargers 46 tackles, 9 sacks
OLB Joey Porter Steelers 50 tackles, 8 sacks
CB Champ Bailey Broncos 53 tackles, 8 INTs
CB Ty Law Jets 6 INTs
CB Deltha O’Neal Bengals 61 tackles, 10 INTs
SS Troy Polamalu Steelers 77 tackles, 3 sacks
FS John Lynch Broncos 51 tackles, 2 INTs
FS Bob Sanders Colts 92 tackles, 1 INT

Specialists
Pos. Player Team Stats
Punter Brian Moorman Bills 45.5 yard average
Kicker Shayne Graham Bengals 25-29 FGs, 44-44 PATs
Returner Jerome Mathis Texans 2 return TDs
Special teamer Hanik Milligan Chargers

Six Atlanta Falcons – LB Keith Brooking, DT Rod Coleman, TE Alge Crumpler, RB Warrick Dunn, CB DeAngelo Hall, and QB Michael Vick – were selected to the NFC’s Pro Bowl squad based on their outstanding individual performances during the 2005 regular season.

Atlanta’s six Pro Bowl selections represented the highest number of Falcons chosen to play in the NFL’s annual all-star game since 1998 when the Falcons also sent six players to Honolulu, Hawaii. The Falcons have had more players selected to the Pro Bowl just two other times in franchise history (seven in 1969 and 1981).

Brooking will make his fifth consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl – tying the franchise record held by defensive end Claude Humphrey (1970-74) and offensive tackle Mike Kenn (1980-1984) – after recording 115 tackles through the first 14 games of the season. An eight-year veteran, Brooking also tallied 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and a career-high nine passes defensed.

Coleman, in his seventh NFL season and second with the Falcons, will make his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Coleman leads the Falcons with 9.5 sacks and has recorded 38 tackles and five passes defensed. Coleman registered 12 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles in four games en route to earning NFC Defensive Player for the Month of September honors. Additionally, Coleman was Atlanta’s most sought-after free agent acquisition during the free agency period in the 2004 offseason and the first major free agent signing by President & General Manager Rich McKay and Head Coach Jim Mora.

After being named to the past two Pro Bowls, Crumpler returns to Honolulu for the third straight year after a season in which he broke his own single-season franchise record for the most receptions by a tight end and leads the Falcons in receiving with 58 receptions for 793 yards and five touchdowns.

Dunn was selected to his third Pro Bowl after having a career season. The nine-year veteran from Florida State has rushed 259 times for a career-high 1,328 yards (5.1 avg.) and three touchdowns. The reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year Award honoree, Dunn has also caught 26 passes for 205 yards (7.9 avg.) and scored one touchdown. Of running backs who have carried the ball more than 150 times this season, Dunn ranks tied for first in the NFL in yards per attempt (5.1). Dunn was initially drafted by McKay in Tampa Bay in 1997.

Hall, in just his second NFL season, makes his first trip across the pond to the Pro Bowl after a stellar 2005 season that has seen him tally 64 tackles, five interceptions, and four passes defensed through 14 games. The youngest player on Atlanta’s roster (11-19-83), Hall was McKay and Mora’s first draft selection. He continues to establish himself as one the NFL’s most dominate shutdown cover cornerbacks.

Vick, in his fifth NFL season and third as a full-time starter, will be making his third trip to Honolulu. One of the NFL’s most dynamic players, Vick has won 31-of-49 games he has started in his career, and has been the catalyst behind Atlanta’s move from the worst offense in the NFL two years ago to the League’s 11th best so far this season. Vick has completed 183-of-337 passes for 2,136 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rushing 90 times for 534 yards (5.9 avg.) and six scores in 14 games in 2005.

With five selections last year and two new selections this year (Coleman, Hall), there have been a total seven different Falcons who have earned Pro Bowl trips under McKay and Mora.

Bengals’ Johnson planning new celebration

CINCINNATI —Chad Johnson is dreaming of a whitetail Christmas.

The Bengals receiver suggested Tuesday that he has a special touchdown celebration planned for Cincinnati’s game on Christmas Eve, one that will top his Riverdance, his end zone putt and his sideline proposal from earlier this season.

A surrogate reindeer, perhaps?

“On the highway, I hit a deer,” Johnson said Tuesday, insisting he was serious and that the animal wasn’t hurt. “I kept him. He’s at home in the garage. I’m going to use him for the celebration this weekend. He’s a prop. They might suspend me for the last game, but I think this one is worth it.”

Even if Johnson is serious—and, with him, there’s no telling—coach Marvin Lewis would certainly put his foot down. So Johnson’s scheme may never get beyond the talking stage.

He wasn’t joking about his desire to come up with a celebration that will keep fans talking long after the Bengals’ last regular-season home game.

Fans in Detroit booed when he merely handed the ball to an official following his touchdown during a 41-17 victory Sunday that clinched the AFC North title. It was only the second time this season that he didn’t celebrate a touchdown—the other came when the officials needed time to decide if he had scored, spoiling the moment.

“But this Saturday, I’ll be back to my old self,” he said. “You can look forward to the celebration being part of something that has to do with Christmas. It’s going to be fun. I might get in trouble, so I might as well let that out now. I might get in trouble for what I’m going to do, but it’s worth it.”

Johnson was excited by the thought of getting a deer into the end zone routine. His Riverdance brought him national attention as a hoofer. Now, he’s fixated on hooves.

“This is going to be the greatest celebration of all time, man,” he said. “I actually use an animal.”

That would totally be crappy. No thanks. I know some people that had to walk over 7 miles to work today. Not for me. Of course, I would bike it.. but still. It was COLD today.

Millions of New York commuters are battling their way home in freezing temperatures during a strike by transit workers, which Tuesday afternoon was ruled illegal. Judge Theodore Jones said the union was in contempt of two court injunctions ordering it not to strike, and he ordered that the union be fined $1 million a day beginning Tuesday.

So far so good tonight…

The first touchdown run especially.

Wow.. How about that catch by Roddy White too?

I’m pissed SuperDeMario caused a roughing penalty negating that awesome DeAngelo HAll TD.

And now TD number two to MV Smooth

From: dave leneehan
To: briansmith
Date: Dec 3, 2005 6:23 PM
Subject: arrival in sydney

this is just a test to see if i have the right e mail address for you. i think its one of these.

how are you getting on? have you arrived in sydney yet, if so we should meet up. my mobile number here is 0408435555.

just brief as not sure if i have right e mail address for you.

cheers,
lenny

From: Brian Smith
To: dave lenehaan
Date: Dec 3, 2005 10:00 PM
Subject: Re: arrival in sydney

lenny, buddy, pal… this isn’t the right email address..

however, i’ll give you a call if i ever do come to sydney… would love to hang!

peace

So it’s going to be tricky, but the Atlanta Falcons can still make the playoffs. Three games left. 4 after tonight for ATL.

CURRENT NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Seattle Seahawks (11-2) – Clinched NFC West title. Would play host to the winner of the No. 5 vs.No. 4 wild-card winner in the divisional playoffs. Next: at Tennessee (4-9).

2. Chicago Bears (9-4) – Leads NFC North. Holds tiebreaker against Carolina with 8-1 conference record. Would play host to the winner of the No. 6 vs. No. 3 wild-card game in the divisional playoffs. Next: vs. Atlanta (7-5).

3. New York Giants (9-4) – Leads NFC East. Would play host to the No. 1 wild card in a first-round game. Next: vs. Kansas City (8-5).

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4) – Leads NFC South. Holds tiebreaker over Carolina with 3-1 division record. Would play host to the No. 2 wild card in a first-round game. Next: at New England (8-5).

5. Carolina Panthers (9-4) – Currently No. 1 wild card. Next: at New Orleans (3-9).

6. Dallas Cowboys (8-5) – Currently the No. 2 wild card. Holds tiebreaker over Minnesota with 6-3 conference record. Next: at Washington (7-6).

7. Minnesota Vikings (8-5) – Next: vs. Pittsburgh (8-5).

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-5) – Next: vs. New Orleans (3-9). Beat Minnesota in the head to head game.

CURRENT AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Indianapolis Colts (13-0) – Clinched AFC South, first-round bye and home-field advantage. Would play host to the winner of the No. 5 vs. No. 4 wild-card game in the divisional playoffs. Next: vs. San Diego (8-5).

2. Denver Broncos (10-3) – Leads AFC West. Holds tiebreaker against Cincinnati with 7-2 conference record. Would play host to the winner of the No. 6 vs. No. 3 wild-card game in the divisional playoffs. Next: at Buffalo (4-9).

3. Cincinnati Bengals (10-3) – Leads AFC North. Can clinch division title with a win and a Steelers loss in Week 15. Would play host to the No. 2 wild card in a first-round game. Next: at Detroit (4-9).

4. New England Patriots (8-5) – Leads AFC East. Can clinch division title with a win and a Dolphins loss in Week 15. Would play host to the No. 1 wild card in a first-round game. Next: vs. Tampa Bay (9-4).

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) – Currently the No. 1 wild card. Next: vs. San Francisco (2-11).

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) – Currently the No. 2 wild card. Next: at Minnesota (8-5).

7. San Diego Chargers (8-5) – Next: at Indianapolis (13-0).

8. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) – Next: at N.Y. Giants (9-4).

The Braves have made several moves as the hot stove heats up. Rafeal Furcal was signed by the LA Dodgers for 39 million/3 years. They traded away Johnny Estrada and Danny Kolb for pitchers in separate deals. They also traded for Edgar Rentaria from Boston in exchange for top third base prospect Andy Marte. They still need to make a move to acquire a top-notch closer. So look for that report later.

Red Sox deal Renteria to Braves for Marte

The Braves and Red Sox have agreed on a deal that would ship shortstop Edgar Renteria to Atlanta in exchange for Braves third-base prospect Andy Marte, ESPN’s Peter Gammons has learned.

An official announcement is expected in an hour.

The Red Sox signed Renteria to a four-year, $40 million deal as a free agent last offseason. But Renteria struggled in his first season in Boston, batting .276 with eight home runs and 70 RBI with just nine stolen bases. He had a career year with the Cardinals in 2003, batting .330, hitting 13 homers and driving in 100 runs. He also stole 34 bases.

Renteria will replace Rafael Furcal at shortstop for the Braves. Furcal finalized a three-year, $39 million deal with the Dodgers on Wednesday to become their shortstop.

Marte is rated as the top prospect in the Braves organization by Baseball America. Last season in Triple-A, he batted .275 with 20 homers and 74 RBI. In 9 at-bats with the Braves in 2005, he hit two homers and drove in six runs.
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Braves trade Kolb back to Brewers for Obermueller

DALLAS —After flopping as Atlanta’s closer and losing his job less than two months into the season, Dan Kolb was traded by the Braves back to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday for right-hander Wes Obermueller.

Kolb, a 30-year-old right-hander, was 3-8 with a 5.93 ERA last season, his first with the Braves. Atlanta acquired him from the Brewers at last year’s winter meetings for Jose Capellan and Alex Zumwalt.

He was an All-Star for the Brewers in 2004, when he had 39 saves, and the Braves acquired him to move John Smoltz back into the starting rotation. But by mid-May, he had four losses and three blown saves, allowing 18 hits and 16 walks—one more than his 2004 total—in 16 2/3 innings.

“Working with Mike Maddux, Dan had great success for us in the past and he adds to the depth of our relief,” Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said, referring to the team’s pitching coach. “We think that he has great potential to return to his form of 2004 and make a significant contribution to our staff.”

During his second stint in Milwaukee, Kolb will be a setup man for Derrick Turnbow, who had 39 saves in 43 chances last season.

The 28-year-old Obermueller went 1-4 with a 5.26 ERA in eight starts and 15 relief appearances for Milwaukee this year after going 6-8 in 20 starts and five relief appearances the previous season.
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Braves trade Estrada for two Diamondback pitchers

DALLAS —New Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes completed his first trade Wednesday, filling one of the Diamondbacks’ pressing needs with the acquisition of All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada from the Atlanta Braves for right-handed relievers Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal.

The Diamondbacks are confident that Estrada is healthy after being limited to 105 games last season following a collision at home plate on June 6 with Darin Erstad of the Los Angeles Angels. Estrada was hospitalized overnight with a concussion and didn’t play for a week after that.

“The doctors spoke and we’re comfortable with the information,” Byrnes said.

“We know for certain that he is completely recovered from that,” Braves GM John Schuerholz said.

Estrada’s injury provided an opportunity for rookie Brian McCann to play more. McCann hit .278 in 59 regular season games and then hit a home run off Roger Clemens in his first postseason at-bat.

With the Braves likely to start McCann behind the plate next year, they had the chance to trade Estrada in an attempt to improve their beleaguered bullpen.

Cormier was 7-3 with a 5.11 ERA in 67 relief appearances last season, and Villarreal went 2-0 with a 5.27 ERA in 11 relief appearances. Cormier is 25 and Villarreal is 24.

“I think these guys can help us,” Schuerholz said.

The Braves didn’t offer salary arbitration Wednesday night to 47-year-old first baseman Julio Franco, outfielder Todd Hollandsworth or right-hander Jay Powell. None of those free agents could re-sign with Atlanta before May 1.

The 29-year-old Estrada, acquired in December 2002 from Philadelphia for pitcher Kevin Millwood, hit .261 last season with four home runs and 39 RBI. He made the NL All-Star team in 2004, when he batted .314 with nine homers and 76 RBI.

“We had a need, and we hope it’s filled for several years now,” the 35-year-old Byrnes said.

Arizona catcher Chris Snyder is considered a strong defensive player, but hit just .202 in 115 games last season.

Byrnes was the assistant GM for the Boston Red Sox before being hired by the Diamondbacks to replace Joe Garagiola Jr., who resigned to become senior vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner’s office.

Byrnes completed his first trade with Schuerholz, the longest-tenured GM in the majors after 15 seasons with the Braves.

“One of the youngest and least experienced GMs, and one of the oldest and most experienced hook up and make a deal,” Schuerholz said.

“He absolutely knows what he wants. He’s very direct and to the point,” Byrnes said. “He is certainly the best GM in my lifetime, and maybe of all time.”

I’ve put some pics up from last nights Pondo-December-Party thing
Check them out here

I just can’t believe its December already.

Says his touchdown celebration will be the touchdown celebration of all time. Amazing was the word he used.

Chad is great.

They basically blew a 14 point lead to the Jazz in the fourth quarter. the Jazz took the lead with 47 seconds to go in the game after trailing the entire game. Jazz had the ball and a lead, got fouled, missed one of the free throws, and lead by 2 with about 20 seconds to go. Lakers inbounded, ran the offense around, Kobe got a shot, and initiated contact with the defender. He missed by a mile and I heard the ref blew his whistle. Marv Albert thought the game was over. It was replayed to see how much time was left on the clock because the shot was at or near the buzzer. Live during the game, it looked like a foul. I certainly am glad that it was called a foul. Kobe went on to hit the two shots and tie the game. Game goes to overtime, Kobe fouls out, Sasha is clutch and key to winning this game, Lamar is 1 assist short a triple double, and the Lakers win by 4 in overtime. But man, they nearly blew it. They stink again this year. but then again, it’s expected. Phil did say his plan calls for 3 years.