Washington Redskins: 'Skins Should Make a Move for Stevie Johnson

On Thursday, NFL.com reported that Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is confident of remaining with the AFC East outfit for 2012.

But the Washington Redskins should give the pending free agent something else to think about. The 25-year-old pass-catcher has proved himself to be one of the most dynamic young wideouts in the game.

Johnson has broken the 2,000-yard mark in receiving in the past two seasons combined and is clearly a player on the rise. He has the kind of playmaking skills that would make him the focal point of the Redskins pass offense.

The 6'2", 210-pounder possesses the kind of physical intangibles Mike Shanahan likes in a receiver. He is also an intelligent route runner with a knack for getting open.

Drops have blighted Johnson's game at times. These struggles have hurt the Bills at critical moments in more than one game during the last two seasons.

He has also courted controversy thanks to his elaborate and flamboyant end zone celebrations. But at 25, Johnson is young enough to eradicate such bad habits from his game.

Johnson's costly drops and the backlash to some of his on the field antics could make the Bills shy away from offering him premium terms. This would open the door for Bruce Allen to tempt Johnson to D.C.

The Redskins desperately need a legitimate big-play weapon at wide receiver. Given the number of pass plays Kyle Shanahan likes to call, his offense must have a clear, No. 1 flanker to target.

Johnson has the skill set to be that player. He is a younger alternative to the likes of Vincent Jackson and would benefit from the influence of veterans Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney.

If the Redskins do opt to select a quarterback with their first pick in the draft, giving him a target like Johnson to throw to, would only make the rookie's job easier.

Pairing a more accurate passer with a weapon as prolific as Johnson, could see the Redskins offense light up some scoreboards in 2012.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1002471-washington-redskins-skins-should-make-a-move-for-stevie-johnson

Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates

Video- Zenon Konopka Takes A Skate To The Face

I haven?t heard any update on his condition.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/video-_zenon_konopka_takes_a_skate_to_the_face/

Arizona Diamondbacks Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies Florida Marlins

WATCH: A Notre Dame Receiver Made A Nutty Juggling Catch For A Touchdown

Notre Dame lost the Champs Sports Bowl to Florida State 18-14 last night.

No one really cares since bowl games are useless exhibitions that only remind us how dumb it is that we don't have a playoff.

But when a receiver makes a crazy bobbling catch like this one, we take notice.

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd made a great play on an under-thrown fade, and then comically batted the ball around for awhile until he finally hauled it in. Fun times.

Here's the video:

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See Also:

• This Hilarious Picture Of An Oregon Star On Space Mountain Will Make You Question How Tough Football Players Really Are
• Need A Last Minute Gift And Have $50 Million? Buy The Naming Rights To A College Football Stadium
• How Oregon's Infamous Football Uniforms Went From Classic To Crazy

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/ySAmZ5yjY5s/notre-dame-catch-2011-12

Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres

Harvard 67, Boston College 46: Stingy Crimson Defense Stifles Eagles

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2011/12/30/2670823/harvard-67-boston-college-46-laurent-rivard-dennis-clifford

John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies Justin Falk Robbie Eal Joe Callahan

NFL: Chris Johnson and 7 Players Who Didn't Put Forth Full Effort in 2011

Busts happen. A lot of the time, nagging injuries will hinder a player's production. Sometimes, schemes are switched, and it takes them a while to adjust to the new system.

However, sometimes it's out of pure laziness. No one likes it, but it happens.

Here are seven players who didn't put forth that extra effort they needed to succeed.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1004113-chris-johnson-and-7-players-who-didnt-put-forth-full-effort-in-2011

Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez Sergio Romo

LaDainian Tomlinson and 10 NFL Veterans Who Should Consider Retirement

LaDainian Tomlinson leads a group of former All-Pro NFL players that should consider retirement once the curtain draws closed on the 2011-12 season.

As is the case with every NFL season, a number of players we've grown to know and love throughout the years are finally ready to hang 'em up and call it quits.

With an average career length significantly lower than all other major sports, NFL players are forced to consider the wear and tear on their bodies much sooner than other professional athletes due to the violent nature of the game.

Let's take a look at 10 NFL veterans that should be considering retirement in 2012.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1003611-ladainian-tomlinson-and-10-nfl-veterans-that-should-consider-retirement

Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez

Marshawn Lynch: Seahawks Star Running Back Fined for Skittles Shoes

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for wearing cleats with a Skittles design during last week's game against San Francisco.

It was the second uniform infraction by Lynch this month. A few weeks ago he had to cough up $5,000 for wearing lime green socks on Monday Night Football.

Although the fines are inconvenient, Lynch should have no trouble making up the money. He is an unrestricted free agent after this season and will be receiving a massive contract in the spring.

Lynch has been an absolute monster this season, rushing for 1,118 yards (seventh in NFL) and 12 touchdowns (tied for third in NFL). He put up these numbers despite carrying the ball 13 times or less in four of his first five games.

Seattle was eliminated from the playoffs in Week 16, but they can thank Lynch for at least keeping the Seahawks in contention.

He has six 100-yard games this season, and his five rushing touchdowns carried the Seahawks to a 3-0 start in December.

In last week's 19-17 loss, Lynch became the first player to score a rushing touchdown against San Francisco this season. He was also the first to gain over 100 yards rushing against the Niners.

Despite these impressive accomplishments, the man with the Skittles fetish was snubbed from the Pro Bowl.

He might be disappointed now, but Lynch will have a fat wad of cash and his own candy commercial in due time.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1004071-marshawn-lynch-seahawks-star-running-back-fined-for-skittles-shoes

Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford

More Frustration For Boston College Hockey: Eagles Fall To Michigan 4-2

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2011/12/30/2669870/more-frustration-for-boston-college-hockey-eagles-fall-to-michigan-4-2

Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona Juan Miranda Colin Curtis

Video- Ring Out 2011 With 11 Great Saves

Presented by The Score?

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/video-_ring_out_2011_with_11_great_saves/

Colorado Avalanche Edmonton Oilers Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas

The 5 Stingiest Teams in Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball has had some notoriously stingy and cheap owners in the past.

Gone are the days of Charlie Finley, Marge Schott and Calvin Griffith, three of the most thrifty owners in the game.  Now, baseball is faced with an entirely new dynamic. 

Television and media revenues strongly favor the big-market teams.  With no salary cap in baseball, there is a huge disparity between the haves and the have nots.

In reality, the franchises that are always at the bottom of the spending scale are there because their revenues dictate it.  Big-market teams with huge media revenue can far outspend the smaller market teams.  In the current economy of baseball, this is simply the way it is.

Revenue sharing is not enough for these small-market teams to compete on a consistent basis. All they can realistically hope for is to catch lightning in a bottle for two or three years and have a short run of success.

When one of these small-market teams get good, they will ultimately lose some of their top players because they simply cannot afford to keep them. Salaries have skyrocketed, and the small-market clubs lose their top talent because of it.

Let's take a look at five of these downtrodden franchises that have an especially difficult time competing in today's baseball economy.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1003171-the-five-stingiest-teams-in-major-league-baseball

Mark Eaton Trent Hunter Andy Hilbert Bruno Gervais Dustin Kohn Andrew McDonald

RUMOR: Boxer Floyd Mayweather Bet $1 Million That Tim Tebow Would Lose To The Patriots

Word around Vegas is that Floyd Mayweather Jr. placed a $1 million bet against poor Tim Tebow, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Mayweather apparently wagered on the Patriots two weeks ago with Cantor Gaming — the sportsbook company that runs things at a bunch of Nevada casinos.

Cantor would neither confirm nor deny the rumor since Mayweather is "a valued customer who frequents the books quite often."

The Patriots both won outright and covered the spread, so we assume Floyd won big.

If it's true, Mayweather is the most dedicated Tebow hater we've seen.

It's one thing to grin with joy whenever Tebow throws a pick six, but it's quite another to back it up with a seven-figure bet.

Floyd has been known to place a monster wager here and there. But now that he's heading to the slammer for 90 days, he won't be notching any big wins anytime soon.

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See Also:

• A Super Simple Guide To Who's Getting Into The NFL Playoffs
• This Bill Maher Joke About Tim Tebow Has People Boycotting HBO
• America Wants Tim Tebow To Be Its Neighbor

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/uufHbp7dWbE/floyd-mayweather-tim-tebow-bet-2011-12

Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser Andy Greene zach Parise bryce Salvador Wade Belak

NFL Playoff Pictures: Eli Manning Continues Fine Season with Cowboys Beatdown

NFL fans, consider yourselves spoiled as the playoffs come early in a rivalry clash that will see the New York Giants club the Dallas Cowboys on their way to the playoffs. 

It is rare that we find a game that actually matters in Week 17. It will surely be buried amidst stinkers of contests that feature teams with no hopes going up against squads that will be taking it easy. 

And then there was the Cowboys traveling to play the Giants to consider. It is perfectly situated as the Sunday night game. Fitting considering it will be the final piece to the playoff puzzle. 

The winner goes on and the loser gets to lick their wounds far sooner then they would have liked. That team will be the Cowboys who will find out once again that Eli Manning can close out a game. 

We are only a couple weeks removed from the Giants' fourth quarter rally to sting the Cowboys. On Sunday, that game will prove to have been a sign of things to come.

I have faith in the Giants having a great deal more success in the running game with Ahmad Bradshaw looking far more spry recently. I am equally confident that the Giants have a hold on how to limit the Cowboys on the ground this time around.

The game will obviously come down to the battle of the quarterbacks. The Cowboys will hope that Tony Romo is their man, a tenuous proposition even with a healthy hand. 

Romo will be hampered by a bruised hand and Eli Manning will continue his fine form into Week 17. The only real worry is the consistency of Manning's receivers. 

That corps dropped far too many passes in the past couple of weeks and it will have to be remedied on Sunday. 

With that said, they will no doubt have a tremendous amount of precise passes lofted their way. I am banking on a high-scoring affair that sees the Giants win at home, capturing the final playoff spot. 

Follow @gabezal

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1003008-nfl-playoff-pictures-eli-manning-continues-fine-season-with-cowboys-beatdown

Jamie Lundmark Nick Spaling Pikka Rinne Mathieu Carle Lars Eller Hal Gill

Rosenthal: Keith Law a candidate for a front office position with the Astros

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/12/29/2668359/rosenthal-keith-law-a-candidate-for-a-front-office-position-with-the

Colorado Rockies Florida Marlins Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets

2012 NHL Winter Classic: Top 5 Potential Future Classic Locations

The NFL plays games every Thanksgiving Day. The NBA tips off every Christmas. The NHL is taking over New Year's Day.

The now annual NHL Winter Classic started in 2008 with a game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, N.Y.

The NHL transformed historic Wrigley Field in Chicago into a hockey rink in 2009, the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers met at Fenway Park in Boston in 2010 and the Sidney Crosby/Alexander Ovechkin rivalry highlighted the 2011 Classic at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

The Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers are scheduled to play at Citizens Bank Park in The City of Brotherly Love on Jan. 2.

As the NHL looks for new places to hold its yearly event, many locations come to mind.

Some locations seem likely, almost inevitable, while some seem almost improbable.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1003018-2012-nhl-winter-classic-top-5-potential-future-classic-locations

Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes

Oh Look, Cristiano Ronaldo With A Dolphin

Soccer superstar and amateur zoologist Cristiano Ronaldo hung out with a dolphin in the Dubai two days ago.

"Today I had a great experience swimming with dolphins. It's amazing how they engage with us," he tweeted.

Amazing indeed.

Here's the picture:

Cristiano Ronaldo on WhoSay

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See Also:

• WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo's New Zebra-Striped Cleats Are Designed To Confuse Opponents
• Ndamukong Suh May Be Dirty, But He's Also The Most Charitable Athlete In The Country
• The Tim Tebow Experiment Is Quietly Dangling By A Thread

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/ez8IaiL6z48/cristiano-ronaldo-dolphin-2011-12

Trent Hunter Andy Hilbert Bruno Gervais Dustin Kohn Andrew McDonald Matt Martin

WATCH: Robert Griffin III Puts An Exclamation Point On His Heisman Season With This Spectacular Touchdown

If Robert Griffin III goes pro, as most expect he will, tonight's Alamo Bowl will be his last game for the Baylor Bears. And he is going out with a bang.

Already up 14-7 in the first quarter, RG3 drops back to pass and is quickly swallowed up by a collapsing pocket. But like Houdini, Griffin escapes a certain sack and then puts on the afterburners on a 24-yard touchdown run sprint.

It is also worth noting the call by Dave Pasch. It was perfect. And the "Heisman" call at the end was a nice touch.

Here is the video...

 

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See Also:

• How Oregon's Infamous Football Uniforms Went From Classic To Crazy
• Ndamukong Suh May Be Dirty, But He's Also The Most Charitable Athlete In The Country
• The Tim Tebow Experiment Is Quietly Dangling By A Thread

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/nq3OU3WAc3E/video-robert-griffin-iii-exclamation-point-heisman-season-2011-12

Trent Hunter Andy Hilbert Bruno Gervais Dustin Kohn Andrew McDonald Matt Martin

Brock Lesnar Is "Blessed and Honored" to Compete at UFC 141

It's only a matter of time before Brock Lesnar makes his presence known inside the Octagon again. 

Lesnar will make his anticipated return tomorrow night when he headlines UFC 141 against former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem.

Lesnar is returning after a 14-month layoff, during which he battled diverticulitis. The illness hindered his opportunity to challenge for the UFC heavyweight title. 

Now, the former UFC heavyweight champion is confident and healthy to compete this weekend.

"I just feel blessed that I'm here. I feel honored and blessed. I just want to get into the Octagon and perform," Lesnar told MMAFighting.com.

Given his health issues and extended layoff, Lesnar is an underdog against the 255-pound Overeem. 

However, the odds stacked against Lesnar have made the former WWE superstar hungrier than ever to walk away with the victory. He is focused on regaining the heavyweight title.

"I want to be the best heavyweight champion in the world," he said. " I don't think there is another heavyweight in the world in this division that has done what I've done."

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1002968-brock-lesnar-is-blessed-and-honored-to-compete-at-ufc-141

Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers

People Are Going To Start Freaking Out If The Knicks Lose To The Lakers Tonight

For some reason (the lockout, or whatever), people are writing off NBA teams less than a week into the season.

The Celtics are dead and buried. The Mavericks probably won't win a game. And the Clippers are a Chauncey Billups-y mess.

As ridiculous and premature as it is, you can add the Knicks to that list if they get beat by the Lakers in LA tonight.

This is The Year for the Knicks. After season upon season of "rebuilding," this is the group that has to go and win. There's no more waiting for LeBron or Melo or CP3.

As a result, people will get real anxious, real quick if they get off to a slow start.

Last night's loss to the Warriors was an ugly as they come — they played like crap on two days rest against a Golden State team that didn't have its best player.

Combine that loss with the second half against Boston (a small disaster) and a rash of injuries (Iman Shumpert, Jared Jeffries, Baron Davis), and you have a seed of worry that could bloom into full-fledged a freakout with a loss to the Kobes tonight.

Will they actually be "in trouble?"

Will the anxiety be justified?

Will the four-season long rebuilding project be a waste?

No.

But people will start worrying if they fall to 1-2 tonight, and the pressure on D'Antoni and Co. will be very, very real.

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See Also:

• And Now Today's Big 'NBA Announcer Does His Best Batman Villain Impression' News
• We're Only 48 Hours Into The NBA Season, And It's Already The Best Show On TV
• WATCH: A Miami Heat Rookie Buried Two Monster Shots To Beat The Celtics Last Night

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/1kMXXPQiysM/knicks-lakers-preview-2011-12

detroit red wings nashville predators St Louis Blues Calgary Flames Colorado Avalanche Edmonton Oilers

RUMOR: Boxer Floyd Mayweather Bet $1 Million That Tim Tebow Would Lose To The Patriots

Word around Vegas is that Floyd Mayweather Jr. placed a $1 million bet against poor Tim Tebow, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Mayweather apparently wagered on the Patriots two weeks ago with Cantor Gaming — the sportsbook company that runs things at a bunch of Nevada casinos.

Cantor would neither confirm nor deny the rumor since Mayweather is "a valued customer who frequents the books quite often."

The Patriots both won outright and covered the spread, so we assume Floyd won big.

If it's true, Mayweather is the most dedicated Tebow hater we've seen.

It's one thing to grin with joy whenever Tebow throws a pick six, but it's quite another to back it up with a seven-figure bet.

Floyd has been known to place a monster wager here and there. But now that he's heading to the slammer for 90 days, he won't be notching any big wins anytime soon.

Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• A Super Simple Guide To Who's Getting Into The NFL Playoffs
• This Bill Maher Joke About Tim Tebow Has People Boycotting HBO
• America Wants Tim Tebow To Be Its Neighbor

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/uufHbp7dWbE/floyd-mayweather-tim-tebow-bet-2011-12

Edmonton Oilers Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings

Michael Redd: What Former All-Star Guard Brings to the Table for Phoenix Suns

The NBA season may have begun, but that won't stop teams from taking a look at the remaining free agents available.

One of the more intriguing names out there was former All-Star Michael Redd, and despite several teams taking a look at him during the offseason, Redd finally found a home today when he came to terms on a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns.

Redd averaged 20 points per game in 11 seasons in Milwaukee and throughout his career has been a proven scorer. But a pair of injuries to his left knee has limited Redd to only 61 games played since the 2008-09 season.

It makes you wonder why Redd was still available with so many teams needing shooting, but Phoenix is banking on the fact that he can still put the ball in the basket.

It's worth the gamble for the Suns. If any team could use some extra scoring punch, it's Phoenix, who has managed to score only 83.5 points per game in their first two games, both losses.

The best-case scenario is that Redd still has it and can give the Suns some decent minutes. He likely will come off the bench, but the Suns really need some bench scoring as well.

The signing is a low-risk, high-reward type of deal that's good for the Suns. If Redd pans out, he can provide exactly what Phoenix needs. If not, it's a one-year deal that won't cost the Suns much money and they won't owe Redd any money beyond this season

The Suns will be getting a highly motivated guard that is playing for further NBA opportunities. This is one signing that could work out well for the Suns.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1002485-michael-redd-what-former-all-star-guard-brings-to-the-table-for-phoenix-suns

Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks New Jersey Devil

Big Ten, Pac-12 To Create Inter-League Schedule System

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2011/12/28/2666308/big-ten-pac-12-to-create-inter-league-schedule-system

Texas Rangers Toronto Blue Jays chicago blackhawks columbus blue jackets detroit red wings nashville predators

Vienneau sir: Jacks goaltender pins down Black Hawks in 2-1 win

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/03/vienneau-sir-jacks-goaltender-pins-down.html

Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera

Brock Lesnar Calls WWE "Fake," Says He Wants to Be Known as a UFC Fighter

Brock Lesnar was recently taking questions at a press conference. He had two things to say that interested me the most.

He said "Wrestling is not real" and "I am Brock Lesnar the UFC fighter."

He did not necessarily trash wrestling here, but let's face it, other than doing some press for WWE '12, he has not shown much love to the wrestling world over the past few years.

I think it is safe to say he would not be where he is now had it not been for his career in the WWE. Dana White would not have known who he was had Vince not put him front and center.

He would not have had a UFC title match so early in his career had he not already been a big name in the WWE first. These are fairly solid assumptions, I would say.

I like Brock Lesnar, he is a good athlete and has potential to be great someday, but I think he needs to pay respect where respect is due.

No one in WWE history had the short career he had and saw as much success. He held wins over every big name in the company at that time, something some of the guys who have been there for years can't say.

Obviously, we all know wrestling is scripted, but Brock was not calling anything fake when he was leaving the business because his body couldn't keep up with the insane damage it was taking.

If Brock wants to be known as a UFC fighter, then that is fine. It is what he does now and that is what we should call him, but it almost sounds as if he takes offense to being called a former wrestler.

I hope someday Brock can make a one-time return to WWE—I think it would be good television, but with the way he seems to see the business, I think that is becoming less and less likely as the years go on.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1001981-brock-lesnar-calls-wwe-fake-says-he-wants-to-be-known-as-a-ufc-fighter

Hal Gill John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies Justin Falk Robbie Eal

New York Giants: Eli Manning and Team Poised to Crush Reeling Dallas Cowboys

We have been here before. The New York Giants are notorious for teetering along for the majority of the season before turning on the jets when it matters most.

This year is no different, with the G-Men dropping four games in a row before this mini 2-1 hot streak.

One of those wins came against the Dallas Cowboys, at Cowboy Stadium. Eli Manning erased a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter and sucked the life out of the Cowboys.

Three weeks later, the two squads are playing in an elimination game with the right to be called NFC East champions on the line. In a dream scenario for the league, two old rivals will be the showcased game of the week.

Too bad it’s going to be a blowout.

The newly crowned Pro Bowler Manning is going to destroy a depleted Cowboys defense that coordinator Rob Ryan has mismanaged. Having the equivalent of two No. 1 receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz is an incredible luxury, that resulted in 37 points and 400 passing yards the first time around.

To couple that with a rejuvenated Brandon Jacobs, a healthy Ahmad Bradshaw, and this offense is going to be difficult for the Cowboys to stop. The secondary doesn’t have the speed to keep up.

The Dallas offense is in trouble, as they deal with a thumb injury to QB Tony Romo. In what is becoming typical for Romo, he puts up gaudy numbers during the season only to really struggle when the pressure is dialed up.

The Giants can rush the passer without having to blitz, and expect the heavy pressure of Jason Pierre Paul and Osi Umenyiora (who is practicing this week) to force Romo into erroneous throws that lead to turnovers.

Without the aid of stud running back DeMarco Murray, the offense has lost its balance, which puts even more pressure on the shoulders of Romo.  

We have seen this script before. Manning typically comes up big in a situation like this and Romo usually comes up small.

Expect the Giants, behind a rocking home crowd, to put a shaky Cowboys team full of holes out of their misery.

Prediction: Giants 28 Cowboys 23

 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1001522-nfl-playoff-picture-eli-mannings-giants-poised-to-crush-reeling-cowboys

San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants St. Louis Cardinals Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman

HBO 24/7 FLYERS-RANGERS: EPISODE 3 DISCUSSION THREAD This might not be as fun as the first two...

Source: http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2011/12/28/2667288/hbo-24-7-flyers-rangers-episode-3-discussion-thread-this-might-not-be

San Francisco Giants St. Louis Cardinals Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett

Nashville Contract Talks

from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, Preds GM David Poile told ESPN.com Tuesday that he expected to chat with Weber?s people ?sometime in January.?

Poile added, however, that the more urgent matter remains Ryan Suter because he?s UFA-bound July 1, whereas Weber will be RFA.

The plan, if it wasn?t obvious, is to be able to go to their franchise player in Weber once/if Suter joins star goalie Pekka Rinne with a contract extension to show how serious the team is about competing. It makes sense to approach it that way because in the end, Weber?s deal will be the most difficult to negotiate. Better have the other two in the bag before commencing that one.

So the pressure point now is on the Suter talks with the Feb. 27 trade deadline approaching.

?David and I continue to talk but there?s nothing new to report at this point,? Neil Sheehy, Suter?s agent, told ESPN.com Wednesday.

more plus some trades and signings talk too?

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/nashville_contract_talks/

Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez

2012 AFC Conference Odds: New England Patriots Favored to Reach the Super Bowl

AFC teams have been largely ignored by the national sports media in terms of winning Super Bowl XLVI, but somebody is going to earn a trip to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, 2012.

The New England Patriots can take a big step in that direction in locking up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory Sunday. They are currently listed as 11.5-point home favorites against the Buffalo Bills.

Let's take a closer look at the betting odds for nine teams to potentially upset the NFC and walk away with the Lombardi Trophy.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1001304-2012-afc-conference-odds-new-england-patriots-favored-to-reach-the-super-bowl

Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers

Video- Skilled NHL Players

The most skilled, active players in the NHL as seen on TSN.

A two part video, with the first video counting down from top 10 to top 4 and the second video below has the top 3 skilled players in the NHL today.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/video-_skilled_nhl_players/

Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes

The Big Lubanski: Kenai River captain helps bring Bears to respectability

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/03/big-lubanski-kenai-river-captain-helps.html

Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates

Flyers vs. Lightning preview: Brayden Schenn, Danny Briere return

Source: http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2011/12/27/2664263/philadelphia-flyers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-preview

Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Stock Watch for Top Playmakers Heading into Bowl Season

Regardless of where a player comes from, bowl season puts him on a national stage.

And for those that are considered playmakers, a bigger stage means more exposure for their big playmaking abilities.

Whether offense, defense or special teams, the best playmakers, such as the following prospects, are the most exciting to watch.

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Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1001128-2012-nfl-mock-draft-stock-watch-for-top-playmakers-heading-into-bowl-season

St Louis Blues Calgary Flames Colorado Avalanche Edmonton Oilers Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks

Spirit Take Game One with 3-2 Victory over Storm

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/03/spirit-take-game-one-with-3-2-victory.html

Mike Stanton Josh Bailey Mark Eaton Trent Hunter Andy Hilbert Bruno Gervais

Bobcats Drop Express, End Skid

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/03/bobcats-drop-express-end-skid.html

Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers

Jets at Avalanche, Game 38 Preview

Source: http://www.milehighhockey.com/2011/12/27/2663110/jets-at-avalanche-game-38-preview

Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers Minnesota Twins New York Yankees Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners

Oregon Just Unveiled The Crazy Stormtrooper Uniforms They're Going To Wear In The Rose Bowl

It is the Oregon Ducks and it is Nike. So nobody should be surprised that the two sides would push the boundaries of football uniforms for this year's Rose Bowl.

Last year, the Ducks went neon for the BCS National Championship game. This year, they have apparently gone to a galaxy far, far away (via The University of Oregon)...

“Oregon represents the gold-standard when it comes to merging science and innovation with athletic performance and we are excited to continue our partnership with Nike by unveiling the next iteration in uniform innovation for the Rose Bowl” said Oregon Ducks Head Football Coach Chip Kelly.

Check out the rest of the uniform on the next few pages...

With more schools using matte colors on their helmets, Oregon (of course) goes ultra glossy

Even the jersey is shiny

The jersey and pants alone have 11 different materials

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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See Also:

• Bored On Christmas? Follow These 9 Hilarious Fake Sports Twitter Accounts Now
• Check Out The Sheer Terror On The Face Of Oregon Star LaMichael James When He Went On Space Mountain
• Need A Last Minute Gift And Have $50 Million? Buy The Naming Rights To A College Football Stadium

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/Ypj5gVLfDJQ/nike-oregon-rose-bowl-uniforms-2011-12

Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes

Olney: The top 10 rotations in baseball

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/12/26/2661813/olney-the-top-10-rotations-in-baseball

Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez Sergio Romo Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside

Arsenal News: Alex Song to Arsene Wenger, Sign Thierry Henry

In the post-match interview after the Wolverhampton Wanderers match on Tuesday, Arsene Wenger did not seem that enthusiastic about signing Thierry Henry on loan from the New York Red Bulls when pressed on the issue by the press. 

"I don't know where the news come from," he said. "If we bring in someone we'll let you know," he responded to the follow-up question that sought to determine whether or not he was ruling out signing Henry.

The sentiment making the rounds at the moment is that he should.

Jamie Redknapp, former Liverpool player and now Sky Sports pundit as well as an editorial columnist for the Daily Mail, and perhaps now better known as the son of Spurs manager, Harry Redknapp, all but pleaded with Wenger to sign Henry. He writes:

Why are Arsenal waiting to strike a loan deal for Thierry Henry? He may not be as quick as he was before he went off to New York Red Bulls and he might not be as prolific in front of goal, but his arrival will give them a shot in the arm and take some of the weight from Robin van Persie’s shoulders.

They are losing two strikers to the Africa Cup of Nations and, even if Henry is only used as a sub, his presence warming up will send fear through defenders. When I played against him, he was like nothing I’d ever seen before.Even at 34, I’m convinced he can do a top job.

Even the BBC struggles to maintain the dispassionate distance that the Press is supposed to display when reporting news. In this commentary, which accompanies their own version of the Henry rumor, their wish on the matter can hardly be missed.

Henry scored 226 goals in 370 games between 1999 and 2007.

His time at the North London club coincided with one of the most successful periods in Arsenal's history, winning two league titles and three FA Cups before leaving for Barcelona.

Henry's legendary status at Arsenal was recently recognised during the club's 125th anniversary celebrations when a statue of him was unveiled outside Emirates Stadium.

On our own B/R site, various opinion articles have been written on the issue. Just use the keyword "Thierry Henry" on the site's search engine and you are bound to get many hits.

Now Alex Song, the Arsenal midfielder, has become the latest voice in the chorus clamoring for the re-signing of Henry on a two-month loan. He says in an interview with L'Equipe.

When I see him training, I am teasing him: 'You could still play with us, you know?' But he has never replied and just smiled.

What he achieved during his career is just amazing. He has nothing more to prove in football. Today he has the opportunity to give us a help.

A player with such stature, such potential. He would bring us a lot.

The most important word here perhaps is the last—"He would bring us a lot."

There's no doubt though that January signings or lack thereof may to a great extend determine where on the Premiership table Arsenal finish come may.

Wenger, as should be, holds the key.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1000295-arsenal-news-alex-song-to-arsene-wenger-sign-thierry-henry

Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker