Former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson broke my heart today..... during his press conference on his release, Tomlinson cried like a newborn baby. When I first heard about it, I kinda chuckled. But then I saw the video and it actually made me empathize with him and what he was going through. This is the team that drafted him, the only team he's ever known and the team he gave his best years to. And he was saying goodbye.
LT definitely wears his emotions on his sleeve during the press conference. And to think, my twitter partner and good friend @FoxxyBagLady thought LT fit the perfect description of an UnSub, for lack of emotion (UnSub = Unidentified Suspect.. on one of those criminal shows.. and yes Foxxy, I'm calling you out LOL!)
Hopefully LT will find a new home and move on. But this was one sad farewell....
First off, let me commend you. You're one of the best GMs in this league, alongside Bill Polian, Bill Belichick and A.J. Smith. I trust your judgment in free agency and on draft day to the fullest. You've brought more diamonds than cubic zirconias to this still-growing Baltimore Ravens organization. You're awesome at what you do and for that, I thank you personally.
Okay, enough of the brown nosing. Let's get to the point of this open letter. The Ravens are a good team. I can't complain there. With the addition of Coach Harbs and Cam Cameron, the Ravens have once again become a quality team and have the tools to be consistent in the playoffs every year. But that's simply not enough anymore. Fans have tasted the playoffs for 2 consecutive years, (the first since 2000-2001 seasons) and even an AFC Championship appearance. But now, we are ready to take the next step- A Super Bowl berth and another Lombardi Trophy on display at The Castle-AKA-1 Winning Dr, Owings Mills, MD. So I'm sending this letter out of love. With the NFL Combine and draft coming, I figured I could help you with the glaring problems we have. You know.... in case you're too busy to notice.
The first thing the Ravens need is an upgrade at WR. They needed it last year, and they damn sure need it a year later. Their top 3 WRs on the team-Mason, Clayton and Washington- all are free agents. They were aiiiight for the 2009 season. But we still needed a #1 WR on this team to help Joe Flacco develop into the QB we all want him to be. And with all of them set to test the waters of free agency, this could get real ugly. The addition of Donte Stallworth was cool, especially since it was for peanuts. But let's be real, dude is a #3 WR at best. We need a #1. My suggestion- Bring back Mason, offer Clayton a deal, and make a move for Malcolm Floyd OR push for a Anquan Boldin/Brandon Marshall trade.
I like the idea of drafting the likes of Dez Bryant, Jordan Shipley or Golden Tate to this roster. But let's be real, your drafting of WRs has been like a game of Russian Roulette. Bring in an established guy who will help this team immediately and help my man Joe out.
The Ravens also need a CB, almost as bad as they do a WR. Fabian Washington is nothing but speedy CB who can't cover, LarDarius Webb may not be 100% by training camp, and Frank Walker sure as hell doesn't give me great confidence when he steps onto the field. It's cool if we could draft one this year. But if you take my advice and trade for Boldin or Marshall, then my guess is the 1st round pick is a goner. My next suggestion to you: Looking into Dunta Robinson. The Texans have said they are not going to franchise tag him for a 2nd year. We could really use a guy like him on this defense. Another suggestion is Antonio Cromartie of the San Diego Chargers. AJ Smith says he's shopping him around, and at one point the Ravens staff loved Cromartie coming out of the draft. He hasn't played as well he has did in previous years, but with Ray Ray being the ultimate motivator, I'm sure we can get more out of him.
Also, I need you to get rid of Frank Walker, the walking yellow flag, and bring in Leigh Bodden as a nickel corner. While I don't think Bodden is a starter like he used to be, he would be a great addition to this team for 3 or more wideout situations. I wanted him last year, but you didn't hear my plea. Well, I'm saying it again, so this time you can get the picture.
And lastly Oz.... I can call you Oz, right?! Lastly, please re-sign Haltoi Ngata soon, before it's too late. Ngata has 2 years left from his rookie deal and has played better and better as the years have gone on. Haloti finally got recognition and was voted to his first Pro Bowl this past season. But you and I both know he should have been added after his 2nd NFL season. Dude is a beast!
If you wait until his contract is up, he will almost guarantee more money than he would if you did it now. We saw what happened with Chris McAlister and Terrell Suggs, tagging them for 2 years before signing them to new deals. Let's not do that to Haloti. He's a great player and a good guy. Let's give him what he's due... Go ahead and pay that man.
That's it for now. Again, you rock. But this Ravens fan is tired of getting a taste and not getting it all. With the uncapped year and possible stoppage coming, the time is now to start gearing up. I'm not asking you to spend crazy money. I'm asking you to look into these avenues because we are a couple of key pieces away from being kinda like a big deal. I think I've covered everything the Ravens need to do immediately. Let me know if you need any more advice. I'm willing to help out anyway I can.
Sincerely,
Your Ravens Fan, Reeta-The NFL Chick
P.S.- Is it too much to ask about looking into bringing Julius Peppers here?! It is??? Okay....................................
The Philadelphia Eagles made a surprising move (to me, anyway) in releasing RB Brian Westbrook today.
The former 3rd rounder was asked to take a pay cut from his $7.25 million dollar expected salary for the 2010 season. One can speculate that Westbrook declined their offer and was released.
Westbrook was a dual threat for the Eagles offense. Westbrook averaged 4.6 years per carry throughout his career (he ran for 5,995 yards) and averaged 8.9 yards in passing (he had 3790 receiving yards). While Westbrook was a great weapon for the Eagles, he was also injury prone. He never played for an entire season, due to injury.
Westbrook will be 31 in March, which is pretty old for a RB in the NFL. But with his ability to catch out of the backfield, teams will be intrigued to add him to their roster, for the right price ($2-$3 million per year, my guess).
It will be interesting to see where Westbrook heads from here. It will be very weird seeing him in a non-Eagles jersey.Good luck to you, bruh. May the force be with you.
The Chargers released their most productive players in team history today, after cutting ties with RB LaDainian Tomlinson. This wasn't a surprise to anyone, especially Tomlinson. The Chargers RB (who folks affectionately call him "L.T.") reported not long ago that he expected his release from the team this offseason.
The 5th overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft, Tomlinson had one of the most productive decades of any RB (he rushed for 12,490 yards, 8th in NFL history, since playing in the league). Most remember Tomlinson's most productive season in 2006 , where he rushed for a league-leading 1815 yards and 28 TDs. LT also had a solid 2007 season when he rushed for 1474 yards and scored 15 rushing TDs. But once the 2007 playoffs came around, Tomlinson caught the injury bug and has never fully recovered since.
Tomlinson's numbers declined drastically for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He rushed for a total of 1840 for those 2 seasons, only 25 more than his entire 2006 total. He also watched as the Chargers gave RB Darren Sproles some more reps in the backfield and played a diminished role in the Chargers high powered offense.
What will happen next with the Chargers RB hole is a mystery. It's been reported that the Chargers are looking to trade CB Antonio Cromartie for a possible RB to fill the void of LT's release.
[Dean] Spanos (Chargers President) : "This is a part of the business that I hate, and it's particularly hard when you’re dealing with someone I consider a friend"
A.J. Smith (General Manager) : "He's a future Hall of Famer. My only regret is that he leaves San Diego without a Super Bowl ring" It will be interesting to see what happens with LT from here. Will he sign to another team or will he retire? He can always go onto DTWS or get into the karaoke business...... remember this?!
No?! Okay.........
LT was a great player and a good guy. I hope he lands to another club to start fresh. I'm gonna miss him taking the rock from my boo Philip Rivers... but life must go on.
I love Twitter.. you get a lot of first hand info from the social media site. It's been nothing but a godsend to sports fans and bloggers. Which is why I jumped for joy when I saw this tweet from SI's Peter King today:
This is a great start for the Ravens quest to upgrade at their ailing WR position. I predicted a couple of weeks ago that the Ravens would look into Stallworth, Terrell Owens, or both. I also expect the Ravens to look into the 2010 draft for a young WR/TE as well (possible names include TE Jermaine Gresham and WR Golden Tate)
Most folks are ho hum about Stallworth, but I think this could be great news for Joe Flacco. Stallworth has shown promise in the past, particularly with New Orleans and Philly. This won't solve the true #1 WR the Ravens need, but it fills a void, particularly with all of the Ravens WRs either retiring or heading to free agency.
From a personal standpoint, most of us remember Stallworth's 2009 conviction for DUI manslaughter, stemming from an accident in where he struck and killed a pedestrian. While Stallworth was later cited as not being at fault, he did fail a sobriety test. While most people were outraged by his sentencing (he was sentenced to 30 days in jail), he seemed truly remorseful and I believe in giving people second chances. I also know that Baltimore needs a decent WR more than any other team in the league. This could work out perfectly for both parties involved.
First Nnamdi Asomugha, now this.... On twitter today, ESPN correspondent Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders and K Sebastian Janikowski reached a record deal- Here's his tweet:
Ummmmmm......okay.
Remember, it was just one year ago that Skeletor AKA Al Davis gave Raiders CB Asomugha a record deal for a DB- 3 years, $45 million, just to keep him on his dysfunctional team.
Some folks will say that paying Janikowski this much money is the right thing to do, because outside of Asomugha, Janikowski is the next best thing on the roster. Maybe that's true. But Janikowski is a kicker!!!! $4 million per year to kick field goals and place kick offs? That's a bit much, even for a player as important as Janikowski. On the other hand, good for Janikowski to get a huge payday, I can never hate on that. But I'm sure even HE knows he got over like a fat rat, and is laughing all the way to the bank as we speak.
Someone please take Al Davis' checkbook and GM abilities.
Of course, with the Super Bowl, comes the 2nd favorite American past time- the Super Bowl commercials. As expensive as they are to air (some up to $500K per every 4 seconds, depending on the time slot), we have seen some of the most creative and/or awful commercials during Super Bowl Sunday.
I took a look at the majority of the commercials and decided to choose my favorites ones and as well as the lamest ones, during the big game.
Favorites
One of the best commercials of the night came early. The Doritos commercial with the little boy slapping the guy was one of the funniest to me. The little boy reminded me so much of the kid from the movie, "Role Models". I think I laughed for 10 minutes. But why did it have to be a lil black boy? Anywho, this was a great commercial, stereotypes and all.
The Google commercials was one of my faves, cause it was really sweet. I'm a girl, so I get mushy about stuff like this.. it's the hopeless romantic in me.. LOL. But it was still a great production. This is my dark horse pick for favorite
The E-Trade commercial with the babies are always hilarious, and this year was no different. From the howling about his stocks, to the name calling (Milk-A-Holic) to the "Milk-a-WHAT?!", my favorite, scary looking babies kept me amused once again. E-Trade's marketing dept needs a raise!
Honorable Mention: The Betty White Snickers commercial. Why did they have to do Betty like that??!!
Lames
The Bud Light commercial with T-Pain. I thought we said Death To Autotunes? And T-Pain on a Super Bowl commercial??? I'm thinking that's close to the 7th sign. Not to mention that was the most annoying 30 seconds of my life
The Tim Tebow Pro Life commercial gets my vote for lame. Not because of the message, but because of all the pre-drama hype it received prior to airing. You would have thought he was gonna say, "Death to all who favor abortions! DIE!" It was a nice commercial actually *shrugs* WAY over hyped... but I'm not surprised
Those dumb ass Go Daddy commercials. I'm sure guys love it. But I never understand the point of them. And it hasn't made me curious enough to go to their website either. Maybe I'm in the minority on this one... oh well, it's my post so lame it is!
WTFs
Punxsutawney Polamalu was disturbing, to say the least. First Polamalu does these Head and Shoulders commercials with a high pitched voice and long curly locks, now this?! I would fire my agent. His commercials aren't as half as good as his play on the football field. Stick to the day job, Troy!
The Boost Mobile Shuffle gave me the ultimate "WTF" face. Jim McMahon coming out on a scooter, saying his TE is in a cheetah print thong??!! Ummmm..........yeah........ *in my Office Space voice*
Congratulations are in order for the New Orleans Saints, who defeated the Indianapolis Colts last night for Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17. It was a game that many thought would be high scoring, very close, and in a Colts victory. But the Saints had another plan, and I think most football fans (outside of Indy, of course) were rooting for Who Dat Nation.
The Colts started out hot and ready to show the Saints how you play in a big game. At one point, Indianapolis was up 10-0 and looking to keep the gas on the pedal. By halftime, they were up 10-6, which included a huge stop against the Saints inside the Colts 5 in a 4th down attempt. But the second half would tell a different story starting with the opening kickoff. The Saints came out aggressive, with an onside kick to start the 2nd half of the game. New Orleans capitalized and Drew Brees threw a 19 yd screen pass to RB Pierre Thomas for the go-ahead score, 13-10.
Of course, that didn't stop Manning and company, who responded with a score on their own, after a 4 yard run from Joseph Addai that put the Colts ahead, 17-13 with 6:15 in the 3rd qtr. That would be the last the Colts would score for the rest of the night.
The Saints took control from then, on out. They scored 17 unanswered points, including a critical Manning INT on a slant pass that Tracy Porter turned back 74 yards for the final nail in the coffin and victory sealer
Ballgame. Even though the Colts had another opportunity to score, you could feel the victory in the air. The Saints, won the game, and deservedly so. They are Super Bowl Champions.
Drew Brees won Super Bowl MVP, who completed 32 passes and threw for 2 scores.
While Brees viewed by sports media as fans as being on the cusp of elite, his Super Bowl win and MVP status has pushed him over in a category his belongs in. While some people say that Manning is one of, if not the best QB of our time, last night was Brees >>>> Manning. Add Brees to the elite class, now. He earned the right to be there.
With the Saints win, the city of New Orleans has become one big party. While Fat Tuesday isn't until next Tuesday, it's probably safe to assume that New Orleans started a 9-day party extravaganza, starting with the team's Super Bowl win. With everything the city of new Orleans has been through, with the bad football they have seen over the years... they are finally proud to say they are fans of a Super Bowl champions- the team's first ever. The connection from the team to the community was already strong. But yesterday's win elevated that to a new level that no one knew could exist.
Congrats to the New Orleans Saints- Super Bowl Champions. We were all rooting for you.
The best part about the Super Bow (outside from the game, celebs, partying and more partying)- Media Day and Radio Row. Old and new players, as well as other celebrities come out and conduct interviews leading up to the big game this Sunday.
Shawne Merriman talks to the media
Adrian Peterson signing a Super Bowl sign. Hope he doesn't drop the pen like he does the football
Michael Irvin hanging out, and in dire need of some lip chap
Actors Rob Schneider and Adam Sandler talking to Mike and the Mad Dog during their show
1972 Dolphins alums Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris, still gloating over their undefeated season, I'm sure
Even the Burger King guy is there. You're big time if HE shows up at an event!
While all of this was going on, OCNN was in full effect, conducting interviews around Radio Row. Check out who Chris Cooley, Ray Rice and Co have been talking to, since converting to media guys this week:
If you are a chica that loves Troy Polamalu or the Pittsburgh Steelers, this dress may be for you.....
Modcloth.com has a Polamaloop dress. The namesake and color scheme is dedicated to Steelers long haired Safety, Troy Polamalu. I consider myself a stylish chick and I'm a fan of mod style dresses. But this is NOT what's hot in the streets...... or at least on my street. Maybe because I'm a Ravens fan, I feel that way...... nah.. why am I lying?? It's hideous!
If you're a die hard that really wants to buy this dress, click here for details.
Direct from Redskins TE Chris Cooley's website, The Cooley Zone, is the video introduction premiere of the OCNN News Team. The players listed include Cooley, Ravens Ray Rice, Cardinals Darnall Dockett, among others. Ocho Cinco has tweeted that he'll be doing players interviews as a part of Media Week.
Check it out, I can't wait to see some of these interviews they conduct.
While most folks watched the Grammys on Sunday night, a lot of football fiends checked out the 2010 Pro Bowl. I had the opportunity of watching both at the same time, so I didn't miss out on anything big from either side.
Most people on my twitter timeline said that they had no intention of watching the game. I admit, it's not as exciting as a real game. But apparently people either lied, or I just don't follow as many football folks as I thought. The game's ratings were up nearly 40% of last year's game. The game was nearly sold out, and saw it's biggest crowd since 1959 for a Pro Bowl. This includes the fact that stars such as Manning, Brees, Rivers and Brady did not attend this year's festivities.
The game ended in a 41-34 AFC win over the NFC (I told y'all last week the AFC was gonna pull through.. listen to me more often). But the unsung hero was none other than Texans QB Matt Schaub, who threw for 2 scores.
Here's a look at Sunday's game.. in case you were one of the folks who boycotted it:
Ray Ray has been in 50-11 Pro Bowls and still played like he was in his 1st.
Breesus and Sir Manning, chilling and watching the game
Andre Johnson, the "Beast" in the league according to me and ETSF!
Desean Jackson leaping over Tony Romo. I heart D Jax
Ravens Ray Rice, who led the game in rush yards. Rep for my squad, Double R!
London Fletcher and Breesus. Fletcher is just happy to FINALLY be there
Tony Romo, looking scared for his life LOL
Josh Cribbs makes $1 out of 15 cents almost every time
Michael Vick makes his reality show debut on BET (premieres tonight at 10pm). Vick's 10-part series gives us a glimpse into the life of a former #1 draft pick who has seen the highest of highs (10 year- $130 million contract- the highest at the time) to the lowest of lows (convicted of federal dogfighting conspiracy charges), and on the road to redemption.
Vick, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, is looking to show people that he has paid his debt to society and how he's changed to be a better person. I'm compelled to watch this series, I was a fan of Vick as an Atlanta Falcon, and I believe in giving someone a second chance. Glad to see Vick show a different side of himself.
Outside The Lines did a recent story on Chancellor Adams, the son of Rae Carruth. Adams suffers from Cerebral Palsy, a result of his mother, Cherica Adams, being shot while still pregnant. While Chancellor lived, his mother did not, and Carruth was later charged with conspiracy to murder for the death of Adams.
Today, Chancellor is 10 years old. OTL shows us the struggles his grandmother goes through in forgiving Carruth, as well as the gunman (Van Brett Watkins), all while taking care of her disabled grandson. Stories like this make me cry my eyes out, this was no different. A very good story and must-see TV.
