Thursday, February 24, 2011
Readers Test
Hello out there. I know it's but a long time since I have put fingers to keys but I have been up to my ears in work, home, and just about everything else. But I will find the time to put more work into my little spot in the www. Thanks for checking in ttyl.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Greatest Super Bowls
1. Super Bowl XLII - New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14In one of the most significant upsets in Super Bowl history, the Giants (14–6) won 17–14, preventing the Patriots (18–1) from becoming the first undefeated team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins went 17–0. In doing so, the Giants became the first NFC wild card team to win a Super Bowl. The telecast was the most-watched Super Bowl of all time, with an average of 97.5 million viewers in the United States and 148.3 million total viewers watching some part of the game. The broadcast achieved the highest Nielsen ratings (43.3) for the game since Super Bowl XXXIV. It was also the second most-watched TV program of all time in the United States
2. Super Bowl III - New York Jets 16 Baltimore Colts 7 This game has to be at the top of any list, not so much for the game itself but for the significance the Jet's 16-7 victory over the Colts had in establishing the game as a legitimate championship. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls with no problems and Vegas had Baltimore a 20-point favorite. Then, Joe Willie Namath guaranteed a win just 2 days prior to kickoff.
3. Super Bowl XXXIV - St. Louis Rams 23 Tennessee Titans 16The Titans overcome a 16-point deficit by tying the game on a 43-yard field goal with just over 2 minutes to play. But, then Kurt Warner connected with Issac Bruce on a 78-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams the lead with just 1:54 remaining. However, then the Titans drove to the Rams 10 with six seconds and no timeouts, and then Steve McNair hit Kevin Dyson who stretched to the half-yard line as time ran out.
4. Super Bowl XXXVIII - New England 32, Carolina 29New England kicked a 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining as the Patriots won their second Super Bowl in three seasons. While it took a Super-Bowl record 26 minutes and 55 seconds for the first points to be scored, the teams combined for 868 yards (481 by New England) and the game also featured the highest scoring quarter with 37 points.
5. Super Bowl XXIII - San Francisco 49ers 20 Cincinnati Bengals 16 With just 3 minutes left in the game, the Bengals’ kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Cincinnati a 16-13 lead. Then, starting on their own 8-yard line, Joe Montana engineered one of the greatest scoring drives in Super Bowl history by going 92 yards in 11 plays, ending with a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor.
6. Super Bowl XIII - Pittsburgh Steelers 35 Dallas Cowboys 31Terry Bradshaw threw 4 TD passes as the Steelers almost blew this game wide open, but Roger Staubach led the Cowboy to two late TDs. Then with 22 seconds left, the Steelers recovered Dallas's onside kick to end the game.
7. Super Bowl XXXVI - New England Patriots 20 St. Louis Rams 17The Patriots kicked a 48-yard field goal to avoid overtime and give them their first Super Bowl title. The Rams scored a touchdown with less than 2 minutes to tie the game at 17. Then Tom Brady drove his team down to the Rams 31 with no timeouts to set up the game winning field goal.
8. Super Bowl XXV - New York Giants 20 Buffalo Bills 19The "wide right" game. After New York took the lead late in the game with a 21-yard field goal. Jim Kelly led the Bills to the Giants 30 yard line to set up a last second field goal. But, unfortunately for the Bills, the ball sailed wide right to end the game.
9. Super Bowl XXXII - Denver 31, Green Bay 24 John Elway led the Broncos to their first NFL championship and broke the NFC's streak of Super Bowl victories at 13. Terrell Davis rushed for 157 yards and a three touchdowns
10. Super Bowl XX - Chicago 46, New England 10The greatest cast of characters ever to win a Super Bowl. The game may have been a blow out, but Chicago entertained us with players like Walter Payton, Jim McMahon and William "the Refrigerator" Perry. And who can forget the Super Bowl Shuffle video. Honorable MentionSuper Bowl XXIX - San Francisco 49, San Diego 26 Greatest performance by a single player. Steve Young passed for 325 yards and threw a record 6 touchdown passes in this game.Super Bowl I - Green Bay 35, Kansas City 10It may not have been the best, but it was the first. Bart Starr passed for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Later, he was named the MVP for Super Bowl I.
Super Bowl XV - Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10Super Bowl MVP Jim Plunkett passed for 3 touchdowns, as the Raiders became the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl.
2. Super Bowl III - New York Jets 16 Baltimore Colts 7 This game has to be at the top of any list, not so much for the game itself but for the significance the Jet's 16-7 victory over the Colts had in establishing the game as a legitimate championship. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls with no problems and Vegas had Baltimore a 20-point favorite. Then, Joe Willie Namath guaranteed a win just 2 days prior to kickoff.
3. Super Bowl XXXIV - St. Louis Rams 23 Tennessee Titans 16The Titans overcome a 16-point deficit by tying the game on a 43-yard field goal with just over 2 minutes to play. But, then Kurt Warner connected with Issac Bruce on a 78-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams the lead with just 1:54 remaining. However, then the Titans drove to the Rams 10 with six seconds and no timeouts, and then Steve McNair hit Kevin Dyson who stretched to the half-yard line as time ran out.
4. Super Bowl XXXVIII - New England 32, Carolina 29New England kicked a 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining as the Patriots won their second Super Bowl in three seasons. While it took a Super-Bowl record 26 minutes and 55 seconds for the first points to be scored, the teams combined for 868 yards (481 by New England) and the game also featured the highest scoring quarter with 37 points.
5. Super Bowl XXIII - San Francisco 49ers 20 Cincinnati Bengals 16 With just 3 minutes left in the game, the Bengals’ kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Cincinnati a 16-13 lead. Then, starting on their own 8-yard line, Joe Montana engineered one of the greatest scoring drives in Super Bowl history by going 92 yards in 11 plays, ending with a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor.
6. Super Bowl XIII - Pittsburgh Steelers 35 Dallas Cowboys 31Terry Bradshaw threw 4 TD passes as the Steelers almost blew this game wide open, but Roger Staubach led the Cowboy to two late TDs. Then with 22 seconds left, the Steelers recovered Dallas's onside kick to end the game.
7. Super Bowl XXXVI - New England Patriots 20 St. Louis Rams 17The Patriots kicked a 48-yard field goal to avoid overtime and give them their first Super Bowl title. The Rams scored a touchdown with less than 2 minutes to tie the game at 17. Then Tom Brady drove his team down to the Rams 31 with no timeouts to set up the game winning field goal.
8. Super Bowl XXV - New York Giants 20 Buffalo Bills 19The "wide right" game. After New York took the lead late in the game with a 21-yard field goal. Jim Kelly led the Bills to the Giants 30 yard line to set up a last second field goal. But, unfortunately for the Bills, the ball sailed wide right to end the game.
9. Super Bowl XXXII - Denver 31, Green Bay 24 John Elway led the Broncos to their first NFL championship and broke the NFC's streak of Super Bowl victories at 13. Terrell Davis rushed for 157 yards and a three touchdowns
10. Super Bowl XX - Chicago 46, New England 10The greatest cast of characters ever to win a Super Bowl. The game may have been a blow out, but Chicago entertained us with players like Walter Payton, Jim McMahon and William "the Refrigerator" Perry. And who can forget the Super Bowl Shuffle video. Honorable MentionSuper Bowl XXIX - San Francisco 49, San Diego 26 Greatest performance by a single player. Steve Young passed for 325 yards and threw a record 6 touchdown passes in this game.Super Bowl I - Green Bay 35, Kansas City 10It may not have been the best, but it was the first. Bart Starr passed for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Later, he was named the MVP for Super Bowl I.
Super Bowl XV - Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10Super Bowl MVP Jim Plunkett passed for 3 touchdowns, as the Raiders became the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl.
Top 10 Half Time Super Bowl Acts
10. Diana Ross Gets an Airlift
Super Bowl XXX, 1996
In Ross’ 1996 show in Mesa, Ariz., there were lots of balloons, dancers, Supremes songs and wardrobe changes. But what left the biggest impression was the helicopter that came during ‘Take Me Higher‘ and whisked the diva off mid-song as she hung out of the aircraft. Ross, who was securely belted in, had previously practiced the stunt — approved by the Federal Aviation Administration — three times with a team of pilots.
9. Aerosmith Take a Walk With Friends
Super Bowl XXXV, 2001
Rock purists probably dropped their nachos when they saw Aerosmith perform their classic ‘Walk This Way’ with Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. But they probably didn’t get the whole Aerosmith/Run-D.M.C. thing, either. The 2001 show in Tampa, Fla., produced by MTV, was an effort to join genres. A more memorable Timberlake halftime show would come in the future.
8. Prince’s Big, Uh, Guitar Finish
Super Bowl XLI, 2007
In a rain-soaked performance that spotlighted Prince‘s blistering guitar skills, the man formerly known as the Man Formerly Known as Prince rocked up a series of his hits plus some terrific covers. But during his signature ‘Purple Rain‘ — a fitting choice, given the rainy Miami weather — Prince appeared as a giant silhouette with a guitar that looked like a big, well … this is Prince we’re talking about. Anyone doubting whether the phallic appearance was intentional might consider that Prince used to perform with a guitar that squirted water from its end during ‘Let’s Go Crazy.’
7. The Stones Get Censored … Again
Super Bowl XL, 2006
On the same day the first Super Bowl was played — Jan. 15, 1967 — the Rolling Stones appeared on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ where they were forced to change the lyrics of their song ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together‘ to ‘Let’s Spend Some Time Together.’ In Detroit, nearly 40 years later, their lyrics were again altered when ABC cut two lines from their set, including the end of ‘Start Me Up.’
6. The Who Light It Up
Super Bowl XLIV, 2010
Yeah, half the band is gone. And, sure, neither Roger Daltrey nor Pete Townshend can reach notes they sang in their youth. But even half a Who can rock harder than most full bands, as they proved in 2010 on ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again.’ Daltrey reminded us why his hair-raising “Yaaaaaah!” is one of the greatest screams in rock. And Townshend’s windmill reminded us why he is one of the coolest guitarists ever. Oh, and also — those lasers were, like, far out, man!
5. Springsteen Slip Slidin’ Away
Super Bowl XLIII, 2009
Turns out Bruce Springsteen‘s energetic performance of ‘Tenth Avenue Freezeout‘ in 2009 was perhaps a bit too energetic. During a stage slide, the Boss kept on sliding — until his crotch collided with a TV camera. As Springsteen explained on his website later, “Too much adrenaline, a late drop, too much speed.”
4. Janet and JT’s Wardrobe Malfunction
Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004
If you blinked, you missed it. And in 2004, you couldn’t just go to YouTube the next morning and watch it again and again. (But we can now!) At the end of ‘Rock Your Body,’ Justin Timberlake famously ripped off a piece of Janet Jackson‘s top, revealing a bit more body than the FCC would prefer. As result, future telecasts would be delayed five seconds. And future halftime acts — no matter how much hell they once raised — would be considered a “safe choice” so long as they didn’t threaten to expose themselves.
3. Paul McCartney Plays It Safe
Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005
A year after the “wardrobe malfunction,” McCartney — whose Beatles led the ’60s music generation that questioned authority like none before it — would suddenly be considered a harmless act to perform at halftime, as if he had suddenly joined the ranks of Perry Como and Mel Tormé. But his rousing version of ‘Live and Let Die‘ reminded viewers that it’s ultimately about the music. And if that’s not enough, well — there’s always scorching pyrotechnics.
2. Michael Jackson Sets the Standard
Super Bowl XXVII, 1993
Michael Jackson was never one for low-key ventures. So when the NFL decided it needed to beef up halftime shows in order to keep viewers tuned in, it tapped the Gloved One to put on a super halftime show. During his performance of ‘Heal the World,’ the entire crowd participated in the visual, and Jackson was surrounded by 3,500 local children. (Yeah, yeah — save your wisecracks.) After this performance in 1993, the networks would never cut away from the halftime show again.
1. U2 Heal the Nation
Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002
Just months after the 9/11 tragedies, U2 offered a stunning tribute to its victims in a show that brought tears to many viewers. As the Edge launched into the hypnotic guitar intro on ‘Where the Streets Have No Name,’ a 200-foot screen appeared behind the band and began scrolling the names of all those who perished. Near the end, the screen collapsed, and Bono revealed the Stars and Stripes lining of his jacket to a Tampa, Fla., crowd still in shock from that awful day.
Super Bowl XXX, 1996
In Ross’ 1996 show in Mesa, Ariz., there were lots of balloons, dancers, Supremes songs and wardrobe changes. But what left the biggest impression was the helicopter that came during ‘Take Me Higher‘ and whisked the diva off mid-song as she hung out of the aircraft. Ross, who was securely belted in, had previously practiced the stunt — approved by the Federal Aviation Administration — three times with a team of pilots.
9. Aerosmith Take a Walk With Friends
Super Bowl XXXV, 2001
Rock purists probably dropped their nachos when they saw Aerosmith perform their classic ‘Walk This Way’ with Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. But they probably didn’t get the whole Aerosmith/Run-D.M.C. thing, either. The 2001 show in Tampa, Fla., produced by MTV, was an effort to join genres. A more memorable Timberlake halftime show would come in the future.
8. Prince’s Big, Uh, Guitar Finish
Super Bowl XLI, 2007
In a rain-soaked performance that spotlighted Prince‘s blistering guitar skills, the man formerly known as the Man Formerly Known as Prince rocked up a series of his hits plus some terrific covers. But during his signature ‘Purple Rain‘ — a fitting choice, given the rainy Miami weather — Prince appeared as a giant silhouette with a guitar that looked like a big, well … this is Prince we’re talking about. Anyone doubting whether the phallic appearance was intentional might consider that Prince used to perform with a guitar that squirted water from its end during ‘Let’s Go Crazy.’
7. The Stones Get Censored … Again
Super Bowl XL, 2006
On the same day the first Super Bowl was played — Jan. 15, 1967 — the Rolling Stones appeared on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ where they were forced to change the lyrics of their song ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together‘ to ‘Let’s Spend Some Time Together.’ In Detroit, nearly 40 years later, their lyrics were again altered when ABC cut two lines from their set, including the end of ‘Start Me Up.’
6. The Who Light It Up
Super Bowl XLIV, 2010
Yeah, half the band is gone. And, sure, neither Roger Daltrey nor Pete Townshend can reach notes they sang in their youth. But even half a Who can rock harder than most full bands, as they proved in 2010 on ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again.’ Daltrey reminded us why his hair-raising “Yaaaaaah!” is one of the greatest screams in rock. And Townshend’s windmill reminded us why he is one of the coolest guitarists ever. Oh, and also — those lasers were, like, far out, man!
5. Springsteen Slip Slidin’ Away
Super Bowl XLIII, 2009
Turns out Bruce Springsteen‘s energetic performance of ‘Tenth Avenue Freezeout‘ in 2009 was perhaps a bit too energetic. During a stage slide, the Boss kept on sliding — until his crotch collided with a TV camera. As Springsteen explained on his website later, “Too much adrenaline, a late drop, too much speed.”
4. Janet and JT’s Wardrobe Malfunction
Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004
If you blinked, you missed it. And in 2004, you couldn’t just go to YouTube the next morning and watch it again and again. (But we can now!) At the end of ‘Rock Your Body,’ Justin Timberlake famously ripped off a piece of Janet Jackson‘s top, revealing a bit more body than the FCC would prefer. As result, future telecasts would be delayed five seconds. And future halftime acts — no matter how much hell they once raised — would be considered a “safe choice” so long as they didn’t threaten to expose themselves.
3. Paul McCartney Plays It Safe
Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005
A year after the “wardrobe malfunction,” McCartney — whose Beatles led the ’60s music generation that questioned authority like none before it — would suddenly be considered a harmless act to perform at halftime, as if he had suddenly joined the ranks of Perry Como and Mel Tormé. But his rousing version of ‘Live and Let Die‘ reminded viewers that it’s ultimately about the music. And if that’s not enough, well — there’s always scorching pyrotechnics.
2. Michael Jackson Sets the Standard
Super Bowl XXVII, 1993
Michael Jackson was never one for low-key ventures. So when the NFL decided it needed to beef up halftime shows in order to keep viewers tuned in, it tapped the Gloved One to put on a super halftime show. During his performance of ‘Heal the World,’ the entire crowd participated in the visual, and Jackson was surrounded by 3,500 local children. (Yeah, yeah — save your wisecracks.) After this performance in 1993, the networks would never cut away from the halftime show again.
1. U2 Heal the Nation
Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002
Just months after the 9/11 tragedies, U2 offered a stunning tribute to its victims in a show that brought tears to many viewers. As the Edge launched into the hypnotic guitar intro on ‘Where the Streets Have No Name,’ a 200-foot screen appeared behind the band and began scrolling the names of all those who perished. Near the end, the screen collapsed, and Bono revealed the Stars and Stripes lining of his jacket to a Tampa, Fla., crowd still in shock from that awful day.
Fantuz Signs With The Bears
The Bears entered the import business Friday, signing Canadian Football League wide receiver Andy Fantuz to a reserve/future contract.
The 6-4, 220-pounder, who spent the last five seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, caught a career-high 87 passes for a league-leading 1,380 yards and six touchdowns in 2010.
CFL wide receiver Andy Fantuz signs a reserve/future contact with the Bears Friday at Halas Hall.
CFL wide receiver Andy Fantuz signs a reserve/future contact with the Bears Friday at Halas Hall.
“It’s really exciting for me,” Fantuz said Friday at Halas Hall.
“It’s a whole new avenue for my career. I’m excited to make that step and get the opportunity to try out for the Bears.
“I’m particularly excited about this organization because of all the people I’ve met and all the history behind it and the fan base. It’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
Fantuz grew up in Chatham, Ontario, and excelled at the University of Western Ontario, where he won the Hec Crighton Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding Canadian football player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).
Permitted to gauge NFL interest through mid-February because he’s entering the option year of his contract, Fantuz worked out with the Bears, Bengals, Bills, Patriots, Steelers and Patriots.
The 27-year-old knows that he’ll face a major adjustment in the NFL, and not just because the level of competition is much higher. The game is different in the CFL, which features three downs instead of four, 12 players on the field rather than 11, and a larger field.
Permitted to gauge NFL interest through mid-February because he’s entering the option year of his contract, Fantuz worked out with the Bears, Bengals, Bills, Patriots, Steelers and Patriots.
The 27-year-old knows that he’ll face a major adjustment in the NFL, and not just because the level of competition is much higher. The game is different in the CFL, which features three downs instead of four, 12 players on the field rather than 11, and a larger field.
“It’ll be a big difference and a big change for me,” said Fantuz, who had a cereal named after him in Saskatchewan. “It’s going to be a faster game. It’s going to be different. But being a football player, I’m excited for that challenge and I think I’ll relish it. I’ll be training for it and once training camp comes along, I’ll be ready to go.”
The Bears have had great success developing another former Canadian college product in defensive end Israel Idonije, a seven-year veteran who starred at the University of Manitoba. Fantuz has followed Idonije’s career ever since the two met at an awards banquet when both were in college.
“I remember him being a huge guy and a really nice guy,” Fantuz said. “He really has been an inspiration to not only me but a lot of CIS players who dream of making it to the NFL.”
The Bears have other Canadian ties. General manager Jerry Angelo served as linebackers coach with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders in 1981; director of player personnel Tim Ruskell worked as a scout with the Roughriders from 1983-85; and Fantuz’s new position coach, Darryl Drake, played for the CFL’s Ottawa Rough Riders in 1981.
The Bears have other Canadian ties. General manager Jerry Angelo served as linebackers coach with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders in 1981; director of player personnel Tim Ruskell worked as a scout with the Roughriders from 1983-85; and Fantuz’s new position coach, Darryl Drake, played for the CFL’s Ottawa Rough Riders in 1981.
Blogger note: I hope for Andy's sake he got a good signing bonus, cause more then likely there will be a lock out/strike in the NFL next year. Which means no game check and he won't be able to come back here if there is. But I'm very happy for him it was a dream of his and I'm proud to have been able to watch him live on game day. Good luck Andy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Top 10 Super Bowl Plays
10. Leon Lett Showboats
Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas was routing Buffalo when Leon Lett recovered a fumble and was about to add to that lead. Then seemingly out of nowhere, Don Beebe knocked the ball out of Lett’s hand just before he crossed the goal line and the ball goes out of bounds in the end zone resulting in a touch back. The Bills still lost, but that play remains the best hustle play of all time.
9. Adam Vinatieri’s Clutch Kick
Super Bowl XXXVI: The Rams had just tied the game at 17 leaving the Patriots one last drive to try and win it. Instead of taking their chances in overtime, like commentator John Madden recommended, the Patriots went for the win. Tom Brady led the Pats down the field into Rams territory which set up a 48 yard field goal for Vinatieri. Vinatieri split the uprights as time expired and the Pats celebrated their first of what would be three championships.
8. “70 Chip”
Super Bowl XVII: The Redskins are down 17-13 to the Dolphins with 10:10 remaining and are facing fourth and one the Dolphin’s 43 yard line. Joe Gibbs decided to go for it and called “70 Chip,” the team’s bread and butter. John Riggins took the hand off, broke free of Don McNeal and raced to the end zone. The Redskins prevailed 27-17.
7. Marcus Allen’s Electrifying Run
Super Bowl XVIII: Allen took a pitch from quarterback Jim Plunkett and was met with a wave of Redskin defenders. He then reversed fields and ran 74 yards for a touchdown. The Raiders won 38-9 and Allen was named MVP running for 191 yards.
6. Swann’s Signature Grab
Super Bowl X: The Steelers are pinned at their own 10 yard line in the second quarter when Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass. He heaved a pass down field and Swann out leaped Mark Washington, tipped the ball in midair and finally made the catch while lying on the ground. The play went down as a 53 yard gain and Swann took home MVP honors as the Steelers won 21-17.
4. James Harrison Pick Six
Super Bowl XLIII: The Cardinals were at the Steelers’ two yard line just before halftime down 10-7 trying to take the lead. Kurt Warner dropped back and with pressure in his face threw a pass over the middle that was intercepted by James Harrison. Harrison raced down the sidelines, avoiding tacklers and wasn’t brought down until he crossed the goal line as the clock ran out. The play resulted in a 14 point swing for the Steelers, who won 27-23.
3. One Yard Short
Super Bowl XXXIV: The Titans, led by Steve McNair, trailed the Rams 23-16. They were at the Rams’ ten yard line with six seconds left and time for just one more play. McNair dropped back and hit Kevin Dyson on a quick slant at the three yard line who then tried to extend the ball over the goal line, but was tackled by Mike Jones one yard short.
2. Montana to Taylor
Super Bowl XXIII: The 49ers got the ball back at their own eight yard line with 3:10 remaining trailing the Bengals 16-13. Joe Montana then led the 49ers down to the Bengals ten yard line. With 39 seconds left on the clock Montana dropped back to pass and fired one into the back of the end zone and connected with John Taylor for the game winning score as the 49ers won 20-16.
1. The Helmet Catch
Super Bowl XLII: The Giants were facing a crucial third and five on their own 43 yard line with 1:13 remaining down 14-10. Eli Manning dropped back and somehow escaped from the arms of a Patriot defender and fired a pass down the field. David Tyree leaped for the ball with Rodney Harrison on his back and pinned the ball against the helmet before securing it. The Giants went on to score four plays later and ended the Pats chance at perfection, winning 17-14.
Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas was routing Buffalo when Leon Lett recovered a fumble and was about to add to that lead. Then seemingly out of nowhere, Don Beebe knocked the ball out of Lett’s hand just before he crossed the goal line and the ball goes out of bounds in the end zone resulting in a touch back. The Bills still lost, but that play remains the best hustle play of all time.
9. Adam Vinatieri’s Clutch Kick
Super Bowl XXXVI: The Rams had just tied the game at 17 leaving the Patriots one last drive to try and win it. Instead of taking their chances in overtime, like commentator John Madden recommended, the Patriots went for the win. Tom Brady led the Pats down the field into Rams territory which set up a 48 yard field goal for Vinatieri. Vinatieri split the uprights as time expired and the Pats celebrated their first of what would be three championships.
8. “70 Chip”
Super Bowl XVII: The Redskins are down 17-13 to the Dolphins with 10:10 remaining and are facing fourth and one the Dolphin’s 43 yard line. Joe Gibbs decided to go for it and called “70 Chip,” the team’s bread and butter. John Riggins took the hand off, broke free of Don McNeal and raced to the end zone. The Redskins prevailed 27-17.
7. Marcus Allen’s Electrifying Run
Super Bowl XVIII: Allen took a pitch from quarterback Jim Plunkett and was met with a wave of Redskin defenders. He then reversed fields and ran 74 yards for a touchdown. The Raiders won 38-9 and Allen was named MVP running for 191 yards.
6. Swann’s Signature Grab
Super Bowl X: The Steelers are pinned at their own 10 yard line in the second quarter when Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass. He heaved a pass down field and Swann out leaped Mark Washington, tipped the ball in midair and finally made the catch while lying on the ground. The play went down as a 53 yard gain and Swann took home MVP honors as the Steelers won 21-17.
4. James Harrison Pick Six
Super Bowl XLIII: The Cardinals were at the Steelers’ two yard line just before halftime down 10-7 trying to take the lead. Kurt Warner dropped back and with pressure in his face threw a pass over the middle that was intercepted by James Harrison. Harrison raced down the sidelines, avoiding tacklers and wasn’t brought down until he crossed the goal line as the clock ran out. The play resulted in a 14 point swing for the Steelers, who won 27-23.
3. One Yard Short
Super Bowl XXXIV: The Titans, led by Steve McNair, trailed the Rams 23-16. They were at the Rams’ ten yard line with six seconds left and time for just one more play. McNair dropped back and hit Kevin Dyson on a quick slant at the three yard line who then tried to extend the ball over the goal line, but was tackled by Mike Jones one yard short.
2. Montana to Taylor
Super Bowl XXIII: The 49ers got the ball back at their own eight yard line with 3:10 remaining trailing the Bengals 16-13. Joe Montana then led the 49ers down to the Bengals ten yard line. With 39 seconds left on the clock Montana dropped back to pass and fired one into the back of the end zone and connected with John Taylor for the game winning score as the 49ers won 20-16.
1. The Helmet Catch
Super Bowl XLII: The Giants were facing a crucial third and five on their own 43 yard line with 1:13 remaining down 14-10. Eli Manning dropped back and somehow escaped from the arms of a Patriot defender and fired a pass down the field. David Tyree leaped for the ball with Rodney Harrison on his back and pinned the ball against the helmet before securing it. The Giants went on to score four plays later and ended the Pats chance at perfection, winning 17-14.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Richie Hall The Riders New/Old D.C.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that Richie Hall is returning to Saskatchewan and will re-join the team's coaching staff as Defensive Coordinator. Hall was a part of the Green and White coaching staff for 15 seasons, eight as defensive coordinator, before leaving in 2009 to serve as the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos for two seasons as well as Defensive Coordinator this past season. Before moving into his coaching role, Hall spent nine years playing in the CFL including four seasons with the Roughriders from 1988-1991. He was also a key member of the Roughriders' 1989 Grey Cup Championship team.During his nine year career, Hall saw action in 153 regular season CFL games. He was a member of the Western Division All-Star Team on four occasions, 1983 and 1986 with the Calgary Stampeders and 1988 and 1990 in Saskatchewan. Hall was also named All-CFL for outstanding rookie performance in 1983 with the Stampeders. In 1990, Roughrider fans voted Hall the Roughriders' Most Popular Player.
He was named as the Club's nominee for Outstanding Defensive Player in 1988.
COMPARING CONTENDERS
HIGH POINTS
STEELERS: Pittsburgh showed its mettle in its AFC playoff game against Baltimore two weeks ago when the Steelers overcome a 21-7 halftime deficit and beat the Ravens 31-24. The Pittsburgh defence took over the game in the third quarter, forcing turnovers on three consecutive Ravens possessions, allowing the Steelers to take a 24-21 lead. After the Ravens tied it 24-24, and the game appearing headed for overtime, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, from his 38, found rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown streaking down the sideline for a 58-yard completion that set up Rashard Mendenhall's game-winning oneyard touchdown run. The Steelers limited Baltimore to just 126 yards, the second-lowest total in franchise postseason play.
PACKERS: Sweeping both games against Minnesota and Brett Favre was nice, but the season came down to one game. The Packers had to beat NFC North champion Chicago in the regular-season finale to clinch a wild-card berth. While the Bears had little to play for -except for the opportunity to eliminate its rival from the postseason -Chicago did not rest its starters and led 3-0 at halftime. But the Packers, after failing on first-and-goal at the one, settled for a 23-yard field goal by Mason Crosby to tie it in the third quarter and won it in the fourth quarter on a one-yard flip by Aaron Rodgers to tight end Donald Lee. The Packers sacked Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler six times and sent a message for when the two teams would meet in the NFC championship.
LOW POINTS
STEELERS: It wasn't the fact that New England came into Heinz Field and beat the Steelers 39-26 on Nov. 14. But on a night in which the Steelers had a season-best 425 yards of total offence, including a season-high 387 passing yards by Ben Roethlisberger, the defence could not stop Tom Brady . The Steelers defence had its worst performance of the season, giving up highs in rushing yards (103), passing yards (350) and total yards (453).
PACKERS: The Packers fell to 3-3 after a 23-20 loss to Miami on Oct. 17 at Lambeau Field, their second straight defeat, both in overtime. Rodgers played despite suffering a concussion on the last offensive play of the previous week's 16-13 loss at Washington.
PLAY OF THE YEAR
STEELERS: There's little question about this one. Trailing at Baltimore 10-6 late in the fourth quarter with the AFC North lead on the line on Dec. 5, safety Troy Polamalu sacked and stripped Ravens QB Joe Flacco of the ball at the Baltimore 43. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley recovered the fumble and returned it to the Ravens nine, setting up Roethlisberger's gamewinning, nine-yard touchdown pass to running back Isaac Redman. Without Polamalu's play, Baltimore likely wins the division and gets the second seed, and the Steelers would have been a wild-card team.
PACKERS: Wide receiver Donald Driver woke up with a case of food poisoning on the morning of the Packers' game at Lambeau on Dec. 5, blaming it on a bad batch of chicken wings. Then, he gave the 49ers a tough play to stomach. Driver left a string of fallen defenders in his wake on a rambling 61-yard catch and run for a third-quarter touchdown that gave the Packers a 21-13 lead in a game they would win 34-16. As the Packers celebrated the score on the sidelines, the crowd, watching a replay on the stadium video screens, counted out the missed tackles Driver broke on the play.
TEAM MVP
STEELERS: Polamalu. Plays like the one Polamalu made at Baltimore typify his importance to the Steelers. The very next week against Cincinnati, he intercepted a Carson Palmer pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, tying the score 7-7 late in the first half. Polamalu had seven interceptions in 14 games during the regular season, and his absence was felt in the Steelers' 22-17 loss to the Jets on Dec. 19.
PACKERS: Is there any doubt it's Rodgers? He led the NFC in passing during the regular season, completing 66 per cent of his passes for a conference-best 8.26 yards per attempt with 28 touchdowns and a 101.2 rating. He has been even better in the playoffs, making big plays with his arm and his legs. Rodgers has thrown six touchdown passes in three playoff games, ran for a seven-yard score in the win at Atlanta, and his 25-yard run in the NFC championship game at Chicago was the longest by Packers quarterback in the playoffs since Irv Comp's 27-yarder in the 1944 NFL title game against the Giants.
DEFINING MOMENTS
STEELERS: Go back to the season opener against Atlanta when the Steelers started without Roethlisberger, who was serving the first game of a four-week suspension for his off-field behaviour. The game went into overtime, and after forcing a Falcons punt, Mendenhall, on the first offensive play of the extra period, bolted 50 yards for a game-winning touchdown run in a 15-9 victory over a team that would finish with the best record in the NFC. That showed the Steelers they could survive even Roethlisberger's absence.
PACKERS: Playing without Rodgers, who was out with a concussion, the Packers learned a lot about themselves in a 31-27, prime-time loss on Dec. 19 at New England. Had it not been for a bizarre, 71-yard kickoff return by Patriots lineman Dan Connolly that set up a Patriots touchdown near the end of the first half, the Packers might have beaten the Patriots behind inexperienced quarterback Matt Flynn. Still the Packers had a chance at the end on a fourth-andone from the Pariots' 15, but Flynn was strip-sacked with no time left.
BEST COACHING MOVE
STEELERS: Mike Tomlin held his team together even as it had to cope with not only the suspension of Roethlisberger but the loss of his replacement, Dennis Dixon, who was injured in a Week 2 victory at Tennessee. But veteran Charlie Batch, making his first start since December 2007, led the Steelers to a 38-13 win at Tampa Bay. Even though Pittsburgh lost to Baltimore 17-14, the Steelers emerged from the first month 3-1 before Roethlisberger returned. "We're a little bit annoyed, to be quite honest (of) the premature reporting of our death," Tomlin said. "We're not astounded by it. We expect to win."
PACKERS: Mike McCarthy did a masterful job of keeping his team together despite an unrelenting siege of injuries that put 15 players on injured reserve this season, including key players such as running back Ryan Grant, offensive tackle Mark Tauscher, linebackers Brandon Chillar and Nick Barnett and tight end Jermichael Finley. But McCarthy and his staff kept preparing and plugging in new players, and the Packers, remarkably, never trailed by more than seven points in any game this season, and their six losses came by a total of 20 points.
SUPER BOWL GOATS
Starting today leading up to the Grand Daddy of the all I will have moment's for the Super Bowl's gone by good and bad, so without any further due.
They are members of a fraternity they never wanted to join, united in their misery. Their initiation was the result of misfortune, incompetence or a combination of both. They have dropped passes, thrown interceptions, fumbled and stumbled in front of millions of viewers in the most prestigious football game in the United States. They are Super Bowl Goats, a collection of men assigned blame for their teams' failed bids to win a championship.
11. RICH KARLIS, DENVER BRONCOS, SUPER BOWL XXI
Normally reliable, Karlis connected on a 48-yard field-goal attempt to give the Broncos an early lead. But then things went haywire. He missed a 23-yard gimme and a 34yard try that would have padded Denver's advantage. Instead, the Giants erased their deficit and went on to crush the Broncos, 39-20.
10. HANK BASKETT, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, SUPER BOWL XLIV
The complexion of the game changed in the blink of an eye, on the opening play of the second half. Trailing 10-6, New Orleans recovered its onside kick after the ball caromed off Baskett's facemask. The Saints then outscored the Colts by 18 points in the final two quarters.
9. DUANE THOMAS, DALLAS COWBOYS, SUPER BOWL V
Although some wonder whether the Cowboys should have retained possession in the ensuing scrum, Thomas lost the ball on the Colts' one-yard line with Dallas leading by a touchdown. The fumble was a mighty blow to the Cowboys, who didn't score again and lost, 16-13.
8. ASANTE SAMUEL, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, SUPER BOWL XLII
If Samuel hadn't dropped an errant pass from Giants QB Eli Manning on the same drive, would David Tyree have claimed his 15 minutes of fame? Would the Giants have won the Super Bowl? Would New England's perfect season have been ruined? The answers are all the same: Nope.
7. LEWIS BILLUPS, CINCINNATI BENGALS, SUPER BOWL XXIII
Billups dropped a certain interception with the Bengals leading 13-6, enabling 49ers quarterback Joe Montana to etch his name in Super Bowl lore. After flirting with disaster, Montana capitalized on the very next play, throwing for a touchdown and setting the stage for more heroics in a 20-16 comeback win.
6. THURMAN THOMAS, BUFFALO BILLS, SUPER BOWL XXVIII
As one of the featured players on a team that lost four consecutive Super Bowls, Thomas had plenty of opportunities to contribute to the Bills' misery. In Super Bowl XXVI, he couldn't locate his helmet, missed the first two offensive plays and rushed for 13 yards on 10 carries in a 37-24 loss to the Redskins. Two years later, Thomas lost the ball twice against the Cowboys. James Washington returned the second fumble for a 46-yard touchdown that tied the score in a game the Cowboys won, 30-13.
5. JOHN KASAY, CAROLINA PANTHERS, SUPER BOW XXXVIII
After the Panthers tied the score at 29-29 with less than a minute remaining, Kasay sent the kickoff out of bounds, giving New England the ball at its 40. Six plays later, after New England moved into Carolina's territory, Adam Vinatieri converted a 41-yard field goal to finish off the Panthers with four seconds to spare.
4. EARL MORRALL, BALTIMORE COLTS, SUPER BOWL III
First, Morrall didn't see Jimmy Orr wide open downfield. Then, the pass he did throw landed in the hands of the Jets' Jim Hudson. Two blunders on the same play -a fleaflicker, of all things -helped the Jets pull off a shocking upset and made Morrall's counterpart, Joe Namath, a legend.
3. JACKIE SMITH, DALLAS COWBOYS, SUPER BOWL XIII
The images are still fresh in the minds of many. Roger Staubach looking away in disbelief. The Cowboys rushing from the sideline to rejoice before recoiling once they realized there was nothing to celebrate. The man who couldn't make the catch all alone, his back on the grass. How did Jackie Smith drop the ball? With the Cowboys trailing 21-14, Smith was wide open in the middle of the end zone, when Staubach threw a pass that seemed destined to produce a touchdown. But when the ball arrived, Smith couldn't grab it. The Cowboys would lose to the Steelers, 35-31.
2. NEIL O'DONNELL, PITTSBURGH STEELERS, SUPER BOWL XXX
A game manager in the truest sense of the term, O'Donnell seemed to lose awareness when he unleashed two passes that appeared intended for Dallas cornerback Larry Brown. The Cowboys converted both turnovers into touchdowns. Some wags wondered if O'Donnell would join the Super Bowl party in Big D after the 27-17 outcome.
1. EUGENE ROBINSON, ATLANTA FALCONS, SUPER BOWL XXXIII
Eugene Robinson, a man regarded for his religiosity, was arrested the day before the big game on a charge of soliciting an undercover police officer. Trouble seemed to follow Robinson onto the field, where he was burned by Rod Smith on an 80-yard touchdown that gave Denver a 14-point lead in a game that would turn into a 34-19 rout. When it was all over, the Pro Bowl safety's reputation was so thoroughly tarnished that he had become as much a sympathetic figure as he was a laughingstock.
THE PLAYER LABELED A GOAT WHO REALLY WASN'T SCOTT NORWOOD, BUFFALO BILLS, SUPER BOWL XXV
Yes, his kick would have won the game. Yes, it sailed wide right. Yes, Scott Norwood is a convenient scapegoat. But no, he doesn't deserve to be lumped in with the other men on this list. Norwood's attempt was from 47 yards. That's not exactly a chip shot. The Giants' offence held the ball, and their defence didn't budge, prompting the Bills to fetch Norwood so he could save them from a 20-19 defeat. When he couldn't, he was blamed. Perhaps it's time for Norwood to be pardoned.
They are members of a fraternity they never wanted to join, united in their misery. Their initiation was the result of misfortune, incompetence or a combination of both. They have dropped passes, thrown interceptions, fumbled and stumbled in front of millions of viewers in the most prestigious football game in the United States. They are Super Bowl Goats, a collection of men assigned blame for their teams' failed bids to win a championship.
11. RICH KARLIS, DENVER BRONCOS, SUPER BOWL XXI
Normally reliable, Karlis connected on a 48-yard field-goal attempt to give the Broncos an early lead. But then things went haywire. He missed a 23-yard gimme and a 34yard try that would have padded Denver's advantage. Instead, the Giants erased their deficit and went on to crush the Broncos, 39-20.
10. HANK BASKETT, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, SUPER BOWL XLIV
The complexion of the game changed in the blink of an eye, on the opening play of the second half. Trailing 10-6, New Orleans recovered its onside kick after the ball caromed off Baskett's facemask. The Saints then outscored the Colts by 18 points in the final two quarters.
9. DUANE THOMAS, DALLAS COWBOYS, SUPER BOWL V
Although some wonder whether the Cowboys should have retained possession in the ensuing scrum, Thomas lost the ball on the Colts' one-yard line with Dallas leading by a touchdown. The fumble was a mighty blow to the Cowboys, who didn't score again and lost, 16-13.
8. ASANTE SAMUEL, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, SUPER BOWL XLII
If Samuel hadn't dropped an errant pass from Giants QB Eli Manning on the same drive, would David Tyree have claimed his 15 minutes of fame? Would the Giants have won the Super Bowl? Would New England's perfect season have been ruined? The answers are all the same: Nope.
7. LEWIS BILLUPS, CINCINNATI BENGALS, SUPER BOWL XXIII
Billups dropped a certain interception with the Bengals leading 13-6, enabling 49ers quarterback Joe Montana to etch his name in Super Bowl lore. After flirting with disaster, Montana capitalized on the very next play, throwing for a touchdown and setting the stage for more heroics in a 20-16 comeback win.
6. THURMAN THOMAS, BUFFALO BILLS, SUPER BOWL XXVIII
As one of the featured players on a team that lost four consecutive Super Bowls, Thomas had plenty of opportunities to contribute to the Bills' misery. In Super Bowl XXVI, he couldn't locate his helmet, missed the first two offensive plays and rushed for 13 yards on 10 carries in a 37-24 loss to the Redskins. Two years later, Thomas lost the ball twice against the Cowboys. James Washington returned the second fumble for a 46-yard touchdown that tied the score in a game the Cowboys won, 30-13.
5. JOHN KASAY, CAROLINA PANTHERS, SUPER BOW XXXVIII
After the Panthers tied the score at 29-29 with less than a minute remaining, Kasay sent the kickoff out of bounds, giving New England the ball at its 40. Six plays later, after New England moved into Carolina's territory, Adam Vinatieri converted a 41-yard field goal to finish off the Panthers with four seconds to spare.
4. EARL MORRALL, BALTIMORE COLTS, SUPER BOWL III
First, Morrall didn't see Jimmy Orr wide open downfield. Then, the pass he did throw landed in the hands of the Jets' Jim Hudson. Two blunders on the same play -a fleaflicker, of all things -helped the Jets pull off a shocking upset and made Morrall's counterpart, Joe Namath, a legend.
3. JACKIE SMITH, DALLAS COWBOYS, SUPER BOWL XIII
The images are still fresh in the minds of many. Roger Staubach looking away in disbelief. The Cowboys rushing from the sideline to rejoice before recoiling once they realized there was nothing to celebrate. The man who couldn't make the catch all alone, his back on the grass. How did Jackie Smith drop the ball? With the Cowboys trailing 21-14, Smith was wide open in the middle of the end zone, when Staubach threw a pass that seemed destined to produce a touchdown. But when the ball arrived, Smith couldn't grab it. The Cowboys would lose to the Steelers, 35-31.
2. NEIL O'DONNELL, PITTSBURGH STEELERS, SUPER BOWL XXX
A game manager in the truest sense of the term, O'Donnell seemed to lose awareness when he unleashed two passes that appeared intended for Dallas cornerback Larry Brown. The Cowboys converted both turnovers into touchdowns. Some wags wondered if O'Donnell would join the Super Bowl party in Big D after the 27-17 outcome.
1. EUGENE ROBINSON, ATLANTA FALCONS, SUPER BOWL XXXIII
Eugene Robinson, a man regarded for his religiosity, was arrested the day before the big game on a charge of soliciting an undercover police officer. Trouble seemed to follow Robinson onto the field, where he was burned by Rod Smith on an 80-yard touchdown that gave Denver a 14-point lead in a game that would turn into a 34-19 rout. When it was all over, the Pro Bowl safety's reputation was so thoroughly tarnished that he had become as much a sympathetic figure as he was a laughingstock.
THE PLAYER LABELED A GOAT WHO REALLY WASN'T SCOTT NORWOOD, BUFFALO BILLS, SUPER BOWL XXV
Yes, his kick would have won the game. Yes, it sailed wide right. Yes, Scott Norwood is a convenient scapegoat. But no, he doesn't deserve to be lumped in with the other men on this list. Norwood's attempt was from 47 yards. That's not exactly a chip shot. The Giants' offence held the ball, and their defence didn't budge, prompting the Bills to fetch Norwood so he could save them from a 20-19 defeat. When he couldn't, he was blamed. Perhaps it's time for Norwood to be pardoned.
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