American Football (NFL)

oobi

Kawakami: The fate of two great teams hinges on one Norv Turner


By Tim Kawakami
Mercury News Sports Columnist
Sun, Jan. 28, 2007

Link to original article

Alex Smith or Tony Romo? Jerry Jones or Mike Nolan? It's funny how things are breaking for Norv Turner these days, and how large his next decision looms.

Has it really come down to Norv determining the fate of two historic NFL franchises? It looks like it's heading that way.

On one side stands Nolan, who brought Turner to the 49ers in 2006, saw Frank Gore turn into a monster and Smith into a credible quarterback, and definitely doesn't want to hire a third offensive coordinator in three seasons.

On the other side tugs Jones, the Dallas Cowboys owner who seeks a steady coach to nurture Romo, replace Bill Parcells, and possibly bridge the gap to a more exciting name in 2008.

In the middle is Turner, who has failed twice as a head coach but has an ego just as big as anybody else's and has emotional ties to those giddy Super Bowl days in Dallas.

The 49ers are reportedly -- and wisely -- maneuvering to increase Turner's already pretty good salary in an effort to keep him; the Cowboys could offer him much more.

So it'll be up to Norv: stay with the 49ers and break the hearts of his best NFL friends, or go to Dallas and shatter the progress of Smith, Gore and Nolan.

It's hard to believe that much hinges on one man, but it probably does.

Along with the rest of the 49ers staff, including a goateed Nolan (atribute to Rich Aurilia, Mike?), Turner spent Saturday in Mobile, Ala., coaching the South team in the Senior Bowl. (To a 27-0 loss, oh well.)

He's scheduled to interview with Jones today; San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips interviewed Friday, New Orleans defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs interviewed Saturday; and Jason Garrett, hired last week as an offensive staffer, is also a candidate for the top job.

Some Dallas-area reports indicate that Turner is the front-runner and that he wants the job. Can't understand it? I feel your confusion. But here's why Jones thinks Turner might be the right guy for a weird time and why Turner might agree with him:

oobi

NFL Insider


Turner still Cowboys' front-runner, wants control of staff
Link to original article

ESPN.com news services
Jan. 31, 2007

While Norv Turner remains the leading candidate to be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Turner has made some stipulations to the team, including asking for control over choosing his staff.

And it now looks like Turner would want Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera as his defensive coordinator in Dallas.

According to league sources, the Bears will allow Rivera's contract to expire at the end of this season (after the Super Bowl), and Rivera could leave the team to join the Cowboys staff.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys interviewed Bears Hall of Fame linebacker and 49ers assistant coach Mike Singletary on Tuesday and indications are that Singletary was very impressive in his interview.


Super Bowl officiating crew announced
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Associated Press
Jan. 31, 2007

MIAMI -- Brothers will officiate in the Super Bowl for the first time Sunday, with umpire Carl Paganelli and back judge Perry Paganelli working the game between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts.

Tony Corrente will referee his first Super Bowl. Corrente is concluding his 12th season in the league. He was the alternate referee for last year's game worked by Bill Leavy and has worked six playoff games.

Carl Paganelli is in his eighth NFL season and has worked six postseason matches. His brother is in his ninth year and has also done six playoff games.

Also on the officiating crew are head linesman George Hayward, line judge Ron Marinucci, field judge Jim Saracino and side judge John Parry. The Super Bowl officiating crew collectively has 73 years of NFL experience and 52 combined postseason game assignments.

Mark Burns will be the replay assistant, working his second Super Bowl. Jeff Triplette, Butch Hannah, Carl Johnson, Buddy Horton and Rich Reels will serve as alternate officials, Triplette as the backup referee.

Super Bowl officials are assigned according to a season-long evaluation system. Each must have five years of NFL experience and worked previous playoffs.


Tomlinson, Brees named players of year, Payton coach
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Associated Press
Jan. 31, 2007

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson and New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees were honored Wednesday as the NFL's players of the year, while the Saints' Sean Payton picked up another coach of the year award.

Tomlinson, who won The Associated Press' MVP award by a wide margin over Brees, rushed for 1,815 yards and a league-record 28 touchdowns this season, plus he set another NFL record by finishing with 186 points and 31 overall touchdowns.

"This means a lot to me," Tomlinson said in video remarks shown at a news conference at the Super Bowl.

Brees threw for a league-best 4,418 yards in the regular season, earning him All-Pro recognition in his first year with the Saints. He helped lead New Orleans to the NFC title game, where the Saints lost to the Chicago Bears.

"It's an award that really belongs to the city as well, after everything the city of New Orleans has gone through," Brees said. "The support we were able to get this year was tremendous. ... The excitement and energy and electricity was unbelievable."

Payton, in his first year as a head coach and the AP's coach of the year winner, led the Saints to a 10-6 record, the NFC South title, and a berth in the conference championship game. He was also hailed for helping to revitalize New Orleans as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina.

"We certainly, on a week-to-week basis, feel the support in New Orleans for our team and regionally for our team," Payton said. "And it's always exciting when something is voted on by the whole country. ... I'm proud to accept this award on behalf of everyone in our organization."


Packers coach says Favre's family to influence decision
Link to original article

ESPN.com news services
Jan. 31, 2007

MILWAUKEE -- Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday he believes Brett Favre's decision on whether he will return next season will depend on personal and family issues.

"It really has nothing to do with the team," McCarthy told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Tuesday in Miami, where the Super Bowl will be played Sunday. "I think Brett's questions last year were with regards to so many new things: new coach, new staff, [new] terminology, new players."

Those things are apparently not part of the mix this time, McCarthy said.

With Favre's future undecided, Green Bay fans might wonder how the veteran quarterback is spending his time while weighing whether or not to return for a 16th season with the Packers.


Troy Smith pushing Browns hard to draft him
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NFL.com wire reports
Jan. 30, 2007

CLEVELAND (Jan. 30, 2007) -- Usually the one avoiding pressure, Troy Smith is putting the heat on the Cleveland Browns.

Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is lobbying his hometown team to select him in the 2007 NFL Draft, and he isn't missing any chance to remind the Browns he'll be available to them soon.

Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance speech he thanked the city's fans for their support.

"Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level with the Cleveland Browns," he said.


Tomlin hires five to complete Steelers staff
Link to original article

NFL.com wire reports
Jan. 29, 2007

PITTSBURGH (Jan. 29, 2007) -- Mike Tomlin apparently intends to make special teams a priority in his first season as the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach.

Tomlin completed his first staff by hiring five new coaches, including Bob Ligashesky as the special teams coach and Amos Jones as Ligashesky's assistant.

Also added were wide receivers coach Randy Fichtner, running backs coach Kirby Wilson and offensive line coach Larry Zierlein.

Tomlin, hired Jan. 22, retained six members of Bill Cowher's final staff -- including new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who was promoted from receivers coach. Also returning are defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, defensive line coach John Mitchell, linebackers coach Keith Butler and tight ends coach James Daniel.

Ray Horton, previously the assistant defensive backs coach, was promoted to defensive backs coach. Darren Perry, the former Steelers player who held that job for the last three seasons, was not retained.

hetrek

ohh..
banyak update..
tq oobi...
sori la..jarang online..
tak dapat access internetdari oofice..

superbowl monday ni kat sini..
camne la aku nak tengok nih...
aku rase nak gi keje dulu..
tunjuk muke skitskit..
pastu balik jap..
pas abis game datang balik..haha....

oobi

ambik cuti aje hetrek, senang. kat sini, orang berebut beli big screen tv, just like past years. bila ada superbowl aje, masa nilah orang ambil kesempatan beli big screen.

chuckiey

3 ari je lagi...

hetrek

keje baru nak masuk sebulan..
takut la nak amik cuti..
stll under probathion 6 months..
bad reputation lak nanti...
hehehe...

but anyway..
im not gonna miss it anyway..
hoho...

oobi

just watched a story about peyton manning on espn classic. i only realized about it 20 minutes before it ended. so, only able to watch part of his college days up to the superbowl. i didn't really follow his play in college but did know that he was the best qb prospect out of ncaa. and i did watch his first college game at tennessee, but forgot against what team. the only thing i really remember was, he was taking over from starting qb to ingite the volunteers offense.

anyway, watching his story o espn classic really reminded me of steve young, ex-49ers qb. young had a rougher road compare to manning in being one of the best at his position, and in winning the superbowl. manning always play quarterback. young, they put him almost all over the place, especially rb and safety - was 8th in the depth chart while at utah. he also had to play in usfl (los angeles express - was awarded the riches contract in pro football barnone at that time) before the league was folded and his right was obtained by tampa bay bucs. in san francisco, he had to fight the shadow of the best qb in the history of the nfl, joe montana. he won 6 nfl passing titles and two league mvps, but never a superbowl. it was hard for him, and even harder for the niners fans to accept him as they were spoiled by joe. slowly, he was being accepted by san franciscans. in 1994, young led one of the best teams in nfl history to a superbowl and won it by throwing superbowl record, 6 touchdowns. at that time, the monkey was off his back and most sf fans started to embrace him as who he is, and not kept comparing him with montana.

yes, joe montana is the best qb in nfl history so far. but for me, steve young will always be the best qb.

oobi

less than 7 hours left before the kickoff of the second last game in the nfl, the superbowl. for two weeks, everybody has been anxiously waiting for the game. yes, everybody. not only the two organizations that involve directly with the game.

most football crazy people are set with their big screen tv. non-football fans also don't want to be left out. they are also getting their own big screens as this is the only time where you can watch some of the best tv commercials making their 2007 debut. good or bad, your commercials will be the talk around water cooler, during lunch, in meetings, etc. the next day.

it's about 10:30 am miami time but the parking lots are already getting filled up by vehicles from the fans of both teams, the chicago bears and the indianapolis colts.

oobi, i'll be watching the game on my own tube. for this superbowl, i'm going with the colts. why? i'm an nfc fan but i want coach dungy and marvin harrison (one of the best receivers in the game) to win it. they are two of the classiest human beings in the world. dome teams have never won any championship games, in either conferences, until this year. so, it won't be easy for the colts. but, with peyton manning at qb, harrison and wayne at receiver, clark at tight end, it will be hard for chicago defense to completely stop the colts offense.

but, can the colts defense stop chicago offense? i believe they can. if they played like the last three playoff games, they should be able to stop the bears offense. i was very impressed with the colts when they won against baltimore in divisional game, in baltimore - a very nasty place to play. baltimore has better qb and rb, compared to chicago. if they could stop the ravens, then they should be able to stop the bears. yes, defense wins championship, but you still need an offense to complete the team.

mr. vinatieri, don't kick the ball to mr. hester.




[ Last edited by  oobi at 4-2-2007 11:55 PM ]

oobi

14 seconds into the game, chicago leads indianapolis 7-0. devin hester took the opening kickoff from adam vinatieri to the house!

oobi

colts first possession ended with an interception.

oobi

with a 53-yard touchdown pass to reggie wayne, peyton manning helped the colts cutdown the lead to 7-6. bad snap during extra point, prevented them from tying the score.

oobi

after exchanging fumbles, chicago added 7 more points to their lead - rex grossman td pass to muhsin mohamad. the score was setup by a 52-yard run by thomas jones.

oobi

after first quarter, chicago 14 indianapolis 6. both teams commited 2 turnovers.

p/s: what a hit colts' bob sanders laid on bears' cedric benson - benson fumbled the ball in bears territory.

chuckiey

congratulation colts.. bears banyak wat mistakes.. 2 intercept near the end of the game.. big no no!

oobi

just my observation:

there's not much chicago could do. trailing by about 2 touchdowns, they had to air it out. indy knew this and they just sit back and wait. after scoring the first two touchdowns, chicago didn't seem like they were playing to win. they looked like they were playing not to lose. they were not as aggresive as they should be. they should have blitz manning more often than just left him sit back in the pocket. if you do that, manning will pick your defense apart, and that's exactly what he did.

but, i understand why the bears didn't blitz manning. they were confident that their front four would be able to pressure manning and the colts. plus, if they blitz, they would leave colts receivers in man to man coverage, which is even worse. you can't cover marvin harrison and reggie wayne one to one. plus, they need to think of dallas clark. the lost of cedric benson also hurt them.

i don't think chicago got enough chances as their defense was on the field for about 20 minutes in the first half alone, and they had to be on the field again right after half-time show. they were tired. indy really took advantage of the situation. in a wet miami weather, it's hard to get in rhythm when you're sitting on the sideline most of the game, and that's what happen to chicago offense. they were cold and it showed.

chicago should have used more trick plays to neutralize indy speedy pass rushers. they should try more screen and double reverse plays. use devin hester, either as primary ball carrier or a decoy. that would at least make indy defense think.

chicago defense is basically the same as indy defense, a cover two defense. they should know how to exploit it, throw more underneath pass. take what the defense gives you instead of pushing it up field. that's what indy did. if the bears changed their defensive scheme a little bit, by using cover three, that would push manning to throw up field more and they would have more opportunities to force turnover.

congratulation to the colts organization for becoming the first dome team to win a superbowl.

chuckiey

off topic jap
tony dungy tu rupe2nye ex player u aku.. bangge sket..

hetrek

tahun biler tuh?
mesti ade dalam gambagamba hall/wall of fame kat sane ek?

hetrek

oh..
thanks oobi for the news...

papepon...
kali ni berjaye jugak menonton...
sempat balik dalam 830...
sampaisampai tengah halftime show prince...
blole la layang separuh..
tapi tengok highlight..1sf lagi mencabar..
macam banyak mistakes yang dieorang buat...
missed fieldgoal, snap..dll....
2nd half nampak sangat colts betulbetul control the game..
rex grossman...apetah jadi kat dier..
hampeh betol mainnyer....
taktau la nasib die camne tahun depan...
papepon..
colts menang..
yeee...

yeah...
akhirnye tamat jugak season 2006..
dapat jugak aku menengok american football...
sebab football ni jugak yang membuatkan aku register kat forumcari sematemate nak bukak topik nih..nak carik kawankawan yang samesame miant...
semogemoge kite bertemu lagi tahun depan...

haaaaha..
emosi la plak...

oobi

the season may be finished, but there are lots of interesting events ahead. next week, pro bowl. oobi mungkin tengok gitu-gitu aje. tak minat sangat pro bowl ni. then, free agency and draft. these are the two events yang oobi follow closely before training camp.

hetrek, suruh ler astro subscribe nfl network. sure tak bergerak dari couch.

oobi

tony dungy played qb for golden gophers in the 70s, from 73-76 rasanya. was recruited by his current offensive coordinator, tom moore (was head coach at minnesota then). then, played safety for pittsburgh steelers before being traded to the 49ers.