I mulled avoiding last night's game as far as the teams were concerned and considered just taking the over. I figured at least one of the two injured Packer defenders who were game-time decisions would play and went with Green Bay taking the seven points. Neither Charles Woodson nor Kabeer Gbaja-Bialmila played and a Cowboy field goal in the last minute-and-change covered. Ugh. And, of course, the 37-27 final easily took care of the over.

I'm not wild about too many games this weekend, especially the Monday night game where the Ravens are getting 20 points against New England. The over-under there is 49, 50. If I could be convinced the Ravens could get at least 20, I'd go there. That would take a lot of convincing, though. The season record here is 22-17-2.

Cleveland at Arizona (-1). The Cardinals are a mystery and that's a good reason to stay away from them. But Cleveland has been pretty consistent. They have a surprisingly efficient offense and Jamal Lewis is beginning to have big days for them. The Browns' defense, though, has been giving up yards in bunches and the Cardinals have the potential of putting up big numbers in the passing game. The Browns have been undervalued all season, which is why they're 9-2 against the spread. Pick: Browns, getting 1.

New York Giants at Chicago (1 1/2). The Giants lead the Bears in every statistical category and are only 1 1/2-point favorites. That's the Eli factor at work, folks. Look, I figure Manning is bad about half the time but Rex Grossman is bad about 80 percent of the time. If Tom Coughlin can learn from Mike Shanahan's mistake and just not kick the ball to Devin Hester, the Giants' defense should be able to win this one with minimal help from the offense. Pick: Giants, giving 1 1/2 points.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

If criticism can be a motivator, the Ravens better be braced for New England's Randy Moss on Monday night.

In a telephone press conference on Wednesday, Monday Nigh Football analyst Ron Jaworksi ripped Moss for taking off plays during New England's 31-28 close call with Philadelphia Sunday night.

From the transcript of the press conference, Jaworski said, "When I went through the tape, it was the first time that I was personally disappointed in a Randy Moss performance. I did not see the same energy on every single play that I had seen so far this season. When he was the No. 1 go-to guy on a route, he gave great effort and hustle. There were some plays on the back side, when he wasn't the primary receiver, I did not see the great effort. Knowing how the Patriots handle things internally, I'm sure there have been some discussions on Randy, 'Every snap, we need 100 percent out of you.' I thought a few times Tom (Brady) tried to get him involved in the game and tried to force some balls in to him."

Jaws went on to say that he expected that when the Patriots went through their tape review of the Eagles game that Moss would be asked what he might have been thinking on some particular plays. Jaworski also said that with effort being the difference between Moss and Dallas wide receiver Terrell Owens, at the moment he would take Owens over Moss as a teammate.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports in his blog that New England quarterback Tom Brady came to Moss' defense. Among the things Brady had to say were: "I have never, ever felt he has taken plays off. Are you kidding me? There is nothing there about Randy's game that I'm not 100 percent positive on.

"Randy is an extremely mentally tough person and people have criticized him since the day he got here. People have pre-judged him and stereotyped him. He's been nothing but a positive influence on this team, on this locker room, and his performance speaks for itself. He's probably the most feared offensive player in the game, so what somebody says outside of this locker room means nothing."

The Ravens have played against Moss before in a Monday night game. It was the Ravens' second-ever MNF game, a 19-3 Baltimore win on Jan. 7, 2002. Moss was involved in a trick play on Minnesota's only scoring drive but not as the guy making the catch. Moss threw the ball, a 29-yarder to Chris Carter, that helped set up a field goal.

Photo credit:  Winslow Townson/AP

Posted by Bill Ordine at 2:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
                    

Someone should keep an eye on John Madden. There is some possibility, however infinitesimal, that Brett Favre's consecutive games streak might be in jeopardy.

OK, the good news is that Favre says he's had similar injuries in the past and played, and he does have and extra four days to recuperate before the Packers play the Oakland Raiders in nine days. The bad news is that he did get banged up pretty good when he was sacked by Cowboys DB Nathan Jones on a blitz in the second quarter. Jones came unimpeded from Favre's front side. But Favre was focused downfield and double-loaded, giving Jones a chance to deliver a big blow. 

Favre suffered two injuries. One that the TV audience was aware of was a shot to the so-called funny bone on his throwing arm elbow that left his fingers numb and unable to grip the ball. The other was a separated left shoulder, naturally his non-throwing arm, that was revealed after the game.

Meanwhile, the grizzled gunslinger was doing his best John Wayne, saying that he's had worse and played. But, well, you never know.  His NFL-record consecutive start streak is at 249 regular-season games and 269 counting playoffs.

Those who love to watch Favre play, and no one is more vocal about it than Madden, are hoping he's right.

Photo credit: Morry Gash/AP

Posted by Bill Ordine at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                    

It's too bad that last night's Packers-Cowboys game wasn't available in more homes because it was quite the melodrama.

If you didn't see the game, you still probably already know that Dallas won, 37-27, and that Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre was knocked out in the second quarter. And you may have also heard that Packers backup QB Aaron Rodgers (18-for-26, 201 yards, 1 TD) acquitted himself well in the relief role.

But what you missed, in all likelihood, was a lot more. For instance, it was obvious throughout the game that the Packers missed their two injured defensive stars, CB Charles Woodson and DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, even more than Favre. And that penalties, Green Bay had 142 yards' worth, played a huge factor because a couple of long pass interference calls that went against Green Bay set up two Dallas TDs. And that Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens (7 catches, 156 yards, 1 TD) looked stupendous for two quarters and then allowed a sure touchdown bounce off his hands into the arms of Packers CB Al Harris. But that overall Harris had a dreadful game along with the rest of the Green Bay secondary. And Tony Romo (above with Owens) was the beneficiary of that shaky secondary and a lack of Green Bay pass pressure, throwing for four (should have been five) touchdown passes. And that a relatively unknown Cowboy, the speedy Miles Austin, had a huge impact with his kickoff returns and by drawing two long pass interference penalties. And that Packers coach Mike McCarthy essentially sealed his team's fate when he decided not to go for it on fourth-and-inches at the Dallas 35-yard line and kicked a long field goal instead with about five minutes left in the game.

If that all sounds a little breathless, well, it was that kind of game with one turning point after another, and subplots layered on top of subplots as Dallas moved to 11-1 and into position for home-field advantage through the playoffs, and the Packers dropped to 10-2 and fret over Favre's throwing arm.

But unless you had access to the NFL Network via satellite TV or upgraded cable or went to a sports bar (my choice) or you lived in Dallas-Fort Worth or Green Bay-Milwaukee, you were out of luck because the NFL and its network and the biggies in the cable industry can't share the same sandbox. And that's too bad.

* In the NBA, apparently there's a new rule. When the New York Knicks are on offense, they have to use 16-pound Brunswicks. That's the only way to explain their 30 percent shooting and 45-point loss against the Celtics last night. It took a 37-foot three-pointer by New York to avoid setting a franchise record for fewest points scored. But it may not be enough top save Knicks coach Isiah Thomas' job.  He described his team's play as "extremely selfish,"  according to news stories.

*  Louisville's football team was down by 18 points three times against Rutgers last night and still won, 41-38, on a late field goal. When I left the Rutgers game after the first period to catch the NFL game, the Cardinals looked dead, dead, dead.  But Louisville used a balanced attack to rally for 24 second-half points.

Photo credit: Chuck Burton/AP

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

So you thought you knew a little something about how expensive it is to attend live sports events.

Friend, you have no idea.

The Dallas Cowboys just introduced their fans to some of the prices for PSLs -- personal seat licenses -- for the team's new $1 billion stadium in Arlington, Texas. In short, a PSL gives you the privilege of buying season tickets, which you have to pay for separately.

The highest PSL price for a single seat -- $150,000. Next highest -- $100,000. As far as I can figure from a story in the Dallas Morning News and an accompanying chart, the cheapest PSL in the stadium's so-called lower bowl, from end zone to end zone, is $16,000. The PSL prices move in steps to $35,000 and then $50,000. And, of course, to $100,000 and $150,000. I'll say it again -- that's for each seat. The way I read it, the price of the tickets is locked in for the first five years but those prices are $340 per seat per game (including the two exhibition contests).

Are your eyes watering yet?

The Cowboys make the point that the most expensive PSL seats come with free food and beverage but c'mon, if you can afford 150-large for the PSL, do you really care about free nachos and longnecks? Gimme a break.

Prices for PSLs in the upper bowl have not been released, but the Cowboys say they'll be less expensive. And one more thing, the privilege to purchase a ticket is not in perpetuity, it's just for 30 years.

Image credit:  Dallas Cowboys via AP

Posted by Bill Ordine at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                    

It is becoming clear that it is almost virtually impossible to go anywhere and do anything in a public place where there won't be video of whatever it is that happened.

If you haven't heard by now, Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight or someone he was with reportedly managed to spray some folks down in Texas or their property with shotgun pellets while hunting. There were two separate incidents and no one got hurt.  One involved a woman who accepted Knight's apology and the other involved a man who had words with Knight.

The incident involving the man appears on video taken by the angry homeowner. The Dallas Morning News edited and posted the video on its Web site. 

Photo credit: Associated Press 

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

When the baseball season ended, the best guess was that it was the New York Yankees who would have the most significant changes in the offseason.

Well, with the Winter Meetings in Nashville looming next week, it's the Minnesota Twins who have had their fortunes most rearranged with defections,  trades or trades-yet-to-be.

As baseball fans may know, the Twins have been dangling Johan Santana, with a career 93-44 record and a 3.22 ERA. Last season was a diappointment by Santana standards as his ERA moved above 3-point-oh for the first time in four years.

But while the Sanatana thing is playing out, the Twins lost centerfield Torii Hunter as a free agent to the Los Angeles Angels (another team that's been dealing) and now they've traded for Tampa Bay's occasionally fiery-tempered OF Delmon Young.  In Young (left), the Twins get the bat, speed and some of the defense they'll miss with Hunter (and Young is, in fact, 10 years younger).  However, to get Young in what was a six-player trade, Minnesota had to give up starting shortstop Jason Barrett but more importantly, a good young arm in Matt Garza.  Garza, who came up to the Twins about midway through the season, had the second-lowest ERA among Minnesota starters.  Also in the deal is Brendan Harris, a decent hitting IF for Tampa Bay who went to Minnesota. 

It would seem with Garza out the door, if the Twins do trade Santana, a  two-time Cy Young winner, they're going to need to get some pitching in return.  The Santana deal is, in part, driven by the fact that Santana can become a free agent after next season and will be arriving at negotiations with an armored truck.

Photo credit: Al Behrman/AP

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

The service academies tee it up for their 108st meeting on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium but for just the fourth time in Baltimore. The Midshipmen have won the last five and are two-touchdown favorites again this year. Navy is 7-4 and headed for the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego against an opponent yet to be decided. Army is 3-8 but, of course, it will be a successful season if the Black Knights win Saturday.

Here's a look back on the storied rivalry with the musical theme of "If I could be like that." It's definitely pro-Navy with the Joe Bellino and Roger Staubach clips, but both sides can take pride in the sentiment.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

On the offensive side, ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski didn't see much hope that the Ravens could copy the Eagles' so-called "blueprint" for attacking the Patriots in Monday night's game. Employing a quick-release passing game that stretched the Patriot coverage and utilized the middle of the field, the Eagles scored 28 points against New England last Sunday night and, in the process, controlled the ball effectively enough to contain the Patriots' own awesome offense. (Even at that, Jaworski pointed out, the Patriots did score 31 points, held the ball for at least 70 plays and and gained 410 yards). 

Yet, Philadelphia did have a fourth-quarter lead and a chance to win it at the end and did so mostly by attacking aggressively on offense.

"The Eagles may not have that No. 1, go-to wide receiver but they do have a pretty good receiving corps where they can bring in three, four receivers," Jaworski said. "But what you really have to factor in there is (running back) Brian Westbrook, who is a big-play difference maker. I don't see where the Ravens have that kind of player who is going to give a defense that kind of matchup problem.

"Plus, (Eagles quarterback) A.J. Feeley did a very good of making the read, quickly processing information and then getting the ball out of his hand right away. And I don't think that Kyle Boller, at this point in his career, can necessarily do that."

Finally, Jaworski said, the Eagles' offensive line played an exceptionally strong game, keeping the Patriots off Feeley's back (he was sacked just twice in 42 pass attempts) while the Ravens' offensive line has struggled for most of the season.

Other than that, Baltimore should be just fine.

Photo credit:  Ken Hively/L.A. Times  

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                    

Looking ahead to Monday night's game between the Ravens and Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium, ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski said that the difference in the Ravens' defense this year as opposed to last season when Baltimore terrorized quarterbacks has more to do with the back end of the operation than the front end.

Last year, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's (right) defense had 60 sacks and limited opponents to a quarterback rating of an incredibly low 63.4. In 2007, the Ravens have just 22 sacks (projected to 32 for 16 games) and opposing quarterbacks have an 84.8 rating.

"Rex Ryan does a tremendous job of designing blitzes and getting home with those blitzes," Jaworski said. 

"But this year, even when those blitzes are getting home," Jaws continued, "the quarterback is getting the ball out of his hand."

So, here's the damage. According to Jaworski's analysis, the Ravens have blitzed 184 times in passing situations this year (second most in the NFL to Pittsburgh) and the results have been 12 touchdowns, seven interceptions, just 15 sacks and an opposing QB rating of 98.2. 

The fault, Jaworski concludes, lies with the coverage, where regular starting cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle have been out of the lineup. The defensive secondary can't hold coverage for the two seconds or so it takes for the blitz to "get home."

"You need cornerbacks you can have confidence in," Jaworski said.

Photo credit: Gene Sweeney Jr

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
                    

I'm going to select this one because I feel obligated to take a position on an important game like this one, although I'm not as certain about it as I normally like to be about a game.

Green Bay at Dallas (-7). First of all, that's a fair amount of points for a game involving two 10-1 teams. It started at 6 and shifted a point as the Dallas public money outpolled the Green Bay public money. And that's a solid seven, too, across the board both online and in Vegas. Dallas does have an edge in just about every statistical category you want to look at it. The only stat that shows Cowboy vulnerability is on pass defense, where they're No. 21 in the league. I think that number is deceiving but a more meaningful stat as you match Packer offense against Dallas defense is the number of sacks that Green Bay has given up -- just 14 with Brett Favre slinging on 425 attempts. Now, that's a key, so I do think the Packers will score their points. I'm a lot more concerned about the injury status of the Packers' defense with both cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (ankle, at right) game-time decisions. And did you know that KBG's name translates to "Big Man Come and Save Me" -- just a little tidbit you can toss out there to impress your friends tonight. Packer DT Johnny Jolly is supposed to be definitely out so that will hurt Green Bay's inside rush defense rotation. As Xs-and-Os go, it just makes sense that the Cowboys run early, force the Packers into eight in the box and then turn T.O. and TE Jason Whitten loose. I'm actually tempted to just not pick a team and take a shot at the over-under, which is 52. If I had to make a choice there, it would be over. All right, time to make a decision. I think the Cowboys win but the Packers cover. Pick:  Packers, getting 7.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

There are still no arrests in the killing of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor. Taylor's father visited the Redskins yesterday and what the players took away from that meeting was to try to win out and make the playoffs in their teammate's memory.

In this ESPN account, there is a video attached that includes an interview with Richard Sharpstein titled "Family friend gives details of Sean Taylor shooting" that provides some specifics about the event itself. Police have expressed the belief that that shooting was random, Sharpstein reinforced that belief, contending that a targeted assassination would have resulted in a different type of shooting. 

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle has a contrary opinion. Rolle is a lifelong friend of Taylor. They had played together as 6-year-olds in Homestead and at the University of Miami. Rolle believes that someone connected with Taylor's past, a past from which Taylor had distanced himself, is likely responsible.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
                    

Maryland's basketball team finally put away a major opponent last night in holding off Illinois at the Comcast Center, 69-60. Last week at a tournament in Kansas City, the Terps were bounced by UCLA and Missouri and were miserable from three-point range (a combined 2-for-26).  Against the 4-2 Illini, Maryland (5-2), shot a much more respectable 6-for-19 from three-point range and better than 44 percent overall. It was the sort of game that should build some confidence for a young Maryland team.

* NBA Commissioner David Stern saw his league's life flash before his eyes as Cleveland's LeBron James injured his index finger in a game against Detroit. So far, examination of the NBA's golden meal ticket has revealed a sprain and not a break. Undoubtedly distracted by James' injury, the Cavaliers -- who played as if they had only two guys on the court for the third period while the rest of the team paced nervously in the waiting room -- were waxed by the revenge-seeking Pistons by 35 points.

Photo credit: Duane Burleson/AP

Posted by Bill Ordine at 8:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

As the Green Bay-Dallas game nears and more people realize that they're not going to be able to see the game on their home TV because it's being broadcast on NFL Network, ire is rising.  In the local areas, meaning Dallas-Fort Worth and Green Bay-Milwaukee, the games must be carried on over-the-air channels. But there are many regions of Texas and Wisconsin that certainly consider the Cowboys and Packers the home team that are being shut out -- unless, of course, they have satellite or some upgraded cable.

Here's of the saddest tales so far.  According to a story written by Rachel Cohen of the Associated Press, a guy named Mike Martel who owns nursing homes in San Antonio said that the old folks, who normally congregate in the common rooms to watch the Cowboys every Sunday, won't get to see the big  game because the nursing homes only gets basic cable.

Dallas owner Jerry Jones (left) has been pretty smug about the Cowboys' role in all this because he apparently believes that fan consternation over popular games will eventually work to the NFL's favor its feud with some of the nation's biggest cable companies over how they offer NFL Network (and, as a result, how the cable companies bill customers).

And there's another storm cloud on the horizon.  The final regular-season game of the season for the New England Patriots against the New York Giants is also an NFL Network game -- Saturday, Dec. 29, 8:15 p.m. If the Pats are undefeated going into that one,  many viewers will be left scrambling if they want to watch the historic game.

Photo credit: Associated Press

Posted by Bill Ordine at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
                    

It goes without saying that this is an emotional time in the sports world. Much is being being expressed about Washington safety Sean Taylor's untimely and tragic death and there's not a great deal we can say here that would add to the reflection. Some of our Sun colleagues, as well as other voices, are doing a much better job than we could.

But this event comes at a sadly coincidental moment, just as Jimmy V Week begins. As many of you know, Jimmy V Week is an ESPN push to assist with fundraising for cancer research and treatment on behalf of the late Jim Valvano, the coach of the North Carolina State basketball team that won the national championship. There'll be programming and basketball games on ESPN's TV channels and tons written on ESPN.com, and I'm not here to advertise on behalf of the sports network.

But I did want to bring the spirit of Valvano's message to your attention, particularly at this moment. It was a message to appreciate life and, as much as possible, make every moment count. Obviously, Jimmy V said it better. And so here he does at the 1993 ESPY Awards. It's nearly 10 minutes but worth the time.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

When the Packers play at Dallas tomorrow in Big D (both are 10-1), the outcome could also decide the NFC title in a couple of months. A Green Bay win puts the conference title game, in all probability, at Lambeau Field -- obviously, a huge advantage for the Packers. A Cowboys win means essentially the converse -- the NFC road to the Supe would go through Texas Stadium.

So how does this one look?

Well, for starters, the Cowboys are 7-point favorites.  The Packers are 9-1-1 against the spread this season but the Cowboys have been no slouches; they're 8-3. The over-under is 51 1/2. Actually, we'll make our pick on this tomorrow but just wanted to set it up.

Weather forecast is good. Highs in the mid-60s, lows in the mid-40s and clear. So figure a starry Texas night in at least the mid-50s at kickoff. In other words, a fast track.

Brett Favre and Tony Romo are both having great years. Imagine an Al Michaels voiceover: Romo is the Wisconsin kid who grew up with Favre as his hero. Favre is making a curtain call as the leading man in a Super Bowl run.

Now, the Xs-and-Os. Some seem to think the chink in the Dallas armor may be its pass defense. I'm not so sure. The Cowboys are ranked 21st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. BUT that ranking is deceptive because an average of only six yards separates about 10 teams. More importantly, I think, are that they're plus-1 in interceptions-to-TD passes and have 30 sacks. Plus, they're allowing just 82 rushing yards a game. Of course, against Green Bay, they're looking at what amounts to a run-and-shoot offense with four and five receivers. That's been a difficult adjustment for a lot of Packers' opponents this season.

Offensively, the Cowboys are getting a great season out of Marion Barber -- apparently teammate Terrell Owens calls him Marion the Barbarian. Barber has 715 yards with an impressive 4.9-yard average. On the surface, Green Bay is so-so against the run, giving up 100 yards a game but, again, that's deceptive. Green Bay has given up only four rushing TDs. So, the Packers have been a lot easier to bend than to break. They're giving up just 16 points a game.

My initial take on this game is that despite the hype surrounding the quarterbacks, it will be  more of a defensive struggle than what would appear to be the case. We'll examine it more tomorrow.

Photo credit:  Associated Press

Posted by Bill Ordine at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

The Patriots just added Troy Brown and Chad Brown to their roster -- wide receiver-former defensive back T. Brown from the physically unable to perform list and one-time Steeler and Seahawk star C. Brown as a free agent.

What's interesting about this is how many birthday candles these guys blow out. Troy Brown, who was responsible for getting New England into the AFC championship game last year by forcing a fumble at a key point in the playoff game with San Diego, is 36. Chad Brown is 37.

Now think about this. If the Patriots field a linebacker lineup of Mike Vrabel (32), Tedy Bruschi (34), Junior Seau (38) and Chad Brown (37), the average age of the linebackers is over 35. Even with Adalius Thomas (30) playing, it's 33 1/2. And backup LB Larry Izzo is 33.

Say what you will about Bill Belichick, but he clearly weighs smarts and experience as heavily as sheer athleticism in putting together a team. And who can argue with that formula?  

Posted by Bill Ordine at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Hmmm, there's not much of an appreciation for satire at Tulsa, it seems.

The University of Tulsa is filing a complaint with Conference USA against those smarmy elitists at Rice over a football halftime show.

It appears the Rice marching band did a halftime show that lampooned Tulsa coach Todd Graham, who coached for one year at Rice before leaving for Tulsa. The skit was based on Dante's Inferno (that's Mr. Dante to the left)  and depicted a search through the circles of hell for the missing coach.

The skit ends with Graham being called a vulgar term by the announcer narrating the skit but some of it was pretty funny, such as this passage taken from a transcript of the program that appears on the Rice website:

Announcer: We thought we might find Todd Graham in the fourth circle with the greedy and the avaricious, but he was nowhere to be found. However, we did find his shredded Rice contract -- leading like breadcrumbs into the inferno -- and there, gathering the pieces, was Dennis Franchione.

(Note: Franchione recently resigned as the Texas A&M coach where he was singed earlier this year for selling an online newsletter with insider information to boosters, but that's another story.)

In the transcript (warning, Will Robinson, indelicate language in that link), you'll see references to the MOB.  That would be Rice's Marching Owls Band.

The Rice band director apologized but he didn't sound all that contrite.

"Tulsa won the football game and still has their coach," the band guy said. "This was his first time back since he left, and we gave him a rhetorical public flogging. Everyone expected it. It was as mild as we could make it with it still being funny."

So, who says they don't have a highbrow sense of humor in Texas.

Image credit: Associated Press

Posted by Bill Ordine at 8:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

We've been experiencing some technical hiccups here in The Sun's blog world. We apologize and hope to minimize them.

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams is out for the year after six carries and 15 yards.

If you saw that dreadful Monday night game against Pittsburgh -- I did -- Williams fell to the ground, fumbling in the process and in the scramble for the ball, a Steeler stepped squarely on the back of his right shoulder. The camera caught it clearly and the slo-mo replay made you wince. He has a torn chest muscle -- one would assume as a result of that play. He came back for another carry but left, obviously favoring that side of his body. 

Everyone knows about Williams' career and the fact that he was playing so soon after coming back from a 1 1/2-year suspension was surprising. On his first carry, he muscled his way to a first down.