Sad news today about the death of former quarterback Steve McNair. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to his family.
After five safety-oriented rule changes were made on Tuesday, the NFL followed with six more rules changes on Wednesday that seem to address common sense. Let’s take a look at all 11, starting with the common sense rules put on the books yesterday.
Read the rest here:
The NFL continues the re-writing of the rule book
- Image via Wikipedia
Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com, Peter King of SI.com and Adam Schefter of NFL Network have all reported, and apparently confirmed, that Jets QB Brett Favre has retired.
Favre is, for the moment, maintaining his retirement is permanent, both via agent Bus Cook and text message to Peter King directly.
This is no different, however, than Favre’s supposed “permanent retirement” prior to the 2008 season. He changed his mind in that situation, as he has in several other situations when he played for the Green Bay Packers, and created an ugly situation in which Favre and the Packers parted ways in what was termed an “ugly divorce”.
It is speculated Favre retired with intent on returning for the Minnesota Vikings rather than the Packers. The Packers produced a powerplay in which they were able to force Favre to either accept the trade to the Jets, be cut, or face being on the bench behind Aaron Rodgers. He chose the trade, and played a mediocre year, in which he was miraculously voted to the Pro Bowl.
The “Favre Watch” now starts, waiting to see if he will change his mind yet again, or remain in retirement.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Assassination of Character: The Problem With The Brett Favre Sabotage Story (bleacherreport.com)
- ESPN: Brett Favre Plans to Retire (gothamist.com)
Yes, I know I’m a bit late on this one. Sorry! Trying to catch up with my drafts box.
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers on being the 1st team in NFL history to acquire 6 SuperBowl wins!
Condolences to the Arizona Cardinals. You played a great game, and played your hearts out. You have every reason to be proud of the effort you put into the game.
2-1-09
|
@ |
± |
TIME (EST) |
NETWORK
|
|
| Steelers 27 | Cardinals 23 | Cardinals | - | 6 PM | NBC |
- Image via Wikipedia
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the first franchise in NFL history to win six Super Bowl titles.
The Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers squared off today in Super Bowl XLIII, and in a game that proved to be better than anticipated, the Steelers managed to come from behind in the last 2:37 of the game to pull off the victory, 27-23 in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The Steelers had a ten point lead at half-time, 17-7. But crafty Kurt Warner and the explosive Arizona Cardinals offense managed to battle back into the game after falling behind 20-7. In a fourth quarter rally, the Cardinals scored an incredible 16 unanswered points. They pulled ahead 23-20 on a long pass from Warner to Larry Fitzgerald who darted through the Steelers defense for a 64-yard touchdown. But the Steelers rallied in the last 2:37 and Ben Roesthlisberger found Santonio Holmes in the back corner of the endzone. Holmes tip-toed inbounds and controlled the ball, and even after a lengthy booth review, the replay showed touchdown with 35 seconds to go in the game.
On the ensuing drive, with 29 seconds to play, Warner began marching the Cardinals down the field, but the Steelers defense pressured him and forced a fumble with five seconds left on the clock. The Steelers recovered, took a knee, and made history.
The Arizona Cardinals have nothing to be ashamed of, though they did lose the game. Warner was 31 for 43, for 377 yards and three touchdowns, with one costly interception at the close of the first half. Larry Fitzgerald, silent for most of the game, came alive in the second half and caught seven balls for 127 yards and two touchdowns. The Cardinals, however, also set a Super Bowl record … for penalties. They had 10 flags thrown their way for a total of 106 yards.
Ben Roethlisberger went 20 of 31 for 256 yards, and the only touchdown he threw was to Santonio Holmes in the final 35 seconds of the game to win. Holmes caught 9 balls for 131 yards and the game-winning score. But the highly vaunted Pittsburgh rushing attack was stymied, with only 58 total yards. In the end, however, Roethlisberger extended plays by moving out of the pocket and eluding the Arizona defense, converting on key downs to keep drives alive. During the regular season, Roethlisberger was heavily criticized for holding the ball too long, but tonight, it made all the difference.
Once again, congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers players, organization and to the Rooney family for their place in NFL history.
To the Arizona Cardinals and their fans, you have our sympathies. We, personally, rooted for your team and thought they played a very good game. There is nothing anyone can say to condole your loss, and we know that from experience, because we’re Patriots fans in our house. 35 seconds seems to be the magic number in Super Bowls these last few years, doesn’t it? Congratulations on a fantastic season and post-season, and even though it stings, it will pass.
But losing sucks, doesn’t it?
Well, I caught a lot of heat for my Championship picks last week. My Steelers friends were annoyed (okay, they hated me for a few hours) that I picked the Ravens. Steelers won though so my friends had gloating rights. And used them. 
My husband thought I was insane to pick the Cardinals over the Eagles, but I was right on that one, so I had gloating rights.
Now we’re down to the wire and I have to choose.
The Steelers have a strong defense and are a great team. No question. But the Cardinals have Kurt Warner who’s had a lot of experience that Big Ben hasn’t had, and the Cards have been on an amazing roll. Can they sustain that over this “bye week” in between the Championship and the SuperBowl? Will Hines Ward be able to play? The Steelers have won 2 of the 3 match-ups the teams have had since 1997. Both teams have pros and cons and I do believe it’s going to be a tough, nail-biter of a game.
But I’m going with the Cardinals. Yes, I know. Everyone who’s anyone in football is going with the Steelers, but I’m going with my feeling. If I’m wrong, I have no doubt you’ll all rub it in – and I’ll take it. 
2-1-09
|
@ |
± |
TIME (EST) |
NETWORK
|
|
| Steelers | Cardinals | Cardinals | 6 PM | NBC | |
