2009 September | Midwest Sports Fans

White Sox-Cubs Trade Rumor: Jake Peavy for Carlos Zambrano…Really?

September 27, 2009 By Jerod Morris 3 Comments

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I sure hope that this is one of those cases of where there may be smoke, but no actual fire.

In Phil Rogers’ quick-hits column at the Tribune today (via FanNation T&R), he says that “some baseball people” believe that the White Sox and Cubs could be interested in swapping Jake Peavy and Carlos Zambrano.

Before I show you the excerpt, let me give you my unequivocal initial reaction to this White Sox-Cubs trade rumor, from my perspective as a White Sox fan: hell no!

Here is what Rogers has to say:

With Contract Up After 2010, What Should the Cubs Do With Sweet Lou?

September 27, 2009 By Big MB Leave a Comment

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Let me preface this entire article by saying that I have always been a fan of Lou Piniella, and when the Chicago Cubs hired him as their manager in 2006, I was extremely excited.

That being said the most recent collapse and downfall of the goat franchise of Major League Baseball begs the question: is it time to let Lou go and move on?

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Filed Under: MLB Tagged With: baseball, carlos zambrano, chicago, chicago cubs, cubs, fire lou piniella, MLB, NL

Vikings Win as Brett Favre Throws Game-Winning TD Pass With :02 Left (Video)

September 27, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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Wow.

Trailing 24-20 in the 4th quarter to the San Francisco 49ers, Brett Favre showed everyone why the Vikings were willing to bend over backwards to bring him in as their QB for 2009.

Here’s why:

Percy Harvin Week 3 Status Update: Expected to Play v 49ers

September 27, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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Percy Harvin has missed a couple of practices this week due to illness, leaving his Week 3 status in doubt. Pro Football Talk is reporting that Harvin is expected to play today against San Francisco and “looks great.”

Filed Under: Fantasy Football, NFL Tagged With: Fantasy Football, Minnesota Vikings, nfl injury updates, nfl week 3, percy harvin

Browns Limp Into Baltimore as 2-TD Underdog, Looking to Avoid Deadly Attack

September 27, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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First off, my apologies for the delay in posting this week’s Browns preview. I could blame it on a lack of time from the recent site redesign, or the fact that I’ve been a little under weather this week, or that there were other more interesting stories to write about; but, the real reason why I’m not writing and posting this until just a few hours before kickoff is that I’ve specifically wanted to avoid writing about today’s Browns-Ravens game.

Because, regardless, I am going to the Browns Backers with my parents to watch the game, and I have pretty much no hope whatsoever that the Browns have even a prayer to win today.

That lack of hope was made even more severe yesterday when it was announced that Jamal Lewis and Phil Dawson will not play in today’s game.

Quickly, here is the pertinent viewing info for this afternoon from the Week 3 TV schedule and point spreads guide:

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Filed Under: NFL Tagged With: Baltimore Ravens, brady quinn, browns-ravens, Cleveland Browns, jerome harrison, josh cribbs, nfl week 3

Desean Jackson, Brian Westbrook Injury Update and Week 3 Status

September 27, 2009 By Jerod Morris 6 Comments

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From a fantasy perspective, no team is more mind-achingly frustrating intriguing than the Philadelphia Eagles heading into Week 3. Not only do the Eagles have what looks to be a pretty sweet matchup against the hapless Kansas City Chiefs, but Philadelphia’s most recent injury report would make for half of a pretty good fantasy starting lineup:

QB: Donovan McNabb – doubtful with rib injury

RB: Brian Westbrook – questionable with ankle injury

WR: Desean Jackson – questionable with groin injury

WR: Kevin Curtis – doubtful with knee injury

Most McNabb owners are probably not counting on him playing this weekend. Certainly they should not be. McNabb is reportedly progressing well, but there is no reason for the Eagles to play him this week and risk further injury when they have a bye week coming up next week.

As for Desean Jackson, he participated fully in Friday’s practice and should be good to go on Sunday. With Kevin Curtis likely out, and rookie Jeremy Maclin lining up opposite Jackson, I expect Desean and Brent Celek to get most of the targets from probable starting QB Kevin Kolb. The reports were pretty solid about Jackson, so he should be ready to contribute normally.

With all that said, the most compelling and influential injury issue in Philadelphia for Week 3 is Brian Westbrook.

Update 9/27: ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio just reported that Brian Westbrook is OUT for Sunday’s game. Play LeSean McCoy.

Jamal Lewis, Phil Dawson Injury Update: Both Out Sunday v Ravens

September 26, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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With the Cleveland Browns reeling at 0-2, and entering tomorrow’s clash with Baltimore as prohibitive underdogs (13.5 points), Browns fans have been expecting a long and perhaps demoralizing game Sunday afternoon.

Now that two of the franchise’s most productive players this decade are not playing, the Browns chances of pulling off a shocking road upset look even more bleak.

Tim Tebow Knocked Out (Video), Taken to Hospital With Possible Concussion

September 26, 2009 By Jerod Morris 5 Comments

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Wow, crazy scene in Lexington tonight involving Tim Tebow.

Already feeling the effects of a “respiratory condition” than many were speculating might be the H1N1 virus (aka swine flu), Tebow was knocked out of tonight’s Florida-Kentucky game and taken to the hospital with a possible concussion.

The hit occurred with 12:41 left in the game and he obviously did not return. Before being injured, Tebow threw for 103 yards and a TD, and he also ran for 123 yards plus two scores.

Here is the painful video of the hit by Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham that knocked Tebow out:

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Filed Under: CFB Tagged With: CFB, florida gators, tim tebow, tim tebow injury, tim tebow knocked out, Urban Meyer, video

Hell of a Job by the Hoosiers (Not the Refs) in Ann Arbor

September 26, 2009 By Jerod Morris 3 Comments

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I was in Memorial Stadium the last time Indiana beat Michigan in football.

The year was 1987, and Indiana was just a few years removed from a winless season. With Bill Mallory as head coach, and led by Anthony Thompson and Dave Schnell, the Hoosiers put together one of the best seasons in school history that year. They beat both Michigan and Ohio State and found themselves in the top 10 for the only time since I’ve been alive.

Today, the Hoosiers — this edition coached by Bill Lynch and led by freshman RB Darius Willis and junior QB Ben Chappell — almost knocked off the Michigan Wolverines for the first time in two decades, but ultimately fell just short.

And the Hoosiers should justifiably be feeling cheated as they fly home.

Who knows what would have happened if the referees had not awarded possession to Michigan on a controversial interception with 2:30 left in the 4th quarter, but it sure would have been nice to see the Hoosiers have a chance to drive down the field.

NFL and College Picks for September 26th-27th

September 26, 2009 By Rich Brown 1 Comment

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I’m still looking to catch fire in college this year, and am not too excited about this week’s matchups. But, with that said, this will probably be the week we post a solid win total.

Purdue(+7) vs. Notre Dame

Purdue last week lost to Northern Illinois in a classic case of we’re looking ahead to next weeks game against Notre Dame. Well, next week is here and Notre Dame and Charlie (Grimace) Weis is in town. This series has seen plenty of entertaining high octane games, as the last five games have seen the teams combine for over 50 points scored in each.

Jimmy Clausen has still not thrown a pick this year and in my opinion is a heisman candidate. However, Clausen does lose his deep threat wide receiver in Michael Floyd who is out for the season. Notre Dame can score but they have a serious problem still trying to stop the run.

Ralph Bolden, the speed burner from Purdue, should be able to run at will against Notre Dame. Before last week’s loss to Northern Illinois, he was the nation’s leading rusher. Expect him to get back on track this week.

Notre Dame wins, but does not cover the 7 points.

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Filed Under: CFB, NFL

Browns’ Defense (Literally) Tries to Show Offense How to Have More “Punch”

September 26, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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If you have not heard, there is reason to believe that the Cleveland Browns might not be so “punchless” after all!

Of course, when the punches are coming from rookie defensive backs and directed at his own teammates, it’s probably not the kind of “punch” Eric Mangini and the embattled Browns are looking for.

Nonetheless, that’s what happened in the Browns’ locker room yesterday, as rookie DB Coye Francies did not take too kindly to a little rookie hazing.

Via the Plain-Dealer account of the fight between Coye Francies and his Browns teammates:

Browns rookie cornerback Coye Francies, the victim of a rookie prank, lost his temper in the locker room Friday, heaving a bucket of ice water at teammates and taking a swing at safety Abe Elam.

…

Francies first threw half the bucket toward Brandon McDonald, splashing him and scattering ice over the floor. Then, he tossed some at safety Mike Adams. “Welcome to the Browns locker room,” receiver Braylon Edwards shouted.

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Filed Under: NFL Tagged With: braylon edwards, Cleveland Browns, coye francies, eric mangini, NFL, shaun rogers

UT v UF: They’re Not Who We Thought They Were?

September 26, 2009 By J-Dools Leave a Comment

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Both Tennessee and Florida learned a lot about themselves after the 23-13 Florida victory last Saturday. The Gators might not be the untouchable #1 team they seemed to be, and the Vols still have some fight in them.

Tim Tebow and company were supposed to wipe the floor with Tennessee and were favored by 30 points. But when Eric Berry knocked Tebow flat on his back, the Vols made a statement that they weren’t going down easy.

This game was an all-out war between two SEC teams and rankings didn’t matter. If a few key plays had gone differently, this game could have gone either way. But in the end, Florida was the better team and came out on top.

Though Tennessee lost the game, they now have some of their swagger back that they had lost after the UCLA game. The Vols head back to Knoxville this Saturday to face the Ohio Bobcats.

Phase One of MSF Redesign Complete!

September 26, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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As the clock strikes 2:00 am on this dark, yet somehow gorgeous Friday night/Saturday morning, I have decided that Phase ONe of the MSF redesign is now complete. (Actually, my eyes have decided itt because they are closing without my consent.)

There is more to do, but frankly, I’m exhausted.

And, I mean, seriously. Look at that picture. I just took it with my webcam. I need some sleep!

With a visit from the parents scheduled tomorrow at noon (they’re coming to my basement…how ironic!) and then my little brother’s (Big Brother/Big Sister) football game, it’s going to be a busy day. Oh yeah…and I have to redesign another site for a client.

That one won’t be quite as much as fun, but tonight was a true labor of love. I hope you all enjoy the new design and find it more user-friendly. I will continue to make tweaks, especially to the sidebars, with the goal being to make it as easy as humanly possible for you to find whatever information you are looking for.

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Filed Under: Admin Comments Tagged With: msf

Friday Fun: Video of Football Coaches Going Off – The Remix

September 25, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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We’ve been light on posts today as I work on the redesign of the site. But here is a little Friday fun for you.

There is nothing as entertaining as football coaches going off:

Filed Under: Featured Column, Funny Tagged With: football, funny, humor, video

Bears-Seahawks Preview: Analysis and Prediction

September 25, 2009 By Tyler Juranovich Leave a Comment

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The Bears travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks this weekend, in what should be a pretty good football showdown in the rainiest city in the USA.

Here is your quick-hit viewer’s guide and Jerod’s pick from this week’s NFL TV schedule and point spread post:

Chicago Bears (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Bears-Seahawks Date: Sunday, September 27th
Bears-Seahawks Time: 4:05 ET
Bears-Seahawks TV Network: Dick Stockton and Charles Davis
Bears-Seahawks Announcers: FOX
Bears-Seahawks Point Spread: Bears -2.5
Bears-Seahawks Over-Under: 37
Bears-Seahawks Pick by Jerod: Poor Matt Hasselbeck. He just can’t seem to stay healthy anymore. If he were healthy and playing, I think they’d be a good bet to win and certainly to cover 2.5 points. However, I think last week’s win was a big confidence builder for Jay Cutler and the Bears. And after seeing what Frank Gore did to Seattle last week, Matt Forte will no doubt be ready for his 2009 breakout game. I think he gets it, and I think the Bears win by a TD. Bears-Seahawks free spread pick: Bears -2.5 (for the record, I’m already re-thinking this one…Seattle is tough to beat at home. But the absence of Hasselbeck seals it. Bears, minus the points, final answer.)

Bears-Seahawks Analysis

The Bears are coming off of a spectactular and uplifting win against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The #1 question for the Bears right now is when will Matt Forte put up some decent numbers? So far Forte has been shut down, and is only averaging 2.2 yds per carry. There still isn’t any need to worry though because the two teams he played have very good run defenses.

The Seahawks are ranked 26th in the league in run defense. Forte is set up to run over 100 yards this Sunday. A good running game means less pressure on the QB, which will be greatly needed because Jay Cutler has his work cut out for him. The Seahawks pass defense is ranked 2nd in the league. Passing against this defense will be tough, but Forte can help significantly if he can find the holes the O-line setup.

Bears fans liked seeing Cutler bounce back in Week 2 after a horrid Week 1, but will this just be another Good-Cutler, Bad-Cutler deal? Just like what happened with Rex Grossman? Chicago fans sure hope not.

The new player to look for is rookie WR Johnny Knox. He has created a stir around the NFL for showing great speed and catching ability. The Bears could have found a sleeper in this kid. Keep an eye out for him.

The Seahawks might have lost Hasselback again due to a rib injury. If Hasselback doesn’t play, Seneca Wallace will start for Seattle. Wallace started some games last year, and isn’t that bad of a QB, but losing Hasselback is a huge loss for a team that heavily relies on their QB. Seattle might have to find a way to win without Hasselback, a task that might prove fatal.

The Seahawks best bet is their running game. While it’s not great, it has been consistent, averaging 116.5 yds per game. If the running game doesn’t get going it puts more pressure on the passing game, a section that already is weakened.

Bears-Seahawks prediction: the loss of Hasselback is just do much for the Seahawks to recover from. Bears win 21-14.

Filed Under: NFL Tagged With: bears-seahawks preview, Chicago Bears, jay cutler, matt forte, Matt Hasselback, NFL, Seattle Seahawks

White Sox-Cubs Trade Rumor: Jake Peavy for Carlos Zambrano…Really?

With Contract Up After 2010, What Should the Cubs Do With Sweet Lou?

Vikings Win as Brett Favre Throws Game-Winning TD Pass With :02 Left (Video)

Percy Harvin Week 3 Status Update: Expected to Play v 49ers

Browns Limp Into Baltimore as 2-TD Underdog, Looking to Avoid Deadly Attack

Desean Jackson, Brian Westbrook Injury Update and Week 3 Status

Jamal Lewis, Phil Dawson Injury Update: Both Out Sunday v Ravens

Tim Tebow Knocked Out (Video), Taken to Hospital With Possible Concussion

Hell of a Job by the Hoosiers (Not the Refs) in Ann Arbor

NFL and College Picks for September 26th-27th

Browns’ Defense (Literally) Tries to Show Offense How to Have More “Punch”

UT v UF: They’re Not Who We Thought They Were?

Phase One of MSF Redesign Complete!

Friday Fun: Video of Football Coaches Going Off – The Remix

Bears-Seahawks Preview: Analysis and Prediction

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