Yardbarker: Latinferno

BEST DEFENSE OF ALL TIME

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:15:26 -0500

1985 Bears vs 2000 Ravens vs 1991 Eagles Defense There was an original article asking who was the "Best Defense of All Time" http://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/The_best_defense_of_all_time/247044 I was going to elaborate on a post but it became obvious it was going to be rather lengthy. So what better way to argue than some comparisons. A true defense is one that is tested with the toughest offensive opponents. Judging by the strength of division/schedule, and the # of times each team had to perform against top notch players. I repeat that the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles were the best defense of ALL TIME. Here are some things to ponder: Number of Hall of Fame players that each defense had to face (*Jerry Rice received my vote since he is obviously a HOF) . The number of games played against HOF offensive talent (haha I almost got emotional when I saw that ART MONK FINALLY MADE THE HOF THIS YEAR) the number of pro bowl players on each "best of defense", along with ranking team offense (yes this counts b/c going 3 and out puts your defense on the field more often). And sustaining offensive drives lets your defense rest and hold it's "numbers" b/c the offense is chewing up the clock. Let's start with the big one. Number of Hall of Fame players each defense had to face: 1985 Bears: 5 (Joe Montana, Jerry Rice*, Art Monk, John Riggins and Dan Marino). They played each quarterback ONCE and Jerry Rice was a rookie that started a whopping 4 games. The Bears also lost their only game vs the Dolphins. 2000 Ravens: 3 (Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith and Jerome Bettis) They played the future HOF Cowboys once while Aikman and Smith were in the twilight of their respective careers. But the Ravens did have to face the consistent running of Jerome Bettis twice. 1991 Eagles: 7 (Joe Montana, Jerry Rice*, Art Monk, Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith, Michael Irvin and Warren Moon). The 49ers were just slowing as the team of the 80's, the Dallas Cowboys would become the team of the 90's. And Warren Moon compiled nearly 4700 passing yards that year while on the dangerous "Run N Shoot" Houston Oilers. All of these teams HOF were in the prime of their careers. They faced the 49ers and Oilers once while facing the Cowboys twice. Number All-Pro Defensive players: 1985 Bears: 6 (Richard Dent, Otis Wilson, Dan Hampton, Steve Mcmichael, Dave Duerson, and Mike Singletary) 2000 Ravens: 3 (Rod Woodson, Ray Lewis and Sam Adams) 1991 Eagles: 5 (Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Seth Joyner, Eric Allen and Clyde Simmons) Team Statistics: 1985 Bears: Points Allowed 198, Yards Allowed 4,135, yards per rush 3.67, 64.0 sacks, 34 Ints, 9 forced fumbles. 2000 Ravens: Points Allowed 165, Yards Allowed 3,967, yards per rush 2.69, 35.0 sacks, 23 ints, 19 forced fumbles. 1991 Eagles: Points Allowed 244, Yards Allowed 3,549, yards per rush 3.0, 54.0 sacks, 26ints, 11 forced fumbles. Strength of Division: 1985 Bears faced perennial basement dwellers (Packers, Lions, Vikings, Bucs) and combined for a 24-40 record. Absolute garbage when it comes to competition and only the Bears made the playoffs in the NFC South. 2000 Ravens faced the Titans, Steelers, Browns, Bengals, Jags with a combined record of 36-44. And only the Titans and Ravens made the playoffs out of the AFC Central. 1991 Eagles faced the previous Superbowl Champion New York Giants, along with the eventual Superbowl winners ( Washington Redskins) the red hot Dallas Cowboys (#7 offense) and Pheonix Cardnials. They had a combined record of 37-33 which made for a more competitive division. Washington and Dallas both made the playoffs. Top 10 offense each team had to play: 1985 Bears: Dolphins #4, San Fran #5, Jets #7, Patriots #10. They played each team once. 2000 Ravens: Jags #8 whom they played twice (so ONE top ten offensive team in the league) 1991 Eagles: Redskins #1 (twice), San Fran #3, Houston Oilers #4, #7 Cowboys (twice). The Eagles split the Redskins/Cowboys series while losing to SF and beating the Oilers. Team Offense: 1985 was key for the Chicago Bears. They boasted HOF running back Walter Payton (1,551 yards and 9tds) and a 4-6 defensive scheme that was unchartered by any team at the time. They had the #2 ranked offense led by pro bowl quarterback Jim McMahon, as well as pro bowl center Jay HilgenBerg. 2000 Ravens ranked 14th in the NFL (which was the mid point) and had a stellar running game with Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes (combined for 1,952 yards and 8tds). Pro bowl tackle Jonathan Ogden and All Pro kicker Matt Stover. 1991 Eagles ranked #18 out of 28 NFL teams. They had severe offensive woes in that they had had 4 starting quarterbacks (Randall Cunningham was on IR after the 1st quarter of game 1). And a rushing "attack" led by James Joseph (440 yds), "Tank" Heath Sherman (279 yds) and Keith "just throw me the ball" Byars (383 yds). All three backs combined for a TOTAL OF 4 RUSHING TDS. The irony is that Jim McMahon was also on this team (but never lived up to his pro bowl status as a back up). If you combine the amount of HOF, strength of schedule, # of players who made the pro bowl, and how much a liability a bad offense is in regards to your defensive stats. It's plain to see how the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) were the best defensive team of all-time. You can debate all you want. But these are the facts plain and simple. You may not agree with me, but the stats don't lie. I rest my "DEFENSE" RIP Reggie White, Andre Waters and Jerome Brown. You are missed.

Oklahoma City: How the Supersonics could influence the NFL

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:05:46 -0500

With the recent departure of the Supersonics (NBA) to Oklahoma City, could this be the next city in line for a team in the NFL? I recently posted an article about future NFL locations, and then I heard the news of the Supersonics leaving for Oak City. So it got me thinking, will the success of the Supersonics influence the NFL's decision in moving a team to their city? http://www.yardbarker.com/NFL/articles/The_NFL_welcomes_THE_LOS_ANGELES_grain_of_salt_edition/285085

YARDBARKER FANTASY FOOTBALL. Who wants in?

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:38:44 -0500

If any of you are interested, SHAKEDEMDREADS is having an open call. Send him a message and you can battle with Dreads and the mighty LATINFERNO. Bring it!

The NFL welcomes THE LOS ANGELES ...("grain of salt edition")

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:03:46 -0500

This is purely a rumor since I obtained this information from a "source". Apparently the NFL is looking to fill the NFL void in Los Angeles within the next 2-3 years. Recently there has been a proposal to build a stadium and Roger Goodell is weighing his options. Option #1: Relocation of current NFL teams: Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills and the Oakland Raiders (if Al Davis passes in the next 2 years). I'm not sure if these teams will keep their current logos etc or just move the franchise (i.e how the Cleveland Browns became the Baltimore Ravens). Option #2: The NFL will create new teams for both the AFC and NFC. The prime candidates are LA and San Antonio. There was also the idea of having 2 Los Angeles based teams (NFC/AFC) to take advantage of the second largest market in the U.S. when it comes to football/accumulating revenue. The next "phase" might include teams located in: Portland, Las Vegas and Oklahoma. Apparently there is supposed to be a "private" fund raiser which will include both the Raiders and Chargers. People who attend this event will donate 25k (with the goal aimed at 3 million). Yes. I realize this sounds absurd. But it was an included conversation piece with the "source". Here is a direct quote from an article I recently read: http://min.scout.com/2/747158.html Today is going to be a busy one in Los Angeles, as real estate magnate Edward Roski Jr. unveils a plan to build a football stadium in L.A., which has been without an NFL team since both the Rams and Raiders vacated the city. However, the bigger impact could eventually be on the Twin Cities and the Vikings. Roski will unveil a plan today to build a football stadium in the City of Industry, about 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The stadium would be surrounded by high-end shops, office buildings and entertainment attractions – not too different from the stadium/shopping mecca proposed by Zygi Wilf in Anoka County a few years back. What may have been the most troubling part of the news is that Roski looking to lure a current NFL team, John Semcken, vice president of Majestic Realty (Roski's real estate company) told the Associated Press. Semcken said that, if a team would commit to moving to Los Angeles, "we could begin construction in the final quarter of this year and have it ready for play for the first exhibition game in 2011." If that 2011 number rings a bell, that is the final year of the Vikings' lease in the Metrodome. While the league had nothing to do with the plan or the announcement, Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed an interest in getting the NFL back into the second-largest media market in the country. The Vikings might not be only team that Roski and his group could try to lure to L.A. San Diego, Buffalo and Jacksonville could all be subject to potentially moving if stadium deals can't get struck. The Vikings could be joining that short list sooner than later. The Minnesota State Legislature has refused to hear arguments for the construction of a new Vikings stadium and nothing is scheduled to even be heard during the remainder of this legislative session. Even if a stadium was approved for next year in Minnesota, it wouldn't be ready until 2012 or beyond.

Dark Horse: On the cusp of a Superbowl Run

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:06:56 -0500

Every year we get the perennial short-list of Superbowl contenders (Patriots, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys, Seahawks etc). I'm curious to see what team you believe has the best shot at making this year's unlikely Superbowl winner (I'm sure most Giants fans didn't believe in their team until the NFC championship game). With that said, here is a short list of possible "Dark horse" contenders for this years Superbowl: Cleveland Browns: 10-6 usually gets a team into the playoffs. But due to the strength of the AFC, they were snubbed. With the addition of key veterans Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams and Donte' Stallworth their core talent jumped up a notch. The knock on this team will (and probably remain) their porous defense. Assuming Rogers and Williams fit the Vikings run stuffing role, added with the return of Gary Baxter fresh off of his 2nd MCL injury, their pass defense woes could continue. If their offense can put up enough points, this could be the team to beat in the AFC. Houston Texans: That's right. You heard me. THE Houston Texans. Why? Just ask the Colts and how they gave them fits this past season. I believe this team is knocking at the Superbowl's front door. With a healthy Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson the Texans were dynamic on offense. Add to the equation TE Owen Daniels, Kevin Walter, Andre' Davis (who is an explosive KR) and the 1-2 combination of RB Ahman Green/Chris Brown. I think the Texans have an offense that will surprise most this year. The defense should be improved this year due to the recent signing of Roosevelt Colvin, who gives the Texans a much needed pass rusher opposite Mario Williams. As for the 2007 draft? I think they have one of the best sleeper CB's taken in Antwaun Molden (Reminds me a LOT of Dominique Rogers Cromartie). Look for them to be a dangerous opponent in 2008. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees was fairly inconsistent at the start of the year. But as the team settled down from their emotional 2006 playoff run, they seemed to gel nicely. Deuce McAllister could be the big question that needs the most attention this off season. Yet most of the rumblings have pointed toward the Saints infatuation with Jeremy Shockey (which could make their offense the "Cleveland Browns" of the NFC). Charles Grant and Will Smith give them formidable DE's. And Sedrick Ellis could prove to be the next "Warren Sapp" in time. If the Saints get on a hot streak at the end of the year, they just might come marching in. Philadelphia Eagles (you thought I would leave this team off the list? Ha). Here is a team that lost five games by 4 points or less, and was playing as well as any team in the NFL at the end of the season. Unfortunately, the ball did not bounce the Eagles way (figuratively and literally since they had one of the NFL's worst turn-over ratios). They finished the year ranking 6th in total offense and 10th in defense. With an anemic "red zone" offense and lack of turn overs on defense, these statistics could vastly improve this year. Donovan McNabb (who's health ultimately holds the key to Phillys success) has openly asked for "playmakers" and received the top free agent playmaker in Asante Samuel. The overall team speed has been evident (so far) with the addition of Lorenzo Booker and DeSean Jackson. Jackson could play a key role with his game breaking special teams ability he flashed in college (not to mention the high praise Jerry Rice gives him a s a receiver). The linebackers are young/talented and could be the difference makers on this years team (Stewart Bradley will turn heads this season as he reminds me of Brian Urlacher). The continued improvement of Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley will prove to pay huge dividends this year. If the Lito Sheppard situation is ironed out, I believe the defense just might be strong enough to carry the Lombardi Trophy all the way back to Philly.

GARBAGE

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:25 -0500

I see someone is deleting everyones POSTS and ARTICLES for no reason. Nothing was in violation that I read. I see not only have you lost your top blogger on the site CK0712. But now you are losing a few other top bloggers (including myself). This site is ridiculous and is run like MYSPACE.

FOUR YEARS in a row and NO EAGLES TICKETS (stubhub strikes again!)

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:26:41 -0500

O.k. so I was at my computer at 6:59am with my cell phone in hand (ticketmaster # on speed dial) AND logged into the ticketmaster site on the Giants vs. Eagles game (Nov 9th). The ticketmaster line was busy the entire time, and the net was clogged with hopeful ticket buyers. And as usual, the Eagles tickets sold out in minutes. My first choice was the Giants game b/c it's near the mid point of the season and both teams should be jockying for position. That, and the Giants are the current Superbowl Champions. Anyway, after being frustrated (again) I just took advantage (or them of me haha) of stubhub and got almost the EXACT ticket (section/seat/row) I got last year for the Dallas Cowboy game, but instead of paying 450 PER TICKET, I spent ONLY $295 per ticket. Yeah, it's expensive (the face value of the ticket is $90) but I had a blast the last time I was in Philly and definitely want to check out more on the east coast while I'm there. Anyway, there are still some "deals" on stubhub if you are interested. See you in November!! http://www.stubhub.com/philadelphia-eagles-tickets/eagles-vs-giants-11-9-2008-553559/

EAGLES TICKETS THIS THURSDAY!!!!!!

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:10:42 -0500

Here is your chance to get tickets for a game this year. The time is 10am (eastern) so be prepared to be on the net/phone by 7am if you live out on the west coast (California). I tried (unsucessfully) to obtain tickets for the past 3 years b/c they have sold out in minutes (literally) and had to resort to Stubhub ($450 PER TICKET at a $90.00 face value) so make SURE you are ready to go right when they go on sale. Also, make sure you don't have MULTIPLE WINDOWS open when you are buying a ticket on the net (i.e. trying to buy tickets to MULTIPLE games at the same time) because the system will detect this, and you will get knocked out of line and forced to re-submit. So be warned!! Look today and see which game (s) you want to go to and make a priority list. At home vs Dallas will probably be the hardest ticket to get (beggars can't be chosers). Anyway. Good luck to everyone and I hope to see you at the game!! Single-game tickets for the Eagles' 2008 season will go on sale Thursday, June 19 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Ticketmaster.com, and through Ticketmater Charge by Phone by calling 215-336-2000. There will be a four ticket limit per person. Single-game tickets have traditionally sold out in just minutes. The date that Standing Room Only tickets will go on sale will be announced later in the summer.

Philadelphia has FOUR NFL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:00:44 -0500

Here is an interesting bit of information regarding Philadelphias legacy in the NFL. I find it funny how most (current) fans of the NFL totally disregard the past and hold the Superbowl as the ultimate of team accomplishments. Everyone seems to forget that the great Vince Lombardi etched a ton of his fame in the Pre-Superbowl years. Not only has Philadelphia won the 1948-1949/1960 NFL CHAMPIONSHIPS. But during 1926, the Philadelphia based NFL team (Frankford Yellow Jackets) won the NFL Championship. Here is some interesting stuff via wikipedia regarding Philadelphias lost franchise (as well as some info on those ugly yellow/blue uniforms the EAGLES wore in last years game vs. the Lions): The Frankford Yellow Jackets was a professional American football team, part of the National Football League from 1924 to 1931, though its origin dates back to as early as 1899 with the Frankford Athletic Association.[1] The Yellow Jackets won the NFL championship in 1926. Team history Its home field from 1923 was Frankford Stadium (also called Yellow Jacket Field) in Frankford, a section in the northeastern part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, noted for the subway-elevated transit line that terminates there. The team often played a grueling schedule of 15 to 20 games a season. Frequently, they would schedule two games on the same weekend, typically one at home on Saturday and, because of Pennsylvania's blue laws, an away game on Sunday. The Yellow Jackets had a hand in the 1925 NFL Championship controversy. A dispute arose over a game that the nearby Pottsville Maroons had played against the Notre Dame All-Stars in Philadelphia; the Yellow Jackets asserted that their nearby rivals had infringed on their territorial rights by playing the game (against a non-league opponent, no less) in Philadelphia. The league agreed and suspended the Maroons, allowing the Chicago Cardinals to win the 1925 title. Frankford won the 1926 title the next year with a 14-1-2 record. Mainly because of financial hardships brought on by the Great Depression, the team failed to complete the 1931 season, its last. On October 26, 1931, the franchise suspended operations the day after the team defeated the Chicago Bears, 13-12, at Wrigley Field—a result that ultimately took on some historical significance as the last time a Philadelphia-based NFL team would win an away game over the Bears until October 17, 1999, when the Eagles prevailed 20-16 at Soldier Field (Philadelphia also went 51 years without a road victory over the Green Bay Packers, with the Eagles' 1979 win at Green Bay being the first since the Yellow Jackets' in 1928). Bert Bell and Lud Wray bought the team's franchise on July 9, 1933, under the name "Philadelphia Eagles". Some people assume that a simple name change transformed the Yellow Jackets into the Eagles, but that is not the case; Bell and Wray did not buy the Yellow Jackets team but rather the franchise, or the right to field a team in the NFL, that formerly had belonged to the Frankford Athletic Association. That franchise (Yellow Jackets) had been revoked by the league in 1931. As licensees, Bell and Wray then assembled an entirely new team to operate under the old franchise. For records and other purposes, the NFL therefore treats the Yellow Jackets and Eagles as separate teams. For the first few years of the Eagles' existence, however, they wore the Yellow Jackets powder blue and yellow uniforms, which were later worn as 1934 throwbacks in a game against the Detroit Lions on September 23, 2007 as part of the team's 75th Anniversary season. Many members of the media mistakenly stated that the Eagles were still known as the Yellow Jackets that year. *I guess in modern times, this would be almost equivalent of the Cleveland Browns becoming the RAVENS (but unlike the Yellow Jackets, the BROWNS actually BECAME the RAVENS b/c they transferred the whole BROWNS roster to Baltimore..even though the NFL kept the team colors/primary history of the BROWNS separate and a part of Cleveland). Check this out for an interesting read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Ravens

Eagles "Wild Man" holds NFL SACK RECORD

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:59:29 -0500

I was recently watching the top 10 best pass rushers of all time (on the NFL Network). And most people had no clue who held the single game "sack record". Norm "Wildman" Willey. Who!?!? You say..(as most people who were told the answer on the show haha) Well here is a little info courtesy of wikipedia: (born August 22, 1927 in Chicago Heights, Illinois) was an American football defensive lineman in the NFL. He went to two Pro Bowls during his 8 year career. He was credited with an unofficial 17 sacks in one contest. Here was another article I found on the web: The Question: I recently saw a show about a Philadelphia Eagles player who had 17 sacks in one game against the Giants. His nickname was "Wild Man Willie" — can you tell me who this was? The Answer: According to Philadelphia newspaper reports, in a game on October 26, 1952 at the Polo Grounds against the Giants, Willey had 17 sacks in a 14-10 Eagles victory. Sacks were not recorded by the NFL in 1952, so Kansas City's Derrick Thomas still holds the official record of seven on November 11, 1990. Fierle points out that Willey's total, although impressive, may not be completely accurate by today's standards. Some of those sacks would have been registered simply as tackles of other members of the backfield behind the line of scrimmage. In a story by Football Weekly's Ron Pollack, even Willey has stopped endorsing 17 in public and admits it might have been just 15 (Just!?!? haha). Nevertheless, the afternoon was unforgettable for just about everyone — especially Giants' QB Charlie Conerly. Besides Pollack's piece in Football Weekly called "The Legend of 'Wild Man' Willey, there is also a Philadelphia Daily News story called "1 Man, 1 game, 17 sacks." This NFL Features article, "The joy of sacks," may also be of interest.

Hall of Fame Eagles WR!

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:22:31 -0500

Everyone is obsessed with the #1 WR (i.e. prototypical west coast Wr a la..that one guy...tall/strong etc) Here is another history lesson that has been "lost" through the ages. Enter one of the best WR the Eagles ever had. His stature was a WHOPPING 5-9, 176-pounds (kind of like that guy we drafted this year...DeSean) and he proved that being "small" never effected his big game capability. Click the link for a good read and continue with the article to gain a quick wikipedia glance at this Eagle great. Tommy McDonald Tommy McDonald while with the Philadelphia Eagles. Position(s): Wide Receiver Jersey #(s): 25 Born: July 26, 1934 (1934-07-26) (age 73) Roy, New Mexico Career Information Year(s): 1957–1968 NFL Draft: 1957 / Round: 3 / Pick: 31 College: Oklahoma Professional Teams * Philadelphia Eagles (1957-1963) * Dallas Cowboys (1964) * Los Angeles Rams (1965-1966) * Atlanta Falcons (1967) * Cleveland Browns (1968) Career Stats Receptions 495 Receiving Yards 8,410 Touchdowns 84 Stats at NFL.com Career Highlights and Awards * Pro Bowl (x6) (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965) * Eagles Honor Roll Pro Football Hall of Fame College Football Hall of Fame Thomas Franklin McDonald (born July 26, 1934) is a former professional American football player in the National Football League. He excelled as a running back at the University of Oklahoma, where he was coached by the renowned Bud Wilkinson and never played in a losing game. He received the Maxwell Award in 1956, and was an All-American in 1955 and 1956. McDonald was selected in the third round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Over his 12-year career as a wide receiver, he helped lead the Eagles to a 1960 NFL Championship, was selected for six Pro Bowls, led the league in touchdown receptions twice (1958, 1960), and led the NFL in receiving yards once (1960). He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. McDonald was the last non-kicker to play in the NFL without a facemask. [1] McDonald retired after the 1968 season with 495 receptions for 8,410 yards and 84 touchdowns, the second-highest total of touchdown receptions in NFL history at the time. He also rushed for 22 yards and gained 1,459 yards and a touchdown returning punts and kickoffs on special teams, giving him 9,891 career all-purpose yards. He attended Roy High School in Roy, NM, his freshman year and moved to Albuquerque where he graduated from Highland High School. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Today Tommy Mcdonald is the smallest player in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Focus on: NFC defensive ends

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:41:38 -0500

5. Eagles. Trent Cole has a nonstop motor and made the Pro Bowl last season. Juqua Parker is an excellent run stopper but lacks consistency rushing the passer. Several young players could add pass-rush help in the nickel. I think with the addition of Clemons and the emergence of second year player Victor Abiamiri, we should move up in the ranks. I also believe that Bryan Smith will provide valuable dividends in the future as well as Chris Gocong sliding in at the "Joker" role this year (his college stats at DE were huge!) Click the link for the full read.

NFL offseason report card: Grades are in

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:38:11 -0500

B Eagles. Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel addresses their most pressing need. Chris Clemons (eight sacks for Oakland last year) will be counted on as a situational pass rusher and special teams contributor. They suffered no major losses but failed to add an offensive tackle in free agency. Click the link for the full read!

Eagles Championhip Teams

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:28:28 -0500

Here's the Eagles Championship teams. There are a few random facts that were jumbled (i.e. the Jim Taylor hit by Chuck Bednarik "picture" is actually running back Frank Gifford of the Giants getting crushed by Bednarik). *Bednarik's nickname, "Concrete Charlie," originated from his off-season career as a concrete salesman for the Warner Company, not (contrary to popular belief) from his reputation as a ferocious tackler. Nonetheless, sportswriter Hugh Brown of The Bulletin in Philadelphia, credited with bestowing the nickname, remarked that Bednarik "is as hard as the concrete he sells." *courtesy of wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Bednarik Gotta love the "Sorry Frank" on his autographed picture! Ha! This F*#(@&ing game is OVER.

Report: Ogden to announce retirement

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:50:26 -0500

BALTIMORE (TICKER) —Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden is expected to announce his retirement in the next week, the Baltimore Sun reported Wednesday. According to the Sun, Ogden has not informed new Ravens coach John Harbaugh of his decision but has told people close to him that he intends to retire. The 12-year veteran endured injury-plagued seasons in 2006 and 2007 and considered retiring before the start of last year. A toe injury at the end of the 2006 campaign got worse last season, limiting Ogden's effectiveness and hurting the Ravens' running game. Ogden was limited to just 11 contests last season but still made the Pro Bowl for the 11th straight season - even though the Ravens struggled through a disastrous 5-11 season that led to the firing of former coach Brian Billick. Ogden's departure would leave a gaping hole on the left side of Baltimore's line. The Ravens are expecting Jared Gaither or Adam Terry to replace Ogden at the position.