Filed under: Redskins, NFC EastLANDOVER, Md. -- A day after saying that he benched Donovan McNabb for less accomplished and athletic backup Rex Grossman with 1:45 left in Sunday's loss in Detroit because the quarterback didn't have a full grasp of Washington's two-minute offense nearly seven months after his acquisition from Philadelphia, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan did a 180 worthy of Lions Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.
"Donovan's been hampered with hamstring injuries, quad injuries, contusions," Shanahan said. "(Last Tuesday) I sat down with Donovan and talked to him about possibly sitting out this game. He could not get the work that I would like him to get because he hasn't gone full speed in a lot of our drills. I said, 'The thing I want to make sure in the second half of the season you're ready to go. Are you sure you're going to be able to play in this game?' He said he wanted to play, that he would be fine and that he wouldn't further injure the areas that were hurting.
"When you deal with a two-minute offense where you don't have any timeouts and you haven't done it in five weeks you're calling sometimes calling two plays, you gotta hustle to the line of scrimmage and you're working cardiovascular endurance at the same time you're working the clock. It's really hard to do that when you haven't practiced it, haven't put out yourself in any type of strenuous activity because of your hamstrings. I felt it was in the best interest of our team that he wouldn't play (in the two-minute offense). Rex hadn't practiced either, but he's in very good shape. He understands the terminology inside and out (from spending last year in coordinator Kyle Shanahan's system in Houston) so he can make the double calls. It was nothing against Donovan. I thought it was the best thing for us."
McNabb, who despite his supposed physical limitations ripped off a 36-yard run (the second-longest of his 12-year career) during the first half Sunday, was unavailable for comment today.
Shanahan maintained that the benching didn't signal a loss of confidence in the six-time Pro Bowl quarterback for whom he traded two draft picks to the Eagles in April. Asked if a healthier McNabb would play in a similar situation when the Redskins return from their bye two weeks from Monday against the Eagles, the coach replied, "Without a question."
McNabb's contract expires after the season. He turns 34 this month and his current 76.0 passer rating is the lowest of his 11 years as a starter. But several of his teammates re-iterated today that he should be Washington's long-term starter. McNabb and Shanahan have been saying all the right things for months about the fact that he hasn't been signed to a multi-year contract.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Owners, Goodell want new labor deal with players soon
CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the NFL owners' approach in negotiations with the players on a new collective-bargaining agreement. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday that it's a realistic goal to reach a new labor deal before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the NFL Fall League Meeting, Kraft said: "We're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."
Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."
Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."
Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Owners, Goodell want new labor deal with players soon
CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the NFL owners' approach in negotiations with the players on a new collective-bargaining agreement. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday that it's a realistic goal to reach a new labor deal before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the NFL Fall League Meeting, Kraft said: "We're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."
Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."
Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached. "It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are. "I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there." Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair." NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement. "We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."
Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell. "There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things." Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision. "We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this. "Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly." Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs." Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players. "Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin." For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Eric Berry Tim Tebow Kyle Orton Demaryius Thomas Ndamukong Suh
Brett Favre Injury Saga Won't Go Away
Filed under: Patriots, Vikings, AFC East, NFC North, NFL Injuries, NFL QuarterbacksFOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- As the cart rolled toward the Gillette Stadium tunnel, Brett Favre was stretched out and tended to by trainers. It wasn't his elbow this time. Not the fractures in his his foot or heel, either. No, it was a nasty, bloody gash to his a chin, courtesy of a New England defensive end Myron Pryor.
Something that happens every Sunday of the NFL season happened to Brett Favre for the first time in 20 years playing this game. It was so historic, momentous and emotional that Patriots fans actually booed the battered quarterback as he was taken away.
That's when a moment of clarity struck the 41-year-old grandfather who just can't leave the game he loves.
"I thought to myself for a brief second, 'What in the world am I doing?' " Favre said Sunday.
Funny. That's what most of us have been thinking on Favre's behalf the last few weeks.
What in the world is he doing?
Something that happens every Sunday of the NFL season happened to Brett Favre for the first time in 20 years playing this game. It was so historic, momentous and emotional that Patriots fans actually booed the battered quarterback as he was taken away.
That's when a moment of clarity struck the 41-year-old grandfather who just can't leave the game he loves.
"I thought to myself for a brief second, 'What in the world am I doing?' " Favre said Sunday.
Funny. That's what most of us have been thinking on Favre's behalf the last few weeks.
What in the world is he doing?
Dayne Crist, Notre Dame Quarterback, Suffers Knee Injury and Is Out for Year
Filed under: Notre Dame, InjuriesNotre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured patella tendon in his left knee, according to NBC Sports' Alex Flanagan.
Crist suffered the injury in Saturday's game against Tulsa in the first quarter when he was hit hard and driven out of bounds by Tulsa's Tanner Antle following a 29-yard run.
At this point in the game, Notre Dame had been trailing 7-0 and Crist was 0 of 2 passing.
Freshman quarterback Tommy Rees replaced Crist, who had thrown for 2,033 yards and 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions this season.
Thus far, Rees has thrown for over 250 yards passing and four touchdowns in relief.
Crist suffered the injury in Saturday's game against Tulsa in the first quarter when he was hit hard and driven out of bounds by Tulsa's Tanner Antle following a 29-yard run.
At this point in the game, Notre Dame had been trailing 7-0 and Crist was 0 of 2 passing.
Freshman quarterback Tommy Rees replaced Crist, who had thrown for 2,033 yards and 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions this season.
Thus far, Rees has thrown for over 250 yards passing and four touchdowns in relief.
World Series Game 3: Colby Lewis, Mitch Moreland Give Rangers First Win
Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World SeriesARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers made themselves at home, and now the World Series is looking a lot more interesting.
In the first World Series game played at Rangers Ballpark, Texas knocked off the Giants 4-2 to halve San Francisco's lead in the best-of-seven series to two games to one.
"Now it's our turn," was a sign that one Rangers fan held up after closer Neftali Feliz, in his World Series debut, struck out two Giants to complete the victory.
The crowd, announced at 52,419, was the largest in ballpark history.
Building on his strong postseason, Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis checked a Giants offense that had amassed 20 runs in San Francisco across Games 1 and 2.
In the first World Series game played at Rangers Ballpark, Texas knocked off the Giants 4-2 to halve San Francisco's lead in the best-of-seven series to two games to one.
"Now it's our turn," was a sign that one Rangers fan held up after closer Neftali Feliz, in his World Series debut, struck out two Giants to complete the victory.
The crowd, announced at 52,419, was the largest in ballpark history.
Building on his strong postseason, Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis checked a Giants offense that had amassed 20 runs in San Francisco across Games 1 and 2.
Legendary NASCAR Executive Jim Hunter Dies
Filed under: NASCARNASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter died Friday night in Daytona Beach after a year-long battle with cancer.
Almost always seen wearing a NASCAR #48 ball cap -- referencing the sport's 1948 beginnings -- Hunter was a legendary figure in the sport, having worked as a racing journalist, public relations specialist, president of Darlington Raceway and ultimately as a top executive with the sanctioning body during a 40-year career with NASCAR.
(He's pictured at Darlington Raceway in 2008 with the Charlotte Observer's Jim Utter, at left, and Sirius NASCAR Radio's Claire B. Lang, right).
"Jim Hunter was one of NASCAR's giants,'' NASCAR Chairman Brian France said. "For more than 40 years Jim was part of NASCAR and its history. He loved the sport but loved the people even more.
"It seems as if everyone in the sport called him a friend. Jim will forever be missed by the NASCAR community.''
Almost always seen wearing a NASCAR #48 ball cap -- referencing the sport's 1948 beginnings -- Hunter was a legendary figure in the sport, having worked as a racing journalist, public relations specialist, president of Darlington Raceway and ultimately as a top executive with the sanctioning body during a 40-year career with NASCAR.
(He's pictured at Darlington Raceway in 2008 with the Charlotte Observer's Jim Utter, at left, and Sirius NASCAR Radio's Claire B. Lang, right).
"Jim Hunter was one of NASCAR's giants,'' NASCAR Chairman Brian France said. "For more than 40 years Jim was part of NASCAR and its history. He loved the sport but loved the people even more.
"It seems as if everyone in the sport called him a friend. Jim will forever be missed by the NASCAR community.''
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