Disparagement of Lions raise ire of players
It has been a rough season for the . They've started the year 1-3, now they have to visit the Philadelphia Eagles, and to add insult to injury, some rival GM has about the Lions, their players, and their front office.
The gist of what was said was, basically, the Lions have a one dimensional offense, the team is overrated, the defensive line is particularly overrated, and Martin Mayhew and are overrated. Obviously, these can be considered shots, but honestly I don't really care. Whenever the words "overrated" or "underrated" are thrown out in the world of sports, they are almost always being used poorly. It would seem that every team is either overrated or underrated. Nobody ever seems to be properly rated.
As for this particular case, I don't recall many people saying the Lions would be great or contending for the Super Bowl. A lot of people didn't have them in the playoffs. Quite a few folks made salient points as to why the Lions may regress. I even wrote that I didn't think they would be as good, although I thought, due to a perceived easy schedule, their record would be more or less the same.
In terms of the Lions having a one dimensional offense, I don't think you'll hear many people disputing that. The team has struggled to run the ball. This is hardly a shock to hear. This GM didn't really burn Joique Bell here. The defensive line is not overrated, as far as I gather from what I have heard in terms of their rating. is great. Most analysts and scouts and folks who are worth their salt, if this were Ancient Rome, would agree. Cliff Avril is a good player who may have had a career year last season. Nick Fairley has been a disappointment. He's also not even halfway through his second season, and his first was derailed by injuries.
I also am not quite sure how Mayhew and Schwarz can be criticized too much. They took a team that was 0-16 and turned them into a 10-6 team in three seasons. The roster has clearly gotten better. The coaching has been better. Nobody is saying they are legends or anything like that, and they are still building their resume to be honest. I certainly can't complain much about what they've done. Some do want to blame them for the off the field issues this year, but those people are being dumb,Thomas Jones Jersey, so who cares?
Naturally, the Lions' players, as well as Coach Schwartz, were asked to comment on this. To nobody's surprise, they weren't happy. Dominic Raiola said "eff 'em" a couple times. I imagine in private he would have been more content reenacting the final scene from Robert Altman's Secret Honor.
There has been some talk about how the Lions will react to this and how it will impact their play. Obviously, it won't. That is a ridiculous notion. They were going to play hard and try to win. They still will. The Detroit Lions have problems they need to address to reach the next level. Others can see that. Some GM overstated this a bit, and it became a semi-big story. It's all a bit much. Let's hope the intrigue remains on the football field going forward.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Week 12 preview- Detroit Lions v. New England Patriots
Week 12 preview: Detroit Lions v. New England Patriots
is almost upon us, which means it is time for the to host their annual game on that day. The Lions, however, have not won since 2003. Despite their 2-8 record, this is the best the Lions have been in a while, even with their aberration of a season in 2007. With a decent matchup on the schedule, the Lions could have scored a Thanksgiving day win. However, the 8-2 are their opponent. Is another loss on the way?
On offense, the Lions are going to have to rely on the pass. Kevin Smith is on injured reserve and Jahvid Best can barely run. Maurice Morris is a decent running back, but he's probably not going to run wild against the Pats. No, it will be on the shoulders of Shaun Hill,Eric Berry Jersey, Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and the rest of Detroit's pass catchers. Fortunately, New England has one of the worst passing defenses in the league, giving up almost 290 yards per game through the air.
That being said, the Lions aren't likely to have an easy day stopping the pass. Tom Brady may not have big name weapons, but they get the job done. I wouldn't be surprised to see Aaron Hernandez have a great game for the Patriots. He's big, but he's also elusive. With Detroit's general lack of tackling ability, he could be breaking tackles like Jim Brown in his prime. Plus, BenJarvus Green-Ellis has established himself as a solid running back.
This could be a high scoring game. Sure, New England can concentrate on Detroit's passing game, but it's hard to stop Calvin Johnson. Honestly, Detroit's defense and New England's defense are pretty close to one another. It's on offense the Patriots have the major advantage, particularly with Best's injury issues. Since they are at home, I do expect the Lions to keep it close, but this is looking like another loss. Still, it shouldn't be so bad as to sully Thanksgiving, as opposed to previous games. Final Prediction: Patriots 35, Lions 28
is almost upon us, which means it is time for the to host their annual game on that day. The Lions, however, have not won since 2003. Despite their 2-8 record, this is the best the Lions have been in a while, even with their aberration of a season in 2007. With a decent matchup on the schedule, the Lions could have scored a Thanksgiving day win. However, the 8-2 are their opponent. Is another loss on the way?
On offense, the Lions are going to have to rely on the pass. Kevin Smith is on injured reserve and Jahvid Best can barely run. Maurice Morris is a decent running back, but he's probably not going to run wild against the Pats. No, it will be on the shoulders of Shaun Hill,Eric Berry Jersey, Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and the rest of Detroit's pass catchers. Fortunately, New England has one of the worst passing defenses in the league, giving up almost 290 yards per game through the air.
That being said, the Lions aren't likely to have an easy day stopping the pass. Tom Brady may not have big name weapons, but they get the job done. I wouldn't be surprised to see Aaron Hernandez have a great game for the Patriots. He's big, but he's also elusive. With Detroit's general lack of tackling ability, he could be breaking tackles like Jim Brown in his prime. Plus, BenJarvus Green-Ellis has established himself as a solid running back.
This could be a high scoring game. Sure, New England can concentrate on Detroit's passing game, but it's hard to stop Calvin Johnson. Honestly, Detroit's defense and New England's defense are pretty close to one another. It's on offense the Patriots have the major advantage, particularly with Best's injury issues. Since they are at home, I do expect the Lions to keep it close, but this is looking like another loss. Still, it shouldn't be so bad as to sully Thanksgiving, as opposed to previous games. Final Prediction: Patriots 35, Lions 28
Monday, November 26, 2012
NFL Rookie of the Year- Bradford or Suh-
NFL Rookie of the Year: Bradford or Suh?
Next week the will hand out their awards for various achievements during the 2010 season. While there was once a time that the were having players win, and compete for, MVP and Coach of the Year Awards they have not had any serious contenders for any league-wide awards in quite a long time. This year is different. The Rams certainly have a finalist candidate in .
The NFL has three different Rookie of the Year Awards. One goes to the Offensive rookie, one to the Defensive rookie (both voted on by the AP) and then there is a Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award, which will be voted on by the fans. It appears that Bradford will win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award unless something unforeseen happens.
On the other side of the ball will win the Defensive Rookie of the Year unless something unbelievable happens. The Pepsi Award is nothing more than a beauty contest determined by fan vote, so that really doesn’t count in my mind as to who was the best rookie in 2010. So who was it? The quarterback who pulled a franchise out of mediocrity and had one of the best seasons by a rookie quarterback ever or a defensive tackle who was All-Pro in his first season and is already one of the best defensive lineman in the game?
The stats are very interesting in this debate. Bradford had one of the best years a top picked rookie quarterback has ever had in NFL history. Bradford set rookie records for completions and attempts in 2010 and was second all-time in passing yards. Bradford was also very accurate and increased the team’s win total by six in just one season. The problem comes with the numbers put up against other NFL quarterbacks this season. Bradford lags behind badly. He was 25thin the NFL in QB Rating, 18thin touchdowns and 12thin yardage.
defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s numbers meanwhile compare with every defensive lineman’s numbers very favorably. Suh had more sacks than any other defensive tackle in the NFL this season with 10. Suh also was 7thin the league in tackles with 66 making him the 3rdhighest rated defensive tackle in the league in that stat. In short all of the measures place Suh among the leagues’ best right now in that position.
Suh was a dominating player this season and looks like he will be an absolute force in the league for a long time to come and that is why you would vote for him. Bradford on the other hand should be right there in consideration with him though because he changed the Rams franchise and made them a borderline playoff team, while Suh did not hugely elevate the Lions record this season. Suh certainly made them better, but did not have the bigger effect on the bottom line like Bradford did.
So if they had a single Rookie of the Year Award who should they give it to? For the 2010 season I would vote for Suh. He came in and immediately was the best player at his position in the NFL. I don’t care what position you play that is an unbelievable achievement. Suh is everything everyone thought he would be and that is why the Rams weren’t ridiculous for seriously giving thought to drafting Suh first overall instead of Sam Bradford.
With that being said though there is no way in the world the Rams did the wrong thing in taking Bradford over Suh. As great as Suh was he was not going to be six games difference in the win-loss total this season. Bradford is that big of a difference. The NFL is a quarterback’s league and if you don’t have one you don’t win. Some would say that the Lions might have been a playoff contender had Matthew Stafford stayed healthy. It is further proof that you can’t not have a quarterback and win on a consistent basis.
I was on the Ndamukong Suh bandwagon last spring as the Rams were making their decisions. I thought Suh was going to be really special and it appears that will be the case. Luckily though the Rams did just as well and even better drafting Sam Bradford. These two are both future All-Pros and Pro Bowl starters year after year during the next decade. For one season Suh was better than Bradford, but the Rams still made the right choice,Dustin Colquitt Jersey.
For more info: Get updates from Rams Park and instant updates by Twitter .
Next week the will hand out their awards for various achievements during the 2010 season. While there was once a time that the were having players win, and compete for, MVP and Coach of the Year Awards they have not had any serious contenders for any league-wide awards in quite a long time. This year is different. The Rams certainly have a finalist candidate in .
The NFL has three different Rookie of the Year Awards. One goes to the Offensive rookie, one to the Defensive rookie (both voted on by the AP) and then there is a Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award, which will be voted on by the fans. It appears that Bradford will win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award unless something unforeseen happens.
On the other side of the ball will win the Defensive Rookie of the Year unless something unbelievable happens. The Pepsi Award is nothing more than a beauty contest determined by fan vote, so that really doesn’t count in my mind as to who was the best rookie in 2010. So who was it? The quarterback who pulled a franchise out of mediocrity and had one of the best seasons by a rookie quarterback ever or a defensive tackle who was All-Pro in his first season and is already one of the best defensive lineman in the game?
The stats are very interesting in this debate. Bradford had one of the best years a top picked rookie quarterback has ever had in NFL history. Bradford set rookie records for completions and attempts in 2010 and was second all-time in passing yards. Bradford was also very accurate and increased the team’s win total by six in just one season. The problem comes with the numbers put up against other NFL quarterbacks this season. Bradford lags behind badly. He was 25thin the NFL in QB Rating, 18thin touchdowns and 12thin yardage.
defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s numbers meanwhile compare with every defensive lineman’s numbers very favorably. Suh had more sacks than any other defensive tackle in the NFL this season with 10. Suh also was 7thin the league in tackles with 66 making him the 3rdhighest rated defensive tackle in the league in that stat. In short all of the measures place Suh among the leagues’ best right now in that position.
Suh was a dominating player this season and looks like he will be an absolute force in the league for a long time to come and that is why you would vote for him. Bradford on the other hand should be right there in consideration with him though because he changed the Rams franchise and made them a borderline playoff team, while Suh did not hugely elevate the Lions record this season. Suh certainly made them better, but did not have the bigger effect on the bottom line like Bradford did.
So if they had a single Rookie of the Year Award who should they give it to? For the 2010 season I would vote for Suh. He came in and immediately was the best player at his position in the NFL. I don’t care what position you play that is an unbelievable achievement. Suh is everything everyone thought he would be and that is why the Rams weren’t ridiculous for seriously giving thought to drafting Suh first overall instead of Sam Bradford.
With that being said though there is no way in the world the Rams did the wrong thing in taking Bradford over Suh. As great as Suh was he was not going to be six games difference in the win-loss total this season. Bradford is that big of a difference. The NFL is a quarterback’s league and if you don’t have one you don’t win. Some would say that the Lions might have been a playoff contender had Matthew Stafford stayed healthy. It is further proof that you can’t not have a quarterback and win on a consistent basis.
I was on the Ndamukong Suh bandwagon last spring as the Rams were making their decisions. I thought Suh was going to be really special and it appears that will be the case. Luckily though the Rams did just as well and even better drafting Sam Bradford. These two are both future All-Pros and Pro Bowl starters year after year during the next decade. For one season Suh was better than Bradford, but the Rams still made the right choice,Dustin Colquitt Jersey.
For more info: Get updates from Rams Park and instant updates by Twitter .
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Things you might not know about the 49ers
Things you might not know about the 49ers
There are teams that the Texans don't play very often because of the scheduling formula and the 49ers are one of those teams.
The Texans and 49ers have met only two other times. Most recently the Texans barely hung on to beat the 49ers 24-21 in game seven of the 2009 season at Reliant Stadium. In that game the Texans blew a 21-0 lead and 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who replaced starter Shaun Hill in the 3rd quarter, led a furious comeback with 206 passing yards and three touchdowns to TE Vernon Davis in the second half.
And of course who could forget the Texans only other visit to Candlestiick Park on New Years Day, 2006.
Since many Texans fans don't pay a lot of attention to the 49ers, here's some things you may not know - or things you knew but may have forgotten.
Did you know that the 49ers now have Braylon Edwards and Ted Ginn at wide receiver,Women's Kansas City Chiefs Jersey?
Did you know that Michael Crabtree has been out the entire preseason with a foot injury?
Did you know that former Texan and native Houstonian Moran Norris is (still) the starting fullback for the 49ers? Norris is 33 years old and had previous stints with the 49ers and Lions before retuning to San Francisco in 2009.
Did you know that the 49ers, like the Texans, also replaced half of their secondary during the offseason, signing free agent corner Carlos Rogers (Redskins) and safety Donte Whitner (Bills) earlier this month?
Did you know that the much traveled Josh McCown (Sam Houston State) is the 49ers #3 quarterback behind Smith and second round draft pick Colin Kaepernick?
Did you know that David Akers, who most associate with the Eagles, is now the 49ers kicker?
Did you know that the 49ers offensive and defensive coordinators are former Texans coaches Greg Roman and Vic Fangio? (eek)
Did you know that six Texans coaches used to coach or play for the 49ers? (Gary Kubiak, Vance Joseph, Larry Kirksey, Gregg Knapp, Frank Pollock, Brian Pariani)
Did you know that 49ers star running back Frank Gore with the team? (As Arian Foster waits patiently to get his next year.)
So there's your 49er trivia for the day. Hopefully the Texans play well tonight and come out of the game healthy. Week 1 and Peyton Manning (you're kidding yourself if you think he's not playing) are lurking right around the corner.
There are teams that the Texans don't play very often because of the scheduling formula and the 49ers are one of those teams.
The Texans and 49ers have met only two other times. Most recently the Texans barely hung on to beat the 49ers 24-21 in game seven of the 2009 season at Reliant Stadium. In that game the Texans blew a 21-0 lead and 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who replaced starter Shaun Hill in the 3rd quarter, led a furious comeback with 206 passing yards and three touchdowns to TE Vernon Davis in the second half.
And of course who could forget the Texans only other visit to Candlestiick Park on New Years Day, 2006.
Since many Texans fans don't pay a lot of attention to the 49ers, here's some things you may not know - or things you knew but may have forgotten.
Did you know that the 49ers now have Braylon Edwards and Ted Ginn at wide receiver,Women's Kansas City Chiefs Jersey?
Did you know that Michael Crabtree has been out the entire preseason with a foot injury?
Did you know that former Texan and native Houstonian Moran Norris is (still) the starting fullback for the 49ers? Norris is 33 years old and had previous stints with the 49ers and Lions before retuning to San Francisco in 2009.
Did you know that the 49ers, like the Texans, also replaced half of their secondary during the offseason, signing free agent corner Carlos Rogers (Redskins) and safety Donte Whitner (Bills) earlier this month?
Did you know that the much traveled Josh McCown (Sam Houston State) is the 49ers #3 quarterback behind Smith and second round draft pick Colin Kaepernick?
Did you know that David Akers, who most associate with the Eagles, is now the 49ers kicker?
Did you know that the 49ers offensive and defensive coordinators are former Texans coaches Greg Roman and Vic Fangio? (eek)
Did you know that six Texans coaches used to coach or play for the 49ers? (Gary Kubiak, Vance Joseph, Larry Kirksey, Gregg Knapp, Frank Pollock, Brian Pariani)
Did you know that 49ers star running back Frank Gore with the team? (As Arian Foster waits patiently to get his next year.)
So there's your 49er trivia for the day. Hopefully the Texans play well tonight and come out of the game healthy. Week 1 and Peyton Manning (you're kidding yourself if you think he's not playing) are lurking right around the corner.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Jerome Bettis and Jack Butler HOF finalists for class of 2012
Jerome Bettis and Jack Butler HOF finalists for class of 2012
Pittsburgh, PA --
Announced today, the will meet in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 to vote on the 15 modern-era finalists considered for enshrinement,Tony Moeaki Jerseys. Among the 15 modern-era finalists was former Steelers running back . Former Steelers cornerback will be one of only three candidates considered when the 44-member Selection Committee meets.
Considering what it takes , both Bettis and Butler have made great strides. Center Dermontti Dawson and linebacker Kevin Greene also made the final list. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent. Butler was selected as a senior candidate by the Committee at their August 2011 meeting. The Seniors Committee reviews players whose careers took place more than 25 years go. Out of a list of 105 preliminary nominees, the Hall's 44-member Selection Committee narrowed their list for 2012 to 15 modern-era finalists from an earlier 26 semi-finalist list. Modern-era players and coaches must be retired for at least five consecutive seasons. Bettis is in his second year of eligibility.
Final election results will be announced at 5:30 p.m. ET during an NFL Network special that is scheduled to take place for one hour and will be shown live from the Super Bowl Media Center.
The Class of 2012 will be the 50th class to be elected to the in Canton, Ohio.
Are you on Facebook? to talk Steelers.
To email Christina .
Twitter and re-Tweet this article by following
Read other Steelers news from Pittsburgh Sports Examiner,
Pittsburgh, PA --
Announced today, the will meet in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 to vote on the 15 modern-era finalists considered for enshrinement,Tony Moeaki Jerseys. Among the 15 modern-era finalists was former Steelers running back . Former Steelers cornerback will be one of only three candidates considered when the 44-member Selection Committee meets.
Considering what it takes , both Bettis and Butler have made great strides. Center Dermontti Dawson and linebacker Kevin Greene also made the final list. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent. Butler was selected as a senior candidate by the Committee at their August 2011 meeting. The Seniors Committee reviews players whose careers took place more than 25 years go. Out of a list of 105 preliminary nominees, the Hall's 44-member Selection Committee narrowed their list for 2012 to 15 modern-era finalists from an earlier 26 semi-finalist list. Modern-era players and coaches must be retired for at least five consecutive seasons. Bettis is in his second year of eligibility.
Final election results will be announced at 5:30 p.m. ET during an NFL Network special that is scheduled to take place for one hour and will be shown live from the Super Bowl Media Center.
The Class of 2012 will be the 50th class to be elected to the in Canton, Ohio.
Are you on Facebook? to talk Steelers.
To email Christina .
Twitter and re-Tweet this article by following
Read other Steelers news from Pittsburgh Sports Examiner,
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Harbaugh kept his postgame celebration simple and quick
Harbaugh kept his postgame celebration simple and quick; no Willis update
The team, Harbaugh said, will be allowed to do some scoreboard watching as they want to see how things pan out. But that wasn't the most important thing on tap for the team.
Several players had echoed the feeling that the team still has to improve on things as the playoff approaches. Now to move on ahead to the games remaining on the schedule.
"Improvement equals success for them," Harbaugh said with a smile.
===
Other notes
The Monday press conference was originally scheduled for noon but it was moved to 3:00 p.m,nike nfl jerseys. so Harbaugh could attend the memorial service for his colleague Chester McGlockton.
Harbaugh jokingly said that the best way to celebrate Frank Gore's record-setting day was to have a statue of the running back made in front of the new stadium.
Harbaugh confirmed that the team won't be resting any players because they still have games they need to win for playoff seeding.
Harbaugh said that LB Larry Grant (the team's special teams captain for the week) played really well in place of Willis,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey. Grant is a hard hitter and even lost his helmet while tackling Rams RB Steven Jackson.
"He's got a high level of contact courage," Harbaugh said.
The team, Harbaugh said, will be allowed to do some scoreboard watching as they want to see how things pan out. But that wasn't the most important thing on tap for the team.
Several players had echoed the feeling that the team still has to improve on things as the playoff approaches. Now to move on ahead to the games remaining on the schedule.
"Improvement equals success for them," Harbaugh said with a smile.
===
Other notes
The Monday press conference was originally scheduled for noon but it was moved to 3:00 p.m,nike nfl jerseys. so Harbaugh could attend the memorial service for his colleague Chester McGlockton.
Harbaugh jokingly said that the best way to celebrate Frank Gore's record-setting day was to have a statue of the running back made in front of the new stadium.
Harbaugh confirmed that the team won't be resting any players because they still have games they need to win for playoff seeding.
Harbaugh said that LB Larry Grant (the team's special teams captain for the week) played really well in place of Willis,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey. Grant is a hard hitter and even lost his helmet while tackling Rams RB Steven Jackson.
"He's got a high level of contact courage," Harbaugh said.
THE OFFENSIVE TACKLES.
Indianapolis Colts 2010 offseason primer: The Defensive Ends (part 2)
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That's what will be missing from the Colts next season.
More important, of course, is what the Colts still will have, and that's two of the elite pass-rushers/playmakers of their era.
Even with the team emphasizing more blitzing and more attacking, in a very real sense, the starting end combination of Freeney and Mathis remained the key to a lot of what made the Colts successful defensively this past season.
The reason is simple:
in the , defensive success and the success of a team in general still largely depends on a team's ability to get opponents off the field on third-down and late-game passing situations. There may be teams equal to the Colts in that area. But there aren't many better.
Freeney, the Colts' all-time career sacks leader, registered 13.5 sacks this season and had 20 pressures, and Mathis second on the team's all-time list in sacks registered 9.5 sacks and a team-high 23 pressures. They also remained what they have been for the last half decade one of the NFL's best duos at forcing turnovers and making critical, game-turning plays in crucial situations.
Freeney forced a fumble this season to bring his career total to 36, with Mathis forcing five to bring his career total to 35 in the category.
Freeney, as has been the case throughout his career, also showed an uncommon ability to play through injuries this past season. In early October, he played and registered a sack a week after sustaining a quadriceps injury many speculated would sideline him for nearly a month.
He turned in a similar performance in the Super Bowl, not practicing for two weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in the AFC Championship Game. He then started Super Bowl XLIV against New Orleans, registering a first-half sack of quarterback Drew Brees.
Even with Brock gone, the Colts won't be without all of their experienced depth. Keyunta Dawson, a seventh-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft who has played end and tackle in three seasons with the Colts, played mostly end this past season and he likely will be the top backup at the spot next season.
* The roster: RDE Dwight Freeney (9), LDE Robert Mathis (8), Keyunta Dawson (4), Ervin Baldwin (2), J.D. Skolnitsky (1), John Chick (1), Rudolph Hardie (1).
* The breakdown: Freeney and Mathis remain in their primes and remain two of the NFL's best. Observers talk each offseason of the Colts' need to bring in a third pass rusher, but the reality is it's rare enough to have two ends of the status of Freeney and Mathis. Getting a third could be too much to expect. Dawson is a solid backup and has proven reliable and durable in his first three seasons. Skolnitsky spent last season on the Redskins' practice squad, and either he or Baldwin could play themselves into a reserve role in camp next season.
* What the rest of the offseason might bring: The release of Brock surprised nearly everyone, but given he had played eight seasons and was in a backup role, his release doesn't drastically change the nature of the position for the Colts. That doesn't mean they don't need a fourth defensive end. They do, but it may not come in free agency. The Colts did acquire Skolnitsky off waivers and they could sign a player later in the offseason, but more likely a major contributor here would come from either the draft or of the waiver wire shortly before next season.
* Feeling the draft: The Colts almost certainly will draft this position somewhere. Some mock drafts project this is an early-round need, but the Colts' approach typically has been not to draft this position late in the first round, preferring instead to try to pick up backup help in fourth-through-seventh rounds. They tried this approach with Marcus Howard in the fifth round two years ago, drafting an undersized, speed rusher in the vein of Mathis, but released him before last season. This offseason has had a different feel thus far, and if the Colts go defensive end early, that would be another step in a new direction.
* Free agency status: The Colts have made a couple of small early acquisitions in the offseason, including claiming Skolnitsky. Despite a lot of clamoring to get end depth, don't look for any big-name moves here in free agency. That's not how the Colts typically believe in building the roster.
(2 of 2) | 2
DAILY DIGEST: ON SORGI'S MOVE TO NEW YORK. .
BRACKETT. "WE HAVE UNFINISHEDBUSINESS.
BRACKETT: REPORT: COLTS TO MAKE BRACKETT AMONG HIGHEST-PAID LINEBACKERS.
COLTS ADDING TURNER ASASSISTANT COACH.
COLTS FREE AGENCY: PLAYER BY PLAYER BREAKDOWN. .
DEPARTURE OF BROCK, JACKSON SHOWS REALITY OF NFL. .
NEWS: RAHEEM BROCK TWEETS THAT COLTS CAREER IS OVER.
NFL SCOUTING COMBINE
THE QUARTERBACKS,Brandon Flowers Jerseys. .
THE RUNNING BACKS.
THEWIDE RECEIVERS. ,Ryan Succop Jerseys.
THE TIGHT ENDS.
THEOFFENSIVE LINE.
DAILY DIGESTS:
COLTS C JEFF SATURDAY ON COLTS PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN'S POST-SUPER BOWL OL COMMENTS.
BILL POLIAN WEIGHSIN ON NFL DRAFT.
SUNDAY DIGEST: TOM MOORE. .
WRAPPING UP POST-SUPER BOWL TALK:
A REFRESHINGLY ACCURATE READ ON PEYTON MANNING.
ON TEAM OF DECADE AND ED JOHNSON.
A LOOK AT THE GARY BRACKETT NEGOTIATIONS. .
ON THE DOUBLE-AGENT THEORY.
TAG OR NO TAG,SIGNING BRACKETT RIGHT MOVE.
THURSDAY SCOUTING COMBINE.
CASSERLY: BEST DRAFT CLASS IN 30 YEARS.
OFFSEASON PRIMERS:
THE QUARTERBACKS. .
THE RUNNING BACKS. .
THE WIDE RECEIVERS. .
THE TIGHT ENDS. .
THE OFFENSIVE TACKLES.
THE OFFENSIVE GUARDS.
THE CENTERS.
MORE
POLIAN: THEPAST IS PROLOGUE. .
Follow me on Twitter:
. . . John's Colts website
(2 of 2) | 2
That's what will be missing from the Colts next season.
More important, of course, is what the Colts still will have, and that's two of the elite pass-rushers/playmakers of their era.
Even with the team emphasizing more blitzing and more attacking, in a very real sense, the starting end combination of Freeney and Mathis remained the key to a lot of what made the Colts successful defensively this past season.
The reason is simple:
in the , defensive success and the success of a team in general still largely depends on a team's ability to get opponents off the field on third-down and late-game passing situations. There may be teams equal to the Colts in that area. But there aren't many better.
Freeney, the Colts' all-time career sacks leader, registered 13.5 sacks this season and had 20 pressures, and Mathis second on the team's all-time list in sacks registered 9.5 sacks and a team-high 23 pressures. They also remained what they have been for the last half decade one of the NFL's best duos at forcing turnovers and making critical, game-turning plays in crucial situations.
Freeney forced a fumble this season to bring his career total to 36, with Mathis forcing five to bring his career total to 35 in the category.
Freeney, as has been the case throughout his career, also showed an uncommon ability to play through injuries this past season. In early October, he played and registered a sack a week after sustaining a quadriceps injury many speculated would sideline him for nearly a month.
He turned in a similar performance in the Super Bowl, not practicing for two weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in the AFC Championship Game. He then started Super Bowl XLIV against New Orleans, registering a first-half sack of quarterback Drew Brees.
Even with Brock gone, the Colts won't be without all of their experienced depth. Keyunta Dawson, a seventh-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft who has played end and tackle in three seasons with the Colts, played mostly end this past season and he likely will be the top backup at the spot next season.
* The roster: RDE Dwight Freeney (9), LDE Robert Mathis (8), Keyunta Dawson (4), Ervin Baldwin (2), J.D. Skolnitsky (1), John Chick (1), Rudolph Hardie (1).
* The breakdown: Freeney and Mathis remain in their primes and remain two of the NFL's best. Observers talk each offseason of the Colts' need to bring in a third pass rusher, but the reality is it's rare enough to have two ends of the status of Freeney and Mathis. Getting a third could be too much to expect. Dawson is a solid backup and has proven reliable and durable in his first three seasons. Skolnitsky spent last season on the Redskins' practice squad, and either he or Baldwin could play themselves into a reserve role in camp next season.
* What the rest of the offseason might bring: The release of Brock surprised nearly everyone, but given he had played eight seasons and was in a backup role, his release doesn't drastically change the nature of the position for the Colts. That doesn't mean they don't need a fourth defensive end. They do, but it may not come in free agency. The Colts did acquire Skolnitsky off waivers and they could sign a player later in the offseason, but more likely a major contributor here would come from either the draft or of the waiver wire shortly before next season.
* Feeling the draft: The Colts almost certainly will draft this position somewhere. Some mock drafts project this is an early-round need, but the Colts' approach typically has been not to draft this position late in the first round, preferring instead to try to pick up backup help in fourth-through-seventh rounds. They tried this approach with Marcus Howard in the fifth round two years ago, drafting an undersized, speed rusher in the vein of Mathis, but released him before last season. This offseason has had a different feel thus far, and if the Colts go defensive end early, that would be another step in a new direction.
* Free agency status: The Colts have made a couple of small early acquisitions in the offseason, including claiming Skolnitsky. Despite a lot of clamoring to get end depth, don't look for any big-name moves here in free agency. That's not how the Colts typically believe in building the roster.
(2 of 2) | 2
DAILY DIGEST: ON SORGI'S MOVE TO NEW YORK. .
BRACKETT. "WE HAVE UNFINISHEDBUSINESS.
BRACKETT: REPORT: COLTS TO MAKE BRACKETT AMONG HIGHEST-PAID LINEBACKERS.
COLTS ADDING TURNER ASASSISTANT COACH.
COLTS FREE AGENCY: PLAYER BY PLAYER BREAKDOWN. .
DEPARTURE OF BROCK, JACKSON SHOWS REALITY OF NFL. .
NEWS: RAHEEM BROCK TWEETS THAT COLTS CAREER IS OVER.
NFL SCOUTING COMBINE
THE QUARTERBACKS,Brandon Flowers Jerseys. .
THE RUNNING BACKS.
THEWIDE RECEIVERS. ,Ryan Succop Jerseys.
THE TIGHT ENDS.
THEOFFENSIVE LINE.
DAILY DIGESTS:
COLTS C JEFF SATURDAY ON COLTS PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN'S POST-SUPER BOWL OL COMMENTS.
BILL POLIAN WEIGHSIN ON NFL DRAFT.
SUNDAY DIGEST: TOM MOORE. .
WRAPPING UP POST-SUPER BOWL TALK:
A REFRESHINGLY ACCURATE READ ON PEYTON MANNING.
ON TEAM OF DECADE AND ED JOHNSON.
A LOOK AT THE GARY BRACKETT NEGOTIATIONS. .
ON THE DOUBLE-AGENT THEORY.
TAG OR NO TAG,SIGNING BRACKETT RIGHT MOVE.
THURSDAY SCOUTING COMBINE.
CASSERLY: BEST DRAFT CLASS IN 30 YEARS.
OFFSEASON PRIMERS:
THE QUARTERBACKS. .
THE RUNNING BACKS. .
THE WIDE RECEIVERS. .
THE TIGHT ENDS. .
THE OFFENSIVE TACKLES.
THE OFFENSIVE GUARDS.
THE CENTERS.
MORE
POLIAN: THEPAST IS PROLOGUE. .
Follow me on Twitter:
. . . John's Colts website
Monday, November 19, 2012
Prediction
Rams/Bears Preview
The St. Louis head to Soldier Field on Sunday to take on the in a game that mostpeople aroundthe NFL will pay no attention to but for these two teams this game means a lot. For the Rams a win is needed in the worst way for Steve Spagnuoloto just get some sort of positive vibes going at Rams Park. The Bears have lost 6 of their last 7 and for the Bears any more losses may signal the end of Lovie Smith as the head coach of the Bears. Two teams with two coaches who desperately need the win. Here is a preview of Sunday's game.
When the Rams have the ball
The main question will be can Steven Jackson can run at full speed and be as good as he was during the first half of the season on Sunday? Jackson will most likely be limited due to injury for Sunday's game and Samkon Gado and Kenneth Darby will have to have more touches this week. What was once a very good defense has become very average in Chicago. The Bears are nothing more then a middle of the pack defense, ranking 18th in the NFL. The Bears are a little better then the Rams on stopping the run but not by much. Ranking 24th the Bears front four are not effective in stopping the run. Adewale Ogunleye is the Bears most effective pass rusher and Tommie Harris is good in the middle of that line. Where the Bears have really been lacking is at linebacker where they have been really hurt by injury. Brian Urlacher has been out since September and former Rams linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa is also on injured reserve now. When the Rams throw the ball they could have some success throwing to the tight end against that linebacker corps. In the secondary the Bears are better, ranking 15th against the pass.Charles Tillmanand Zack Bowman are both prettydecent cornerbacks and safety Danieal Manning has a knack for making big plays,Dwayne Bowe Jerseys. This is nowhere near the Monsters of the Midway defense that the Bears are known for and one would think the Rams could make some plays.
When the Bears have the ball
Jay Cutler has had a rough first season in Chicago. Cutler has thrown 20 interceptions this season to his 16 touchdowns. Part of the problem that Cutler has run into is that he has little help at wide receiver. Sound familiar? Cutler's favorite target is Devin Hester who is horribly miscast as a number one receiver. Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox are the other wide receivers who are nothing more than journeymen. The one place the Bears will have an advantage in their passing game is at tight end. Expect Greg Olson to be very active against a Rams defense that has had problems covering the tight end. Where the Bears have really failed this season has been running the football. The Bears are dead last in the run in the NFL. That really doesn't mean anything to the Rams because last week the Seahawks were dead last in the NFL before playing the Rams. They weren't afterward. If the Rams can force Cutler to have to win the game throwing the ball I think they might have a chance.
Special Teams
The one thing I don't understand about the Bears is that they have the best kickoff returner in the league, in Devin Hester, and he doesn't return kickoffs. The Bears do get good results from Danieal Manning but it still baffling. Hester does return punts and is a huge threat. Robbie Gould is a very effective kicker in a very tough environment. Brad Maynard is one of the best punters in the league in dropping the ball inside the 20 yard line. The Bears, for all their faults,Ryan Succop Jersey, have very good special teams.
Prediction
After last week I don't think there is anyway you can predict that the Rams will win this game. That doesn't mean that I can't foresee a scenario that it could happen. The Bears are a mess, they don't play great defense and they aren't real good on offense. If the Rams are going to win this game they will have to force Cutler into mistakes and not turn the ball over. I believe that the Rams will play better this week but it won't be good enough. Bears 27 Rams 10.
For more info:Get updates from Rams Park and instant updates by Twitter . Also please listen to my reports on The Morning After Monday and Friday on 1380 AM or at .
The St. Louis head to Soldier Field on Sunday to take on the in a game that mostpeople aroundthe NFL will pay no attention to but for these two teams this game means a lot. For the Rams a win is needed in the worst way for Steve Spagnuoloto just get some sort of positive vibes going at Rams Park. The Bears have lost 6 of their last 7 and for the Bears any more losses may signal the end of Lovie Smith as the head coach of the Bears. Two teams with two coaches who desperately need the win. Here is a preview of Sunday's game.
When the Rams have the ball
The main question will be can Steven Jackson can run at full speed and be as good as he was during the first half of the season on Sunday? Jackson will most likely be limited due to injury for Sunday's game and Samkon Gado and Kenneth Darby will have to have more touches this week. What was once a very good defense has become very average in Chicago. The Bears are nothing more then a middle of the pack defense, ranking 18th in the NFL. The Bears are a little better then the Rams on stopping the run but not by much. Ranking 24th the Bears front four are not effective in stopping the run. Adewale Ogunleye is the Bears most effective pass rusher and Tommie Harris is good in the middle of that line. Where the Bears have really been lacking is at linebacker where they have been really hurt by injury. Brian Urlacher has been out since September and former Rams linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa is also on injured reserve now. When the Rams throw the ball they could have some success throwing to the tight end against that linebacker corps. In the secondary the Bears are better, ranking 15th against the pass.Charles Tillmanand Zack Bowman are both prettydecent cornerbacks and safety Danieal Manning has a knack for making big plays,Dwayne Bowe Jerseys. This is nowhere near the Monsters of the Midway defense that the Bears are known for and one would think the Rams could make some plays.
When the Bears have the ball
Jay Cutler has had a rough first season in Chicago. Cutler has thrown 20 interceptions this season to his 16 touchdowns. Part of the problem that Cutler has run into is that he has little help at wide receiver. Sound familiar? Cutler's favorite target is Devin Hester who is horribly miscast as a number one receiver. Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox are the other wide receivers who are nothing more than journeymen. The one place the Bears will have an advantage in their passing game is at tight end. Expect Greg Olson to be very active against a Rams defense that has had problems covering the tight end. Where the Bears have really failed this season has been running the football. The Bears are dead last in the run in the NFL. That really doesn't mean anything to the Rams because last week the Seahawks were dead last in the NFL before playing the Rams. They weren't afterward. If the Rams can force Cutler to have to win the game throwing the ball I think they might have a chance.
Special Teams
The one thing I don't understand about the Bears is that they have the best kickoff returner in the league, in Devin Hester, and he doesn't return kickoffs. The Bears do get good results from Danieal Manning but it still baffling. Hester does return punts and is a huge threat. Robbie Gould is a very effective kicker in a very tough environment. Brad Maynard is one of the best punters in the league in dropping the ball inside the 20 yard line. The Bears, for all their faults,Ryan Succop Jersey, have very good special teams.
Prediction
After last week I don't think there is anyway you can predict that the Rams will win this game. That doesn't mean that I can't foresee a scenario that it could happen. The Bears are a mess, they don't play great defense and they aren't real good on offense. If the Rams are going to win this game they will have to force Cutler into mistakes and not turn the ball over. I believe that the Rams will play better this week but it won't be good enough. Bears 27 Rams 10.
For more info:Get updates from Rams Park and instant updates by Twitter . Also please listen to my reports on The Morning After Monday and Friday on 1380 AM or at .
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Joe Flacco
Looking Back With Sarcasm: The 1999 NFL Draft (pt.2)
For part oneof the 1999 Day timeline, .
12:20pm: With Marshall Faulk as their new running back, coach Dick Vermeil feels comfortable enough with his backfield to select wide receiver of North Carolina State. This is called foreshadowing, as Marshall Faulk announces later this day that he won't play for the Rams without a new contract.
12:24pm: Mel Kiper, draft expert, slugs an intern who refuses to refer to him as "Mel Kiper, draft expert."
12:30pm: Washington, who traded their own pick to Minnesota and traded the draft pick they received from Carolina to New Orleans, takes Chicago's pick in exchange for the former pick of New Orleans to move back up one spot below their original pick. ESPN draft gurus all agree this is a bold move, although none of them can remember why.
12:45pm: Arizona uses the draft pick they received from San Diego that allowed the Chargers to get Ryan Leaf last year. The Cardinals take big play receiver David Boston out of Ohio State. The Cardinals try to call the Chargers war room to offer them thanks, but get no answer since San Diego won't be drafting for 52 more picks,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. However, Chargers management's first big decision of the day is coming up, and after much consideration, they elect to go with Chinese food.
1:30pm: In spite of having the best record in the NFL last year, the Minnesota Vikings are able to select the player they had top-rated in this year's draft, QB of Central Florida. Everyone begins to hate Minnesota.
1:40pm: On ESPN's draft coverage, Chris Berman mentions the retirement of Wayne Gretzky, and Mel Kiper, draft expert, refers to him as a "prospect with good vision, lots of upside, but too small to contribute immediately." When he suggests Gretzky may go as a late round pick to New England, Berman has to slap him.
1:45pm: Chicago, who traded down to get New Orleans' pick from Washington, is awoken from a brief nap to select of UCLA, thus ending the biggest run on quarterbacks ever. Five signal-callers have gone in the first twelve picks, making this possibly the best QB draft ever, or at least since 1983. Owners beam with pride, hoping they just hit the lottery and didn't draft 1999's version of Tony Eason.
2:33pm: The Oakland Raiders, who appear to be drafting with the aid of darts,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, select offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb of Georgia. Mel Kiper, draft expert, begins a scathing indictment of the Raiders that only culminates when Chris Berman has him sedated.
2:35pm: Helpful Eagles fans actually stop yelling "Eagles suck," and switch to "Giants suck" after New York selects offensive lineman Luke Petitgout of Notre Dame.
2:45pm: The Dallas Cowboys trade up two places to grab defensive lineman Ebenezer Ekuban of North Carolina, for no apparent reason other than his name is "Ebenezer."
3:15pm: The first round winds up with Denver's pick of Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson. Analysts start talking about the second and subsequent rounds as being important in terms of potential. Sports fans start talking to their families again.
Sunday morning, 2:30am: The first sighting of a drunken New Orleans reveler passed out unconscious in a Ricky Williams Saints jersey was reported. Remember where you were when it happened, kids.
More Draft Day mayhem:2008 NFL Draft (Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco) timeline, .2007 NFL Draft (Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson) timeline, .
2006 NFL Draft (Vince Young, Reggie Bush) timeline, .
2005 NFL Draft (Alex Smith, Pacman Jones) timeline, .
2004 NFL Draft (Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald) timeline, .
2003 NFL Draft (Carson Palmer, Charles Rogers) timeline, .
2002 NFL Draft (David Carr, Joey Harrington) timeline, .
2001NFL Draft (Michael Vick, LT, Philip Rivers) timeline, .
2000NFL Draft (Courtney Brown, Sebastian Janikowski) timeline, .
For part oneof the 1999 Day timeline, .
12:20pm: With Marshall Faulk as their new running back, coach Dick Vermeil feels comfortable enough with his backfield to select wide receiver of North Carolina State. This is called foreshadowing, as Marshall Faulk announces later this day that he won't play for the Rams without a new contract.
12:24pm: Mel Kiper, draft expert, slugs an intern who refuses to refer to him as "Mel Kiper, draft expert."
12:30pm: Washington, who traded their own pick to Minnesota and traded the draft pick they received from Carolina to New Orleans, takes Chicago's pick in exchange for the former pick of New Orleans to move back up one spot below their original pick. ESPN draft gurus all agree this is a bold move, although none of them can remember why.
12:45pm: Arizona uses the draft pick they received from San Diego that allowed the Chargers to get Ryan Leaf last year. The Cardinals take big play receiver David Boston out of Ohio State. The Cardinals try to call the Chargers war room to offer them thanks, but get no answer since San Diego won't be drafting for 52 more picks,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. However, Chargers management's first big decision of the day is coming up, and after much consideration, they elect to go with Chinese food.
1:30pm: In spite of having the best record in the NFL last year, the Minnesota Vikings are able to select the player they had top-rated in this year's draft, QB of Central Florida. Everyone begins to hate Minnesota.
1:40pm: On ESPN's draft coverage, Chris Berman mentions the retirement of Wayne Gretzky, and Mel Kiper, draft expert, refers to him as a "prospect with good vision, lots of upside, but too small to contribute immediately." When he suggests Gretzky may go as a late round pick to New England, Berman has to slap him.
1:45pm: Chicago, who traded down to get New Orleans' pick from Washington, is awoken from a brief nap to select of UCLA, thus ending the biggest run on quarterbacks ever. Five signal-callers have gone in the first twelve picks, making this possibly the best QB draft ever, or at least since 1983. Owners beam with pride, hoping they just hit the lottery and didn't draft 1999's version of Tony Eason.
2:33pm: The Oakland Raiders, who appear to be drafting with the aid of darts,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, select offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb of Georgia. Mel Kiper, draft expert, begins a scathing indictment of the Raiders that only culminates when Chris Berman has him sedated.
2:35pm: Helpful Eagles fans actually stop yelling "Eagles suck," and switch to "Giants suck" after New York selects offensive lineman Luke Petitgout of Notre Dame.
2:45pm: The Dallas Cowboys trade up two places to grab defensive lineman Ebenezer Ekuban of North Carolina, for no apparent reason other than his name is "Ebenezer."
3:15pm: The first round winds up with Denver's pick of Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson. Analysts start talking about the second and subsequent rounds as being important in terms of potential. Sports fans start talking to their families again.
Sunday morning, 2:30am: The first sighting of a drunken New Orleans reveler passed out unconscious in a Ricky Williams Saints jersey was reported. Remember where you were when it happened, kids.
More Draft Day mayhem:2008 NFL Draft (Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco) timeline, .2007 NFL Draft (Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson) timeline, .
2006 NFL Draft (Vince Young, Reggie Bush) timeline, .
2005 NFL Draft (Alex Smith, Pacman Jones) timeline, .
2004 NFL Draft (Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald) timeline, .
2003 NFL Draft (Carson Palmer, Charles Rogers) timeline, .
2002 NFL Draft (David Carr, Joey Harrington) timeline, .
2001NFL Draft (Michael Vick, LT, Philip Rivers) timeline, .
2000NFL Draft (Courtney Brown, Sebastian Janikowski) timeline, .
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
If you re scoring at home
This just in: Trader Andy continues blowin' 'em out
Yes, the will draft another player at some point. Promise.
But for now, Trader Andy is blowing em out. Everything must go, to the bare walls.
Reid took the 71st overall pick, acquired from Cleveland, and sent it to Green Bay for No. 86 and No. 122.
If you re scoring at home, they now have one third-round pick,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, fourth fourth-rounders, two fifth-rounders, one sixth-rounder and two seventh-rounders,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys.
That s 10 more picks.
Assuming there are no more trades.
Yes, the will draft another player at some point. Promise.
But for now, Trader Andy is blowing em out. Everything must go, to the bare walls.
Reid took the 71st overall pick, acquired from Cleveland, and sent it to Green Bay for No. 86 and No. 122.
If you re scoring at home, they now have one third-round pick,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, fourth fourth-rounders, two fifth-rounders, one sixth-rounder and two seventh-rounders,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys.
That s 10 more picks.
Assuming there are no more trades.
Friday, November 9, 2012
First and foremost
How Do You Know If Your Child Has ADD? by Jason Rickard
This is one of the biggest problems doctors,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, parents and children with ADD face,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. How do you know your child has ADD in order to take action to prevent it? Not the easiest of questions to answer because as of now there still seems no consistent method of detecting ADD in children, however there are signs to look out for.
First and foremost, one of the most important signs to look out for is if a child gets easily distracted. Up to a certain extent we all get distracted from the tasks that we do but kids with ADD especially have a problem of caring for themselves and taking hold of responsibility for themselves. For example, if a child has school work to finish and if they don't get pushed by their parents to complete the work, they won't attend to it.
Another easy way of detecting problems with distraction that could mean a child has ADD is by observing if the child displays carelessness. Easy to spot signs of carelessness could be frequently forgetting items in school or during outings.
One method used in clinics by doctors is to test if the child can follow instructions properly. Usually children with ADD have a hard time following and keeping up with specific instructions and directions given by others.
Keep in mind that the above are not really symptoms of ADD, they are simply a few points to be aware of so if a child displays these on a frequent basis it could mean that they have ADD. There are exceptions however where kids may seem fine one day and display an array of the above behaviors other days. Doctors themselves can only guess whether a child has ADD or not through display of the above signs, then again a guess remains a guess and cannot be a hundred percent true.
Recent research done in the Brunel University in London has some researchers on a brink of unlocking a way to detect ADD in children through eye tests. This is done by having the child follow a spot of light on a computer screen for thirty seconds. The tests have been claimed to be 93% accurate in identifying kids with ADD and those who didn't suffer from the disorder.
Health professionals are hoping that such a test will succeed in identifying ADD at an early stage in a child's life in order to help prevent the disorder getting worse later on.
This is one of the biggest problems doctors,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, parents and children with ADD face,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. How do you know your child has ADD in order to take action to prevent it? Not the easiest of questions to answer because as of now there still seems no consistent method of detecting ADD in children, however there are signs to look out for.
First and foremost, one of the most important signs to look out for is if a child gets easily distracted. Up to a certain extent we all get distracted from the tasks that we do but kids with ADD especially have a problem of caring for themselves and taking hold of responsibility for themselves. For example, if a child has school work to finish and if they don't get pushed by their parents to complete the work, they won't attend to it.
Another easy way of detecting problems with distraction that could mean a child has ADD is by observing if the child displays carelessness. Easy to spot signs of carelessness could be frequently forgetting items in school or during outings.
One method used in clinics by doctors is to test if the child can follow instructions properly. Usually children with ADD have a hard time following and keeping up with specific instructions and directions given by others.
Keep in mind that the above are not really symptoms of ADD, they are simply a few points to be aware of so if a child displays these on a frequent basis it could mean that they have ADD. There are exceptions however where kids may seem fine one day and display an array of the above behaviors other days. Doctors themselves can only guess whether a child has ADD or not through display of the above signs, then again a guess remains a guess and cannot be a hundred percent true.
Recent research done in the Brunel University in London has some researchers on a brink of unlocking a way to detect ADD in children through eye tests. This is done by having the child follow a spot of light on a computer screen for thirty seconds. The tests have been claimed to be 93% accurate in identifying kids with ADD and those who didn't suffer from the disorder.
Health professionals are hoping that such a test will succeed in identifying ADD at an early stage in a child's life in order to help prevent the disorder getting worse later on.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
First off
Educational Baby Toys are Lots of Fun by Anita Eracybab
If you don't have a baby or haven't had one it may be a difficult task trying to figure out what kind of gift to buy. What we are going to focus on here is a specific age group which is the best way to go about buying gifts for babies since they are changing so rapidly. Babies this age are crawling all over and some are beginning to walk so toys that they can play with in this way are especially desirable.
At this age objects are now more than just objects to look at, they now look at them as things to play with. They are also interested in interactive games and problem solving so with that in mind let's look at some toy ideas.
First off, in keeping with the idea that babies this age are beginning to walk around a bit, push toys are a good choice. The push toys will help them keep their balance as they are learning to walk, just be sure that it has enough weight to give the baby some exercise while working on their motor skills.
Shape sorters are also good choices at this age requiring the baby to sort through shapes and solving problems of how to place one shape inside another and so on. The toys will keep a baby occupied for hours on end.
If you have a sandbox for the baby to play in, sandbox toys like buckets and shovels will be a lot of fun.
Toy telephones and computers are also great. Babies learn a lot by watching us and they will talk forever to an imaginary person on the other end of a toy phone. They love toy versions of adult items. Toy laptops that make beeping noises can be a great gift as well.
Three dimensional pop up books that foster interactivity can be very interesting to babies.
The last items on our list for now are is building blocks. Blocks will be a staple toy that babies will enjoy for years,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. Wooden blocks, Lincoln logs, Big Lego's, and other similar blocks will provide hours of creative,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, motor skill building fun.
If you don't have a baby or haven't had one it may be a difficult task trying to figure out what kind of gift to buy. What we are going to focus on here is a specific age group which is the best way to go about buying gifts for babies since they are changing so rapidly. Babies this age are crawling all over and some are beginning to walk so toys that they can play with in this way are especially desirable.
At this age objects are now more than just objects to look at, they now look at them as things to play with. They are also interested in interactive games and problem solving so with that in mind let's look at some toy ideas.
First off, in keeping with the idea that babies this age are beginning to walk around a bit, push toys are a good choice. The push toys will help them keep their balance as they are learning to walk, just be sure that it has enough weight to give the baby some exercise while working on their motor skills.
Shape sorters are also good choices at this age requiring the baby to sort through shapes and solving problems of how to place one shape inside another and so on. The toys will keep a baby occupied for hours on end.
If you have a sandbox for the baby to play in, sandbox toys like buckets and shovels will be a lot of fun.
Toy telephones and computers are also great. Babies learn a lot by watching us and they will talk forever to an imaginary person on the other end of a toy phone. They love toy versions of adult items. Toy laptops that make beeping noises can be a great gift as well.
Three dimensional pop up books that foster interactivity can be very interesting to babies.
The last items on our list for now are is building blocks. Blocks will be a staple toy that babies will enjoy for years,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. Wooden blocks, Lincoln logs, Big Lego's, and other similar blocks will provide hours of creative,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, motor skill building fun.
Monday, November 5, 2012
by her own actions
Overweight Kids
When I was growing up there was rarely an overweight child. Occasionally someone would be plump, but I can't remember anyone in my class being fat. However, TV wasn't around until I was eight years old and the streets were a safe place to play. We had plenty of P.E. in school and played hard after school. Even as we grew older and had more homework, physical activity was a major part of our lives. And there wasn't as much junk food around yet.
Today, the combination of processed junk food and the lack of physical activity is a deadly combination regarding weight. This is quite obvious to everyone. What is not so obvious is the underlying factor that causes children to use food addictively.
The underlying cause of all addictive behavior is the avoidance of pain,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. Unfortunately, many children have a lot of pain to avoid. While this has always been true,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, what is also true is that the junk food, TV and video games, and the variety of drugs on the streets were not available when I was growing up. Children today can easily turn to processed food, drugs, and TV to avoid their pain.
The problem is they don't know any other way of managing their pain. This is because their parents don't know of healthy ways of managing their pain. The chances are that the parents of overweight children are not role modeling healthy ways of dealing with pain.
Let's take 10 year old Brittany as an example. Brittany is overweight and addicted to sweets and refined carbohydrates. Brittany's father, Samson, is very overweight. He doesn't exercise at all and sits in front of the TV all evening drinking beer. While Brittany's mother, Paula, does not use food addictively and does some exercise, she is addicted to yelling as her way of handling her pain. And her yelling is mostly directed at her only child, Brittany. In addition, Paula's life is totally focused around Brittany. Having no real life of her own, her eyes are always on her daughter. In her eyes, Brittany is a reflection of her and so she has to be perfect. Her imperfections trigger Paula's anger, which creates much stress for Brittany.
Brittany feels invaded and controlled by her mother and resists Paula's control in a way that drives Paula crazy – she overeats. Thinness is important to Paula and she desperately wants Brittany to look the way she “should” look. But there is nothing Paula can do to control Brittany's eating, and the more she tries, the worse it gets.
Brittany has learned to use food to avoid the pain of feeling inadequate, unloved and controlled. She has learned to use food to fill the emptiness she feels when her mother yells at her and expects her to be perfect. Food is the friend she can count on to soothe and comfort her. Paula has tried to restrict the amount of food available in the house, but Samson just goes out and buys more to fulfill his food addiction. And there is always food available at Brittany's friend's houses. There is just no way that Paula can control Brittany's eating.
What Paula can do is take her eyes off Brittany and put them squarely on herself. If Paula wants to help Brittany, she first needs to help herself. She needs to learn healthy ways of handling her own feelings of inadequacy and stress so that she doesn't take her pain out on Brittany.
Paula needs to become a healthy role model for Brittany regarding taking personal responsibility for her own feeling and behavior. Rather than trying to control Brittany, Paula needs to show Brittany, by her own actions, how to take care of her pain in healthy ways. A good place for Paula to start helping herself and her daughter is to download our free course at . By learning and practicing the Six Steps of Inner Bonding, Paula can gradually become the loving parent that Brittany needs.
When I was growing up there was rarely an overweight child. Occasionally someone would be plump, but I can't remember anyone in my class being fat. However, TV wasn't around until I was eight years old and the streets were a safe place to play. We had plenty of P.E. in school and played hard after school. Even as we grew older and had more homework, physical activity was a major part of our lives. And there wasn't as much junk food around yet.
Today, the combination of processed junk food and the lack of physical activity is a deadly combination regarding weight. This is quite obvious to everyone. What is not so obvious is the underlying factor that causes children to use food addictively.
The underlying cause of all addictive behavior is the avoidance of pain,Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys. Unfortunately, many children have a lot of pain to avoid. While this has always been true,Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, what is also true is that the junk food, TV and video games, and the variety of drugs on the streets were not available when I was growing up. Children today can easily turn to processed food, drugs, and TV to avoid their pain.
The problem is they don't know any other way of managing their pain. This is because their parents don't know of healthy ways of managing their pain. The chances are that the parents of overweight children are not role modeling healthy ways of dealing with pain.
Let's take 10 year old Brittany as an example. Brittany is overweight and addicted to sweets and refined carbohydrates. Brittany's father, Samson, is very overweight. He doesn't exercise at all and sits in front of the TV all evening drinking beer. While Brittany's mother, Paula, does not use food addictively and does some exercise, she is addicted to yelling as her way of handling her pain. And her yelling is mostly directed at her only child, Brittany. In addition, Paula's life is totally focused around Brittany. Having no real life of her own, her eyes are always on her daughter. In her eyes, Brittany is a reflection of her and so she has to be perfect. Her imperfections trigger Paula's anger, which creates much stress for Brittany.
Brittany feels invaded and controlled by her mother and resists Paula's control in a way that drives Paula crazy – she overeats. Thinness is important to Paula and she desperately wants Brittany to look the way she “should” look. But there is nothing Paula can do to control Brittany's eating, and the more she tries, the worse it gets.
Brittany has learned to use food to avoid the pain of feeling inadequate, unloved and controlled. She has learned to use food to fill the emptiness she feels when her mother yells at her and expects her to be perfect. Food is the friend she can count on to soothe and comfort her. Paula has tried to restrict the amount of food available in the house, but Samson just goes out and buys more to fulfill his food addiction. And there is always food available at Brittany's friend's houses. There is just no way that Paula can control Brittany's eating.
What Paula can do is take her eyes off Brittany and put them squarely on herself. If Paula wants to help Brittany, she first needs to help herself. She needs to learn healthy ways of handling her own feelings of inadequacy and stress so that she doesn't take her pain out on Brittany.
Paula needs to become a healthy role model for Brittany regarding taking personal responsibility for her own feeling and behavior. Rather than trying to control Brittany, Paula needs to show Brittany, by her own actions, how to take care of her pain in healthy ways. A good place for Paula to start helping herself and her daughter is to download our free course at . By learning and practicing the Six Steps of Inner Bonding, Paula can gradually become the loving parent that Brittany needs.
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