Cadillac needs another new tire

by | Dec 28, 2008 | NFL News

One of the more heartwarming stories of the final one-third of the 2008 regular season was the return of Carnell “Cadillac” Williams from the torn right patellar tendon he suffered early last season.

It appears as though he might have to go through the same process again this offseason after he apparently tore the left one during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to Oakland.

After missing the first half of 2008, he returned for the last several games to rush 63 times for 233 yards and four touchdowns, including 78 yards and two touchdowns today, before suffering the injury.

Williams, according to multiple media reports, was writhing in pain and visibly frustrated by the injury. It’s hard not to pull for a guy like Cadillac, who has kept himself out of trouble since going pro and who worked so hard to get back from the first injury.

Word from the Bucs Beat at the St. Petersburg Times is that the patellar injury isn’t as serious this year. Good luck to the Cadillac for getting back in time for next season.

Best Bets – Week 17

by | Dec 28, 2008 | NFL Gambling

Weeks 15 and 16 weren’t kind. I’ve produced back to back 1-3 records on these so-called Best Bets leaving me at 17-17 since I started making them. As the old saying goes, ties are like kissing your sister – and in Vegas, a tie isn’t really even a tie, when you factor in the vig.

So it’s going to take a perfect week to make this hypothetical endeavor a break-even deal. And here goes.

Last week1-3
Overall: 17-17

1. Denver at San Diego: Over 50.5
The Chargers will be motivated to avenge their questionable loss to Denver in week two, during which 77 points were scored. And both teams have the playoffs on the line. But neither team has a defense that will be able to stop the other. The difference will come down to San Diego having LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles while Denver is down to its 12th string back. Cutler and Rivers put on an aerial show that nearly covers the over/under by halftime.

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Former Chief Oriard now reading, writing, teaching

by | Dec 27, 2008 | Where are they now

Michael Oriard walked on at Notre Dame, becoming a two-year letter winner for the Fighting Irish, where he impressed enough to become the fifth-round draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970. He played four years in the National Football League before getting cut after the 1974 player’s strike.

But while his NFL career ended, his life was just beginning. Currently at Oregon State University, he’s become a professor and an author, observing and commenting on many topics, including the National Football League and its status as a part of America’s culture.

His most recent book, Brand NFL: Making & Selling America’s Favorite Sport, discussed the explosive growth and success the league has experienced during its era of labor peace.

Zoneblitz.com recently caught up with Oriard to find out how he got where he is and what plans he has for following up on his writings down the line.
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2009 Fantasy football mock draft? Already? Heck yah!!

by | Dec 26, 2008 | Fantasy Football

Most fantasy football leagues wrapped up last week. Tony and I will soon provide for your viewing pleasure a wrap-up of the leagues we participated in this season.

In the meantime, it’s never too early to start planning for next year.

While these will obviously change based on the draft, free agency and our own whims, Tony and I each slapped together a top 10 list. We also asked Anthony Maggio, a veteran fantasy sports writer, to give his take as well.

Please feel free to share your own thoughts, either on our lists or on what you would have done differently.

Happy Holidays.
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