Football

For 15 consecutive years, Denver Broncos quarterbacks have been protected by the Number 78. Starting in 1998, when Matt Lepsis took over for the retiring Gary Zimmerman (and still helped the Broncos reach Super Bowl glory), and continuing to the present day, there has been a #78 jersey on Denver's blind side. When Lepsis retired in 2007, the Broncos drafted Ryan Clady with their top overall pick; Clady took over Lepsis's roster spot (and jersey number), and the Broncos didn't miss a beat. Clady is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All Pro, already making him the most decorated tackle in franchise history. Clady is only 26 years old. Countdown to Kickoff: 79 Days Of course, Ryan Clady is only set to remain with the Broncos for another year as it stands now. Clady is Denver's franchise player and so has a one-year deal available to him that he has yet to sign. The Broncos have until July 15th to sign Clady to a long-term deal. Here's hoping Clady, and the #78, continue to represent the Broncos for years to come. In 1978.... SPOILER ALERT (for tomorrow's countdown) - The Broncos' were coming off their 1977 Super Bowl loss in 1978, but the hangover didn't affect the works too badly. The Broncos finished 10-6 and won the AFC West for the second year in a row. The Red Miller-led Broncos ultimately lost in the first round to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 33-10. Cool #78 Factoids: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick served as assistant special teams coach and defensive assistant for the Broncos in 1978, his only season with the club. Demaryius Thomas failed to hold onto a 22-yard pass in the end zone from Peyton Manning in Week 2 of 2012 (Falcons safety William Moore broke it up). Had DT hauled it in, he would have finished the night with 100 yards. Instead, he was left with 78. Future Hall of Famer and Ring of Famer Champ Bailey was born in 1978. Want another cool/random Bailey-related 78 factoid? Bailey had 78 yards -- RECEIVING -- for the Washington Redskins in 2000. Notable Broncos to wear #78: Matt Lepsis (1998-2007) Marv Montgomery (1971-76) (particularly notable for that excellent last name). Current Bronco wearing #78: Ryan Clady (2008 - Present) Quiz of the Day: #78: 78 was the number of points scored by Denver's leading scorer (among skill position players) in 2012. Guess the player's name in the comments! Read More: Denver Broncos By the Numbers: #78 (Kaptain Kirk)

The investigation into a man’s death a mile from Hernandez’s home is still ongoing.  New information has been provided. Odin Lloyd, 27, was found dead Monday evening close to a vehicle that was rented to Aaron Hernandez. ABC News say a source claimed the man was shot.  He was found a mile away from Hernandez’s home. Police said today that Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez’s girlfriend, and that authorities are trying to reach that woman because they are concerned about her safety.

via www1.pictures.zimbio.com Is this Tony Romo or Jason Garrett? I can't tell As we enter this quite period of the nfl off-season, there generally isn't too much news that will come out that we can analyze or speculate about. Last week may have been the last time in a while that we get to watch the players on the field or listen to the coaches answer questions about the team. There was a lot that we learned, on and off the field, but one specific matter really got me thinking. There has been a great deal made out about the switch in offensive play callers, with Coach Garrett officially confirming that last Tuesday, which when compiled with many other actions by the front office this off-season, has left pundits from multiple media streams questioning whether Garrett still has control of the team and the locker room. As all of these reports rolled in last week, I came across one interview which has me holding a completely opposite belief. By now, we are all aptly aware that quarterback Tony Romo has been sidelined through all of OTAs and minicamp. But Romo has definitely made his presence felt and, in a 20 minute interview last Tuesday, silenced any doubts I had about this team's allegiance to Garrett and the massive influence he has. In the interview, Romo is asked a variety of questions, ranging from his health to the playcalling situation, but it wasn't his answers that intrigued me, it was the way he responded to them. When asked about details and his opinion regarding the execution of the offense in the off-season: "I don't want to get into the details about it, just from a competitive standpoint." When asked about the play calling and game planning: "It's a collective effort." What I'm trying to show from this is that Romo is responding literally with the same words Garrett has been using all along. What was Garrett's excuse as to why the decision on play calling had not been said publicly earlier? Because he saw no competitive edge from releasing information out early. His response to what his role would be in the offense now? Everything is a collective effort and everyone has a great deal of input. And not only is he using Garrett's words as his, but he's also answering questions in the vague way Garrett does and tries not to give away anything more than what's necessary. When he was questioned about whether the role of the no-huddle offense would be expanded: "I think we'll be doing a lot of things that are going to help us this year, that you may or may not have seen before." There are far more examples of this throughout the interview, but what I conclude from it is that Garrett has had a profound influence over Romo, the man who is undoubtedly the face of the franchise and who holds a large amount of influence in the locker room. Garrett has tried to mold Romo to become more like him and to think like him, and it seems that Romo has clearly accepted this mindset. When you as a coach have such a strong control over arguably your most important player, it leads me to believe that you can, and do, exert a strong control over the team as a whole. Furthermore, Romo has become increasingly involved with the players on the field, critiquing and helping them execute their plays more effectively. He's been involved so much, that the players have begun to call him "Coach Romo". That's what you want to see from your "coach on the field". When you assess the words that Romo has spoken, with the actions that he has taken, it's easy to see the impact that Coach Garrett has had on him. Things may change if the team starts losing games when the season starts, but as of right now, I don't believe anyone can question this team's loyalty and dedication to Jason Garrett. via www1.pictures.zimbio.com Is this Tony Romo or Jason Garrett? I can't tell As we enter this quite period of the nfl off-season, there generally isn't too much news that will come out that we can analyze or speculate about. Las

Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is in the middle of a police investigation involving the death of man a mile away from his house. While that is going on, now there is a civil lawsuit alleging he shot a Connecticut man in the face in February, according to court records. New York attorney David Jaroslawicz told ESPN’s Ed Werder that he represents Alexander S. Bradley, the man who said Hernandez shot him while the two had an argument when leaving a Miami nightclub. Jaroslawicz said he filed a personal-injury lawsuit on behalf of his client but that the suit was withdrawn because of an inaccuracy. Jaroslawicz claims his client and Hernandez have been friends for several years. Jaroslawicz claims Bradley spent several weeks being treated at a hospital and has endured several operations with even more necessary to repair damage from the gunshot wound. The original lawsuit alleged that Hernandez shot Bradley in the face but the refiling contends that Bradley was shot in the arm but the bullet traveled into his head and caused damage there, including the loss of his right eye. According to the suit, the two had an argument in a strip club and later, in the car, Hernandez pointed a gun at Bradley, and the gun went off and Bradley was hit. When asked if his client had a police report of the incident, Jaroslawicz declined to provide information. According to USA Today, his client was in the hospital for weeks and, “I’m sure the police were there.”

Heath Miller spoke on Day 3 of Minicamp about the progression of teammate David Paulson and his expectations of Paulson for the upcoming season. Heath also discussed his rehabilitation.... Source: Pittsburgh Steelers : Videos The post Heath Miller – Minicamp appeared first on Pittsburgh Steelers Blog - NFL - PlanetSteelers.com.

http://nfldraftzone.com/draft-news/minnesota-vikings-first-rounder-sharrif-floyd-has-been-lining-up-with-the-first-team/ According to ESPN Minnesota Sharrif Floyd stayed after practice as usual, taking extra reps alongside fellow rookie Anthony McCloud and working on technique after the second practice of Minnesota Vikings minicamp. Floyd’s work ethic was seemingly rewarded on Wednesday, when he received reps inside with the first-team nickel defense alongside veteran Letroy Guion. I loved this pick, what do you all think? I believe he will be the best player in our draft. He is a force to be reckon with in the middle of the field.

May 29, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) takes a hand off from quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during organized team activities at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports 2012 #81 Steven Jackson- RB St. Louis Rams- Jackson was the definition of workhorse for the Rams through the years.  His scores decreased every year though he played hard every down.  Now he takes his talents to Atlanta and a great opportunity to become a fantasy TD machine again with  a great offense.  I like Jackson as a #2 back in deep leagues in 2013 Retro #81 2002 Joey Harrington QB Detroit Lions- This made me laugh too.  Harrington was horrible in every possible way in his days in Motown. He had 12 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions in 2002.  Harrington never lived up to his #1 draft pick by the Lions in fantasy or for the Lions organization. Look Ahead #81 ESPN-Eddie Lacy- The Packers took Lacy and are expecting some more production from the running back position.  Since Aaron Rodgers has taken over it seems like every year there  is a different new running back behind him.  Cedric Benson was supposed to be the answer last year but he was derailed by injuries.  Lacy will have a shot in one of the best offenses in the NFL. CBS Sports-T.Y. Hilton-  After a breakout rookie season, how does Hilton respond in his 2nd season.  What do you think will Luck and Hilton continue to improve together or was Hilton a flash in the pan?

Nick Mangold told Bart Hubbuch he believes most of the Jets want Mark Sanchez to win the quarterback competition. “I believe so,” he told The Post. “I haven’t walked around with a pen and paper and taken a poll, but from the feeling I get, the locker room wants to win. Whoever gives us the best chance to do that, we want out there -- and at this point, Mark gives us that best chance.” This directly contradicts the player who told Mike Freeman that 80 to 90 percent of the locker room doesn't want Sanchez to start. This points to how messy the situation is right now. Sanchez is a polarizing figure among the fan base and in the locker room. A fresh face like David Garrard could come in and compete with Smith. There wouldn't be a ton of drama. It would be a straight up competition. When there is an incumbent starter in place like Sanchez who has been successful in the past, there are going to be some players and coaches loyal to him, no matter how poorly he plays. It makes the situation a bit messier. It's this kind of loyalty to Sanchez that makes some legitimately fear he is going to get the starting job even if he doesn't deserve it.

In the post-bounty NFL, players and coaches aren’t supposed to say publicly the stuff they undoubtedly scream privately.  Titans safety Bernard Pollard didn’t get the memo.  Or he doesn’t care. Bet the latter. “I don’t care what they have to say,” Pollard said regarding those who may criticize him for using such blunt language, via…

June 11 marked the 100th anniversary of Vince Lombardi’s birth. To this day, the shadow of Lombardi — one of the greatest coaches in sports history — lingers in Green Bay. Packers coach Mike McCarthy could one day have a legacy that mirrors Lombardi’s. Last week, McCarthy sat in his office with Packer Plus correspondent reporter Rob Reischel to discuss the past, present and future.