The Phillies can become the first National League team to reach three consecutive World Series since the Cardinals in 1942-44. The defending NL champions made the offseason’s biggest move by trading for righthander Roy Halladay, but two of the three teams with the best chance of unseating Philadelphia in the NL haven’t changed much.
A look at three threats to the Phillies, with analysis from each team’s manager:
Rockies
Last season, no NL club won more after May, and Colorado is likely to get better. The Rockies’ lineup is intact, and lefthanded starter Jeff Francis is healthy after a lost season (shoulder surgery). The club accomplished its No. 1 offseason goal by retaining setup man Rafael Betancourt, whose return assures a deep bullpen with defined roles.
Manager Jim Tracy says: "Depthwise, you feel really, really good about where you’re at. (In keeping Betancourt) you know you’ve made serious progress as a championship-caliber team."
Tony La Russa says he prefers having Brad Penny on his side.
Cardinals
Any team with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright has a chance to beat the best. Add righthanded starter Brad Penny, whom pitching guru Dave Duncan has long admired, and that chance improves. By signing Penny, the Cardinals added proven depth to an already formidable rotation.
Manager Tony La Russa says: "Whenever a guy faces you and you’re not happy, you always think, Boy, it would be nice to get him on your side. (Penny is) a guy that we thought would be a real good starter for our side."
Braves
Even after trading righthander Javier Vazquez for center fielder Melky Carbrera, Atlanta’s rotation is deeper than Philadelphia’s. The Braves covet an impact bat, but they scored more runs than the Phillies after the All-Star break last season. Signing Billy Wagner was risky, but Atlanta is convinced he will provide a late-inning upgrade.
Manager Bobby Cox says: "We spent a lot of time with Billy, and he’s excited to do this. (G.M.) Frank (Wren) had the scouts on him when he went to Boston; they had all glowing reports."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the January 4 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
The Phillies can become the first National League team to reach three consecutive World Series since the Cardinals in 1942-44. The defending NL champions made the offseason’s biggest move by trading for righthander Roy Halladay, but two of the three teams with the best chance of unseating Philadelphia in the NL haven’t changed much.
A look at three threats to the Phillies, with analysis from each team’s manager:
Rockies
Last season, no NL club won more after May, and Colorado is likely to get better. The Rockies’ lineup is intact, and lefthanded starter Jeff Francis is healthy after a lost season (shoulder surgery). The club accomplished its No. 1 offseason goal by retaining setup man Rafael Betancourt, whose return assures a deep bullpen with defined roles.
Manager Jim Tracy says: "Depthwise, you feel really, really good about where you’re at. (In keeping Betancourt) you know you’ve made serious progress as a championship-caliber team."
Tony La Russa says he prefers having Brad Penny on his side.
Cardinals
Any team with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright has a chance to beat the best. Add righthanded starter Brad Penny, whom pitching guru Dave Duncan has long admired, and that chance improves. By signing Penny, the Cardinals added proven depth to an already formidable rotation.
Manager Tony La Russa says: "Whenever a guy faces you and you’re not happy, you always think, Boy, it would be nice to get him on your side. (Penny is) a guy that we thought would be a real good starter for our side."
Braves
Even after trading righthander Javier Vazquez for center fielder Melky Carbrera, Atlanta’s rotation is deeper than Philadelphia’s. The Braves covet an impact bat, but they scored more runs than the Phillies after the All-Star break last season. Signing Billy Wagner was risky, but Atlanta is convinced he will provide a late-inning upgrade.
Manager Bobby Cox says: "We spent a lot of time with Billy, and he’s excited to do this. (G.M.) Frank (Wren) had the scouts on him when he went to Boston; they had all glowing reports."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the January 4 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Sporting News’ Clifton Brown gives his take on how Sunday’s NFL wild-card games will play out:
Why the Ravens will win: The running of Ray Rice and Willis McGahee will give the Patriots big problems and provide Joe Flacco time to throw play-action passes. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have never lost a home playoff game, and going against them sounds crazy. But without Wes Welker, the Patriots are vulnerable and set up to be shocked.
Why the Cardinals will win: This could be a classic, with the Cardinals’ Kurt Warner and the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers hurling passes everywhere. Playoff time is Larry Fitzgerald time. He and Warner will connect for some big plays, and the Cardinals’ pass rush should disrupt Rodgers enough for Arizona to win a close game at University of Phoenix Stadium.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Senior writer Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Clifton Brown gives his take on how Sunday’s NFL wild-card games will play out:
Why the Ravens will win: The running of Ray Rice and Willis McGahee will give the Patriots big problems and provide Joe Flacco time to throw play-action passes. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have never lost a home playoff game, and going against them sounds crazy. But without Wes Welker, the Patriots are vulnerable and set up to be shocked.
Why the Cardinals will win: This could be a classic, with the Cardinals’ Kurt Warner and the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers hurling passes everywhere. Playoff time is Larry Fitzgerald time. He and Warner will connect for some big plays, and the Cardinals’ pass rush should disrupt Rodgers enough for Arizona to win a close game at University of Phoenix Stadium.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Senior writer Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Tony Romo’s first two playoff starts ended with a chance for him to win the game with the ball in his hands. Neither, as it has been well-documented around these parts, worked in Dallas’ favor.
Three years ago in Seattle, it was the infamous botched hold on a late field-goal attempt in what became a 21-20 wild-card loss to the Seahawks. Two years ago, favored at home as the NFC’s top seed against the Giants in the divisional playoffs, a Romo-led last-gasp drive fell short in a 21-17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions.
If Tony Romo isn’t meeting his high standards, he has to at least be approaching them with his recent play.
In Romo’s third career postseason start, however, he didn’t need to do anything on the final play — except take a knee — in the Cowboys’ dominant 34-14 wild-card win over division-rival Philadelphia. There weren’t mistakes to overcome or a late deficit to try to erase.
Now his teammates don’t need to hope he comes through for them. Now it’s a matter of making sure they come through for him.
"Tony’s always had a high standard whenever he plays," tight end Jason Witten said. "I think he’s always putting pressure on himself to be the best he can be.
"I don’t think there’s anyone in this locker room who’s evaluated himself in the past couple years like he has. To see him play the way he is, he’s just a leader. As he goes, we go."
Most quarterbacks would have taken Romo’s first half against the Eagles (17-for-27, 203 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions) as an exceptional output for an entire playoff game. He just picked up where he left off in Week 17, picking apart the Eagles’ pass defense, spreading the ball around to eight receivers while consistently moving the ball for a 27-7 lead at halftime.
"They did a good job of buying time in the pocket for Romo, making sure he had time to convert," Eagles linebacker Will Witherspoon said of the Cowboys’ diverse, efficient offense. "He just makes things happen."
It’s easy to forget that Romo just finished his third full season as Dallas’ starter. In 2006, he immediately raised expectations about his potential, showing dazzling ability as a young passer and skilled athlete.
He was an instant star on the field and became a celebrity off it, but the reality was he still needed time to develop as a complete quarterback and capable team leader.
"He took a lot of heat," Witten said. "I’m so proud for him to experience that — not just the win but the way he’s winning. He’s playing, creating so much and not turning over the football."
For most teams, his rate of steady progress over three years would have been perfectly acceptable. But playing in Dallas, for America’s Team, where the playoff win drought had nearly hit a decade before Romo even threw his first pass for the team, time wasn’t on his side.
So now that Romo has his first career playoff win, the expectations will be there for him to get his second win next weekend even though the Cowboys will be the underdogs.
Romo, who grew up and played high school football in Wisconsin, has his next obstacle at Minnesota — where he will be asked to outduel his boyhood idol, former Packer Brett Favre, in the hostile environment of the Metrodome.
"They present a great challenge," Romo said of the Vikings. "Watching them on tape, they are very good at home — and that’s something we’re going to have to account for."
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Tony Romo’s first two playoff starts ended with a chance for him to win the game with the ball in his hands. Neither, as it has been well-documented around these parts, worked in Dallas’ favor.
Three years ago in Seattle, it was the infamous botched hold on a late field-goal attempt in what became a 21-20 wild-card loss to the Seahawks. Two years ago, favored at home as the NFC’s top seed against the Giants in the divisional playoffs, a Romo-led last-gasp drive fell short in a 21-17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions.
If Tony Romo isn’t meeting his high standards, he has to at least be approaching them with his recent play.
In Romo’s third career postseason start, however, he didn’t need to do anything on the final play — except take a knee — in the Cowboys’ dominant 34-14 wild-card win over division-rival Philadelphia. There weren’t mistakes to overcome or a late deficit to try to erase.
Now his teammates don’t need to hope he comes through for them. Now it’s a matter of making sure they come through for him.
"Tony’s always had a high standard whenever he plays," tight end Jason Witten said. "I think he’s always putting pressure on himself to be the best he can be.
"I don’t think there’s anyone in this locker room who’s evaluated himself in the past couple years like he has. To see him play the way he is, he’s just a leader. As he goes, we go."
Most quarterbacks would have taken Romo’s first half against the Eagles (17-for-27, 203 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions) as an exceptional output for an entire playoff game. He just picked up where he left off in Week 17, picking apart the Eagles’ pass defense, spreading the ball around to eight receivers while consistently moving the ball for a 27-7 lead at halftime.
"They did a good job of buying time in the pocket for Romo, making sure he had time to convert," Eagles linebacker Will Witherspoon said of the Cowboys’ diverse, efficient offense. "He just makes things happen."
It’s easy to forget that Romo just finished his third full season as Dallas’ starter. In 2006, he immediately raised expectations about his potential, showing dazzling ability as a young passer and skilled athlete.
He was an instant star on the field and became a celebrity off it, but the reality was he still needed time to develop as a complete quarterback and capable team leader.
"He took a lot of heat," Witten said. "I’m so proud for him to experience that — not just the win but the way he’s winning. He’s playing, creating so much and not turning over the football."
For most teams, his rate of steady progress over three years would have been perfectly acceptable. But playing in Dallas, for America’s Team, where the playoff win drought had nearly hit a decade before Romo even threw his first pass for the team, time wasn’t on his side.
So now that Romo has his first career playoff win, the expectations will be there for him to get his second win next weekend even though the Cowboys will be the underdogs.
Romo, who grew up and played high school football in Wisconsin, has his next obstacle at Minnesota — where he will be asked to outduel his boyhood idol, former Packer Brett Favre, in the hostile environment of the Metrodome.
"They present a great challenge," Romo said of the Vikings. "Watching them on tape, they are very good at home — and that’s something we’re going to have to account for."
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — While posting convincing wild-card wins on Saturday, the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys looked like teams that might stick around for a while.
New York must wait to see who wins Sunday’s Ravens-Patriots game before it knows whether it’s going to Indianapolis or San Diego. Dallas can start packing for Minnesota.
The Jets and Cowboys have pluses that could advance them to championship weekend:
Why the Jets can win again: They have two proven assets: the league’s No. 1 rushing offense and No. 1 defense. "They might have a chance to make a move," Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer told reporters after his team’s 24-14 loss. "Their defense is that good."
Why the Jets may stop here: It might be too much to ask for rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to keep up with Peyton Manning or Philip Rivers.
Why the Cowboys can win again: Their 3-4 front can slow down Adrian Peterson and put plenty of pressure on Brett Favre. Tony Romo can attack Minnesota’s weakness: its pass defense. "Our goals are much bigger than winning the first game," linebacker Keith Brooking said after his team’s 34-14 win over the Eagles. "We have a lot left that we want to accomplish."
Why the Cowboys may stop here: If they can’t get the power running game going against Minnesota’s stout front and get off to a slow start, it will be hard to overcome the Vikings’ feeding off the home-crowd energy.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
ARLINGTON, Texas — While posting convincing wild-card wins on Saturday, the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys looked like teams that might stick around for a while.
New York must wait to see who wins Sunday’s Ravens-Patriots game before it knows whether it’s going to Indianapolis or San Diego. Dallas can start packing for Minnesota.
The Jets and Cowboys have pluses that could advance them to championship weekend:
Why the Jets can win again: They have two proven assets: the league’s No. 1 rushing offense and No. 1 defense. "They might have a chance to make a move," Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer told reporters after his team’s 24-14 loss. "Their defense is that good."
Why the Jets may stop here: It might be too much to ask for rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to keep up with Peyton Manning or Philip Rivers.
Why the Cowboys can win again: Their 3-4 front can slow down Adrian Peterson and put plenty of pressure on Brett Favre. Tony Romo can attack Minnesota’s weakness: its pass defense. "Our goals are much bigger than winning the first game," linebacker Keith Brooking said after his team’s 34-14 win over the Eagles. "We have a lot left that we want to accomplish."
Why the Cowboys may stop here: If they can’t get the power running game going against Minnesota’s stout front and get off to a slow start, it will be hard to overcome the Vikings’ feeding off the home-crowd energy.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite being the subject of trade rumors this offeason, right-hander Derek Lowe remains a member of the Braves’ rotation. Because he is owed $45 million over the next three seasons, he was tough to move. Instead, Atlanta traded Javier Vazquez to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera.
So, is Lowe upset about the rumors, and does he want to be traded?
"Absolutely not," Lowe told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, adding that he merely was frustrated about the idea of being traded one season after signing a four-year deal with the Braves as a free agent.
Lowe went 15-10 last season but posted a 4.67 ERA, his worst ERA since 2004. In his final 21 starts in 2009, Lowe had a 5.59 ERA.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite being the subject of trade rumors this offeason, right-hander Derek Lowe remains a member of the Braves’ rotation. Because he is owed $45 million over the next three seasons, he was tough to move. Instead, Atlanta traded Javier Vazquez to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera.
So, is Lowe upset about the rumors, and does he want to be traded?
"Absolutely not," Lowe told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, adding that he merely was frustrated about the idea of being traded one season after signing a four-year deal with the Braves as a free agent.
Lowe went 15-10 last season but posted a 4.67 ERA, his worst ERA since 2004. In his final 21 starts in 2009, Lowe had a 5.59 ERA.
Sporting News staff reports
The Tigers are among the teams interested in right-hander Jose Valverde, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The Detroit Free Press noted Valverde would fill the team’s need for a proven closer, but he would cost the team a first-round pick in compensation. He also might be out of the team’s price range, as ESPN reported Valverde is seeking $8 million per season.
The Diamondbacks, with whom Valverde pitched from 2003-07, reportedly are one of the other teams giving him a look.
Sporting News staff reports
The Tigers are among the teams interested in right-hander Jose Valverde, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The Detroit Free Press noted Valverde would fill the team’s need for a proven closer, but he would cost the team a first-round pick in compensation. He also might be out of the team’s price range, as ESPN reported Valverde is seeking $8 million per season.
The Diamondbacks, with whom Valverde pitched from 2003-07, reportedly are one of the other teams giving him a look.
ARLINGTON, Texas — After Dallas’ 34-14 rout of Philadelphia in an NFC wild-card game, second-year back Felix Jones talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer and other reporters about his big touchdown run, his prolific rushing night (16 carries for 148 yards) and what it means to be a such a big contributor to the team.
Question: Whether it’s off a handoff or a screen pass, you’re having a lot of success in the open field right now. What’s making that happen?
Felix Jones: You can blame that on the offensive line. They create a lot of big holes for the running backs, and the receivers do a good job of blocking the corners. We execute, and we’re doing things the right way.
Q: Can you go through what happened on your 73-yard touchdown run in the third quarter?
FJ: Once I received the ball from (quarterback Tony) Romo, I kind of looked at the field to see what I had to work with. And I see my guy, big (right guard) Leonard Davis pulling in front of me. I also see (left guard) Kyle Kosier pulling in front of me. Once I saw Leonard Davis make that block outside, and (right tackle) Marc Colombo make a great down block, it just opened up a hole. All I could see then was green–green grass, and I took it.
Q: And how about that final move on the safety?
FJ: I tried to set him up, let him get in front of me. I had seen I had little more space to cut back on him. It was just a great move.
Q: With all the great running backs the Cowboys have had, what does it mean to you to post the third-biggest playoff rushing game in team history?
FJ: I have to thank God for that. I have to thank my teammates for allowing me to go out here and play my game and have fun with these guys. We have to give it up to our coaching staff and all our players for going out here and working hard.
Q: How rewarding was this game for you personally after injuries cut short your rookie season?
FJ: It’s hard to put in words. To come out here and have a successful day today is a payoff.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
ARLINGTON, Texas — After Dallas’ 34-14 rout of Philadelphia in an NFC wild-card game, second-year back Felix Jones talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer and other reporters about his big touchdown run, his prolific rushing night (16 carries for 148 yards) and what it means to be a such a big contributor to the team.
Question: Whether it’s off a handoff or a screen pass, you’re having a lot of success in the open field right now. What’s making that happen?
Felix Jones: You can blame that on the offensive line. They create a lot of big holes for the running backs, and the receivers do a good job of blocking the corners. We execute, and we’re doing things the right way.
Q: Can you go through what happened on your 73-yard touchdown run in the third quarter?
FJ: Once I received the ball from (quarterback Tony) Romo, I kind of looked at the field to see what I had to work with. And I see my guy, big (right guard) Leonard Davis pulling in front of me. I also see (left guard) Kyle Kosier pulling in front of me. Once I saw Leonard Davis make that block outside, and (right tackle) Marc Colombo make a great down block, it just opened up a hole. All I could see then was green–green grass, and I took it.
Q: And how about that final move on the safety?
FJ: I tried to set him up, let him get in front of me. I had seen I had little more space to cut back on him. It was just a great move.
Q: With all the great running backs the Cowboys have had, what does it mean to you to post the third-biggest playoff rushing game in team history?
FJ: I have to thank God for that. I have to thank my teammates for allowing me to go out here and play my game and have fun with these guys. We have to give it up to our coaching staff and all our players for going out here and working hard.
Q: How rewarding was this game for you personally after injuries cut short your rookie season?
FJ: It’s hard to put in words. To come out here and have a successful day today is a payoff.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
History says the Patriots will defeat the Ravens on Sunday.
The Patriots were perfect (8-0) at Gillette Stadium this season. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have a perfect record (8-0) in home playoff games.
It only takes one play for Randy Moss to change a game.
"We’ve played pretty well over the years in the playoffs, period — home and away," Brady told reporters Wednesday.
"I think we’ve always played well in the cold weather, too, just because we’re out there practicing in it every day and we’re used to the conditions.
"And the crowd gives us a big boost. Hopefully, we’ll keep that undefeated streak alive."
Should the Ravens even bother to show up? Of course, but to pull the upset they will need to do these three things:
Keep Randy Moss in check
Wes Welker’s season-ending knee injury is a huge blow to the Patriots. His absence will allow the Ravens to pay more attention to Moss, the Patriots’ big-play receiver.
Moss has been criticized for taking plays off, but the Ravens need to be wary when Moss takes off downfield. He is the kind of player who can be silent for long stretches, then erupt for a few big plays that change the game. And the Ravens’ secondary has been vulnerable to deep passes, although coach John Harbaugh has seen improvement.
"We haven’t given up big plays like we did early," Harbaugh said. "The Minnesota game and the San Diego game were two games where we just gave up some really bad big plays that cost you games."
If Julian Edelman plays well in place of Welker, so be it. But the Ravens can’t allow Moss to have a huge day. He is the player most likely to beat them.
Avoid needless penalties
The Ravens have been penalized more yards (1,094) than any NFL team this season. They will not make an extended playoff run if that continues.
Some penalties are hard to avoid. But personal fouls like late hits and unsportsmanlike conduct are the kind of infractions the Ravens can’t afford.
Both Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs were flagged for questionable roughing-the-passer penalties against Brady during the Ravens’ 27-21 loss in Week 4 at Gillette.
Lewis called the penalties an "embarrassment to the game" back in October.
But when asked about them during a Wednesday conference call, Lewis wanted to avoid the subject.
"I am focused on trying to keep my team focused," Lewis said. "I can’t go dwell back into that. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. If they are going to throw a flag, they are going to throw a flag."
Lewis is right. The Ravens need to worry about how they will play, not how the game will be officiated. That said, the fewer the flags, the better their chances.
Run the ball
This is what the Ravens do best on offense, and the Patriots may not be capable of containing it.
In their October meeting, Ravens running back Ray Rice had 11 carries for 103 yards, including a 50-yarder. Willis McGahee has averaged 7.9 yards per carry the last four games. The Patriots allowed 4.4 yards per carry this season, and if Rice and McGahee get rolling, the Ravens can control time of possession and their prospects for an upset will increase.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
History says the Patriots will defeat the Ravens on Sunday.
The Patriots were perfect (8-0) at Gillette Stadium this season. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have a perfect record (8-0) in home playoff games.
It only takes one play for Randy Moss to change a game.
"We’ve played pretty well over the years in the playoffs, period — home and away," Brady told reporters Wednesday.
"I think we’ve always played well in the cold weather, too, just because we’re out there practicing in it every day and we’re used to the conditions.
"And the crowd gives us a big boost. Hopefully, we’ll keep that undefeated streak alive."
Should the Ravens even bother to show up? Of course, but to pull the upset they will need to do these three things:
Keep Randy Moss in check
Wes Welker’s season-ending knee injury is a huge blow to the Patriots. His absence will allow the Ravens to pay more attention to Moss, the Patriots’ big-play receiver.
Moss has been criticized for taking plays off, but the Ravens need to be wary when Moss takes off downfield. He is the kind of player who can be silent for long stretches, then erupt for a few big plays that change the game. And the Ravens’ secondary has been vulnerable to deep passes, although coach John Harbaugh has seen improvement.
"We haven’t given up big plays like we did early," Harbaugh said. "The Minnesota game and the San Diego game were two games where we just gave up some really bad big plays that cost you games."
If Julian Edelman plays well in place of Welker, so be it. But the Ravens can’t allow Moss to have a huge day. He is the player most likely to beat them.
Avoid needless penalties
The Ravens have been penalized more yards (1,094) than any NFL team this season. They will not make an extended playoff run if that continues.
Some penalties are hard to avoid. But personal fouls like late hits and unsportsmanlike conduct are the kind of infractions the Ravens can’t afford.
Both Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs were flagged for questionable roughing-the-passer penalties against Brady during the Ravens’ 27-21 loss in Week 4 at Gillette.
Lewis called the penalties an "embarrassment to the game" back in October.
But when asked about them during a Wednesday conference call, Lewis wanted to avoid the subject.
"I am focused on trying to keep my team focused," Lewis said. "I can’t go dwell back into that. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. If they are going to throw a flag, they are going to throw a flag."
Lewis is right. The Ravens need to worry about how they will play, not how the game will be officiated. That said, the fewer the flags, the better their chances.
Run the ball
This is what the Ravens do best on offense, and the Patriots may not be capable of containing it.
In their October meeting, Ravens running back Ray Rice had 11 carries for 103 yards, including a 50-yarder. Willis McGahee has averaged 7.9 yards per carry the last four games. The Patriots allowed 4.4 yards per carry this season, and if Rice and McGahee get rolling, the Ravens can control time of possession and their prospects for an upset will increase.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Another Jets rookie, Shonn Greene, plays a huge role in New York’s playoff victory.
CINCINNATI — One playoff game into his career, Mark Sanchez is giving a pretty good off-Broadway performance.
So are the rest of the New York Jets, who are no longer an overlooked team after dismantling the AFC North champions twice within a week.
Any more doubters?
With their rookie quarterback playing mistake-free, the Jets turned their surprising playoff appearance into a long-running production Saturday. Sanchez threw a touchdown pass, and the NFL’s top running game took it from there, setting up a 24-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
"It’s pretty special," Sanchez said. "It’s got nothing to do with me."
Actually, the Jets’ first playoff win since 2004 had everything to do with him.
Playing in single-digit wind chills against a defense that tried its best to put the game in his hands, Sanchez went 12 of 15 for 182 yards and a stratospheric passer rating of 139.4.
Mark Sanchez does what the Jets’ coaches ask, and the result is a playoff win.
Considered the Jets’ weakest link heading into the playoffs, he became their focal point, getting his first playoff win ahead of Carson Palmer, his boyhood idol.
"He had the eye of the tiger today and he was ready to get out there and throw it around," coach Rex Ryan said. "I see him getting better and better each day on the practice field. What a job he’s done. I think he’s tired of hearing he’s the weak link on this football team."
He wasn’t the only rookie making plays under pressure for New York (10-7). Third-round pick Shonn Greene ran for 135 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown, leading a running game that churned out 171 yards for a rare back-to-back sweep of the Bengals (10-7).
Cedric Benson ran for a Bengals-record 169 yards in a playoff game, but Cincinnati managed little else. Its streak without a playoff win reached 19 years and counting.
The Jets?
"They might have a chance to make a move," said Palmer, who was off-target and under pressure most of the game. "Their defense is that good."
Take Palmer’s word for that.
Cincinnati went to the Meadowlands six days earlier and got turned into road kill. The Jets ran for 257 yards, and the Bengals managed a total of 72 yards, with Chad Ochocinco getting shut out. Little changed the second time around — Ochocinco had two catches for 28 yards in the rematch.
"This was a great team effort," said Ryan, who won in his playoff debut as a head coach. "We’re a good football team. If people don’t believe that, they soon will."
No one should count the Jets out now, not the way their coach did two weeks ago. Ryan thought the Jets were out of contention following a 10-7 loss to the Falcons that was set up by Sanchez’s three interceptions. Then, everything lined up in their favor.
The Colts pulled their starters a week later, allowing the Jets to rally for a win, while four other playoff contenders lost. Then, the Bengals showed up at the Meadowlands and lost 37-0 with little at stake.
Ryan’s father, Buddy, was the defensive line coach for the ’69 Jets, who won the Super Bowl title that Broadway Joe Namath had guaranteed. These Jets came into the playoffs as an off-Broadway show, lacking a star quarterback who could deliver a win.
Until Saturday.
Sanchez looked like a playoff pro, joining Shaun King, Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger as rookie quarterbacks to win postseason starts. At times, Sanchez found himself on the sideline soaking it all in.
"It just blows your mind," he said. "It’s unbelievable. I hope I have this feeling next week."
Bengals QB Carson Palmer was sacked three times by the Jets’ top-ranked defense.
Sanchez was by far the lowest-ranked passer in the playoffs, throwing 20 interceptions in his rookie season — second-most in the league. The Bengals wanted to put the game in his hands. Playing without a glove on his passing hand in an 8-degree wind chill, the kid from Southern California handled it without a bobble.
Afterward, the team presented a game ball to owner Woody Johnson, whose daughter, Casey, was found dead in her Los Angeles home on Monday. Johnson’s eyes were red as he left the locker room.
The Jets also had a scare at the outset when punter Steve Weatherford was ruled out because of dizziness and an elevated heartbeat. Kicker Jay Feely punted for the first time in his NFL career, averaging 31 yards on seven kicks. He also made 20-yard field goal with 5:47 to go that put Cincinnati too far behind.
"I was so happy that I was kicking a field goal (then) instead of punting," Feely said. "That was great."
The Jets pulled ahead 14-7 by halftime with two big plays off Sanchez’s hand. He faked a handoff and made a perfect pitchout to Greene, who needed only one block to find open space for a 39-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career.
In the second quarter, Sanchez caught the Bengals off-guard. He rolled to his right and found tight end Dustin Keller running uncovered beyond the secondary. The throw was perfect, and Keller kept his balance for the last 15 yards while safety Chinedum Ndukwe vainly tried to knock him out of bounds.
At halftime, Sanchez was 7 of 10 for 94 yards with a passer rating of 132.9. It could have been even better — Braylon Edwards let a pass slip through his hands in the end zone.
Sanchez led an eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in Thomas Jones’ 9-yard run for a 21-7 lead late in the third quarter. Benson broke a 47-yard touchdown run — the longest in Bengals playoff history — that got Cincinnati within a touchdown, but Sanchez and Greene turned it on again.
The game ended with a little more Jets serendipity. Shayne Graham, the Bengals’ franchise-tagged player, missed two field goals in the second half, including a 28-yarder with 3:49 to go that essentially sealed it.
NOTES: Greene was the third rookie since 2000 to rush for 100 yards in a playoff game. … Feely had one punt in college and didn’t punt in high school. … Bengals LB Rashad Jeanty broke his left leg on the opening kickoff. … Bengals WRs Laveranues Coles (thumb) and Andre Caldwell (ankle) suffered injuries in the second quarter, but returned in the second half. … Palmer said he’ll have surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb, which he injured in the fifth game of the season. He wore a removable brace for the rest of the season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Another Jets rookie, Shonn Greene, plays a huge role in New York’s playoff victory.
CINCINNATI — One playoff game into his career, Mark Sanchez is giving a pretty good off-Broadway performance.
So are the rest of the New York Jets, who are no longer an overlooked team after dismantling the AFC North champions twice within a week.
Any more doubters?
With their rookie quarterback playing mistake-free, the Jets turned their surprising playoff appearance into a long-running production Saturday. Sanchez threw a touchdown pass, and the NFL’s top running game took it from there, setting up a 24-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
"It’s pretty special," Sanchez said. "It’s got nothing to do with me."
Actually, the Jets’ first playoff win since 2004 had everything to do with him.
Playing in single-digit wind chills against a defense that tried its best to put the game in his hands, Sanchez went 12 of 15 for 182 yards and a stratospheric passer rating of 139.4.
Mark Sanchez does what the Jets’ coaches ask, and the result is a playoff win.
Considered the Jets’ weakest link heading into the playoffs, he became their focal point, getting his first playoff win ahead of Carson Palmer, his boyhood idol.
"He had the eye of the tiger today and he was ready to get out there and throw it around," coach Rex Ryan said. "I see him getting better and better each day on the practice field. What a job he’s done. I think he’s tired of hearing he’s the weak link on this football team."
He wasn’t the only rookie making plays under pressure for New York (10-7). Third-round pick Shonn Greene ran for 135 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown, leading a running game that churned out 171 yards for a rare back-to-back sweep of the Bengals (10-7).
Cedric Benson ran for a Bengals-record 169 yards in a playoff game, but Cincinnati managed little else. Its streak without a playoff win reached 19 years and counting.
The Jets?
"They might have a chance to make a move," said Palmer, who was off-target and under pressure most of the game. "Their defense is that good."
Take Palmer’s word for that.
Cincinnati went to the Meadowlands six days earlier and got turned into road kill. The Jets ran for 257 yards, and the Bengals managed a total of 72 yards, with Chad Ochocinco getting shut out. Little changed the second time around — Ochocinco had two catches for 28 yards in the rematch.
"This was a great team effort," said Ryan, who won in his playoff debut as a head coach. "We’re a good football team. If people don’t believe that, they soon will."
No one should count the Jets out now, not the way their coach did two weeks ago. Ryan thought the Jets were out of contention following a 10-7 loss to the Falcons that was set up by Sanchez’s three interceptions. Then, everything lined up in their favor.
The Colts pulled their starters a week later, allowing the Jets to rally for a win, while four other playoff contenders lost. Then, the Bengals showed up at the Meadowlands and lost 37-0 with little at stake.
Ryan’s father, Buddy, was the defensive line coach for the ’69 Jets, who won the Super Bowl title that Broadway Joe Namath had guaranteed. These Jets came into the playoffs as an off-Broadway show, lacking a star quarterback who could deliver a win.
Until Saturday.
Sanchez looked like a playoff pro, joining Shaun King, Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger as rookie quarterbacks to win postseason starts. At times, Sanchez found himself on the sideline soaking it all in.
"It just blows your mind," he said. "It’s unbelievable. I hope I have this feeling next week."
Bengals QB Carson Palmer was sacked three times by the Jets’ top-ranked defense.
Sanchez was by far the lowest-ranked passer in the playoffs, throwing 20 interceptions in his rookie season — second-most in the league. The Bengals wanted to put the game in his hands. Playing without a glove on his passing hand in an 8-degree wind chill, the kid from Southern California handled it without a bobble.
Afterward, the team presented a game ball to owner Woody Johnson, whose daughter, Casey, was found dead in her Los Angeles home on Monday. Johnson’s eyes were red as he left the locker room.
The Jets also had a scare at the outset when punter Steve Weatherford was ruled out because of dizziness and an elevated heartbeat. Kicker Jay Feely punted for the first time in his NFL career, averaging 31 yards on seven kicks. He also made 20-yard field goal with 5:47 to go that put Cincinnati too far behind.
"I was so happy that I was kicking a field goal (then) instead of punting," Feely said. "That was great."
The Jets pulled ahead 14-7 by halftime with two big plays off Sanchez’s hand. He faked a handoff and made a perfect pitchout to Greene, who needed only one block to find open space for a 39-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career.
In the second quarter, Sanchez caught the Bengals off-guard. He rolled to his right and found tight end Dustin Keller running uncovered beyond the secondary. The throw was perfect, and Keller kept his balance for the last 15 yards while safety Chinedum Ndukwe vainly tried to knock him out of bounds.
At halftime, Sanchez was 7 of 10 for 94 yards with a passer rating of 132.9. It could have been even better — Braylon Edwards let a pass slip through his hands in the end zone.
Sanchez led an eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in Thomas Jones’ 9-yard run for a 21-7 lead late in the third quarter. Benson broke a 47-yard touchdown run — the longest in Bengals playoff history — that got Cincinnati within a touchdown, but Sanchez and Greene turned it on again.
The game ended with a little more Jets serendipity. Shayne Graham, the Bengals’ franchise-tagged player, missed two field goals in the second half, including a 28-yarder with 3:49 to go that essentially sealed it.
NOTES: Greene was the third rookie since 2000 to rush for 100 yards in a playoff game. … Feely had one punt in college and didn’t punt in high school. … Bengals LB Rashad Jeanty broke his left leg on the opening kickoff. … Bengals WRs Laveranues Coles (thumb) and Andre Caldwell (ankle) suffered injuries in the second quarter, but returned in the second half. … Palmer said he’ll have surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb, which he injured in the fifth game of the season. He wore a removable brace for the rest of the season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
