FSH: WEEKLY ROUND-UP (CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND)

January 10th, 2008 9:47am PST


WEEKLY ROUND-UP...


***Heap Expects to play...
.....the Raven's tight end Todd Heap (back) says he'll play on Sunday. Heap has not been much of a factor in the pass game throughout the playoffs and this likely won't change against the Steelers.

***Dawkins Fully Practices...
.....the Eagle's emotional leader on the defense Brian Dawkins returned to a full practice on Friday and looks ready to play Sunday. Dawkins has been a big part of the Eagle's defensive success this season and will be key on Sunday against the Cards.

***Reed Limited Friday...
....the Raven's safety Ed Reed (knee) has been dealing with a knee ailment, but is expected to be on the field Sunday. Reed has been a huge factor on defense with six interceptions in his last four games played.

***Big Ben's Shoulder looks fine...
....the Steeler's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had little trouble last week chucking the pill, completing 17 of 26 passes for 181-yards passing. Big Ben led the Steelers offense to 35 points in the Divisional Round. This Sunday points may be tough to find, but Big Ben should be strong enough to look.

***Cole has been quiet in post season...
.....the Eagles defensive lineman Trent Cole has been solid in the post season with 20 total tackles, but in his two games he has yet to record a sack. The team will be looking for a little more from Cole this Sunday when they meet the Cardinals.


Looking for an edge?
Don't forget to check out the Friday practice report. You already know your player is hurt, but how will he perform or will he play? Check the Friday practice report for all of the latest and telling information you need to make those last minute line-up decisions!


FRIDAY'S PRACTICE NOTES
Notable players listed (included IDP)

Arizona Cardinals

Offense

WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the NFC Championship game. TE Ben Patrick (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the NFC Championship game.

Defense

DE Travis LaBoy (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the NFC Championship game. Special TeamsP Ben Graham (groin) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the NFC Championship game.

Baltimore Ravens

Offense

FB Le'Ron McClain (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game. FB Lorenzo Neal (shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game. WR Derrick Mason (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game. WR Mark Clayton (thigh) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game. TE Todd Heap (back) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game.

Defense

DT Justin Bannan (foot) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game. LB Terrell Suggs (shoulder) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game. LB Antwan Barnes (shoulder) has been ruled out of the AFC Championship game. LB Jarret Johnson (calf) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game. LB Ray Lewis (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game. CB Samari Rolle (thigh) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as doubtful for the AFC Championship game. FS Ed Reed (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game.

Philadelphia Eagles

Offense

RB Brian Westbrook (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the NFC Championship game. FB Dan Klecko (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the NFC Championship game. WR Jason Avant (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the NFC Championship game. OG Shawn Andrews (back) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 16. He has been ruled out of the NFC Championship game. OT Jon Runyan (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the NFC Championship game.

Defense

DE Victor Abiamiri (foot) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the NFC Championship game. FS Brian Dawkins (back) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the NFC Championship game.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

Offense

C Justin Hartwig (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game.

Defense

SS Troy Polamalu (calf) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 16. He is listed as probable for the AFC Championship game.



NFL OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
[Playoff Teams Only]

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Arizona Cardinals

QUESTIONABLEWR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), TE Ben Patrick (knee), P Ben Graham (groin), DL Travis LaBoy (ankle)INJURED RESERVETE Stephen Spach (knee), C Al Johnson (knee)

Philadelphia Eagles

PROBABLERB Brian Westbrook (knee), FB Dan Klecko (shoulder), WR Jason Avant (knee), OT Jon Runyan (knee), DL Victor Abiamiri (foot), FS Brian Dawkins (back)OUTOG Shawn Andrews (back)INJURED RESERVEOT King Dunlap (ankle), OT Michael Gibson (shoulder)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Baltimore Ravens

PROBABLEFB Lorenzo Neal (shoulder), LB Ray Lewis (shoulder), FS Ed Reed (knee)QUESTIONABLERB Le'Ron McClain (ankle), WR Mark Clayton (thigh), WR Derrick Mason (knee), TE Todd Heap (back), DL Justin Bannan (foot), DL Terrell Suggs (shoulder), LB Jarret Johnson (calf)DOUBTFULCB Samari Rolle (thigh)OUTLB Antwan Barnes (shoulder)INJURED RESERVEQB Kyle Boller (shoulder), RB Cory Ross (undisclosed), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle), TE Quinn Sypniewski (knee), OL Marshal Yanda (knee), LB Tavares Gooden (hip), CB Derrick Martin (shoulder), CB David Pittman (undisclosed)

Pittsburgh Steelers
PROBABLEC Justin Hartwig (knee), SS Troy Polamalu (calf)INJURED RESERVEQB Charlie Batch (collarbone), RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder), OG Kendall Simmons (Achilles')

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

January 16th, 2008 10:50pm PST



David's Daily Digest
Fantasy Playoff News

Fantasy Football
Playoff Time!!

Boldin to start Sunday against Eagles.....
.....the Cardinal's wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hamstring) barring any setbacks is expected to start Sunday. Boldin is sure to go, but how long he'll play and his effectiveness will remain to be seen. For a lack of better options available, he's a must play for fantasy owners.

Westbrook returns to limited duty.....
.....the Eagles Mr. Everything is following the same routine that has been in place much of the season. Westbrook (knee) is expected to start and should be a strong play against a questionable Cardinal run defense.

Parker running healthy in post season...
.....the Steelers running back looks as healthy as he's been all season. In the Divisional Round Parker scampered his way to 146-yards on the ground. Facing a very tough Raven's ground defense Parker's production could be limited, but owners won't want to chance having Parker sitting on their bench.

Fitz is blazing in the Playoffs...
....the Cardinal's receiver has been an unstoppable force in the post season. In two games Fitzgerald has 14 receptions for 267-yards receiving. The Eagles will have their hands full on Sunday with Fitz, who's a must start in every fantasy format.

Avant returns to practice, will play...
....the Eagles will have wide receiver Jason Avant (knee) available for Sunday. His presence will give McNabb more options to throw to, but he's unlikely to be a difference maker and should be avoided by fantasy owners.

McClain practices Friday, expected to start...
....the Raven's running back LeRon McClain (ankle) was able to practice on Friday and is questionable for Sunday against Pittsburgh. McClain was ineffective against the Titans and could struggle this week at less than 100%. Owners may want to avoid starting, if possible.

Clayton questionable for Sunday...
....the Raven's wide receiver Mark Clayton (thigh) has been questionable throughout the playoffs and will be once again for Sunday. He's not been much of a factor in the post season and has not done well against the Steelers in the past.

Mason misses practice, but expected to play...
....the Raven's senior receiver Derrick Mason (shoulder) has been playing with an injured shoulder the past several weeks. He is listed as questionable, but will start Sunday. Mason is Flacco's go to receiver and should be a safe play for Sunday.


IDP NEWS...

DRC has been clutch on the D.....
....the Cardinal's cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been playing at a high level with six passes defensed and two interceptions in the post season. He's also added 11 total tackles in the two games played.

Suggs questionable, but expected to play....
....the Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (shoulder) is expected to play Sunday in the AFC Championship. Suggs has recorded a sack in each of the two playoff games he has played and added nine tackles.

Rolle doubtful for Sunday...
.....the Raven's cornerback Samari Rolle (groin) has missed practice all week and is considered doubtful for Sunday. He's likely to not play or if he somehow makes on the field, his effectiveness could be limited.

Polamalu returns to full practice....
.....the Steeler's big playmaking safety, Troy Polamalu (calf) returned to a full practice on Friday and is expected to play on Sunday. Polamalu has a nose for the ball and should be close to 100%, he's a must play for IDP owners.


Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL

January 15th, 2008 9:30pm PST


McNabb: D-Mac has Philly's Back

The Eagles Quarterback Could Be Soaring into History...

Isn't it funny how fast things can change?

Just about eight weeks ago McNabb was standing on the sidelines watching his Eagles get buried by the Ravens 36-7. The headlines were already being written, "McNabb Benched" "Is he done in Philly?" and "Is this the End?" were just a few circulating among the football masses.

After all remember this is "the City of Brotherly Love." Love doesn't run deep in shallow waters and if you are not at the top, it's because you were just knocked down. In Philadelphia, it seems loyalty doesn't run too deep, unless you are winning and getting the job done.

Back in Week 12 the writing was already on the wall, the Eagles had lost several close games against key opponents; Dallas, Chicago, Washington, and the Giants and just come off a tie with the lowly Bengals. With the loss to Baltimore their record had fallen to 5 wins, 5 losses, and a tie. Their 2008 season was slipping away and the fans of Philly were ready to part ways with the team's 10-year veteran.

With close losses, a poor record, and a poor performance against the Ravens in the first half; just 8 of 18 passing for 59-yards with two interceptions, the Eagles quarterback was sent to the showers. While it didn't make much sense to many of us prognosticators, Head Coach Andy Reid pulled McNabb in favor of backup quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Was this a move of brilliance? We may never know, but we could consider "it is what it is." McNabb was struggling, the team was stymied and maybe Reid thought an injection of change could make a difference. It didn't against Baltimore, who tee’d off on Kolb with two more picks and 26 second half unanswered points.

Then in another stunning move the very next day, which probably should not have been a surprise, Reid quickly confirmed that Donovan McNabb would be his starter Thursday night against the same Arizona Cardinals that he and D-Mac will see this Sunday. Clearly Kolb was not ready to take over the job and there was still a lot of football left. All hope wasn't quite lost just yet.

It's never easy to explain and probably more difficult to understand the roller-coaster ride that comes with being an NFL starting quarterback. And there is probably no one that has ever had a bumpier ride in one town than the Eagles own quarterback, Mr. McNabb.

From being booed on draft day to surviving the T.O. saga, McNabb is one player that is likely to say that NOW he has seen it all. Who could argue?

But what can we make of all this? This is nothing more than just fodder for the water-cooler brethren to enjoy all week leading up to the day-time drama that is the NFL Playoffs.

Sure there will be more storylines leading up to kick-off on Sunday than there are players on the field, but could there be any more compelling than McNabb's?

There have been moments throughout his run in Philly that D-Mac has seemed like a player without a city and in many cases considering what has happened to him this season, a man without a team. Sure he has his boys backing him on the playing field, but just a couple of months ago he wasn't just on his way out, he was already gone. Only last season were the rumors flying around trying to guess where this Eagle would land in the off season.

How fitting would this be, two men (McNabb and HC Reid) only fifty-three days ago were on their way out of Philly (according to many press and even more Eagles fans) with the team on the verge of losing its' season. Now just days away, the same two could be the saviors of that same city by bringing in an elusive NFL championship this franchise has not see since 1960.

The turnaround:

What is that saying, "what goes up, must come down?" so how about what goes bad, must go right. Just when everything had seemed to reach a cataclysmic football end, suddenly the Eagles are ascending toward the sun riding the wings of Donovan McNabb.

Since his benching, McNabb has been the biggest soaring Eagle. With key victories over the Giants and Cowboys down the stretch, he has led his team to a 6-1 record, including two wins in the post season.

In this almost prolific run into the post season, McNabb has been a big key. He has passed for 1,663-yards in the teams’ past seven games completing 155 of 245 passes (63% completion) while throwing 11 touchdowns. In the post season he has passed for 517-yards, thrown two touchdowns, while running for another, and has been the team's emotional leader on offense.



Sure all of his numbers have not been pretty and certainly you can call for his head and boo him off the field, but no one can deny this guy's will to overcome. He just wins. Maybe he hasn't won the big one YET, but you can't argue his track record.

Take a look at his resume that includes; five appearances in the NFC Championship (including four straight from 2001-2004), five time pro bowl selection, 2004 NFC Player of the Year, NFL MVP runner-up in 2000, and a post season record of 9-5.

Philly must have it wrong about this guy right? Certainly D-Mac's records speak for themselves. Then again, when have a love-hate relationship with your fans, if you are Donovan McNabb playing for the Eagles, this just comes with the territory.

And funny, how fast things can change.

Yesterday's garbage has suddenly become today's big-ticket meal. McNabb has certainly shown he has thick skin and ability to survive just about anything, from the harshest of criticism, to serious football injuries, to being benched and left for done by just about everyone who thinks they know anything about football.

Sure there are his supporters, but when McNabb's future seemed to be settling on thin ice, they weren't many making any noise or saying much. Now all that has changed and he's now a man on a mission to find his place in history.

With a meeting on Sunday against Arizona, McNabb and company will be looking to continue their flight from the desert sun to the Sunshine State. Whether most of realize this or not, Sunday could be about much more than a game in many ways. A win and a second trip to the Super Bowl could drastically change the way many of us will forever see the Eagle's quarterback.
When you get done looking at what he has done in the short term and stop for a moment to take a look at the big picture, McNabb really has a shot at changing his own history and legacy in a big way. I guess the only question to ask, if the Eagles should shock the world and fulfill their dream, where will that put McNabb?

With career numbers comparable and in some ways better than Jim Kelly, Sonny Jurgensen, Joe Namath, Bob Griese and Bart Starr, is he worthy of greatness?

If Donovan McNabb should win the Super Bowl, does he deserve to be inducted into the Hall of fame?

Are we really going to talk about this, funny how fast things can change?


By David G. Ortega

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL DIGEST

January 12th, 2009 11:15pm PST

Cardinals: Father Time is Taking a Snooze.

Warner Rediscovers "Fountain of Youth" in Desert...

Only a few years ago was quarterback Kurt Warner, almost a forgotten name in the league and possibly on his way out of the NFL. It was 2004, after having been released by the Rams Warner signed with the Giants to be the starter, but only after having the job for a short while he was replaced by a young up and coming arm in the league, Eli Manning.

Could the league’s two-time MVP be done in the NFL as a starter? Sitting on a cold bench in New York back in 2004, it sure looked that way.

After signing with the Cardinals in 2005, his days on the Giants sideline are now many, many warm days in the Arizona sun behind him. These days Warner has rediscovered the fountain of youth and has his team on the verge of reaching heights that this franchise has not seen in over 60-years.

This Sunday the Arizona Cardinals will play host to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship. While the road traveled for the 37-year old has had it’s bumps and bruises, his return to center stage has been well deserved.

Back in the days of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” Warner broke into the limelight like a made for television story or Hollywood script. Warner’s beginnings may have been humble, bouncing around the Arena Football League and NFL Europe, but his arrival into the NFL was nothing less than magical.

Like so many of us normal folk, back in 1998 Warner paid his dues working a simple job at a grocery store, keeping his nose to the grindstone just looking for his break. Little did he know his fate was just around the corner and his time was soon to come.

Lacking the pedigree that comes with most star athletes in the NFL, Warner would wait for opportunity, hear its’ call and rewrite history. As it so often does happen, his shot would come at the cost of another man's misfortune.

In 1998 Warner was signed by the St. Louis Rams and he would be the back-up for starter Trent Green in the 99' season. An ill-fated injury during the preseason would sideline Green and Warner would get his chance to shine.

And shine he did.

After winning two NFL MVP awards while leading the Rams to a Superbowl Championship in 1999 and a return trip to the big dance in 2001, it only took a couple of seasons for Warner’s shine to fade and his Cinderella story to come to an end.

Or so it had seemed.

Just three years after being cast aside by the Giants, Warner has landed on two large feet in Arizona and resurrected the magic that had made him the belle of the ball in St. Louis.

Following a strong finish in 2007, where he passed for more than 3400-yards and tossed 27 touchdowns, the Cardinal’s All-Pro quarterback has turned back the hands of time.

In 2008, nothing would be handed to Warner. From the word go in training camp he would have to compete and prove his worthiness as the starter. It didn’t take him long to show that he was the right choice passing for over 360-yards in Week 2 and throwing three touchdowns.

Warner has not just been good this season, he’s been a master of his craft completing over 67% of his passes on his way to 4,583-yards passing with 30 touchdowns. He's had seven games this season with over 300-yards passing and had a stretch of eight games where he tossed at least two touchdowns.

For the Cardinal's quarterback this has been one wild ride from his days in St. Louis, to his travels through New York, to present day in the desert sun. It is not often that people are given a second chance at greatness and certainly when you look at Warner's history, it becomes very easy to join his bandwagon.

Warner has persevered and overcome longs odds to get where he is; first by securing Arizona's first win in the playoffs in over 60-years against the Falcons and then last Sunday a huge upset on the road over the Carolina Panthers. Warner has been steady and precise throughout the playoffs, resembling the form that earned him a Superbowl MVP almost 10-years ago.

Right now Warner is playing with new life and house money. At 37-years of age, he wasn't expected to be the starter this season, he should be on the decline of his career, and his playing skills are supposed to be deteriorating. He has defied all logic, just like a certain "golden boy" was doing up in Green Bay just a year ago.

With the NFC Championship now just days away, Warner has added a few new chapters to his Cinderella story. This Sunday while father-time sleeps, Warner will be looking to write his happy ending as he and his red-birds continue their march toward Tampa.

It is very likely that Warner will have an entire state standing behind him as he and his team head into unexplored territory against the Eagles. When the Arizona sun sets in the West on Sunday, Warner and company will be hoping that their story will continue towards a "happily ever after" ending in Tampa.

This chronicle may not be the 'movie of the week' just yet, but seeing how Warner's road traveled has come full circle has to be one of inspiration and admiration. If this fairy-tale should end on Sunday, this will still be considered a feel-good story worth remembering and talking about.

It will be interesting to see how everything plays out on Sunday when the Cardinals and Eagles meet, but for the fans of Arizona and all of the Cardinal's players, Sunday will be a new experience and one to remember regardless of the outcome.


Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: WEEKEND FANTASY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

January 11th, 2008 9:50pm PST


WEEKEND FANTASY DIGEST
Fantasy News

WEEKEND STARS...


Fast Willie "P" Makes the Difference...
....the Steeler's quick running back Willie Parker scampered his way through the Charger's defense on Sunday. Parker logged 27 carries for the afternoon on his way to 146-yards rushing, including two touchdowns.

Larry Fitz stars as "The Playmaker"...
....the Cardinal's prolific wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was once again amazing. Fitz caught eight passes for 166-yards and scored on a 29-yard pass play.

Warner continues to Sizzle.....
.....the old man in Arizona continues to play like a kid for the Cards. Warner tossed two more touchdowns and passed for 220-yards on Saturday night to lead the Cardinals one step closer to the Promise Land!

McNabb calls long distance in Win...
.....the Eagle's quarterback has his team soaring high and apparently using AT&T long distance to make reservations in Glendale, Arizona for Sunday's NFC Championship. Last Sunday McNabb found enough "magic" in his arm and legs as he ran for one touchdown and threw for another in the Eagles win.

Hightower gets more work...
....the rookie running back Tim Hightower was able to get some extensive work on Saturday in the team's road win over Carolina. Hightower carried the rock 20 times and rushed for 76-yards while adding a three yard touchdown reception in the team's win.

Miller plays Big for Steelers...
....the Steeler's tight end Heath Miller has suddenly become a pass-receiving threat for the offense. On Sunday he only had three catches, but he made every one of them count, including an 8-yard touchdown reception in the 3rd quarter.

Mason delivers in Big Upset...
....the Raven's savvy veteran was a huge factor in the offense on Saturday. Mason made five catches for 78-yards receiving and scored on a scintillating 48-yard touchdown grab in the 1st quarter.

Gage comes up Huge in Loss...
....the Titan's wide receiver Justin Gage saved his best for last. Gage caught 10 passes for 135-yards in the teams divisional playoff loss.

Johnson has Big Day in Teams Loss...
....the Titan's rookie running back Chris Johnson succumbed to the pain of injury, then had to endure the pain of defeat on Saturday. Johnson played well totaling 100-yards with a touchdown in the 1st half of Saturday's tilt with Baltimore before exiting.

IDP NOTES...

Scott leads way for Ravens.....
....the Raven's linebacker Bart Scott was instrumental on the defensive side of the ball finishing with the afternoon with 11 total tackles, including nine solo numbers.

Lewis is all over the field in Win....
.....the Raven's stud linebacker Ray Lewis helped lead the defenses' charge on with 11 total tackles, including a forced fumble in their big road win on Saturday.

Cards defense is on a Rolle ...
.....the Cardinal's defense played extremely forcing six turnovers. One of the big reasons was the play of its' secondary, including Antrel Rolle, who finished the night with six total tackles and an interception.

DRC does the Job for Arizona...
.....the Arizona Cardinals turned to their rookie in the team's biggest game of recent memory. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was stellar Saturday night picking off a pass and shutting down the Panther's wide receiver Steve Smith. Smith finished with just two receptions including a meaningless touchdown late in the 4th quarter.

Weddle is Solid in Loss...
.....it's hard to overlook a solid effort, even in a loss. The Charger's safety Eric Weddle had a fine game, even if his defense didn't. Weddle finished the game with 11 total tackles, including a sack.

Twice is a Charm for Woodley...
.....the Steeler's linebacker LaMarr Woodley didn't need three for a charm. His two sacks and five total tackles on Sunday were more than enough to disrupt Philip Rivers and the Charger's offense.

THE DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS...

STEELERS 35, CHARGERS 24

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EAGLES 23, GIANTS 11

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RAVENS 13, TITANS 10

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CARDINALS 33, PANTHERS 13

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Check back soon for more football and morenews...

By David G. Ortega