Chad on Letterman

Check out Chad's Top Ten on Letterman this week.

Survival Football

As usual post your picks in the comments. Matt your pick is in, Peyton Manning, as posted in the comments of the results.

Adam-
Passer
Reciever
(Players used: Cedric Benson, Brett Favre, Steve Smith (NYG)Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Aaron Rodgers, Hines Ward, Phillip Rivers, Wes Welker)

Redleg2420
Team
(Teams used: Green Bay, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New England)

Matt
Passer
(Players used: Matt Forte, Matt Shaub, Andre Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Aaron Rodgers)

Tampa Bay Bucs sign FB Chris Pressley

Check it out here

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed FB Chris Pressley from the Bengals practice squad. Pressley was one of the players who were followed on HBO's Hard Knocks. Personally I think that Pressley could be a nice contributor one day. He has all of the physical abilities and seems to have the drive to be good. I don't think he will be great but I think he can be a very good fullback for the Buccanneers.

NKU Norse News

The NKU athletics department is hosting a Halloween Hoopla tomorrow night at the Bank of KY Center on NKU's campus. You can come watch the men's and women's team intra-squad scrimmage and they will also have a three point shooting contest and dunk contest. (I remember a time when no Norse ball players could dunk!) They encourage you to wear your halloween costumes. They will give out a prize to the best costume and will also have candy for the little trick or treaters. Best of all, they will be serving free Gold Star Chili and Pepsi to all attendees.

Check out all of the details here.

Survival Results

We lost another soldier this week, SHU you went from the top to the basement in the span of two weeks. Congrats! Down to the wire here, any week could kick any of us out.

Adam-
Passer: Phillip Rivers (268 Yards)
Receiver: Wes Welker (1 TD)

SHU- ELIMINATED
Receiver: Andre Johnson (0 TD)

Redleg2420-
Team: New England (Won)

Matt:
Passer: Aaron Rodgers (246 yards)

Gooo Raiders

Hilarious... how would you like to be the media giving players an interview with this guy in the background.

Let's look back

Well, we all bought in to the Cubs...that didn't work out. We underestimated the Tigers. And no one picked the Phillies to make it back to the World Series. I should have seen that coming!!

And, hey, how about those Oakland A's, huh? I'm so glad they competed for the western division crown for about 5 weeks in April and May.

Click here to look back at our MLB predictions at the start of the season.

Ohio's Best Team: It's a Cat not a Buckeye

Even the Wall Street Journal has picked up on the Bearcats being the best team in Ohio... now that's big time!

Read More...

Bengals Make Offer for Martellus Bennett?

Per Rotoworld (citing Chris Mortensen): The Bengals made a "significant offer" to the Cowboys to acquire Martellus Bennett. The Bengals seem to be focusing on tight end now that the long snapper situation has been corrected. Many have postulated that the Bengals are not happy with the progress of rookie 3rd round pick Chase Coffman so much that they refuse to activate him for games despite the team's struggles.

This leads me to speculate on the record that when Chase was drafted, he was not intended to play a significant role in the offense this year and the team is sticking to this plan. Last spring, three TEs were ahead of him on the depth chart (Kelly, Utecht, and Coats) who were all better suited for blocking and had more experience. Chase is a WR turned TE in a college spread offense (i.e. a WR who occasionally plays with his hand on the ground) and was drafted as an NFL project. Had not both Kelly and Utecht gotten injured and Coats grown cement hands, he might have saw some spot action but he was never meant to play a big role this year.

I suspect if Chase were to see more action now, it would probably be ugly. Hopefully in time he'll turn into the pass-catching TE that we'd like him to be. But until he shows that to the coaches, he'll be watching the game with Jerome Simpson.

Survival Football

Okay boys, lets keep this rolling. The Raiders hurt most of us last week. Many are on the brink of elimination. I need to get this up early since I will be out for the rest of the week.

Adam
Passer
Reciever
(Players used: Cedric Benson, Brett Favre, Steve Smith (NYG)Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Aaron Rodgers, Hines Ward)

Redleg2420
Team
(Teams used: Green Bay, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh)

SHU
TD Catch
(Players used: Brandon Jacobs, Carson Palmer, Reggie Wayne, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, Matt Hasselbeck)

Matt
Passer
(Players used: Matt Forte, Matt Shaub, Andre Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, Tony Romo, Kurt Warner)

Darrelle Revis on Ochocino

I was listening to the Dan Patrick show today at work and DP interviewed New York Jets Cornerback Darrelle Revis. Many believe that Revis is one of the best corner's in the league today. When asked by Dan who the hardest man to cover in the NFL is....Chad Ochocinco.

*Bengals/Texans Observations

* The Houston Texans came into Paul Brown stadium and put on the type of offensive display that the Cincinnati Bengals offense has the potential to be, racking up 472 yards of offense. Shaub looked like Carson Palmer of 2005. I think the Bengals offense could be like just as good. Palmer is just as good as Shaub, Ochocino is upper echelon similar to Andre Johnson, our 2-4 receivers are much better, and Benson can be as good as Slaton was yesterday. The Bengals should pay attention to this Houston offense.

* Injuries are starting to pile up on the Defense. Yesterday it appears that we lost Atwan Odom for the season with a torn Achilles. Domata Peko is waiting on MRI results on his knee. With those two down yesterday and Frostee Rucker and Roy Williams inactive for the game we may need to start getting worried.

* I am not going to get too down on this team just yet because this isnt the team that is going to win every game. This game did show me some concerns. Either way the Bengals have found themselves in the drivers seat but in order to stay there they will need to fix alot about themselves.

* Cedric Benson just couldn't seem to get it going yesterday. The NFL's leading rusher coming into the game yesterday only managed to rack up 44 yards on the ground.

* Once again I asked myself, where is Chris Henry? Not that Henry is taking himself out of plays. He only had 1 catch for 20 yards and I believe he was only targeted 3 times. Meanwhile Andre Caldwell appears to be the new TJ Houshmanzadeh. Caldwell has filled the roll as slot receiver very well and racked up 6 receptions for 57 yards.

* After shutting down #1 receiver Derrick Mason last week, the Bengals secondary allowed Andre Johnson to grab 8 receptions for 135 yards.

* The long snapping looked crisp on both punts and field goals. Hopefully that will be the last we discuss the long snapper.

* Houston pretty much controlled the game by keeping their offense on the field. Houston managed 73 offensive plays to Cincinnati's 53.

* Really is was the pass defense that hurt us yesterday. The Texans ran 31 run plays that gained 87 yards on the ground. Meanwhile their passing game 28-40 for 385 yards.

Survival Football Results

Ouch Philly, ouch. A lot was lost today. Categories are pretty even.

Adam
Team- Philadelphia (lost)
Passer- Aaron Rodgers (358 Yards)
Reciever- Hines Ward (1 TD)

Redleg2420
Team- Pittsburgh (Won)

Matt
Team- Philadelphia (Lost)
Passer- Kurt Warner (276 yards)

SHU
Team- Philadelphia
Passer- Matt Hasselbeck (112 yards)
Reciever- Randy Moss (3 TD)

Wojo
Team- Wojo did not enter a pick, however, he has already picked Denver so we will give him San Diego tonight. His only option to stay alive!

Wow!

If this doesn't get you excited about Kentucky Basketball you don't have a pulse. This team can be scary good. This is the way that you do college basketball. There were a number of recruits at this event and as a kid in High School how could you not want to play for Kentucky?

Great story on Patrick Patterson

If you get a chance today to sit down a read an article you should take a minute to read this article about Patrick Patterson. Patterson, who is entering his Junior season for the Kentucky Wildcats, has used his "celebrity" in Lexington for a very good cause. After reading this story I have gained a great deal of respect for this young man.

Check it out here.

Big Blue Madness tonight at Kentucky

This basketball season at the University of Kentucky is one of the most anticipated seasons for Wildcat fans since Rick Pitino first came to the Bluegrass. I remember when Billy Gillispie first came to Kentucky. There was optimism among the fans, we were craving something new. Most of us didn't know much about Billy G., but we knew he was a good recruiter and would bring in some new talent to Kentucky. We all know how that ended for the Cats and now we being the Calipari era. John Calipari brings in a recruits of a whole different level. The buzz around the Bluegrass is that the freshman class that Calipari has assembled along with veterans like Patrick Patterson and Darius Miller could create one of the greatest teams in Kentucky history. Tonight begins the real test. Can all of those personalities and styles mesh? Can all of these talented young men live up to the hype?
As excited as I am for this team I am also worried for them. The expectations of Kentucky fans have never been higher. Kentucky fans want banners, and I believe that many feel anything short of a Final Four appearance would be a disappointment. I don't know where this team will go this year but I am very excited about what this team can do.

Bearcats Roll, Pike Sidelined

Tony Pike suffered an injury to his left wrist/arm on Thursday nights victory at South Florida. The injury to his left arm is the same arm that Tony Pike broke last season. Pike will be visiting with a specialist today to determine the extent of the injury and what the recovery schedule could be. He has a plate and screws in his left arm that may have potentially shifted. After he broke his arm last season he was out for three weeks.
Pike has been no stranger to injury. His senior year of High School Pike missed an extended period of time due to a separated shoulder. With his stock in the NFL Draft rising during his senior season I wonder how much this could affect his position on the draft. Early indications are that he will miss the Louisville game.
There is a little break in the schedule for the Bearcats with their next two games being Louisville and Syracuse. But the team will have a tough road to finish the season with UCONN, West Virginia, and Illinois all at home and the finale against the Pitt Panthers on December 5th. Currently sitting at 6-0 the Bearcats are in a position to contend for a big time bowl game and will need Pike to make the run.

NKYSportsWorld Survival Football

Okay fellas, categories that are still alive are listed below along with the teams used and players used. Matt got his way back into the contest by picking two winning teams last week. As a penalty for missing one week he loses the Bengals as a pick. Good luck!

Adam
Team
Passer
Reciever
(Teams used: Cincinnati, Baltimore, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Minnesota)
(Players used: Cedric Benson, Brett Favre, Steve Smith (NYG)Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne)

Redleg2420
Team
(Teams used: Green Bay, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Philadelphia)

SHU
Team
Passer
TD Catch
(Teams used: Chicago, Indianapolis, San Diego, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh)
(Players used: Brandon Jacobs, Carson Palmer, Reggie Wayne, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald)

Matt
Team
Passer
(Teams used: NY Giants, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cincinnati)
(Players used: Matt Forte, Matt Shaub, Andre Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, Tony Romo)

Wojo
Team
(Teams used: Dallas, Denver, New Orleans, Indianapolis, NY Giants)

Catching up with the NFL Bearcats

The 2009 NFL Draft class included 6 Cincinnati Bearcats that were drafted, a school record. With the Bengals slated to play the Houston Texans this week two of those Bearcats will be on the field. I wanted to catch up with the 6 players to give you an update on their progress.

Connor Barwin- Drafted 2nd round to the Texans

Barwin came to Houston with high praise. After having a strong training camp Barwin found himself backing up former #1 pick Mario Williams at Defensive End. Barwin, who only played defense for one season for the Bearcats, said that he learns from how Williams prepares and approaches the game. Barwin has seen action in 4 out of the 5 games so far and has logged 4 total tackles.

Kevin Huber- Drafted 5th round to the Bengals

Huber was brought into Cincinnati and immediately got the vote of confidence from the coaching staff when they released Kyle Larson early in camp which gave the job outright to Huber. The Cincinnati native has been very solid thus far of his 29 punts he has pinned 11 of them inside the 20, 2 inside the 10. He is averaging 42.5 yards per punt.

DeAngelo Smith- Drafted 5th round to the Cowboys

DeAngelo Smith has had a tumultuous start to his career thus far. After being drafted in the 5th round by the Cowboys. Dallas had tried to teach Smith both CB and Safety but he was not progressing to their level. Smith was placed on waivers by the Cowboys and picked up by the Browns. Smith however would only spend about two weeks with Cleveland before he was released. After having problems in their secondary he was picked up by Chicago. Unfortunately Smith only lasted two weeks with Chicago as well as was placed on waivers September 29th. Smith however cleared waivers for Chicago and is now on their practice squad.

Brandon Underwood- Drafted 6th round to the Packers

Underwood, who was a sixth round pick, was a longshot entering training camp to make the team at DB. Underwood had a good camp in Green Bay and did make the team at Defensive Back. Brandon led the Green Bay secondary in the preseason in tackles with 17. He is on the 52 man roster but has been not been active for any regular season games yet this season.

Mike Mickens- Drafted 7th round to the Cowboys

Entering his senior season many felt that Mike Mickens would be a first day draft pick. However, Mickens battled with a reoccurring knee injury during his senior season. Mickens battled in preseason with a number of players including former teammate DeAngelo Smith who as also drafted by the Cowboys. Mickens did not make the 53 man roster but was signed to the Dallas practice squad.

Trevor Canfield- Drafted 7th round to the Cardinals

Canfield came into Arizona camp as a late round offensive lineman drafted fighting for a spot on the team. Trevor battled through training camp but was cut on the final cut day from the Cardinals. He did however, clear waivers and is currently working on their practice squad.

Early NKY Basketball Preview

Practice for High School Basketball begins on Thursday and it is never too early to take a look at the early projections on the NKY High School Basketball scene. I will give you a little early preview here with my preseason team rankings as well as give you some players to watch. (Since I don't rank high school kids I will only point out the players to watch in the region)

NKY SportsWorld Preseason Rankings
1. Holmes
2. Highlands
3. Boone County
4. Ryle
5. Newport Central Catholic
6. Conner
7. Dixie Heights
8. Scott
9. Covington Catholic
10. Newport

Players to watch:
Ricardo Johnson- Holmes
Elijah Pittman- Holmes
Jeremiah Johnson- Holmes
Demetrius Avery- Holmes
Jacob Rieger- Bishop Brossart
Brady Jolly- Campbell County
Jon Pohlgeers- Beechwood
Steven Kowolonek- Highlands
George Grote- Highlands
Ben Watson- Highlands
Andy Earls- Boone County
Mike Gabbard- Boone County
Blake Bryan- Villa Madonna
Grant Pangallo- Newport Central Catholic
Jake Giesler- Newport Central Catholic
Mitch McLeish- Ryle
Bobby Staufer- Ryle
Jake Thelen- Covington Catholic
Trevor Wellbrock- Covington Catholic
Matt Trammel- Dixie Heights