No Audience for Mankins' Moans posted by Randolph Charlotin

I thought Logan Mankins was going to be different. I believed he could conduct his contract negotiations privately. Because he kept a low profile after the season and through the draft, I figured Mankins would continue to keep his distance from the Patriots and let his agent and New England hammer out a new deal.

 

Boy, was I wrong. On Monday, loose-lipped Logan demanded a trade and took a few swipes at the organization at the same time.

 "Right now, this is about principle with me and keeping your word and how you treat people,” Mankins told ESPN Boston on Monday. This is what I thought the foundation of the Patriots was built on. Apparently, I was wrong. Growing up, I was taught a man's word is his bond. Obviously this isn't the case with the Patriots." 

"At this point, I'm pretty frustrated, from everything that's happened and the way negotiations have gone. I want to be traded. I don't need to be here any more."

 

A player crying foul over contract negotiations is nothing new. But this year there seems to be a spike in angst as franchises face an uncertain future with an uncapped year and labor negotiations coming up. With teams being very reluctant to hand over big deals without the legislation for how contracts will be structured for the next labor deal, the players are being left without the financial security of a long term contract.

 

Mankins is in limbo with several other restricted free agents in search of new deals, including Dallas’ Miles Austin, Indianapolis’ Raheem Brock, and San Diego’s Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill. Like the pair from the Chargers, Mankins opted not to sign his tender and will continue to hold out.

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How to Ice a Belmont box posted by Johnny Matheis

I've been crowing about Zito's ICE BOX since well before the derby, and he landed second in that race at 11-1, which actually made him one of the lower prices in a strange derby with an 8-1 favorite.

Now, he's likely to be the Belmont favorite, and justly so, but with near favorites winning both the earlier races of the triple crown, one would expect a long shot to finally emerge. The second choice has won both races. Not exactly chalk, but certainly the second lowest price possible.

Still, Zito is a pro. He isn't likely to enter either of his colts at less than 100%, and certainly won't run a hurt colt.

Figuring on 10 cent superfectas, one can still find value.

06/05/2010 11th Race BELMONT, 1 1/2 MILE GRADE 1 BELMONT:

PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH:

PROGRAM NUMBER-NAME OF RUNNER-PROBABLE ODDS-COMMENTS

6 ICE BOX 3-1 is the one to beat. He is class. He has thrown in a few clunkers, but that looks to be behind him.

9 STATELY VICTOR 6-1 is the obvious challenger. His Derby run wasn't pathetic, and showed the Blue Grass win wasn't a total fluke. He appears to be the other class in the race.

3 UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN 15-1 hasn't gone beyond 1 1/16 mile, but he comes off a closing third in a Grade 2 at the top track, Keeneland, and Kiaran McLaughlin is fast becoming a new McGaughey, Zito, and Nafzger. He can't be dismissed, and does sport a good forward move. Worth a win bet at long odds.

4 MAKE MUSIC FOR ME 6-1 had a form reversal to run fourth in the big race. His Blue Grass race wasn't all bad. The Blue Grass is always a star studded field.

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Sunday Proved That Tom Brady Is Better Than Peyton Manning posted by Colin Linneweber

Superstar quarterback Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts were defeated by the New Orleans Saints 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The game was ultimately decided by a crucial Manning miscue when his pass was intercepted and returned 74 yards for a touchdown by Saints cornerback Tracy Porter with only three minutes remaining in the decisive fourth quarter.

Manning, 33, a four-time AP NFL MVP and ten-time Pro Bowl selection, is rightfully considered one of the greatest signal-callers of all-time.

However, as this past weekend yet again proved, Manning is simply not a better player than New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Manning, who is now a mediocre 9-9 in the postseason, went 31 for 45 for 333 yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately, despite his otherwise impressive numbers, Manning’s  most recent performance in “The Magic City” will mainly be recalled for his sloppy gaffe that cost the Colts the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Colts selected Manning out of the University of Tennessee with the first overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft.

Essentially from the instant he made his debut with the Colts, Manning has been brilliant and he is expected to capture every vital league passing record before he eventually retires from the sport.

Regardless of his otherworldly statistics under center, Manning was long criticized by both fans and the media alike for his penchant to struggle in big games.

In stark contrast to their aforementioned .500 winning percentage in the playoffs, Manning and the Colts are an overwhelming 130-62 (67.7 percent) in the regular season.

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Saints take advantage of Manning's mistake to capture first-ever Super Bowl posted by Joe Anello

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

 

After getting out to an early 10-0 lead, Peyton looked primed to make the Saints a footnote on his way to history. New Orleans kept it close with two field goals in the second quarter, even after failing a fourth down conversion down at the goal line. When the second half kicked off, it was all Saints. A surprising and successful onside kick led to a Pierre Thomas touchdown, signaling a momentum shift. 

In the fourth quarter, down seven after a Jeremy Shockey touchdown and reviewed two-point conversion, Peyton Manning had the ball in his hands heading down the field, a moment we all expected him to take head on. Then a poor throw fell into the hands of corner Tracy Porter, who promptly returned it 74 yards for the game-sealing score. The Saints victory party began with over 44 seconds left in the Super Bowl, as Manning led his team to the goal line and failed to convert on fourth down. 

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Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 posted by Joe Anello

The wait is over. Super Bowl 44 is nigh. Manning versus Brees starts in mere hours. After prepping you for the game yesterday with separate previews of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, it's time to bring the two together for my Super Bowl predictions. 

As you're enjoying commercials and stuffing your face with every snack food known to man, it's hard to remember there's a game to be watched. If you miss it, you could miss one of the most explosive Super Bowl match-ups in history. Behind Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, these offenses are always threats to hit the big play. That gives defensive coordinators headaches. Each defense will look to pressure the opposing QB early and often. Whoever best achieves that goal has the best chance to take home the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

Peyton Manning has evolved into a master of pass protection in the past few years, always knowing where the blitz is coming from and where to slide his linemen. New Orleans' front four won't be able to pressure Manning on their own, so mixing in blitzes effectively will be at the top of Saints coordinator Gregg Williams' to-do list. Unfortunately, Manning has the ability to expose any blitz at any time, taking those opportunities to hit a big play down the field. If the Saints can't surprise Manning with pressure, it will be a long day for that defense.

Unlike the Ravens or the Jets, the Saints defense can't shut down an offense. We saw it in the Minnesota game where their defense caused five turnovers but still gave up close to 500 yards of offense. Everyone has already mentioned it, but the Saints depend on turnovers. Peyton Manning won't give them the same chances that Brett Favre did. He always finds the open receiver, whether its superstar Reggie Wayne or rookie Austin Collie.

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Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl 44: Indianapolis Colts posted by Joe Anello

As we grow closer to the Super Bowl, all eyes are on Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts as they chase down a legacy. After starting the season 14-0, the organization turned off the gas for the final two games as they rested their starters for the post-season. After shutting down the Ravens and putting a 30-spot on the Jets, we will finally see if shunning history will pay off for Indianapolis.

Being named the successor to Tony Dungy, Jim Caldwell already had the tools necessary to make it to the playoffs, but no one would have believed he could take a team to the Super Bowl in rookie season as head coach. His ability to keep the team united during the undefeated fiasco and on the championship path while improving a defense that missed All-Pro safety Bob Sanders all season proves Bill Polian and Jim Irsay made the right call.

While Caldwell certainly deserves credit for the Colts' success, there's no arguing who really runs this organization. His name is Peyton Manning, and he was already on the verge of becoming the greatest quarterback in NFL history. With a record fourth MVP season behind him, Manning has one game left to claim his second title and his claim to immortal greatness. All that stands in his way is a Saints defense that begs you to make a mistake.

Scariest Manning picture ever.

As great as Manning is (and he is), his offensive line is the reason he's able to complete all those passes and break all those records. Starting with center Jeff Saturday, the unit only allowed ten sacks on the franchise QB all year long. With the way the Saints have pressured the quarterback in the playoffs, they need to be at their best. Well, at least when Manning drops back to pass. Running the ball is another story altogether.

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Manning crushes Jets' Super Bowl dreams with a 30-17 victory posted by Joe Anello

Don't mess with Peyton Manning. That's what the number one ranked Jets defense learned Sunday afternoon, as they saw their 11-point second quarter lead evaporate under the intense heat of the Colt offense on the way to a 30-17 loss.

After a Colt field goal started the second quarter, an 80 yard pass from Mark Sanchez to Braylon Edwards put the Jets on top 7-3. Responding to another Colt 3-pointer, wide-out Brad Smith tossed a 45-yarder to Jericho Cotchery to set up a touchdown to Dustin Keller, stretching the lead to 14-6. From there, Manning whipped out his leather-skinned scalpel, switching to surgical mode in a 26 of 39, 377 yard performance. 

Rex Ryan's defense did exactly what they wanted to, which was keep Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne under wraps. Wayne only snagged three balls for 55 yards and Clark caught four for 35 and a fourth quarter TD. What they couldn't account for was the man-sized games of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, who each went over 100 yards receiving. Each of Garcon's 11 receptions were critical and helped keep Colt drives alive. Collie's 46-yard grab set up the second of Indy's scores, keeping it close before halftime. When the break ended, it was all Manning. Well, mostly anyway...

 

More than in recent weeks, Manning had help in the form of a solid running game from Joseph Addai and Donald Brown. Their 101 yards on the ground came from only 24 carries, averaging better than the Jets' vaunted rushing attack. Indy managed 27 first downs and over 400 yards of total offense versus Ryan's D, proving that no matter how good your defense is, Peyton Manning can beat it. Uncharacteristically, the Jets committed six penalties, three of which gave up first downs to the Colt offense. You can't shoot yourself in the foot when Manning will shoot you in the face. Jay Feely's two missed field goals certainly didn't help matters.

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Joe's Opening Drive: Conference Championship Sunday posted by Joe Anello

Here it is: the last weekend of real football. Conference Championship Sunday is here and isn't lacking for drama. From Brett Favre and Peyton Manning's legacy to the Jets' dominating defense or the surge in New Orleans, every team is a great story. Who do I think will make it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
2:00PM ET CBS

If the New York Jets weren't crazy enough already, just wait if they somehow manage to defeat Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. They will be insufferable for the two weeks heading into the Super Bowl, and I'm not even talking about the fans. That team is boisterous and confident thanks to their equally as cocky head coach Rex Ryan. All-Pro corner Darelle Revis will be locked against Reggie Wayne, leaving Dallas Clark for the Jet safeties or linebackers to handle. New York's defense should have no problems shutting down the Indy running game, so the pressure is on their secondary to cover Manning's complement of receivers. On the offensive side of the ball, Ryan must ensure rookie QB Mark Sanchez isn't put in dangerous situations. If all goes to plan the Jets will have 40-plus rushing attempts with Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones, keeping Sanchez somewhere in the 18-24 pass attempt range. Any more than that and the Jets cannot win. 

When Jim Caldwell decided to shut it down in week 16 against the Jets, I'm sure he didn't give it a second thought that he could see Rex Ryan's scrappy bunch again in the playoffs. Now Caldwell's highly criticized decision will be under the microscope again as his Colts welcome in the team they let into the postseason. Now we all know about the prolific offense powered by Peyton Manning's brilliance, but the Colt running game has been missing all season. They ran the ball a healthy 25 times last week but only managed 42 yards. They use the pass to set up the run, but Manning will have no problem slinging it all day long like he has all year. What hasn't been addressed enough is the stellar play of the Colt defense this year and in their playoff game from last week. While everyone wants to debate Indy's offense vs the Jet defense, the Colts defense is the real key. If they can hold up against the Jets ground and pound attack early and force a few punts, they can eventually force Mark Sanchez to throw the ball late. Against Dwight Freeney and that pass rush, that's exactly what the Colts want.

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The Jets Will Meet Obama "in The Next Couple Of Years Anyway" posted by Colin Linneweber

The improbable New York Jets will play the dominant Indianapolis Colts Sunday in the AFC Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.

 

In order to get to this point, the Jets (11-7) defeated the Chargers 17-14 in San Diego and the Colts (15-2) trumped the Baltimore Ravens 20-3 at home in their respective Divisional Round matchups.

 

The Jets currently stand one victory away from making their first appearance in the Super Bowl since 1969.

 

In their last championship season 41 years ago, the Jets were considered colossal underdogs in Super Bowl III versus the Baltimore Colts.

 

Prior to the epic contest, brash Jets quarterback Willie Joe Namath boldly proclaimed, “We’re gonna win this game. I guarantee you.”

 

In one of the greatest upsets in football history, the Jets emerged victorious 16-7 to validate Namath’s bold proclamation.

 

From the virtual instant that the Colts selected quarterback Peyton Manning out of the University of Tennessee with the first overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, Indianapolis has fielded a solid football team.

 

In the past decade, despite winning only one crown, the Colts were an utter juggernaut on the gridiron.

 

On the contrary, the Jets have mainly fielded a litany of average and subpar squads over the past 20 years of their wretched existence.

 

The Colts have developed into something of football royalty.

 

In sharp contrast, the Jets have long been the NFL’s version of red-headed, bastard children.

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3 year old nominees posted by Jan Hoadley

A look at the award nominations of three year olds holds the probable winner without question. There are but a few names that come up when looking at top three year olds of 2009 and one of those is the Queen of the public.

 

Rachel Alexandra is heavily considered for Horse of the Year and as such there is little doubt she is also top three year old in the minds of many. A strong campaign over multiple tracks and distances the talented daughter of Medaglia D’Oro has romped over foes both male and female and took on the older males with success as well. It would seem she’s an easy pick for top 3 year old filly and a reasonable pick for top 3 year old as she’s beaten all three colts and is Horse of the Year nominee along with top older female Zenyatta.

 

Other considerations for 3 year old fillies are Flashing and Careless Jewel. Careless Jewel is a talented daughter of Tapit out of the Hennessey mare Sweet and Careless the grey filly has far outrun her $40,000 purchase price. Flashing staved off retirement plans with a sizzling finish in the G1 Gazelle Stakes when the A.P.Indy daughter sprinted to a 4 ¼ length win. Both have credentials to be the top filly in any other year but it is doubtful this year with the monster performances of Rachel.

 

Colts that have duked it out on the track and now in the final awards are Mine That Bird, Quality Road and Summer Bird. Two sons of Birdstone are hard to ignore with Mine That Bird coming from the clouds to win the Kentucky Derby and while eyes were on him Summer Bird rolled up to win the Belmont.

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