Eli Manning Gets Longterm Deal From Giants

The New York Giants have made quarterback Eli Manning the NFLs highest paid player by offering him a six year, $97.5 million contract extension. Manning will earn just over $15 million a year, and $35 million of the contract is guaranteed. Should Manning play through the end of his contract hell be a Giant until 2015, meaning there’s a decent chance hell play his entire career with the team.

Manning will earn roughly $200,000 per season more than Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha who agreed to a 3 year, $45 million contract earlier this summer. Hes also got the upper hand on his older brother, Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning who earns just over $14 million per season.

While Manning and his agent have been tight lipped in the media about the deal, Giants GM Jerry Reese spoke in glowing terms of his teams $97.5 million investment:

“He is a franchise quarterback. He has done everything we asked him to do. He has come in, taken a lot of flak from you guys in the media and he just keeps going. He does what we ask him on the field and he does what we ask him to do off the field. He is a good football player.”

Reese also dismissed concern that the huge contract commitment would put additional pressure on Manning:

“He is used to that. He won’t get more pressure than he already has in this market. He knows how to handle pressure and he has done it before. I don’t expect to see any difference in his attitude and his work ethic. He works hard. He expects a lot from himself. He knows what his role here is with us and we expect him to continue it for a long time.”

Manning definitely has a number of qualities that justify this level of investment. Hes produced on the field, leading the Giants to a Superbowl championship and four straight postseason appearances. He also became the first Giant QB in history to throw for 3,000 yards and 20+ touchdowns in four consecutive seasons. Hes also shown a great deal of durability, starting 71 consecutive games”the third longest streak in the NFL.

Manning will earn just over $9 million this season, the final year of his rookie contract. The new deal will kick in with the 2009-2010 season.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and highly respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Cassel’s Week #2 Status Uncertain As Game Day Nears

Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel missed the first game of the NFL regular season, and his status remains questionable for the teams second game of the year against the Oakland Raiders. Although he appeared to be running more briskly and favoring his knee less in practice this week, Chiefs coach Todd Haley maintains that hes still a game time decision. The Chiefs offense has looked pitiful ever since preseason and their ineptitude cost coordinator Chan Gailey his job.

The bright spot in all of his misery was the play of Brodie Croyle in the opening week loss to Baltimore. Croyle completed 16 of 24 passes for 177 yards and two TDs. Still, Haley is anxious to get his #1 quarterback in the lineup and says that Cassel is working hard to make that a reality:

“Matt is doing everything he can to be ready. I would hope I would know a little sooner this week, although right now I can’t give a definitive answer. But the player’s doing everything he can to be ready, which generally helps speed the healing process.”

Haley also spoke of the teams struggles at the wide receiver position:

“We’re looking and digging all the time. If there’s somebody out there we think makes us better, we’re going to do what’s necessary to get that done. I’m looking for guys that do it the way we want it done. Talent is the great separator. There may be some guys who are doing everything the way we want it done, but maybe they’re just not good enough. Then there’s some guys who potentially can be really good, but they’re not doing it the way we want it done.

“I want physical receivers just like I want physical players at every other position and guys that help block in the run game and are football players, not just pass-catchers.”

That comment was a thinly veiled reference to the teams top receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who was demoted to third string in the preseason.

Cassel commended his backup on his performance:

“I think Brodie played the type of game he had to play to give us a chance to win.

After facing the Raiders on Sunday, the Chiefs face a pair of tough NFC East opponents as they take on the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles in successive weeks. Several reports suggest that Haley is now weighing his options and trying to decide whether Cassel would benefit more from an extra week of rehab or getting a game under his belt against a less formidable opponent. If Cassel’s knee doesn’t improve by Sunday, that’s a question that could answer itself.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer specializing in travel, casino gambling and NFL football handicapping. He is a consulting handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and deep sea diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Tennessee Titans’ Washington Might Play In Opening Game

The Tennessee Titans are preparing to open the NFL regular season on Thursday night in Pittsburgh against the Superbowl champion Steelers and already they have to struggle with the impact of injuries to key personnel. Of all their injuries none are potentially more significant than the hamstring injury suffered by wide receiver Nate Washington in practice on August 24th. The most recent development, however, is a positive one for the Titans as Washington has indicated that hes feeling better and there’s a good chance hell play in Tennessee’s opening game.

Washington suffered a sprained hamstring in practice, and has been receiving daily therapy in hopes of having him ready for Thursdays NFL regular season opener. As of Tuesday, he indicated to the media that the hamstring was sore but not hurting and that it loosened up well after some stretching and warm-ups. Hes currently listed as questionable on the NFLs official injury report, but will be reclassified on Wednesday afternoon. Ever since the injury Washington has been optimistic about being in uniform for the Titans’ NFL season opener.

Speaking to the local media, Washington was hopeful that hed be able to play against the Steelers:

“I don’t know if I am going to play or not, that’s up to coach Fisher. I’m pretty happy with the progress that I’ve made … Nothing is holding me back right now.”

Coach Jeff Fisher, meanwhile, was not giving any indication of his decision but spoke in generally positive terms about Washingtons recovery:

I’m impressed with what he has done so far.

Some sources close to the team are speculating that Washingtons true status is that of a game time decision. They further speculate that Fisher and Washington could be trying to paint a more positive picture in order to force the Steelers to spend their time game planning for the Titans talented wide receiver. Historically, Fisher has been cautious in similar situations and clearly theres no reason for him to rush Washington back into action and risk further injury and more lost playing time if hes not completely recovered. On the other hand, if he’s fully recovered there’s no reason not to get him on the field as soon as possible.

The Titans signed Washington to a six year, $27 million contract in the offseason with $9 million guaranteed. Hes expressed his desire to quickly make an impact on his new team:

“I want to come in and have an instant impact. Show not only the coaching staff but the whole Titans’ Nation that this is going to be a new era.”

Washington, along with first round draft pick Kenny Britt were brought in hoping to better diversify the Titans run oriented offense. By establishing a downfield passing threat, it will presumably provide more room to run for Tennessees star running back duo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Many within the team felt that the Titans’ offense was too one dimensional last year which led to their early exit from the NFL playoffs.

Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer experienced in travel, casino gambling and NFL football handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, flower arranging and scuba diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

categories: NFL football,National Football league,pro football,football,sports,recreation,entertainment

Denver Defense Stymies Cleveland

After struggling all preseason, the Denver Broncos have actually looked pretty good since starting the 2009 regular season campaign. On Sunday, the Broncos used a tough defense and QB Kyle Ortons efficient and mistake free play to top the Cleveland Browns 27-6. The Broncos also had a productive running game, and outgained the Browns by a margin of 449 yards to 200.

Individuals with an interest in playing a bet on NFL football were rewarded by backing Denver as -3 home favorites, and the Broncos easily covered the pointspread. The Broncos are now 2-0 both straight up and to the number, while the Browns dropped to 0-2 straight up and against the spread.

Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil led the effort with four sacks in one half, tying a Denver franchise record. Veteran linebacker Andrea Davis marveled at his dubiously named teammates performance:

“Man, that was amazing. You don’t see a guy get four sacks in one half. He really turned it on.”

Dumervil maintained that hes still not 100% comfortable in the Broncos new 3-4 defensive set:

“Yeah, I guess I’m a linebacker now. It’s fun, though. I get to play linebacker and I still get to do what I love — rush the passer. I’ve found my niche. … It makes me a complete player.”

Denver coach Josh McDaniels added his praise for Dumervil:

“You are reaching for him but he can get his hands on you first and he’s got leverage and he can get underneath you and just push you back to the quarterback. His skills set is pretty much alone in this league.”

Browns coach Eric Mangini dismissed suggestions that hed consider benching QB Brady Quinn, saying that he was looking for improvement throughout the entire team:

What I’m looking to do is play better across the board. The offense had nothing to do with the two long defensive plays. That’s a risk you take when you blitz.”

The Browns have scored only one touchdown in their last 33 quarters of football, while Denver has allowed only one touchdown so far this season.

Cleveland will face another tough defense on the road this weekend, heading to Baltimore for a game against the Ravens. The Browns are a +13 road underdog in that contest, with the total set at 38. Theyll return home to play in-state rival Cincinnati the following Sunday before traveling to upstate New York to face the Buffalo Bills on October 11th. Denver will play at Oakland this week, with the Broncos installed as -1 road favorites and the total set at 36. The Broncos will be back in Denver for their next two games, hosting Dallas and New England.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer specializing in travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and scuba diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Titans Hold Off Bills In NFL Hall Of Fame Game

The NFL preseason got underway on Saturday with the annual Hall of Fame Game, and the Tennessee Titans earned the victory as they built a 21-3 first half lead before holding off a late Buffalo Bills comeback to prevail 21-18. The Titans offense looked sharp in the first half, while the Bills never really got anything going in their offensive efforts.

Tennessee starting QB Kerry Collins and backup Vince Young both looked sharp as they combined to lead the Titans offense to three first half touchdowns. Collins, who signed a two year $15 million contract during the NFL off season, sounded optimistic about his teams prospects this year based on the opening game results:

“I’m encouraged. It doesn’t take as long to get ready, but I’ll take advantage of the work I’m going to get.”

Young struggled early and after the game admitted that getting back in the groove was just the nature of the beast in the NFL preseason:

“It happens, man. I know everybody wants me to go out and be perfect, but it’s not happening like that. You can’t just jump into it.”

The only memorable offensive production for Buffalo came courtesy of Terrell Owens. T.O. was only on the field for one possession, but had two catches for 27 yards from Trent Edwards. After the game, Owens shrugged off talk of it being an effort to make a statement:

“It was just what was open, Trent saw it and threw it to me. Whether or not it was a statement remains to be seen. I feel comfortable with the offense. I like it in Buffalo, but we all have a lot of work to do.”

Bills QB Edwards focused on the positives he saw in his team’s opening offensive series:

“We can build off that one opening series. Preseason is about getting comfortable. You make mistakes, then work on them. But you can take a good drive like that and go with it, too.”

The NFL preseason continues for both teams this weekend. Buffalo will play host to the Chicago Bears while the Titans will play a home game against the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer who covers travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and scuba diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Packers Send Rams To 13th Straight Defeat

Now that the Detroit Lions have ended their losing streak, the St. Louis Rams are officially the worst team in the NFL. The Rams extended their losing streak–now the NFL’s longest–to 13 games on Sunday with a 36-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on their home field at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. The Packers Aaron Rodgers threw for 269 and two touchdowns and rushed for a third as Green Bay pulled away in the second half. The victory snapped a five game road losing streak for Green Bay and improved their 2009 NFL regular season record to 2-1. The Rams dropped to 0-3 in the 2009 NFL season.

Green Bay easily covered as a 6 road favorite, in the process earning their second pointspread cover in three NFL regular season games this year. The Rams dropped to 1-2 against the spread. The 53 combined points scored went OVER the posted total of 42. The Rams have only covered 12 of their last 36 lined games.

Rogers had been sacked a league high ten times in his first two games, but only went down twice in the victory over the Rams. Afterwards, he praised his offensive line for giving him the time he needed to complete passes downfield:

“They really gave me some time. I was able to move in the pocket.”

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo blamed the loss on the ‘big plays given up by his defense:

“It’s the big plays on defense that kill you and the turnovers — we didn’t get any takeaways.”

Packers coach Mike McCarthy, meanwhile, praised the big play ability of his offense in earning the victory:

“Big plays equal points in this league. We say it every week. It was evident today. We have the ability to play that way.”

Green Bay quarterback Rodgers continued to explain the teams big play ability, suggesting that much of it stemmed from the Rams single coverage of Greg Jennings and Donald Driver:

“If they are in press coverage on Driver and Jennings, we’re going to take our shots. I was able to put the ball in the spot.”

The Rams will look to end their ending streak next weekend, but wont receive any help from the schedule maker as they travel cross country to play the improving San Francisco 49ers. Theyll return home the following Sunday to play the Minnesota Vikings before taking to the road again, traveling to Florida to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. Green Bay will head to Minnesota for a Monday Night game against the Vikings next week.

Ross Everett is a respected freelance writer who covers travel, casino gambling and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and deep sea diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Seahawks Shut Out Rams To Open NFL Season

While the St. Louis Rams aren’t the toughest opponents the NFL can offer, the Seattle Seahawks played well on both offense and defense en route to a 28-0 opening game victory. Jim Mora made a successful debut as Seahawks coach and Matt Hasselbeck played his first regular season game since last Thanksgiving. Hasselbeck was 25 of 36 for 279 yards with three touchdown passes, though he also threw two interceptions.

The Seahawks easily covered the spread as -7 home favorites. The ATS victory improved the Seahawks to 18-15 against the number in the past three years. The Rams dropped to a dismal 11-22 ATS in the past three years with a 9-20 mark as an underdog. The 28 points scored went UNDER the total of 41. The Seahawks are 16-16 O/U in their lined games over the past three years, while the Rams have gone UNDER in 17 of their last 30.

Mora hadnt been at the helm of an NFL team since he was fired by the Atlanta Falcons in 2006. He is a native of the Jet City and once worked as a visiting locker room attendant for the Seahawks. The homecoming made the victory all the more enjoyable as he recounted afterwards:

“It was especially emotional for me, because there is some significance to it. I’d be lying if I told you there wasn’t. It was kind of a surreal experience.”

Linebacker Aaron Curry commented after the game that defensive tenacity and toughness are goals for the new look Seattle team:

“The whole offseason, they said our team was soft. We’ve got to change our image.”

The Rams looked to be the same pitiful team that stumbled to a 2-14 record in 2008. It was hardly the debut that rookie head coach Steve Spagnuolo had hoped far as St. Louis gained only 247 yards and 13 first downs. It’s never a good sign when players point to personal fouls as a positive, as Steven Jackson did in his postgame interviews:

“Would you rather us just get our tail kicked and walk back to the huddle? You saw some fight in this team.”

The Rams looked sloppy and undisciplined throughout, to the point of having their only touchdown of the game negated due to too many men on the field. Clearly, the problems with the St. Louis team run much deeper than coaching.

The schedule wont get any easier for St. Louis, as they hit the road again this week to face the Washington Redskins. Theyll open their home season the following week against Green Bay before playing another road contest on October 4th against the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle will also play away from home this Sunday, heading down the coast to meet the resurgent San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks will host the Chicago Bears the following Sunday before a road game at Indianapolis on October 4th.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer who covers travel, casino gambling and NFL football handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and deep sea diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

categories: NFL football,National Football League,pro football,football,sports

Patriots Survive Tough Fight Against Ravens

Rumors of the New England Patriots demise are clearly premature. Two weeks after being thoroughly outplayed by the New York Jets, the Pats have won two straight and on Sunday ended the Baltimore Ravens undefeated start to the NFL season with a 27-21 victory. They needed a little luck along the way”usually sure handed receiver Mark Clayton dropped a wide open fourth down pass in the final minute to kill a potential game winning drive deep in New England territory.

The Patriots got the NFL pointspread victory as well, covering as -2 home favorites. It was Baltimore’s first ATS setback on the season, while New England evened their pointspread record at 2-2.

After the contest, Clayton didnt make any excuses about his rare miscue:

“Flat out drop. It was a perfect ball. Joe put it on the money. To not come up with it is tough. It cost us the game.”

Ravens safety Ed Reed said it should have never gotten to that point, blaming the officials for giving the team bad spots:

“The spots were terrible.

Defensive stalwart Ray Lewis complained about what he felt were inappropriate roughing the passer penalties:

Without totally going off the wall here, it is embarrassing to the game. Brady is good enough to make his own plays, let him make the play.”

Pats running back Sammy Morris was glad to have come out on top of the tough battle:

“We thought we had them down, but they started coming back. It was just one of those tough slugfests.”

New England coach Bill Belichick shared those sentiments:

“That was quite a finish,” . Stop them on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter, that’s when you’ve got to be there. Luckily, we were.”

Despite the victory, Pats safety Brandon Meriweather wasnt happy with the performance of the New England defense:

“We gave up too many big plays and couldn’t get off the field on third down. We did a lot of things that good defenses don’t do.”

The Patriots will face another tough challenge from an undefeated team this Sunday as they travel to Denver to face the surprising Broncos. New England is a -3 road favorite with the total set at 41. Theyll return home the following week for a game against the Tennessee Titans before traveling to Tampa Bay to face the Bucs on October 25th. The Ravens will host the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, with Baltimore a -9 home favorite. The total in the game has been set at 42.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

categories: NFL football,National Football League,pro football,football,pro sports,sports,recreation

NJ Jets Demolish Houston In NFL Opener

New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez tracked down NFL legend Joe Namath before the game looking for a pep talk and some pointers. He didn’t exactly get what he’d bargained for from Broadway Joe, but what the NFL Hall of Famer told him may have had a more beneficial effect. More importantly, the Jets easily beat the host Houston Texans 24-7.

NFL sports betting enthusiasts who took the Jets as +4 road underdogs cashed their tickets with the outright win. New York improved to 10-8 ATS as an underdog over the past three NFL seasons.

After the game, Sanchez recounted what Namath had told him in their pregame conversation:

“What a pep talk. That was Joe Namath, just taking all the credit from himself and throwing it back to me and just saying, ‘Good luck.’ To hear that from a legend like that, it just kind of gives you the chills. It was something special to be a part of, an emotional start, an emotional little pep talk.”

For his part, Namath said he wasnt surprised:

“No, I was hopeful and I’m satisfied more than I thought I’d be. His offensive line did a hell of a job, but he did a great job of finding time with his feet, just to move subtly … I don’t doubt even a little bit that he doesn’t have poise at this stage.”

The Jets defense also had a great afternoon. New York outgained Houston 462-183, and the Texans made it past midfield only once in the first three quarters. The Jets run defense was particularly stifling, holding Steve Slaton to just 17 yards on the ground. Afterwards, Slaton was at a loss for an explanation:

“It’s just insane. You work for six months leading up to this first game. You have all offseason to prepare for this game and then to come out and play like that is upsetting.”

Texans coach Gary Kubiak took the blame for his teams awful showing:

“The offensive football team gave us no chance and that starts with me. There’s nobody that can feel anything good coming out of this football game.”

Houston will start from scratch on Sunday as they travel to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are a -6 home favorite with the total set at 40. The Jets will play their next two games at home, beginning this weekend against the New England Patriots. New York is +4 home underdog to the Pats, with the total set at 47.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Ravens Top Panthers To Stay Undefeated In NFL Preseason Play

The Baltimore defense shut down the Carolina attack, and QB Joe Flacco played a virtually mistake free game as the Ravens built a 14-3 halftime lead before going on to beat the Panthers 17-13. The banged up Panthers scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to make the final score respectable.

Both teams played their starters well into the third quarter. Second year QB Joe Flacco looked sharp, throwing for 247 yards and a touchdown on 23 of 28 passing before leaving the game with Baltimore holding a 17-3 advantage. After the game, Flacco said simply:

We were in a groove.

Tight end Todd Heap added:

“Everybody was making plays, and I feel like we’re heading right where we want to be.

Both sides of the ball were in top form, which pleased the Ravens defensive leader Ray Lewis:

“That’s what’s most exciting, the way we are clicking both offensively and defensively. The bottom line is everyone is lining up and playing fast. We’re all playing well right now.

QB Jake Delhomme had a decent game, throwing for 180 yards on 11 of 16 passing but was unable to put his team on the scoreboard. After the contest, Delhomme tried to sound a positive tone:

“We did some decent things but still they’re a very good defense.

Linebacker Jon Beason got to watch the game from the sidelines while nursing a sore knee, and wasnt pleased with what he saw from the Carolina stop unit:

“Tackling was horrible tonight. I think we’ve got to do a better job in our man-to-man coverage.”

Improving the teams scoring defense is a top priority for Carolina this season. The Panthers allowed 30 or more points in five of their final seven games last year.

Baltimore will wrap up its NFL preseason on the road as they face the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Thursday. The Panthers will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in their final exhibition contest.

Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer who covers travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, flower arranging and scuba diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.

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