Terrell Owens Ruins Ed Werder's Career

Okay so everyone knows about all the drama and BS circulating around the Dallas Cowboys. NFL fans who are more in tune with what is going on have now heard the post game press conference where Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens attacks ESPN reporter Ed Werder. The clip bellow shows that maybe T.O. wasn't spewing randomness, the fans are taking his side.

Here is Ed Werder trying to do his thing, and one Dallas fan does his best to expose him for what he is worth. This is just funny.

In Dallas: Everything Must Go!

Think the economy was going south before?

The Dallas Cowboys have announced that they will be auctioning off practically everything at Dallas Stadium. Costs range from 50 dollars (for a "No Bags or Purses" sign) to roughly $3,000 for the lockers of Terrell Owens or Tony Romo.

Other fun items:

• Numerous lighting fixtures
• Seating Signs
• Turnstiles
  
• Rugs/Mats
• Warning Signs
• Phones...
• Sinks
• Showers
• Tubs
  
• Too many stars to count

And the coup-de-grace. You can own the "Throne of Champions" (pictured above) for just a $500 opening bid. Yes you can own the very seat where the likes of Leon Lett or Larry Allen dropped a massive deuce.

I wonder what you think when you outbid someone to own the great shitter of the Dallas Cowboys?

Sweet...

Can You Outcoach Andy Reid?

So if you haven't figured it out, there's some extreme Eagle Bias here at BNB. Not because we're all Eagles fans, but because, I post here, I'm a loudmouth and I like the Eagles.

Anyway, I was perusing IgglePhans.com today and found this glorious little nugget.

Can You Outcoach Andy Reid

Its a fun little simulation allowing you to match wits with the mustachioed one. Odds are, Simulated Andy runs short screens and passes and blitzes on every down...so if you can handle that, then you're golden.

Also, Fuck Pacman Jones and Fuck "Yoko Romo" (courtesy of PFT)...coincidentally if you caught her on the "Good Morning America" show this morning, are you done laughing yet?

The Legend of...Tim Hauck

“The Legend of” is a series of articles compiling athletes who may appear forgettable but have forever etched themselves into the mind of at least one fan.

When hearing the name Tim Hauck, most people aren’t flooded with memories of his 6 forced fumbles, 1 interception, dependable attitude, hard hitting style or 379 tackles. Actually, when you mention Tim Hauck to the football knowledgeable, most will only remember one play.

But those who knew Tim Hauck, or watched him play realized that whatever Hauck had, he’d give to you. Guaranteed.

Tim Hauck played 14 seasons, totaling 183 games for seven different franchises, the Patriots, Packers, Broncos, Seahawks, Colts, Eagles and 49ers. He served as a starting safety, backup defensive back, special teams player and veteran leader for a Philadelphia Eagles team that needed each of those parts to accomplish the model franchise they’ve become today.

In 1999, Hauck served as the starting strong safety in Andy Reid’s first year. He was an integral part of a solid defense and noted of rookie Donovan McNabb; "I knew Donovan would be special, because I played with the Colts when Peyton (Manning) was a rookie. That year (1998) Manning was thrown to the wolves, leading the league in interceptions. Both rookies had great size, and a calm pocket presence. And McNabb's ability to elude tacklers as a rookie in practice jumped out at me." ¹

That season was also the last for Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Michael Irvin, something Hauck took part in, though its important to note its something he doesn’t revel in. "First of all, I think a few Eagles fans put me on a pedestal, because everybody hated the guy. But my intent was never to hurt him," suggested Hauck. "I saw him run a slant route, and when I went to tackle him he actually ducked under me and I saw his head go into the turf. I barely got a piece of him. And the league never once fined me for that hit on him.”¹

Hauck moved into a backup role in 2000, as a fiery Eagles team marched into the playoffs and cemented their status as a rising elite team. The highlight of his season included a crucial onside kick recovery in the 26-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But the safety's favorite moment occurred in 2001, when the upstart Eagles bullied the Chicago Bears in Soldier field in the icy cold of January 33-19. Hauck’s highlight was forcing a fumble late in the game and closing out any hope the Bears had and leading them into the first of many NFC title game appearances.

Hauck retired after his 2003 season with the 49ers. He then went on to join his brother, Bobby, at the University of Montana serving as a special assistance for the safeties and later becoming the defensive backs coach. After serving one year as the secondary coach, Hauck was offered the opportunity to serve in the same position under Rick Neuheisel’s new staff at UCLA.

But to this fan, Tim Hauck will always be remembered as a tough player, someone who would do whatever is asked and, of course, as the man who ended Michael Irvin’s career. I had an opportunity to exchange some e-mails with Hauck regarding his playing days with the Eagles, as well as his current coaching opportunities:

You began your career in 1990 as a New England Patriot, but really from 90-94 in you were in Green Bay and eventually starting in your last year there. Like most players, you had to work hard to get into that position, even while facing some adversity. Most players, however, talk about one thing and that's there "welcome to the NFL moment." What was yours?

There were a few moments early in my career that made me open my eyes and say "wow", you are now in the NFL! The first regular season game I played in was vs. the Bills. In the first quarter, we were in a two deep defense. I cruised into my drop (using a smooth back pedal). A moment later James Loften is about 10 yards behind me. Thank God the QB (I believe it was Jim Kelly) didn't find him. My career could have been over before it ever started. This is when I realized, Tim, you are not at Montana and it's not the preseason anymore - welcome to the NFL.

In 1998, you had, up until that time, your best pro season with the Indianapolis Colts and then signed with freshly minted head coach, Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles on April 15^th of 1999. Why did you go with the Eagles and what did Reid provide you that (seemingly) made such a mark? What was the plan that you had to "buy into?"

When I left the Colts, I left with a bitter taste in my mouth. I was coming off my best season and the contract they had offered me was basically a minimum base salary deal. Plus, they had gone out and signed another safety for big money. Don't get me wrong, I loved Indianapolis and appreciate the opportunity Coach Mora gave me, but the writing was on the wall and it was time to move. Coach Reid and the Eagles made me a nice contract offer and the promise to be able to compete for a starting job. This was the best decision I made in my NFL career. Andy put together a very competitive football team, and Jim Johnson and Steve Spagnola were awesome coaches to work with. I loved Philadelphia and the fans treated me very well (I think they could relate to a blue collar player like myself). Last, but not least, my teammates were incredible. The chemistry in that locker room was amazing.

That 1999 season was a fateful one for you and I'd be remiss to not at least ask a few questions about "the play" you are probably most famous for. On that cold October day at the Vet you made a play that would not just go down as the end of an era, but now lives in infamy right next to the booing of Santa Claus. Do you remember the play (would you mind describing it and what your were thinking), what did you think of the fans reaction and how do you feel about it now? Have you spoken to Michael Irvin since then?

The play Michael Irvin got hurt on, was a very basic pass route. He was running a shallow slant route and I got a great break on the ball. I got such a good break, I thought I was going to end up with a huge hit, but he knew I was coming too. He tried to go down and go under the blow. Instead of a huge hit, I just ended up with a glancing blow that knocked his head into the Vet turf. The next thing you know, he was not getting up. You don't expect any play to be career ending and you hate to see players get hurt. I don't feel bad about the play. It was a clean hit. I was just playing football the way its suppose to be played - fast and physical. I have not seen him since. I wish him the best. He seems to be doing well. I hear him on Sunday morning tv like everyone else.

Does Michael Irvin talk more or less than he does on TV now?

Same guy, same talk.

I'm sure the '99 incident with Michael Irvin isn't exactly something you revel in (a hit's a hit, but you never want to really end someone's career), but you've had some other shinning moments, from recovered onside kicks to fateful forced fumbles, but what's the one play, you took part in, that really sticks out in your mind as your moment in the sun?

There are two plays that stand out in my mind. The first one was a playoff game vs. the Bears (I believe it was in 2001). I had a great hit on a kick-off early in the 4th quarter. It created a fumble, we recovered it, and this sealed our victory and a spot in the NFC Championship game. The next play was against the Saints in 2001 or 2002. I remember it was my first start of that season. Joe Horn didn't warm-up with his teammates - he followed me around the whole pregame (and talked more trash than any one human can talk). Early in the first half, I got one of my best hits of my career on him. He did not play much the rest of the game. Justice was served!

Who's the guy you hated playing against the most?

Barry Sanders - he was amazing

You've since moved on from the NFL, first heading to Montana to work with your brother and more recently heading over the Southern California to work with Rick Neuheisel with the goal of bringing UCLA football back to its old prominence (Freddie Mitchell aside…heh). What are you hoping to bring to UCLA and what kind of goals do you and your group (DBs) have going into your first season at the Rose Bowl? Any chance you and Neuheisel can show Pete Carroll who the real team is?

The move to UCLA was a good move for my career - even though it was extremely hard for me to leave Montana. The biggest thing I have been preaching to the safeties at UCLA is attitude. You must be the toughest and nastiest players on the field. Playing fast, hard, and physical goes a long way. We have a ways to go to catch USC, but were working on it.

Tim Hauck is now preparing his boys to take the PAC-10 back to the True Blue and Gold. As secondary coach, he's making no promises but believes they're headed in the right direction. The Bruins first game will take place on Labor Day at 2PM EST in the Rose Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers.

¹PhiladelphiaEagles.com - Where are they Now: Tim Hauck

The Legend of...Freddie Mitchell

“The Legend of” is a series of articles compiling athletes who may appear forgettable but have forever etched themselves into the mind of at least one fan.

The venerable Freddie Mitchell was the 25th pick in the first round of the 2001 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles hoped by drafting him to acquire the stud receiver talent to push Donovan McNabb to the top.

Mitchell’s Philadelphia connections grew deeper, becoming the mouth of Philadelphia. Moreover, Mitchell played baseball with future Phillies All-Star Chase Utley and even introduced Utley to his future wife, Jennifer.

Eventually, Mitchell never quite reached the promise that the Eagles had for him. He was selected before Reggie Wayne, Chad Johnson and Steve Smith but only caught 15 balls in 2002 and then 35 in 2003. In 2004, Mitchell’s final year with the Eagles, he caught 22 balls and the Eagles ended up releasing him in 2005, after the NFL draft.

But Freddie did have achievements:

The Media

While not having the talents of a Clinton Portis, he certainly has the ego taking on numerous names such as First Down Freddie, Fourth Down Freddie, The People’s Champ (to which he would imitate a championship belt around his waste), and of course FredEx (because he always delivers). At one point, Freddie even showed up to a press conference wearing oven mitts and declared: “I'd like to thank God for giving me these hands."

4th and 26

In what is one of the most famous plays in Philadelphia Eagles history. The Green Bay Packers blew a 14 point lead. With only 1:12 left in the game after a 3rd down penalty and an 11 yard sack of Donovan McNabb, the Eagles faced 4th and 26. McNabb through a perfect strike to Mitchell at the first down line resulting in a fresh set of downs and a game tying field goal. The game went to overtime and after a Brian Dawkins interception, the Eagles went on to win.




The Scramble

The Score wasn’t so important as the Eagles were prepared to put another drubbing on the Cowboys during their Super Bowl season, but the famous McNabb scramble is one emblazoned in Eagles’ fans’ minds. McNabb’s almost 15 second scramble result in a 60 yard toss to Mitchell that stunned everyone…including John Madden. Boom!



The Downfall

Prior to the Super Bowl, Eagles fans were high on FredEx but in the weeks leading up to the game everyone soured. During an interview with Dan Patrick, Mitchell suggested he didn’t know the names of any of the Patriots DBs, only numbers and then followed that up by getting all the numbers wrong. Except Rodney Harrison, to which he was quoted as saying “[He’s] got something for him.” Harrison took offense, as did Bill Belichick. And the Patriots would film their way to victory 24-21.

After the game, Mitchell lambasted everyone, from the Pats and Eagles, namely saying Owens took away his catches and he and McNabb just didn’t fit. After being released a few months later, Mitchell worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs but was released. He’s also tried out for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Toronto Argonauts and according to Deadspin, was reportedly serving as a substitute teacher. But regardless of the mouth or the skills, Freddie was a legend (in his own mind) for the few great moments he created in Eagles history.

Your Daily "Linkin' Logs" (7/1/2008)

Another day, another set of Linkin' Logs. This time BNB steps into the realms of July and the good news is the site's been in existence to the point where we inexplicably post enough stuff to read daily.

On a serious note, one of our (my) goals at BNB is to not only give you some of the more interesting headlines in the world, but to have some fun...because its sports...and win or lose, it doesn't really matter...

With that said, on to the links!

• Janny Hu of the San Fran Chronicle let's us know how Baron Davis's 40 shots a game will most likely be leaving the Golden State...coincidently, he's also refusing more money than many will make in a lifetime
• Jose De Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle informs us that the MLB Players Union will be providing a staunch middle finger to things like ethics, morals and what have you as they file a grievance on behalf of Shawn Chacon...if only we knew what the grievance was for...
• Regardless of statistics, mindless Red Sox fans have managed to place David Ortiz in the All-Star game, but Jeff Horrigan of the Boston Herald let's us know Ortiz is still out and Mark Feinsand of the NY Times gives us the details on A-Rod pussing out on the Home Run Derby (A.K.A. Fun Time)
• As Reported by Mark Berman of the New York Post, King James lets us know his 2010 free agency plans may include New York...but his favorite Burough isn't Manhattan
• Mike Underwood of the Boston Herald tells us this time a Patriot us upset that someone else is cheating!
• Kurt Mensching of the Marquette Mining Journal gives us the scoop on what Mooch really thought of Matt Millen and the Ford Family...fact of the matter is, he's got the same opinion as most of Detroit
• The AP of Minnesota tells us the T-Wolves aren't attempting to resign everyone...I'll give you a hint, its an underachieving point guard who didn't go to college...
• Phillies Beat Writer Todd Zolecki (Of Philly Inquirer Fame) reports Jimmy Rollins is talking again, and this time he thinks the Phillies need to get some pitching...duh Jimmy
• Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News furthers the truth that the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys are total dicks...I would never pay $2,000 a piece for the rights to purchase tickets...(scroll down a few articles)
• And the Associated Press tells us that the Punch Out! Champ might be in more legal trouble...I'm talking bigger than Robin Givens legal trouble

NFL Withdrawal Relief: The 1995 Season

As much as I’d love to partake in a journey of words about the present state of the NFL and the many story lines it has presented, I have discovered that my addicted appetite to football is better satiated in looking back at previous NFL seasons. I know I’m weird and not typically what you would call a normal person, but hopefully the majority of people who love football will feel the same way.

Instead of bitching and complaining about how there’s X amount of days until football starts, let us go on a journey of the past. I guarantee you’ve forgotten a lot of the stuff that is to be covered here and that’s okay. But to better understand the present, we must look into the past. And in this case, the past is facking awesome.

First up: The random year of 1995.

The year was 1995 and the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers were prepping for their inaugural seasons in the NFL. A new creation, the DVD was announced. And a little website called eBay was just founded. Suffice it to say, many things happened in the magical year of 1995. But since we’re here to talk about football, we’ll try and just focus on that.

In addition to the two new expansion teams, the two Los Angeles teams moved to other cities. The Rams were now based out of St. Louis and the Raiders out of Oakland. Things were a changing in the NFL and it wasn’t just in regards to the teams. A few major rule changes also occurred before the 1995 season. One was that the quarterback was now able to utilize a small device in his helmet to communicate with his sideline. Overweight, slow quarterbacks everywhere rejoiced.

The league was coming off a 1994 Super Bowl in which the San Francisco 49ers easily handled the Cinderella San Diego Chargers 49-26. The 49ers win further solidified the belief that the AFC was inferior to the NFC. The NFC now had eleven straight wins in as many Super Bowls and proved year after year to have the superior teams. Going into 1995, the AFC had yet to win a Super Bowl in the 90’s decade. Jim Kelly may or may not have been partially to blame.

The reigning award winners of the 1994 season looked like a Hall of Fame induction list when looked at now. Steve Young the reigning MVP, Barry Sanders the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Deion Sanders the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. And a promising, young running back named Marshall Faulk was coming off a respectable year in which he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. Wow, this is making me feel old.

The road to Super Bowl 30 was not surprising for some teams while there were others, like the Detroit Lions who exceeded expectations and scrapped their way into the playoffs. Unfortunately for Lions fans, it would be the last hurrah for the next.. Well, they still haven’t had a similar season and the present year is 2008. So, it was the last great year for Lions fans. The year 1995. Thirteen years ago. Sorry Lions fans.

While the Jacksonville Jaguars had a typical expansion season, finishing 4-12 and last place in the AFC Central, the Carolina Panthers were a different story. Playing in an equally tough NFC West the Panthers finished a respectable 7-9 and finished tied for third place in the division.

The struggling New York Jets would go on to have the worst record in the league at 3-13, earning them the first pick in the 1996 NFL Draft (which turned out to be superstar/future pre-game show All Star Keyshawn Johnson). The Kansas City Chiefs would go on to have the league’s best record, finishing 13-3. They’re record did not translate into postseason success however and they lost their first divisional playoff game to the Indianapolis Colts, 10-7.

The 1995 season also turned out to be the year that Art Moddell decided to move the Browns to Baltimore in what started a firestorm of debate across the world of the NFL. Many were all for it, while others were passionately against it. It was eventually of no matter, the Browns would again return to the NFL fold some years later. Luckily for us!

Like every year, 1995 held host to some thrilling divisional and wild card races. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, perennial losers year after year made a strong run for a playoff bid, led by the strong play of running back Eric Rhett. They would fall short however and finish the season 7-9.

The AFC West also saw heated competition, with no one in the division going under .500. The AFC East on the other hand saw three of it’s teams make the post-season, and the AFC Central saw just one team (the Pittsburgh Steelers) gaining a bid to the playoffs.

The NFC saw a bit more parity, with two teams from each division making the playoffs. This was due to the fact that although the NFC was the stronger of the two conferences, there was a severe drop off from the elite NFC teams and everyone else who was competing. The six teams that made the playoffs in the NFC, save for the Detroit Lions, were perennial contenders year in and year out.

The 1995 Wild Card round failed to feature even one competitive game. The Bills defeated their division rival Dolphins 37-22 and the Colts defeated the reigning Super Bowl runners-up Chargers 35-20 to round off the AFC. The Eagles beat the Cinderella Lions 58-37 in what was one of the highest scoring playoff games of all time. The Packers easily handled the Falcons 37-20 and were the last team to sneak into the divisional playoff round.

The divisional round had similar blowouts but managed to produce some close contests. The best of which being the Colts-Chiefs game, which was a defensive struggle and ended with the Colts advancing to the conference championships with a 10-7 victory. Unfortunately, the Chiefs best regular season record did not translate to postseason success. Weird. In another close game, the Packers defeated the defending Super Bowl Champion 49ers 27-17. The Cowboys spanked the Eagles 30-11 and the Steelers easily handled the Bills 40-21.

The conference championship games, unlike many of the other playoff games, would not fail to disappoint. The Steelers barely handled the Colts in a thrilling 20-16 win whereas the Cowboys pulled away late 38-27 to defeat the Packers. Brett Favre was still a year away from being a champion.

Super Bowl XXX would prove to be an uncompetitive game, completely opposite of what the final score would indicate. The Cowboys were the victors 27-17 in what would be the first of many 1990’s Super Bowl wins for the franchise.

If you didn’t know, than now you know. Stay tuned for other random NFL season years!

Some 1995 Snippets:

MVP: Brett Favre
Coach of the Year: Ray Rhodes
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Curtis Martin
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Hugh Douglas