Bet the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars

The offense ranked 10th in rushing, 19th in passing and 24th in scoring for NFL betting odds  last season but now Dirk Koetter now has total control as offensive coordinator. Quarterback David Gerrard has taken heat for inconsistent play and a less than stellar work ethic as he enters his 4th year on the job. His job could be in jeopardy with a bad start and Luke McCown is the alternative. Maurice Jones-Drew had a fine season at running back with almost 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 53 passes. Bet the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars 75-1 as longshots to win the Super Bowl in NFL predictions with a 10% bonus.

It's the new home of the Jaguars, still right here in Jacksonville.

In a news conference this afternoon, Jaguars jerseys owner Wayne Weaver announced the signing of a five-year deal with Jacksonville-based EverBank.

This "important day for the Jaguars" has been a long one, according to Weaver, who said the deal was finalized at 1:22 this morning.

The Jaguars have played in unsponsored Jacksonville Municipal Stadium since the previous deal with Alltel expired after the 2006 season.

"Great partnerships...are essential for a sports franchise to be successful," Weaver said.  He also said the deal with EverBank is a sign that the team will "be here for many, many years to come."

EverBank Chairman and CEO Robert Clements called today, "Arguably one David Garrard of the most exciting milestones in the evolution of EverBank," a company that has been in Jacksonville for nearly 50 years.

Clements spoke about the importance of the team to the city, calling the Jaguars franchise "integral...to the continued growth and development of our city."

Mayor John Peyton was on a previously scheduled trip, but City Council President Jack Webb spoke on behalf of the city, saying the deal shows "the tremendous support for the Jaguars that we have seen in this offseason."

Financial terms of the deal have not been released yet.  Weaver said that will happen tonight at the city council meeting, but sources have said it is expected to be in the $3 million range each year for five years.

Misty Skipper with the mayor's office said today that the contract, which must be approved by the city council, calls for the city to forego its 25 percent, and that the Jaguars will get that money.

Skipper cited two reasons: It would help sustain the viability of the team, and they haven't gotten any money anyway for several years.  Also, she said the money would not be able to help city services such as libraries, but would have to go back to the sports complex.

Weaver also said the Jaguars have been "painted with a broad brush in the national media," and said this deal shows the commitment the team has to the area.

The city council will hold public hearings on the contract next week, and will vote on it in two weeks.

Clements also spoke about why the new name is "EverBank Field" and not "EverBank Stadium."

"We think it's pretty cool," he said, adding they talked about it at great length.

"I think it's great," Tony Boselli, a former Jaguar, said. "Really excited that a local company like Everbank would put their name on the stadium."

Boselli and others are hoping the new stadium sponsor will boost ticket sales.

Last year, slumping ticket sales met what Macky Weaver, Jags senior vice president for sales and marketing, calls the worst ticket sales in the team's history.

"It certainly will be a pat on Jacksonville's back to go from the negative publicity that we received last year, based on the decline in season tickets, to come back this quickly because of a community-based effort, local business effort, a company that's based out of Jacksonville stepping up to put their name on this building," Weaver said.

"I think the good news ... whether it reminds or encourages and just puts it at the top of mind again for people to get out there and buy their season tickets," Boselli added.

Boselli says this move sends a message that the team is here to stay.

The Kansas City Chiefs will expose a weak Charger run defense

Kansas City, meanwhile, has a strong backfield with emerging star running back Jamaal Charles and offseason acquisition of 1,300-yard rusher Thomas Jones.

It looks like Kansas City will try to return to the good ol' days when they gave the ball to running back Priest Holmes on pretty much every offensive play and everyone else blocked for him, resulting in one of the most productive offensive units in the past decade.

In addition, the Chiefs signed Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator, which should be good for second-year starter Matt Cassel. Weis has mentored some great quarterbacks in his past, including Tom Brady in New England from 2000-2004.

The real issue for the Chiefs is their defense. Last season, the Kansas City defense gave up over 26 points per game on average and ranked 31 st against the run.

The Chiefs jerseys acquired defensive mastermind Romeo Crennel in the offseason to help improve one of the worst defenses in the league in the 2009 NFL betting season.

On the upside, the Chargers don't look too threatening on the ground and with the suspension of pro bowl receiver Vincent Jackson for drinking and driving (again), Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers will be looking for Antonio Gates every time down the field.

Chargers receiver Malcolm Floyd steps into the number one receiver option in Jackson's absence.

If Chiefs football jerseys lockdown corner Brandon Flowers can handle Floyd one-on-one (which he should be able to do), the new 3-4 defensive scheme in Kansas City will allow for help coverage from linebackers on Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. Deep ball coverage will come from new rookie starter, strong safety Eric Berry.

The Kansas City Chiefs will expose a weak Charger run defense, which gave up at least 100 yards rushing in six straight games (excluding a meaningless Week 17 game) to finish their 2009 NFL betting season.

The total attendace for the game was 52,424. This would include fans from 43 states and four different countries. This is a new record for a soccer game in Kansas City. The old record, 37,319, was set in April of 2001 when the US National Team played at Arrowhead.

The game started off with a bang as Kansas City would get on the board early as Captain Davy Arnaud would score the first goal at the 11 minute mark. He would be assisted by Kei Kamara and Teal Bunbury.

This would remain the score until the 41st minute. A red card would be handed Dwayne Bowe out after a hard foul by the Wizards' Jimmy Conrad. This would give the Red Devils a penalty shot. Dimitar Bebratov did not miss and the score was knotted at one. Still, the damage was done as the Wizards would have to play a man down for the rest of the game.

But just a minute later, Kansas City's Kei Kamara would score the winning goal on something of a controversial shot. Kamara's ball would go off the top of the cross bar and appear to land on the white goal line, but not go behind. Since there was no way to replay the goal, the referee immediately signaled goal.

There would be a lot of scoring chances for Manchester United, but no goals for them or for the Wizards. Both teams would also sub in many players as the time ticked off to a win for Kansas City.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed the fourth of their six draft picks

On one hand, Jim Tanner is only 41 years old and he's already being named the head of the sports division at Williams & Connolly, the high-profile Washington, D.C., law firm that represents 14 current NBA players. On the flip side, Mr. Tanner—who took over after veteran agent Lon Babby left Tuesday to be the Phoenix Suns' head of basketball operations—has a lot more on his plate. He says the firm won't immediately hire anyone to fill the slack, so he's looking at 17-hour days for the near future. "I expect to be a little busier now," he says.

 The Bears also waived two undrafted free agents: WR Vic Hall and DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen.

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with sixth-round pick Jamar Wall (CB, 5-10, 204, Texas Tech). According to a source, Wall signed a four-year deal worth roughly $1.97 million, with a signing bonus worth roughly $97,000.

Wall was unable to participate in drills during the combine due to a hamstring injury, but his game tape was strong enough for Dallas to select him. Wall, who is known in scouting circles for his aggressive and physical play, figures to compete for a job as the team's fourth cornerback in training camp.

In addition to waiving WR John Matthews this week, the Indianapolis Colts waived undrafted free agent S Donye McClesky. When seventh-round pick Ray Fisher signs, they'll have nine safeties under contract.

The new Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys signed the fourth of their six draft picks, coming to terms with sixth-round pick Scott McGee (CB, 5-8, 182, James Madison). A source said he agreed to a four-year deal worth just over $1.87 million. The small-school product figures to compete for a roster spot in training camp as a slot cornerback.

The Jags also claimed WR John Matthews off waivers after he was waived by the Colts on Tuesday.

Veteran WR Eddie Kennison was placed on the Chiefs' Reserve/Retired list and David Garrard removed from the roster Tuesday, a day after he signed a ceremonial one-day contract.

 Kennison was selected by St. Louis in the first round of the 1996 Draft and last played in the NFL with the Rams in 2008. He also played for the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints during his 13-year career.

Miami Dolphins placed veteran NT Jason Ferguson on the Reserve/Retired list the week after he announced his retirement after 13 seasons. Veteran DL Randy Starks will move from end in Miami's 3-4 defense to nose tackle to replace Ferguson. Fourth-year NT Paul Soliai also will compete for snaps.

The New England Patriots reeled in two more players from their Draft class Maurice Jones Wednesday: seventh-rounders Kade Weston (DT, 6-5, 315, Georgia) and Zac Robinson (QB, 6-3, 218, Oklahoma St.)

According to a source, Weston signed a four-year deal worth roughly $1.83 million with a signing bonus worth just shy of $40,000. Weston figures to compete against second-year DL Myron Pryor for the backup nose tackle job in training camp.

Robinson signed a four-year deal worth just less than $1.83 million. He struggled mightily Reggie Nelson with passing accuracy during Senior Bowl week practices, but rebounded quite nicely during his solid combine performance, as he threw the ball with better zip and accuracy. Robinson is projected to be the No. 3 quarterback.

Jacksonville Jaguars in Round 6 of this April's NFL draft

There's just some extra hanging around.

At last year's rookie combine, Monroe tipped the scales at 309 pounds. By the time he signed with the Jaguars and suited up for their first preseason game, he had bulked up to 329.

Again, not a bad build—just a little unnecessary flab. Watching Monroe play in tune-up games and as a 16-game starter at left tackle, his impressive quick feet, strong hands, and menacing demeanor were always on display.

As, unfortunately, was a hint of sluggishness.

According to Luke Richesson, Jacksonville's second-year strength coach, that won't be a problem anymore. On June 15, Richesson mentioned in an interview that Monroe has cut his weight down to 300 pounds.

"He's 17 percent body fat and he's brutally strong," Richesson said.

It's typical for an NFL player, especially one looking to earn a reputation, to put in heavy work on his physique in the offseason. But a 30-pound weight loss? That's nothing short of phenomenal.

For anyone other than 400-pound Arizona Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui , at least.

Considering that Monroe was likely working with the guidance of top-notch fitness Maurice Jones  professionals, it's safe to assume that most of his cut weight was fat, not muscle. Crunch the numbers, and his efforts amount to nearly a double-digit drop in body fat percentage.

Outstanding—and, when I read about it, a little close-to-home.

A couple of hundred kids, ages 8 through 12, learned things like stretching, agility exercises and engaged in fun competitions at the free clinic.

Owens, who played his college football at Maine and is now one of the top Reggie Nelson special teamers in the NFL, says this is something he's always wanted to do.


This January, I made a New Year's resolution to get in shape before the start of rugby season in March. At the time, I weighed close to 220 pounds and had been limited to playing as a forward when I tried out for the University of Virginia's club team.

Fast-forward to March, and I had turned myself into a 190-pound David Garrard inside center—a back and the main ball-carrier in my club's "crash ball" offense. In terms of body fat, I had dropped from nearly 20 to around 15 percent.

I wasn't (and still am not) in "perfect shape," but my legs were just as strong while pushing less weight around. The results were better explosiveness, better endurance, and all-around better in-game performance.

When Eugene Monroe lines up against the AFC South's fearsome pass rushers this season, that's exactly what he'll need, too.

But McGee, who was selected by the new Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys in Round 6 of this April's NFL draft, says a deal is close.

"We're finishing up," McGee said Monday by phone.

The Jaguars report for training camp July 29 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

"It'll definitely be done by then," said McGee. "I'm just ready to go."

McGee was one of two players from James Madison taken in this year's draft. The other, defensive lineman/linebacker Arthur Moats, was drafted by the Bills earlier in Round 6.

Moats signed a four-year rookie deal with Buffalo in June that included a $112,000 signing bonus.

McGee is one of four unsigned draft picks on the Jaguars' roster. He says he's been busy working out in preparation for his rookie season.

Jacksonville Jaguars have done during the off season

In the last two seasons, Garrard has struggled as his turnover ratio has increased and his passer rating was 83.5. It simply isn't good enough for a quarterback who was awarded the richest contract in team history two seasons ago.

Garrard's leadership has been questioned as well. The 32-year old is the most experienced on a Jag's offense that has been mediocre. They have no threats at wide receiver.

The Jaguars best offensive weapon is running back Maurice Jones-Drew who rushed for 1,391 yards last season in his first year as a starter. Hopefully the Jaguars offensive line and receivers can improve with another year's experience under their belts.

Garrard has not shown that he has all the mechanics and wits to be a starter. His accuracy drops under pressure. His x-factor is that he's strong and can use his legs to get out of pressure. His limitations though prevent Jacksonville from being a legitimate threat to the AFC South.

Jones-Drew will be the main man on offence. Not just in the run game but all David Garrard around the offence. He is a tremendous pass blocker and he is a threat in the passing game as well, with his breakaway speed and his strong lower body. There aren't many other weapons the Jags can turn to after Jones-Drew. The remaining backs simply are nowhere near where Jones-Drew is.

Marcedes Lewis is a solid run-blocking tight end who is also helpful in the passing game.

The receiving corps features Mike Sims-Walker who was inconsistent last season, has the ability to attack the middle of the field. The Jags lost Tory Holt and will turn to newcomer Kassim Osgood and veteran Troy Williamson can help. However Williamson is unreliable and Osgood has spent most of his career on special teams.

On defence, the Jaguars have to hope that their recent draft picks will pay off, including Austen Reggie Nelson Lane, Larry Hart and Tyson Alualu. The Jags hope to bring pressure up the middle and improve their secondary.

Eighth year corner Rashean Mathis has barked for a new contract but he'll have to show he can stay healthy and help the Jags secondary.

When the new Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys traded defensive end/outside linebacker Quentin Groves to the Oakland Raiders, I quipped with a friend I was with when it occurred that "Maybe they fleeced Oakland and got Morrison, who I've heard they're peddling around the league." I said it entirely in jest, thinking the Jaguars eventually would get Clint Ingram under contract and roll with the same three linebackers.

Low and behold, on the third day of the draft the Jacksonville Jaguars did indeed fleece the Raiders. The Jaguars sent a fourth round pick to Oakland in exchange for a fifth round pick and linebacker Kirk Morrison, who became ultra-expendable once the Raiders selected Rolando McClain 8th overall. So in essence, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded a 4th round pick and Quentin Groves (whom they were likely to release) for two 5th round picks and Kirk Morrison (whom the Raiders would likely release).

Not too shabby.

"It's a new beginning for me,'' Morrison said. "I almost feel like I got drafted all over again.''

Ironically Morrison is joining a team that hit the pseudo-reset button last season. The Jaguars are in the process of starting all over again, so "drafting" a new middle linebacker made a lot of sense. Acquiring Morrison allows do-it-all and routinely underrated linebacker Daryl Smith to move back to the outside.

Since the loss of Mike Peterson to free agency, the Jaguars have been looking for that 100+ tackle force in the middle of the field.  Daryl Smith filled that role nicely, but taking him from his weakside linebacker position hurt the linebacking corps overall.  Adding Morrison adds a consistent force up the middle of the field for the Jaguars.

Kirk Morrison hasn't been on a winning football team since high school. At San Diego State, which now has 4 Jaguar players on it's roster, Morrison didn't have a winning season. In his five seasons with the Oakland Raiders, Morrison wasn't part of a single winning season. You can tell he's hungry for that, and that's what the Jacksonville Jaguars need in the middle of the field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin

Financial terms on the new deal are not yet available, but Bouchette points out that Arizona Cardinals jerseys coach Ken Whisenhunt negotiated a similar deal in February that pays him a hefty $5.5 million to $6 million annually.

Whisenhunt and Tomlin had very similar contracts before Matt Leinart their extensions. It remains to be seen whether they will continue to be on par with each other.

when the Steelers extended Bill Cowher's contract the terms of the new deal did not kick in until after the old deal expired.

Tomlin is 31-17 as coach of the Steelers and coached the team to a Larry Fitzgerald Super Bowl title in 2008.

After a rocky finish to their 2009 campaign, rumors surfaced that Tomlin could be on his way out the door. Those rumors, however, have been put to bed.

The Steelers head coaches seem to enjoy longevity in the position. A Anquan Boldin rarity in the National Football League.

Tomlin is no exception.

 

One thing that has been beaten into our heads the last three years is that rookies earn starting time on this team, regardless which round they were drafted in. Dan Williams will find this out soon, especially when training camp opens. Obviously the Cardinals  didn't draft Williams to ride the bench in 2010. They drafted him to learn and develop, which is why they also re-signed veteran Bryan Robinson. Robinson will teach Williams everything he can and expects the rookie to take his job in the near future. It's only a matter of time.

 

Williams - Seeing how the Cardinals run the 3-4 defense, this one is a no-brain-er to me. Williams' frame is built with a low center of gravity and he has massive tree-trunks for legs. He possesses the perfect size to man the middle of the defensive line in a 3-4. Robinson lacks the size to draw double teams.

 

Williams - One of Williams' strong suits coming out of college was his speed. He doesn't quit and will pursue the ball carrier well beyond the line of scrimmage. Robinson's speed has dwindled over the years.

 

Williams - Again, with his ability to explode out of his stance and draw double teams, Williams wins the athleticism battle. If I had to, I'd compare Williams to a monster truck and Robinson to a cement truck - very different athletes.

The Colts first used the franchise tag on Manning

Manning declined to talk about his contract status last month. Recently, Tom Condon, Manning's agent, and Colts jerseys president Bill Polian took a similar stance.

In an interview with a Boston radio station, Polian indicated a new deal for Manning might come later rather than sooner because of the NFL's labor uncertainty. If owners and the players union can't hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement, a lockout could threaten the 2011 season.

"We've been going slowly along with Tom Condon because we're trying to formulate some things that will fit no matter what the (new) system is," Polian told WEEI. "We can't get into the nitty-gritty because we don't know what the rules will be.

"It's not like you're going to get (a new CBA) in October, I don't think. If that happens, it would be great. But at least you can get a feel for the way things are going."

It's possible Manning's new contract won't be finalized until after the season. That happened in 2004 when his rookie contract expired. The new Indianapolis Colts jerseys first used the franchise tag on Manning, then signed him to a long-term deal. Whatever the NFL landscape is, his new contract could average $20 million a season and include $50 million guaranteed.

 

Walt Smith, director of campus police and security, said people hired will have to be able to withstand the heat and represent AU and the Colts football jerseys well. "They have to have good judgment, good people skills, have a helpful disposition and be friendly."

 

Separately, the city of Anderson's 2010 Training Camp Host Committee has made a call for volunteers to serve as ambassadors for the city and training camp.

According to a statement from Anderson public information officer Tammy Bowman, the goals of volunteers at the camp "are to draw record attendance to camp, to create a very hospitable experience for visitors, and to positively strengthen perceptions of Anderson."

 

Volunteers will have to fill out a short application, provide a photo identification and go through two-hour training sessions at AU.  

Paid staff will work with campus security, and Smith said AU is working in cooperation with Anderson Police and Colts staff.

 

Smith said University Boulevard through campus will be closed during camp from Nursery Road to College Avenue. It's a safety issue because people will park in the Church of God campground site and cross the boulevard. It's also being done for the protection of Colts players and because of the thousands expected daily on campus.

Some of those hired will be placed at road closing areas, Smith said.

"We hoped for a great response in the community and from visitors on campus, and we just want to have high visibility of people in parking and field security to be able to direct people and answer questions and make sure our guests know what to do and where to go and to have a good experience here on campus," he said.

 

Peyton's numbers are staggering in his career with the Colts since being drafted No. 1 overall in the 1998 draft.

 

He has started all 16 regular-season games for 12 straight seasons and earned eight straight Pro Bowl selections, 10 overall. The 10 nominations tie Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas for the most in club history and trail Brett Favre by one for the NFL record.

 

Peyton was MVP of Super Bowl XLI and became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 3,000 yards or more in the first 12 seasons of his career. He exceeded the 350 touchdown mark Nov. 15, 2009, against New England in his 185th career game, tying Hall of Famer Dan Marino for the fastest to reach the milestone.

Sun Life Financial secured the naming rights

Each nonprofit will, in turn, select a participating student to win a $5,000 scholarship. And each of the four winning nonprofits will be competing for an additional $50,000 from the Dolphins jerseys Foundation.

To be considered for funding, an organization must be designated as nonprofit and work with children under the age of 21 in the areas of education engagement and/or increasing high school graduation rates. In addition to grant money, each organization will receive training, materials and the curriculum necessary to develop and provide financial education for the youth in its program.

Several new Miami Dolphins jerseys players and Dolphins sponsors have purchased a large amount of youth football and cheer summer camp spots for the team's camp at Estero High School next week.

Spots normally cost $315 for the five-day summer camp. To get a code for one of the spots, send an e-mail to youthprograms@dolphins.com.

The football camp is for boys and girls ages 6-14. The cheerleading camp is for girls ages 5-14. The camp is July 12-16, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day.

The football camp features appearances by both current and former Miami Dolphins' players and coaches. The camp focuses on football training, teamwork building and the importance of education.

The football camp includes: Two (2) jerseys, autographs and appearances by former Miami Dolphins players, a flag belt, and camp photo shoot.

In the cheer camp, girls will learn dances and cheers, and attend etiquette and glamour classes taught by both current and former Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. Age groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-14.

LeBron James Signs With Minnesota Vikings

The Akron Beacon Journal also says that James may be placed into the Minnesota Twins farm system. However, ESPN's Buster Olney believes this is unlikely.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have released quarterback Brett Favre in order to make rofom for LeBron on their roster.

Reports state that Favre is headed to Cleveland to replace James as the Cavaliers' superstar. The Browns' need for a decent quarterback may bring Brett back into the NFL for another season.

Unfortunately for Favre, quarterback Jake Delhomme stands in his way. On Favre's move to Cleveland, Delhomme said, "I don't think I have much to worry about. He [Favre] is the all-time NFL leader in career interceptions. Since I throw so few interceptions, it shouldn't be an issue."

Despite Delhomme's confidence, Favre is the projected starter for Cleveland.

Essentially, LeBron James has been traded for Brett Favre straight up, making Manny Ramirez's dugout forecast that he will be traded for Favre incorrect.

 

He met his son, Andrew, who's a Marine stationed there. But Childress didn't expect to see his son there, as he explained to SI.com's Peter King.

 

He told King that the Marines had the younger Childress stand in a line with his fellow soldiers whom the Minnesota Vikings coach greeted as he disembarked from a plane.

 

The Childresses embraced in a bear hug that lasted about 60 seconds, King reported.

 

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress got an emotional surprise when he landed at a military base in Afghanistan during a USO trip last Friday.

 

The Mariners defensive end, 31, was born in Jamaica and came to the U.S. when he was 13. He lived in Jersey City, N.J., while attending high school. Wright said his mother, Paula, was responsible for making sure he and his brothers and sisters received their green cards and were able to stay and succeed in the U.S.

 

"She's the best mom in the world," Wright said. "She brought us to this country. I come from a poor background and was able to live my dream, so I have to give back and tell someone else, 'You can do this, too.'"

 

Wright's commitment was born out of a lesson he learned from his mother during his youth, and it continues to serve him to this day.

One day in high school, he came home and told her he had quit the football team.

 

"'I never raised a quitter,' I told him," Paula Wright said. "So, I said, 'When you come back in this house, make sure you're on the football team!' The next day, he came back and said, 'Mommy, I'm on the football team.'"

 

Conor Wall, resource coordinator for Sarah's Hope, said that while many who help out at an organization like Sarah's Hope are timid and quiet, Wright is not.

"

He's been great in the kitchen," Wall said. "He's friendly and open; he talks to all the kids. He's very helpful."