Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thursday 4.7.11
DAN LE BATARD | PRO BOWL
OTFL Announced 1st Annual Pro Bowl
OLD TIMERS -- The Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the Old Timers Football League (OTFL). The 1st annual Pro Bowl will make it's debut during the Season 15 Playoffs. The team owners from the playoff teams NOT participating in the Conference Championship(s) will go head to head in Madden Team Play and represent their conference.
Incentive: The winning conference from the Pro Bowl will be authorized "1st dibs" in Free Agency during the regular season (waiver wire style). Additionally, the winning conference will be recorded in OTFL history for bragging rights.
*The Pro Bowl will be played before the Super Bowl and will most likely will be televised!!
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Enjoy & Good luck!
Article by:
Dan Le Batard
Dan Le Batard joined The Herald back in 2010 and is a graduate from the University of Miami. Recognized as one of the top sports columnists today, Dan has covered several of sports' top events and is also a regular correspondent for OTESPN (Old Timers Entertainment and Sports Network).
Monday 4.14.11
DAN LE BATARD | The World Awaits, Fight Night Weekend
PRESS CONFERENCE BRAWL, THE WORLD AWAITS WEEKEND...
Jonathan "El Depredador" Maicelo being restrained by his camp.
OTBA -- On April 14, 2011, a brawl involving the two boxers and their entourages occurred at a press conference held in New York to publicise the bout.
Jonathan "El Depredador" Maicelo went on stage at the Hudson Theatre and stared in the direction of where Rashan Jones was to appear. As soon as Rashan Jones appeared, Jonathan "El Depredador" Maicelo quickly walked toward him and appeared to be about to assault Rashan Jones. One of Jones ’ bodyguards attempted to block Maicelo's access to Jones before Maicelo threw a left hook in the bodyguard's direction.
The two boxers rolled on the floor with personnel from both camps getting involved.
During the melee OTBA President the14scorpion claimed to be knocked out when he hit his head on the table.
Following the brawl Maicelo came to the edge of the podium, and issued a several minute-long profanity-laden tirade towards myself and a couple of other journalists attending, when we suggested that Maicelo should be put in a straitjacket. Maicelo punctuated his oration by vowing to introduce myself to the concept of prison romance.
This brawl at this press conference for this fight should easily make The Ring magazine event of the year. Are you ready for this weekend?
Article by:
Dan Le Batard
Dan Le Batard joined The Herald back in 2010 and is a graduate from the University of Miami. Recognized as one of the top sports columnists today, Dan has covered several of sports' top events and is also a regular correspondent for OTESPN (Old Timers Entertainment and Sports Network).
Monday, February 21, 2011
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 06:42 PM.
Monday 2.21.11
DAN LE BATARD | IN MY OPINION
Miami Dolphins defense grounds Patriots' running game
NEW ENGLAND -- The Miami Dolphins rushed for over 100 yards for the 2nd time this season during Sunday's win against the Patriots, which likely means the defense won't get quite the recognition it deserves for one of its best all-around performances of the season.
But consider this: The Patriots were averaging over 152 rushing yards heading into the game. Twice they rushed for over 250 yards (Saints & Bengals). They gained only 6 yards against the Dolphins -- almost all from one play.
``That's crazy,'' linebacker Karlos Dansby said. ``They had a 5-yard reverse -- and only 6 total yards. That's great defense.''
It was also a solid game plan by defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. By predicting that the Patriots would try to set the edge, the team was prepared to eliminate any of the Patriots attempts at doing so. Linebacker Koa Misi came up with a tackle for a loss, linebacker Cameron Wake provided his own usual pressure and the defensive line won the battle up front.
``That was their plan,'' Dansby said. ``When that didn't work, they didn't know what the [heck] to do.''
Miami's defense also contributed three key turnovers.
``If you get three takeaways in a game, you should come out on top,'' Misi said. ``Our goal was two or more. We did that today. We made some plays out there.''
MISSED FIELD GOAL
The New England Patriots had an opportunity to win the game before regulation and this was the outcome:
BRANDON "BIG TIME" JONES
The best performer in this game was none other than "Big Time", he set the tone when 1st year quarterback Roc Hargrove struggled in his 2nd start of the season. His dramatics came in overtime when twice the Patriots defense forced Miami to 3rd and long. Twice the Miami Dolphins head Coach Don Shula called for "Big Time". Watch the game winning rush in overtime:
To think that 24 other teams passed up on this monster from Pittsburgh. How long do you think it'll take for #59 Gary Guton (MLB) and #25 Will Allen (CB) to recover from those brutal blows that resulted in 2 missed tackles at the goaline?
Article by:
Dan Le Batard
Dan Le Batard joined The Herald back in 2010 and is a graduate from the University of Miami. Recognized as one of the top sports columnists today, Dan has covered several of sports' top events and is also a regular correspondent for OTESPN (Old Timers Entertainment and Sports Network).
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 08:21 PM.
Monday 1.24.11
DAN LE BATARD | IN MY OPINION
San Diego Chargers in a war of words w/ new majority owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Here is a brief summary and IMO of the Chargers owner reaction to his unsportsmanship accusation of the Baltimore Ravens.
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Reaction IMO:I think it's a bit unrealistic for a team(s) to inform the commissioner of a potential "unsportsmanlike" decision before the game due to "rivalry".
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Reaction IMO:As did the rest of the 20+ owners who have made The Old Timers League as successful as is is today. The Tampa Bay Bucs owner, if he remains in the league for the long run, he too will be one of those members that contribute to it's success.
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Reaction IMO:The voice of every member of the league should be heard equally & the same. The commissioner takes all input into consideration. As was observed yesterday in the league's first team owner phone conference mtg.
The fact remains, as you admitted, if the San Diego Chargers would have known all the details they would not have reported it to the league. Along w/ in the future using team name vice gamer tag/individual.
I will admit though (as a sports columnist) that if I was watching the game without knowing the situation I would have thought "unsportsmanship' was being used by the Ravens but knowing their situation and their history I saw nothing wrong. Because I new all the details.
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Reaction IMO:As a veteran and long time member of the league I don't think the San Diego Chargers front office would approve of the statement above. It's also never good practice to be-little or push new members to the side as if they are insignificant and their voice should not be heard because "you've been here longer". The league should encourage new team owners to voice their opinion and put their two cents on the table.
I wouldn't doubt if the Commissioner and league front office review your last statements to the press and issue a fine for publicly trashing another league owner.
Article by:
Dan Le Batard
Dan Le Batard joined The Herald back in 2010 and is a graduate from the University of Miami. Recognized as one of the top sports columnists today, Dan has covered several of sports' top events and is also a regular correspondent for OTESPN (Old Timers Entertainment and Sports Network).
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Miami Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby leads the celebration late in the fourth quarter of the Dolphins' 21-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Miami breaks losing streak with a 4th quarter miracle and a successful formula of a max-protection defense covering for an embarrassing 1st half.
KANSAS CITY -- In a routine that was becoming far too frequent, the Dolphins offense jogged from the field Sunday after multiply unsuccessful drives in the 1st half.
So many times already -- whether with a 3 and out, two interceptions, a fumble recovered that went for a touchdown (but was challenged and reversed) or a fourth-down stop -- Miami's defense bailed out its counterpart with a critical stop at a critical time. Now, the offense needed help once more.
``When you talk about adversity, you're usually talking about a couple of plays,'' coach Don Shula said. ``But this time, it was a must win. We were in an adverse situation the whole game.''
Could they really lose another game, especially with Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady leading what would have been a game-leading drive? The running back committee was starting to show some signs of fatigue, leading to a few moments of vulnerability.
``At that point,'' Shula said, ``I felt really confident in our defense but concerned with our offense.''
At this point, after a 21-17 win fueled by the inspirational performance of a very young secondary, it might be time for everyone else to start feeling the same. For the 1st time in 4 weeks, the Dolphins' defense has become the unexpected catalyst for Miami big win.
Despite a flawed performance on offense -- which included two pick 6's by Tom Brady and -- the defense still sent a shot that is likely to be heard by every one of its future opponents.
``We're a young group but growing fast,'' Clemons (FS) said. ``We want to get that mentality out there. We're not going to lay down for anybody. We're going to battle our asses off. Just because you get the ball on the 5-yard line, we're not going to let you score.''
Playoff Atmosphere
For the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs this was sudden death. You wouldn't expect to read about the Playoffs with 3 weeks left in the season but frankly with both teams sitting at 7-6, that's exactly what it was. Win or go home was the theme for this heavy weight fight in Kansas and early on it looked as if the Miami Dolphins were excepting the fact that they would miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The 1st two Dolphin possessions results in interceptions for touchdowns. The 1st half ended with a missed field goal attempt from 55 yards. Half Time score 14-3.
The Miami Dolphins dominated the time of possession with over 17 minutes and only 6 minutes for the Chiefs.
In the 3rd quarter, it was make or break time and the Fins could only squeeze a field goal while cutting the lead to 8 points. The 4th quarter miracle was orchestrated by Tom Brady, Brandon Marshall, and player of the game J. Davis (RB).
In the last significant drive for the Miami Dolphins, trailing in the 4th quarter James Davis broke a 47 yard run for the game-leading score. James Davis is a rookie running back that split carries with C.J. Spiller in Clemson. Apparently he wasn't as flashy as Spiller to get attention in the draft but after receiving a tip from a Dolphins undisclosed "source" the Miami Dolphins picked him up from Free Agency. Since then he's done nothing but secure his place on the Fins roster.
When Sunday ended, it didn't matter that Miami's defense carried the offense to victory. The Dolphins pulled out a win against a team that was battling for the wild card; against a team with heart and fight.
So a week after some figured the loss against the Patriots was the end, the Dolphins continued to build their case for legitimacy with a miracle in Kansas City.
Now, it's time to take a shot against the Eagles.
``This is a heck of a win for us right now,'' Shula said. ``We get to go home, regroup and get ready for the next ball game.''
Thursday, November 25, 2010
November 26, 2010
The Dolphins don’t have much going for them these days.
They’re the epitome of mediocrity at 7-4. They’ve lost three games in a row for the 1st time in the franchises history. Their starting left tackle, the best in football, has a nagging shoulder injury. Their top receiver’s status is getting frustrated for being the only producing player in the offense aside from J. Davis (RB).
As if that were not enough, they are fighting for a playoff spot with teams that have superior advantages down the stretch. Two of those teams are the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots, who are both have two games up on Miami. Both teams also beat Miami, meaning they would hold any tie-breaker advantage. Essentially, the Fins are three games back.
The two teams are the division foes in the Bills and Patriots, who each have a share of the divisions best record at 7-4. Both have beat Miami in Miami. The Dolphins will travel to New England (week 14) in the heart of winter and must find a way to win one.
It’s clear a ton would have to happen for Miami to make the playoffs this year. There’s no question—barring some bizarre things happening over the season’s final two months— that they would have to win five of the six games remaining.
So you’re saying there’s a chance?
Yes, albeit a slim one, they can still make the playoffs.
The following needs to happen:
1. An identity on offense must be established. They say they’re a running team, yet last week the defense made more of an impact. Which is it? There’s no excuse it’s time to build some sort of consistency on offense.
2. Key players must get healthy, and fast. Jake Long is a tough SOB. But it’s clear he is not 100 percent. Brandon Marshall is banged up, and without him this offense goes from dull to nonexistent—although some might argue it already is. For Tom Brady, he is taking way to many hits at this point of his career.
3. Mental toughness. It’s easy for a team to sit back and say, “You know what? This isn’t our year. There are too many injuries”. However, the strong teams go the route of win at whatever cost. Injuries are a part of the game. Every team has them. It’s about other players stepping up when the opportunity presents itself.
4. Luck. You can say Miami controls their own destiny, but really they don’t. It’s unrealistic to expect this team to win out or even lose one. They are going to need some help. One team among the Bills, Patriots, Broncos, and Raiders is going to have to fall apart because it’s impossible for Miami to make it if those four teams are in the playoffs.
The Dolphins face the Raiders later in the season and both teams are coming off bad losses.
It’s time for this football team to step back, take a look in the mirror, and decide who they want to be. They can either shut down and accept mediocrity or step up and fight.
I’m betting on the latter.
Friday, November 19, 2010
THE E P I C in MIAMI
MiaMi Dolphins (5-3) vs. San Diego Chargers (8-0)
On November 19, 2010, the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins are to meet in their 1st match-up in the regular season, at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Florida. With the calendar inching closer to their confrontation, the coaches of the Dolphins acknowledged concern.
Dolphins coach Don Shula wondered if his team could stop San Diego's prolific offense, which had broken a slew of single-season records, Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers is set to break records this year in passes, completions and passing yards, while their running backs are earning recognition. Additionally, three different receivers are expected to finish with at least a thousand yards, and Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the league.
"We have to make them earn it and make big plays on their own," Shula was quoted stressing in a piece by the St. Petersburg Times. "Rivers has that great rhythm, taking five steps back and then reading the defense and throwing the ball. What we have to do is destroy that rhythm, get a hand in his face, put some pressure on him."
Dolphin coaches were right in their worries. The Dolphins' were in fact unable to disrupt the rhythm of their previous two opponents, division rivals Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets. "We cannot afford to allow history to repeat itself" Shula said. "In 1995 they took a one point lead with 1 minute left and we end up missing a game winning field goal. We need to execute". (Video included in my arena)
By the end of this game, you can expect: both quarterbacks to break previous records, a high scoring affair, and one of the greatest regular season games of all time.
A classic that will later be remembered as the "E P I C in Miami".
Sunday, November 14, 2010
OLD TIMERS LEAGUE
Week 7
Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills
Was it McKelvin, or Dolphins offense frustrating Brandon Marshall?
by: II siXZero II November 15th, 2010 | 10:38 am
Right after the Miami Dolphins broke the huddle and got into their offensive formation Leodis McKelvin would look Brandon Marshall right in the eye and tell him the exact route he was running.
McKelvin, Buffalo’s starting cornerback, admitted he wasn’t right all the time, but he guessed he was on the mark about 80 percent of the Dolphins’ offensive snaps.
“You shouldn’t be able to do that, but I’ve watched every single game Miami’s played this year and the formation doesn’t lie. Formations tell a lot,” McKelvin said. “He didn’t like that. Much respect.
“Whenever you can stop an elite receiver that gives you a chance to win.”
McKelvin, who often defended Marshall one-on-one without safety help over the top during Sunday’s 35-7 loss to the Bills, said he could tell based on Marshall’s mannerisms, and facial expressions that he was fuming inside.
“He was clapping his hands a lot. Our whole game plan was to not let their best player beat us,” said McKelvin, who picked off one of the four passes intended for Marshall when Tom Brady's passes was a little high and outside Marshall’s catch zone. “We gave ourselves a chance to win. We had them on the ropes. We just didn’t put them away.”
McKelvin admits he was surprised the Dolphins didn’t lean on Marshall more than they did, especially in the red zone when Brady threw a fade to Brian Hartline instead of Marshall. The Bills singled up Marshall in the redzone, practically daring Brady to throw his way.
“You got to go talk to Sparano and the offensive coordinator about that,” McKelvin said of the team’s approach with Marshall. “I don’t think we doubled him the whole day. That’s something I looked forward to.”
Marshall, who caught three passes for 35 yards, opted against talking to the media after Sunday’s win, which featured Marshall drawing a delay of game penalty for throwing a pass to the sideline after making a 16-yard reception that put the Dolphins in scoring territory.
Deuces.
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