Sports Quote of the Day:
“You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” ~ Albert Einstein, World Famous Scientist
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!! Ditka still makes an impression on Bears coaches, players.
By John Mullin
Bears players are immersed in franchise history from the moment they first enter the Halas Hall lobby, with retired numbers and Hall of Fame players part of the first impression they get of being a Chicago Bear.
On Tuesday that history came to them as Mike Ditka watched practice from upstairs at Halas Hall and then addressed the team after practice.
Coach Marc Trestman reached out to the Hall of Fame tight end and coach not long after getting the job that Ditka held from 1982-92.
“I thought that was a great place to start, somebody who knew as much about the Bears and the tradition of the Bears as he does,” Trestman said. “And it turned out to be dinner with our wives and I called him last week with the idea that we left it, was to bring him to come by and see Halas Hall and the new facility and spend some time with our players and say hello to them.”
Ditka, whose personality bombast is perhaps as far from Trestman’s style as can be, nevertheless sounded a theme that Trestman has gone to great lengths to instill.
“It’s about the relationships that you have with your teammates, it’s about the camaraderie, it’s about the locker room,” Trestman said. “The money is the least significant portion of it. I think that’s pretty universal in the game of football when you’ve been around it a long.”
No current Bears players were yet born when Ditka was defining the position of tight end in the NFL but the impact of the Ditka teams still resonates.
“I think he echoed a lot of the same things that Marc says every day,” said quarterback Jay Cutler. “There is a common thread between guys that have been there and done it and won championships and know what it is all about – enjoying the game, respecting your teammates, taking advantage of each and every day. That is what Marc tells us. That is what a lot of the great ones tell us. That is what Coach Ditka said as well.”
As for the current leader at Ditka’s old position:
“We all know the story behind coach Ditka and the things that he brought to this team and the Bears organization,” said tight end Martellus Bennett. “Even when he was just giving his little speech today, you could hear his passion.
“He talked about commitment to teammates and it comes down to the players, not just to the coaches.”
Cutler: Throwing less to Marshall not a priority.
By John Mullin
All five of Jay Cutler’s passes in the San Diego game last Thursday went toward wide receiver Brandon Marshall. That preoccupation with one target last season worked to the detriment of the passing offense, which fell from 26th in 2011 with Caleb Hanie and Josh McCown throwing to Johnny Knox, Roy Williams and Dane Sanzenbacher for the last six games, to 29th with Cutler throwing 43 percent of his passes to Marshall.
Changing that, however, is not a priority.
Cutler said that getting the ball to other than Marshall “will not” be on his mind this Friday in Oakland against the Raiders. If that is alarming, it shouldn’t be at this point. Because it isn’t a specific thought with offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, either.
“If the defense gives us Brandon Marshall, then we’ll throw it to him,” Kromer said. “If they don’t, then we won’t throw it to him.”
The concern is not how often Cutler throws to Marshall, but when. Cutler threw into double coverage for an interception against the Chargers, a mistake that Kromer, who comes from a New Orleans offense with Drew Brees, understands.
“Sometimes, and all good quarterbacks do it, all good quarterbacks think they can make throws that they might not be able to make,” Kromer said. “So guys that follow their reads, they are just like a lineman, they step with the wrong foot, they block in the wrong angle, a quarterback throws it to the wrong guy sometimes when he’s reading his read.
“Now, the whole offense is doing a good job of understanding our scheme and spreading the ball around by what the defense gives us.”
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Chicago Blackhawks tickets are getting hard to come by.
By Tyler Juranovich
Gone are the days where Chicago Blackhawks fans can easily buy tickets to home games. After making the playoffs five out of the past six years and winning the Stanley Cup twice in four years, being shut out of tickets is to be expected for the normal buyer.
For me, as a young Chicago sports fan, this is completely new.
Last year I was able to buy four tickets to one game of the season. This year I was able to buy zero. I am not complaining, though. I’ll take Stanley Cup championships over cheap tickets every day, but the quick sellout of Blackhawks tickets reminded me how great it is to have your favorite sports team be part of the league’s elite.
Being raised as a Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks fan, I’m not familiar with watching my team truly succeed. Sure, both the Cubs and Bears have had good seasons over the past 15 years, but they’ve always seemed to disappoint. Disappointing fans was, essentially, the Cubs’ job from 2003-08, and the Bears are picking up where the Cubs left off by stringing two disappointing seasons back-to-back over the past two seasons.
Tickets for Cubs games are as low as $7 on Stubhub, and though Bears tickets are more expensive, there’s no problem finding decently priced (for football games that is) tickets. On the other hand, finding reasonably priced Blackhawks tickets is impossible. Thirty-five dollar 300 level seats, which once went for as low as $7, are now $62-$102 and sell for a lot more on third-party sites.
It’s upsetting to have to cut out or dig a lot deeper into your paycheck to see your favorite team play, especially if you’re a the die-hard fan without much money, but that’s what happens when you have a successful team and high demand in a big market such as Chicago. Watching the games on TV isn’t as enjoyable as experiencing the game with 20,000 other fans, but it’s still great and just as fun if you watch it with a group of friends.
The Blackhawks have been more successful in the past 10 years than all the other Chicago teams combined. Realize that, come to terms with the negative effects that has, but also cherish and stand proud knowing your team is so damn good.
Just another Chicago Bulls Session... Offseason Grades: Chicago Bulls.
By Rob Mahoney
Mike Dunleavy should fit seamlessly into the Bulls’ rotation. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Losses: Nate Robinson, Marco Belinelli, Richard Hamilton, Malcolm Thomas
Other Moves: Re-signed Nazr Mohammed
What Went Right: Subtle roster improvements to set up Derrick Rose’s comeback.
The biggest offseason development for Chicago was always going to be one of availability. After missing the 2012-13 season while rehabbing a torn ACL, Rose is set to return in the fall and restore order to the Bulls’ offense. With his reintroduction, shot creators such as Robinson and Belinelli were no longer a priority. Both were vital in keeping the Bulls afloat last season, but Rose and Chicago’s reserve guards render their services somewhat redundant.
Dunleavy is a better fit for a Rose-driven team. The 11-year veteran swingman is firmly in the role-player set, with a vanilla game compared to the roller-coaster play of Robinson and Belinelli. But he’s a consistent catch-and-shoot type who reads the floor well, making him a good bet to fill a slot on the wing beautifully for the Bulls.
The former No. 3 pick is reliant on players such as Rose to control the offense while he curls around screens or spots up on the wing, but his tendencies make him a natural choice for a complementary role. He passes when he should, shoots when is prudent and stays active without the ball. All he needs is a more dynamic player to get things in motion, which he’ll have in the Bulls’ centerpiece.
Dunleavy aside, drafting a lanky, athletic shooter in Snell was a good call, even if he’s not likely to play much this season. Mohammed is a nice piece to have around, too, as he proved in the first round of the playoffs when he came off the bench to play important minutes against Brooklyn. He can pull spot duty in guarding the centers who might be too tall for Taj Gibson to handle.
What Went Wrong: If anything, the support system in case of another Rose injury is a tad bare. This is a worst-case-scenario problem, but the Bulls have left themselves vulnerable in allowing both Robinson and Belinelli to walk as free agents. The point guard rotation would still be covered between Kirk Hinrich and Marquis Teague if Rose were to be sidelined, but creating shots would be more challenging for Chicago than last season.
The Bulls will be in great shape as long as Rose even vaguely resembles his previous form. From Rose on down, Chicago’s roster is loaded. The combination of Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng is as stout a pair of wings as any team could hope for, with Dunleavy and Hinrich available to contribute quality minutes behind them. Joakim Noah has become one of the top three or four defensive big men in the league, and Gibson is an exceptional defensive reserve. Even the much-maligned Carlos Boozer has his place as a spot source of scoring and rebounding, which helps fill the gaps while Rose rests or assists. It’s a sound rotation, through and through, and should be equipped to challenge the Heat.
Grade: B. Chicago didn’t have all that much to do in free agency but managed to grab a quality wing player at a bargain (Dunleavy signed a two-year, $6 million deal), brought back a reserve big man who has experience in coach Tom Thibodeau’s system and drafted a wing who could be of interest down the line. Not bad for a team that was already a contender with a healthy Rose.
Dempster suspended 5 games for hitting A-Rod.
By
Boston's Ryan Dempster accepted his punishment without admitting any misdeed.
Dempster was suspended for five games and fined by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for intentionally hitting New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez with a pitch last weekend.
While Dempster still maintains he was only trying to establish the inside part of the plate and wasn't trying to hit Rodriguez on purpose, he will not contest the punishment and began serving it Tuesday.
''I thought about appealing,'' Dempster said before Boston played the Giants. ''At the end of the day, I think Major League Baseball does a really good job of thinking through punishments before they hand them out. I thought it was in the best interest of us as a team to go ahead and serve my suspension.''
MLB senior vice president Joe Garagiola Jr. announced the penalty two days after Dempster hit A-Rod in the second inning at Fenway Park. Yankees manager Joe Girardi was fined for arguing with plate umpire Brian O'Nora.
Dempster's fine was $2,500 and Girardi's was $5,000, people familiar with the discipline told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the amounts were not announced.
Dempster was scheduled to pitch Saturday at the Los Angeles Dodgers but now could be pushed back to next Tuesday's homestand opener against Baltimore. He will throw a simulated game on Friday.
Boston is off Thursday, and Jon Lester will be able to pitch on regular rest Saturday in Dempster's place. Jake Peavy is set to go Sunday on normal four days' rest.
''That has nothing to do with it,'' Dempster said. ''I think it has to do with taking my suspension and put it past. There's no point in carrying out an appeals process. We have other things to worry about and that's going out and winning a ballgame tonight against the San Francisco Giants. I'll take my punishment.''
Earlier Tuesday, Girardi insisted it would be ''open season'' on Rodriguez if MLB failed to suspend Dempster. Girardi had hoped for a suspension long enough to make Dempster miss a turn.
''I think I made my feelings pretty clear then,'' Girardi said after the suspension was announced.
Dempster threw one pitch behind A-Rod's knees and two more inside during the second inning. Then his 3-0 pitch struck Rodriguez's left elbow pad and ricocheted off his back.
''You don't throw at a guy four times,'' Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia said. ''He violated every code in every way.''
Dempster said he will never stop pitching inside.
''That's a real important part of pitching to any hitter, especially a big power hitter,'' he said.
Girardi sprinted onto the field, screaming at O'Nora for not ejecting the pitcher. Girardi was tossed as the benches and bullpens emptied, and Rodriguez homered off Dempster to spark a sixth-inning rally that lifted New York to a 9-6 win.
''That baseball is a weapon. It's not a tennis ball. Or it's not an Incrediball that's soft. It's a weapon, and it can do a lot of damage to someone's life,'' Girardi said before a doubleheader against Toronto. ''And that's why I was so upset about it. You can express your opinion and be upset with someone, but you just can't start throwing baseballs at people. I mean, it's scary.''
Girardi said his profane rant at O'Nora probably was the angriest he's been on a ball field.
Rodriguez was suspended for 211 games on Aug. 5 for violating baseball's drug and labor agreements but is playing while he appeals. Red Sox pitcher John Lackey criticized the rules last week for allowing A-Rod to play.
Girardi said prior to the announcement that if Dempster wasn't punished, it would make Rodriguez ''open season for people, and that can't happen. It's not fair. If a player is suspended for throwing at someone, they're going to get their appeal. Are we just going to throw that out, too?''
Asked later if the level of penalty would make it open season, he responded: ''That's my concern. We'll find out. I sure hope not.''
''If you suspend a position player three games, he misses three games,'' Girardi added. ''You can suspend a pitcher five games, even six games and he may not miss a start. The off days come into play.''
The Red Sox did not criticize the decision, saying their focus was on winning games and making it to the playoffs.
''We fully respect what MLB has decided to do and hand down the suspension,'' manager John Farrell said. ''Never has it been uttered that it's been unjust. To Ryan's credit, he's serving the suspension starting tonight.''
New York didn't retaliate Sunday. Girardi wouldn't say whether there is a need to respond when the teams next meet, at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 5.
Girardi said ''protecting your own'' in baseball has gone on for ''for a long time. And unfortunately you're part of those situations sometimes, but that's part of the game.''
The manager also discussed the matter with his 6-year-old son, Dante.
''Part of pitching is pitching inside, that's all part of it,'' he recalled telling the boy. ''But I don't ever want you to hit anyone on purpose.''
After Sunday's game, Rodriguez declined to say whether Dempster should be suspended.
''I'm the wrong guy to be asking about suspensions. Holy mackerel,'' A-Rod said with a laugh. ''I've got an attorney I can recommend.''
Has American Golf Hit a New Low?
Dempster was suspended for five games and fined by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for intentionally hitting New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez with a pitch last weekend.
While Dempster still maintains he was only trying to establish the inside part of the plate and wasn't trying to hit Rodriguez on purpose, he will not contest the punishment and began serving it Tuesday.
''I thought about appealing,'' Dempster said before Boston played the Giants. ''At the end of the day, I think Major League Baseball does a really good job of thinking through punishments before they hand them out. I thought it was in the best interest of us as a team to go ahead and serve my suspension.''
MLB senior vice president Joe Garagiola Jr. announced the penalty two days after Dempster hit A-Rod in the second inning at Fenway Park. Yankees manager Joe Girardi was fined for arguing with plate umpire Brian O'Nora.
Dempster's fine was $2,500 and Girardi's was $5,000, people familiar with the discipline told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the amounts were not announced.
Dempster was scheduled to pitch Saturday at the Los Angeles Dodgers but now could be pushed back to next Tuesday's homestand opener against Baltimore. He will throw a simulated game on Friday.
Boston is off Thursday, and Jon Lester will be able to pitch on regular rest Saturday in Dempster's place. Jake Peavy is set to go Sunday on normal four days' rest.
''That has nothing to do with it,'' Dempster said. ''I think it has to do with taking my suspension and put it past. There's no point in carrying out an appeals process. We have other things to worry about and that's going out and winning a ballgame tonight against the San Francisco Giants. I'll take my punishment.''
Earlier Tuesday, Girardi insisted it would be ''open season'' on Rodriguez if MLB failed to suspend Dempster. Girardi had hoped for a suspension long enough to make Dempster miss a turn.
''I think I made my feelings pretty clear then,'' Girardi said after the suspension was announced.
Dempster threw one pitch behind A-Rod's knees and two more inside during the second inning. Then his 3-0 pitch struck Rodriguez's left elbow pad and ricocheted off his back.
''You don't throw at a guy four times,'' Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia said. ''He violated every code in every way.''
Dempster said he will never stop pitching inside.
''That's a real important part of pitching to any hitter, especially a big power hitter,'' he said.
Girardi sprinted onto the field, screaming at O'Nora for not ejecting the pitcher. Girardi was tossed as the benches and bullpens emptied, and Rodriguez homered off Dempster to spark a sixth-inning rally that lifted New York to a 9-6 win.
''That baseball is a weapon. It's not a tennis ball. Or it's not an Incrediball that's soft. It's a weapon, and it can do a lot of damage to someone's life,'' Girardi said before a doubleheader against Toronto. ''And that's why I was so upset about it. You can express your opinion and be upset with someone, but you just can't start throwing baseballs at people. I mean, it's scary.''
Girardi said his profane rant at O'Nora probably was the angriest he's been on a ball field.
Rodriguez was suspended for 211 games on Aug. 5 for violating baseball's drug and labor agreements but is playing while he appeals. Red Sox pitcher John Lackey criticized the rules last week for allowing A-Rod to play.
Girardi said prior to the announcement that if Dempster wasn't punished, it would make Rodriguez ''open season for people, and that can't happen. It's not fair. If a player is suspended for throwing at someone, they're going to get their appeal. Are we just going to throw that out, too?''
Asked later if the level of penalty would make it open season, he responded: ''That's my concern. We'll find out. I sure hope not.''
''If you suspend a position player three games, he misses three games,'' Girardi added. ''You can suspend a pitcher five games, even six games and he may not miss a start. The off days come into play.''
The Red Sox did not criticize the decision, saying their focus was on winning games and making it to the playoffs.
''We fully respect what MLB has decided to do and hand down the suspension,'' manager John Farrell said. ''Never has it been uttered that it's been unjust. To Ryan's credit, he's serving the suspension starting tonight.''
New York didn't retaliate Sunday. Girardi wouldn't say whether there is a need to respond when the teams next meet, at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 5.
Girardi said ''protecting your own'' in baseball has gone on for ''for a long time. And unfortunately you're part of those situations sometimes, but that's part of the game.''
The manager also discussed the matter with his 6-year-old son, Dante.
''Part of pitching is pitching inside, that's all part of it,'' he recalled telling the boy. ''But I don't ever want you to hit anyone on purpose.''
After Sunday's game, Rodriguez declined to say whether Dempster should be suspended.
''I'm the wrong guy to be asking about suspensions. Holy mackerel,'' A-Rod said with a laugh. ''I've got an attorney I can recommend.''
Has American Golf Hit a New Low?
By Adam Fonseca
COMMENTARY | When the final putt dropped Sunday at the 2013 Solheim Cup, the European team erupted into celebration as it finally defeated the United States team on American soil.
The truth of the matter, however, is that the victor had already been decided late Saturday afternoon as the Europeans opened a massive lead heading into Sunday.
If the 2012 Ryder Cup taught us anything, of course, it is that no lead is safe when it comes to team competition. In that event, the Americans once again got the short end of the proverbial stick, relinquishing what was believed to be an insurmountable lead to Jose Maria Olazabal's Euro squad. For Davis Love III's US team, it will always be remembered as the "Meltdown at Medinah."
Two team events, two massive defeats for the United States. What the heck is going on with Team America?
There may not be one specific reason why the last two team events have ended poorly for Old Glory, which only compounds the issue. There were multiple shortcomings on both the men's and women's teams, starting with two respective captain picks.
For the men, Tiger Woods -- undoubtedly the best golfer of this generation -- was a controversial captain choice for Love's Ryder Cup team. At the time, Woods was struggling substantially with his game and was nowhere close to qualifying for the team by way of point earnings. While Woods' individual career is that of legend, his Ryder Cup record flat out stinks. Woods went winless at the 2012 matches, appearing to be a mere mortal in the wake of Europe's torrid run to victory.
United States captain Meg Mallon's decision to include Gerina Piller on her Solheim Cup team is equally confusing. While Piller did manage a half-point for her team (0-2-1 overall), the inclusion of a rookie Cupper beside Mallon's second pick -- the unpredictable Michelle Wie -- did not seem like a strong option heading into the event. Hindsight is always 20-20, but Piller's inexperience showed throughout the weekend.
A similar story unfolds when you look at individual performances in this year's major championships. On the LPGA side, South Korean Inbee Park has dominated the major scene by winning the first three of the season. American Stacy Lewis managed to win the Women's British Open earlier this month -- her second career major -- but not without a sense of it being a consolation prize to history's missed opportunity. Park still has a chance to win four (!) majors in a year should she capitalize at the Evian Masters Championship in September.
For the men, Phil Mickelson's victory at the British Open gave the United States its first major of the year after Australia's Adam Scott and England's Justin Rose won the Masters and US Open, respectively. Jason Dufner's memorable performance at the PGA Championship this month tied the major scorecard to 2-2.
As the 2014 Ryder Cup is set to take place on European soil next year in Scotland, captain Paul McGinley will lead a confident team of players against the underdog American squad lead by Tom Watson. The 2015 Solheim Cup will also take place on foreign soil in Germany, where that Euro team will once again defend the cup.
For the American teams, now might be a good time to start working on a game plan for both events -- if it even matters.
Power Rankings: Does anyone want to challenge Jimmie again?
By Nick Bromberg
1. Jimmie Johnson (LW: 1): Johnson recovered nicely from his practice crash and steadily started moving towards the front as soon as the green flag fell. Hell, he was in the top 10 when he started to have engine issues. That's why he gets to stay at the top again this week. Well, maybe it's more because no one else wants to take the top spot from Jimmie yet again.
2. Kurt Busch (LW: 11): Oh why not, right? Who else was going to go here? Three straight top 10s have put Busch in the Chase without having to have a win and his future racing destination is now the silly season topic du jour. And this time, Busch's performance and conduct mean he's got many more options.
3. Kevin Harvick (LW: 8): Lots of movement at the top this week, and Harvick moves back up after three straight finishes outside the top 10. Cupcake got close to Logano over the final laps but wasn't able to get close enough to make a challenge, and when Logano inherited the lead, Harvick's best-case scenario was where he ended up.
4. Kasey Kahne (LW: 5): As the highest finishing Hendrick car, Kahne gets to move up a spot this week. The seventh was good for his Chase chances -- Kahne moved up a spot to 11th -- though he never challenged for the lead. And given that Jeff Gordon was the only other Hendrick driver in the top 20, being the highest finishing Hendrick car wasn't too much of an achievement.
5. Kyle Busch (LW: 2): And once again, the streak lives. Busch was running near the back of the top 10 when he spun and crashed in turn 2. After the team fixed the damage, he spun again, and then his race ended while he was limping the car to pit road with a cut tire.
6. Carl Edwards (LW: 3): Being dropped three spots after finishing 10th is harsh, but Edwards needs to get it in gear if he's going to be mentioned among guys with a championship shot when the Chase begins. He's having a great points season, no doubt, but right now it's one of those seasons that may be a top half Chase finish and nothing more.
7. Matt Kenseth (LW: 6): Kenseth is still on track to start the Chase tied with Johnson, but right now, where would you rank him amongst the 12 driver field? It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Kenseth won the championship, but it'd be one if he opened Chase betting as a top three favorite.
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (LW: 4): Four spots may be harsh for Junior too after he ran well (again) at Michigan and suffered a cut tire, ending his chances at a win. However, he's now getting awfully close to that Chase bubble line. Yes, he's still got a very good shot at making it in, but thinking the opposite was, well, unthinkable a few weeks ago.
9. Clint Bowyer (LW: 9): From first lap spin to fifth place finish. Not shabby at all, and a nice follow up to Watkins Glen. With Johnson's troubles, the gap between he and Bowyer is now less than a full race's worth of points. Just think, Clint could be leading the points after Bristol!
10. Joey Logano (LW: NR): We like to put more stock in the most recent events, so it's a natural tendency to feel that Logano's victory is somehow more significant for the Chase than Martin Truex Jr.'s or Ryan Newman's. But taking recency out of the equation, it's not all that crazy to like Logano's Chase chances the best.
11. Ryan Newman (LW: 7): As long as Truex was inside the top 10, Newman had nothing to worry about as long as a winless driver in 11th-20th didn't get a win. Oops. Now Logano has that win and Truex is out of the top 10. The only scenario that now has Newman likely controlling his own destiny? Winning another race.
12. Brad Keselowski (LW: 10): Safe trumped aggressive in back-to-back weeks for Keselowski, though there was much more of an immediate risk to the potential reward at Michigan. A 12th place finish held serve for @Kes, and he's heading to one of his best tracks.
Lucky Dog: Yes, that really was Paul Menard near the front of the field in the final laps. PFM finished fourth.
The DNF: In the non-Hendrick division the award goes to Bobby Labonte, who finished 35th after a cut tire and spin a week after AJ Allmendinger got the team's first top 10 of the year.
Dropped Out: Martin Truex Jr.
By Alex Fisher
Tim Matavz's second-half strike secured a 1-1 draw for PSV as its Champions League playoff with AC Milan hangs in the balance. Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring for the visitors after 15 minutes with a vital away goal, connecting for a close-range header at the end of a flowing move.
NFL MVP, Rookie of Year Odds.
Kevin-Prince Boateng released Ignazio Abate down the right-hand side and his pinpoint cross was met by the striker, who headed powerfully past Jeroen Zoet.
PSV drew level on the hour mark, as Matavz reacted quickest to head past Christian Abbiati after the goalkeeper had failed to hold a long-range Jeffrey Bruma strike. Despite late pressure, neither side could find a winner.
After being cup-tied for last season’s European campaign, Mario Balotelli was given his first start for Milan in the Champions League. He was partnered in attack by El Shaarawy and Boateng.
PSV coach Philip Cocu was dealt a blow in the lead-up to the game with the news that in-form striker Zakaria Bakkali had been ruled out with a groin injury. The 17-year-old – who has scored four goals in four games in all competitions this season – was replaced in the starting lineup by Matavz.
PSV started well, but having survived an early period of pressure Milan sprang into life in the 15th minute as El Shaarawy broke the deadlock.
The 20-year-old rose unmarked to head home Abate’s right-wing cross after some lax PSV defending. The Dutch side sought a response, and with eight minutes of the half to play Adam Maher came close to levelling, only to see his shot rattle the crossbar.
The midfielder broke at pace towards the Milan defense before holding off the challenge from Cristian Zapata and firing in his shot, only for the woodwork to come to Abbiati's rescue.
Milan should have doubled the lead early in the second half, but El Shaarawy missed two clear-cut chances after excellent work from Balotelli. The striker saw his first chance bounce wide of Zoet after a delicate chip, and his second opportunity was denied by a perfectly timed tackle from Jetro Willems.
Those misses proved to be costly as PSV equalized on the hour mark.
Bruma sent a speculative long-range effort towards goal and the ball bounced in front of Abbiati, causing it to strike him on the chest and loop into the air. And before the goalkeeper could react, Matavz pounced to head the ball into the back of the net to put the Eredivisie side level.
On-loan defender Karim Rekik had a fantastic opportunity to win the game for PSV late on, but he mistimed his header following a perfect Georginio Wijnaldum cross, as the teams head back to Milan with the Italians maintaining the away goal edge.
PSV drew level on the hour mark, as Matavz reacted quickest to head past Christian Abbiati after the goalkeeper had failed to hold a long-range Jeffrey Bruma strike. Despite late pressure, neither side could find a winner.
After being cup-tied for last season’s European campaign, Mario Balotelli was given his first start for Milan in the Champions League. He was partnered in attack by El Shaarawy and Boateng.
PSV coach Philip Cocu was dealt a blow in the lead-up to the game with the news that in-form striker Zakaria Bakkali had been ruled out with a groin injury. The 17-year-old – who has scored four goals in four games in all competitions this season – was replaced in the starting lineup by Matavz.
PSV started well, but having survived an early period of pressure Milan sprang into life in the 15th minute as El Shaarawy broke the deadlock.
The 20-year-old rose unmarked to head home Abate’s right-wing cross after some lax PSV defending. The Dutch side sought a response, and with eight minutes of the half to play Adam Maher came close to levelling, only to see his shot rattle the crossbar.
The midfielder broke at pace towards the Milan defense before holding off the challenge from Cristian Zapata and firing in his shot, only for the woodwork to come to Abbiati's rescue.
Milan should have doubled the lead early in the second half, but El Shaarawy missed two clear-cut chances after excellent work from Balotelli. The striker saw his first chance bounce wide of Zoet after a delicate chip, and his second opportunity was denied by a perfectly timed tackle from Jetro Willems.
Those misses proved to be costly as PSV equalized on the hour mark.
Bruma sent a speculative long-range effort towards goal and the ball bounced in front of Abbiati, causing it to strike him on the chest and loop into the air. And before the goalkeeper could react, Matavz pounced to head the ball into the back of the net to put the Eredivisie side level.
On-loan defender Karim Rekik had a fantastic opportunity to win the game for PSV late on, but he mistimed his header following a perfect Georginio Wijnaldum cross, as the teams head back to Milan with the Italians maintaining the away goal edge.
NFL MVP, Rookie of Year Odds.
By OddsShark Buzz Staff
The Denver Broncos are Super Bowl favorites, and their quarterback is the favorite to win the MVP.
Peyton Manning is listed as a 5-to-1 favorite to win his fifth NFL MVP award at Bovada . Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers (13/2), San Francisco’s Colin Kapernick (10/1), New Orleans’ Drew Brees (10/1), and New England’s Tom Brady (12/1) are among the contenders.
Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, the reigning MVP, is the only non-quarterback listed in the top 10 favorites.
Before Peterson, a quarterback had been named MVP in five straight seasons.
Peterson is favored to lead the league in rushing, with Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch next.
For those interested in taking the ultimate longshot, Tim Tebow is listed at 500-to-1 to win the MVP.
Brees is favored to throw for the most passing yards this season. He has averaged 5,350 passing yards the past two seasons and will benefit from the return of coach Sean Payton to the Saints’ sidelines.
The Lions’ Calvin Johnson is favored to lead the league in receiving. Johnson has been injury-prone throughout his career, so Dallas’ Dez Bryant and Cincinnati’s A.J. Green could be worth a look.
St. Louis Rams receiver Tavon Austin is favored to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Austin was a prolific running back and receiver at West Virginia and is expected to be one of quarterback Sam Bradford’s primary weapons in St. Louis.
Denver running back Montee Ball and Green Bay running back Eddie Lacy also are considered among the favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ezekie Ansah is favored to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Ansah, out of BYU, already made his mark this preseason, intercepting a pass from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and returning it for a touchdown.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Arthur Brown and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones also are among the favorites for the Defensive Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Make sure to follow OddShark on twitter for NFL betting news.
2013 NFL MVP - Odds to Win Courtesy of Bovada
Peyton Manning (DEN) QB 5/1
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB 13/2
Colin Kaepernick (SF) QB 10/1
Drew Brees (NO) QB 10/1
Adrian Peterson (MIN) RB 12/1
Tom Brady (NE) QB 12/1
Matt Ryan (ATL) QB 15/1
Robert Griffin III (WAS) QB 18/1
Russell Wilson (SEA) QB 18/1
Andrew Luck (IND) QB 25/1
Calvin Johnson (DET) WR 25/1
Eli Manning (NYG) QB 25/1
Arian Foster (HOU) RB 33/1
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) QB 33/1
Cam Newton (CAR) QB 33/1
Matthew Stafford (DET) QB 33/1
Michael Vick (PHI) QB 33/1
Tony Romo (DAL) QB 33/1
Matt Schaub (HOU) QB 40/1
J.J. Watt (HOU) DE 40/1
Chris Johnson (TEN) RB 50/1
Joe Flacco (BAL) QB 50/1
Marshawn Lynch (SEA) RB 50/1
Philip Rivers (SD) QB 50/1
Jay Cutler (CHI) QB 66/1
Ray Rice (BAL) RB 66/1
Alfred Morris (WAS) RB 66/1
Jamaal Charles (KC) RB 66/1
Matt Forte (CHI) RB 66/1
Steven Jackson (ATL) RB 66/1
Doug Martin (TB) RB 66/1
Andy Dalton (CIN) QB 75/1
Alex Smith (KC) QB 75/1
Josh Freeman (TB) QB 75/1
Sam Bradford (STL) QB 75/1
Andre Johnson (HOU) WR 100/1
Brandon Marshall (CHI) WR 100/1
Reggie Bush (DET) RB 150/1
Tim Tebow (NE) 500/1
Who will record the most Passing Yards in the 2013 Regular Season?
Drew Brees (NO) QB 4/1
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB 6/1
Matthew Stafford (DET) QB 13/2
Peyton Manning (DEN) QB 7/1
Matt Ryan (ATL) QB 10/1
Tom Brady (NE) QB 12/1
Tony Romo (DAL) QB 15/1
Andrew Luck (IND) QB 15/1
Eli Manning (NYG) QB 20/1
Jay Cutler (CHI) QB 28/1
Philip Rivers (SD) QB 33/1
Matt Schaub (HOU) QB 33/1
Cam Newton (CAR) QB 33/1
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) QB 33/1
Sam Bradford (STL) QB 40/1
Carson Palmer (ARI) QB 40/1
Josh Freeman (TB) QB 40/1
Andy Dalton (CIN) QB 40/1
Joe Flacco (BAL) QB 40/1
Colin Kaepernick (SF) QB 40/1
Robert Griffin III (WAS) QB 50/1
Ryan Tannehill (MIA) QB 50/1
Alex Smith (KC) QB 50/1
Russell Wilson (SEA) QB 66/1
Michael Vick (PHI) QB 66/1
Mark Sanchez (NYJ) QB 200/1
Who will record the most Rushing Yards in the 2013 Regular Season?
Adrian Peterson (MIN) RB 11/4
Marshawn Lynch (SEA) RB 7/1
Doug Martin (TB) RB 10/1
Arian Foster (HOU) RB 10/1
Alfred Morris (WAS) RB 12/1
Jamaal Charles (KC) RB 14/1
C.J. Spiller (BUF) RB 14/1
Trent Richardson (CLE) RB 16/1
Chris Johnson (TEN) RB 18/1
Ray Rice (BAL) RB 18/1
LeSean McCoy (PHI) RB 20/1
Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) RB 20/1
Stevan Ridley (NE) RB 25/1
Matt Forte (CHI) RB 28/1
Steven Jackson (ATL) RB 28/1
Frank Gore (SF) RB 33/1
Demarco Murray (DAL) RB 33/1
Darren McFadden (OAK) RB 33/1
Reggie Bush (DET) RB 40/1
Lamar Miller (MIA) RB 40/1
Montee Ball (DEN) RB 40/1
Ryan Mathews (SD) RB 50/1
Rashard Mendenhall (ARI) RB 50/1
Ahmad Bradshaw (IND) RB 50/1
Who will record the most Receiving Yards in the 2013 Regular Season?
Calvin Johnson (DET) WR 11/4
Dez Bryant (DAL) WR 8/1
A.J. Green (CIN) WR 9/1
Brandon Marshall (CHI) WR 9/1
Julio Jones (ATL) WR 14/1
Demaryius Thomas (DEN) WR 14/1
Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) WR 18/1
Andre Johnson (HOU) WR 18/1
Roddy White (ATL) WR 20/1
Randall Cobb (GB) WR 20/1
Vincent Jackson (TB) WR 20/1
Victor Cruz (NYG) WR 20/1
Wes Welker (DEN) WR 22/1
Danny Amendola (NE) WR 22/1
Dwayne Bowe (KC) WR 33/1
Marques Colston (NO) WR 33/1
Reggie Wayne (IND) WR 33/1
Steve Smith (CAR) WR 33/1
Antonio Brown (PIT) WR 40/1
Hakeem Nicks (NYG) WR 40/1
Mike Wallace (MIA) WR 40/1
Eric Decker (DEN) WR 40/1
DeSean Jackson (PHI) WR 40/1
Pierre Garcon (WAS) WR 50/1
Jordy Nelson (GB) WR 50/1
Kenny Britt (TEN) WR 50/1
Tavon Austin (STL) WR 50/1
Miles Austin (DAL) WR 50/1
Anquan Boldin (SF) WR 50/1
Jimmy Graham (NO) TE 50/1
Cecil Shorts (JAC) WR 66/1
Torrey Smith (BAL) WR 66/1
Steve Johnson (BUF) WR 75/1
Greg Jennings (MIN) WR 100/1
Who will win the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Tavon Austin (STL) WR 5/1
Montee Ball (DEN) RB 11/2
Eddie Lacy (GB) RB 7/1
EJ Manuel (BUF) QB 10/1
Geno Smith (NYJ) QB 10/1
Deandre Hopkins (HOU) WR 10/1
Le'Veon Bell (PIT) RB 12/1
Robert Woods (BUF) WR 14/1
Tyler Eifert (CIN) TE 14/1
Aaron Dobson (NE) WR 16/1
Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN) WR 16/1
Justin Hunter (TEN) WR 20/1
Keenan Allen (SD) WR 20/1
Denard Robinson (RB) JAC 25/1
Zach Ertz (PHI) TE 25/1
Matt Barkley (PHI) QB 33/1
Joseph Randle (RB) DAL 33/1
Mike Gillislee (RB) MIA 33/1
Who will win the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Ezekiel Ansah 6/1
Arthur Brown 15/2
Jarvis Jones 8/1
Manti Teo 14/1
Star Lotulelei 14/1
Tyran Mathieu 14/1
Barkevious Mingo 16/1
Dee Milliner 16/1
Matt Elam 16/1
Sharrif Floyd 16/1
DJ Hayden 18/1
Datone Jones 18/1
Dion Jordan 18/1
Alec Ogletree 20/1
Desmond Trufant 20/1
John Jenkins 20/1
Kenny Vaccaro 20/1
Bjoern Werner 25/1
Eric Reid 25/1
Jonathan Cyprien 25/1
Kevin Minter 25/1
Sheldon Richardson 25/1
Sylvester Williams 25/1
Xavier Rhodes 25/1
Are you ready for some football? No seriously, are you ready for some football?
Peyton Manning is listed as a 5-to-1 favorite to win his fifth NFL MVP award at Bovada . Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers (13/2), San Francisco’s Colin Kapernick (10/1), New Orleans’ Drew Brees (10/1), and New England’s Tom Brady (12/1) are among the contenders.
Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, the reigning MVP, is the only non-quarterback listed in the top 10 favorites.
Before Peterson, a quarterback had been named MVP in five straight seasons.
Peterson is favored to lead the league in rushing, with Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch next.
For those interested in taking the ultimate longshot, Tim Tebow is listed at 500-to-1 to win the MVP.
Brees is favored to throw for the most passing yards this season. He has averaged 5,350 passing yards the past two seasons and will benefit from the return of coach Sean Payton to the Saints’ sidelines.
The Lions’ Calvin Johnson is favored to lead the league in receiving. Johnson has been injury-prone throughout his career, so Dallas’ Dez Bryant and Cincinnati’s A.J. Green could be worth a look.
St. Louis Rams receiver Tavon Austin is favored to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Austin was a prolific running back and receiver at West Virginia and is expected to be one of quarterback Sam Bradford’s primary weapons in St. Louis.
Denver running back Montee Ball and Green Bay running back Eddie Lacy also are considered among the favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ezekie Ansah is favored to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Ansah, out of BYU, already made his mark this preseason, intercepting a pass from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and returning it for a touchdown.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Arthur Brown and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones also are among the favorites for the Defensive Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Make sure to follow OddShark on twitter for NFL betting news.
2013 NFL MVP - Odds to Win Courtesy of Bovada
Peyton Manning (DEN) QB 5/1
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB 13/2
Colin Kaepernick (SF) QB 10/1
Drew Brees (NO) QB 10/1
Adrian Peterson (MIN) RB 12/1
Tom Brady (NE) QB 12/1
Matt Ryan (ATL) QB 15/1
Robert Griffin III (WAS) QB 18/1
Russell Wilson (SEA) QB 18/1
Andrew Luck (IND) QB 25/1
Calvin Johnson (DET) WR 25/1
Eli Manning (NYG) QB 25/1
Arian Foster (HOU) RB 33/1
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) QB 33/1
Cam Newton (CAR) QB 33/1
Matthew Stafford (DET) QB 33/1
Michael Vick (PHI) QB 33/1
Tony Romo (DAL) QB 33/1
Matt Schaub (HOU) QB 40/1
J.J. Watt (HOU) DE 40/1
Chris Johnson (TEN) RB 50/1
Joe Flacco (BAL) QB 50/1
Marshawn Lynch (SEA) RB 50/1
Philip Rivers (SD) QB 50/1
Jay Cutler (CHI) QB 66/1
Ray Rice (BAL) RB 66/1
Alfred Morris (WAS) RB 66/1
Jamaal Charles (KC) RB 66/1
Matt Forte (CHI) RB 66/1
Steven Jackson (ATL) RB 66/1
Doug Martin (TB) RB 66/1
Andy Dalton (CIN) QB 75/1
Alex Smith (KC) QB 75/1
Josh Freeman (TB) QB 75/1
Sam Bradford (STL) QB 75/1
Andre Johnson (HOU) WR 100/1
Brandon Marshall (CHI) WR 100/1
Reggie Bush (DET) RB 150/1
Tim Tebow (NE) 500/1
Who will record the most Passing Yards in the 2013 Regular Season?
Drew Brees (NO) QB 4/1
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB 6/1
Matthew Stafford (DET) QB 13/2
Peyton Manning (DEN) QB 7/1
Matt Ryan (ATL) QB 10/1
Tom Brady (NE) QB 12/1
Tony Romo (DAL) QB 15/1
Andrew Luck (IND) QB 15/1
Eli Manning (NYG) QB 20/1
Jay Cutler (CHI) QB 28/1
Philip Rivers (SD) QB 33/1
Matt Schaub (HOU) QB 33/1
Cam Newton (CAR) QB 33/1
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) QB 33/1
Sam Bradford (STL) QB 40/1
Carson Palmer (ARI) QB 40/1
Josh Freeman (TB) QB 40/1
Andy Dalton (CIN) QB 40/1
Joe Flacco (BAL) QB 40/1
Colin Kaepernick (SF) QB 40/1
Robert Griffin III (WAS) QB 50/1
Ryan Tannehill (MIA) QB 50/1
Alex Smith (KC) QB 50/1
Russell Wilson (SEA) QB 66/1
Michael Vick (PHI) QB 66/1
Mark Sanchez (NYJ) QB 200/1
Who will record the most Rushing Yards in the 2013 Regular Season?
Adrian Peterson (MIN) RB 11/4
Marshawn Lynch (SEA) RB 7/1
Doug Martin (TB) RB 10/1
Arian Foster (HOU) RB 10/1
Alfred Morris (WAS) RB 12/1
Jamaal Charles (KC) RB 14/1
C.J. Spiller (BUF) RB 14/1
Trent Richardson (CLE) RB 16/1
Chris Johnson (TEN) RB 18/1
Ray Rice (BAL) RB 18/1
LeSean McCoy (PHI) RB 20/1
Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) RB 20/1
Stevan Ridley (NE) RB 25/1
Matt Forte (CHI) RB 28/1
Steven Jackson (ATL) RB 28/1
Frank Gore (SF) RB 33/1
Demarco Murray (DAL) RB 33/1
Darren McFadden (OAK) RB 33/1
Reggie Bush (DET) RB 40/1
Lamar Miller (MIA) RB 40/1
Montee Ball (DEN) RB 40/1
Ryan Mathews (SD) RB 50/1
Rashard Mendenhall (ARI) RB 50/1
Ahmad Bradshaw (IND) RB 50/1
Who will record the most Receiving Yards in the 2013 Regular Season?
Calvin Johnson (DET) WR 11/4
Dez Bryant (DAL) WR 8/1
A.J. Green (CIN) WR 9/1
Brandon Marshall (CHI) WR 9/1
Julio Jones (ATL) WR 14/1
Demaryius Thomas (DEN) WR 14/1
Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) WR 18/1
Andre Johnson (HOU) WR 18/1
Roddy White (ATL) WR 20/1
Randall Cobb (GB) WR 20/1
Vincent Jackson (TB) WR 20/1
Victor Cruz (NYG) WR 20/1
Wes Welker (DEN) WR 22/1
Danny Amendola (NE) WR 22/1
Dwayne Bowe (KC) WR 33/1
Marques Colston (NO) WR 33/1
Reggie Wayne (IND) WR 33/1
Steve Smith (CAR) WR 33/1
Antonio Brown (PIT) WR 40/1
Hakeem Nicks (NYG) WR 40/1
Mike Wallace (MIA) WR 40/1
Eric Decker (DEN) WR 40/1
DeSean Jackson (PHI) WR 40/1
Pierre Garcon (WAS) WR 50/1
Jordy Nelson (GB) WR 50/1
Kenny Britt (TEN) WR 50/1
Tavon Austin (STL) WR 50/1
Miles Austin (DAL) WR 50/1
Anquan Boldin (SF) WR 50/1
Jimmy Graham (NO) TE 50/1
Cecil Shorts (JAC) WR 66/1
Torrey Smith (BAL) WR 66/1
Steve Johnson (BUF) WR 75/1
Greg Jennings (MIN) WR 100/1
Who will win the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Tavon Austin (STL) WR 5/1
Montee Ball (DEN) RB 11/2
Eddie Lacy (GB) RB 7/1
EJ Manuel (BUF) QB 10/1
Geno Smith (NYJ) QB 10/1
Deandre Hopkins (HOU) WR 10/1
Le'Veon Bell (PIT) RB 12/1
Robert Woods (BUF) WR 14/1
Tyler Eifert (CIN) TE 14/1
Aaron Dobson (NE) WR 16/1
Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN) WR 16/1
Justin Hunter (TEN) WR 20/1
Keenan Allen (SD) WR 20/1
Denard Robinson (RB) JAC 25/1
Zach Ertz (PHI) TE 25/1
Matt Barkley (PHI) QB 33/1
Joseph Randle (RB) DAL 33/1
Mike Gillislee (RB) MIA 33/1
Who will win the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Ezekiel Ansah 6/1
Arthur Brown 15/2
Jarvis Jones 8/1
Manti Teo 14/1
Star Lotulelei 14/1
Tyran Mathieu 14/1
Barkevious Mingo 16/1
Dee Milliner 16/1
Matt Elam 16/1
Sharrif Floyd 16/1
DJ Hayden 18/1
Datone Jones 18/1
Dion Jordan 18/1
Alec Ogletree 20/1
Desmond Trufant 20/1
John Jenkins 20/1
Kenny Vaccaro 20/1
Bjoern Werner 25/1
Eric Reid 25/1
Jonathan Cyprien 25/1
Kevin Minter 25/1
Sheldon Richardson 25/1
Sylvester Williams 25/1
Xavier Rhodes 25/1
Are you ready for some football? No seriously, are you ready for some football?
If you are, please read the link below!!!
Link: http://allsportsamerica.blogspot.com/2013/07/are-you-ready-for-some-football-no.html
Remember, (1) Competition breeds excellence, (2) You can't win ($$$) if you aren't in and (3) The odds are better than the Lottery!!!
Remember, (1) Competition breeds excellence, (2) You can't win ($$$) if you aren't in and (3) The odds are better than the Lottery!!!
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