Mathis: ‘Nothing is gonna keep’ Freeney from playing in Super Bowl
He does not get much recognition, and is nowhere near one of the league’s highest paid players at his position, but the Colts’ Robert Mathis deserves credit for being one of the game’s best pass rushers.
Read moreIt’s official: Sanchez will have surgery
Mark Sanchez has made up his mind: It’s surgery for his left knee, as expected.
After soliciting second and third opinions, the Jets’ franchise quarterback will have surgery in two or three weeks to strengthen a patella-stabilizing ligament, the Daily News has learned.
The operation, believed to be an arthroscopic procedure, will be performed by the Jets’ doctors, led by orthopedist Ken Montgomery.
Sanchez’s recovery time will be about two months, taking him until late April. He’s expected to be ready for training camp in late July, but he will miss at least the first month of the off-season program.
Sanchez suffered a dislocation in his left knee in August, 2008, prior to his final season at USC. It was braced for his entire rookie season, but he aggravated the injury Nov. 29 against the Panthers.
In the next game, he hurt his right knee (a mild sprain to the posterior cruciate ligament) with his infamous head-first dive against the Bills. That injury doesn’t require surgery, but Sanchez will have to rehabilitate it during the offseason.
A few days after the Jets’ loss in the AFC Championship Game, Sanchez was examined by well-known orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Andrews concurred with the Jets’ doctors, recommending that Sanchez have elective surgery on his left knee.
Sanchez sought a third opinion, ultimately deciding to have the elective surgery.
Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum addressed the matter last week at his season-ending news conference. At that point, Sanchez’s surgery appeared likely, but not certain. Tannenbaum expressed confidence that his young quarterback would make a full recovery.
“The big picture here is he’s going to be fine,” the GM said. “His knees are going to be great and he’ll be ready to go well before training camp.”
Kobe breaks West’s mark, but Lakers lose (AP)
Kobe Bryant got the Los Angeles Lakers’ franchise scoring record, but the Memphis Grizzlies spoiled the celebration. Bryant scored 44 points, passing Jerry West as the Lakers’ career scorer, but it wasn’t enough as the Grizzlies got 22 points and 17 rebounds from Zach Randolph to defeat the Lakers 95-93 on Monday night.
Read moreReally?: The Claim: Heart Attack Rates Rise During the Super Bowl
Advertising: An Advocacy Ad Stirs a National Debate
The evangelical group, Focus on the Family, has purchased an ad for Super Bowl that is expected to contain an anti-abortion message.
N.F.L. Roundup: Anticipation and Precipitation Combine for Super Bowl Week
Steady rain in South Florida has forced N.F.L. officials to move the Super Bowl’s annual media day indoors.
Saints Prepared Go All Out In Pursuit Of Manning
DAVIE, Florida (Reuters) – When New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams urged his players to give Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning some ‘remember me’ shots in Sunday’s Super Bowl he must have expected a response.
Colts Land In Florida Fretting Over Freeney’s Ankle
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (Reuters) – The tender ankle of Dwight Freeney was the dominant talking point when the Indianapolis Colts arrived in South Florida to make their final preparations for Super Bowl on Monday.
Hidden gems no more: Saints, Colts players go from obscurity to the Super Bowl
DAVIE, FLA.—The players in Super Bowl 44 have taken different paths to get here. Some, like Peyton Manning and Reggie Bush, have been stars since high school. Others have taken more unlikely routes, such as:
Jahri Evans, G, Saints
His journey: He did not play football until high school and enrolled at Bloomsburg University (Pa.) on an academic scholarship. He made the Pro Bowl team this year and asked Monday if he ever dreamed of playing in a Super Bowl, Evans said, “Not at all.”
Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts
His journey: A ‘08 sixth-round pick from Mount Union College, Garcon has blossomed into one of Manning’s most trusted targets. “Pierre utilized last year kind of a redshirt year if you will, got comfortable with the offense,” Manning said. “He was ready to go when called upon.”
Antonio Johnson, DT, Colts
His journey: A ‘07 fifth-round choice of the Titans, he sustained a serious knee injury as a rookie and was signed by the Colts off Tennessee’s practice squad last year and now starts. “If you watch him play, he’s an extremely talented guy,” Colts defensive tackle Daniel Muir said.
Daniel Muir, DT, Colts
His journey: Signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent in ‘07, Muir was waived after playing just three games. He has become a starter with the Colts, solidifying the run defense. “The defense now is a lot more hard-nosed,” Muir said. “If you can stop the run, you can get to the passer.”
Darren Sharper, S, Saints
His journey: As an undrafted player from William & Mary, he became an unlikely NFL star. After reaching the Super Bowl as a rookie with the Packers in 1997, it has taken him more than a decade to get back. “As a rookie, I thought I’d be back many times,” Sharper said. “That just lets you know how tough it is.”
Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints
His journey: Undrafted in ‘07, Thomas was expected to be a training camp casualty. But his work ethic and production this season (793 yards rushing, 39 receptions, eight touchdowns) make him a key part of the Saints’ attack.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Read moreTexas vs. The Nation dish: Crompton, Lewis headed in opposite directions
EL PASO, Texas — Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts will provide news, notes and analysis this week from the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game. Here’s a breakdown of some interesting prospects:
Texas
Duke QB Thaddeus Lewis started off the day badly when he measured in at 5-11 7/8 and then in practice his accuracy was all over the place and his mechanics were bad. He just did not throw the ball like an NFL quarterback.
LSU WR Trindon Holliday showed the quickness/burst out of cuts to consistently separate in pass routes. However, he is small (5-5, 162) and did not look natural catching the ball. He caught all but two balls thrown his way but just seemed to be fighting the ball all day.
South Dakota State DE/OLB Danny Batten looked quick and agile in one-on-one pass-rush drills, beating offensive tackles with a quick arm-over moves. In team drills, he showed good instincts and a quick burst to split blockers and hit the running back before he could turn the corner.
Nation
Tennessee QB Jonathan Crompton clearly was the best quarterback of the day. He showed a live arm to make all the throws and a quick and compact release. In individual drills, he looked good but did miss on some passes. In team drills, he really stepped up and threw the ball well and showed a strong arm, quick release and good accuracy.
Florida Atlantic TE Jason Harmon had perhaps the best day of anyone at either practice. He looked quick and athletic in running sharp routes. He got in and out of cuts well. He made all the routine catches and consistently showed the ability to adjust to off-target passes and make tough catches; even some with a defender trying to climb over his back to break up the pass.
North Carolina DE E.J. Wilson displayed good burst off the snap as pass rusher and the deceptive speed to get the corner. Against the run, he showed good competitiveness to fight through contact to get into good position.
For much more on the Texas vs. The Nation game, visit SN’s Pro Football War Room. You’ll also find player profiles for hundreds of potential pros, draft dishes by Russ Lande and SN’s exclusive Super 99, ranking the best players headed for the 2010 NFL draft.
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