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ESPN Films – One Night in Vegas

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:00:05 +0000

On the evening of September 7, 1996, Mike Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion, attempted to take Bruce Seldon’s WBA title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

At this point in his career, Tyson’s fights had become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, where the ever present hype of the professional boxing scene would come face to face with the worlds of big business, Hollywood, and hip hop.

Sitting ringside was controversial rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur and Tyson were friends; a feeling of kinship linked them as each rose to stardom from poverty only to be thrown in prison.

Following Tyson’s victory, Shakur and “Iron Mike” were to celebrate at an after party, but the rap star never arrived. Shakur was brutally gunned down later that night, and the scene in Las Vegas quickly turned from would be celebratory revelry to ill fated and inopportune tragedy.

Director Reggie Bythewood, with the full cooperation of Mike Tyson, will tell not only the story of that infamous night but of the remarkable friendship between Tyson and Tupac.

One Night in Vegas debuts on ESPN Tuesday the 7^th at 8pm ET.

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NFL – 2010 Preview AFC East

Randy Williams — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:23 +0000

AFC East

New York

Kris Jenkins is back

The Jets look to go even deeper in the playoffs and have added some big names to their roster. On defense Miami end Jason Taylor and Chargers defensive back Antonio Cromartie add depth and veterans LaDanian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes bring some punch to the offense.

Over 40 years removed from their lone Super Bowl win, it won’t be a surprise if Coach Rex Ryan’s squad puts it all together this season.

Mark Sanchez had a better than expected rookie year and thus will likely have a freer reign this season leading the offense and tossing to Braylon Edward, Dustin Keller and Holmes. Behind him the management made some unexpected changes. It’s not often that the No. 1 rushing team dumps two key backs, but the Jets did that with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Shonn Greene with 540 yards on 108 carries for a 5.0-yard average is the new main man, with LT spelling him.

In front of them, despite losing nine-time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca the fine offensive line really is a good combination of dependable veterans (right guard Brandon Moore and right tackle Damien Woody) and rising young players (center Nick Mangold and left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson).

Though at 31 and coming back from knee surgery, the Jets D will be anchored by Kris Jenkins at tackle but for how long? He is a game-changer still, but the Jets drop off big time if he goes out to injury. A bit older (36) but still an asset is the arrival of pass-rushing specialist, Jason Taylor from Miami. That should help. Solidifying the inside backers are Bart Scott and David Harris, with Darrelle Revis stopping things in the back.

If Sanchez takes the next step in his development to becoming a top flight quarterback, the Jets could very well be playing in Dallas next February.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Mon, Sep 13 Baltimore 7:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 New England 4:15 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at Miami 8:20 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at Buffalo 1:00 PM

5 Mon, Oct 11 Minnesota 8:30 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 at Denver 4:05 PM

7 BYE

8 Sun, Oct 31 Green Bay 1:00 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Detroit 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 at Cleveland 1:00 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 Houston 1:00 PM

12 Thu, Nov 25 Cincinnati 8:20 PM

13 Mon, Dec 6 at New England 8:30 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Miami 4:15 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at Pittsburgh 4:15 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at Chicago 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Buffalo 1:00 PM

Miami Dolphins

Chad Henne's development is the key to Maimi's progress

Despite the likelihood that brilliant receiver Brandon Marshal, acquired from the Broncos will make Davone Bess and Brian Hartline better, don’t think the Dolphins will change from their run-first philosophy remember Bill Parcells is a key executive here.

The combination of Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams and Patrick Cobb, with fullback Lousaka Polite will be the primary movers. Still quarterback Chad Henne who performed well taking over for Chad Pennington under the tutelage of coaches Dan Henning and David Lee, has the physical traits but must develop better touch and pocket awareness to add to the Dolphins offensive punch.

The defense is capable, with no glaring weakness, but no great strengths either and should keep their team in games.

Miami’s fortunes hinge on the time it takes for their quarterback to develop.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at Buffalo 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Minnesota 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 NY Jets 8:20 PM

4 Mon, Oct 4 New England 8:30 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 at Green Bay 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at Cincinnati 1:00 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Baltimore 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 Tennessee 1:00 PM

11 Thu, Nov 18 Chicago 8:20 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 at Oakland 4:05 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 Cleveland 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at NY Jets 4:15 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Buffalo 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 Detroit 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at New England 1:00 PM

New England Patriots

Coach Belichick

Coach Bill Belichcik, a man who made his name on defense, will play a more active role on that side of the ball. Perhaps his first order of business is firing out how to plug the hole in the pass rush when Richard Seymour went to Oakland.

Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork are good, but the talent alignment on defense may require a change to more 4-3 play. The hope is linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, can improve on his team leading 10 sacks last year.

Offensively, will Tom Brady return to his league-elite levels from knee surgery? Having receiver Wes Welker, who tore his left ACL and MCL in the regular-season finale, out likely until November won’t help.

If not, New England could be headed for its worst season since Belichick’s first team went 5–11 in 2000.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Cincinnati 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at NY Jets 4:15 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Buffalo 1:00 PM

4 Mon, Oct 4 at Miami 8:30 PM

5 BYE

6 Sun, Oct 17 Baltimore 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 at San Diego 4:15 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 Minnesota 4:15 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Cleveland 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 at Pittsburgh 8:20 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 Indianapolis 4:15 PM

12 Thu, Nov 25 at Detroit 12:30 PM

13 Mon, Dec 6 NY Jets 8:30 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at Chicago 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Green Bay 8:20 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at Buffalo 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Miami 1:00 PM

Buffalo

kicker Rian Lindell is Buffalo's steady rolliin' man

Boring, without much offensive punch, and after missing the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season, the longest postseason drought in the franchise’s 50 years, the Bills cleaned house starting at the top. A half-dozen times since 2000 the franchise has changed coach/general managers. Enter Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey. After being part of 11 playoff teams and coaching in four Super Bowls, Gailey’s strength is offense. Something really needed here as Buffalo was 28th in scoring last season.

The new coach announced he will do it with the same trio competing for the starting job – Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm. Last year they combined to complete 58 percent of its passes with 19 interceptions and 46 sacks. Not encouraging.

Defensively Buffalo’s best is located in the backfield. Jairus Byrd and Donte Whitner, Leodis McKelvin and Terrence McGee are a pretty formidable quartet.

With the spare offensive output, it should come as no surprise that Buffalo’s kicking game is a true asset. Kicker Rian Lindell and punter Brian Moorman annually rank among the NFL’s best. Lindell owns the league’s best field goal percentage inside 40 yards (98.6 percent) since 2006, and Moorman’s 46.6-yard average last season broke his own team record, that is saying something with old Paul McGuire part of that franchise.

On a side note, Ed Wang has a chance to win the starting left tackle job. He is the first player of direct Chinese descent to play in the NFL.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Miami 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Green Bay 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at New England 1:00 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 NY Jets 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 Jacksonville 1:00 PM

6 BYE

7 Sun, Oct 24 at Baltimore 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at Kansas City 1:00 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 Chicago 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 Detroit 1:00 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at Cincinnati 1:00 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Minnesota 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Cleveland 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at Miami 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 New England 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at NY Jets 1:00 PM

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ESPN Films – Little Big Men

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:00:08 +0000

On August 28, 1982, Cody Webster and a small group of schoolyard friends from Kirkland, Wash., sat anxiously in a dugout waiting to take the field for the championship game of the Little League World Series.

Their focus was just about what you’d expect from any 12-year-old: hit the ball, throw strikes, cross your fingers and then maybe – maybe – you’ll win. Adults in the stands and watching from home saw a much broader field of play.

The memories of American hostages and a crippling oil crisis were still fresh; the economic malaise of the late 1970s still lingered; and the new President was recovering from an assassination attempt even while confronting new threats from the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, back on that tiny baseball field in Williamsport, Pa., where America’s game was celebrated each summer, no American team had won a true international Little League World Series Championship in more than a decade.

When the Kirkland players rushed from their dugout that day, they stepped onto a much bigger field than the one they saw. What they did, how they did it, and what happened to each of the players in the years that followed is a multi-faceted story.

Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Al Szymanski and Peter Franchella will examine what became of a group of childhood teammates when the high point in their athletic lives occurred before their lives had really begun.

Little Big Men debuts on ESPN Tuesday the 31^st at 8pm ET.

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NFL – 2010 Preview NFC West

Randy Williams — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:02 +0000

NFC West 2010

San Francisco

Linebacker Patrick Willis excels with superior speed

It is time for the 49ers offense to step it up and match the consistently good play of the defense. In order for that to happen, conservative head coach Mike Singletary must allow offensive coordinator, Jimmy Raye, to be at least selectively aggressive. After all that was Mike’s trademark in his defensive playing days.

Draft-wise the Niners did well on the offensive line. Grabbing Rutgers’ Anthony Davis and Idaho’s Mike Iupati should put a smile on running back Frank Gore’s face (four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons but A LOT of pounding). Still things really depend on improved play from quarterback Alex Smith, the former No. 1 pick who has had plenty of opportunity to prove himself.

One of the better units of the team is their kicking game. Punter Andy Lee led the NFC with a 47.6-yard gross average and made his second Pro Bowl. Veteran Joe Nedney’s 86.8 percent field goal accuracy as a 49er is the best mark in franchise history that has had some solid performers in that position through the years.

Speedy linebacker Patrick Willis spearheads the defense

Seven years removed from even making the playoffs, San Francisco really needs to step it up this year for a franchise that has had some tremendous success.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at Seattle 4:15 PM

2 Mon, Sep 20 New Orleans 8:30 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at Kansas City 1:00 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at Atlanta 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 Philadelphia 8:20 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 Oakland 4:05 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 at Carolina 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 Denver 1:00 PM

9 BYE

10 Sun, Nov 14 St. Louis 4:15 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 Tampa Bay 4:05 PM

12 Mon, Nov 29 at Arizona 8:30 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Green Bay 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Seattle 4:05 PM

15 Thu, Dec 16 at San Diego 8:20 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at St. Louis 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Arizona 4:15 PM

Arizona

QB Matt Leinart is running the show now that the great Kurt Warner has retired

With his retirement, the Kurt Warner Era yields to a time when Matt Leinart will have a shot at making this his team. Though he has the starting spot, coach Ken Whisenhunt did acquire veteran Derek Anderson in the off season.

Despite the loss of Anquan Boldin to Baltimore Leinart still has a lovely set of choices to toss to one of the NFL’s best receivers in Larry Fitzgerald as well as Early Doucet and Steve Breaston.

The offensive line has been bolstered by the shrewd acquisition of nine-time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca just three days after the draft and up and coming running back Beanie Wells will take lots of pressure off Leinart.

Defensively, despite losing their top tackler and key linebacker, Karlos Dansby, they did well in the draft at a number of positions like nose tackle with Tennessee’s Dan Williams and second-round draft pick Daryl Washington from TCU. Both figure to get lots of playing time.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at St. Louis 4:15 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Atlanta 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Oakland 4:15 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at San Diego 4:15 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 New Orleans 4:05 PM

6 BYE

7 Sun, Oct 24 at Seattle 4:05 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 Tampa Bay 4:15 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Minnesota 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 Seattle 4:15 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at Kansas City 1:00 PM

12 Mon, Nov 29 San Francisco 8:30 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 St. Louis 4:15 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Denver 4:15 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at Carolina 1:00 PM

16 Sat, Dec 25 Dallas 7:30 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at San Francisco 4:15 PM

Seattle

Pete Carroll is looking for success in the NFL

The 5 and 11 Seahawks are heading in the right direction with Pete Carroll and a good draft, but getting back to the Super Bowl is not in their foreseeable future. Only five starters remain from the Super Bowl XL team, and the new coach and his new GM plan on rebuilding the franchise with young players who can compete immediately

To that end, first pick, Russell Okung, OT, 6-5, 307 out of Oklahoma State and safety Earl Thomas, of Texas should start right away.

Carroll has a strong linebacking corps to work with, but the defense has gaping holes.

Like division competitors San Francisco, the team’s strength could be in the kicking game. Kicker Olindo Mare and punter Jon Ryan were considered by many to be the team’s two MVPs in 2009. Mare hit his last 21 field goals (24-of-26 overall) and Ryan averaged a lofty 46.2 yards per punt.

Carroll, who won two national titles and took USC to a record seven straight BCS bowl games in nine years in the college game, is more interested in proving he is a better NFL coach than the one who got fired after one season with the Jets and three with the Patriots in the 1990s. That will take time.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 San Francisco 4:15 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Denver 4:05 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 San Diego 4:15 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at St. Louis 1:00 PM

5 BYE

6 Sun, Oct 17 at Chicago 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 Arizona 4:05 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at Oakland 4:15 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 NY Giants 4:05 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 at Arizona 4:15 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at New Orleans 4:05 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 Kansas City 4:05 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 Carolina 4:15 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at San Francisco 4:05 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Atlanta 4:05 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 St. Louis 4:15 PM

St. Louis

Steven Jackson is underrated being in St. Louis

Like Detroit, the Rams are looking for some new inspiration in drafting a franchise quarterback, but like the Lions, don’t expect an instant reversal of a 1-15 team coming from the arm of a rookie quarterback no matter how much money Sam Bradford is getting. A rookie quarterback with a surgically repaired shoulder and a sophomore coach under shaky ownership, patience is the key for St. Louis fans.

Three years in the division cellar and going from 3-13 to 2-14 to 1-15 last year, the Rams have some positives to count on and one is running back Steven Jackson. The punishing running back had a Pro Bowl year, rushing for 1,416 yards — second in the NFL while adding 322 yards on 51 receptions. If the man can get some help from the receiving corps, he should rush for 1,000 yards for the 6^th straight season and keep his team in a few more games.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Arizona 4:15 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Oakland 4:05 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Washington 4:05 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 Seattle 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 at Detroit 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 San Diego 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 Carolina 1:00 PM

9 BYE

10 Sun, Nov 14 at San Francisco 4:15 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 Atlanta 4:05 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 at Denver 4:15 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Arizona 4:15 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at New Orleans 4:05 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Kansas City 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 San Francisco 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at Seattle 4:15 PM

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ESPN Films – Jordan Rides the Bus

admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:00:00 +0000

In the fall of 1993, in his prime and at the summit of the sports world, Michael Jordan walked away from pro basketball.

After leading the Dream Team to an Olympic gold medal in 1992 and taking the Chicago Bulls to their third consecutive NBA championship the following year, Jordan was jolted by the murder of his father.

Was it the brutal loss of such an anchor in his life that caused the world’s most famous athlete to rekindle a childhood ambition by playing baseball? Or some feeling that he had nothing left to prove or conquer in basketball? Or something deeper and perhaps not yet understood?

Academy Award-nominated director Ron Shelton, a former minor leaguer who brought his experiences to life in the classic movie, Bull Durham, revisits Jordan’s short career in the minor leagues and explores the motivations that drove the world’s most competitive athlete to play a new sport in the relative obscurity of Birmingham, Ala., for a young manager named Terry Francona.

Jordan Rides the Bus debuts on ESPN Tuesday the 24^th at 8pm ET.

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NFL – 2010 Preview NFC South 2010

Randy Williams — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:20:33 +0000

Drew Brees is very capable of leading his team back to the Super Bowl

New Orleans

With a little luck on the injury-side of things, the defending Super Bowl champions are poised to win it all again, a rarity these days. But they even strengthened themselves in the draft with Miami tight end Jimmy Graham, a former basketball standout drawing similarities to Antonio Gates.

The Saints’ roster is loaded with players in their primes and shows no signs of slowing down and Coach Payton has done one of the best makeover jobs in league history for this long-sorry franchise.

Drew Brees had an amazing season at the helm of a killer offense, but he does it with more than an ability to read the defense and deliver the ball quickly to the open receiver which is spread among a wide range of backs, tight ends and wideouts. Brees is a throwback, setting the tone on the practice field, in the huddle and locker room with his leadership and tireless work ethic.

Defensively under coordinator Gregg Williams, the Saints improved dramatically in giveaway-takeaway ratio, always looming large as a key statistic. Williams’ point man on the field is the undersized but roaming playmaker Jonathan Vilma, the middle linebacker. Behind him are Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter, with their speedy, athleticism and superb in man-to-man coverage, are perhaps one of the best corner units in the league.

Look for New Orleans to still be in the hunt come late January.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Thu, Sep 9 Minnesota 8:30 PM

2 Mon, Sep 20 at San Francisco 8:30 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Atlanta 1:00 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 Carolina 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 at Arizona 4:05 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 Cleveland 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 Pittsburgh 8:20 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Carolina 1:00 PM

10 BYE

11 Sun, Nov 21 Seattle 4:05 PM

12 Thu, Nov 25 at Dallas 4:15 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Cincinnati 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 St. Louis 4:05 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at Baltimore 1:00 PM

16 Mon, Dec 27 at Atlanta 8:30 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

IF he can stay healthy, Michael Turner is a force

Atlanta

– Injuries combined with a difficult schedule saw the Falcons take a bit of a dive last year despite completing back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history (42 years).

One key for a better year is shoring up the defense to go with a powerful offense. The Falcons used their first-round draft pick on Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon

and signed free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson. That should help improve a unit ranked 28th in the NFL against the pass in 2009 (242 yards per game).

Atlanta plays well against New Orleans and look for Matt Ryan to bounce back from nasty turf toe problems and turn up the scoring punch. He has future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez to throw to and Michael Turner to hand off to. Turner was coming off of a Pro Bowl, 1,699-yard effort the year before but an enduring high ankle sprain sidelined him most of the last half of the season. Jerious Norwood provides speed and fullback Ovie Mughelli is a top level blocker.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 Arizona 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at New Orleans 1:00 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 San Francisco 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 at Cleveland 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 at Philadelphia 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 Cincinnati 1:00 PM

8 BYE

9 Sun, Nov 7 Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

10 Thu, Nov 11 Baltimore 8:20 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at St. Louis 4:05 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 Green Bay 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at Carolina 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at Seattle 4:05 PM

16 Mon, Dec 27 New Orleans 8:30 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Carolina 1:00 PM

The left foot of veteran John Kasay will be an even bigger part of the Panther offense

Carolina

– The .500 ball club, after a 12–4 year in 2008, seems in a transition phase thus unlikely for a playoff run. Gone are anchors of each side of the ball, Jake Delhomme and Julius Peppers.

With lower expectations, coach Fox, now in his ninth season at the Panther helm, will employ younger players and hope to move under the radar.

Quarterback is up for grabs, including Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen who came gift-wrapped in the second round. Will he start?

Offensively the team’s strength are the running backs DeAngelo Williams, a Pro Bowler last season, and the team rushing leader, Jonathan Stewart. They are enjoying the benefits of operating behind a great offensive line led by center Ryan Kalil, left tackle Jordan Gross and right tackle Jeff Otah

Defensively, Carolina will be hard pressed to get pressure on the ball with Peppers gone.

It might be a case this year of three yards and a cloud of dust with lots of field goals by kicker John Kasay, the last original Panther from the 1995 expansion club, who at age 40 is still very good from 40 yards and in.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at NY Giants 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Cincinnati 1:00 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at New Orleans 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 Chicago 1:00 PM

6 BYE

7 Sun, Oct 24 San Francisco 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at St. Louis 1:00 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 New Orleans 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 Baltimore 1:00 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 at Cleveland 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Seattle 4:15 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Atlanta 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Arizona 1:00 PM

16 Thu, Dec 23 at Pittsburgh 8:20 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at Atlanta 1:00 PM

Bucs will need to lean on rookie Gerald McCoy sooner rather than later

Tampa Bay

The 3-13 Buccaneers are all about youth. Youngsters will get plenty of playing time to prove themselves. With Warren Sapp long gone, it is hoped that third overall pick, Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma, will be the nucleus to regenerate a tough defense the franchise has been known for. Tackle Brian Price and middle linebacker Barrett Ruud also show lots of promise.

On the other side of the ball, another youngster is being counted on to deliver now. Quarterback Josh Freeman tossed 10 TDs, but also had 18 picks in just nine starts.

Freeman won’t have the luxury of the Panthers QB in who he hands off to as Cadillac Williams has been injury-plagued and Derrick Ward, an expensive free agent signing from the Giants, has not earned his $17 million so far.

Look for head coach and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to try an take advantage of a favorable early schedule (four of the first six are at home) to help build confidence in his young squad.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Cleveland 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Carolina 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM

4 BYE

5 Sun, Oct 10 at Cincinnati 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 New Orleans 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 St. Louis 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at Arizona 4:15 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Atlanta 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 Carolina 1:00 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at San Francisco 4:05 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 at Baltimore 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 Atlanta 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at Washington 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Detroit 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 Seattle 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at New Orleans 1:00 PM

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NFL – 2010 Preview NFC North 2010

Randy Williams — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:00:37 +0000

Minnesota

Stanford power runner Gerhart is now a Viking

- Despite coming ever so close to a trip to the Super Bowl, as of this writing unfortunately the same huge question begins a new: Will Brett Favre be their quarterback?

Having one of the best years in his long career, most Viking observers are inclined that he will return for his 20th season. It is crucial for this franchise’s playoff hopes that he does.

Based on his performance last year there are no signs to suggest other than Favre can continue to play at a high level, especially with all talent on offense. The Vikings finished second in the NFL in scoring (470 points) in a pass-oriented attack. The Vikings became only the second team in NFL history to have six players catch at least 40 passes. With Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin (Offensive Rookie of the Year) are great targets.

Minnesota will be tougher to contain if Adrian Peterson can reduce his critical fumble problems (after fumbling twice and causing a botched exchange with Favre in the NFC title game). Drafting Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart, a punishing runner at Stanford should ease Peterson’s burden.

The defense, the modern day version of the Purple People Eaters, succeeds by getting pressure on the quarterback, stopping the run and limiting explosive pass plays over the top. The Vikings should have one of the premier fronts in the NFL again this season. Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams and Ray Edwards have no peers as a front four.

With its many veterans though, the Vikings need to win now and it won’t be easy with a tougher schedule and Green Bay eyeing them hungrily.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Thu, Sep 9 at New Orleans 8:30 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 Miami 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Detroit 1:00 PM

4 BYE

5 Mon, Oct 11 at NY Jets 8:30 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 Dallas 4:15 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 at Green Bay 8:20 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at New England 4:15 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 Arizona 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 at Chicago 1:00 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 Green Bay 1:00 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 at Washington 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 Buffalo 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 NY Giants 1:00 PM

15 Mon, Dec 20 Chicago 8:30 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at Philadelphia 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at Detroit 1:00 PM

Green Bay

DB Charles Woodson is enjoying a brilliant return to form

– 340-pound nose tackle Ryan Pickett led the Packers to the NFL’s No. 1-ranked run defense and that is what it is going to take to get them deep in the playoffs. Defense. Outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who earned a trip to the Pro Bowl with a fine rookie season, is helped in back by cornerback Charles Woodson, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Enjoying a grand revival, Woodson tied for the league high with nine interceptions, including three that he returned for touchdowns. He was the linchpin for a defense that led the NFL in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus-24). Now if the brilliant Al Harris can return to form from injury in the defensive backfield, Green Bay can ride the arm of QB Aaron Rodgers deep into the playoffs.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at Philadelphia 4:15 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 Buffalo 1:00 PM

3 Mon, Sep 27 at Chicago 8:30 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 Detroit 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 at Washington 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 Miami 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 Minnesota 8:20 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at NY Jets 1:00 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 Dallas 8:20 PM

10 BYE

11 Sun, Nov 21 at Minnesota 1:00 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 at Atlanta 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 San Francisco 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at Detroit 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at New England 8:20 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 NY Giants 4:15 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Chicago 1:00 PM

Chicago

The Bears are counting on a full recovery by Urlacher

– With a tough opening schedule and potentially missing the playoffs for a fourth straight year, the Bears are under pressure. Sensing that, the management spent a lot of money on free agents for defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, contracts that could add up to nearly $120 million.

In an odd coaching move, passing-guru Mike Martz is the new offensive coordinator for a club that head coach Lovie Smith has traditionally preferred using the ground game. Smith was the defensive coordinator with the Rams when Martz was head coach.

Still, Martz has a gem at quarterback in Jay Cutler, despite tossing an NFL-worst 26 interceptions last year. Smith may look the other way if Martz can get Cutler’s rocket arm, accuracy and unheralded ability to move in the pocket and buy time back to a high level. Cutler has a solid array of young receivers to throw to in Devin Hester (57 receptions for a team-best 757 yards, Earl Bennett (54 catches, 717 yards) and Johnny Knox (45 for 527).

Defensively if Urlacher’s leadership and big-play ability return to form and lingering questions about this durability are put to rest, the addition of Peppers really makes this an exciting time on that side of the ball. They’ll need it to stop the big weapons up in Minnesota and Green Bay.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Detroit 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Dallas 1:00 PM

3 Mon, Sep 27 Green Bay 8:30 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at NY Giants 8:20 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 at Carolina 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 Seattle 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 Washington 1:00 PM

8 BYE

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Buffalo 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 Minnesota 1:00 PM

11 Thu, Nov 18 at Miami 8:20 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 Philadelphia 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Detroit 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 New England 1:00 PM

15 Mon, Dec 20 at Minnesota 8:30 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 NY Jets 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at Green Bay 1:00 PM

Detroit

former number one pick Matt Stafford can produce if he stays healthy

– Former Number One pick Matt Stafford, has shown signs he is coming into his own as the team’s quarterback with his sharp instincts and fast release. The key will be staying healthy (a dislocated kneecap in Week 4 hampered him all season, and the shoulder injury finished his season after 10 starts) and reducing the nasty 20 interception number.

Defensively, like baseball, strength up the middle is a key and Detroit with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, linebacker DeAndre Levy and safety Louis Delmas are on their way.

For Lion fans, patience is a must toiling in one of the league’s toughest divisions and not enjoying a winning season since the turn of the millennium (9–7 in 2000).

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at Chicago 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 Philadelphia 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at Minnesota 1:00 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at Green Bay 1:00 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 St. Louis 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 at NY Giants 1:00 PM

7 BYE

8 Sun, Oct 31 Washington 1:00 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 NY Jets 1:00 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 at Buffalo 1:00 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at Dallas 1:00 PM

12 Thu, Nov 25 New England 12:30 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 Chicago 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Green Bay 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at Miami 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Minnesota 1:00 PM

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NFL – 2010 Preview NFC East

Randy Williams — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 00:37:10 +0000

A new season of America’s iconic game soon gets underway, so it is time to see what changes have been made to each of the league’s teams in their drive to secure their spot

in Dallas on February 6th for their opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy as winner of Super Bowl XLV.

As you get ready for the Sunday Ritual, here is a roundup of each of the NFL squad by division.

NFC East 2010

Dallas

Cowboy owner Jerry Jones wants to be the first team to host the Super Bowl

- If you’re a Cowboys fan, you can go ahead and dream about being the first team to play a Super Bowl on its home field. It is not far-fetched. With 20 of 22 starters coming back, Wade Phillips secure in a new contract and a squad motivated to get past the meltdown against the Vikings in last year’s playoffs, Dallas could spell Doomsday for the rest of NFC aspirants to the title game.

Phillips at 34–17 (including playoffs) in his three seasons in Dallas, owns the highest winning percentage in team history, pretty impressive being ahead of Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Bill Parcells and Tom Landry. His defensive play calling is also a key to their success with a strong unit of linebackers led by Marcus Ware (11 sacks). Anthony Spencer ended hot with eight sacks, 22 quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles (in the Cowboys’ last eight games) with inside linebacker Bradie James leading the team in tackles for five consecutive seasons. Keith Brooking, Jason Williams, Victor Butler and Brandon Williams also expect to contribute as well as Penn State linebacker Sean Lee.

With the ball, despite the loss of left tackle Flozell Adams, Tony Romo should have a fine and balanced year with the weapons he has. Coming off a career-high 4,483 passing yards and threw 26 touchdowns season, Romo will have Felix Jones and Marion Barber to hand off to and downfield Miles Austin and Roy Williams are capable, with grand expectations for rookie Dez Bryant, a first round pick from Oklahoma State. Of course the reliable tight end Jason Witten is coming off his second 1,000-yard season (1,030 yards on 94 catches).

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 at Washington 8:20 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 Chicago 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at Houston 1:00 PM

4 BYE

5 Sun, Oct 10 Tennessee 4:15 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 at Minnesota 4:15 PM

7 Mon, Oct 25 NY Giants 8:30 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 Jacksonville 1:00 PM

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Green Bay 8:20 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 at NY Giants 4:15 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 Detroit 1:00 PM

12 Thu, Nov 25 New Orleans 4:15 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at Indianapolis 4:15 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Philadelphia 8:20 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Washington 1:00 PM

16 Sat, Dec 25 at Arizona 7:30 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at Philadelphia 1:00 PM

New York

Coach Coghlin is on the hot seat

- Probably no other team was hit harder with injuries than the Giants. They certainly have the talent, witness their 5-0 start, but to finish at .500 ball with an 8-8 record was disappointing to the franchise to say the least.

Will a new stadium change their luck?

Despite leading his team to the Super Bowl XLII championship, Tom Coughlin will be back on the hot seat. New defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will feel some of that heat as well if the defense that surrendered 45, 41 and 44 points in its last three losses of 2009 returns. The Giants used their first two draft picks on defensive linemen Linval Joseph, a tackle and Jason Pierre-Paul, an end. Coming back from injury are defensive ends – Justin Tuck from shoulder surgery and Osi Umenyiora who is now another year removed from knee surgery.

Offensively the team should be fine. Quarterback Eli Manning had his best statistical season by far last year, completing 60 percent of his passes (62.3) and throwing for more than 4,000 yards (4,021). His biggest challenge? Perhaps learning the ways of the wind which takes on an unchartered course in the Giants’ new $1.7 billion stadium.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Carolina 1:00 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Indianapolis 8:20 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 Tennessee 1:00 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 Chicago 8:20 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 at Houston 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 Detroit 1:00 PM

7 Mon, Oct 25 at Dallas 8:30 PM

8 BYE

9 Sun, Nov 7 at Seattle 4:05 PM

10 Sun, Nov 14 Dallas 4:15 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at Philadelphia 8:20 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 Jacksonville 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 Washington 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at Minnesota 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 Philadelphia 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at Green Bay 4:15 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 at Washington 1:00 PM

Washington

Can McNabb get it done in the capital?

– There’s a new deputy in town (can’t be the sheriff when Snyder is owner).

The accomplished Mike Shanahan (three Super Bowl wins) is the new coach.

With six-time pro bowler Donovan McNabb running the offense and aging running backs Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson behind him as well as 31 year-old Santa Moss at receiver, it seems as if general manager Bruce Allen has adopted the motto associated with his father, legendary coach George Allen: “The future is now.”

But leaping from a four-win season to the playoffs with the formidable and hungry Giants and Cowboys to get past, will be a lot to ask.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Dallas 8:20 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 Houston 4:15 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at St. Louis 4:05 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 at Philadelphia 4:15 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 Green Bay 1:00 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 Indianapolis 8:20 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 at Chicago 1:00 PM

8 Sun, Oct 31 at Detroit 1:00 PM

9 BYE

10 Mon, Nov 15 Philadelphia 8:30 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 at Tennessee 1:00 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 Minnesota 1:00 PM

13 Sun, Dec 5 at NY Giants 1:00 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 Tampa Bay 1:00 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at Dallas 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 at Jacksonville 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 NY Giants 1:00 PM

Philadelphia

Speed KIlls- DeMarcus Jackson

- After the Eagles were dismantled by the Cowboys in back-to-back weeks, the regular-season finale (24–0) and first-round playoff disaster (34–14), major personnel changes were at hand. Of course none was bigger than quarterback Donovan McNabb, being traded to division rival Redskins. In 11 years, McNabb led Philly to one Super Bowl appearance and five trips to the NFC Championship Game.

The ball has been handed to his understudy of three years, Kevin Kolb. Kolb’s skills are well-suited to Andy Reid’s style of offense by getting the ball out quickly and accurately but on the down side compared to his predecessor, he doesn’t compare to McNabb regarding being fleet of foot or talent with long balls.

Despite being hampered by injuries last year, losing running back Brian Westbrook won’t help. Kolb’s best asset looks to be on the outside with speedy sensation DeMarcus Jackson who scored eight touchdowns of 50 yards or more last year, tying an NFL record.

Defensively what the team is lacking most is a defensive coordinator with the abilities they had in Jimmy Johnson. Plus the inability to replace safety Johnny Dawkins had a terrible trickle-down effect. With a league-high 13 players from the 2010 draft, nine on the defensive side of the ball, the unit is now in rebuild mode. As is the team in general.

WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)

1 Sun, Sep 12 Green Bay 4:15 PM

2 Sun, Sep 19 at Detroit 1:00 PM

3 Sun, Sep 26 at Jacksonville 4:05 PM

4 Sun, Oct 3 Washington 4:15 PM

5 Sun, Oct 10 at San Francisco 8:20 PM

6 Sun, Oct 17 Atlanta 1:00 PM

7 Sun, Oct 24 at Tennessee 1:00 PM

8 BYE

9 Sun, Nov 7 Indianapolis 4:15 PM

10 Mon, Nov 15 at Washington 8:30 PM

11 Sun, Nov 21 NY Giants 8:20 PM

12 Sun, Nov 28 at Chicago 1:00 PM

13 Thu, Dec 2 Houston 8:20 PM

14 Sun, Dec 12 at Dallas 8:20 PM

15 Sun, Dec 19 at NY Giants 1:00 PM

16 Sun, Dec 26 Minnesota 1:00 PM

17 Sun, Jan 2 Dallas 1:00 PM

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Youth Olympic Flame begins journey from Greece to Singapore

Press Release — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:18:01 +0000

IOC Jacque Rogge and the First Olympic Youth Games Coming to Singapore

The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame got under way today in Olympia, Greece, with the lighting of the flame at an official ceremony outside the famed Temple of Hera.

Using the sun’s rays and a parabolic mirror, a holy priestess lit the flame before entering the Ancient Olympic Stadium and passing the torch to the Journey’s first torchbearer, Apostolos Koutavas, who will represent Greece in trampoline at the Youth Olympic Games.

Watch the lighting of the flame

http://www.olympic.org/en/content/YOG/YOG-news-face/YogNewsContainer/yog-enter-history-in-Ancient-Olympia/

In the 22 days leading up to the first-ever Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, some 2,400 torchbearers will take the flame to all five continents in a journey designed to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect among the youth of the world.

The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame, under the initiation of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, will arrive in Berlin on 24 July before moving on to Dakar (26 July), Mexico City (30 July), Auckland (1 August) and Seoul (4 August). A six-day torch relay beginning 5 August is planned for the final destination, Singapore, where the Youth Olympic Games will take place from 14 to 26 August.

“It is a proud and special moment to have witnessed the Youth Olympic Flame being lit for the first time,” said International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. “It is our hope that young people around the world will feel the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games, symbolised in the Journey of the Flame and embrace its message of friendship and respect.”

Also at the lighting ceremony were Singapore 2010 Chairman Ser Miang Ng, IOC Coordination Commission Chairman for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games Sergey Bubka, Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos, Youth Olympic Games Ambassador Yelena Isinbaeva, and others.

“It is an honour to witness the birth of a new initiative for young people,” Mr Ng said. “Although the lighting ceremony dates back more than 2,000 years, the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect that the flame represents are still relevant today.

“We hope the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame will connect young people around the world to the Olympic Movement, and inspire them to live by its values. And we look forward to welcoming the world to Singapore in August for the first Youth Olympic Games.”

The Youth Olympic Flame will be used to light the cauldron to start the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games on 14 August.

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Open or not, St Andrews is gaga for golf

Matt Johnson — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:02 +0000

The British Open at St Andrews brings with it a reminder of the greatness of golf through the ages.

“Would you like to see a city given over,

Soul and body to a tyrannising game?

If you would there’s little need to be a rover,

For St Andrews is the abject city’s name.

“It is surely quite superfluous to mention,

To a person who has been here half-an-hour,

That golf is what engrosses the attention,

Of the people, with an all-absorbing power.

RF Murray, 1885

In St Andrews, the march of time and golfers goes hand in hand.

Throughout the year, the starter will call a fresh party of players to the tee every ten minutes – and send them on their way round a links course where the game has been played since the early 1400s.

It was in 1457 that what had started out as a “popular pastime” took hold to the point where King James II had to call a halt. His people were being drawn away from their archery practice and he was understandably worried about the defence of the realm. In golfing vernacular, play over the Old Course was suspended before starting up again in the 1500s when Archbishop Hamilton granted the citizens the right to play all games – including golf – over the links.

The Open Championship came to St Andrews for the first time in 1873 – too late, alas, for Old Tom Morris and Young Tom, the town’s most celebrated golfing sons. Between them, they had seized as many as eight of the first 12 Opens, all of them at Prestwick on Scotland’s West coast. Young Tom, when he won three times in a row, starting in 1868, captured the Championship Belt outright and prompted a one-year hiatus before winning the newly-minted Claret Jug.

There will be those who have triumphed at St Andrews without having any great depth of feeling for the venue, but many more will have found an almost divine inspiration in the old grey town and its heroes.

Bobby Jones playing St Andrews

That legendary amateur, Bobby Jones, who won a total of 13 amateur and professional Majors, was one of those for whom Sir Walter Raleigh’s quote, “Hatreds are the cinders of affection,” could not have rung more true.

When Jones came to the Home of Golf for the 1921 instalment of the Championship, he gave up at the 11th hole of his third round after failing to escape Hill Bunker. Before he left, he made his dislike of the Old Course abundantly clear.

Such was his remorse that, when he returned for the 1927 Open, he was armed with an attitude so positive that he holed putts from everywhere, including six of over 100 feet in the opening 68 which contributed to his runaway win. Three years later and this great American was back to win The Amateur Championship, at that stage the title he wanted above any other.

No Rolex timepiece can have attracted closer scrutiny than did Jones at the end of a final in which his rhythm had been well-nigh perfect as he defeated Roger Wethered by seven and six. O.B. Keeler, who devoted himself to recording Jones’ feats, said of the spectators who hoisted him aloft on the 12th green, “They apparently wanted to take the new champion apart to see what made him tick.”

For another example of what St Andrews can do for a man, Densmore Shute went from the nadir of his career to its zenith after attending a moving ceremony on the eve of the 1933 Open in which the visiting Americans laid wreaths on the graves of Old Tom and Young Tom. Having lost the Ryder Cup for his country the week before when he took three putts on Southport’s 18th green, Shute was seemingly in a state of grace as he won his Open title.

So as the starter calls for the first man to tee up in this 2010 Open, the 150th anniversary edition, the player concerned will feel nerves peculiar to the first tee on the Old Course. The player will likely check himself “You feel honoured to be there and, at the same time, you are acutely aware of the pressures to come,” said Colin Montgomerie, the 2010 Ryder Cup captain and a Rolex testimonee, the long-time patron of the Open. “You can’t help thinking of how all the greats in the game, from Tom Morris onwards, have hit down that famous fairway.”

Great scoring bursts will go up on the on-course leader-boards but, just as surely, they will spread through the town.

Nothing has changed from that day in 1929 when everyone was out on the course watching the final of the British Women’s Amateur Championship between America’s Glenna Collett and Britain’s Joyce Wethered.

The streets were deserted apart from a postman who had picked up on the fact that Wethered was five down while servicing the road leading to the links.

When finally he bumped into someone – a visitor heading for the cathedral – he felt compelled to pass on the gloomy news.

“She’s five doon,” he advised in his Scottish brogue.

The visitor looked at him blankly.

For just about the only time in his life, the postman had accosted someone in St Andrews to whom such tidings were utterly meaningless.

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