ARLINGTON, TX. – The Dallas Cowboys responded to last week’s blowout over the Philadelphia Eagles with another lopsided win, 34-14. The Cowboys dominated from the start with the Eagles offense only taking 18 snaps and gaining 140 yards total offense in the first half. Michael Vick’s longest touchdown pass of his career (76 yards) tied the game 7-7 but after that is was all Dallas.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo hit 23-of-35 passes for 244 yards and two TDs and 0 INTs. He spread the ball around well throughout the game connecting with rookie John Phillips and Miles Austin for touchdowns and Roy Williams on five passes for 59 yards.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was never able to develop a flow to his offense. He finished the game 19-of-37 for 230 yards, with one touchdown and an interception.

Dallas linebacker Keith Brooking who played his entire career for the Atlanta Falcons before coming to Dallas this year was ecstatic with the win. “We have something to really build off of,” said Brooking “With the talent we have I don’t think there are a lot of teams in this league that can beat us right now.”

Dallas coach Wade Phillips got a gorilla off his back with the win, his first ever in the playoffs. The win may have created job security for Wade as speculation of Dallas owner Jerry Jones replacing him was picking up steam prior to December.   “This team has hung together all year, got stronger at the end of the year and were playing our best football,” said Phillips. “I think we’re playing as good as anybody right now.”

Romo can finally forget about the bad hold he had that caused a botched field goal attempt and contributed to a Dallas playoff loss a few years ago.

“It’s just … rewarding,” Romo said. “It makes me proud of the guys. Fighting, grinding, staying committed to the approach. I’m happy for the guys, happy for Wade, happy for Jerry.”

The game was played in the $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium drew 92,951 fans making it the largest crowd to ever see an NFL playoff game other than the Super Bowl.

The Cowboys pack up and head into Minnesota for their game next Sunday against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

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Sanchez Sizzles as N.Y. Jets Advance in AFC Playoffs – Sports Climax

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

PASADENA, CA. – The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide defense knocked Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy out of the BCS title game early Thursday night, then made a big play to save the win late, going on to a 37-21 victory for their first national title since 1992.

McCoy injured his throwing shoulder on the Longhorns fifth play and watched most of the loss from the sideline. “I would have given anything to be out there,” said McCoy. “Because it would have been different.”

Garrett Gilbert, a highly recruited freshman who is the Longhorns’ quarterback of the future, had only thrown 26 college passes coming into the game and was thrown into a pressure-packed situation, stepping in for McCoy in the national spotlight. He responded well, throwing two touchdown passes to All-American Jordan Shipley to trim the deficit to 24-21 with 6:15 left.

After an Alabama punt, Gilbert and his Longhorns had the ball at the 7-yard line, 93 yards away from one of the most incredible comeback stories in the history of the game. But that changed when Tide linebacker Eryk Anders forced a fumble on a blindside sack of Gilbert with 3:02 to play and the ball was recovered by the ‘Bama defense.

Three plays later, Ingram, the offensive MVP, took it in from the one yard line for a 10-point ‘Bama lead. A few minutes later, after Gilbert threw his third interception of the night, Richardson scored another to make it 37-21, making a close game look like a blowout on the scoreboard.

Ingram finished with 116 yards rushing and two touchdowns, and Richardson had 109 yards and two scores, earning the fourth straight national title for the SEC.

“I don’t think anybody in the country worked harder than us,” Ingram said. “We played a great game today.”

Texas (13-1) went into the game ranked No. 2 and got there due to the play of McCoy. After the injury, McCoy was asking to go back in to finish his last college game but Texas coach Mack Brown decided to err on the side of caution, and McCoy spent the second half wearing a headset on the sideline while Gilbert took the snaps.

“It’s a hard learning curve but [Gilbert] learned fast,” Brown said. “At one point, I thought he was going to win the ballgame.”

Alabama coach Nick Saban became the first coach since the polls began in 1936 to win national titles with two schools. He won the 2003 BCS championship with LSU.

“Everybody has made a great team and that’s why this team is good,” Saban said. “It’s not just because of me. I’m proud of the team and proud of the way they played today and I’m really proud of the state of Alabama.”

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

Andre Dawson finally survived the controversial Hall of Fame voting procedure and will join other baseball greats in Cooperstown.

Many felt the slugger, who played 11 seasons with the Montreal Expos and another 10 with the Chicago Cubs, should have been voted in years ago but despite being one of just three major leaguers to steal over 300 bases and hit over 400 homers, Dawson had to endure a nine-year wait to be elected. BTW, the other two players are two of MLB’s greatest players ever; Willie Mays and Barry Bonds.

Dawson’s career stats are impressive and include 2,774 hits, 438 HRs and 1,591 RBIs.

“As I stand here, I’m literally shaking,” said Dawson, the 1987 National League MVP. “I had a knee replacement on one leg that I thought was dead but it’s shaking.”

Dawson was the lone player on the ballot to receive the required 75% of the vote.

Due to his long tenure with both the Expos and Cubs, Cooperstown hasn’t decided whether the eight-time All-Star will be presented with an Expos or Cubs hat.

Other players on the ballot receiving votes:

Andre Dawson 420 77.9
Bert Blyleven 400 74.2
Roberto Alomar 397 73.7
Jack Morris 282 52.3
Barry Larkin 278 51.6
Lee Smith 255 47.3
Edgar Martinez 195 36.2
Tim Raines 164 30.4
Mark McGwire 128 23.7
Alan Trammell 121 22.4
Fred McGriff 116 21.5
Don Mattingly 87 16.1
Dave Parker 82 15.2
Dale Murphy 63 11.7
Harold Baines 33 6.1
Andres Galarraga 22 4.1

Gilbert Arenas should stick to basketball and leave his comedy routine off the court because he and NBA Commissioner David Stern clearly have a different opinion on what is funny and what is not.

While on the court prior to a game in Philadelphia, Arenas pointed his fingers at his teammates like they were pistols, making reference to the attention that has been given to him since he pulled an unloaded weapon out of his locker during a dispute with another teammate.

That theatrical move raised a few eyebrows including Stern’s who took offense to the Washington Wizards players’ gun gestures and suspended the player indefinitely while the federal authorities continue to investigate the player for an incident involving gun possession.

Stern originally said he intended to wait for the federal and local investigations to be completed before taking action, and requested the Wizards organization to do the same. He suddenly changed his mind after the incident in Philadelphia and levied the suspension.

“The possession of firearms by an NBA player in an NBA arena is a matter of the utmost concern to us,” Stern said in a statement released by the league. “I initially thought it prudent to refrain from taking immediate action because of the pendency of a criminal investigation. For the same reason, I directed the Wizards to refrain from taking any action. Mr. Arenas’ ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game. Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA.”

After hearing of the suspension, reality set in and Arenas was quick to apologize.

“While I never intended any harm or disrespect to the NBA or anyone else, my gun possession at the Verizon Center and my attempts at humor showed terrible judgment. I take full responsibility for my conduct. Earlier today, I called Commissioner Stern to apologize, and I hope we will be able to talk soon.”

Related Articles:

ESPN – Arenas Suspended Indefinitely

Sports Climax – Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week Gilbert and His Gun

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

ST. LOUIS – All the hype and speculation surrounding Matt Holliday’s destination since hitting the MLB free agent market can come to a close.

The 29-year-old slugger signed a 7 year, $120 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, the same team he played for at the end of last season.

“Well, I think first of all going into free agency I had in the back of my mind that I really liked my time in St. Louis and felt it was a good fit for me and my family,” Holliday said when interviewed on a Tuesday ESPN radio show. “At the end of the day we decided that was best for us.”

Holliday, a three-time All Star, joined the Cardinals from Oakland last July and batted .353, sent 13 over the wall and batted in 55 runs in 63 games for St. Louis.

Holliday pulled a bonehead Charlie Brown move during last year’s playoffs when he dropped a routine liner to left field that would have been the final out of Game 2. Instead, his error kept a Dodger rally alive and allowed the Dodgers to coast to a three-game sweep.

Holliday believes his chances of getting to the World Series with the Cardinals is as great as going anywhere else. “Obviously, with Albert Pujols on the team you have a great opportunity to have a great team,” said Holliday. “Albert is the best player in the history of baseball in my mind. Hopefully between the two of us we can help do our part to win a World Series.”

Holliday also reflected on the size of his new contract. “When you’re a little kid growing up hoping to be a professional baseball player and hoping to play in the major leagues, I don’t think you ever think about the money,” Holliday said. “Now that you look at it, it’s a little overwhelming.”

With Pujols also playing with an active contract over $100 million, the Cardinals become only the third team in Major League Baseball to invest in two $100 million players.

The New York Mets’ Johan Santana and Carlos Beltran are $100 million guys and the New York Yankees have four; Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and C.C. Sabathia.

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan signed a five-year contract worth approximately $7 million per year to become head coach and executive VP of football operations for the Washington Redskins.Shanahan, who is the 7th coach in 11 years for owner Dan Snyder, is expected to hold ‘the ultimate authority on football decisions’ concerning player personnel while working closely with executive VP and general manager Bruce Allen.

Shanahan is bringing some family with him too. His son, former Houston Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, will be the Redskins new offensive coordinator.

Shanahan replaces Jim Zorn who was fired shortly after the team’s final regular season game when they lost to the San Diego Chargers 23-20. The Redskins finished 4-12 (their worst record since 1994) and overall Zorn was 12-20 over two seasons, losing the last 18 of 24.

“The status quo has to end,” Allen said. “We have to change the way we’ve been doing some business. Last place two years in a row is not Redskins football.”

Snyder released a statement following the signing. “No one in the organization is satisfied with our record over the last two years and I am sure that Jim [Zorn] would concur with that statement. It has been painful for him, too. I certainly accept responsibility for mistakes that I have made.”

More NFL:

Brett Favre Primed and Ready for Playoffs  – Sports Climax

Jim Zorn Gets the Axe – Sports Climax

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

WASHINGTON – Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn is the first recipient of the axe.

Zorn, the fifth head coach hired by Redskins’ owner Daniel Snyder over the past 11 years got the news shortly after his team’s 23-20 loss to San Diego on Sunday.

Speculation of Zorn being canned started early in the season when many began questioning his play-calling. A game or two later, Zorn’s Redskins lost to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in a game that many thought would be the coachs’ last.

Further into the season he was relieved of his play-calling duties making it evident he would be turning in his headset.

Bruce Allen, Washington Redskins Executive VP/GM made the announcement early Monday that Zorn officially received his pink slip and will not return to the team’s sidelines in 2010.

“The status quo is not acceptable,’ said Allen. “I felt it was necessary to not waste a moment of time to begin building this team into a winner.”

Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is the top candidate to succeed Zorn.

Unrelated but More Fun Than a Pink Slip: NFL Sexiest Cheerleaders Gallery

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

PASADENA, CA. – Ohio State Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor had his coming out party in yesterday’s Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena.

Pryor finished 23-of-37, 266 yards (all career highs) and two TDs and showcased his ability to run, gaining a game-high 72 yards rushing, ending his Buckeyes three-game BCS losing streak with a 26-17 win over the Oregon Ducks.
“I just wanted to come out and show I can be a complete quarterback,” Pryor said.

And that he did.

Managing the game like a pro, Pryor and the Buckeyes set a Rose Bowl record with 41:37 time-of-possession that included a 19-play, 8:03 minute drive and another 13-play, 81-yard drive that chewed up over six minutes off the clock.

Pryor who was recruited heavily by rival Michigan Wolverine coach Rich Rodriquez prior to going to Columbus, has since accumulated two Big Ten titles, two wins over Michigan and a major bowl victory.

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, who also recruited Pryor hard, commented on the quarterback during his post-game. “He certainly beat us on how he threw the ball,” said Kelly. “When I saw him in high school, he was a man amongst boys, and at times tonight, he looked like a man amongst boys.”

LeGarrette Blount played for the Ducks and was welcomed with a huge round of applause. The freight-train tailback scored a touchdown for the Ducks but later fumbled, ending a third-quarter potential scoring drive.

Blount’s season was full of ups-and-downs after he was suspended for eight games after sucker-punching a Boise State player on the sidelines after his team’s season-opening loss.

Related Articles:

Tim Tebow Shatters Records in Sugar Bowl Win

Oregon Ducks Suspend LaGarrette Blount

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

The NFL Pro Bowl selections are in. Brett Favre (11th Pro Bowl) was among eight Minnesota Vikings who made the NFC Pro Bowl team, while Peyton Manning (10th Pro Bowl) was one of six Indianapolis Colts on the AFC squad.

One of the biggest surprises was the AFC North division champs Cincinnati Bengals (10-5) being snubbed in the voting.

Here is a complete list by team.

* Asterisk denotes starter

AFC Pro Bowl Selections

Balimore (5) * Ray Lewis, inside/middle linebacker
* Le’Ron McClain, fullback
* Haloti Ngata, interior lineman
* Ed Reed, free safety
Ray Rice, running back
Buffalo (1) Jairus Byrd, free safety
Cleveland (2) Joshua Cribbs, kick returner
Joe Thomas, tackle
Denver (5) Champ Bailey, cornerback
* Ryan Clady, tackle
* Brian Dawkins, strong safety
* Elvis Dumervil, outside linebacker
Brandon Marshall, wide receiver
Houston (4) Brian Cushing, outside linebacker
* Andre Johnson, wide receiver
DeMeco Ryans, inside/middle linebacker
Mario Williams, defensive end
Indianapolis (6) * Dallas Clark, tight end
* Dwight Freeney, defensive end
* Peyton Manning, quarterback
* Robert Mathis, defensive end
Jeff Saturday, center
* Reggie Wayne, wide receiver
Jacksonville (1) Maurice Jones-Drew, running back
Miami (1) * Jake Long, tackle
New England (4) Tom Brady, quarterback
* Logan Mankins, guard
Wes Welker, wide receiver
* Vince Wilfork, interior lineman
N.Y. Jets (3) * Alan Faneca, guard
* Nick Mangold, center
* Darrelle Revis, cornerback
Oakland (2) * Nnamdi Asomugha, cornerback
Shane Lechler, punter
Pittsburgh (2) Casey Hampton, interior lineman
* James Harrison, outside linebacker
San Diego (5) Kris Dielman, guard
Antonio Gates, tight end
Nate Kaeding, placekicker
Kassim Osgood, special teamer
Philip Rivers, quarterback
Tennessee (1) * Chris Johnson, running back

NFC Pro Bowl Selections

Arizona (4) * Darnell Dockett, interior lineman
* Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cornerback
* Adrian Wilson, strong safety
Carolina (2) * Julius Peppers, defensive end
DeAngelo Williams, running back
Chicago (1) * Lance Briggs, outside linebacker
Dallas (6) Miles Austin, wide receiver
Leonard Davis, guard
* Andre Gurode, center
Jay Ratliff, interior lineman
* DeMarcus Ware, outside linebacker
Jason Witten, tight end
Green Bay (3) Nick Collins, free safety
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback
* Charles Woodson, cornerback
Minnesota (8) * Jared Allen, defensive end
Heath Farwell, special teamer
Brett Favre, quarterback
* Steve Hutchinson, guard
* Bryant McKinnie, tackle
* Adrian Peterson, running back
Sidney Rice, wide receiver
* Kevin Williams, interior lineman
New Orleans (5) * Drew Brees, quarterback
* Jahri Evans, guard
* Darren Sharper, free safety
Jonathan Stinchcomb, tackle
Jonathan Vilma, inside/middle linebacker
N.Y. Giants (1) Shaun O’Hara, center
Philadelphia (6) David Akers, placekicker
Trent Cole, defensive end
* DeSean Jackson, wide receiver/returner
* Jason Peters, tackle
* Asante Samuel, cornerback
* Leonard Weaver, fullback
San Francisco (3) * Vernon Davis, tight end
Andy Lee, punter
* Patrick Willis, inside/middle linebacker
St. Louis (1) Steven Jackson, running back
Washington (1) Brian Orakpo, outside linebacker

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

MINNESOTA – How do you reward an NFL head coach who drops what he is doing in the middle of preseason, flies  to another state to pick you up and personally chauffeur you to his team headquarters and arranges for you to sign a huge one-year contract?

If you are Brett Favre, you embarrass that head coach on national television . . . that’s exactly what the 40-year-old slinger on the Minnesota Vikings did Sunday night during his team’s humiliating 26-7 loss to the underdog Carolina Panthers.

Ahead on the scoreboard 7-6, Vikings coach Brad Childress started shuffling personnel from the field onto the bench starting with Pro Bowl left tackle Bryant McKinnie who was getting taken to school and run over repeatedly by Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers.

McKinnie sat on the bench because that’s what pros do, they follow their coaches instructions.

Childress’ next move was to bench Favre but the ego-saturated quarterback would have no part of it. In front of the world, they got into a heated exchange on the sidelines with Favre refusing to be benched.

“I’m watching, and I said, ‘Hey, you know what? I’m thinking about taking you out of the game here,'” Childress later explained (not that he needs an explanation, he’s the head coach). “I mean, you’re getting your rear end kicked.’ Though not a lot of fault of his own.”

When Favre was asked about the heated exchange on the sidelines he said, “Yeah, there was a heated discussion, I guess you would call it. We were up 7-6 at the time. No secret, I was getting hit a little bit. I felt the pressure on a lot of plays. We had seven points. So I think everyone in the building was like, ‘They’re not moving the ball, they’re not getting points.’ Brad wanted to go in a different direction, and I wanted to stay in the game.”

Yeah Brett, every player on the bench every Sunday wants to come into or stay in a game but that’s not the player’s decision, it’s the head coaches’ decision; that is unless you’re an egotistical quarterback who begs for headlines.

Favre re-entered the game and lead his team to the humiliating loss but worse yet, he showed his teammates and a national television audience who is boss in that locker room and raised a serious question, ‘Who is really running that team?’.

Since this incident, others are resurfacing through the media including a game earlier this year when Favre ignored Childress’ wishes and called an audible late in a game causing the coach to want to bench him. Like this recent incident, that benching also never occurred.

Football is a team sport and everyone has a role to fill, especially the head coach. When a guy like Favre comes in and dictates, chemistry is sure to suffer.

The Vikings knew what they were getting. Prior to that escorted service to his contract signing, Favre had dumped the Vikings just two days before training camp. The player was also accused of supplying inside info to aid the Detroit Lions prior to a game between his former Green Bay Packers and the Lions.

The timing of this incident could not be any worse as the regular season winds down and teams like the Vikings are focusing on the playoffs.

Related:

Trouble Brewing in Minnesota? – ESPN

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax