Antonio Cromartie, San Diego Chargers / Image: Zuma Press

Here’s what Antonio had to say in the offending tweet (if you can decipher):

“Man we have 2 have the most nasty food of any team. Damn can we upgrade 4 str8 years the same ish maybe that’s y we can’t we the SB we need.”

The case with Antonio seems to have taken things too far. Now, apparently Chargers head coach Norv Turner specifically told his squad not to discuss any team matters on Twitter or any other online social media. So I guess, technically, the front office has a case. But, it’s ridiculous. The quality of the food in the cafeteria really shouldn’t be considered a “team matter.” Besides, the guy has to be able to express his opinions about the food in the facility. What the heck? And if using Twitter as a forum to do so is frowned upon, I think the team is taking their authority too far.

Buffalo Bills LB Kawika Mitchell put it best in his own four-part Twitter response to the situation:

“Players play this game. They’re tryin to get us to play for free. If we want to complain about some sh!t then let us b. We’re just like any other person workin. If u don’t like somethin I’m sure you’ll complain. Our voice is our rite. It’s bullsh!t that the league is scared of twitter. We have opinions. We sit back and listen to all the bullsh!t media, coaches and fans have to say, so if the chargers food sucks. It sucks. Please! B mad at real sh!t.”

I think the personal messages and interaction with fans from players like Antonio and Kawika; as well as Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and so many others; is the best thing to happen to the NFL—from a media perspective—in years. The lockdown on the players’ on-field exploits (or in-game tweeting) is one thing. To take away their freedom of speech off-the-field is quite another. The truest insider perspective can’t come from any member of the media. Sorry. It has to come from the players themselves. If the league will let them.

Sources: twitter.com/crimetime31, twitter.com/Ka_Mitchell55

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Antonio Cromartie Fined For Tweeting

It was like icing on the cake for Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson’s incredible rookie season. AD walked away with Pro Bowl MVP honors today after ripping through the AFC defense for 129 yards and two TDs in the NFC’s 42-30 win. It was the first 100-yard rushing effort since Marshall Faulk (180 yards) and Chris Warren (127 yards) reached the mark in 1995. This award was on the heels of AD’s being named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year last month. And I learned that he brought every Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman with him (although G Steve Hutchinson and C Matt Birk were there courtesy of the NFL as Pro Bowl players) as a “thank you” for their help in his 1,341 yard season. I can’t wait to see what Adrian has in-store for next season. As long as he can stay injury free, there’s no limit to how good this guy can be.

As for the Pro Bowl game, it was pretty much as expected — a lot of offense. In fact, the teams combined for 48 points in the first half, tying a Pro Bowl record. The defense is at a real disadvantage in this game with not being able to play up on the receivers (outside of the five-yard-line). And they aren’t allowed to blitz. Obviously that rule is in effect to cut down on the risk of injury in a totally meaningless game, but it really puts the D in a bad position.

There were a lot of good individual efforts besides Adrian Peterson. Terrell Owens had eight catches for 101 yards and two TDs. T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught two TDs as well. Antonio Cromartie had two picks. And Antoine Bethea was in on nine tackles.

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Adrian Peterson Wins Pro Bowl MVP Award, Offenses Shine as NFC Beats AFC 42-30

The New England Patriots took yet another step toward a perfect season. But their 21-12 win over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship game was anything but perfect. It certainly wasn’t Tom Brady’s best game. And it certainly wasn’t the way he imagined this AFC Championship game would play out. But that’s really not what matters. There are no style points in the NFL. What matters are wins and losses and the Patriots, of course, have 18 straight victories against no defeats — a simply mind-boggling accomplishment.

It’s not like Tom choked in this one. I think we hold him to such a high standard it’s hard to conceive that he might even be human on the football field. But his three interceptions proved just that. The Chargers have a confident and opportunistic defense. And they weren’t about to be intimidated by the highest-scoring offense in the history of the National Football League. Thus a trio of picks. But Tom also threw two TD passes and finished 22 of 33 including eight completions to RB Kevin Faulk. It just further proves that when a defense eliminates one or even two players from the Patriots’ plan of attack (as San Diego masterfully did), someone else will step up. Kevin had a great game, including a key third-down as the Patriots played keep-away in the fourth quarter (ol’ reliable Wes Welker also had seven catches and a TD). And the Patriots leaned on their running game with Laurence Maroney (25 carries for 122 yards) in the second half, including a key TD in the third quarter.

I believe the Patriots’ defense won this game, though. There’s been a lot of talk about New England’s aging linebackers and how susceptible this team is against the run. Statistically, it’s true. But when a game is on the line, I’ll take these old guys with lots of smarts and enough ability. DBs Ellis Hobbs and Asanti Samuel (not old guys) each had an interception. And Junior Seau (old guy) made a key defensive play in the third quarter, forcing a Chargers field goal. The Bolts were forced to settle for field goals all day and that was the difference in the game. That’s playing Championship style defense as they overshadowed their much-heralded offense.

Despite losing, San Diego has plenty to be proud of. They came into this game battered and bruised. And you need look no further than their “Big 3″ (QB Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, and TE Antonio Gates) for proof. LT gave it a try with his bad knee but could only manage a couple early carries for five yards. He watched most of the game from the bench, wrapped in a parka. I can guarantee he was extremely frustrated and disappointed. Philip was hobbled as well but managed to survive the entire game with respectable numbers (19 of 37 for 211 yards but with two picks). Antonio was a non-factor on his bad toe — only two catches for 17 yards. But, I would say the San Diego defense was as advertised. Any team that can hold the mighty Patriots to 21 points (and the aforementioned three turnovers) is going to be right in that football game. All-Pro DB Antonio Cromartie was in on nine tackles with a huge, touchdown-saving INT to his credit.

This game was a great example of the New England Patriots playing team football. For much of the game, San Diego fans had a glimmer of hope. It looked like the Chargers might have a chance. But the Pats are too prepared and too good for — well — any other team in the NFL. Can they do it one more time? We’ll find out in two weeks at Super Bowl XLII.

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Perfect Patriots Beat Chargers for AFC Title, Defense Leads New England to Super Bowl

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

The NFL playoffs begin today and tomorrow with Wild Card Weekend. This afternoon, the Washington Redskins play at the Seattle Seahawks (NBC, 4:30 PM ET) and this evening, the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (NBC, 8:00 PM ET). Wild Card Weekend continues tomorrow with the New York Giants at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX, 1:00 PM ET) and the Tennessee Titans traveling to face the San Diego Chargers (CBS, 4:30 PM ET).

Today’s game between the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks will feature two of the most successful coaches in NFL history in Joe Gibbs of Washington and Mike Holmgren of Seattle. They’ve appeared in a combined seven Super Bowls, winning four. Coach Gibbs ranks third all-time in playoff wins with 17, and by coaching the Redskins on Saturday, he will tie Chuck Noll (24) for the third-most playoff games coached in history. There was a time this season when many felt Coach Gibbs was too old to be coaching, that he couldn’t keep up the pace. But he’s proven them (and me) wrong as the ‘Skins won four straight to get into the postseason.

One of the main reasons that Jacksonville is in the playoffs is the rushing production of 10-year veteran Fred Taylor. Fred finished the year ranked ninth in the league in rushing with 1,202 yards, averaged 5.4 yards per carry, and closed the regular season with five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. One of those games came against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15 at Heinz Field, where the Jags will play tonight. Fred ran for 147 yards in that game, the most that Pittsburgh’s top-ranked defense gave up on the ground all season. Amazingly, Fred was again snubbed for the Pro Bowl.

Playing away from home has not been a problem for the New York Giants this season. The G-men come into their game against the Bucs with a franchise-record seven-game road winning streak. Including this year’s 16-0 New England club, only nine teams in history have entered the playoffs with seven or more consecutive road wins.

The San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans finished the season with the most interceptions in 2007. The Chargers ranked first with 29 pickoffs and tied an NFL record set by Dallas in 1985 for the most interceptions at home with 22. The Titans tied Indianapolis for the second most in the league with 22. Chargers Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie led the NFL with 10 interceptions, breaking a 46-year-old franchise record (Charlie McNeil had nine in 1961) in the process. LB Keith Bulluck led Tennessee with five INTs. When the teams meet tomorrow, it will mark only the fourth playoff game since 1970 between clubs with the top interception totals.

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NFL Playoffs Begin With Wild Card Weekend

The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers lead the AFC’s 2008 Pro Bowl squad with a conference-high eight players each. New England’s eight All-Stars equals a franchise high set by the 1985 Pats. The AFC roster includes 18 first-time All-Stars, including Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who leads the NFL with 101 receptions.

Among a group of talented AFC quarterbacks, four-time All-Star Tom Brady of New England, who leads the NFL in passing yards (4,235), TDs (45) and passer rating (119.7), will be the starting QB in his fourth Pro Bowl. Tom is one of seven Patriots that will start for this year’s AFC squad. Joining him to aid the AFC passing attack will be Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning, who will make his eighth Pro Bowl appearance, and first-time selection Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh, who ranks third in the NFL with 29 TD passes.

San Diego’s duo of running back LaDainian Tomlinson and fullback Lorenzo Neal have been named starters for a second year in a row. Earning his fifth Pro Bowl honor, L.T. ranks second in the NFL with 1,311 rushing yards this season and has passed the 1,200-yard rushing mark for the seventh consecutive year. Lorenzo, in his 15th NFL season, has been selected to his fourth Pro Bowl and third as a Charger. Adding to the AFC’s explosive backfield will be Pittsburgh’s Willie Parker and Joseph Addai of Indy. This is the second consecutive Pro Bowl trip for Fast Willie, who leads the NFL with 1,317 rushing yards. In his second NFL season, Joseph Addai ranks second in the AFC with 11 rushing TDs and will make his first Pro Bowl trip. Once again, Jacksonville’s Fred Taylor has been snubbed despite averaging a gaudy 5.1 ypc. He’ll need to lead the league in rushing to get consideration.

Four receivers are named to each All-Star squad. And it has to be nearly impossible to come up with just four. Chosen for the AFC’s 2008 team are New England’s Randy Moss, the NFL’s receiving yardage (1,343) and TD (19) leader. Randy records his first Pro Bowl appearance since 2004 (because he was lost in the black hole for several years) and sixth overall. Lined up across from Randy will be Reggie Wayne of Indianapolis, who will make his second All-Star game in consecutive seasons. Two first-time selections from clubs in Ohio will round out the AFC All-Star receiving foursome — Cleveland wide receiver Braylon Edwards, whose 13 TD receptions ranks second in the AFC, and the aforementioned T.J. Houshmandzadeh of Cincinnati. I know this is a very elite list of receivers and it’s incredibly hard to pick just four, but I could make a case for Wes Welker (Pats), Chad Johnson (Cincy) or even Brandon Marshall (Denver) in this group.

Representing the AFC at tight end will be nine-time all-star Tony Gonzalez (big surprise) of the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego’s Antonio Gates, who will play in his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and start for the second year in a row.

Pittsburgh’s 10-year veteran guard Alan Faneca will make his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl trip and will be joined at the other starting guard position by first-time All-Star Logan Mankins of New England, who has helped pave the way for the league’s top-ranked offense. San Diego’s Kris Dielman, a former undrafted free agent who has been a mainstay for the Chargers offensive line this year, will make his All-Star debut.

AFC starting center Jeff Saturday will book his trip to Hawaii for his third consecutive Pro Bowl. First-time AFC All-Star Dan Koppen of New England will back him up.

Assigned to keep the pocket clean against a talented group of NFC edge rushers are a group of AFC All-Star tackles — New England’s two-time Pro Bowler Matt Light and first-time Pro Bowl selection Jason Peters of Buffalo. Jonathan Ogden of Baltimore will play in his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl in his 12th NFL season.

Lining up in the middle for the AFC defensive front are starting interior linemen Albert Haynesworth of Tennessee and New England’s Vince Wilfork. Both linemen will make their first appearances in the All-Star game. Accompanying Vince and Albert will be San Diego’s Jamal Williams, who has secured his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth.

Ranked second in the AFC with 11.5 sacks, Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen will make his Pro Bowl debut as a starter and will be joined by Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who will play in his second Pro Bowl in three seasons with the Titans and his first as a starter. Miami’s Jason Taylor will cap off this trio with the sixth Pro Bowl of his career.

Two first-time All-Stars — Mike Vrabel of New England and Pittsburgh’s James Harrison — will start at outside linebacker for the AFC. Mike has tied his career-high with 9.5 sacks and James leads the league’s top-ranked defense with 8.5 sacks. Joining them at outside linebacker is Shawne Merriman of San Diego, who tops NFL linebackers with 11.5 sacks. Shawne will make his third consecutive All-Star game appearance.

Roaming the middle of the AFC defense will be middle linebackers Ray Lewis of Baltimore and DeMeco Ryans of Houston. DeMeco, the 2006 NFL Defensive Rookie of Year, will start in his first Pro Bowl, while Ray-Ray, a 12-year veteran, will record his eighth appearance in Hawaii.

Interceptions are plentiful for the trio of AFC All-Star cornerbacks. Starter Champ Bailey of Denver has earned his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and will be teamed up with two first-time All-Stars. New England’s Asante Samuel will start opposite Champ and Antonio Cromartie of San Diego, who leads the league with 10 INTs, will make his All-Star debut in his second season.

Indianapolis strong safety Bob Sanders earns his second consecutive AFC All-Star berth and Ravens ball-hawking free safety Ed Reed is a four-time Pro Bowl choice in six NFL seasons. Four-time Pro Bowl selection Troy Polamalu of Pittsburgh will join them as a reserve.

The AFC special teams unit is comprised of four players, including two first-time Pro Bowl honorees. Cleveland kick returner Joshua Cribbs is making his first trip to Hawaii. Joshua leads the NFL with a 30.9-yard average and is tied for second in the league with two scores. Tennessee kicker Rob Bironas, who leads the NFL with 31 field goals and set the NFL record for most field goals in a game earlier this season, will make his All-Star debut. San Diego wide receiver Kassim Osgood, who will serve as the AFC’s special teamer, makes his second consecutive trip to Hawaii. Concluding the special teams group will be Oakland’s veteran punter Shane Lechler (third Pro Bowl). Shane leads the NFL with a 49.0 average and has placed 21 of his 63 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

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Patriots, Chargers Lead AFC All-Star Squad, 18 First-Time Selections Named

While Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was busy breaking two NFL records, San Diego Chargers DB Antonio Cromartie set one of his own in the same game. After Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell missed a 57-yard field goal, Antonio made an incredible catch in the back of the end zone, kept his feet in-bounds, then ran 109+ yards for a touchdown and the longest play in NFL history. It was meaningless in terms of the outcome of the game, but it was one of the most athletic plays I’ve ever seen — really an incredible effort.

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Antonio Cromartie Returns Missed Field Goal for Record-Breaking 109-Yard Touchdown