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<channel>
	<title>Every Morning Quarterback &#187; jason-taylor</title>
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	<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb</link>
	<description>National Football League Blog</description>
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		<title>Jason Taylor Returning to Miami Dolphins</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-returning-to-miami-dolphins/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-returning-to-miami-dolphins/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 01:19:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Miami Dolphins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill-Parcells]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Redskins]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/?p=5523</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It appears Jason Taylor has not played his final game for the Miami Dolphins. After being traded to the Washington Redskins last season (because &#8212; let&#8217;s be honest &#8212; team Executive VP of Football Ops Bill Parcells didn&#8217;t like Jason&#8217;s involvement on &#8220;Dancing With the Stars&#8221;), it was pretty clear Jason&#8217;s days in Miami were over. But both sides have since had a change of heart and were able to put their past differences to rest. Jason signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Dolphins today.
Jason was being courted by the New England Patriots. And he turned down $8.5 [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-returning-to-miami-dolphins/">Jason Taylor Returning to Miami Dolphins</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It appears <strong>Jason Taylor</strong> has not played his final game for the Miami Dolphins. After being traded to the Washington Redskins last season (because &#8212; let&#8217;s be honest &#8212; team Executive VP of Football Ops Bill Parcells didn&#8217;t like Jason&#8217;s involvement on &#8220;Dancing With the Stars&#8221;), it was pretty clear Jason&#8217;s days in Miami were over. But both sides have since had a change of heart and were able to put their past differences to rest. Jason signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Dolphins today.</p>
<div id="attachment_5533" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 560px"><img class="size-full wp-image-5533" src="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/files/2009/05/20070930_zaf_cd5_028-jason-taylor.jpg" alt="Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins / Image: Zuma Press" width="550" height="825" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins / Image: Zuma Press</p></div>
<p>Jason was being courted by the New England Patriots. And he turned down $8.5 million to return to the Redskins this season. So, it was pretty clear he was going to do whatever it took to return to South Beach:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;My heart has always been in Miami, and so I&#8217;m truly excited to call myself a Dolphin once again. I was presented with a number of different opportunities, but in the end the combination of this being the best situation for my family, my love for this community and my tremendous loyalty to a great organization made this an easy decision.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p>Jason belongs in South Beach and I respect his proper placement of priorities. And the Dolphins are certainly happy to see him back. After all, Jason holds team career records for consecutive games started (130), sacks (117), opponents fumble recoveries (26), fumble returns for touchdowns (5), defensive touchdowns (8) and interceptions by a defensive lineman (7). As improved as the Dolphins were from 2007 to 2008, they&#8217;ll be an even better team for having Jason Taylor back in the fold at his defensive end position in 2009.</p>
<p>Sources: <a href="http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=6448">MiamiDolphins.com</a>, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8104bfd6&amp;template=without-video-with-comments&amp;confirm=true">NFL.com</a></p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-returning-to-miami-dolphins/">Jason Taylor Returning to Miami Dolphins</a></p>
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		<title>Jason Taylor Has Skin Infection</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-has-skin-infection/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-has-skin-infection/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:53:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Washington Redskins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jim-Zorn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.emqb.com/jason-taylor-has-skin-infection/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
When I heard that Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor had a skin infection, I was ready to jump to conclusions. As it turns out, Jason had a minor procedure done on his injured left calf today, but Redskins head coach Jim Zorn was quick to point out that Jason has a skin infection &#8212; not a staph infection &#8212; that is being treated with antibiotics. 
Notice how coach Zorn emphasized that this is not a staph infection. Staph infections are all the rage among NFL players who seem to be coming down with them [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-has-skin-infection/">Jason Taylor Has Skin Infection</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/files/2008/10/jason-taylor-washington-redskins_nc.jpg" border="10"></p>
<p><strong>National Football League</strong> Blogcast, <strong>NFL</strong> Blogcast</p>
<p>When I heard that Washington Redskins defensive end <strong>Jason Taylor</strong> had a skin infection, I was ready to jump to conclusions. As it turns out, Jason had a minor procedure done on his injured left calf today, but Redskins head coach Jim Zorn was quick to point out that Jason has a skin infection &#8212; not a staph infection &#8212; that is being treated with antibiotics. </p>
<p>Notice how coach Zorn emphasized that this is not a staph infection. Staph infections are all the rage among NFL players who seem to be coming down with them at an alarming rate lately. At this point, I don&#8217;t think any team or the league would announce a staph infection if it happened. There seems to be a minor scare going around. And with good reason. </p>
<p>Anyway, Jason was kicked in the calf during Washington&#8217;s win over the Arizona Cardinals last month and wound up needing an emergency operation the next day. He missed two games thereafter and then played in each of the past three. But he&#8217;ll most likely miss next Monday night&#8217;s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers while things settle down.</p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Taylor__Springs_Unlikely_to_Play_vs__Steelers_26206.jsp">Redskins.com</a>, Photo: <a href="http://www.newscom.com">Newscom</a></p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-has-skin-infection/">Jason Taylor Has Skin Infection</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Jason Taylor Traded to Washington Redskins</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-traded-to-washington-redskins/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-traded-to-washington-redskins/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:55:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Washington Redskins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alex Buzbee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miami Dolphins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phillip Daniels]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.emqb.com/jason-taylor-traded-to-washington-redskins/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor was traded to the Washington Redskins today for a second round Draft pick in 2009 and a sixth round Draft pick in 2010. Ironically, the Skins took a hit at that position during today&#8217;s first session of training camp with not one, but two injuries. Gone for the year is veteran starter Phillip Daniels, who was carted off the field this morning. He has a torn ACL that might end his career. And injured this afternoon was second-year defensive end Alex Buzbee. He was taken off [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-traded-to-washington-redskins/">Jason Taylor Traded to Washington Redskins</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/files/2008/07/jason-taylor.jpg" border="4"><br />Getty Images</p>
<p>Blogcasting the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogcasting the <strong>NFL</strong></p>
<p>Miami Dolphins defensive end <strong>Jason Taylor</strong> was traded to the Washington Redskins today for a second round Draft pick in 2009 and a sixth round Draft pick in 2010. Ironically, the Skins took a hit at that position during today&#8217;s first session of training camp with not one, but two injuries. Gone for the year is veteran starter Phillip Daniels, who was carted off the field this morning. He has a torn ACL that might end his career. And injured this afternoon was second-year defensive end Alex Buzbee. He was taken off the field with an ankle injury suffered during special-teams practice. His status is uncertain. </p>
<p>Obviously, the Redskins welcome Jason no matter who else is playing defensive end for the team. But with Phillip Daniels out before his season even got started and the depth at DE in serious question, it was the perfect opportunity to make the Jason Taylor deal happen. The Skins get one of the game&#8217;s best pass rushers. Jason had 11 sacks in a 1-15 season with the Dolphins last year. He should have a renewed sense of purpose with one of the league&#8217;s best defenses. Washington was top ten in yards allowed per game. The open competition to start opposite Jason will be between Andre Carter, Chris Wilson, Kevin Huntley, Rob Jackson, Erasmus James and Demetric Evans. Whoever it is, they&#8217;ll find plenty of one-on-one matchups.</p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=36797">Redskins.com</a></p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-traded-to-washington-redskins/">Jason Taylor Traded to Washington Redskins</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Packers Interested in Jason Taylor</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/packers-interested-in-jason-taylor/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/packers-interested-in-jason-taylor/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:19:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Bay Packers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miami Dolphins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robert Nunn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.emqb.com/packers-interested-in-jason-taylor/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

The Green Bay Packers contacted the Miami Dolphins about a possible trade for defensive end Jason Taylor today. It&#8217;s just an exploratory inquiry, but with Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila rehabbing a surgically repaired knee, the Packers are suddenly in the market for a pass-rushing DE. Former Dolphins coach (and now Green Bay&#8217;s defensive tackles coach) Robert Nunn said:
&#8220;Anytime you can get a guy of that caliber, you’d want to try to get him. But I don’t get involved in anything like that. All I know is that when I coached him, he was a [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/packers-interested-in-jason-taylor/">Packers Interested in Jason Taylor</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/files/2008/03/jason-taylor.jpg" border="4"><br />Getty Images</p>
<p>Blogcasting the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogcasting the <strong>NFL<br />
</strong><br />
The Green Bay Packers contacted the Miami Dolphins about a possible trade for defensive end <strong>Jason Taylor</strong> today. It&#8217;s just an exploratory inquiry, but with Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila rehabbing a surgically repaired knee, the Packers are suddenly in the market for a pass-rushing DE. Former Dolphins coach (and now Green Bay&#8217;s defensive tackles coach) Robert Nunn said:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Anytime you can get a guy of that caliber, you’d want to try to get him. But I don’t get involved in anything like that. All I know is that when I coached him, he was a great football player and a great person. I hope it works out for him because he’s had such a great career, and I’d hate to see it end on a bad note in the public’s eye. The guy is such an outstanding individual and a great football player, and I just hope for the best for Jason and hope it ends well, and he’s able to compete for a Super Bowl.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Even without recently retired QB Brett Favre, I guess you could say the Packers are a reasonable consideration for the Super Bowl. After all, they did make it to the NFC Championship game last season. But I can&#8217;t see Jason spending his &#8220;twilight&#8221; years freezing his butt off in Wisconsin. Still, if it ends up being his only out and the two teams can agree on a deal, it might just happen. But I&#8217;m still guessing warm weather for Jason Taylor.</p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/PKR01/80618150/1989/GPG02">Green Bay Press Gazette</a></p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/packers-interested-in-jason-taylor/">Packers Interested in Jason Taylor</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Jason Taylor Wants to Play Another Season</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-wants-to-play-another-season/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-wants-to-play-another-season/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:03:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Miami Dolphins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill-Parcells]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dancing with the Stars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony-Sparano]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.emqb.com/jason-taylor-wants-to-play-another-season/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Jason Taylor cleared the air about his status with the Miami Dolphins yesterday during an informal Q&#038;A session from Hollywood, FL. No, he did not demand a trade from the team. Yes, he wants to play one more season before moving on to an acting career. No, he still hasn’t spoken with new Dolphins boss Bill Parcells. Yes, he believes Tony Sparano will be a good coach in Miami. No, he doesn’t regret missing workouts to appear on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Yes, he desperately wants to leave football a winner:
&#8220;Do I [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-wants-to-play-another-season/">Jason Taylor Wants to Play Another Season</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/files/2008/06/jason-taylor2_nc.jpg" border="4"></p>
<p>Blogcasting the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogcasting the <strong>NFL</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jason Taylor</strong> cleared the air about his status with the Miami Dolphins yesterday during an informal Q&#038;A session from Hollywood, FL. No, he did not demand a trade from the team. Yes, he wants to play one more season before moving on to an acting career. No, he still hasn’t spoken with new Dolphins boss Bill Parcells. Yes, he believes Tony Sparano will be a good coach in Miami. No, he doesn’t regret missing workouts to appear on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Yes, he desperately wants to leave football a winner:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Do I want to be here? Yeah, I’d love to be here. I would love to be a Dolphin and win games and have it work out for everybody. But that may not be the case. I want to win in ‘08. That’s what I want to do. And I’ve told the Dolphins from day one that was my intention. My intentions right now are to play one more year. I’ve tried to give the Dolphins the opportunity, if they wanted to do something and move me, I was OK with that. If they can get value for me, then do that. That was the conversation we had behind closed doors a long time ago.”</p></blockquote>
<p>That&#8217;s a nice way of saying &#8220;I&#8217;d like to be traded&#8221; without saying &#8220;I&#8217;d like to be traded.&#8221; Let&#8217;s be honest here. The Miami Dolphins weren&#8217;t happy that one of &#8212; if not their best &#8212; player was not with the team during what they felt was an important stage of redevelopment. Nevertheless, they would be a better team with Jason Taylor than without him. But, I think Jason can see the handwriting on the wall here. While the Miami Dolphins have upgraded their talent and are definitely headed in the right direction, there&#8217;s a pretty good chance they aren&#8217;t going to make the playoffs in &#8216;08 let alone win a championship. If Jason is going to play one more year and go out a winner, it will most likely have to take place in a city other than Miami.</p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iKylI2QumesrlffJzEso1HnXfVCQD911H2OO0">Associated Press</a>, Photo: <a href="http://www.newscom.com">Newscom</a></p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-wants-to-play-another-season/">Jason Taylor Wants to Play Another Season</a></p>
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		<title>Jason Taylor Finished in Miami?</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-finished-in-miami/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-finished-in-miami/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 10:50:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Miami Dolphins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dancing with the Stars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kristi Yamaguchi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony-Sparano]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.emqb.com/jason-taylor-finished-in-miami/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Only one player was missing from the Miami Dolphins&#8217; voluntary OTA yesterday. And that was arguably the team&#8217;s best player, defensive end Jason Taylor. Less than 24 hours after finishing second to Kristi Yamaguchi on Dancing With the Stars, it appears Jason&#8217;s days in Miami are over. Head coach Tony Sparano said:
&#8220;I know that Jason is not going to be in any minicamps, and I know that right now Jason is not going to be at training camp. So that’s what we know. Jason’s a player under contract with the Miami Dolphins. He [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-finished-in-miami/">Jason Taylor Finished in Miami?</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/files/2008/05/jason-taylor_nc.jpg" border="4"></p>
<p>Blogcasting the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogcasting the <strong>NFL</strong></p>
<p>Only one player was missing from the Miami Dolphins&#8217; voluntary OTA yesterday. And that was arguably the team&#8217;s best player, defensive end <strong>Jason Taylor</strong>. Less than 24 hours after finishing second to Kristi Yamaguchi on <em>Dancing With the Stars</em>, it appears Jason&#8217;s days in Miami are over. Head coach Tony Sparano said:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;I know that Jason is not going to be in any minicamps, and I know that right now Jason is not going to be at training camp. So that’s what we know. Jason’s a player under contract with the Miami Dolphins. He knows that. Both parties are well aware of the information. That’s all I’m going to say about it. We need to discuss the current players on our team right now that have been busting their butt for nine weeks here.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p>Jason Taylor&#8217;s been busting his butt &#8212; just not with his teammates in Miami. For whatever reason, there has been a rift between Jason and the Dolphins since March. It&#8217;s obvious he&#8217;s more interested in other pursuits right now and that&#8217;s fine. But he&#8217;s also under contract with the Dolphins and needs to fulfill that commitment to them or find a way to get traded to another team. He wants to be traded. And the Dolphins are actively trying to deal him to another team, but nothing has developed so far. As we get closer to training camp, I believe the Dolphins will lower their asking price and find a suitable suitor. Or Jason will consider retiring if he doesn&#8217;t get the deal he wants. I know he can still play, but does he have the desire to do so? His motivation to play in the National Football League will return if he gets the amount of money he wants &#8212; from a team other than the Miami Dolphins.</p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/">Miami Herald</a>, Photo: <a href="http://www.newscom.com">Newscom</a></p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-finished-in-miami/">Jason Taylor Finished in Miami?</a></p>
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		<title>Pro Football Writers of America Awards</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/pro-football-writers-of-america-awards/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/pro-football-writers-of-america-awards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:37:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL - NFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alan Greenberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arizona Cardinals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill Polian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob-Sanders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brett-Favre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dan Rooney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Darren-Sharper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eli-Manning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fred-Taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greg Ellis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jerry-Jones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Len Pasquarelli]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mike-holmgren]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[N.Y. Jets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Peter Finney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philadelphia Eagles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plaxico-Burress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[roger-goodell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Diego Chargers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Seahawks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vic Carucci]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vinny DiTrani]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington Redskins]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
As a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, I have a vote in the Annual PFWA Awards. Below are the five categories, the nominees, and who I voted for.
Horrigan Award (for the person &#8212; not a player or team PR staffer &#8212; who helped the media best do its job last season):

Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner. Roger&#8217;s background in NFL public relations and his understanding of our jobs have helped improve the lines of communication between the media and teams. His appearances at our writers meetings at the Super Bowl, where he [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/pro-football-writers-of-america-awards/">Pro Football Writers of America Awards</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Blogcasting the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogcasting the <strong>NFL</strong></p>
<p>As a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, I have a vote in the Annual PFWA Awards. Below are the five categories, the nominees, and who I voted for.</p>
<p><strong>Horrigan Award</strong> (for the person &#8212; not a player or team PR staffer &#8212; who helped the media best do its job last season):</p>
<ul>
<li>Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner. Roger&#8217;s background in NFL public relations and his understanding of our jobs have helped improve the lines of communication between the media and teams. His appearances at our writers meetings at the Super Bowl, where he asks about our concerns, are further proof of his commitment to getting it right.</li>
<li>Mike Holmgren, Seahawks coach. Mike enters his final season as the Seahawks&#8217; coach &#8212; and perhaps his last as a coach anywhere. Those who cover him regularly consider it an upset that he has never won this award, considering his openness and incredibly consistent availability, even to those critical of him. Mike is very patient in explaining his thinking about a variety of issues, including those that other coaches might be reluctant (read: paranoid) to discuss.</li>
<li>Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner. Since purchasing the Cowboys in 1989, Jerry has been one of the most outspoken owners in all of sports. Never shy about giving his opinion, he is willing to speak to reporters on just about any subject, and fill your notebook to the brim. He is occasionally criticized for his opinions, but the fact that he is always willing to give them makes him one of the most valued people in the league.</li>
<li>Bill Polian, Colts president/general manager. Bill has been particularly good at providing big-picture observations about the league, competition committee issues, and the Draft. A number of writers have commented about his candor at the Scouting Combine. Bill is never shy about stating his opinions, even if he occasionally ruffles the feathers of the people he works with throughout the league. In other words, he&#8217;s good copy.</li>
<li>Dan Rooney, Steelers owner. A previous Horrigan nominee, Dan remains a go-to-guy among NFL owners. He is consistently available, and the fact that he speaks his mind on a variety of subjects &#8212; whether they pertain to the Steelers or the NFL &#8212; makes him one of the league&#8217;s most important voices. Perhaps the apple doesn&#8217;t fall far from the tree; Dan&#8217;s father, Art Rooney Sr., is a previous Horrigan winner.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>My Vote: I&#8217;m going with the Commissioner. While I have not worked with him personally, I&#8217;m impressed with what he has done during his short time in office. Plus, he&#8217;s originally from the town I currently live in.</em></p>
<p><span id="more-823"></span></p>
<p><strong>Good Guy Award</strong> (for the player who best helped the media do its job).
<ul>
<li>Brett Favre, Packers. One of those who nominated him said, &#8220;No better interview in the game. Ask the guy a question and he&#8217;ll bare his soul.&#8221; Also noted that he continued to do conference calls, at least more than some of his quarterback brethren.</li>
<li>Bob Sanders, Colts. Cited for his willingness to be accessible and have something to say, win or lose, good or bad.</li>
<li>Darren Sharper, Vikings. One who nominated Darren called him &#8220;terrific&#8221; over a long period of time.</li>
<li>Fred Taylor, Jaguars. One who nominated him said, &#8220;His career has been a media learning curve, and this year was the best by far.&#8221;</li>
<li>Jason Taylor, Dolphins. Several folks noted his willingness to be candid and offer something to say in what was a difficult season all around.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>My Vote: This was easy. Brett Favre. I&#8217;ve interviewed him three times and he&#8217;s the best interview. I&#8217;ve gotta say, I like the Bob Sanders nomination, too. Bob&#8217;s also a great interview, but Brett&#8217;s in a league of his own on and off the football field.</em></p>
<p><strong>Halas Award</strong> (for the individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed last season.)
<ul>
<li>Eli Manning, Giants quarterback: Playing under intense scrutiny in the largest media market, Eli got hot in the last half of the season and led his team to three postseason victories on the road and into the Super Bowl. He played the best games of his career when they mattered most.</li>
<li>Kevin Everett, Bills tight end: In the opener, Kevin sustained a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine that his doctors characterized as &#8220;life-threatening&#8221; the day after the injury, and stated it is likely to leave him with permanent neurological impairment. However, on September 11, 2007, Kevin showed significant movement in his arms and legs, which led doctors to speculate that he may eventually be able to walk again. Kevin walked in public for the first time at Ralph Wilson Stadium before the home finale against the New York Giants on December 23, 2007.</li>
<li>Washington Redskins: The entire team rallied together after the shooting death of teammate Sean Taylor, piecing together a four-game winning streak to qualify for the playoffs. One Seattle writer &#8212; the Redskins lost a wild-card game there &#8212; was impressed by the sincere closeness of the players and the spirit of cooperation with the media.</li>
<li>Plaxico Burress, Giants wide receiver: He endured a season of serious ankle injuries that limited his ability to practice. Still, he was the Giants&#8217; top receiver with 70 receptions for 1,025 yards. He also set a franchise playoff record in the NFC title game with 11 receptions for 154 yards as the Giants advanced to Super Bowl XLII, where he caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Giants&#8217; 17-14 upset of New England.</li>
<li>Greg Ellis, Dallas linebacker: The NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2007, Greg returned from a torn Achilles&#8217; tendon suffered Nov. 12, 2006. He returned in Game 4 of 2007 and had the first of 12.5 sacks, tying for the team lead. During his injury and contract squabble with the Cowboys, Greg was credited with his mentoring and leadership to younger players.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>My Vote: These are all great stories, but how can I vote for anyone other than Kevin Everett? He&#8217;s a walking miracle and it was inspirational to be as close to his situation as I was this past season.</em><br />
<strong><br />
Rozelle Award</strong> (for the P.R. staff that best helped the media do its job):
<ul>
<li>Arizona Cardinals: Mark Dalton, senior director, media relations. The Cardinals have never won the Rozelle Award.</li>
<li>New York Giants: Pat Hanlon, vice president of communications. The Super Bowl champion is a multiple Rozelle award winner.</li>
<li>Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Boyko, director of football media services. The Eagles are a multiple Rozelle award winner.</li>
<li>San Diego Chargers: Bill Johnson, director of public relations. The Chargers are a finalist for the second consecutive year.</li>
<li>Seattle Seahawks: Dave Pearson, director of communications and broadcasting. Seattle has become a perennial finalist and received the most nominations for the second time in three years.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>My Vote: This is another easy one. The Philadelphia Eagles are great to work with. Who else would get Lito Sheppard on the phone with me while he&#8217;s eating breakfast in the team cafeteria? There are some teams that didn&#8217;t get enough votes to be on this list, but I&#8217;d like to credit the Bills, Jags, Browns, Steelers and Ravens for always going the extra mile for me and being teams I can count on.</em><br />
<strong><br />
McCann Award</strong> (named in honor of the first executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Dick McCann Award is given annually by the PFWA to honor one of its members for distinguished service)
<ul>
<li>Vic Carucci: After a cup of coffee with the <em>Utica Observer Dispatch</em> in 1979, Vic Carucci gained his first NFL beat with the <em>South Jersey Courier Post</em>, where he covered the Eagles for three seasons. He then went to the <em>Buffalo News</em> in 1982 and tracked the Bills for 17 seasons, all four Super Bowl losses included. He served a two-year term as PFWA president. Vic joined <a href="http://www.nfl.com">NFL.com</a> in 1999 and has been there since. He has authored nine books on NFL subjects, five of them <em>New York Times</em> best-sellers. He continued to work this past season despite undergoing cancer treatment, which has been successful.</li>
<li>Vinny DiTrani: Never having worked for another paper, &#8220;The Sage&#8221; started out at the <em>Bergen Record</em> in 1967. He took over the Jets beat in 1969, the season after they won Super Bowl III, and assumed the Giants beat in 1974. Aside from a stretch when he covered the league from 2001-03, Vinny has covered the Giants ever since, going to four Super Bowls as a beat reporter. Vinny is a longtime member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors.</li>
<li>Peter Finney: The Big Easy native is nearing 63 years at the New Orleans States, then States-Item, then Times-Picayune. Peter Finney was hired as a high-school writer in 1945 and became sports columnist in 1961. His tenure easily encompasses the lifespan of the Saints; they were 40 by the time he could write about their first NFC title appearance. Peter continued to cover the Saints (and the city) through the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. He has covered every Super Bowl except for the first two &#8212; because his sports editor thought it was a fad.</li>
<li>Alan Greenberg: The longtime <em>Hartford Courant</em> writer died in March 2007 of a heart attack. He was 55. Alan, a Baltimore native and Syracuse grad, got his first big break from the <em>Atlanta Constitution</em> and was hired by the <em>Los Angeles Times</em> in 1979. Six years later, he joined the <em>Courant</em>. He covered all three of the Patriots&#8217; championship teams.</li>
<li>Len Pasquarelli: After graduating from Pitt and working as a teacher, coach and stringer for a few years, Len Pasquarelli became editor of <em>Pittsburgh Steelers Weekly</em> in 1978. He joined the <em>Pro Football Weekly</em> staff in 1982 and then went to the <em>Fort Wayne News-Sentinel</em> to handle the Colts beat in 1986. The <em>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</em> hired Len to cover the Falcons in 1989. A decade later he continued his nomadic trek, entering cyberspace with <a href="http://www.sportsline.com">SportsLine.com</a> before landing at <a href="http://www.espn.com">ESPN.com</a> in 2001. Len became ill during Pro Football Hall of Fame voting at the last Super Bowl and had emergency, quintuple bypass surgery &#8212; but not before he voted and wrote his column.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>My Vote: Vic Carucci. I worked alongside Vic during the Bills home games this season and have nothing but respect for him. I am pretty humbled by what these guys have done. I&#8217;ve been covering the NFL for about eight years now and I&#8217;m quite confident in my abilities, but I feel like a rookie compared to this list. I know when to keep my mouth shut and my ears open. And when I&#8217;m around these guys, that&#8217;s exactly what I do.</em></p>
<p>Special thanks to Mark Curnutte, Bob Glauber, Tim Graham, John McClain and Jeff Legwold for compiling the finalists; and to PFWA president Alex Marvez for the mini-bios.</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/pro-football-writers-of-america-awards/">Pro Football Writers of America Awards</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Jason Taylor on &#8216;Dancing With the Stars&#8217;</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-on-dancing-with-the-stars/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-on-dancing-with-the-stars/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:50:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Miami Dolphins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dancing with the Stars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jerry Rice]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor will make his &#8220;Dancing With the Stars&#8221; debut tonight on ABC-TV. Personally, I find this very uninteresting. I watched the show in Season 2 when Jerry Rice was on, but I was really tuned-in to see the lovely and talented Stacy Keibler. Oddly, Jason doesn&#8217;t even dance. He&#8217;s only doing this as a challenge to himself. Plus, there&#8217;s got to be some sort of financial incentive. This is taking up way too much of his time and energy to pass as a clever PR stunt. More importantly, [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-on-dancing-with-the-stars/">Jason Taylor on &#8216;Dancing With the Stars&#8217;</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/files/2008/03/jason-taylor.jpg" border="4" /><br />Getty Images</p>
<p>Blogcasting the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogcasting the <strong>NFL</strong></p>
<p>Miami Dolphins DE <strong>Jason Taylor</strong> will make his <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancingwiththestars/index?pn=index">&#8220;Dancing With the Stars&#8221;</a> debut tonight on ABC-TV. Personally, I find this very uninteresting. I watched the show in Season 2 when Jerry Rice was on, but I was really tuned-in to see the lovely and talented <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stacy_Keibler">Stacy Keibler</a>. Oddly, Jason doesn&#8217;t even dance. He&#8217;s only doing this as a challenge to himself. Plus, there&#8217;s got to be some sort of financial incentive. This is taking up way too much of his time and energy to pass as a clever PR stunt. More importantly, Jason squashed rumors that he was retiring or parting ways with the Dolphins. According to a <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdoltaylor16sbmar16,0,4537330.story">South Florida Sun-Sentinel interview</a>, he said:</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;In no way, because I&#8217;m doing a TV show in the offseason, have I lost commitment to football … Trust me, there are a lot worse things you could be doing in the offseason than working out six or eight hours a day and doing a TV show that is a family-oriented show.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p>I haven&#8217;t even seen him dance, but I think he stands a decent shot at winning this competition. Generally speaking, the guys will vote for him because he&#8217;s a football player and the gals will vote for him because they think he&#8217;s handsome. It&#8217;s a nice racket he&#8217;s got going on.</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/jason-taylor-on-dancing-with-the-stars/">Jason Taylor on &#8216;Dancing With the Stars&#8217;</a></p>
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		<title>Patriots, Chargers Lead AFC All-Star Squad, 18 First-Time Selections Named</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/patriots-chargers-lead-afc-all-star-squad-18-first-time-selections-named/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/patriots-chargers-lead-afc-all-star-squad-18-first-time-selections-named/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:12:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL - NFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AFC-Pro-Bowl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alan-Faneca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albert-Haynesworth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antonio-cromartie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antonio-gates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asante-Samuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ben-Roethlisberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob-Sanders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Braylon-Edwards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Champ-Bailey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dan-Koppen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DeMeco-Ryans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ed-reed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jamal-Williams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[James-Harrison]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jared-Allen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason-Peters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jeff-saturday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan-Ogden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joseph-addai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua-Cribbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kassim-Osgood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kris-Dielman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kyle-Vanden-Bosch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LaDainian-Tomlinson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Logan-mankins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lorenzo-Neal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matt-Light]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mike-Vrabel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peyton-manning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[randy-moss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ray-Lewis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reggie-Wayne]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rob-Bironas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shane-Lechler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shawne-merriman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[T.J.-Houshmanzadeh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tom-brady]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony-Gonzalez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[troy-polamalu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vince-Wilfork]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Willie-Parker]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
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 [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/patriots-chargers-lead-afc-all-star-squad-18-first-time-selections-named/">Patriots, Chargers Lead AFC All-Star Squad, 18 First-Time Selections Named</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Blogging the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogging the <strong>NFL</strong></p>
<p>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 <strong>T.J. Houshmanzadeh</strong>, who leads the NFL with 101 receptions.<span id="more-864"></span></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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&#8217;s Fred Taylor has been snubbed despite averaging a gaudy 5.1 ypc. He&#8217;ll need to lead the league in rushing to get consideration.</p>
<p>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 &#8212; 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&#8217;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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Assigned to keep the pocket clean against a talented group of NFC edge rushers are a group of AFC All-Star tackles &#8212; 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Two first-time All-Stars &#8212; Mike Vrabel of New England and Pittsburgh’s James Harrison &#8212; 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.  </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/patriots-chargers-lead-afc-all-star-squad-18-first-time-selections-named/">Patriots, Chargers Lead AFC All-Star Squad, 18 First-Time Selections Named</a></p>
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		<title>&#8216;NFL Tour&#8217; Cover Athlete is Your Decision</title>
		<link>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/nfl-tour-cover-athlete-is-your-decision/</link>
		<comments>http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/nfl-tour-cover-athlete-is-your-decision/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:31:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Kindervater</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL - NFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dwight-Freeney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jason-taylor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL-Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shawne-merriman]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.emqb.com/nfl-tour-cover-athlete-is-your-decision/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The cover athlete for NFL Tour, a new NFL licensed arcade football video game from my friends at EA Sports, will be determined through an open online voting process. Voters will be able to choose between Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, or San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman. At the end of the voting process, the NFL player who receives the most votes will be announced as the official cover athlete for NFL Tour. To get in on the action, check out voteNFLtour.com.
NFL Tour will offer [...]<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/nfl-tour-cover-athlete-is-your-decision/">&#8216;NFL Tour&#8217; Cover Athlete is Your Decision</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Blogging the <strong>National Football League</strong>, Blogging the <strong>NFL</strong></p>
<p>The cover athlete for <em>NFL Tour</em>, a new NFL licensed arcade football video game from my friends at EA Sports, will be determined through an open online voting process. Voters will be able to choose between Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, or San Diego Chargers linebacker <strong>Shawne Merriman</strong>. At the end of the voting process, the NFL player who receives the most votes will be announced as the official cover athlete for <em>NFL Tour</em>. To get in on the action, check out <a href="http://www.votenfltour.com">voteNFLtour.com</a>.</p>
<p><em>NFL Tour</em> will offer fans a fun experience with the NFL and its players. Gamers will be able to embark on a fictional NFL road show. With real NFL players as teammates, players will travel across the country to play against each of the NFL teams in newly designed stadiums. As players defeat each of the NFL squads, they come one step closer to winning a NFL contract. </p>
<p>My guess is that Shawne Merriman will win the majority of the votes. This game will launch under the EA Sports BIG category and Shawne fits the image perfectly.</p>
<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb">Every Morning Quarterback</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everyjoe.com/emqb/nfl-tour-cover-athlete-is-your-decision/">&#8216;NFL Tour&#8217; Cover Athlete is Your Decision</a></p>
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