Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover set an NFL record this afternoon, kicking his 372nd consecutive point after touchdown. It might not seem like that big of a deal, but when you consider the chain of events that needs to happen correctly in order for an extra point — or any kick — to be made, it’s pretty impressive. Matt started his streak back in 1996. Considering the Ravens lost to the N.Y. Giants 30-10 today, Matt probably isn’t that excited about it.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Matt Stover Sets NFL Record

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover has started a campaign to oust NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw. Apparently, Matt emailed a plan of action to fellow player reps to have a new union boss in-place by 2009. In his email, a copy of which was somehow obtained by ESPN, Matt said, in-part:

“I feel that the board must begin to prepare for a change in leadership immediately. I believe we have the proper environment with our teammates and leadership within the board to execute the process of this selection.”

As far as I know, only Denver Broncos DB Domonique Foxworth has openly come out in support of Matt, but there are others. In a statement released by the Ravens today, Matt said the email was private and not intended for public consumption. What I can’t imagine is why any player would want to get rid of Gene before his term is over. I think he’s been a great asset to the union. Union president Kevin Mawae continues to support Gene, saying:

“Matt Stover’s letter does not reflect the view of the entire executive committee or the board of player representatives. The board is in the process of preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage and understands the importance of having Gene, with his experience and history, lead the direction of the NFLPA.”

It would be interesting to find out the numbers of players who are for or against Gene. His contract runs through 2010 and he has vowed to see the players through their upcoming (next year) labor negotiations with NFL owners.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Player Reps Want Rid of Gene Upshaw

I’ve never seen an NFL team so happy to get their first win. The Miami Dolphins avoided becoming the first team in National Football League history to have an 0-16 season by beating the Baltimore Ravens 22-16 in overtime today. (They wouldn’t have set that record today, but they were getting pretty darn close.) Wide receiver Greg Camarillo (who?) turned a short completion into a 64-yard TD and his Dolphin teammates chased him down and commenced the happy victory mob scene in the endzone.

In a 37-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, this was a Miami team that looked to me like they just wanted the year to be over. I didn’t think they would win a game this season. But I give them credit for continuing to work at it. I give them a lot of credit. And something good finally happened for them. They’ve lost six games by three points and this was very nearly their seventh such defeat until Matt Stover missed a 44-yarder in OT. Greg Camarillo scored three plays later.

The jubilation certainly won’t last long as they travel to New England to play the undefeated Patriots next weekend. As for the Ravens, they have to feel about as low as a team can feel. Now losers of eight straight games, I really thought they should have gone for the win in regulation when they had the ball at the Dolphins’ goal line. The opted to take the conservative route and play the percentages as Matt Stover kicked the chip shot field goal to send the game into overtime. I know it’s very easy for me to second guess the call from here at my computer, but when you’ve lost seven straight games, why not give it a shot?

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Miami Dolphins Get First Win of Season, Overtime Victory Over Ravens Ends Futility