Midseason All Yahoo Sports Team

From Yahoo Sports –

As teams were preparing to report for training camp this summer, Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves played the prophet. Waxing philosophically about an offseason filled with tragedy and tumult, Graves suggested the NFL would once again revive itself with irresistible storylines.

“That’s the beauty of this game,” Graves said. “You can go through so much negativity, but the healing process only takes a few weeks, and everyone is excited again. It’s always that way. Some teams will surprise people. Some young guys will come out of nowhere. Once the games start, everyone will be (celebrating) the players and teams and coaches that make the NFL what it is.”

One look at the midseason All-Yahoo! team reveals an abundance of those storylines, from the race toward the record books by Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson, to the newfound stardom of Braylon Edwards and Wes Welker, to troubled veterans Albert Haynesworth and Jared Allen having the best seasons of their careers.

While this year’s midseason team is predictably talented, keep these criteria in mind when looking over the list:

• The team includes the best talent at each general position. In other words, the list features our picks for the league’s two best tackles. Not the best left tackle and best right tackle.

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• The team features a 4-3 defense, but some players such as 3-4 nose tackles qualify as defensive tackles.

• To reflect the NFL’s trend toward more spread sets and pass attempts, the offense carries three wide receivers and one running back rather than two of each.

With those facts in mind, here is the midseason All-Yahoo! Team.

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Is there any doubt? With 33 touchdowns, four interceptions, a 73.2 completion percentage and a 131.8 quarterback rating, Brady is well on his way to the greatest quarterback season in history. Like the difference between the Patriots and the rest of the NFL, Brady is light years ahead of other quarterbacks this season.

Honorable mention: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roethlisberger has finally found his total comfort zone as a passer in coordinator Bruce Arians’ offense, and he’s calling the line protections, too.

Running back: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
He already owns the NFL’s single-game rushing mark with 296 yards against San Diego. And with 1,036 yards through eight games, he’s on pace to shatter Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing mark of 1,808 yards. What’s most amazing: He’s averaging an eyelash under 20 carries per game.

Honorable mention: Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
He’s got 1,036 yards rushing and receiving and six touchdowns in only seven games. He’s the best multi-dimensional back in the NFL this season.

Wide receiver: Randy Moss, New England Patriots; Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns; T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals
Moss’ numbers speak for themselves. He’s making a run at two of Jerry Rice’s coveted single-season records: most touchdown receptions (22) and most receiving yards (1,848). Edwards has cut down on his drops and become one of the best playmaking wideouts in the league. With 10 touchdown catches, Houshmandzadeh has become a terror in the red zone, and taken the reins from Chad Johnson as Cincinnati’s go-to guy.

Honorable mention: Wes Welker, New England Patriots
On pace for 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns, Welker is the perfect complement to Moss from the slot. And his versatility in the return game makes him invaluable to the Patriots.

Tight end: Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
The AFC has a plethora of super talented tight ends, but Gates’ combination of strength, speed and smarts makes him the most difficult to cover. And he can block, to boot. He’ll be Philip Rivers’ most dependable No. 1 passing option for years to come.

Honorable mention: Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns
Winslow’s NFL-leading 657 receiving yards, 15.6 per reception average, and wide receiver-esque athleticism give him the nod over Dallas Clark, Jason Witten, and Tony Gonzalez.

Tackles: Walter Jones, Seattle Seahawks; Matt Light, New England Patriots
With apologies to Jonathan Ogden, Jones has been the best left tackle in the NFL for three years. Despite Shaun Alexander’s diminishing skill level, Jones remains the best – and most balanced – at his position. Light is the kind of nimble-footed tackle that makes or breaks a West Coast offense.

Honorable mention: Bryant McKinnie, Minnesota Vikings
McKinnie is finally living up to the hype he had coming out of the University of Miami. He’s got the same devastating physical abilities of Jones, although he’s not as technically proficient.

Guards: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings; Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia Eagles
After a one-year period of adjustment with a new team, Hutchinson has returned to his perch as the best guard in the NFL. It’s not a coincidence that Shaun Alexander hasn’t been the same since he left Seattle, or that Adrian Peterson is flourishing behind Hutchinson. Andrews is the best run-blocking guard in the NFL under 25.

Honorable mention: Eric Steinbach, Cleveland Browns
The loss of Steinbach is one of the reasons Cincinnati’s line is falling apart. He’s well-rounded, and when the Browns need to get tough rushing yards in the red zone, they are running behind Steinbach.

Center: Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts
Saturday is arguably the smartest center in the league, rarely making mistakes as he helps sort out all Peyton Manning’s adjustments at the line of scrimmage. He’s been Manning’s most consistent offensive lineman for eight years and carries a nasty demeanor most centers lack.

Honorable mention: Andre Gurode, Dallas Cowboys
Gurode has become the steadying force in the middle of an underrated Dallas offensive line.

DEFENSE

Defensive tackles: Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee Titans; Darnell Dockett, Arizona Cardinals
Haynesworth is playing out of his mind in his contract year. His troubles have been well-documented, but with five sacks and 30 tackles, he has anchored an overachieving Tennessee defense. Dockett is one of the NFL’s league leaders in sacks this season with eight, and has been a consistent force of chaos for opposing offensive lines.

Honorable mention: Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens
At 23 years old, the massive 340 pound Ngata is already one of the best run-stuffing nose tackles in the NFL. He’s an indispensable interior force that frees up players like Ray Lewis and Bart Scott.

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Defensive ends: Aaron Kampman, Green Bay Packers; Jared Allen, Kansas City Chiefs
Kampman is on pace for 18 sacks and might be the most underrated defensive player in the NFC. He’s the pressure player who makes life easier for Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Allen is having the best season of his career in a contract year, with 8½ sacks and 30 tackles in only six games. He’s the best player on an up-and-coming Kansas City defense.

Honorable mention: Trent Cole, Philadelphia Eagles
Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse are making the big bucks, but Cole has been Philadelphia’s best defensive end by far. He’s on pace for 18 sacks and is athletic enough to stand up against the run, too.

Linebackers: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots; Julian Peterson, Seattle Seahawks; Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vrabel (8½ sacks, 47 tackles, 5 forced fumbles) and Peterson (7 sacks, 47 tackles, 4 forced fumbles) are ideal disruptive forces at outside linebacker. Vrabel has taken over for Bruschi as the playmaking cog for the Patriots, while Peterson is looking like his Pro Bowl self again. Ruud is a prototypical tackling machine at middle linebacker. He gets overlooked for not being overly athletic, but he’s consistent and fills holes with the best of them.

Honorable mention: James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ever wonder why you don’t hear anyone in Pittsburgh complaining about the defection of Joey Porter? It’s because of this guy.

Cornerbacks: Asante Samuel, New England Patriots; Kelvin Hayden, Indianapolis Colts
Samuel has developed into one of the best cover corners in the NFL, and the Patriots are going to pay him like it this offseason. Hayden has added a physical presence to the Colts secondary, and isn’t shy about helping in run support.

Honorable mention: Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers
Taylor still drops interceptions from time to time. However, he’s motivated again and is nearing the level that made him one of the NFL’s best young corners during Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl run.

Safeties: Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts; Sean Taylor, Washington Redskins
Pound for pound, Sanders was the best defensive player in the league over the first half. When healthy, he is as important to that defense as Dwight Freeney. Sean Taylor takes a few too many chances for the kill shot, but he is sufficient in coverage and many players say there isn’t a more feared free safety in the league.

Honorable mention: Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens
Reed is tied with Taylor for the NFL lead with five interceptions. The Ravens’ struggles aside, Reed remains one of the best defensive players in football.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker: Kris Brown, Houston Texans
Tennessee’s Rob Bironas had the monster game of the season, but Brown has been consistent all season long. He’s 18-of-20 on field goal attempts this season, and one of those misses was blocked. Most impressive, he’s converted all three of his attempts from beyond 50 yards.

Punter: Shane Lechler, Oakland Raiders
Lechler is averaging a ridiculous 50.3 gross yards per punt, and a league-leading 43.9 net. He has repeatedly bailed out an incompetent offense and given Oakland’s defense manageable field position.

Kick returner: Leon Washington, New York Jets
It takes someone special to wrestle this spot from Chicago’s Devin Hester, and Washington has been exactly that, returning three kicks for touchdowns in only 25 attempts. His 33.5 yard per return average leads the NFL.

Punt returner: Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
Hester is easily the most feared returner in the league, and he’s managed an absurd 19.6 yards on his 20 returns. Eight of his 20 returns have gone for 20 yards or more, including a pair of touchdowns.

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Green Bay Packers Max McGee Dies

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More Michael Vick News

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A federal judge placed tighter restrictions on Michael Vick on Wednesday after he tested positive for marijuana.

Because of the result, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson placed special conditions on Vick’s release, including restricting him to his home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and ordering him to submit to random drug testing.

The urine sample was submitted Sept. 13, according to a document by a federal probation officer that was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday.

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T.O. Fined

IRVING, Texas (AP) — After seeing the videotape of Terrell Owens’ latest touchdown celebration, the NFL office wasn’t laughing.

Owens said Wednesday he was fined “a good chunk of money” — which he later defined as thousands of dollars — for a celebration that included him using the goal post and football to poke fun at the New England Patriots’ spying scandal during Dallas’ 37-20 victory over Miami this past Sunday.

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A league spokesman said the fine was $7,500.

“It wasn’t even the fact I used the goal post as a prop,” Owens said. “They said I used the ball.”

Beyond being confused about what he can and can’t do, Owens is frustrated by the league’s policing of end-zone scenes.

“It’s kind of hard to understand the rules,” he said. “It’s like you can’t do nothing no more. … Dude, it’s like they’re trying to find any way to take fun out of the game. So I’m kind of limited right now as far as what I can do.”

T.O. plotted his celebration days before, after getting suggestions from callers on his weekly radio show. He said he likes making them timely.

Now, though, he’s going to be more careful with what he does.

“Nothing’s worth getting a fine for,” he said.

Owens said he’ll consider an appeal, but “it may not even be worth it.”

How about saving his act until he gets to the sideline?

“I guess so,” he said. “Next, they’re going to be saying you can’t go to the sidelines.”

NFL Retirees VS. The Union

WASHINGTON — Aging NFL retirees told Congress yesterday that playing professional football left them with broken bodies, brain damage and empty bank accounts. Lawmakers said they may get involved if a better pension and disability system isn’t created.

Former NFL players told a sympathetic House Judiciary subcommittee tales of multiple surgeries, dementia and homelessness, all while trying to fight through the red tape of the National Football League and the NFL Players Association’s disability system.

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The league and the players association said pensions are improving and there’s no need for Congress to step in.

Curt Marsh, a Raider from 1981-87, described a leg amputation, more than 30 surgeries and multiple doctor visits before he was approved for disability payments. Brent Boyd, a Viking from 1980-86, talked about bouts of homelessness as a single father and brain damage he blames on concussions from his football days.

Mike Webster, the Hall of Fame Steelers center who suffered from mental illness that was widely attributed to head injuries, died homeless in 2002, his lawyer told the committee.

The players from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s laid the groundwork for the popularity of the NFL, a billion-dollar industry, and should be treated better, lawmakers said. “Perhaps there ought to be a legal solution,” Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) said.

But the NFL and the union told lawmakers that pensions for older players are on the rise. Last week, they agreed to allow any former player who qualified as disabled under the Social Security system to be considered as disabled under the NFL-NFLPA system.

Retired players have been openly critical of the NFL and the union over the amount of money older retirees get from a $1.1-billion fund set aside for disability and pensions. The league says $126 million a year goes into pension and post-career disability benefits for retired players and their families. The accounts pay $60 million a year to those players, $20 million of it for disability payments. But only 317 of more than 10,000 eligible players are getting disability payments from that fund, officials said.

“It’s right versus wrong,” said Hall of Famer Mike Ditka, a former player and coach. “It’s do the ethical thing or do the wrong thing. So far, they’ve chosen to do the wrong thing.”

Lawmakers zeroed in on the fact that the union represents only active players, not retired players. But the union and the NFL owners decide who sits on the panels that decide whether retired players get disability payments.

“We have a group that should be protected, but is not being protected,” Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.) said.

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LaVar Arrington hospitalized

LANHAM, Md. – Former Redskins and Giants linebacker LaVar Arrington was hospitalized with serious but not life-threatening injuries after his motorcycle crashed on a highway ramp, police said.

Arrington lost control and hit a guardrail, Maryland State Police Sgt. Russell Newell said.

Arrington, who turns 29 Wednesday, was wearing a helmet and alcohol was not involved in the accident, Newell said. Arrington was issued two citations — one for operating the motorcycle without a proper license, and one for the crash itself.

Washington drafted Arrington No. 2 overall in 2000, and he made three Pro Bowl appearances while with the Redskins. But he injured his knee in 2004, his playing time decreased, and Arrington bought out his contract after the 2005 season.

He then joined the Giants but was injured in October and played only six games last season. New York released him in February.

Panthers release Keyshawn Johnson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers released receiver Keyshawn Johnson on Tuesday, three days after they selected another former Southern California receiver in the second round of the draft.

It was thought Johnson would help groom Dwayne Jarrett of USC, taken in the second round with the 45th pick. But apparently Johnson was deemed expendable — he and Jarrett are both 6-foot-4 possession receivers.

Johnson, who will turn 35 in July, had 70 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns last season, his first with Carolina. The Panthers signed the former No. 1 overall pick last year after he was released by Dallas in a salary cap move so the Cowboys could sign Terrell Owens.

A call placed to Johnson Tuesday afternoon was not immediately returned.

Johnson worked as an analyst for ESPN during the network’s draft coverage last weekend. When Carolina selected Jarrett, Johnson remarked he was “much like me” for his size and good hands.

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Adam "Pacman" Jones appeals his suspension

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has filed his appeal of a season-long suspension and a hearing with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should be held within the next two weeks, a league spokesman said Monday.

Jones said earlier this month he planned to appeal and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed Monday that Jones’ letter arrived at league offices over the weekend.

“He will have a full opportunity to present his case,” Aiello said.

The hearing of his appeal was being scheduled and it should be held sometime within the next two weeks.

Jones first met with Goodell on April 3 to discuss off-field conduct that has included 10 incidents in which he has been interviewed by police with five arrests since the Titans drafted him in April 2005.

A week later, Goodell suspended Jones, and he also suspended Cincinnati receiver Chris Henry for eight games.

The cornerback said while at a boxing match April 13 in Tunica, Miss., that he thought the punishment was a little too harsh. The suspension includes a review of his case after the Titans’ 10th game, which could allow for an early return if he meets several requirements.

Attorneys representing Jones did not immediately return telephone messages left by The Associated Press on Monday. They will be able to accompany Jones when he appeals his suspension.

“The player can have representation and present whatever information that they deem appropriate,” Aiello said.

The Titans drafted Texas safety Michael Griffin and cornerback Ryan Smith of Florida over the weekend to help fill the holes in their secondary left by Jones’ suspension.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rashied Davis (L) has a pass play broken up by New York Jets defender Drew Coleman during the first half of their NFL football game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, November 19, 2006.

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Police close Owens case as ‘accidental overdose’ as receiver moves on

AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Police closed the Terrell Owens case Thursday, calling it nothing more than an “accidental overdose.” The 911 call that started it all was released, too, revealing little beyond what was already known: that T.O. swallowed “too many pills.”

Even Cowboys coach Bill Parcells conceded that “there must be a reason” his star receiver was released from the hospital 15 hours after arriving groggy and incoherent.

Each piece of evidence that came to light Thursday seemed to square with T.O.’version of events — that he made a mistake, had a bad reaction and was by no means trying to kill himself.

Owens, meanwhile, was back at practice for the first time since breaking his hand Sept. 17 and might play Sunday in Tennessee. Said fellow receiver Sam Hurd: “I asked him how he felt and he said, `I feel good to go. All good.”‘

Owens said Wednesday he mistakenly mixed the painkillers he was prescribed for his hand injury with his usual supplements, causing the reaction that prompted publicist Kim Etheredge to call for help. The 911 tape shows that she was on the line for 41 seconds, never said anything about a suicide attempt and never mentioned Owens’ name.

“I think he took too many pills,” she told a paramedic. “Please. Now. … What do I do if the pills are down the throat?”

While Owens was hospitalized, a police report obtained by media outlets told a far different story — that Owens attempted “suicide by prescription pain medication,” that Etheredge told rescue workers Owens was depressed and that he said “Yes” when rescue workers asked if he’d tried to harm himself.

In ending the investigation Thursday, Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle said he still has “great confidence” in his officers’ initial report, noting that document is not “the definitive account of the incident.”

“We’re dealing with incomplete information and facts that change,” he said.

An early report of an empty pill bottle is a good example of the difference between what officers were told and the story that emerged later. The report indicated that 35 pills were unaccounted for; Owens later said Etheredge reported seeing an empty bottle, not knowing the medicine was in a drawer.

“Further investigation leads you to a different conclusion,” Kunkle said.

When Etheredge spoke Wednesday, she lashed out at authorities, saying, “I am just upset that I just feel they take advantage of Terrell. Had this been someone else, this may not have happened.”

Kunkle dismissed the criticism, but the head of the Dallas Police Association didn’t. He called for an apology from Owens and Etheredge, saying, “We police officers don’t go out to these calls and make stuff up.”

“They’re being put under a microscope by some fancy little football person,” Senior Cpl. Glenn White said Thursday. “Give me a break. Those officers are 10 times better than this man.”

The president of the Dallas Police Association demanded that Owens and his publicist apologize for statements disputing portions of a police report related to the star receiver’s trip to a hospital emergency room.

Etheredge later said she was sorry in an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She added that her comments were “about the entire situation with the report and ensuing media controversy,” not just the police.

“I would like to apologize for any slight and am extremely thankful to the police, the fire department and the paramedics for their quick response,” he said.

Etheredge was far from being angry and outraged on her call to 911. She started out politely, saying in an urgent tone, “Hi, I have an emergency please.”

Panicked but composed, she said “thank you” before being transferred to a paramedic, then told the second operator, “Hi. I need an ambulance please, immediately.”

The paramedic asked if her friend was still breathing. Told that he was, the paramedic reassured Etheredge that rescue workers were en route.

“Thank you,” she said. “Thank you.”

Although Owens looked fine in practice Thursday, Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said he might not decide until Saturday morning whether Owens travels to Tennessee. If so, he’ll probably wait until that night to determine whether to use him in the game.

Parcells said he first wants to evaluate all the medical information he can get, including details about Owens’ broken hand and possibly a mental evaluation. Owens was expected to practice again Friday.

“I have to, as the coach, rely on other people to keep me informed as to really what’s going on,” Parcells said. “I can’t form my own independent opinion other than those involving, `Is his hand functional and can he play on Sunday?’ If my medical people tell me those things are in place, and then he looks like he’s (OK), we’ll make that consideration then.”

He pointed to the fact that Owens was released from the hospital after being checked out there. “If they deemed it appropriate to release him, there must be a reason why they did that,” he said.

Owens wore receiving gloves Thursday with bandages under the right one to protect the hand bone he broke in a game a week ago Sunday. A metal plate was screwed into the bone the following day.

“He was running fine,” backup quarterback Tony Romo said. “I thought he caught the ball pretty good. I expect him to be ready to go this weekend.”