The Sports Rumors

Today’s Rundown 9/11

*The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens in a thrilling first game of a Monday Night doubleheader. Baltimore took a 20-19 lead  in the fourth quarter but turned the ball over on an interception, one of six turnovers. The Bengals scored quickly with a touchdown pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and followed that with a successful two point conversion. Ravens’ Quarterback Steve McNair aggravated a groin injury and was unable to continue the rest of the game. Backup Kyle Boller went in and led the Ravens on a late drive, down inside the Bengals five yard line. The drive included converting on a fourth and three. However, the Bengals defense, which couldn’t stop a team who got inside their five from scoring a touchdown last year (0 for 18), held the Ravens off and took home their first victory of the season. The game was filled with big hits, lots of trash talking, and plenty of turnovers.

*Bill Belichick is one shady guy. The New England Patriots have been accused of stealing team’s signals by spying on them via use of cameras. ESPN.com reports:

The Patriots’ cameraman was suspected of aiming his camera at the Jets’ defensive coaches who were sending signals to their unit on the field, the sources said. The league also is investigating some radio frequency issues that occurred during the game.

The league’s competition committee could conduct a conference call about the incident, which violates NFL policy, and ultimately recommend a penalty that could cost the Patriots a future draft pick or picks if it verifies that the team was spying on the Jets.

I can understand doing this if you’re the Raiders or some lousy team. But the Patriots? Is that REALLY necessary? I mean, it’s not like you have a hall of fame quarterback, hall of fame receiver along with two other solid ones, a top notch young runningback, an experienced offensive line, and a talented defense or anything. At least this adds to the Jets-Pats rivalry though and gives me another reason to hate Boston area teams.

*The Raiders and first pick overall Jamarcus Russell have agreed to a contract that makes Russell the highest paid rookie in history, with over $30 million guaranteed over six years. Well it’s good to know that the Raiders are savvy with their negotiating. They really came out winners on this one. Speaking of rookie quarterbacks, the Browns are considering starting Brady Quinn next week. Okay, so holding him out of game one really did a lot for you huh? I don’t understand what the Browns accomplished by NOT playing Quinn in the first week. I’m sure he learned a lot watching Charlie Frye scorch the Steelers. There is a reason that stupid franchises keep ending up with top picks; because they are stupid franchises.

*I had a great opening weekend as far as picks are concerned, going 14 for 16 outright, and 4 for 5 versus the spread.  Hopefully I made you some money. 

(I’m just guessing but, I don’t think he had too many friends as a kid)