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10/05/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The St. Louis Rams will try to avoid their second 0-5 start in five years this Sunday, when they welcome the NFC West-rival Arizona Cardinals to Edward Jones Dome.
St. Louis fell to 0-4 after getting routed by the Dallas Cowboys, 35-7, in Week 4. Dante Hall accounted for the Rams' lone points of the game when he took a punt 85 yards to the end zone in the second quarter. However, St. Louis did little else on offense or defense and fell to 0-4 for the first time since it dropped its first five games of the 2002 campaign.
While the Rams came into the 2007 season with what was expected to be a subpar defense, few though St. Louis would struggle so much on offense, a unit that currently ranks last in the NFL in points (9.8 per game) and 29th in yards (265.5 per game).
Hence, it is a good thing the Rams brought in Hall in the offseason, as his punt return for a score last Sunday was the sixth of his career, most among active players. It was also Hall's 12th career touchdown return, which is tied for second-most in NFL history, and his next scoring return will tie him with Brian Mitchell for first all-time.
St. Louis will need Hall to set them up with good field position, as both running back Steven Jackson and quarterback Marc Bulger are banged up. The Rams already know that Jackson will miss his second straight game due to a partial groin tear suffered in Week 3. However, Bulger's status is less certain.
The Pro Bowl quarterback has been playing with cracked ribs, though head coach Scott Linehan said on Monday he would be sticking with Bulger despite the injury. However, Linehan changed his mind on Wednesday, announcing that backup Gus Frerotte will start against the Cardinals.
Frerotte saw action last week against Dallas when Bulger was pulled late after the Rams fell behind.
The Rams still have hope in the NFC West, as just one of their four losses this year has come against a division foe, a setback to San Francisco in Week 2.
While St. Louis is going to its backup quarterback, the Cardinals will most likely continue their dual-QB system on Sunday.
Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt began using both Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner in the same game in Week 3, using Warner in no-huddle packages. It didn't translate into a win that week, as the club fell to Baltimore.
However, Whisenhunt gave it a go again last weekend and Arizona knocked off the previously undefeated Steelers, 21-14. Leinart threw for 93 yards while splitting time with Warner, and was under center for what turned out to be the game-winning drive that culminated with a two-yard touchdown run by Edgerrin James in the fourth quarter. Warner, meanwhile, ended with 132 yards throwing with a touchdown pass.
The Cardinals also got a return for a touchdown out of rookie Steve Breaston, who took a punt 73 yards early in the fourth quarter to break a 7-7 tie. It was Arizona's first punt return for a TD since 1993.
Arizona won despite being without rookie offensive lineman Levi Brown (ankle) and standout wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hip). Boldin has unable to go in practice this week and appears doubtful to play Sunday. Brown had limited practice participation and is questionable for the game.
The victory improved the Cardinals to 2-2 on the year, and this Sunday's matchup with the Rams is Arizona's third against an NFC West opponent this season. The club lost to San Francisco in Week 1 before besting Seattle the following Sunday.
The Cards are currently even with the 49ers for second place in the West standings, one game behind the 3-1 Seattle Seahawks.
SERIES HISTORY
The Rams hold a 30-24-2 lead in the all-time series with Arizona and have earned unconventional home-and-home splits with the Cardinals in each of the last two seasons. In 2006, the Rams were 16-14 winners at University of Phoenix Stadium in Week 3, but 34-20 losers at the Edward Jones Dome in Week 13. The road team has now won four straight in the series. The teams also split in 2004, with the hosts winning both ends of the home-and-home.
The Rams won the only postseason meeting between the two, with the then-Los Angeles-based franchise pulling out a 35-23 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff.
Linehan is 1-1 against the Cardinals as a head coach. Whisenhunt will be meeting both Linehan and the Rams for the first time as a head coach.
WHEN THE CARDINALS HAVE THE BALL
Given Whisenhunt's confidence in a young Ben Roethlisberger when he was in Pittsburgh, it was somewhat surprising that he went to Warner (390 passing yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) so early in the season. However, the former Ram has won an MVP and Super Bowl and has outplayed the second-year Leinart so far. Leinart (547 passing yards, 2 TD, 3 INT) is without a doubt on a short leash, as the club may be looking for an excuse to go with Warner as the starter. With Boldin out, Larry Fitzgerald (26 receptions) had a huge game against Pittsburgh, posting 11 catches for 123 yards. He has yet to find the end zone this season, but has hauled in a touchdown catch in each of his last three games versus the Rams. Wide receiver Jerheme Urban stepped up last weekend and made five catches for 53 yards with a TD catch, while Bryant Johnson started in place of Boldin and had three receptions for 37 yards.
One thing Whisenhunt has continued to do this year -- and something Arizona couldn't do last year -- is establish the run. In addition to his two-yard score, James (354 yards, 3 TD) ran for 77 yards on 21 attempts in the win over the Steelers.
With the Rams struggling to move or control the ball, St. Louis' defense is seeing a lot of action. That is not a good thing for a unit that is 26th in the league in both points allowed (25.8) and yards allowed (349.2). While they are ranked ninth in the league against the pass, another reason the Rams are losing the clock battle is because St. Louis is giving up 157 rushing yards per game, 29th in the NFL. Safety Corey Chavous (24 tackles) led the Rams with seven tackles and a sack last week, but the former Cardinal suffered a pectoral injury last week and is likely to miss Sunday's game. St. Louis has just six total sacks and one interception through four games this season -- an obvious sign of a lack of pressure. Safety O.J. Atogwe (22 tackles) picked up St. Louis' first interception of the season last week versus Dallas, leading a secondary that will again be without corner Tye Hill (back) this week. However, corner Fakhir Brown is eligible to return from his four-game suspension for violating the league's NFL Substance Abuse Policy. Leading tackler Will Witherspoon (23 tackles) added another six to his total last weekend.
WHEN THE RAMS HAVE THE BALL
Bulger (765 passing yards, 2 TD, 4 INT) suffered through a miserable outing last weekend, completing only 11 of his 24 pass attempts for 114 yards with an interception. He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since Week 2 and was lifted from the Dallas game in favor of Frerotte, who threw for 29 yards on 3-of-6 passing. Torry Holt (23 receptions, 2 TD) continued to be St. Louis' most reliable player, hauling in five passes for 52 yards in the loss. Holt has enjoyed recent success against the Cardinals, having caught at touchdown pass in four straight contests versus the Cardinals. Holt may have to again shoulder the load this week, as fellow wideout Issac Bruce (15 receptions) is questionable after suffering a hamstring injury last week and missed considerable practice time this week. That should mean more snaps for first- year Ram Drew Bennett, who has just six catches since joining the club this offseason.
One thing working against Frerotte is that he will most likely be behind yet another different offensive line combination. Since Week 1, the Rams have lost left tackle Orlando Pace and left guard Mark Setterstrom for the season due to injury, while right guard Richie Incognito has missed the club's first four games with an ankle sprain. Tackle Adam Goldberg became the latest victim, as he suffered a knee injury against Dallas and will be sidelined for at least four weeks. Incognito appears ready to return to action, which would be good news for running back Brian Leonard. The rookie made his first career start last week in place of Jackson and ran for 58 yards in the loss.
While Arizona's quarterback carousel was the main storyline out of last week's win, the defense may have played an even bigger role. The club held Steelers running back Willie Parker under 100 yards rushing for the first time this season, as the explosive back ran for only 37 yards on 19 carries. The secondary also got in the act, as safety Adrian Wilson (32 tackles, 1 INT) had five tackles and intercepted Roethlisberger in the end zone, while corner Ralph Brown's pick with 10 seconds left sealed the win. Wilson and Brown's interceptions were the first two by the Cardinals this year. Linebacker Calvin Pace (19 tackles) led the team with eight tackles last Sunday, while defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (19 tackles, 5.5 sacks) posted a career-high three sacks. Linebacker Karlos Dansby (28 tackles, 2.5 sacks) has two sacks in his past four meetings with St. Louis.
FANTASY FOCUS
At this point, few are worth starting on the Rams. Outside of Holt, no other St. Louis offensive player should get a look until further notice. However, Leonard is worth a look in deep leagues because he will start and has no one behind him to steal carries.
For Arizona, both Warner and Leinart are risky because of the current situation under center, while James has been solid all year and was even good with Levi Brown not in the lineup last week. With Boldin unlikely to go, Fitzgerald's value again gets a big increase this week, as he will be the go- to guy for whoever is throwing for Arizona. Finally, give Arizona's defense/special teams a look this week. After all, the Rams offense has been that bad and Breaston did take a punt to the house in Week 4 to boost his stock.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Yes Virginia, the Rams are that bad. Okay, maybe its too early for Christmas references, but not to give up on St. Louis. The switch to Frerotte shows just how hurt Bulger is, meaning the Rams are without two of their biggest weapons this Sunday. Not good news for a club with a defense as bad as the St. Louis'. Arizona, meanwhile, is responding under Whisenhunt and will stick with the two-quarterback system as long as it works, and it should work this week. Leinart, Warner, James and Fitzgerald will have a field day against St. Louis, while Arizona's defense will pounce on a bewildered Rams' offense. Expect the Cardinals to keep pace in the tight NFC West, while St. Louis will fall further out of the race.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Cardinals 24, Rams 10
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March Madness odds and printable March Madness brackets
With the field of 64/65 set, MySportsbook.com has the Florida Gators as the 4-1 favorite to successfully defend their National Championship. Men’s Division-1 College Basketball has not seen a team repeat as National Champions since Duke won back to back championships in ’91 & ‘92. After losing three out of four late in the season, the Gators are full of momentum as they won their last four games by an average of 18 points. Not surprisingly, right behind the Gators are the other three top seeds: Kansas 5-1, UNC 6-1, and Ohio State 7-1. Many consider Kansas to be the hottest team in the country, having won 11 straight. With Kansas, it is hard to ignore all of the early exits from the “dance” in recent years. With an impressive ACC Tournament, UNC ensured themselves the other top seed. UNC has about as much talent as any other team in the tournament but with a team that’s best players are primarily freshman and sophomores, could youth be a concern. Behind freshman sensation, Greg Oden, OSU will look to do what their football team failed to do just a few months earlier. OSU seems to have peeked at the right time, as they currently have a 17 game winning streak. Since the tournament field was expanded in 1985, there has never been an instance where all four #1 seeds advanced to the Final Four. It is obvious that each of the top seeds have the talent to make it through to Atlanta. But as everyone knows, when makes the NCAA Tournament so special are all of the spoilers and “Cinderella” stories that knock off the favorites on a daily basis.
Be sure to logon to MySportsbook.com to see check out all of the early lines and “March Madness” props. Also be sure to enter the “$10,000,000 Perfect Bracket Contest”. If someone has the skills to predict every winner, they will be set for life and walk away with $10,000,000. Even if no one can cash in on the Grand Prize, with a $35,000 guaranteed prize pool and a Mazda RX-8 to the first prize winner, Sportsbook.com’s bracket is a must for all “March Madness” fans.
MySportsbook.com’s odds to win the Championship and Regions:
| EAST | National Championship | Region |
| Arkansas | 300-1 | 50-1 |
| Belmont | 1000-1 | |
| Boston College | 100-1 | 40-1 |
| Eastern KY | 1000-1 | |
| George Washington | 75-1 | |
| Georgetown | 10-1 | 3-2 |
| Marquette | 100-1 | 40-1 |
| Michigan State | 100-1 | 25-1 |
| New Mexico St. | 500-1 | 200-1 |
| UNC | 6-1 | 6-5 |
| Oral Roberts | 500-1 | |
| Texas | 15-1 | 5-1 |
| Texas Tech | 200-1 | 5-1 |
| USC | 75-1 | 20-1 |
| Vanderbilt | 100-1 | 30-1 |
| Washington State | 40-1 | 15-1 |
| WEST | ||
| Duke | 50-1 | 10-1 |
| Florida A&M | 1000-1 | |
| Gonzaga | 200-1 | 40-1 |
| Holy Cross | 300-1 | |
| Illinois | 300-1 | 60-1 |
| Indiana | 75-1 | 40-1 |
| Kansas | 5-1 | 13-10 |
| Kentucky | 100-1 | 40-1 |
| Niagara | 1000-1 | |
| Pittsburgh | 40-1 | 8-1 |
| Southern Ill. | 50-1 | 12-1 |
| UCLA | 10-1 | 3-2 |
| VCU | 500-1 | 100-1 |
| Villanova | 100-1 | 40-1 |
| VA Tech | 50-1 | 15-1 |
| Weber St | 1000-1 | |
| Wright St | 1000-1 | 300-1 |
| MIDWEST | ||
| Arizona | 50-1 | 30-1 |
| Butler | 40-1 | 30-1 |
| Davidson | 300-1 | |
| Florida | 4-1 | 4-5 |
| Georgia Tech | 75-1 | 25-1 |
| Jackson State | 1000-1 | |
| Maryland | 30-1 | 6-1 |
| Miami-OH | 300-1 | |
| Notre Dame | 100-1 | 20-1 |
| ODU | 500-1 | 100-1 |
| Oregon | 40-1 | 6-1 |
| Purdue | 300-1 | 60-1 |
| Texas A&M CC | 1000-1 | |
| UNLV | 100-1 | 30-1 |
| Winthrop | 500-1 | 100-1 |
| Wisconsin | 15-1 | 7-2 |
| SOUTH | ||
| Albany | 200-1 | |
| BYU | 200-1 | 40-1 |
| Central CT St. | 1000-1 | |
| Creighton | 100-1 | 35-1 |
| Long Beach St. | 500-1 | 200-1 |
| Louisville | 40-1 | 10-1 |
| Memphis | 30-1 | 4-1 |
| Nevada | 75-1 | 35-1 |
| North Texas | 500-1 | |
| Ohio State | 7-1 | 6-5 |
| Penn | 500-1 | |
| Stanford | 200-1 | 50-1 |
| Tennessee | 100-1 | 20-1 |
| Texas A&M | 12-1 | 11-5 |
| Virginia | 75-1 | 18-1 |
| Xavier | 100-1 | 40-1 |
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Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
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