Reasons I Hate Hines Ward

12. February 2012  - Published by Dan Clasgens

As a Bengals fan that are few players I have loathed in recent years as wide receiver Hines Ward. 

NFL.com reported earlier this week that he is unlikely to return to the Steelers.

Whether or not that is true remains to be seen. He could come back to Pittsburgh if he takes a pay cut.

Either way I reflect on the five biggest reasons I don’t like the guy.

5. Rivers Cheap Shot – Despite some of best days coming against Cincinnati, the one that gets my blood boiling most was the cheap hit he took on Keith Rivers that ended his season. It wasn’t illegal, but it was hardly necessary.

4. Dancing With the Stars – For starters most athletes embarrass themsevles when they go on the popular dancing show. Though I don't watch it regularly, I must admit I had to go searching for it on YouTube to see just how bad Hines really was. The fact that he actually won the competition further reminds me of why I don't tune in.

3. Fantasy Dud – Clearly Ward has been on the decline for the past couple of seasons, but even in his prime Ward was a headache for fantasy owners. His numbers were too inconsistent to play weekly and seemingly everytime he did blow up many owners had him on their bench.

2. Cheesy Grin – Whether it was to hide the fact he is the dirtiest player in the league or that he was sleeping with porn star Jesse Jane, I can't stand his ear-to-ear grin. 

1. He’s a Steeler – From the Yellow Towel to the Y'Inzers waving it, Ward was the epitome of everything the Steelers have stood for over the past decade. While you have to respect his accomplishments and the team's world titles, you don't have to like them.

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FantasySportsGirl.com: Steelers Preview

19. August 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Fantasy Sports Girl Damirra has the Pittsburgh Steelers camp preview...

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Around The NFL

22. January 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

PRO-FOOTBALL FACE-OFF: Dan Clasgens and Chad Brendel break down the big game and talk everything NFL.

Let's take a look at some of the latest headlines from around the NFL...

WARD SAYS HE WON'T MISS SUPER BOWL (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Hines Ward treated the questions yesterday as if he were boring down on an unsuspecting safety. He will play in the Super Bowl. It was not a prediction but a blood oath. "I have two weeks to prepare for the Super Bowl and I won't miss the Super Bowl," Ward told wave after wave of similar questions...MORE

COACH, CARDS ADDED RIGHT PIECES (Arizona Republic)
Second-year coach Ken Whisenhunt has been applauded for making all the right moves, from hiring a solid coaching staff, letting offensive coordinator Todd Haley take over the play-calling responsibilities, and putting his faith in Kurt Warner. But he also had to assemble a strong supporting cast of football players, and in that regard, perhaps Whisenhunt hasn't received nearly enough credit as the Cardinals prepare to face the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII...MORE

BRADY DOING 'REALLY WELL' (Boston Globe)
While avoiding specifics and not providing a timetable to return from his left knee injury, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was a guest on a Toronto sports radio station yesterday and said his rehabilitation was "going really well." Brady told Fan 590, "Anyone who has come back from injuries that require surgery, it's just a process," "There are some good days, some bad days, and you just have to keep plugging through them. That's life. Things come up and you just have to focus your energy and attention on all the positive things that you can gain. It tests you in a lot of ways. I'm excited about the process, I'm excited about the work." ...MORE

COWBOYS' ROMO VOWS TO BE BETTER LEADER (Dallas Morning News)
Tony Romo wants to win a Super Bowl badly, is still bothered by missing the playoffs three weeks after the season ended and said his leadership approach will be different in 2009. Since the Cowboys' season ended with a 44-6 loss on Dec. 28 at Philadelphia, Romo had remained silent with the local media. That is until Wednesday night when he broke the silenece...MORE

RAIDERS CONTINUE THEIR COACHING SEARCH (Contra Costa Times)
The Raiders interviewed Al Saunders for their offensive coordinator vacancy Wednesday and former Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach Dwaine Board for a similar position with the Raiders. Saunders was the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams last season, but he is expected to be jettisoned by new Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo. He has coached in the NFL the past 26 seasons...MORE

RYAN TRYING TO KEEP SCHOTTENHEIMER (NFL.com)
With their head coach in place, the New York Jets are getting closer to lifting off with the ever-important position of offensive coordinator. If Rex Ryan cannot convince offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to stay with New York, he then plans to hire Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese as Schottenheimer’s replacement. Under that scenario, the Jets’ coaching braintrust would have a lineage of coaching success stories. Buddy Ryan, Rex’s father, was a longtime standout coach, and Ernie Zampese, Ken’s father, was a noted offensive mind...MORE

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Playoff Picks: Conference Championships

15. January 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Three more freakin' games, that's all we have left of the NFL in 2008. This weekend's slate looks nothing like I predicted in the NFC, but I pretty much nailed it in the AFC. Either way it makes for an interesting  Sunday of football. Here's how I see the games unfolding this weekend:

PHILADELPHIA (9-7) at ARIZONA (9-6-1) - Eagles favored by 4
Outlook: For the thrird straight week it's hard to find anybody that wants to pick the Cardinals, but they just keep finding ways to win. In my mind they've already beaten two teams that are just as good as Philly.

The Eagles are riding high, but outside of drilliing an overrated and unfocused Cowboys' team to get into the playoffs, outlasting a Tavaris Jackson-led Vikings' squad, and a Giants' offense that failed to find an idenity what have the Eagles done? All that's right, they tied the freakin' Bengals, got drilled by the Ravens, and blew a must-win game late in the year to a weak Redskins' team.

Arizona looked terrible down the stretch of the regular season, but post-season surge of the defense and the committment to get a running game going has breathed life into the Cardinals at the perfect time. They looked impressive against Atlanta and shut down Michael Turner. Then they went to Carolina and did something eight other teams couldn't do this year as they beat the Panthers. And not just beat them, but drill them.

The Eagles jumped out to a 21-0 lead before rolling the Cards on Thanksgiving Night, but this time its in Arizona and believe it or not I am going to think that makes a difference.

My Pick: CARDS 24, EAGLES 20

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner, Brian Westbrook, Edgerrin James, Tim Hightower, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, David Akers, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Correll Buckhalter, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, L.J. Smith, Eagles DEF, Cardinals DEF


BALTIMORE (11-5) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6

Outlook: The Steelers have already beaten the Ravens twice this season and beating a team three times in one season is a tough task, but it's not unheard off. Just ask the 1999 Jaguars, they went 14-2 before with both losses coming to the Titans, then they lost to Tennessee in the playoffs. It happens. Baltimore has had quite a run to get this point, but they look tired. They haven't had a bye since Week 2 and the veterans on the defense have played at such a high level I think that could hurt them.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is enjoying fresh life in the running game as Fast Willie Parker finally gets to 100%. His speed to the outside could present problems for the Ravens, who are likely to be without linebacker Terrell Suggs. Ben Roethlisberger is going to be playing looser than Joe Flacco, but that could lead into turnovers. To me that is the key to this game. If Baltimore is going to have a chance they will need to limit Big Ben and capitalize on mistakes. I don't see the Steelers, who have the best homefield advantage in the league, making too many mistakes though.

My Pick: STEELERS 20, RAVENS 13

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, LeRon McClain, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Derrick Mason, Heath Miller, Jeff Reed, Matt Stover, Steelers DEF, Ravens DEF; DON'T PLAY -Willis McGahee, Mewelde Moore, Mark Clayton, Nate Washington, Todd Heap

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Playoff Picks: Divisional Round

8. January 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Man each week the NFL season draws closer to an end, and each week the depression kicks in a little more. Still, there are some great games on tap this weekend and I am going to try to enjoy them to the fullest. Let's take a look each game as I tell you how I see things unfolding and give you my picks.

BALTIMORE (12-5) at TENNESSEE (13-3) - Titans favored by 3
Outlook: The Titans won the Week 5 meeting 13-10 in Baltimore and this one promises to be another slugfest. Baltimore comes into the game off an impressive opening-round victory and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. In the Week 5 meeting the Ravens controlled the clock and limited Tennessee to 47 yards rushing. Tennessee will need more effective running the ball this time around. Ravens' QB Joe Flacco threw two picks in the first meeting, but hasn't been turning the ball over as much of late. The two teams are extremely similar statisically in PaYd per game, RuYd per game, points scored, points allowed, give-aways, and take-aways. The game could easily come down to which team can put points on the board with their defense of special teams.

My Pick: Ravens 20, Titans 16...The one underdog I like to win straight up this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Chris Johnson, LeRon McClain, Derrick Mason, Bo Scaife, Rob Bironas, Matt Stover, Ravens DEF, Titans DEF; DON'T PLAY - Joe Flacco, Kerry Collins, LenDale White, Any Titans' WR, Todd Heap.


ARIZONA (10-7) at CAROLINA (12-4) - Panthers favored by 10
Outlook: Talk about two teams that are completely different, the Cardinals and Panthers have gotten to this point in completely different manners. The Panthers have a top-notched running game and an above average defense. The Cardinals boast the league's most prolific passing attack, but struggle to move the ball on the ground and has played inconsistent this year on defense. The game is in Carolina and that could be the difference. Arizona is just 3-5 away from the friendly confines of the desert and and the Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Kurt Warner has passed for twice as many TD's as Jake Delhomme (30:15), but Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower collectively were nearly outproduced by the Panthers' No. 2 running back Jonathan Stewart on the ground (913 yards to 836 yards). DeAngelo Williams finished thrid in the NFL in rushing with 1515 yards.

My Pick: Carolina 31, Arizona 20...The Cards will have some success on offense, but will not be able to stop the run this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner, DeAngelo Williams, Edgerrin James, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Anquan Boldin (game-time decision), Mushin Muhammad, John Kasay, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Tim Hightower, Stephen Spach, Donte Rosario, Panthers DEF, Cardinals DEF.


PHILADELPHIA (10-6-1) at NY GIANTS (13-3) - Giants favored by 4.5

Outlook: I am still trying to figure out the Eagles even got this point. It wasn't too long ago I went and watched them tie the Bengals. Much has happened since then and the Eagles have won 4 of their last 5 games to get to this point. The Giants are the defending champs and come into the game well rested. While the Eagles finished the season red hot, the Giants were a bit sluggish down the stretch as they dealt with problems on and off the field. The two teams split in their head-to-head match-ups with Philly, winning 20-14 in Week 14 at the Meadowlands. Eli Manning has looked rough down the stretch (only averaging 153 PaYd per game w/out Plaxico). The G-Men will enjoy a healthy return of Brandon Jacobs.

My Pick: Giants 20, Eagles 14...the rubber match should be a good one, but I still like the champs coming off two weeks of rest.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Domenik Hixon, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, Eagles DEF, David Akers, John Carney; DON'T PLAY - Eli Manning, Correll Buckhalter, Amani Toomer, Giants DEF.


SAN DIEGO (9-8) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6

Outlook: A little over a month ago I pegged the Chargers as the most overrated team and declared Norv Turner one of the worst coaches in the league. It's amazing what five straight wins can do for job somebody's job security. Behind the Pro Bowl caliber play of Phillip Rivers and the speedy Darren Sproles San Diego has caught a bolt of lightning. Pittsburgh's defense is as good as ever and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to find ways to win. The Steelers' ground attack has been disappointing, but it hasn't matter much as they've continue to beat good team after good team. They have the best homefield advantage of any team in the playoffs and that could make the difference here. San Diego lost at Pittsburhg in Week 11 in the first 11-10 game in NFL history.

My Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Chargers 14...as much as I hate them the Steelers are my Super Bowl pick right now and I am sticking with it!

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Heath Miller, Steelers; DON'T PLAY - Phillip Rivers, Darren Sproles (fear the Steelers' D), LaDainian Tomlinson (hurt), Chris Chambers, Chargers DEF, Nate Kaeding, Jeff Reed.

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Game Balls: Week 15

14. December 2008  - Published by Jim Humbert

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston - 11 catches, 207 yards, 1 TD
Johnson has been a top receiver all season and took his game to a higher level against the Titans on Sunday. His big game help the Texans give Tennessee just its second loss of the year. Matt Schaub finished with 284 yards and Steve Slaton had 100 on the ground. The Houston defense stymied the Titans who were held to just four field goals. While the game may not have an affect on the post-season it could go along way to help the confidence of a good, young Texans squad.

Tavaris Jackson, QB, Minnesota - 11/17, 163 yards, 4 TD
Okay, so Adrian Peterson had 165 yards on 28 carries - he's supposed to do that. The real story for the Vikings was Jackson. Not only did he throw four touchdown passes, he did not turn the ball over. Each of his four scores went to different players and none of them were Peterson. If this team makes the post-season it will be because of its running game and solid defense. But today Jackson showed he can manage the game when he needs to.

Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego - 34/48, 346 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int

The Chargers squeaked out a win in Kansas City and kept their playoff hopes alive thanks to a late charge led by Rivers. Both his touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter and really for most of the game the Chargers did not look good. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for just 39 yards and the defense looked porous once again. But the Chargers can still win their division thanks to the win and a Broncos loss.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo - 21 carries, 127 yards
While the Bills woes continue, Lynch continues to put up solid numbers. He was not expected to do much against a tough Jets defense but they weren't exactly on their game on Sunday. Other than Lynch, few players did well in this one. The quarterbacks combined for just 355 yards and five interceptions. Yet there were 58 points scored. Either way Lynch is a stud and should continue to produce for a long time in Buffalo.

Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis - 12 catches, 142 yards, 1 TD
The Colts kept on rolling in Detroit thanks to a big day from just about everybody. Peyton Manning finished with 318 yards and the one score to Clark. Reggie Wayne seven passes for 104 yards. And in place of an injured Josepg Addai, Dominic Rhodes ran for 86 yards and two touchdowns. The defense may have been suspect, giving up 21 points to the winless Lions. But still, few teams will want to face the Colts in the post-season.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta - 32 carries, 152 yards, 1 TD
Turner and the Falcons took advantage of a Buccaneers defense that suddenly looks like a sieve. (It has a lot of holes and things go through it easily.) Tampa's post-season hopes are beginning to fade as the Atlanta's are getting brighter. Matt Ryan was not as sharp as he has been, finishing with just 206 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. But with a running game of Turner and Jerius Norwood who needs to throw the ball?

Matt Cassel, QB, New England - 18/30, 218 yards, 4 TD, 1 Int

The Patriots scored seven touchdowns against the hapless Raiders. And while Cassel deserves plenty of credit, it is important to note that the Pats ran for 277 yards. Sammy Morris had 117, LaMont Jordan 97, Kevin Faulk 45 and Cassel 18. All of those running backs scored and so did Wes Welker and Randy Moss, twice. And while the Raiders mounted a comeback this game looked a lot like the ones the 2007 Patriots played.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina - 9 catches, 165 yards, 1 TD
The Panthers may be the best team in the NFL. First, there's Smith who continues to put up monster numbers. His game helps Jake Delhomme look good. he finished with 253 yards and the score to Smith. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 140 rushing yards and each scored. And the defense held the high-powered Broncos to just 10 points. So they can throw, they can run and they can stop the other team. Yeah, they're good.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh - 22/40, 246 yards, 1 TD

Big Ben threw for 85 yards in the Steelers final drive to pick up a big win in Baltimore. He hooked up with Santonio Holmes with just 43 seconds left to give Pittsburgh the win and the AFC North crown. Hines Ward also had a huge day with 107 yards on eight catches. And the defense did their job, holding the Ravens to just three field goals. If the Panthers aren't the best team in football then it's only because the Steelers are.


The Game Used Sock Award

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington - 25 carries, 77 yards
It was not that long ago that Portis was leading the league in rushing and the Redskins were thinking 'playoffs'. Well, a lot has changed in a few weeks. His 77 yards against the Bengals was the most he had in three games and the second highest total for him in six games. And Washington has lost all but one of those. To top it off, Portis has not scored since October 19. Heck, Ryan Fitzpatrick had a rushing touchdown against his team on Sunday! I, for one, am happy to have traded Portis in one of my leagues a few weeks ago. Sure, I missed the playoffs in that league but at least I'm not sharing a dirty sock with Portis today. (I put mine on a month ago.)

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Fantasy: Thursday Takes

21. November 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

The Steelers rolled the Bengals on Thursday night 27-10, here are some fantasy notes from the game...

STEELERS
--Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben completed 17 of 30 passes for 243 and a TD and ran for another score. Owners that took a flyer on him in this match-up were rewarded. He remain a top 10 fantasy option at quarterback most weeks.

--Willie Parker: Imagine this, Parker is hurt again. Fast Willie tweaked a knee injury that cost him four weeks earlier this season. He left the game after a 15-yard run early in the thrid quarter and did not return, finishing with just 37 yards on 14 carries. Mewelde Moore gets a huge boost in value if Parker's injury forces him out of action yet again.

--Santonio Holmes: Holmes was off to a great game prior to suffering a concussion. The thrid-year wideout finished the night with 5 catches for 84 yards despite leaving the game early in the third quarter. Stay tuned to his status for Week 13.

--Hines Ward: Ward had a disappointing night, only managing to catch 1 ball for 37 yards. Still consider him a solid WR2 option against most match-ups, but be prepared for the occasional dud performance.

--Heath Miller: After missing two games due to an ankle injury Miller returned to grab 4 receptions for 44 yards and a TD against the Bengals. He has still been a bit of disappointment this season and is a marginal option as a starting tight end.

BENGALS
--Ryan Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick completed 17 of 30 passes for a paltry 168 yards and a TD. He has now topped 200 yards only once and has just six touchdown passes in seven starts. If you are relyinig on him right now you are in trouble.

--Cedric Benson: Playing behind a patchwork offensive line Benson only managed 35 yards on 16 carries. He has averaged less than 2.5 yards per carry in two straight games since rushing for 104 yards Week 9 against the Jaguars.

--TJ Houshmandzadeh: T.J. turned his worst outing of the season on Thursday, collecting just 20 yards on 4 catches. With Chad Johnson out of the line-up the Steelers focused their attention on Houshmandzadeh and the veteran struggled. Long-term he's still a starting option, particularly in PPR leagues.

--Chad Johnson: Ocho Stinko continue to disappoint fantasy owners by being deactivated for Thursday's game for reportedly walking out of a team meeting. Johnson clearly does not want to be in Cincinnati and this could get ugly as the season comes to a hault. Regardless, he's not a legitimate fantasy starter moving forward.

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Rivers Breaks Jaw; Out For Season

19. October 2008  - Published by Chris Murdico

According to an Associated Press report, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers will miss the rest of the season with a broken jaw. Rivers' jaw was broken in today's game from a hit he took from Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver, Hines Ward.

After a completion from Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger to TE Matt Spaeth, Rivers moved in to make the tackle but instead was blocked by Hines Ward on a straight-up hit. After sitting on the field for a few moments, Rivers was able to get up and walk off the field on his own power.

Rivers is a rookie out of USC and is the Bengals' second leading tackler on the team. The Bengals are 0-7 after their 38-10 loss to the Steelers loss today. The loss of Rivers will only make this team that much worse.

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GSI Mock Draft: Round 7

19. July 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens
The 7th Round of the GSI Mock Draft officially marks the midway point. Now is the time to build depth and fill out the starting line-up.

RECAP: ROUND 1 | ROUND 2 | ROUND 3 | ROUND 4 | ROUND 5 | ROUND 6

Here's Round 7:
61. PREUTH - Santana Moss - WR
62. CLASGENS - LenDale White - RB
63. HUMBERT - Fred Taylor - RB
64. BOLTON - Chris Chambers - WR
65. DINSMORE - Chris Cooley - TE
66. MURDICO - Matt Forte - RB
67. SIMS - Calvin Johnson - WR
68. SIMON - Hines Ward - WR
69. WETZEL - Dwayne Bowe - WR
70. FISCHER - Kevin Smith - RB

My Pick: LenDale White became my fourth RB. With my top tight ends off the board and with two WR's already in my line-up, I opt to build depth at running back, by following up last round's pick on Selvin Young with White. That gives me Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew and the two back-ups. Either player makes an ideal flex and could easily catapult into my line-up. I am not crazy about White's 3.7 YPC in last year and he's nearly a non-factor in the passing game, but his 303 attempts last year was sixth best in the NFL and with Chris Brown out of the equation he should continue to shoulder the bulk of the load.

Biggest Reach: This may have been the best all-around round of the draft. There is not a single player that was taken out of position. In fact, many of the picks have a tremendous amount of upside for the spot - Taylor, Forte, Johnson, Bowe, and R. White.

Final Take
: I am a big fan of building depth at the most coveted of positions - RB and WR - rather than going after DEF and second-tier TE's just to fill out a line-up. In this round at least, my fellow owners followed suit. Through seven rounds we have yet to see a DEF or PK, but that is about to change.

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