Left Side, Strong Side

Stewart runs (and runs well) off a block by Jordan Gross (#69)

Jordan Gross may not have been named to the Pro Bowl, but he is our ProUte of the Week. The Panthers offense romped all over the injury-depleted Buccaneers defense, and Gross led the way. Of Carolina's 433 total yards, 270 came on the ground. Carolina fired on all cylinders: Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, Cam Newton - even Steve Smith got in on the action with this 23 yard end around. Newton broke Peyton Manning's rookie passing record, yet he only had 171 yards in this game (91 on a single play, the longest in franchise history). Smith only caught one ball for nine yards, as many key starters sat out the fourth quarter.

Gross is one of those key starters the Panthers can't function without. He manhandled rookie Adrian Clayborn at the point of attack, springing Stewart (and others) for the scamper seen here. Smith's run went away from the left-side anchor, but Gross still made a key block in the backfield to ward off the backside pursuit. The Panthers averaged an astounding 8.7 yards per rush and 9.1 per pass, scoring on eight of the first nine possessions. You don't get production like that without a dominating performance by your offensive line, which gave up one sack on the day.

Gross kept the award in Carolina for another week, despite the best efforts of Brice McCain (7 tackles, 2 PDef), Eric Weddle (6 tackles, 2 PDef), and Jonathan Fanene (2 tackles, 2 sacks) to wrest it away.

Injury update: Koa Misi was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Pro Bowl Bound

A deflected ball about to become another Weddle INT.

Steve Smith and Eric Weddle won't be going to the playoffs this year, but they will be going to the Pro Bowl! The NFL announced the rosters for the Pro Bowl last night, with Smith and Weddle listed as reserves for the NFC and AFC, respectively. It will be Smith's fifth Pro Bowl appearance - the first since 2008 - and Weddle's first trip. He talked about earning his first selection on the Chargers Blog.

Smith will be joined by one of his offensive linemen, but it isn't Jordan Gross. At least one blogger on ESPN.com thought that Gross was more deserving of the honor than Jermon Bushrod from the Saints. New Orleans, the team Carolina plays at the conclusion of the regular season, still has a shot at the Super Bowl, which might open the door for Gross to make another trip to Hawaii.

It would be nice to see Alex Smith get recognized for his performance this season, but there are more prolific quarterbacks in the NFC; at this point he isn't listed among the alternates from the 49ers. With a first-round bye and San Fran's suffocating defense, Alex just might have a shot at the Super Bowl as well!

Back in Blue

The NBA is back, and Andre Miller is back in a blue Nuggets uniform. With the lockout shortening the season Miller began his second stint with the Nuggets last night. Denver traveled to Dallas and defeated the defending champs, 115-93. Miller came off the bench to play 27 quality minutes, in which he scored 18 points on 6-8 shooting (2-2 on 3 pointers) from the floor and 4-4 shooting from the line. Miller also led the team in assists with 5 and added 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and a blocked shot to his stat line. Not bad for an old hand - maybe he will add Sixth Man of the Year to his list of accomplishments! 

Andrew Bogut was productive in his first game back on the hardwood, shooting 7-14 FGs and 3-4 FTs for 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in a one point loss (96-95) at Charlotte.

Smith's Smooth Moves

Smith slips in for the score.

Steve Smith showed he's still got the moves, slipping right by Johnathan Joseph for this seamlessly smooth touchdown. It was one of two 26 yard receptions on the day for Smith, who totaled 5 catches for 82 yards and the score. The resurgent receiver has 1,299 yards and 6 TDs in his 11th season in the league.

While Steve Smith put on the moves, Alex Smith showed the poise on Monday Night Football as the lights went out in Candlestick Park and so did the Pittsburgh pass rush. Alex was not sacked at all in this game (he's been sacked an NFL-high 39 times this season), and he completed 18 of 31 passes for 187 yards and a TD on a well-executed play-action fake.

On the other side of the ball, Eric Weddle had 4 tackles and a PDef, while Jonathan Fanene had a tackle, a sack, and a PDef.

Sione Seals It With a Safety

Go to a happy place, like Tempe, Arizona circa 2005!

Sione Pouha tackled Jackie Battle in the end zone for a safety in the fourth quarter, sealing the Jets' victory over the Chiefs and the ProUte of the Week award in the process. Pouha also had three tackles and this sack of Tyler Palko, bringing back fond memories of the 2005 Fiesta Bowl!

The big fella beat out Eric Weddle, who had 3 tackles, a PDef, and his seventh INT of the season (putting him in a three-way tie for first in the NFL); Sean Smith, who also had a PDef and an INT to go with one tackle; and Steve Smith, who caught six balls for 125 yards.

Practice squad update: Robert Johnson was signed to the 53 man roster of the Titans after safety Anthony Smith was placed on injured reserve.

Fly By Sly

This fumble brought to you by Fly By Sly.

 

It's tough to pass over Alex Smith when he posted a career-high 142.3 rating, or Eric Weddle after the play he made on this interception (he's tied for second most in the NFL), but we're going to give the ProUte of the Week to Stevenson Sylvester for forcing a fumble on a kick return. Sly doesn't get nearly the amount of playing time as Alex or Eric, so he has to make a big impact any time he's on the field. That's exactly what he did on this fly by forced fumble! Sylvester also made a tackle in the game. Weddle made four, although he missed a tackle on a tackle, and a PDef. Smith was 17-23 for 274 yards and 2 TDs.

Smith Gives Thanks for the Romo

The SS Interceptor

Sean Smith caught a Romo and the ProUte of Week 12 Award. It was Smith's first interception of a trying season (although it was Romo's second pick of the first quarter). Sean added two tackles and a PDef in the Thanksgiving Day game, which was decided by a last-second field goal.

Smith's interception put him ahead of Eric Weddle, who had more tackles (7) and a PDef of his own.

Take Two

You can't cover greatness!

Steve Smith didn't go for big yards in week 11 - just 41 on 5 receptions - but he did score a touchdown and a two point conversion. His TD (after illegal contact) put the Panthers up 9-0 on the Lions in the first quarter, while his two point conversion tied the game 35-35 in the fourth quarter. Carolina's defense (and Cam Newton's second INT) couldn't keep the Panthers in the game after that, but Steve Smith keeps making big plays. Everyone knows Newton is looking for him in the end zone, but there's nothing Eric Wright can do about it!

Smith picks up another ProUte of the Week award for his playmaking ability ahead of Alex Smith (20-38, 267 yds, 2 TDs, INT), Eric Weddle (5 tackles), and Sione Pouha (7 tackles).

Affront

Lance Ball runs off a block by Zane Beadles.

Mike McCoy's offense isn't pretty these days in Denver, but you can't argue with results. The focus is all on Tim Tebow of course, but he better be splurging on a sumptuous dinner for his offensive line! Denver was down to a third-string running back, yet managed 244 yards rushing in Kansas City. The Chiefs had no sacks on Tebow (only attempting eight passes had something to do with that), and the Broncos ground out the yards on the ground. We are recognizing Zane Beadles as our ProUte of the Week for making that curtailed offense go. What will he be able to do against last week's ProUte Sione Pouha and the Jets defense on Thursday night?

Other nominees: Alex Smith (19-30, 242 yds, TD, INT), Brice McCain (2 tackles, 2 PDef, INT), and Eric Weddle (9 tackles).

Jarhead

FUMMMBLE!

This week's ProUte Sione Pouha used his head to jar the ball loose from Fred Jackson (watch the replay), and a teammate covered it up. Pouha had seven tackles as the Jets held the league's leading rusher under 100 yards rushing and won the division match up.

Pouha's considerable effort edged out the consistent play of Alex Smith, the combined returns of David Reed, and the collected fumble and half-sack of Paul Kruger.

Sly in the Spotlight

Stevenson Sylvester was featured in the Steelers Spotlight this week!

Double Dip

Eyes on the Prize

Eric Weddle upped his game on Monday Night Football, taking away two interceptions and another ProUte of the Week award. Let's see Brice McCain beat that! Weddle had 7 tackles and 2 PDef in addition to the pair of picks. That stat line edged out Paul Kruger, who had two sacks and two tackles. Both players doubled their production from the week before. The two Smiths continued their productive seasons: Alex was 15-24 for 177 yards and a TD, and Steve had another 7 receptions for 100 yards and a TD. Alex ran four times for 22 yards, while Steve ran once for 12.

Honorable mention goes to Stevenson Sylvester, who made his first start for the Steelers, and R.J. Stanford, who saw his first action of the season and got in on a couple of assisted tackles.

Finders Keepers

Look what I found!

Tennessee's receiver didn't want to catch the ball, but when it bounced to Houston defensive back Brice McCain he knew what to do with it. He zigged and zagged his way through a crowd en route to a 38 yard INT return for a TD to cap the Texans' 41-7 victory over the Titans. The win gave Houston first place in the AFC South, and the play gave Brice McCain his first ProUte of the Week Award!

McCain wasn't the only ProUte to snag an interception this week - Eric Weddle also made a pick at the goal line against the Jets. Weddle had more tackles than McCain (6 to 3), and his pick prevented points, but McCain converted his INT into six points. Each of them also had a PDef. Dolphins' DB Sean Smith did not have an INT or a PDef this week, but he did have 7 tackles against the Broncos. Seven was the number for S. Smith in Week 7, as Steve Smith had 7 catches for 143 yards (and one carry for six more).

Hit the Sack

Koa Misi bringing down Tom Brady last season.

Koa Misi's second season with the Miami Dolphins (0-5) has not started as well as his rookie season did. The former second round pick has been in a sack slump, according to this article by Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. That changed on Monday, when Misi sacked Mark Sanchez. It's a bit of stretch to name him the ProUte of the Week for his three tackles, one sack in a 24-6 loss to the Jets, but any hit on Sanchez is worth mentioning.

The article by Jackson also mentions the struggles of Sean Smith, another second round pick now in his third season. He did not break out of his slump against the Jets, but Paul Soliai contributed three tackles for his franchise tag.

This week the Dolphins will host Tim Tebow on "Gator Day," no less. Hopefully he will receive a warm welcome from Koa and crew.

Back It Up

A late hit after Steve Smith crossed the goal line led to a scuffle.

Even after Alex Smith led the 49ers to a comeback victory over the Eagles, not everyone was sold on his performance. At least one detractor predicted he would follow it up with a 3 INT game the next week. Instead Alex turned in the most proficient performance by an NFL quarterback this season, posting a rating of 127.2 and a total QBR of 98.2. Granted he only threw for 170 yards, but that was because San Francisco got out to an early lead. Alex opened the game 6-of-7 and finished 11-of-19 with 3 TDs and no turnovers. He has been a stud in back-to-back weeks and has earned back-to-back ProUte of the Week awards. Alex has earned two awards in each of the past three seasons, but this is the first time he has won it back-to-back.

Honorable mention goes to Steve Smith for his three catches, 79 yards, and a TD, and to the O-Line: Caleb Schlauderaff (first start with the Jets), Jordan Gross (162 yards rushing, 1 sack, 58% conversion on third down), and Zane Beadles (162 yards rushing, 0 sacks). Chris Kemoeatu did not play in one of the better performances by Pittsburgh's o-line (174 yards rushing, 1 sack, 58% 3rd down conversions).

Samsung Sings Smith's Praises

Samsung named Alex Smith their Next Level Player of the Week after he posted a season high 98.2 Total QBR against Tampa Bay. That's season high as in tops in the NFL this season high, not just a personal best. Watch the video and see the other candidates on ESPN.com.

Back from the Brink

Alex Smith brought the 49ers - and his career? - back from the brink against the Eagles, leading his team to a 24-23 victory in Philadelphia. After falling behind 23-3, Smith kept his composure and played like a seasoned veteran, completing 13 of 17 passes for 201 yards and 2 TDs in the second half. He got plenty of help from his running back, his defense, and Philly's rookie kicker, but Alex played a fine game. Smith finished 21-33 for 291 yards and 2 TDs, with 2 fumbles (one lost). His QB rating for the game was 112.1; through the first four games of the season his rating is 97.7. For his performance under pressure Alex earned the ProUte of the Week Award over some stiff competition. Eric Weddle had 8 tackles, a PDef, and an INT, Sione Pouha had 8 tackles and recovered a fumble, and Steve Smith caught 8 passes for 181 yards.

Take it Outback

With the NBA lockout dragging on and threatening the 2011-12 season many players are beginning to look overseas for opportunities to play. It makes sense then that Andrew Bogut would return to his native Australia to play, but alas, his deal with the Sydney Kings has been scuttled by a lack of insurance. Bogut's agent David Bauman told ESPN.com that Bogut's remaining contract with the Bucks will prevent him from playing back home.

Samoan Tiger

Jonathan Fanene's two sacks of fellow ProUte Alex Smith earned him the ProUte of Week 3. Fanene, who missed nearly all of last season with an injury, has returned with a vengeance. His 3 tackles puts him up to 12 on the season, and this fumble recovery helped him edge out Eric Weddle, who had 3 tackles, a PDef, and an INT that sealed the Chargers' win over the Chiefs. Other players considered for the award were Alex Smith (20-30, 201 yards) and Sean Smith (6 tackles, PDef).

Bend Like a Reed in the Wind

Five contenders emerged for ProUte of Week 2, but David Reed separated himself from the pack on this 77 yard kick return. Reed rolled up 123 total yards on 3 returns, making him one of the Ravens' most effective weapons on a day when the offense struggled to move the ball against Tennessee. Reed would later leave the game with a shoulder injury which has kept him out of practices this week. After missing week one for a suspension, Reed may miss week three with an injury. In week two he made kicker Rob Bironas miss!

Also in the running were the Smith brothers: Alex, Sean, and Steve, as well as Eric Weddle. Alex Smith completed 16 of 24 passes for 179 yds, 2 TDs, and an INT. He also rushed 3 times for 21 yds, but was sacked 6 times. Sean Smith had six tackles and two pass deflections while covering premier wideout Andre Johnson. Steve Smith had another big day, catching six balls for 156 yards, but he did have a fumble forced and recovered by Charles Woodson (who also intercepted Cam Newton twice, as one Heisman winner victimized another). Eric Weddle led the Chargers with 12 tackles, but he struggled in coverage against New England's big target tight ends.

In Good Hands

Steve Smith's hands are good as new after a finger injury in Aug.

It appears rookie quarterback Cam Newton is in good hands with veteran receiver Steve Smith. Newton had a big debut with 422 yards passing and 178 of those went to Smith, who had 8 receptions and scored two touchdowns. Steve Smith is the ProUte of the Week for the season opener. Smith also garnered the quote of the week from Bill Barnwell, who writes for Grantland.com: "We would say that he hit Steve Smith for two touchdowns, but nobody's ever hit Steve Smith and lived to tell the tale."

Honorable mention goes to Alex Smith, who was 15-20 passing for 124 yards and rushed 7 times for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Jonathan Fanene, who had 6 tackles in his return from last year's season-ending injury. 

Letters from Training Camp

Baltimore - David Reed suspended for the first game; Kelly Talavou released.
Buffalo - Quinton Ganther released.
Dallas - Justin Taplin-Ross released.
Green Bay - Caleb Schlauderaff traded to the Jets; Shaky Smithson placed on injured reserve.
Minnesota - Matt Asiata and Freddie Brown released; Brandon Burton made the cut.
New England - Christian Cox waived, placed on injured reserve.
New York Jets - Zane Taylor released; acquired Caleb Schlauderaff for an undisclosed conditional draft pick.
San Francisco - Sealver Siliga released; Barry Sims not re-signed; Alex Smith named starting quarterback.
St. Louis - Eddie Wide waived, placed on injured reserve.
Tennessee - Robert Johnson and Brett Ratliff released.

Going, Going, Gone

It sounds like the makings of a Chuck Norris joke: C.J. Cron swings so hard he dislocates his own kneecap. Unfortunately that's what happened on Aug. 7th. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and underwent an MRI on Monday. The severity of the injury isn't known, according to this report in the L.A. Times, but it's possible that he will miss the rest of his promising rookie season. Cron was leading the Pioneer League with 13 HR and 41 RBI and batting .308 for the Orem Owlz when he went down.

Weddle Hits Paydirt

San Diego wasted no time or expense in re-signing safety Eric Weddle to a 5 year, $40 million contract. The deal includes $19 million guaranteed and a $13 million signing bonus, making Weddle the highest-paid player at his position. See Jason La Canfora's report on NFL.com for more details.

San Francisco also re-signed quarterback Alex Smith for another season as they develop draft pick Colin Kaepernick to take over the signal calling duties. Smith stands to make around $5 million this year.

Tennessee signed veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to lead the team and groom draft pick Jake Locker for the future. The move makes sense after the team announced it will part ways with Vince Young and Kerry Collins retired. The Titans couldn't go into the season with a rookie and a second-year player (Rusty Smith) at quarterback, but they also signed Brett Ratliff to a futures contract before the lockout began. Rat and Simms appear to be the odd men out with Hasselbeck coming in from Seattle.

Free the Agents!

With the NFL lockout coming to a conclusion teams can sign undrafted free agents, including six players from the University of Utah. According to Lya Wodraska's blog (see link in my blog list), Matt Asiata, Sealver Siliga, Shaky Smithson, Justin Taplin-Ross, Zane Taylor, and Eddie Wide will all get tryouts with NFL teams. The off-season has been shortened and the rules for practices have changed, meaning these players will find limited opportunities to impress new coaches. The roster limit for training camp has been increased, however, so they won't run into mandatory releases quite as quickly.

Back Home

Miller was a Nugget from '03-'06

Andre Miller was part of a draft day trade that sent him back to Denver in exchange for Raymond Felton. According to an article in USA Today, Miller is pleased to be back in Denver, where he still has a home. He felt maligned by the team when he was traded to Philadelphia for Allen Iverson midway through the 2006-2007 season, but he has put that behind him. He is prepared to play behind Ty Lawson too, if that is what coach George Karl asks of him. This is not the same Nuggets team Miller played with from '03-'06; only Nene, Kenyon Martin, and Coach Karl remain from that unit. Miller's role with this team will be to provide veteran leadership to a new group of young players, including draft picks Kenneth Faried, Jordan Hamilton (also included in the trade), and Chu Chu Maduabum (acquired from the Lakers).

The question is when will Miller be able to work out with his new team, now that the NBA has entered into a lockout that could cost the league part or all of the 2011-12 season.

Who's On First

C.J. Cron became the first Utah baseball player to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft when the Los Angeles Angels selected the slugger with the 17th pick. Cron lead the nation with a  .803 slugging percentage and was third in batting average (.434). Just a junior, Cron is #1 in school history with a .396 career batting average and 198 RBIs, and was named to the Louisville Slugger All-America first team. His position? First base, naturally.

Cron will be in a unique position in the Angels' organization: he could play for the AAA-affiliate Salt Lake Bees in Spring Mobile Ballpark, where he played his home games as a Ute.

Charge it to my Players Club card

Eric Weddle is due to receive a new contract, but the lockout has him playing the waiting game instead. See Pete Prisco's article on CBSSports.com for complete details.

If the Chargers do eventually re-sign Weddle but not disgruntled wideout Vincent Jackson, might they trade for Weddle's fellow ProUte Steve Smith instead? Smith appears to want no part of the rebuilding effort in Carolina, and reportedly would like to be traded to the Chargers, Raiders, or Ravens. There seems to be some interest from the Chargers, but the players are stuck in a holding pattern.

Sights Set

The UFL made a bold move Monday, holding their draft while free agents are unable to sign with NFL teams due to the lockout. A few of the notable names that didn't get called over the weekend were called on Monday, but the UFL draft was not solely limited to players coming out of college. Case in point: the Virginia Destroyers used the 4th pick to select Martail Burnett, a defensive end out of Utah who played most recently on the practice squad for the San Francisco 49ers. Burnett and the other players drafted now face a quandary: remain in limbo, or sign with a UFL team and possibly miss an opportunity with an NFL team if and when the lockout is lifted?

Burnett was an undrafted free agent who signed on with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the 49ers. San Francisco used its first round pick on Missouri's Aldon Smith, a similar type of player. Both played defensive end in college but transition to rush linebacker in the NFL. Burnett could return to defensive end in the UFL and have more of an impact. The Virginia Destroyers will be coached by Marty Schottenheimer, so Burnett would still benefit from NFL level coaching. It is an expansion franchise, but it received the rights to the players of the now defunct Florida Tuskers, a competitive team that played in the first two UFL Championship games. Burnett's best move might be to jump ship.

Go North, Young Man

Brandon Burton was drafted as expected, albeit later than expected. Burton (pictured here beating first-round pick Jon Baldwin to the ball) was projected to go as high as the third round, but that distinction went to Utah State's Curtis Marsh instead. Burton had to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called by the Minnesota Vikings at #139 overall.

Forty picks later another Ute was drafted by a team from the NFC North. The Green Bay Packers used the first of three sixth round picks to acquire Caleb Schlauderaff at #179 overall. Schlauderaff and Sherrod (Green Bay's first round pick) will be tasked with protecting Aaron Rodgers, one of the league's best (and most concussed) quarterbacks.

Burton will also have some company with the Vikings, as they drafted a second Burton: wide receiver Stephen Burton from West Texas A&M. Minnesota also has ProUte wide receiver Freddie Brown on the practice squad.

Sealver Siliga had been projected as a late sixth or seventh round pick but he, Matt Asiata, and Zane Taylor were not drafted. Normally players in their situation would be signed as free agents following the draft, but the lockout will block that route into the league. Other possibilities might include Arena Football or the UFL in the interim.

First Round Exit

The post-season is over for Portland, as they were defeated by Dallas last night. It is the seventh time in Andre Miller's career that his team has made a first round exit. Miller played well in the series, shooting 49% from the field, 40% from 3 point range, and 79% from the foul line. He averaged 14.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, with his best game coming in game 5 at Dallas. When his teammates struggled on the offensive end Miller stepped up his scoring and led the Blazers with 18 points and 7 assists. He was named the Most Dependable Player of the game by the broadcasters.

Jason Quick of The Oregonian wrote a fine profile of Miller and the origins of his determination, which has led to his longevity and productivity in the NBA. The TrailBlazers have until June 30th to exercise their option to extend Miller's longevity and productivity in Portland. Considering how the Blazers were beset by injuries this season, $7.8 million is a reasonable price for a dependable point guard who rarely misses a game.

Boones A-Blaze

Receiver Aaron Boone, who played his college ball at Kentucky, broke one team record and tied another in last night's 69-62 win against the Spokane Shock. Boone became the all-time leader in receiving yards, surpassing Siaha Burley, and tied Burley's record for most touchdown catches. He is drawing plenty of attention for his record-setting performance, but he's not the only Boone catching passes from Tommy Grady this season. Aaron's younger (and larger) brother Jason, a 6'5", 300 lb. offensive lineman sporting the unusual number 8 in order to be pass-eligible, has also caught a few balls. He doesn't have Aaron's (#1) gaudy numbers (57 catches, 699 yards, 16 TDs in five games), but he has caught 6 passes for 41 yards, including a TD in the season opener. The big fella is displaying some versatility, filling a similar role that Ed Ta'amu played last year for the AFL champion Shock.

Fellow ProUte Tommy Grady is off to a big start, completing 138 of 215 throws for 1,532 yards and 33 TDs with only 4 INTs. Gabe Long has posted 10 tackles and 2 sacks for the Blaze defense, while Corey Dodds remains on injured reserve. The Blaze are 3-2 on the season, already an improvement over last season's 2-14 record. One can only wonder how good they would be if they added a third Boone: Aaron and Jason's brother Jesse, who is Long's teammate on the Las Vegas Locos of the UFL.

7000 Club

Andre Miller had 12 assists in a 98-87 win over the Jazz last night, putting him over 7,000 for his career. Miller became the 14th player in NBA history to reach the 7,000 mark, and fittingly he did it in Utah. Miller needs 86 assists to pass Tim Hardaway for 13th all-time, and he trails another TrailBlazer great, Terry Porter, by 150. At his average of 7.2 apg he could catch Porter in roughly 21 games. Hopefully Portland makes it to the Western Conference finals so he can achieve it before a potential lockout puts it out of reach!

The playoffs are out of reach for the Milwaukee Bucks, so the season is already over for Andrew Bogut. He will rest his elbow in preparation for another surgery. Bogut only appeared in 65 games this season, but he was productive when he played. He averaged 12.8 points, 11.1 rebounds (including a career-high 27 against Miami in January), and a league-leading 2.58 blocks per game. That's right - Andrew Bogut led the league in blocks per game. Not Dwight Howard (#3 at 2.4), not Serge Ibaka (#4 at 2.37), not even the surprising JaVale McGee (#2 at 2.44), but Andrew Bogut with his sore elbow. Check out this highlight video of a few of his 168 blocks this season.

Crackerjacks

It's Opening Day for MLB, time for our annual roll call of ProUtes in the minors. Starting with the biggest name and news: Chris Shelton signed with the New York Mets and was assigned to the Buffalo Bisons (AAA). Ryan Khoury and Stephen Fife are teammates on the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Brian Budrow was re-assigned to the Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks). Jordan Whatcott will suit up for the Clearwater Threshers (Phillies), and Jay Brossman is still on the roster for the Arkansas Travelers (Angels). Jesse Shriner worked his way through the Giants organization last year, seeing time with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Augusta GreenJackets, and the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA), but does not appear on an active roster this season.

Pro Day 2011

Utah held its Pro Day yesterday, with 18 former players participating and 20 coaches and scouts evaluating. Gil Brandt singled out Zane Taylor for his 41 reps of 225 pounds, an improvement over his top ten showing at the NFL Combine. Taylor also improved his other numbers from the combine, capitalizing on his chance to impress the offensive line coaches of the Patriots, Jets, and Seahawks. Brandon Burton improved his 40 times, running a 4.58 and a 4.50. Burton had an individual workout with the defensive backs coach of the Browns. Brandt made mention of Caleb Schlauderaff (limited by a calf strain), Sealver Siliga, and Matt Asiata, who caught the ball well. One player not invited to the combine who Brandt brought up was Eddie Wide.

Other reports have mentioned Justin Taplin-Ross, who was having a nice workout until he hurt his leg. Two players who seem to be overlooked are Jereme Brooks and Shaky Smithson. With the adjustment to the starting position of the kickoff imposed by the league kick return specialists like Brooks and Smithson may see their stock drop.

Double Take

Andre Miller followed this lob pass to Nicolas Batum to beat the Spurs with another fine performance against the same outfit. Miller scored 26 points, shooting 9 of 15 from the field and 8 of 10 from the line, to lead the Blazers past the depleted Spurs. It was Portland's second defeat of San Antonio in the past three days.

Andrew Bogut also scored 26 points last night, but he got his by different means (and with different results). Bogut was 13 of 19 from the field, a blistering 68%, but did not attempt a single free throw in the game. He also collected 9 rebounds and 2 blocks, but the Bucks were felled by the Bobcats. Milwaukee trails Charlotte in the Eastern Conference standings, two spots out of the playoffs with 9 games left to play. Portland is sitting at #6 in the Western Conference, with a game against #7 New Orleans on Wednesday.

Cage Match

The cage match between the NFL owners and the players' union might result in a lockout today, but the action in the arena is just getting started! The AFL season gets underway tonight with an in-state duel between the Philadelphia Soul and the Pittsburgh Power. The only ProUtes in the arena can be found in-state playing for the Utah Blaze. They are Jason Boone (OL), Tommy Grady (QB), and Gabe Long (DL). Corey Dodds (LB) is set to begin the season on injured reserve. The Blaze will play their season opener at home against the Tampa Bay Storm on March 17th.

NFL Combine 2011

Five ProUte hopefuls took part in drills at this year's NFL Combine: Matt Asiata (RB3), Brandon Burton (DB9), Caleb Schlauderaff (OL43), Sealver Siliga (DL47), and Zane Taylor (OL48). Of the five Taylor had the most notable performance, as his 33 reps on the bench press tied for 7th best. Burton did not distinguish himself in the individual drills, but he is listed in tier 8 of Gil Brandt's Hot 100 and will be the first Utah player drafted, possibly in the second round. Here is the breakdown of each player's prospects in the NFL:

Matt Asiata - potential back up/short yardage/goal line back; could go in the 7th round.
ProUte comparison: Quinton Ganther, Titans 7th round pick (246th)

Brandon Burton - "could become a great starting corner for a team with a press-heavy scheme."
ProUte comparison: Sean Smith, Dolphins 2nd round pick (61st)

Caleb Schlauderaff - may be picked on day three, may be a free agent signing.
ProUte comparison: Barry Sims, Raiders (free agent)

Sealver Siliga - "a future reserve in a 4-man front."
ProUte comparison: Kelly Talavou, Ravens (free agent)

Zane Taylor - a late round pick.
ProUte comparison: Zane Beadles is the obvious choice, although unfair to Taylor, who won't go in the second round and start as a rookie. Chris Kemoeatu, a 6th round pick (204th) by the Steelers who eventually became a starter is closer.

The University of Utah will hold its Pro Day workouts on March 29th, one month prior to the draft.

In Hot Water

David Reed has resolved his possession of marijuana case, according to the National Football Post. Rather than having a trial yesterday Reed entered a plea other than guilty or not guilty and the case was closed last week. The Ravens have not disciplined him, and it is unlikely that the NFL will level any punishment.

I have been unable to find an update on Quinton Ganther's DUI case, which was to be continued on Sept. 1st, 2010. Legal trouble did not prevent him from signing with the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 8th; he finished out the season and remains on the active roster.

Paul the Plug

The impasse over the collective bargaining agreement has not put a halt to all negotiations in the NFL; Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel has reported that the Miami Dolphins are having active discussions with Paul Soliai and his agent, David Canter. In his fourth season Soliai provided the impasse the Dolphins needed for their 3-4 defense, effectively plugging up the middle against the run. Miami wants to keep Paul the Plug in place, and may use the franchise tag to do so. Soliai would like a multiyear deal that exceeds the five-year, $20.5 million contract his fellow defensive lineman Randy Starks signed in 2008, while the team has tendered one year offers. One hindrance is the 30 percent rule, which would limit Soliai's pay to 30 percent more than the $467,000 he made last season. The two sides could skirt around that hitch with a large signing bonus, but how large of a bonus should a team give a large man who has only made a large contribution to the team in one of his four years in the league? Soliai's agent predicts that he will test the open market, but that will be contingent upon the league having a new collective bargaining agreement in place. Still, it is encouraging that this once doubted player has transformed himself into a stalwart.

Second Team All-Pro

Eric Weddle was voted to the 2010 All-Pro Second Team defensive unit. Weddle received one vote, which put him in an eight-way tie for the 5th best safety in the NFL (the vote is not broken down by free safety and strong safety).

Jordan Gross received 4 votes, placing him in a three-way tie for the 8th best tackle in the league.

Old Pro vs. All Star

LaMarcus Aldridge's career-high 42 points was the headline of last night's Blazers/ Bulls game. Props for the high score but really, what NBA player worth his bling can't drop a career-high on Carlos Boozer?

The truly compelling match-up was at the point, where the old pro Andre Miller schooled the young All-Star Derrick Rose. How can that be, when Rose out-scored Miller 36 to 27? Look at each player's complete line:

Minutes played: Miller (42), Rose (38) EDGE: Rose (per-minute production)
FG: Miller (7-11), Rose (14-27) EDGE: Miller (efficiency)
3PT: Miller (0-0), Rose (1-6) EDGE: Miller (shot selection)
FT: Miller (13-13), Rose (7-8) EDGE: Miller (drained two with 30 seconds left)
REB: Miller (6), Rose (1) EDGE: Miller
AST: Miller (11), Rose (6) EDGE: Miller
STL: Miller (4), Rose (0) EDGE: Miller
BLK: Miller (1), Rose (0) EDGE: Miller
TO: Miller (3), Rose (4) EDGE: Miller
PF: Miller (2), Rose (2) EDGE: even
+/-: Miller (+10), Rose (-11) EDGE: Miller
PTS: Miller (27), Rose (36) EDGE: Rose

No one would expect the older and slower Miller to be able guard the younger and quicker Rose, so it isn't surprising that Rose out-scored Miller (by taking 16 more shot attempts). What is surprising is the team's net points while that player is in the game, represented by the +/- symbols. The Blazers were +10 with Miller on the court, while the Bulls were -11 with Rose. That's a major factor when you're talking about point guards! Rose got the better of Miller earlier in the season in Chicago, but last night the Rose Garden belonged to Miller.

Empty-Handed

Two ProUtes came away empty-handed from Super Bowl XLV. Stevenson Sylvester almost recovered a fumble on Pittsburgh's first punt, but the Packers held onto it. Sly played on special teams but didn't make a tackle. Chris Kemoeatu missed this tackle on Nick Collins as he returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown, putting Green Bay up 14-0. Kemoeatu also missed his block on the play as Howard Green struck Ben Roethlisberger on his release, resulting in the interception. Kemoeatu made a couple of key blocks later in the game: one was a block in the back, which drew a 10 yard penalty, and the other was pulling to open the hole on Rashard Mendenhall's 8 yard TD run in the third quarter. Pittsburgh's O-line played pretty well without injured center Maurkice Pouncey, as the Steelers outgained the Packers in net yards (387 to 338) and rushing yards (126 to 50). They only gave up one sack and converted 53% of their third downs, but they could not sustain the drive in the final two minutes.

Key Matchup

Chris Kemoeatu got the upper hand on former teammate Sione Pouha as Pittsburgh's injury-depleted offensive line took control in the first half of the AFC Championship Game. Running back Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 95 yards and a TD as the Steelers rolled to a commanding 24-0 lead. An injury to rookie center Maurkice Pouncey caught up to Pittsburgh in the second half, as a fumbled snap resulted in a safety, Mendenhall was limited to 26 yards, and the Steelers were held scoreless. Pouha came away with 6 tackles and was in pursuit of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he scrambled to hit Antonio Brown for the first down that clinched it.

Pouha and the Jets lost in the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year, while Kemoeatu will play in his third Super Bowl and rookie Stevenson Sylvester will play in his first.

Play of the Year

David Reed's kickoff return for 103 yards and a TD has been voted ProUtes Play of the Year! Honorable Mention goes to fellow rookie Koa Misi for his recovery of a Brett Favre fumble in the end zone for a TD.

Pocket Presence

Alex Smith may be finished in San Francisco, but he kept his poise to the end. Playing without his top running back (injured reserve) and his coach (fired), he stood tall in the pocket and delivered. In a battle of also-rans Smith was 15-29 for 276 yards and 2 TDs in a 38-7 rout of Arizona. The 49ers got 2 of their 6 wins against the Cardinals; it was the second straight sweep of this division opponent. Smith is now a free agent and likely will not be re-signed by the Niners. Hopefully he will get a fresh start with another team next season (if there isn't a lockout).

For playing well until the bitter end Alex Smith wins the ProUte of the Week award ahead of Paul Soliai (6 tackles, fumble recovery) and Eric Weddle (6 tackles, INT, PDef).