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Monday, January 04, 2010
10:06 a.m.GATORS IN THE NFL (Week 17)

Gators in the NFL - Week 17 Update
Gainesville, Fla. - Monday January 4, 2010

There were 23 former University of Florida football players on NFL rosters in Week 17. Twenty-one saw game action, while 12 players earned starting positions. Seven former Gators will pursue a Super Bowl title when the playoffs begin this Saturday.

NFL Gator Stats
  • DE Alex Brown, Chicago – started and made three tackles, including one sack for a loss of eight yards, and one quarterback hurry; the Bears beat the Lions 37-23; had 48 tackles, 6 sacks and three fumble recoveries on the season; Chicago finished with a 7-9 record
  • WR Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati – started but did not make a catch in the 37-0 loss to the Jets; end regular season second on the team with 51 receptions and third with 432 receiving yards; led the team with 539 kickoff return yards; the Bengals (10-6) will host the Jets (9-7) in the first round of the playoffs
  • RG Cooper Carlisle, Oakland – started in the Raiders 21-12; he started all 16 games this season as the Raiders finished with a 5-11 record
  • LB Channing Crowder, Miami – was placed on injured reserve after being injured in Week 16; finished fifth on the team with 51 tackles; also had three tackles-for-loss, three pass deflections, one sack and one interception; Miami finished with a 7-9 record
  • ILB Andra Davis, Denver –accumulated six tackles in the 44-24 loss to Kansas City; finished third on the team with 90 tackles; also had 14 tackles-for-loss, six QB hurries, 3.5 sacks and three pass deflections; Denver finished 8-8 on the season
  • WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver – started and led the Broncos with 213 yards on 14 receptions against the Chiefs; second on team with 54 receptions and 732 receiving yards on the season; the Broncos finished with an 8-8 record
  • FB Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay – suffered an injury in Week 16 and was placed on injured reserve; finished the season with 66 yards on 14 carries and 14 receptions for 109 yards; the Buccaneers were 3-13 on the season
  • QB Rex Grossman, Houston – did not play against in the 34-27 win over New England; the Texans (9-7) had their first winning season in franchise history
  • DE Derrick Harvey, Jacksonville – started and was third on the team with seven tackles in the 23-17 loss to Cleveland; concludes the season with 57 tackles, more than 20 tackles he had in his 2008 rookie season; also had eight QB hurries, five tackles-for-loss and two sacks; the Jaguars finished the season with a 7-9 record
  • WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota – started and had seven catches for 59 yards and also had one rush for 22 yards in the 44-7 defeat of the Giants; finished the regular season tied for first among rookies in receptions (60) and receiving yards (790) and second in touchdowns (6); averaged 27.5 yards per kickoff return during the regular season; 1,156 return yards and 42 returns are second most in the NFL; 2,081 all-purpose yards this season are the most in Vikings history
  • TE Cornelius Ingram, Philadelphia Eagles – was placed on injured reserve for Philadelphia before the season started after tearing an ACL during preseason camp; the Eagles (11-5) will play at Dallas (11-5) in the first round of the playoffs
  • DE Jevon Kearse, Tennessee – was not activated to play in the Titans 17-13 win against Seattle; totaled four tackles and one sack on the season as Tennessee finished 8-8
  • S Marquand Manuel, Detroit – finished the season on injured reserve for Detroit; played in nine games with six starts and totaled 35 tackles on the season; Detroit finished 2-14 on the season
  • DE Jeremy Mincey, Jacksonville – finished the season on injured reserve; the Jaguars finished with a 7-9 record
  • DT Ray McDonald, San Francisco – had one quarterback hurry in the 28-6 win over the Rams; ends his season with nine tackles, including three sacks; the 49ers finished 8-8
  • DE Bobby McCray, New Orleans – made two tackles, one for-a-loss, in the Saints 23-10 loss to Carolina; finished the season with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks; he finished with nine tackles, three tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks; the Saints clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs for the first time in franchise history
  • DE/LB Jarvis Moss, Denver – played, but not register a stat in the loss to Kansas City; the Broncos finished 8-8 on the season
  • WR Louis Murphy, Oakland – caught six passes for 59 yards and rushed twice for 17 yards; led the Raiders with four touchdown receptions and finished second on the team with 521 receiving yards and 34 receptions; Oakland finished 5-12 on the season
  • CB Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville – did not accumulate a stat in the final game of the season; ends year fourth on the team with 69 tackles; the Jaguars finished with a 7-9 record
  • MLB Mike Peterson, Atlanta – started and had three tackles in the 20-10 defeat of Tampa Bay; ends year third on the team with 109 tackles; also had seven tackles-for-loss, seven pass deflections, one interception and one sack; Atlanta finished 9-7, marking the first time in franchise history that the Falcons finished with a winning record in back-to-back seasons
  • DT Ian Scott, San Diego – started, but did not record a stat in the 23-20 win against Washington; had 16 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, two passes defended and one sack; the Chargers (13-3) clinched a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs
  • CB Lito Sheppard, New York Jets – started and had one pass deflection in the 37-0 rout of Cincinnati; the win clinched a playoff berth for the 13th time in franchise history; has 31 tackles, eight passes defended and one interception entering the post season; the Jets (9-7) will travel to Cincinnati (10-6) for the first round of the playoffs
  • LB Brandon Siler, San Diego – started, made three tackles, including one for a loss, in the 23-20 defeat of Washington; totaled 56 tackles on the season with six tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two QB hurries, two passes defended and one interception; the Chargers (13-3) clinched a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs
  • OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh – started and recorded a tackle on a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter; the Steelers gained over 400 yards of total offense in the 30-23 win over Miami; Starks started every game for the Steelers, as they finished with a 9-7 record on the season
  • RB Fred Taylor, New England – led the team with two touchdowns and 33 yards on seven carries in the loss to Houston; had 63 carries for 269 yards and four touchdowns and two catches for 17 yards this season; the Patriots (10-6) will host the Ravens (9-7) in the first round of the playoffs
  • DL Marcus Thomas, Denver – made one tackle in the loss to Kansas City; had 15 tackles and one tackle-for-loss on the season; Denver finished 8-8 this season
  • OT Phil Trautwein, St. Louis – played in the Rams 28-6 loss to San Francisco; played in four games during his rookie season; St. Louis finished with a 1-15 record
  • DT Gerard Warren, Oakland – started, but did not register a stat in the final game of the season; finished with 35 tackles, five QB hurries, four tackles-for-loss and two sacks this season
  • RB DeShawn Wynn, Green Bay – finished the season on injured reserve for the Packers; played in four games and rushed six times for 19 yards and also had two catches for 19 yards; the Packers (11-5) will travel to Arizona (10-6) for the first round of the playoffs
    • Tuesday, December 29, 2009
    9:50 a.m.GATORS IN THE NFL (WEEK 16)

    Gators in the NFL - Week 16 Update
    Gainesville, Fla. - Tuesday December 29, 2009

    There were 25 former University of Florida football players on NFL rosters in Week 16. Twenty-three saw game action, while 11 players earned starting positions. Fourteen former Gators are members of teams that have either clinched or are eligible for a post-season berth heading into the final week of regular season play.

    NFL Gator Stats
  • DE Alex Brown, Chicago – started and made three tackles, including a sack for a loss of five yards in overtime, and two other quarterback hurries; the Bears beat the Vikings 36-30 in overtime
  • WR Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati – caught three passes for 22 yards in the 17-10 win over Kansas City; is second on the team with 51 receptions; the Bengals clinched the AFC North title for the second time since the NFL’s divisional realignment in 2002
  • RG Cooper Carlisle, Oakland – started in the Raiders 23-9 loss to Cleveland; the Raiders passed for over 300 yards
  • LB Channing Crowder, Miami – started, but left the game after being injured on the second play of the game; is fourth on the team with 43 solo tackles
  • ILB Andra Davis, Denver – accumulated six tackles in the 30-27 loss to Philadelphia; third on team with 86 tackles
  • WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver – led the Broncos with seven receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles; second on the team with 40 receptions and 519 receiving yards
  • FB Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay – started, gaining eight yards on one rushing attempt, 43 yards on four receptions and one tackle on special teams in the 20-17 overtime win over New Orleans
  • QB Rex Grossman, Houston – did not play in the 27-20 win over Miami
  • DE Derrick Harvey, Jacksonville – started and made four tackles the 35-7 loss to New England
  • WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota – made four receptions for 40 yards and returned six kickoffs for 139 yards in the 36-30 loss to Chicago; among rookies has the second most receptions (53), receiving yards (731) and touchdowns (6); is averaging 27.5 per kick return, with 64.2% of his kicks being returned for 20 or more yards; 1,156 kickoff return yards is sixth-best in the NFL; has scored twice on kickoff returns this season
  • DE Jevon Kearse, Tennessee – was not activated to play in the Titans 42-17 loss to San Diego
  • DT Ray McDonald, San Francisco – made one tackle in 20-6 defeat of Detroit
  • DE Bobby McCray, New Orleans – played, but did not accumulate a stat in the Saints’ overtime loss to Tampa Bay; the Saints clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs due to the Vikings’ loss to Chicago
  • DE/LB Jarvis Moss, Denver – played, but did not register a stat in the loss to Philadelphia
  • WR Louis Murphy, Oakland – caught two passes for 22 yards in the loss to the Browns; leads the Raiders with four touchdown receptions and is second on the team with 462 receiving yards and 28 receptions; average of 16.5 yards per catch is fifth-best among rookies with at
    least 20 receptions
  • CB Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville – recorded four tackles in the 35-7 loss to the Patriots; is third on the team with 70 tackles this season
  • MLB Mike Peterson, Atlanta – started and had six tackles in the 31-3 rout of Buffalo; is third on the team with 106 tackles; has now made 100 or more tackles for the third-consecutive year and eighth time in his 11 seasons in the NFL
  • DT Ian Scott, San Diego – started and made two tackles resulting in negative yardage, one sack and a pass deflection in the 42-17 win over the Titans; the Chargers clinched a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs
  • CB Lito Sheppard, New York Jets – started and was second on the team with six tackles in the 29-15 win over Indianapolis; the win snapped the Colts’ NFL record 23-game winning streak
  • LB Brandon Siler, San Diego – started, made two tackles and returned one interception for five yards in the 42-17 defeat of Tennessee
  • OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh – started in the 23-20 win over division rival Baltimore; the Steelers remain in playoff contention with their second-straight win
  • RB Fred Taylor, New England – carried the ball 11 times for 35 yards in his first game since suffering an ankle injury in week four
  • DL Marcus Thomas, Denver – returned one kickoff for one yard late in the fourth quarter versus the Eagles
  • OT Phil Trautwein, St. Louis – played in the Rams 10-31 loss to Arizona
  • DT Gerard Warren, Oakland – started and registered four tackles and a quarterback hurry in the loss to Cleveland; he had two tackles-for-loss and notched his second sack of the season

    • Tuesday, December 22, 2009
    3:47 p.m.GATORS IN THE NFL (Week 15)

    There were 25 former University of Florida football players on NFL rosters in Week 15. Twenty former Gators saw game action, while 15 players earned starting positions.

    NFL Gator Stats
  • DE Alex Brown, Chicago – started and had two tackles in the 31-7 loss to Baltimore
  • WR Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati – started and caught five passes for 22 yards in the 27-24 loss to San Diego; second on the team with 48 receptions
  • RG Cooper Carlisle, Oakland – started in the Raiders 20-19 win over Denver
  • LB Channing Crowder, Miami – started and made five tackles in the loss to Tennessee
  • ILB Andra Davis, Denver – started and accumulated six tackles, one for a loss, a quarterback hurry and one pass deflection in the loss to Oakland; third on team with 78 tackles
  • WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver – made one reception for 8 yards against Oakland; third on team with 33 receptions and has the second-most receiving yards (450)
  • FB Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay – started, but did not register a stat in the Bucs’ 24-7 win over Seattle
  • QB Rex Grossman, Houston – did not play against St. Louis
  • DE Derrick Harvey, Jacksonville – started and made two tackles the 35-31 loss to Indianapolis
  • WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota – started caught one pass for ten yards and returned two kickoffs for 31 yards; among rookies has the second most receptions (49) and receiving yards (691) and touchdowns (6); is averaging 28.3 per kick return, with 1,017 return yards and two touchdowns
  • DE Jevon Kearse, Tennessee – was not activated to play in the Titans 27-24 overtime win against Miami
  • DT Ray McDonald, San Francisco – played, but did not register a stat in the 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles
  • DE Bobby McCray, New Orleans – played, but did not accumulate a stat in the Saints’ 24-17 loss to Dallas; the loss snaps the franchise-record 13-game winning streak
  • DE/LB Jarvis Moss, Denver – was not activated to play against the Raiders
  • WR Louis Murphy, Oakland – caught two passes for 21 yards and made one tackle on special teams in the 20-19 defeat of Denver; leads the team with four touchdown receptions and is second on the team with 440 receiving yards and 26 receptions
  • CB Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville - started at free safety and recorded five tackles in addition to a pass deflection against the Colts; is third on the team with 66 tackles this season
  • MLB Mike Peterson, Atlanta – started and led the Falcons in their 10-7 win over the Jets with 13 tackles and a pass deflection; is second on the team with 76 tackles
  • DT Ian Scott, San Diego – started and made two tackles, one for a loss, in the 27-24 win over the Bengals
  • CB Lito Sheppard, New York Jets – started and was second on the team with six tackles in the loss to Atlanta
  • LB Brandon Siler, San Diego – started and made seven tackles in the defeat of Cincinnati
  • OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh – started in the 37-36 last second win over Green Bay; the Steelers gained 568 yards of total offense and snapped a five game losing skid
  • RB Fred Taylor, New England – was not activated against Buffalo due to an ankle injury
  • DL Marcus Thomas, Denver – made one tackle in the loss to the Raiders
  • OT Phil Trautwein, St. Louis – played, but did not record a stat in the Rams 13-16 to Houston
  • DT Gerard Warren, Oakland – started and registered one tackle in the upset win over the Denver Broncos
    • Tuesday, December 08, 2009
    3:35 p.m.GATORS IN THE NFL (Week 13)

    Gators in the NFL – Week 13

    There were 25 former University of Florida football players on NFL rosters in Week 12. Eleven players started, while 22 earned playing time.

    Former Gator Louis Murphy scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to help the Raiders knock off the Steelers. Late in the quarter, on a third-and-one at the Raider 25 yard-line, Murphy caught a 40-yard pass from quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Murphy then ran another 20 yards, beat the last Pittsburgh defender at the 15 yard-line and fell into the end zone to give the Raiders a 20-17 lead. The Steelers answered right back with a touchdown just inside the two-minute warning. With nine seconds remaining in the game, Murphy caught his second touchdown in the corner of the end zone to seal the 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

    NFL Gator Stats
  • DE Alex Brown, Chicago – started and made two quarterback hurries with one tackle in the Bears 19-6 defeat of St. Louis
  • WR Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati – made one kickoff return for 16 yards in the first quarter as the Bengals beat the Lions 23-13; is second on the team with 39 receptions
  • RG Cooper Carlisle, Oakland – started on an offensive line that gained nearly 400 yards of total offense against the league’s top ranked defense; the Raiders beat the Steelers 27-24
  • LB Channing Crowder, Miami – started, had four tackles and two pass deflections and intercepted Tom Brady with 42 seconds left in the fourth quarter to seal the 22-21 victory for the Dolphins
  • ILB Andra Davis, Denver – started and made three tackles in the 44-13 win over the Chiefs; third on the team with 3.5 sacks and 74 tackles
  • WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver – was targeted only once in the defeat of Kansas City; leads the team in average reception (13.6 yards) and is second in yards gained with 394
  • FB Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay – made one catch for 5 yards in the Bucs 16-6 loss to the Panthers
  • QB Rex Grossman, Houston – saw his first action of the season against the Jaguars, completing three of nine passing attempts for 33 yards, while also rushing three time for five yards
  • DE Derrick Harvey, Jacksonville – started in the 23-18 win over the Texans; had three tackles and made his first sack of the season
  • WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota – started and led the team in receiving yards (79), rushing yards (22) and kickoff return yards (62); caught a 31-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter; 986 returns yards is sixth best in the league, while his average kick return of 29.0 yards is second highest among players with at least 30 returns; has the most receptions (48), receiving yards (681), receiving touchdowns (6), catches of 20 or more yards (12) and 40-plus yards (3) and catches for a first down (37) among all rookies
  • DE Jevon Kearse, Tennessee – played but did not record a stat in the 27-17 loss to the Colts
  • DE Ray McDonald, San Francisco – had one tackle in the 49ers 20-17 loss to Seattle
  • DE Bobby McCray, New Orleans – made one tackle-for-loss in the 33-30 overtime win over Washington
  • DE/LB Jarvis Moss, Denver – was not activated against the Kansas City Chiefs
  • WR Louis Murphy, Oakland –made four receptions for 128 yards and caught two touchdowns in the win over Pittsburgh; leads the team with four touchdown receptions and is second on the team in receiving yards (411) and receptions (23); 17.9 yards per catch is third-best among rookies
  • CB Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville - started at free safety and made two tackles against Houston; third on the team with 56 tackles this season
  • LB Mike Peterson, Atlanta – started in the 34-7 loss to Philadelphia and made four tackles and a pass deflection; is second on the team with 61 total tackles
  • DT Ian Scott, San Diego – started and made three tackles in the 30-23 defeat of Cleveland
  • CB Lito Sheppard, New York Jets – started and made two pass deflections in addition to three tackles as the Jets defeated the Bills 19-13 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • LB Brandon Siler, San Diego – made five tackles and one pass deflection against the Browns
  • OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh – started for the Steelers in their 24-27 loss to Oakland; the Steelers gained 401 yards of total offense
  • RB Fred Taylor, New England – was not activated to play against Miami
  • DL Marcus Thomas, Denver – played but did not record a stat against Kansas City
  • OT Phil Trautwein, St. Louis – was not activated to play in the Rams’ 9-17 loss to Chicago
  • DT Gerard Warren, Oakland – started, making three tackles in the win over Pittsburgh
    • Tuesday, November 24, 2009
    3:48 p.m.THE SIDELINE REPORT

    Hey Gator Fans,

    The Gators winning streak can finally (legally) join the tens-of-thousands of fans on game day and enjoy a cool one. Yes, the Gators win against FIU made their record 21 now and aren’t we proud.

    With each passing game the tension of working the sidelines increases. Each play is suddenly more important than the last. Each first down is another drive toward the much anticipated, and expected, game against The Crimson Tide.


    Gator wide receiver Omarius Hines with the ball during the third quarter against FIU.

    If this game is even worth playing is subject for debate. A topic The Independent Florida Alligator’s Sports Editor Phil Kegler covered in detail last Wednesday in his column. (http://alligator.org/sports/sports_columns/article_5f56d1c2-d3f7-11de-af4d-001cc4c002e0.html)

    After the game I seriously considered re-posting my blog from the Vanderbilt game on how to stay entertained during a terribly boring football game... But that would be lazy.

    Instead, I’m going to look forward to FSU.

    This weeks game will be the 31st appearance the Gators will have on ESPN’s Game Day program and the 54th time UF and FSU have crossed paths in the regular season.

    What is more important than records and rivalries in this match and the reason I think Game Day coming to town is the end of two legacies.


    Quarterback Tim Tebow thanks fans after a 62-3 win over FIU.

    Bobby Bowden will never coach in The Swamp again. Even if the legendary coach can stick it out for one more season with his current contract this Saturday will probably be the last time he steps foot into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as a coach.

    For some who has worked with Bowden before it will be a sad exit. Bobby is truly one of the finest southern gentlemen I have ever worked with. When I was a sophomore in high school I wanted to be a sports photographer. So I called up FSU and asked if I could go to the Garnet and Gold Scrimmage. I was granted a press pass and took photos during the game. Afterwards, Bowden came over to me, introduced himself, then gave me his phone number and said “If you need anything in Tallahassee just give me a call.” I thanked him and he replied, “I better be seeing you on the sidelines this fall.”

    I highly doubt Urban Meyer has been this friendly to the press.

    The second legacy is no surprise. Quarterback Tim Tebow has created a legacy in just four years. That has to be another record to add to his resume. After speaking with Gainesville Police officers, this weeks Gator Walk will have barricades to keep the eager fans in their place as Tebow makes his final walk into The Swamp.


    Tim Tebow pushes through the crowds at Gator Walk before facing FIU.

    Bowden has given much praise to Tebow, especially after last year's rainy beat-down in Tallahassee, but nothing would bring the Seminoles back into the national scene by breaking the Gators winning streak and crushing their chances at another trip to the BCS.


    Head coach Urban Meyer enters The Swamp before facing FIU.

    So what is in store for next weeks blog?

    I’ll be posting photos and video from the Game Day Set, Gator Walk, fan testimonials to the rivalry and post-game interviews with Meyer and the gang.

    My Best,

    - Steve
    3:29 p.m.GATORS IN THE NFL (WEEK 11)

    There were 26 former University of Florida football players on NFL rosters in Week 9. Twelve players started, while 21 earned playing time. NFL Gator Stats
  • DE Alex Brown, Chicago – started at right end, making three tackles and rushing the quarterback twice as the Bears were defeated by the Eagles 24-20; leads the team with 5.5 sacks this season
  • WR Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati – caught three passes for 35 yards and made two runs for 11 yards in the loss to Oakland; is second on the team with 295 receiving yards and three touchdowns
  • RG Cooper Carlisle, Oakland – started for the Raiders’ 20-17 win over Cincinnati; the Raiders did not give up a sack on the day
  • LB Channing Crowder, Miami – started and made five tackles in the 25-23 win over Carolina; fourth on the Dolphins with 36 tackles this season
  • ILB Andra Davis, Denver – started and was second on the team with seven tackles, including one tackle for loss and a pass deflection in the Broncos’ 32-3 loss to the Chargers; third on the team with 69 tackles this season
  • WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver – started and led the Broncos in receiving with 55 yards on three receptions; has 346 yards receiving this season, second-most on the team
  • FB Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay – gained 31 yards on three carries; his 17-yard run was the longest for the Bucs in their loss to New Orleans
  • DE Derrick Harvey, Jacksonville – started in the win over the Bills; made four tackles, one tackle-for-loss, two quarterback hurries and recovered one fumble
  • WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota – started in the Vikings’ 35-9 win over Seattle; had the second-most receiving yards on the team with five catches for 79 yards with one touchdown and 35 yards on two kickoff returns; leads the league with 924 kickoff return yards; among rookies has the most receiving yards (501), touchdowns (4), plays of 20-or-more yards (9) and catches for a first down (27)
  • DE Jevon Kearse, Tennessee – was not activated to play against Houston
  • S Marquand Manuel, Detroit – started in the loss to Minnesota and recorded two tackles
  • DE Ray McDonald, San Francisco – played but did not record a stat in the loss to Green Bay
  • DE Bobby McCray, New Orleans –made one pass deflection in the 38-7 win over Tampa Bay; the Saints won their 10th-straight game for first time in franchise history
  • DE/LB Jarvis Moss, Denver – made one pass deflection in the loss to division rival San Diego
  • WR Louis Murphy, Oakland – with 33 seconds remaining in the game, caught a 29-yard pass for a touchdown to tie the game at 17-17; the Raiders would win on a field goal in OT; is second on the team in receiving yards (261) and catches (17) and leads the team with two receiving touchdowns
  • CB Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville – started at free safety and was second on the team with four tackles; also made one quarterback hurry in the 18-15 win over Buffalo; third on the team with 48 tackles this season
  • LB Mike Peterson, Atlanta – started and led the team with 11 tackles in the Falcons 31-34 overtime loss to the Giants; third on the team with 72 tackles this season
  • CB Keiwan Ratliff, Pittsburgh – played, but did not record a stat in the Steelers 24-27 overtime loss to the Chiefs
  • DT Ian Scott, San Diego – made three tackles as the Chargers defeated the Broncos for their fifth-straight win
  • CB Lito Sheppard, New York Jets – did not play against New England
  • LB Brandon Siler, San Diego – started in the win over Denver, making three tackles to help give the Chargers control of the AFC West
  • OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh – started for the Steelers; providing protection for QB Ben Roethlisberger who threw for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns; the Steelers average the fifth-most passing yards per game in the NFL with 268.1 per game
  • RB Fred Taylor, New England – did not play due to an ankle injury
  • DL Marcus Thomas, Denver – made three tackles for the Broncos in their 3-28 loss to the Chargers
  • OT Phil Trautwein, St. Louis – was not activated for the Rams’ 12-21 loss to Arizona
  • DT Gerard Warren, Oakland – started, making two tackles and rushing the quarterback once in the defeat of the Bengals
  • QB Rex Grossman, Houston – did not play against the Titans
    • Tuesday, November 17, 2009
    10:56 a.m.THE SIDELINE REPORT

    Hey Gator Fans,

    It was another road trip and another tough game, but the Gators pulled it out in the fourth quarter, continuing to set the bar higher with a 10-0, 8-0 SEC, making this the 20th consecutive win for the defending national champions.


    The Pouncey twins hold up ten fingers for the Gators' 10-0 record this season.

    What irks me this week is not the sloppy offense or Steve Spurrier out-coaching Urban Meyer and Charlie Strong. It is the fans. There is a lot to complain about this season and many readers have expressed their opinions through the online forums and the endless comments on articles. These are all aspects of the game that they cannot control. What I have noticed throughout the season is the level of enthusiasm the Gators have been met with on the road.


    Gamecock fans cheer on even as their team trails in the fourth quarter.

    For each team the Gators play this season it is their “big game” of the season. The David vs. Goliath, except in the case of the Gators, Goliath is 10-0. Each opponent is hoping to be that David and their fans are expressing it louder than ever.


    Gamecock fans during the first quarter.

    As I was heading back from the last regular-season road game I thought about each trip this season and the one thing I noticed above all was how dedicated the fans were to their teams. Do not get me wrong, Gator fans are some of the most passionate in the NCAA, but The Swamp has gone from being one of the most feared places to snap a football to a quiet house waiting for an upset. Teams like Arkansas and Ole’ Miss certainly knew it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Gators hit a little speed bump against FSU.

    Covering Gators games is a blessing. I get to go where few have gone and see what goes into a Gator football game. What I also get to experience is what Tim Tebow hears before every snap, what Urban Meyer tries to block out with his headset and the chants of fans so passionate for their team that they believe with every fiber that their team will be the one to upset the mighty Goliath we know as the Florida Gators.


    Gator fans during the fourth quarter of the South Carolina game.

    I have not been around long enough to say I have experience great moments in The Swamp, like the 1994 FSU game, the blocked kick against South Carolina in 2006, or EXAMPLE. What I do know is a quiet stadium and when the Gator take the field and after the first five minutes the legendary swamp turns into a quiet oasis for the opposing team it is far from legendary.


    Gator fans sit quietly during the first quarter of the South Carolina game.

    So I ask the Gator Nation for one thing. Get back in the game. Joseph Goodman from the Miami Herald wrote an open letter in his blog last week telling Gator fans that this is the best it is going to get. Goodman may be right. We may never get another Tebow-Meyer combination for a very long time. So when the Gators enter The Swamp and start to crush FIU as expected it shouldn’t be treated like just another game. It is one of the best football teams this school will ever see. In just two weeks Tim Tebow will never take a snap inside “The Swamp” again. Would any Gator fan really want those last few games to be just ordinary games.


    Quarterback Tim Tebow thanks fans for their support after the Gators' 21-14 win over South Carolina.

    Meyer might go to Notre Dame, Tebow will go to the NFL and the Gators might keep Charlie Strong. All of those factors have no meaning when a stadium half the size of The Swamp can make my ears ring and I can hear the play calling during a home game.


    Head coach Urban Meyer answers reporters' questions during the post-game press conference after the Gators' 24-14 win over South Carolina.

    It is going to be a very exciting next two home games. With the Alabama game creeping up, every move of the Gator offense and defense will be analyzed and compared to every move Alabama makes.

    I look forward to keeping everyone at GatorBait updated with the inside look at Gator Football and the next few weeks will be the most exciting times to come this season.

    My Best,

    - Steve
    10:50 a.m.Gators in the NFL (week 10)

    There were 27 former University of Florida football players on NFL rosters in Week 9. Fifteen players started, while 22 earned playing time.

    NFL Gator Stats
  • DE Alex Brown, Chicago - started at right end, making two tackles and hurrying the quarterback once in the Bears 10-6 loss to San Francisco; leads the team with seven tackles-for-loss on the season
  • WR Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati - started for the Bengals’ clash with Pittsburgh and caught four passes for 23 yards in the 18-12 win; for the season he is second on the team with 33 receptions for 295 yards and three touchdowns while totaling 483 yards on 26 kickoff returns
  • RG Cooper Carlisle, Oakland - started in the Raiders’ 16-10 loss to Kansas City
  • LB Channing Crowder, Miami - started in his first game back from a shoulder injury; led the Dolphins to a 25-23 win over Tampa Bay with nine tackles, one sack and a quarterback hurry; fourth on the Dolphins with 31 tackles on the season
  • ILB Andra Davis, Denver - started and was second on the team with twelve tackles, including one tackle for loss, a sack and one quarterback hurry; leads the Broncos with 10 tackles-for-loss and ranks third on the team with 61 tackles
  • WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver - played but did not record a catch for the Broncos; ranks second on the team this season with 291 receiving yards
  • FB Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay - started and made one reception for 16 yards as the Bucs lost to Miami, 25-23
  • DE Derrick Harvey, Jacksonville - started and made three tackles in the 24-22 defeat of the New York Jets
  • WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota - started in the Vikings’ 27-10 win over Detroit; finished the game with three receptions for 53 yards,including one 40-yard catch, one rush for seven yards and one kickoff return for 29 yards; second on the team with 31 catches, 422 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season; leads the NFL averaging 30.7 yards per kickoff return and is second among rookie receivers in catches and receiving yards
  • DE Jevon Kearse, Tennessee - was not activated to play against Buffalo
  • S Marquand Manuel, Detroit - started in the loss to Minnesota and recorded two tackles; fourth on the Lions with 35 tackles this season
  • DE Ray McDonald, San Francisco - played but did not record a stat as the 49ers defeated Chicago; leads the team with three sacks this season
  • DE Bobby McCray, New Orleans - made one tackle as the Saints escaped St. Louis with a 28-23 win to remain undefeated
  • DE/LB Jarvis Moss, Denver - saw game time, but did not record a stat as the Broncos loast to Washington
  • WR Louis Murphy, Oakland - played but did not record a catch in the Raiders loss to Kansas City; second on the team with 16 catches for 232 yards; one of only two Raiders to catch a touchdown pass this season
  • CB Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville - started at free safety and finished the game with three tackles in the win over the Jets; ranks fourth on the team with 43 tackles this season
  • LB Mike Peterson, Atlanta - started and was second on the team with six tackles as the Falcons fell to the Panthers 29-19; third on the team with 61 tackles and second on the team with six tackles-for-loss this season
  • CB Keiwan Ratliff, Pittsburgh - was not activated for the game against Cincinnati
  • DT Ian Scott, San Diego - started and made two tackles as the Chargers defeated the Eagles 31-23 for their fourth straight win
  • CB Lito Sheppard, New York Jets - made one tackle in the loss to the Jaguars
  • LB Brandon Siler, San Diego - started in the win over Philadelphia, recording three tackles, a sack resulting in a loss of nine yards and one quarterback hurry
  • OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh - started in Pittsburgh’s loss to the Bengals
  • RB Fred Taylor, New England - was not activated due to an ankle injury
  • DL Marcus Thomas, Denver - made two tackles for the Broncos in their 27-17 loss to the Redskins
  • OT Phil Trautwein, St. Louis - was not activated for the Rams’ 28-23 loss to New Orleans
  • DT Gerard Warren, Oakland - started and made three tackles in the loss to the Chiefs

    The following players had byes, but return to action in Week 11:

  • Rex Grossman and the Houston Texans host a divisional matchup against the streaking Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football at 8:30 pm on ESPN.
    • Tuesday, November 10, 2009
    12:59 p.m.GATORS IN THE NFL (week 9)

    There were 21 former University of Florida football players in action during Week 9 of the NFL. Nine former Gators earned starting positions for their teams.

    NFL Gator Stats
  • DE Alex Brown, Chicago – started at Right End, sacking Kurt Warner twice for a combined loss of five yards and forcing two fumbles in the Bears 21-41 loss to Arizona; Brown leads the Bears with seven tackles for loss this season
  • WR Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati – made three receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown in the Bengals 17-7 defeat of the Ravens
  • LB Channing Crowder, Miami – was not activated due to a shoulder injury
  • ILB Andra Davis, Denver – started and recorded two tackles and 0.5 sacks in the Broncos’ loss to Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football; leads the team with nine tackles for loss this season and third on the team with 49 total tackles
  • WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver – had two catches for six yards in the Broncos’ loss to Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football; second on the team with 23 receptions for 291 yards
  • FB Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay – started for Bucs victory over the Green Bay Packers; the 38-28 win was Tampa Bay’s first since November 30, 2008
  • QB Rex Grossman, Houston – did not play against Indianapolis
  • DE Derrick Harvey, Jacksonville - started, but did not record a stat as the Jaguars defeated the Chiefs 24-21
  • DE Jevon Kearse, Tennessee - was not activated to play against San Franciso
  • S Marquand Manuel, Detroit – made one tackle in the Lions 20-32 loss to Seattle; third on the team with 34 total tackles this season
  • DE Ray McDonald, San Francisco – did not record a stat in the 49ers 27-34 loss to the Tennessee Titans; leads the team with three sacks this season
  • DE Bobby McCray, New Orleans – rushed quarterback Jack Delhomme once and made one tackle as the Saints beat the Panters 30-20 to remain undefeated
  • DE/LB Jarvis Moss, Denver – played but did not record any stats in the Broncos’ loss to Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football
  • CB Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville - started at free safety and finished the game with two tackles, one quarterback hurry and two pass deflections; third on the team with 40 tackles this season
  • LB Mike Peterson, Atlanta – started and was second on the team with eight tackles, also hurrying the quarterback and making one tackle for a loss in the Falcons 31-17defeat of the Redskins; third on the team with 55 tackles
  • Keiwan Ratliff, Pittsburgh – played and made one tackle on special teams in the Steelers’ 28-10 win over Denver on Monday Night Football
  • DT Ian Scott, San Diego – started and made one tackle as the Chargers defeated the Giants 21-20 for their third straight win
  • LB Brandon Siler, San Diego – started and was fourth on the team with eight tackles in the Chargers comeback win over the New York Giants
  • Max Starks, Pittsburgh – started at left tackle and led an offensive line that helped the Steelers rush for 173 yards in their 28-10 win over Denver on Monday Night Football
  • RB Fred Taylor, New England – was not activated due to an ankle injury
  • DL Marcus Thomas, Denver – made one tackle in the Broncos’ loss to Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football

    The following players had byes, but return to action in Week 10:
  • Cooper Carlisle, Louis Murphy and Gerard Warren of the Oakland Raiders host division rival Kansas City at 4:05 p.m.
  • Percy Harvin and the Minnesota Vikings play host to the Detroit Lions at 1:00 p.m.
  • The New York Jets and Lito Sheppard face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:00 p.m.
    • Monday, November 09, 2009
    6:26 p.m.THE SIDELINE REPORT

    Hey Gator Fans,

    So this is going to be a difficult entry to write. I can feel it. You know why? Because unlike every writer who can rip on the Gators in the press room about poor performances, a low offensive statistical output and a lackluster game, I have to explain just how boring this junior varsity showdown was between the Gators and the Commodores.

    How boring? Well, here is a list of things I, and other photographers, do on the sidelines when the number one team in the country, undefeated in the SEC, plays on the same level as a team who has yet to win a game in their own conference.

    Surely the Commodores could have pulled off the upset. And swine could fly.

    But I digress.

    What to do when you are covering the number-one team in the country when they are not playing at their best.

    #1 - Take self portraits.


    A self portrait taken with Orlando Sentinel staff photographer Gary Green. (Steve Johnson/GatorBait)


    Another self portrait with Orlando Sentinel photo editor Cassie Armstrong. (Steve Johnson/GatorBait)

    Throughout the season I have snapped self portraits on the field. Mostly for egotistical reasons and because they make great Facebook profile pictures. But games like Vanderbilt usually result in multiple shots with many photographers.

    #2 - Shoot the sidelines


    Head coach Urban Meyer watches his Gators closely in the third quarter. (Jenn Moyer/GatorBait)

    Urban Meyer is not the most expressive coach on the sidelines. If you can catch him yelling at a referee or a player or really showing any emotion it is quite an accomplishment. This proves to be a very fun game when the real game is not going well.

    #3 - Find interesting fans


    Fans of all ages bring signs to cheer on the Gators. (Steve Johnson/GatorBait)

    Fan shots are always interesting but sign hunting has become my new favorite sport. I’m sure that would be a great idea for a gallery at the end of the season.

    #4 - Find cute girls in the stands (probably #1 in the eyes of many of our readers).


    Gator fans sing "We are the Boys." (Steve Johnson/GatorBait)


    Gatorettes twirl in the pre-game show against Vanderbilt. (Steve Johnson/GatorBait)

    Why not? Gator fans are some of the best-looking fans in the country. Free models that make for some great pictures is always a great way to pass the time on the field.

    #5 - Dance on the field.


    Me attempting to do a little "jig" on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. (Andrew Stanfill/Alligator)

    This is clearly number five on the list. While I do this at every game I have finally gotten caught by Alligator photographer Andrew Stanfill. Thanks Andrew for the picture. This proves that while all of these activities are fun on the field you are always being watched.

    Now don’t think just because of one boring game I hate my job. I am very fortunate to have the greatest job in the world. I get to go to some of the best sporting events in the world and have a blast taking pictures. This week was one of the less-exciting photo shoots but nevertheless was still a lot of fun.

    As a photographer covering Gator football you have to be objective and take the good with the bad. Luckily for the Gators "the bad" is not losing a game it is just a boring one. This season continues to prove to be one of the more interesting teams I have ever covered. Mostly because one week the Gators can dominate on both offense and defense and it shows in the pictures and the next week I will have to write about how to stay entertained during a game. Usually, I send between 150 and 200 photos to the print version of GatorBait. This week I sent 70. There was so little action that I was worried if I could make enough pictures for the publication. All in all, it is still Gator football and we have a potentially exciting season ahead of us.


    Quarterback Tim Tebow thanks fans after the Gators beat Vanderbilt 27-3. (Steve Johnson/GatorBait)

    Next week it is off to South Carolina. Hopefully, Steve Spurrier will make this an interesting game and we’ll have some great talking points afterwards.

    My Best,

    - Steve
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