Sports perspective: is T.O. a no-g0?

JASON RADKA ASST. SPORTS EDITOR JNR722@CABRINI.EDU

There is no skepticism that a healthy Terrell Owens is a top wide receiver in the National Football League. Having lost consecutive NFC championship games, Terrell Owens gave the Philadelphia Eagles the final dimension of their offense to lift the birds to the big game.

Despite falling to the Patriots last year in the Super Bowl, Owens still blew the critics away with an outstanding individual perfonnance. Philly fans can always talk about his past in the City of Brotherly Love: however, the sites and sounds of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Lincoln Financial Field are no longer in his future.

The loss of Terrell Owens is going to be devastating to an already battered beat-down Philadelphia Eagles team. Major injuries, that include Donovan McNabb, Lito Sheppard, Todd Pinkston and Brian Westbrook prove there's no shame in the Eagles recent 6-10 record. Most of those injured players will return with the Eagles next season, but Terrell Owens is seeking a higher territory in Denver, under Mike Shannahan.

According to the Denver Post, Terrell Owens and his agent Drew Rosenhaus flew out to Denver last week to meet with team owner, Pat Bowlen.

According to league rules and regulations, no transactions can occur until March when free agency begins. However, preliminary talks are permitted. In addi- tion, Bowlen believes that the troubled receiver can "fit in" with the team.

Despite whether or not Owens leaves Philadelphia or stays, it is safe to say that he is no longer the fan favorite. However, in the event that Terrell Owens does end up in Denver, the Philadelphia Eagles will still be in search of their dynamite go-to guy. The off-season is going to be an interesting one and possibly one of the most crucially important for years to come under Andy Reid.

Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@yahoogroups.com The editors will review your points each week and make corrections if warranted.

KATHERINEBRACHELLI ASST. NEWS EDITOR K:8727@CABRINI.E.DU

Regaining their running game a Super Bowl priority for Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense relies on their running game, which is a source of anxiety for Steelers coach Bill Cowher, especially since it is their second Super Bowl appearance in 26 years.

For all the attention given Jerome Bettis' Super Bowl homecoming to Detroit for the Feb. 5 Super Bowl against Seattle, and Be~is' t~ee short-yardage t?~ch- · down runs, the Steelers runrung game was surpnsu~gly ineffective during their thr~e AFC J?layoffroad victories. The lack of yardage 1s becoming a concern to Cowher. Willie Parker a 1,200-yard per season back has been held to a 2.7 average and he doesn't have a playoff run longer than 14 yards, according to espn.com.

Kwan goes for Olympic gold one more time

Michelle Kwan sealed her spot Friday, Jan. 27 for the U.S. Olympic team by showing a five person monitoring committee her jumps, spins and spirals." It is truly the opinion of this monitoring team that Michelle could win the Olympics," '-----~ said Bob Horen, chairman of U.S. Figure Skating's international committee.

Kwan a five-time world champion and nine-time U.S. champion said, "Thinking gold is good. I'm staying positive, feeling good. I'm injury free. So right now it's just going for it." Kwan will be joining Sasha Cohen, who won her first national title earlier this month, and 16-year-old Kimmie Meissner on the U.S. figure skating team in Turin, according to yahoo.com.

76ers, without herson, defeat Knicks

Allen Iverson was out and Philadelphia didn't look like it missed him. Chris Webber had 21 points and 10 rebounds while John Salmons added 18 points to lead the 76ers over the New York Knicks 91-76 on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Iverson, second in the NBA with 33.6 points per game, sat-out with a sprained left ankle after he ~vas injured in the fourth quarter of Thursday's loss agamst Orlando. "Everyone had to raise their game a little higher and I thought everyone did," coach Maurice Cheeks said, according to espn .com.

Federer wins his seventh grand slam title_

Roger Federer won his seventh Grand Slam title Sunday, Jan. 29, overcoming an early challenge from Marcos Baghdatis to win the Australian Open. Federer's experience under pressure showed as the --... ___ top ranked stepped up his game in the second set and won 11 straight.

Federer won the Wimbledon and U.S. open titles last year. He will try to win his fourth straight major later this year on clay at the French Open- the only Grand ·Slam he has ever won. The Swiss broke-down in tears after receiving the champion's trophy from Rod Laver, the last man to sweep all four Grand Slams in the same year, in 1969, according to yahoo.com.