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Playmaker Roundup: Rajon Rondo shrugs off David Stern's warning of impending NBA lockout, Brandon Jennings' Black Ice Shoes by Under Armour debut Saturday, Donovan McNabb to have homecoming this Sunday in Chicago and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAJON RONDO: Mike Petraglia of WEEI Sports blog writes that Rajon Rondo did not care much about David Stern's recent comments about the NBA lockout. The Commissioner wants to cut player salaries by 1/3rd to save between $750 million - $800 million. "I'm preparing for like there this is one [lockout]. I'm saving a lot of money this year. I'm saving a lot on my car insurance too, Geico," mentioned Rondo with a smirk. RR can afford to be nonchalant about the possible lockout because he's guaranteed over $9 million this season.

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center is expected to play in today's final pre-season game against the Dallas Mavericks. 

• GREG ODEN: "Broken, not beaten, Oden vows to return strong" via Marc Spears of Yahoo!Sports. Click here to read the article. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: The wait is over---Young Buck's "Black Ice" kicks by Under Armour hits store shelves tomorrow, October 23, 2010. Support Jennings and cop a pair of the Fly, Blur, Lite or Black Ice. Check out pics of the shoes here.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Jason Reid of The Washington Post writes that the Redskin's game against the Bears will be a homecoming for McNabb and Coach Shanahan who both originate from the Chi-town. DM5 played QB at Mount Carmel High School, which is just 5 miles from Soldier Field. "As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, McNabb played at Soldier Field five times, going 4-1 against the Bears."

• JONATHAN VILMA: Read Jonathan Vilma's Journal about the Saints win over the Tampa Bay Bucs. This Sunday, JV and Company host Rookie QB, Colt McCoy and the Cleveland Browns. 

• OSI UMENYIORA: Thomas George of FanHouse titles his story "More Focused, Determined Osi Umenyiora Lets His Play Do the Talking." Click here to read the article.

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: Marshall Pruett of SPEEDTV writes that Castroneves accidently crashed into the wall at turn 11 during practice at Surfer's Paradise. Helio was reported to be OK but a little embarrassed about the crash.

Playmaker Roundup: Donovan McNabb and Redskins unable to beat Manning and Colts, Osi Umenyiora continues his streak against Detroit, Jonathan Vilma and Saints put hurt on the Bucs and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 and the Washington Redskins could not overcome the three-point deficit late in the game, losing to the Colts, 27-24 at home Sunday night. McNabb finished the game 29 of 45 for 246 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The Redskins drop to 3-3 for the season.

• OSI UMENYIORA: Giants' teammates are calling Umenyiora Superman; he has amassed seven sacks and six forced fumbles in a three-game span. QB, Drew Stanton and the Detroit Lions never stood a chance against the NY defense, as the G-man won 28-20. The Giants are now 4-2 and are in a tie for first place in the NFC East.

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV was pretty quiet in the Saints' torching of the Tampa Bay Bucs. Vilma recorded one assisted tackle, his lowest of the season.  Nonetheless, Dew Brees threw for over three touchdowns and RB Ivory rushed for 158 yards; the Saints beat the Bucs 31-6.

• RAY LEWIS: The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Patriots in OT, 23-20. Lewis is already looking at the next game, however, stating that it's "going to be rough for the Buffalo [Bills]."

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck's Under Amour Shoes "Black-Ice" edition coming to a store near you, October 23rd. Click here to see Jennings' newest shoe commercial.

• STEVE NASH: Throwback---Steve Nash and 50 cent's infomercial for Vitamin Water equals LOL. Meanwhile, Toronto fans booed the heck out of former Raptor's player, Hedo Turkoglu, who now plays for the PHX Suns; Hedo shrugged off the criticism.  The Raptors beat the Suns, 121-100, Sunday. 

• GREG ODEN: Elliott Pohnl of Bleacher Report writes that the Portland Trailblazers have yet to offer Oden a contract extension, while Kevin Durant and Al Horford of the 2007 draft class have accepted extensions. Oden becomes a restricted free agent November 1st if no deal is completed with Portland. 

• YAO MING: Fresh off their two pre-season wins overseas, the Rockets are back home.  Rocket's players were thankful to represent the NBA in Asia; many now have a new found appreciation for Yao's influence and rock-star status overseas. 

• RAJON RONDO: Frances White writes that Rajon Rondo is making the case as an elite PG for the Boston Celtics. Click here to read his article.

Playmaker Roundup: Yao Ming and teammates get rushed by thousands of NBA fans in China, Brandon Jennings hits sick half-court shot, Ray Lewis and the Ravens are ready to beat Tom Brady's Patriots and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• YAO MING: The Rocket's team bus was bum-rushed by a mob of Yao Ming fans in Guangzhou, China today. “That’s something we can tell our kids: ‘I was with Yao Ming and we were bum-rushed in Guangzhou, China.’ It was a little scary, but it was awesome," mentioned teammate Shane Battier. Yao Ming is a rock star in China and his teamamtes are enjoying the ride; the illustration of thousands of adoring fans screaming Yao's name just goes to show you why the NBA is heavily invested in China. The Rockets will play the New Jersey Nets for the second-time in Guangzhou on Saturday as part of the NBA-China series.  

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck hit a sick half-court shot during Milwaukee's practice on Tuesday. Click here to see it.

• GREG ODEN: John Canzano of The Oregonian writes that the Trail Blazers are not in a rush to bring Greg Oden back and want to make sure he's a 100% healthy before playing in the 2010-2011 NBA season. 

• STEVE NASH: ESPN blog has 'behind the scenes' video and commentary from Steve Nash and Landon Donovan's commercial shoot for EA Sport's FIFA 2011.

• OSI UMENYIORA: Mike Garafolo of The Star Ledge wrote that OU participated in to practice yesterday. Sore knees did not stop Umenyiora as he was seen getting off the blocks faster than his fellow defensive linemen. 

• RAY LEWIS: Jeff Howe of NESN.com writes that RL52 is ready to beat the living daylights out of Tom Brady and the Patriots this weekend. Lewis and the Ravens are still steaming from last year's call in which Brady faked getting hit by Terrel Suggs, only to receive a personal foul call in his favor. Brady will have no deep threat, as his go-to-guy, Randy Moss has been shipped back to his "home-town" of Minnesota. Brady, proceed with caution.

Playmaker Roundup: Greg Oden is still an All-Star, Rajon Rondo stars in NBA 2K11, Donovan McNabb downplays upcoming game against Manning's Colts and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• GREG ODEN: According to Jojo Doria of Latest Sports Buzz, Greg Oden still expects to become an NBA All-Star and can't wait to prove the haters wrong. Trail Blazer fans are still optimistic about Oden, however, some are upset that their team did not select Kevin Durant. In other news, Oden's teammate and veteran journeyman, Marcus Camby, mentioned that he might retire after his two-year contract expires in 2012. Camby is Oden's biggest supporter and mentors him anytime advice is needed. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: YB and his Bucks expect their house to rock this season. Jennings mentioned to Charles Gardner of the Journal Sentinel that he wants a packed house and 100% fan participation whenever the Bucks play at home. Sellout crowds of 18,717 attended Game 3, 4, 6 during the playoffs last year. Milwaukee will host their first home game against the Bobcats on October 30th.

• YAO MING: Yao Ming is ballin'---in RMB that is. Yao made the 2010 Hurun Rich List with a recorded wealth of over $1 Billion Chinese yuan. 

• RAJON RONDO: RR, Derrick Rose, Russel Westbrook and other notable NBA ballers relive Michael Jordan's greatest moments in NBA 2K11's newest commercial. By the way this game is amazing! 

• STEVE NASH: Vince Marotta of Fanster.com questions if Steve Nash will be able to win his third MVP award this year.

• LOLO JONES: Check out photos of beautiful Lolo Jones and other professional female athletes who attended the Women's Sports Foundation's 31st Annual Salute to Women in Sports gala on Tuesday. 

• JONATHAN VILMA: Click here to watch video highlights from the Saints vs. Cardinals game.

• OSI UMENYIORA: OU did not participate in today's practice due to soreness in his knees. We'll continue to keep you updated on Umenyiora's progress. 

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 continues to downplay his key match-ups with other elite quarterbacks this season---choosing to focus on team rather than self. McNabb and the Redskins are preparing to play against Peyton Manning and the Colts this Sunday night in a much anticipated match-up. Both the Redskins and Colts have a 3-2 record. 

Playmaker Roundup: Osi Umenyiora records second-straight 2+ sack performance Sunday, Donovan McNabb and the Redskins escape Green Bay, Brandon Jennings scores 18 points against the Bobcats in pre-season and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• OSI UMENYIORA: Rotoworld reports that Osi Umenyiora recorded his second straight 2+ sack performance. OU had 3 tackles, 2 sacks and a pass deflection as the Giants beat the Texans, 34-10.
  
  
• DONOVAN MCNABB: David Elfin of FanHouse writes that Donovan McNabb successfully rallied the Redskins past the Packers with veteran leadership. McNabb finished with 26 of 49 for 357 yards of offense. The Redskins won a close one against Green Bay 16-13 to move to 3-2 overall; first place in their division. 

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV was super-active in Game 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. Vilma had 5 solo tackles and sacked Rookie QB Max Hall; his first sack of the season. Jonathan also assisted on two more tackles to give him 7 total. However, the Saints lost to the Cardinals, 30-20. The Saints are on a 2-game losing streak. 

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 recorded 6 tackles in Baltimore's onslaught of Denver yesterday. The Ravens beat the Broncos, 31-17. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: The Milwaukee Bucks beat Michael Jordan's Charlotte Bobcats in pre-season, 86-78 yesterday. Jennings had 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. The Bucks play the Washington Wizards on Thursday. 

• STEVE NASH: Mitch Lawrence of the NY Daily News reports that it was a hard decision for Amare Stoudemire to leave Steve Nash and the PHX Suns. Stoudemire will certainly miss receiving passes from Nash who is one of the top PG's in the NBA today. But hey, if someone guaranteed me $100 million dollars I would leave for NY too. 

• YAO MING: Majed Kassis of Bleacher Report questions if the Houston Rockets will make the playoffs now with Yao Ming back and healthy. Kassis thinks they have a pretty good chance with their current roster which includes Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin and Shane Battier, Luis Scola and Yao Ming. 

• LOLO JONES: Throwback video---Watch a short clip from PBS titled "The Lolo Jones Story." Click here to view.

Playmaker Roundup: Rajon Rondo has injured right hand---still plays in Tuesday's pre-season game, Yao Ming feels good in pre-season debut, Ray Lewis backs up Joe Flacco's performance against the Steelers and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAJON RONDO: RR had an alright pre-season debut tallying a game-high 7 assists along with 4 points on 2-for-3 shooting in 21 minutes of playing time. In the second half, Rondo sat on the bench with a large wrap around his right hand. Coach Rivers mentioned the wrap was a pre-cautionary measure as the injury has been bothering Rondo lately. Nonetheless, Rajon says he is going to play tomorrow against the New Jersey Nets. The Celtics beat the 76ers, 93-65. 

• STEVE NASH: Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports writes that Steve Nash only played six minutes in yesterday's pre-season game against Toronto. The PHX Suns will rely heavily on Nash for his leadership and playmaking ability now that Amare Stoudemire is out of the picture. The PHX Suns will be smaller in size than most teams, however, their array of shooters is outstanding: Nash, Turkoglu, Hill, Frye, Dudley, Richardson, Warrick and Childress are all capable of torching the net. Toronto beat the Suns, 129 to 78. 

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center said he's never felt better during the post-game interview on Tuesday. Yao played 12 minutes in the first half. The Orlando Magic defeated the Houston Rockets, 97-88.
   
  
• BRANDON JENNINGS: The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls yesterday in pre-season, 92-83.  Brandon Jennings did not play particularly well (no points with 5 turnovers; 5 assists and 5 rebounds) in only 18 minutes of burn-time. "It was our first game, first exhibition...It's going to happen. You're going to have those mistakes," mentioned Jennings. Tom Enlund of the Journal Sentinel writes that the Bucks are stacked at the PG position, which is great. Coach Scott Skiles has an elite PG in Brandon Jennings and can rely on veterans Keyon Dooling and Earl Boykins to give quality minutes off the bench as well. 

• OSI UMENYIORA: According to the New York Daily News via NBA Sports, Osi Umenyiora played in Sunday's game with a sore hip (that still requires surgery) and injuries to both of his knees; still managed to record 3 sacks on Bears' QB Jay Cutler. Now that's what I call a straight beast.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 downplayed his return to Philly during today's press conference with the media, however, he stated that the homecoming game was "overwhelming."

• RAY LEWIS: Matt Vensel of Virtual Vensanity recently interviewed RL52 about his QB, Joe Flacco on his clutch performance to beat the Steelers on Sunday. "Joe is still going to be Joe...We're going to ride with Joe...For him to take that step last week, I just think it's a step for our team," mentioned Lewis. Flacco has been connecting nicely with both Boldin and Houshmandzadeh. 

• LOLO JONES: Throwback video of Lolo completing 33 clapping push-ups as a challenge sponsored by the International Olympic Committee last year. How many can you do? Click here to view the video.

Playmaker Roundup: Donovan McNabb and Redskins beat Eagles, Osi Umenyiora and Giants' defense overpower the Chicago Bears, Yao Ming is ready for NBA pre-season debut on Tuesday and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 returned to the city that he once played 11 seasons in---Philadelphia, Pennsyvania. In front of 69,144 at Lincoln Financial Field, McNabb and the Eagles grabbed the 'W' to return to 2-2 over the Michael Vick-less Eagles. Eagles' fans chose not to boo McNabb during the player introductions, instead giving him a standing ovation before the game---a touch of class unexpected. McNabb passed for 125 yards, including a 31 yard TD pass to TE, Chris Cooley. McNabb maintained his professionalism during the post-game interview but mentioned that the Eagles' organization made a mistake by trading him prematurely.  The Redskins play the Eagles again on November 15th. Click here to see video of Donovan McNabb's introduction.

• OSI UMENYIORA: OU and the Giants' defense swarmed the Chicago offense all night, as New York beat Chicago Sunday night, 17-3. The Giants' D recored a mind-boggling 10 sacks; Umenyiora had 3 of those sacks making him the team leader with four sacks for the season thus far. 

• JONATHAN VILMA: The New Orleans Saints escaped a close one against the North Carolina Panthers, winning 16 to 14 on Sunday. "It wasn't perfect but it's a good win," mentioned Coach Sean Payton. 

• RAY LEWIS: QB Joe Flacco threw a nice pass to the corner of the end zone to hit WR TJ Houshmandzadeh to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 17-14. Ray Lewis halted any sings of a Steelers comeback late in the fourth by picking off back-up QB Charlie Batch's pass. The Raves improved to 3-1, overall. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Throwback vid---Young Buck shows NBA Fit how he stays in shape during the NBA off season. 

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center expects to play in Tuesday's pre-season opener against the Orlando Magic in Hidalgo, Texas.

• GREG ODEN: The Portland Trailblazer's center doesn't seem to think he's a "bust" just yet. "I've never really had enough time to play and actually improve...But I've prepared myself all summer to be an All Star..." Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk thinks it's too early to call Greg Oden the b-word; I agree.

• STEVE NASH: Matt Janning, a 6-foot-5 guard from Northeastern University is the likely candidate and (fan favorite) to land the back-up guard position on the PHX Suns. Janning is slated to be a great combo-guard; he's put in two impressive seasons in the NBA's Development League. 

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: Team Penske's Brazilian driver finished 5th at the IZOD IRL 300 over the weekend. 

Playmaker Roundup: Brandon Jennings has great practice at media day, Nate Robinson snaps pics of unsuspecting teammates, Ben Roethlisberger wishes to play against Ravens Sunday and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck recently tore it up at Milwaukee's media day practice. Jennings was seen grabbing boards and diving for loose balls. "I'm just trying to get these guys alive and get them going," said Jennings. According to YB, he's trying to do more than just make the first round of playoffs this year.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Sean McCann of The Washington Post writes that Michael Vick is in a better position than Donovan McNabb to succeed this year due to the arsenal of receivers on the Eagles (Maclin, Jackson, McCoy, and Celek). DM5 travels back home this Sunday to play the Eagles---definitely a "must-watch" game.

• STEVE NASH: Everyone's favorite PG is hosting his 5th annual basketball camp for kids in Castlegar, Canada. Steve's camp (which caters to kids in grades 1-7) begins on October 17th. Click here for more information.

• RAJON RONDO: Back-up guard Nate Robinson recently snapped a few shots of his teammates catching Z's on team bus; Rondo must of been mad tired...lol.

• RAY LEWIS: Suspended Steeler's Ben Roethlisberger recently sent Ray Lewis a text message saying that he wishes to play in the Ravens V. Steelers game this Sunday. "He [Roethlisberger] wishes he were out there...It's a respect thing we have playing against each other," mentioned Lewis. 

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center recently paid a visit to Lui Yan, a 11-year old boy who is recovering from open heart surgery in Houston, Texas.

NFL Week 4: Game of the Week: Washington @ Philadelphia

Washington Redskins (1-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)

This will be Donovan McNabb’s first visit back to Philadelphia since being traded. The crowd noise should be at a fever pitch throughout the game while wondering if McNabb is up to the task of exacting revenge on his former team.

Eagles Notes: Since Kevin Kolb went down with a concussion in week one, the Eagles have been led by the dynamic Michael Vick, who is playing arguably the best football of his career while causing opposing defenses to adjust their game plans for the athletically gifted passer. With the Defense getting a healthy Stewart Bradley back on the field while also getting exceptional play from rookie FS Nate Allen, this Eagles team is fast becoming one to be reckoned with in the always tough NFC East.

Redskins Notes: The Skins have lost a little steam after blowing a 17 point lead and losing in week two to Houston. While QB Donovan McNabb’s play is getting more efficient by the week, the 3-4 Defense led by Jim Haslett is ranked at the bottom of the league to date and needs to do a better job stopping the run. I expect this Defense to get much better results in the coming weeks as they contend with the Eagles for the NFC East crown.

Game Summary: This is a ‘revenge game” for McNabb and though he will likely bring his A game to Philadelphia, it is the Redskins defense that will determine the outcome. Mike Vick is absolutely on fire and if the skins don’t figure out a way to slow him down, it could be a long night for Shanahan and company. I expect Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett to bring all out blitzes most of the night to get Vick out of rhythm. The Redskins running game really needs to show up and getting Joey Galloway involved in the vertical passing game will be another key. This is a “must watch” game for NFL fans.

FINAL SCORE - Philadelphia 31 Washington 27

 

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Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert,  Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

Playmaker Roundup: Jonathan Vilma and Saints lose to the ATL Falcons in OT, Greg Oden to miss Blazer's opening game, Brandon Jennings has customized Under Armour cake at his 21st Bday party and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• JONATHAN VILMA: The New Orleans Saints lost their first game in OT against the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, 27-24 @ the Superdome. Despite Saints' kicker, Garret Hartley's missed kick to win, the Falcons were able to keep Drew Brees' offense on the sidelines throughout the game. As a result, Vilma and his Saint's 'D' looked gassed as Matt Ryan was able to air it out---including a TD connect with WR Roddy White; RB Michael Turner also ran for over 111 yards. "We have to improve on our third down stops," mentioned Vilma during the post-game interview. The Saints will be ready for the Falcons again when they meet up for Monday Night Football in December.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 did not look sharp as the Redskins went down in flames to the St. Louis Rams 30-16. The Rams dominated the Redskins' offense as McNabb and Co. were forced into three-and-outs all game long. I'm pretty sure McNabb will be preparing intensely this week as he'll be traveling to Philly to play his former team, Mike Vick's Eagles (who sit atop of the division) this Sunday.

• OSI UMENYIORA: The NY Giants lost an ugly one to the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 29-10 @ the New Meadowland's Stadium. Mike Vaccaro of The NY Post writes that it's ironic that the Giants "gained 200 yards and possessed the ball three minutes longer than the Titans and still manged to lose by two touchdowns, two, two-point conversions, and a field goal." The Giants are currently 1-2 for the season.

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 and Co. snagged the 'W' over the Browns, 27-17 @ home. The win, however, came with the injury of Ravens' RB Ray Rice who has been diagnosed with a contusion to his knee.  Lewis recorded 3 tackles and 4 assisted tackles. The Ravens are 2-1 for the season and play the Steelers next Sunday.

• STEVE NASH: Randy Hill of FoxSports Arizona writes that two-time MVP, Steve Nash, is the PHX Sun's last hope to remain relevant. This upcoming 2010-2011 NBA season will be Nash's 15th year in the League and according to Steve, he "doesn't expect any dip in his performance." PHX Sun's coach, Alvin Gentry, (who recently signed a 1 year contract extension) backs up Nash's claims for consistent play. However, Gentry mentions that the Suns will have to create new ways to grab boards (rebounds) as S.T.A.T. aka Amare Stoudemire now plays for the NY Knicks.

• RAJON RONDO: Jim Fenton of GateHouse News writes that Rajon Rondo looks ready to build on a breakout season. Teammate, Paul Pierce recently mentioned that Rondo's understanding of the game and his ability to run the point is awe-inspiring. Last season, Rondo was voted to his first All Star game, made the League's all defensive first team and was voted fifth for the defensive player of the year. RR's five-year, $55-million dollar contract kicks in this season. With all this hype around the Miami Heat, don't sleep on the Boston Celtics.

• GREG ODEN: The Blazer's center recently told reporters at Portland's media day that he won't be present on opening day and that he's still experiencing pain in his surgically repaired knee. 

• YAO MING: Fran Blinebury of NBA.com writes that time is running out for the Houston Rockets and their playoff hopes as an aging Yao Ming will be limited to 24 minutes per game this season. The Rockets finished a measly 42-40 and missed the playoffs last season. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Trent Kerby of Yahoo! Sports recently wrote that Brandon Jennings' 21st bday party in LA over the weekend popped off. Click here to read the article and view pics of Young Buck's "Black Ice" Under Armour Shoe cake.