3rdStoneFromTheSun

NFL Legend Buckles to Crime and Punishment

2011-12-02T21:53:00.005-05:00

This is the first installment of NFL Lucubrations in 2011, and most likely the only one.

Ain't That A Kick In The Head

Ndamukong Suh is a throw back player stuck in a sad time in the NFL, otherwise known as the Goodell Valley. First he got screwed out of the Heisman Trophy, and award that is supposed to go to the best player but goes to the most popular quarterback, running back or wide receiver, two years ago.

He destroyed NFL offenses in his rookie season in 2010, quickly gaining respect and fear from his opponents. Suh hits hard and often, thus drawing critics who have been brainwashed by Goodell to worship just the offensive side of the football.

Suh isn't producing as much this year, most likely the infamous sophomore jinx being the culprit, but he is still producing at a good rate. He isn't going to match last years tackles and sacks totals, and that will be helped by the fact he is going to serve a two game suspension for stomping an opponent out of frustration on Thanksgiving.

Part of the frustration is the fact that the Detroit Lions defensive line has not met expectations this season. Suh, the 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year, was surrounded by more talent than he had ever played with before. He is spending his second season lined up next to Corey Williams, but the veteran is having maybe the worst season of his eight-year career.

Defensive ends Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril have combined for 13 sacks so far, but they have offered little in run support with just 37 tackles. Linebackers Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch were two veterans signed as free agents before this year, but the duo has only 107 combined tackles. Pat Angerer, of the Indianapolis Colts, and Pro Bowler London Fletcher, of the Washington Redskins, have at least that many tackles by themselves.

Detroit used their first round draft pick this year on defensive tackle Nick Fairley, only to get just six tackles in six games so far. Dreams of this unit being Detroit's second "Fearsome Foursome" have not come about, with Suh and Fairley reminding no one of the great Roger Brown or Alex Karras in the 1960's.

Suh plays with a mean streak, one that recalls historians of "Mean" Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Greene, a member of both the pro and collegiate Hall of Fame's, also was the Defensive Rookie of the Year as a defensive tackle. Suh may not match the streak of 10 consecutive Pro Bowls to start out his career like Greene did, but there are other similarities between the pair.

Like Suh, Greene hated to lose and would often explode if frustrated. During a game against the Cleveland Browns in 1975, Greene repeatedly kicked the opposing center in the groin. "Mean Joe" would also bat the ball away from centers during games where his team was losing.

Not only does he own four Super Bowl rings as a player, he has earned two more as a coach and consultant since retiring. A two-time winner of the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, there are few players in the history of professional football more respected and beloved.

Yet Suh is getting scorn for the same types of actions. Matt Slauson, a guard for the New York Jets, went to reporters to let them know he did not like Suh while the two were teammates at the University of Nebraska. Slauson then tried to say few of his fellow Cornhuskers liked Suh as well, yet not one of those teammates have corroborated these claims.

Some think Slauson's real issue is that he spent most of his time under performing in an injury-riddled collegiate career, which caused him to drop all the way to the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Others believe the cause of his ire was from being thrashed around by Suh continuously in inter-squad scrimmages during practice.

Slauson and others believe Suh's foot stomp of Evan Dietrich-Smith of the Green Bay Packers was not unintentional, which Suh initially claimed it was. The star defensive tackle later apologized for the incident, but still garnered a suspension because he currently is carrying the tag as the dirtiest player in football.

Most of the media, many who never have played football or sports of any kind, claim Suh crossed the line of sportsmanship. While that may hold some truths, the game of football is bereft with emotions that can sometimes be borderline psychotic. As the legendary Jack Tatum, a Pro Bowl safety, once said, " I like to believe my best hits borderline on felonious assault".

That attitude of the game has been castrated by Goodell and rules he has invented like "putting too much weight on the quarterback". It is a game biased in offense and geared to carry the quarterback, one where defenses are now merely temporary obstacles at best.

After the incident on Thanksgiving, reporters were quick to run and get quotes from current and former players. Yet these came from offensive players, men who are basically the enemy of the defense. An outraged is expected from these types.

Playing in an atmosphere as antiseptic as a hospital, the modern defender must watch now only how high, low, or hard he hits a player holding the ball. They must engage an offensive lineman with kid gloves because blockers today are allowed to extend their arms and basically hold on each play, making it extremely difficult for a defender to get near the football.

Suh will have to go the rest of his career carrying the burden of an unjust label that comes from him playing the game with passion. He may have the respect of those who paved the NFL path to get get this game a multi-billion dollar empire, but Suh now has to carry the ire of the current leadership intent on making the game plush and cozy for quarterbacks and other offensive players.

This isn't his first fine, and it may not be his last suspension. If it is, we may soon see a docile Suh playing out the string of his career for a paycheck, something often witnessed in the game today, instead of striving for greatness.

Greatness that has made men like "Mean Joe" Greene and others some of the most recognizable and respected people in all of sports. If Suh wants to attempt to match that type of success, people like Roger Goodell need to get off of his back and let the man play this child's game with all of the zest he can muster. True gridiron legends are made by the man, fans and game, not meddling bores sitting in a posh office on Park Avenue in New York City.

Losing Isn't For Everyone

Cleveland Browns star Josh Cribbs was recently lamenting how he has experienced just 38 victories in the 107 games he has played with the club since joining them in 2005. With a new coach this season, his third with Cleveland, the results have been pretty much the same as they have been his entire NFL career.

The 2007 season was the best the Browns have had in his time there, where they went 10-6. Not only is it the only winning season he has experienced, but Cribbs also made the first of his two Pro Bowls that year after leading the league in all-purpose yards, kickoff return yards, and an average of 30.7 yards per kickoff return.

After setting a NFL record with eight touchdowns via kickoff returns in 2009, his last Pro Bowl year, Cribbs' production on special teams fell off in 2010. He has had a resurgence this year, but he is not satisfied because the new kickoff rules have made opportunities lessen for him.

He doesn't just return kicks or punts, but he is also does a bit of everything on offense. Cribbs was a quarterback in college, so Cleveland has had him rush the ball 121 times and toss 12 passes with them. He is also a productive pass catcher who is used in multiple wide receiver sets. Cribbs has snagged 88 passes so far, but his role has increased in the offense this year and he already has a career high mark in receptions with 29.

Despite the fact he is tired of losing, Cribbs will most likely spend 2012 in Cleveland. His contract will expire after that year, but the market for 30 year old return men may not be as desirable in the free agent market as he may hope.

Yet Cribbs harkens back memories of other legendary Browns return specialists. Men like Eric Metcalf, Greg Pruitt, Dennis Northcutt, Gerald McNeil, Hall of Famers Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Kelly are just a few greats who spent years exciting Browns fans through the years.

Some will say this current Cleveland franchise isn't the same one that ties into the fantastic Browns teams that won eight championships between 1946 and 1964. That team went to Baltimore in 1996 and became the Ravens. This version of the Browns was born in 1999 and has had just two winning seasons since.

This may not be the Browns that sent 16 men to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but the fans of Cleveland's Dawg Pound just want a few more wins. It is refreshing to see a guy like Cribbs, a real leader of the team, say what is obvious.

It is also heartening for Browns fans to know they have players whose desire to win is that immense. Many men have been in Cribbs situation of being with a franchise in an era of losing, but there are also many stories where perseverance was later paid off by championship victories.

It will take some time for team president Mike Holmgren to show results in his attempt to rebuild the team, but Cribbs realizes his window as a productive player shrinks with each contest that passes by. The team is young, but there has been sporadic signs in 2011 that the Browns will improve sooner or later.

Sooner is not soon enough for Cribbs, so Cleveland can expect him to fight until the end. It has been what Cribbs has done since he joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent.

Blame The Coach For My Tears

Many Philadelphia Eagles fans have called for the firing of Andy Reid, the winningest head coach in franchise history, for years despite the fact his teams have won 122 out of 202 games since he was hired in 1999. That rage in helped by the fact the Eagles haven't won a championship since 1960.

Reid even has a winning record in the playoffs, but his teams only reached the Super Bowl once. He smoothly transitioned the squad from the Donovan McNabb Era last year, but the squad has hit a few bumps this season despite spending millions in the free agency market.

When fans saw the Eagles load their roster with Pro Bowlers like Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Cellen Jenkins, Vince Young, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Ronnie Brown, everyone expected the team to be headed for at least a division title in the NFC East. Many saw a Super Bowl ahead, which included yours truly.

But it hasn't worked out that way. Much like many other teams in professional sports history that doled out millions of dollars and got undesirable results, the Eagles have fallen flat on their faces in 2011. Things have fallen so far that Philadelphia was dealt their eighth loss already after getting stomped 31-14 by a young and rebuilding Seattle Seahawks team that has spent this season struggling themselves.

Owner Jeff Lurie is known for his loyalty, so there is hope he won't bow to a few fickle fans who starve for a trophy despite not knowing much about the game. Reid has made a few gambles that ended up being mistakes, like putting Juan Castillo in charge of the defense after the assistant had worked the offensive side of the ball the last 16 years with the team.

Trying to fill the shoes of Jim Johnson has been impossible since the guru died of cancer in 2009. Sean McDermott was fired after replacing Johnson, but he quickly found work with the Carolina Panthers. Yet fans need to realize the defense of 2011 is about the same as last year as far as yards and points allowed.

With the addition of Asomugha, Bryant, Babin, Rodgers-Cromartie, as well as retaining Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, fans expected a huge improvement. The offense is also scoring four points less per game than they did last year, which reflects on Reid.

Quarterback Michael Vick, the man who replaced McNabb, looks like a $100 million mistake. He still remains injury-prone, but he has also regressed from last year when he looked like he finally adjusted to passing in the pocket. Young, who has filled in a few times after Vick went down, has also played erratically in his place.

Brown played so poorly that the Eagles looked to trade him weeks ago. But it isn't just the money Lurie has tossed that has hurt this team. It is the cash he hasn't yet passed out that ultimately became an issue.

DeSean Jackson had made two Pro Bowls in his previous three years with the team. An all-purpose wide receiver, the diminutive Jackson has been a threat catching, running, or returning punts for Philadelphia.

With his output, Jackson wanted a raise in pay. Lurie and his staff seemed more inclined to discuss this after 2011, considering the owner spent a fortune in free agency. Since this moment, Jackson has been a petulant child more inclined to be clubhouse cancer rather than a productive player.

What is confusing about his behavior is the fact Jackson went to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley., a school noted for their scholastic endeavors. All Jackson has done is lower his value with his behavior, so he wont be getting the cash he once sought.

Reid might catch the blame of Jackson's histrionics by some, but the coach has been trying to appease an ego while trying to get his 2011 to learn how to win. It is a juggling act that has not fared well for the team.

Coaches like Jack Del Rio have been fired already, even though that head coach was destined for this result after the owner forced him to cut his starting quarterback to save money. Men like Norv Turner and Tony Sparano should soon follow him to the unemployment line once this season concludes.

But Reid deserves a better fate. Some will say his players laid down on him this year, which should necessitate a change, but the unfamiliarity of a roster loaded with stars might need more time to gel. A squad in need of a real training camp, something the NFL was not afforded this year because of the players lockout.

After all of his productive years of service, Reid deserves one more season. A real season where he is afforded time to instill his philosophies into the newcomers, and possibly get rid of some distractions.

Every head coach is hired to be eventually fired because nothing lasts forever in the NFL other than legacy. Fans of Philly might be tough critics, but what is one more season to a group that hasn't seen a trophy in over 40 years?

Punches Hurt At Any Age

Many know how Canadian Football Hall of Famers Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca brawled a week ago at a luncheon to discuss a cheap shot Mosca put on a teammate of Kapp's during a title game in 1963. Many may not know that the history of these men have NFL ties that still reverberate today.

When Kapp was drafted in the 18th round of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, he basically was forced to the Canadian Football League because the Redskins never even bothered to contact him. Kapp is Hispanic and the Redskins were the last NFL team to integrate in 1962.

He was coaxed to join the Calgary Stampeders by legendary general manager Jim Finks. Two seasons later, he was traded to the B.C. Lions for four players, soon turning the team into a winner.

Leading them to the Grey Cup in 1963, the Lions faced Mosca's Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Mosca, whose nine Grey Cup appearances is a record, was a defensive tackle who was known as the meanest man in the CFL.

Kapp had a teammate named Willie "The Wisp" Fleming, a star halfback who would later be inducted into Canadian Football Hall of Fame himself. Fleming, who still holds the record for the longest play from scrimmage in CFL history, was tearing up the league during this time. Not only is Fleming the first 1,000-yard rusher in Lions history, he averaged 9.7 yards per carry in 1963.

Fleming went out of bounds after a carry, Mosca barreled into the prone player and knocked Fleming out of the contest. The Lions lost that game, but got revenge the following season by defeating Hamilton in the Grey Cup.

Kapp joined the NFL in 1967, thanks to Finks. Several franchises wanted his services, including teams in the American Football League, but Finks worked out a deal where his Minnesota Vikings waived a little-used halfback named Jim Young so that the Lions could sign him. Young would spend the next 13 seasons with the Lions and be named to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Despite spending just three years with the Vikings, Kapp's Vikings made the first playoff appearance in franchise history. He made the Pro Bowl in 1969 and led Minnesota to the last NFL Championship Game ever. After winning that game, the Vikings went on to Super Bowl IV before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL.

He had played that year without a contract, thanks to an option in his contract. Despite having tied a record by tossing seven touchdowns in a single game, the NFL would not allow teams to contact the free agent until late September of 1970.

Kapp signed with the Boston Patriots, which caused the team to give the Vikings a pair of first-round draft picks, and struggled with a team that had just two wins that year. The newly renamed New England Patriots then drafted Heisman trophy winner Jim Plunkett, who also happened to be a quarterback with Hispanic heritage, and turned Kapp away at their facilities when he reported to camp.

After deciding to retire after that encounter, he spent the next decade acting in television and movies. He returned to football in 1982 by becoming the head coach of the University of California, his Alma mater.

Not only is he the last coach to lead Cal to the Rose Bowl, Kapp oversaw his squad make "The Play". This is when the Golden Bears lateraled the ball five times on a kickoff return as the clock expired to defeat rival Stanford University.

After being fired in 1986, Kapp went back to the CFL in 1990 and became the general manager of the Lions. Though he he lasted just 11 games on the job, Kapp was the man who brought star quarterback Doug Flutie to the CFL.

Yet with all of that success, he did not forget what Mosca did to Fleming in 1963. Kapp was close with the halfback and had coaxed Fleming out of retirement in 1968 to try to play with Minnesota. Mosca became a Hall of Fame professional wrestler after he retired from the gridiron.

The popular video of Mosca swinging his cane and Kapp pounding his fists has been seen by many. Some have dubbed it a "geezers brawl" because both men are 74 years old. Yet there is much more respect to be had than humor.

These men played the game for passion, not cash. They had successes beyond that time, but the passion surely still burns in souls not nearly as withered and damaged as their bones. It beckons to the heart as to why a true football fan loves the game, as well as to past participants as to why they played it.

No one is calling for a re-match, but no one wants or expects these gridiron greats to ever lose their love for their teammates, fans, or the game itself. We need more of this passion to touch us all.

Yoooooooo! Dis iz 7thStoneFromTheSun again. OK, I struck out in da afternoon games las weak and only went 7-6. I is now 104-67 overall. I knead two dew better dis time cuz it iz holidaze time.

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I got dis sneeky feelin da Panthers will win hear, cuz da Bucs just have let down demselves in 2011. Dey mite rebound dis weak,but I tink Cam will get er dun.

Panthers 27 Buccaneers 24

Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

Da Pats are in da middle of a run dat will sea dem win dere final eight games. I tink dat defense gets dem bounced from da playoffs, but a 13-3 record will look good.

Patriots 34 Colts 20

Denver Broncos @ Minnesota Vikings

Da Teblow legend continues, but it is more an indictment of da crappy fundamentals of da NFL today. It is revoltin a NFL defense can't stop an option quarterback who can't throw da ball at all. Da Broncos defense is da reel savior of da teem.

Broncos 17 Vikings 14

Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills

Both teems 2011 playoff hopes iz on life support, but da Bills showed me a little sumfin las weak. I tink dey will build off dat big victory las Sunday.

Bills 28 Titans 24

Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins

Da Raiders iz cummin off a big win las weak,while da Dolphins are just playin four pride. Oakland kneads two seel da deel by winnin games like dis.

Raiders 27 Dolphins 21

Atlanta Falcons @ Houston Texans
Game of the Week

Houston rules dere divishun wif a too game leed, but dey got quarterback issuez and is stuck havin two start a third-string rookie. Dey even went too a retirement community and brought Jake Delhomme back to be da reserve.

Da Texans will knead to rely on dere excellent runnin game and underrated defense two win hear. Lawrence Vickers, an excellent blocking fullback, mite miss da game and put more stress on Arian Foster and Ben Tate two be big.

Atlanta has been incunsistent and mediocre all yeer. But dere run defense is ranked second best in da NFL in yards alloud. Wif a rookie Texans quarterback expectin to see eight or nine defenders in da box Sunday, Atlanta will need to refrain from giving up big plays while controlling the line of scrimmage.

Da Falcons offense has not been as good as expected dis yeer, mainly because quarterback Matt Ryan has played poorly much to often. Halfback Michael Turner, just 52 yards away from 1,000 rushing yards, will need to be big against a Texans defense that is the best in the NFL in yards alloud and happens to bee forth best in rushin yards given up.

Who wins da line of scrimmage will prevail hear. Atlanta is a game behind New Orleans in da NFL South, so dey must stay pace. Dis iz why I iz rollin wif dem hear.

Falcons 23 Texans 14

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Dese teems faced each other too weaks ago, wif Pittsburgh winning by a touchdown in a very closely contested battle. Even tho da Steelers gained more yards and had one less turnover, Cincinnati took it two dem.

I expect a replay really, but da Bengals are a game behind da Steelers in da AFC North and a loss hear will drop them in the Wild Card playoff quagmire with such average teems like da Jets, Broncos, and Titans.
I tink it goes to da wire.

Steelers 21 Bengals 17

New York Jets @ Washington Redskins

Yeah, Mark Sanchez was a mistake to draft. Yeah, Rex Ryan ran his toe sucker much two much as his teem true frailties was exposed. Yeah, dis average teem only gets press cuz dey iz in New York.

Still, dey are very much in da AFC playoff race and should beet Washington two stay adrift in it. Dese too teems have faced each other just nine times before, and da Jets only win over da Redskins was a 3-0 barn burner in 1993.

Jets 23 Redskins 21

Kansas City Chiefs @ Chicago Bears

A battle of backup quarterbacks who knead a good rushing attack and defense too win. Da Bears.

Bears 24 Chiefs 10

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

Da Ravens have had a habit of playin down to lesser oppossition in 2011, while da Brownies almost pulled off a big upset over da Bengals las weak. PLUS da Dawg Pound will never forgive Art Modell and will have extra venom four Baltimore.

Ravens 24 Browns 17

Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals

Now dat da Cowboys sit alone on top of da NFC East, dey knead to win deez type of games to stay dere.

Cowboys 27 Cardinals 17

Green Bay Packers @ New York Giants

Remember las weak how I told ya'll da Jints defense would get steamrolled by da Saints? What do yous tink da Pack iz gunna do? Capeesh?

Packers 35 Giants 20

Saint Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

At da beginning of dis seesun, most taught da Rams would be 9-2 and da Niners 2-9 now. Dat iz why dey play da games.

49ers 27 Rams 14

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints

I was one of dem who had Detroit goin two da playoffs dis yeer, but a loss hear will have dem drop another notch down on da ladder. Da Saints have to get dis two stay ahead of Atlanta in da NFL South.

I expect a high scoring affair, but I tink da Saints just got a few more weapons. If Detroit runs da ball well, dey got a shot.

Saints 38 Lions 31

San Diego Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Da Jags fired dere head coach dis weak, somethin da Chargers should have dun two dere head coach befour dis yeer even began. Why San Diego hasn't canned Norv Turner yet iz a question I have asked since 2009.

Chargers 31 Jaguars 17

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. New Orleans Saints
5. San Francisco 49ers
6. New England Patriots
7. Houston Texans
8. Dallas Cowboys
9. Atlanta Falcons
10. Oakland Raiders
11. Cincinnati Bengals
12. Chicago Bears
13. Detroit Lions
14. New York Giants
15. New York Jets
16. Tennessee Titans
17. Denver Broncos
18. Buffalo Bills
19. Philadelphia Eagles
20. Washington Redskins
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Seattle Seahawks
23. San Diego Chargers
24. Kansas City Chiefs
25. Arizona Cardinals
26. Cleveland Browns
27. Carolina Panthers
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
29. Miami Dolphins
30. Minnesota Vikings
31. Saint Louis Rams
32. Indianapolis Colts

Welp,dat iz dat. I knead to get da fuck outta hear two do sum xmas shopping cuz yous alls knows dat dis goomba has a lot of hunnys to spread da mistletoe on in da cummin weeks. As dey say in Ol' Mexico= A.M.F.

Sports Turkey's To Carve Up This Holiday

2011-11-25T23:46:00.005-05:00

Like a turkey head barely missing the cut last Thursday, it is time once again for POINTLESS PONDERING. That giblet of babble that leaks out of an ear like diarrhea after the brain flushes it like undercooked poultry.

OK, this may not be a purely sports rant. More a sports entertainment topic, which is the category World Wrestling Entertainment prefers to be in.

Did you cave in last week and buy the latest WWE pay-per-view gig that was titled "Survivors Series"? The big headline was the return of former WWE star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a 39 year old actor who had spent most of the last seven years in Hollywood.

He returned to pair up with the WWE's top star of these days, John Cena, who has also been attempting to make a name for himself in Hollywood the last several years. The two biggest stars in the WWE the last 13 or so years were supposed to be a tag team that would wrestle together.

What the fans got instead was a wallet lifting exercise that was almost criminal. The entire PPV, with possibly the exception of two matches, was uninspired drudgery. When the big match that involved the two stars finally got underway, most of the crowd in Madison Square Garden was half asleep. One could only imagine the impact it had on those who had the luxury of sitting on their couches at home watching this snoozefest.

The "Rock/ Cena" match was pretty boring and bad, but that has been the direction of professional for quite awhile. Vince McMahon, the owner of the WWE, had long ago phased out staple wrestling moves like the pile driver and replaced it with scantily clothed models who are more interested in the application of make up than a wrestling move.

In the old days, it was territorial wrestling. Each territory of the United States had their own wrestling promotion, so competition to push each other to be at their best was common. McMahon has bought up most of those competitions, so the WWE has become a fat cat that is lazy and uninspired.

There are no ECW's or WCW's anymore, though TNT has sort of attempted to find a niche by basically using a ton of old and familiar faces. Many at the age of qualifying for AARP, but this company seems content with basically emulating the WWE in many ways.

The WWE's biggest event annually is called WrestleMania, which will be held in April of 2012 and is the WWE's version of the Super Bowl. Cena will square off against Johnson in a match for bragging rights on who is the biggest WWE superstar since Hulk Hogan first left the promotion in the summer of 1993.

If the last WWE PPV was any indication, save yourself the $50 or so that it will cost to watch a couple of guys carefully grappling each other so no marks are left on their bodies. Two guys who will not break a sweat so their head shots remain in tact so that they can audition for another movie.

Maybe the WWE needs to call itself entertainment instead of sports entertainment, because professional wrestling certainly isn't what is used to be. It is a shame because men like Lou Thesz, Bruno Samartino and Andre the Giant spilled a ton of body fluids on the mat so the sport could have a future.

Professional wrestling may soon experience a steep decline in popularity, something it has done several times since it originated in the 19th century. McMahon's vision of half naked models prancing around in the ring slapping themselves may need to be replaced with a new angle, real wrestling, which is actually an old angle.

Regurgitating story lines is something professional wrestling is adept at and has done for decades. Wih the popularity of MMA and other extreme sports increasing, getting rid of the soap opera fantasy for the sake of reality would force the big stars of future WrestleMania events to actually earn their adoration.

If you smell what I am cooking and can see me and the direction I am headed.

Everyone has jumped on Joe Paterno and Penn State the past month. This story, of former Nittany Lion player and coach Jerry Sandusky's child molestation charges, has been brewing for quite awhile. It began decades ago and the school paper has been talking about it for well over a year before the mainstream media swooped in like vultures to feed on the remains.

Paterno was at the university for 61 years, holding the position of head coach for 49 seasons. He has the most wins ever by a Division 1A in NCAA history and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. His face is alongside Bear Bryant, Alonzo Stagg, Pop Warner, John Gagliardi, Robert Neyland and Eddie Robinson on the Mount Rushmore of college football coaches.

Paterno was forced out of his job a few weeks ago over Sandusky's transgressions, but this may just be the beginning of change within that rarefied standard where coaches like Paterno occupy. Another, Jim Boeheim, may soon follow Paterno to the unemployment line.

Boeheim has been coaching basketball at Syracuse University since 1969. He has been the head coach since 1976, and even played guard for the school in the early sixties. He has piled up 861 wins, the fifth most ever in NCAA Division 1A history, and won a national championship in 2003.

When he was hired in 1976, he named Rick Pitino and Bernie Fine as his assistants. Pitino lasted two seasons before venturing off on his own successful career as a head coach, which also includes a national championship title.

Fine, who met Boeheom as a student-manager on the Orangeman's basketball team in the earlie 1960s, has been there ever since. Now he has found himself in the same hot water Sandusky is in.

Years after the allegations were first murmered, a long running investigation found itself to search Fine's home yesterday. Given ample time to destroy evidence, it would be shocking if the 66 year old Fine left detectives anything to find. What has been shocking is the response of the school and media.

Paterno was fired in a swift move, but Boeheim seems safe with his job. Both head coaches not only share success in sports, but have also been accused of knowing their assistant coaches had a habit of spending a lot of time with underage boys.

Critics had called for Paterno's ouster for years. Not because of Sandusky or anything of that ilk, but because they felt the game has passed him by and his age was a deterrent to success for Penn State. But Paterno just kept winning, which made the critics look stupid. When the Sandusky offenses were revealed, the critics reappeared and pounced on this story with glee.

Boeheim has never faced that type of backlash. He is 17 years younger than Paterno, so he appears to have time to try and match Paterno's two national titles. Since the allegations against Fine happened over 10 years ago, it appears there will be no charges filed in events that purportedly occurred for nearly 20 years.

Syracuse has put Fine on administrative leave, but has not fired him or Boeheim. Boeheim has told many reporters the charges are false and driven by greed for cash.

Yet it is interesting how Penn State went on a firing spree as soon as reports surfaced, while Syracuse has chosen to do nothing for now. Maybe the reason is Sandusky's guilt seems more obvious than Fine's, but the proof hasn't really been shown for either as of yet.

Jumping the gun with assumption is something the public has been known to do when led by the media like cattle to the hamburger hut. It has cost one legacy immortality, but it seems strange how there appears to be a process to pick and choose who is to blame.

Yooooo! Dis is 7thStoneFromTheSun, Thirds cousin. Yo! My procrastinashuns las weak was OK. I went 10-3, so I am now 97-61 overall.

Lets get too it.

Minnesota Vikings @ Atlanta Falcons

OK, AP is hurt and da Falcons knead dis to stay close to da Saints. Easy pick.

Falcons 28 Vikings 17

Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals

I don't tink dis yeers battle of Ohio will be close.

Bengals 27 Browns 13

Carolina Panthers @ Indianapolis Colts

Da Colts HAVE to win one. Don't they? Still, I'm rolling with Cam.

Panthers 27 Colts 24

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

IF da Jags had held onto David Garrard, I'd say it'd be close.

Texans 31 Jaguars 13

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Both teems knead dis in order to have playoff hopes, but I tink da Bills are done.

Jets 23 Bills 9

Arizona Cardinals @ Saint Louis Rams

Dis iz a battle for last place in da NFL South.

Cardinals 27 Rams 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Tennessee Titans

Too of da most incunsistunt teems in da NFL battle, but I'm taking da Bucs run game hear.

Buccaneers 23 Titans 17

Chicago Bears @ Oakland Raiders

Both teems are starting quarterbacks dey didn't expect two play dis yeer. Both knead to run too win, but da Bears defense can stop da run while da Raiders defense can't.

I tink Matt Forte will run wild while Caleb Hanie doesn't hurt Chicago. I tink Carson Palmer plays well, but havin no runnin game will hurt.

Bears 26 Raiders 24

Washington Redskins @ Seattle Seahawks

Da Skins loosing streek cuntinews.

Seahawks 28 Redskins 21

New England Patriots @ Philadelphia Eagles

Da Igglez gave Mike Vick $100 million, but Vince Young is da better quarterback. Tom Brady keeps da Pats in it, but I tink da Igglez have one las gasp of hangin on two playoff hopes befour reality sets in and ends dere 2011 seasun.

Eagles 34 Patiots 31

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers

If Tim Teblow wins dis, da Bolts better fire Norv Turner in da locker room after da game.

Chargers 34 Broncos 16

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Maybe Kyle Orton will get a few snaps in dis blow out.

Steelers 34 Chiefs 10

New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints
Game of the Week

OK, deez teems is similar. Both can pass da ball. Da Saints lead da NFL in yards passing per game while da Giants rank fifth. Both rank 20th in points alloud per contest.

But da Saints rank second in ponts scored per game, while New York is ranked 16th. New Orleans is 13th in yards rushing per game, while da Jints are ranked second to last.

Da Giants knead to win two stay in furst place in da NFC East with da Dallas Cowboys, while a Saints loss could put them into a tie with da Falcons if Atlanta wins dis weak.

New York has made a nice 2011 NFL story, considerung dey wa killed by inurys in da secundairy befour da seasun even began. But I tink Drew Brees will expose dat weekness hear.

Saints 34 Giants 24

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. New Orleans Saints
6. Chicago Bears
7. Houston Texans
8. New England Patriots
9. New York Giants
10. Atlanta Falcons
11. Dallas Cowboys
12. Oakland Raiders
13. Cincinnati Bengals
14. Detroit Lions
15. New York Jets
16. Philadelphia Eagles
17. Buffalo Bills
18. Tennessee Titans
19. San Diego Chargers
20. Denver Broncos
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Seattle Seahawks
23. Arizona Cardinals
24. Kansas City Chiefs
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Miami Dolphins
27. Carolina Panthers
28. Minnesota Vikings
29. Washington Redskins
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Saint Louis Rams
32. Indianapolis Colts

OK, I got two go sit on da porcerlin trone and push out sum of dis Thanksgiving dinner cuz I ate to much. As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

NFL Quarterback Needs In 2012

2011-11-17T22:01:00.005-05:00

The NFL has been called the "Not For Long" game for decades, and this fact has accelerated since free agency was introduced. Rosters of teams are frequently encountering some amount of personnel turnover, no matter how much success was had in the previous season.

The one position a franchise seeks stability at most is the quarterback position. This player handles the football on most plays, and many are expected to be amongst the most important leaders of their teams. The quarterback also typically enjoys one of the largest salaries on the payroll once he becomes a starter.

The annual draft brings a plethora of collegiate athletes who want to be the next Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana or Tom Brady. A type of leader who wins many titles on their way to gridiron immortality by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The 2012 season should be no different than others in the NFL, meaning there will be quite a few teams trying to find their next franchise quarterback. Then there are others who would like to strengthen the position by bolster the bench in case an injury occurs to their incumbent starter.

Here is a peek at a few of those teams that will most likely look to improve their roster at such a key position.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are well in the lead for the right to select Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the 2012 draft, considering the team has failed to win a single game so far this season. The team might might miss future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning immeasurably this year, but Manning will be 36 next year.

Not only does Manning's age make the selection of Luck even more important, the fact that the veteran is struggling to heal from a neck injury has his future in doubt. But the Colts would like to get a few more years from Manning, considering they had signed him to a huge contract extension before the season began.

If Manning returns at a starters level, it helps Indianapolis. Not only would they have their fiery leader back, Luck could sit and learn from one of the best quarterbacks in franchise history.

If Manning's neck injury prevents a full return, Luck is skilled enough to step in right away and play at an NFL level. Luck has quite a few similarities to Manning.

Both are not only students of the game, but they are both the sons of former NFL quarterbacks. They have basically lived and breathed the gridiron since the day they were born.

Rarely does a team have the ability to transition from a Hall of Famer to a possible future great. The Green Bay Packers are experiencing this now, and the Colts would surely love to follow in their footsteps and hoist a Super Bowl trophy with their young quarterback one day.

Miami Dolphins

It seems a certainty Miami will use their 2012 draft pick on a quarterback. The only question will be if they go with Matt Moore another year at starter, as they develop the rookie, or throw the kid to the wolves immediately.

The Dolphins will most likely have a new head coach next year, as well as waive Chad Henne. Henne, who had started 31 out of 34 games before being hurt early this year, appears to be better served to find newer surroundings. Moore, who has started since, has been serviceable at best.

Perhaps the Dolphins fans are tiring of a franchise that is seemingly rebuilding each season the past decade, but the team is still looking for the next Bob Griese or Dan Marino. They will eye talents like Matt Barkely, Landry Jones, and possibly Robert Griffin. If Miami continues to struggle in 2011, many experts feel Barkely will be the selection very early in the 2012 draft.

Washington Redskins

Redskins general manager Bruce Allen and head coach Mike Shanahan knew they were gambling with the likes of Rex Grossman and John Beck at quarterback this year. On a team full of holes and looking to rebuild, Allen concentrated on filling the roster with a very sound draft.

With a season shortened by a strike, the Washington brass may not have felt comfortable trying to develop a rookie quarterback in such a short amount of time. Training camp is crucial for a young player to learn his organization from top to bottom.

After watching the current Redskins quarterbacks stumble and bumble around so far, many expect the team to finally draft a quarterback in Shanahan's third season. Some think the team also didn't do so in 2011 because there were no quarterbacks they were in love with.

It is possible Washington replaces both of their current quarterbacks via free agency and the draft in 2012. Possibly grabbing a veteran to man the helm as the kid develops, setting up a view of progress in the two last years of Shanahan's contract the following year.

After a fast start, the Redskins are on a dreadful losing streak currently. If this continues, the team will sit pretty high up in the draft order. Other teams with lesser records, the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins, are expected to also draft a quarterback in 2012.

If, as expected, Andrew Luck and Matt Barkely are off the board by the time Washington picks, the team will be left with Landry Jones and Robert Griffin. Griffin is more athletic, the type of quarterback Shanahan has had success with in the past. Landry is experienced and precise.

Both have accurate guns and many collegiate starts under their belts, so the Redskins would win big drafting either player. This draft may be the time for Shanahan and Allen to put their Redskins legacies on the line by finally grabbing their franchise quarterback.

Cleveland Browns

Colt McCoy is the starter, and the young player is on a struggling team that is desperately trying to get good talent around him while learning a new offensive system under a new head coach. All three Browns quarterbacks on the 2011 roster are small, standing about six-foot tall each.

Seneca Wallace is the veteran that serves as the top reserve. He is mostly known for his legs than arm. Thaddeus Lewis is a raw prospect in his second season with the team.

Cleveland could take a flier on Ryan Tannehill as early as the third round. After spending his first two years of college at wide receiver, the 6'4" Tannehill has ocassionally displayed a skill set that will impress teams. He is extremely raw, but very athletic and a hard worker.

With McCoy entrenched as the starter, Cleveland can afford to spend a few years developing this intriguing project. Tannehill is the type who could greatly award a coach's patience down the road.

Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Kolb has not played well since the Cardinals traded a lot to get him this season. His backup, second-year pro John Skelton, has played better. Journeyman Richard Bartel is third on the depth chart, while the young Max Hall is spending 2011 on the injured reserve.

It is unlikely the Cards dump Kolb, but owner Bill Bidwell is known for his frugality and Kolb becomes a free agent at the end of the year. This factor could have Arizona to go with Skelton next year.

If that happens, Arizona may not be comfortable with Hall and Bartel as the main reserves. The team could look at an experienced player like Chandler Harnish in the later rounds, or even look at local hero Nick Foles early on.

Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Cassel hasn't impressed everyone since the Chiefs traded for him in 2009 and handed him a contract worth $61 million over six years. Even if he continues to start, the reserves behind Cassel are from from impressive.

Journeyman Tyler Palko, who has 35 passing yards since turning pro in 2007, is the top backup. Rookie Ricky Stanzi, drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, sits on the bottom of the depth chart.

Cassel is now hurt, so Palko will get his audition. The Chiefs erratic 2011 season could take a turn for the worse now, which could force them to think about bringing more quarterbacks into training camp next year.

Gettin a veteran free agent seems most logical, but there could be an interest in getting a solid player like Kirk Cousins or Brandon Weeden later in the draft if Palko plays poorly. Weeden is the 2011 version of Chris Wienke, meaning he is going to be a 28 year old rookie, so his age could cause his draft stock to drop down into the later rounds.

Seattle Seahawks

Tavaris Jackson is starting now, but his play has been inconsistent. Charlie Whitehurst, his reserve, has been horrible whenever he has played. Josh Portis is an athletic and raw rookie prospect Seattle has kept on the roster this year.

Pete Carroll is still rebuilding his team, turning over personnel at a rapid rate. Yet he hasn't gone after a quarterback in the draft he wanted to start. This could be the year he uses a first round draft pick for the position.

Seattle is struggling right now, but so are 10 other teams with records the same or worse than the Seahawks 3-6 mark. There are no guarantees that Seattle would get to Matt Barkley, who was recruited to play at USC by Carroll just a few years ago.

The only other quarterbacks considered a first round talent after Luck and Barkely is Landry Jones and Robert Griffin. Both are big with strong arms that have excellent accuracy. While Seattle could gamble with Jackson in 2012, now may the time for Carroll to get his quarterback of the future.

Oakland Raiders

Oakland has basically mortgaged their future into Carson Palmer at quarterback, but the backup quarterback position could be an issue in 2012. Jason Campbell, who began the season as the starter until an injury to him prompted the Raiders to trade for Palmer, may want out to find a starting job elsewhere next season.

Kyle Boller probably won't be on the team next year, considering how poorly he played when Campbell went down. Oakland used a supplemental draft choice on Terrelle Pryor, a project who is most likely years away from being ready to contribute.

Getting a free agent veteran to carry a clipboard is most likely the direction the Raiders will go next year if Campbell leaves the team. Al Davis has passed away, but his legacy lives on. There is a chance the team might grab a kid after the draft to see if they can develop a competent reserve for Palmer in the years ahead.

Denver Broncos

It seems almost a certainty that Kyle Orton will leave the Broncos at the end of the year. Reserve Brady Quinn seems destined to remain a bench player for however long he stays in the NFL.

Tim Tebow can't throw or read defenses, but he can win games. Some critics are not sold that Broncos president John Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback, is sold on Tebow a the future at the key position. Tebow could alleviate any purported issues by continuing to win.

If they keep Tebow, they still need to get a backup besides Quinn. That may require Denver selecting a quarterback in the mid-rounds of the 2012 draft. If the Broncos rather jettison Tebow or bench him, they will have the conundrum of using a first round pick on either a signal caller or continue building the defense.

Kellen Moore is a lefty like Tebow, and he also has the most wins by a starting quarterback in NCAA history. A gritty and cerebral type, he could provide a decent backup on a team. He could go anywhere from the third round on.

If Denver decides to go in a different direction than Tebow, an athletic type like Robert Griffin III could interest Elway. Nick Foles could be there in the second round, because he may take longer to develop, while Griffin appears destined for the first.

Houston Texans

Matt Schaub is the starter, but he is often battling injuries. Houston has had a history of picking up discarded first round flops to back him up, ranging from Rex Grossman to Matt Leinart.

T.J. Yates was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, so the Texans may eschew from grabbing another project to develop. Schaub is hurt again, this time for the rest of the year, so Leinart will become the starter.

If Leinart fails, Houston might look into the free agency market to get a better veteran on the bench. But a failure could also bring a change at the head coaching slot, so a new administration may decide to go with young players.

Dominique Davis is an interesting project who might last until the later rounds of the 2012 draft. Unlike the three current Texans quarterbacks, Davis is athletic.

New York Jets

Mark Sanchez, as erratic as he is, should hold the staring job once again in 2012. But getting some youth in the backup slot may not be a bad idea.

Sanchez's top reserve is 41 year old Mark Brunell, whose NFL career should be nearing an end this year. The Jets have journeyman Kevin O'Connell, who has 28 career passing yards since being drafted in the third round of the 2008 draft.

It isn't a bad idea to consider drafting a quarterback in the later rounds. Case Keenum, who has the most passing touchdowns in NCAA history, should be there.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The future is now with rookie Blaine Gabbert, who has been struggling mightily as he tried to go for the spread offense, which he played in college, to the pro set in Jacksonville. His only backup is journeyman Luke McCown.

McCown began the season as the starter, but quickly lost it after horrendous play. The Jags are not molding anyone on the practice squad, so they need to consider upgrading the backup job through the draft.

Since they used their 2011 first round pick on Gabbert, Jacksonville could wait late in the draft in 2012 before grabbing a quarterback. Ryan Lindley is just one of a few to consider, despite the fact he has struggled in his senior season.

New York Giants

Eli Manning has the starters job unquestionably. David Carr, the first overall draft choice of 2002, has been his backup in three of the last four years. Yet Carr will be 33 years old before the 2012 season starts.

Rookie Ryan Perrilloux sits on the practice squad, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to get another youngster in camp to see if Manning could groom them into a serviceable player down the road. Yet the Jints may not want to waste a draft pick, opting to look in the free agents pool.

E.J. Manuel is a huge kid who could go undrafted, as could people like Jacory Harris The Giants wasted draft picks in the recent past on guys like Andre Woodson and Rhett Bomar and got nothing in return, so they could stand pat with Carr and Perrilloux.

Green Bay Packers

Rumors of backup Matt Flynn departing at seasons end began awhile ago. He has been called the next Matt Cassel, even if he has less NFL experience than Cassel did when he switched teams in 2009.

Flynn has been a reserve since 2008, thrown 86 career passes, and lost the only game he has started. Yet there are rumblings his services will be sought after when he becomes a free agent at the end of this year.

If that happens, the Packers could opt to go with Graham Harrell. A journeyman on their practice squad, there is a chance he will hold the honor of backing up star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson could look at this position in the later rounds, where interesting projects like Dan Persa or Jarrett Lee will sit. Lee is from LSU like Flynn and the pairs collegiate careers parallel each other somewhat.

Yoooooooooo! Dis iz 7thStoneFromTheSun wunce again. Yo? I took a beeting las weak, going 7-8 . I iz now 87-58 overall. Lets gets two it.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Green Bay Packers

Da Pack GOT to lose one, don't dey? Tampa Bay is on da brink of losing playoff dreems, so dey knead dis. Yet I tink Aaron Rodgers is da Buc's Freddy Krueger.

Packers 30 Buccaneers 20

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins

A great rivalry, but dese too teems ain't goin nowhere dis yeer. Da Skins are at rock bottom, so da em while dey iz down dere.

Cowboys 31 Redskins 16

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cleveland Browns

A massive battle of 3-6 teems. Wake me when it's over.

Jaguars 17 Browns 14

Cincinnatti Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
Game of the Week

I love dis game. I love defense. It is as close as yous iz gunna get two old skool football in dis NFL.

Da Ravens rank third in both points and yards allowed in da NFL. Cincy ranks fifth best in both categories themselves. So dere ain't gunna be a ton of points scored, even if both teems didn't have da incunsistent offenses dey currently got.

Ravens 16 Bengals 13

Carolina Panthers @ Detroit Lions

Detroit kneads two keep winning cuz da Pack is undefeewted and da Bears are tied with dem in second place. Da Lions got to shut down Panthers rookie superstar Cam Newton.

Lions 27 Panthers 20

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins

Wif da Jets sucking, da Bills playoff hopes iz still alive. Dis iz a must win hear.

Bills 34 Dolphins 17

Oakland Raiders @ Minnesota Vikings

Da Raiders was gunna actually begin play in Minnesota in 1960 for da AFL, but da NFL stopped it by creatin da Vikings. Since den, da Raiders have won nine of 13 matchups, witch includes a Super Bowl win in 1977. Oakland keeps dat theme goin, though AP will keep it close.

Raiders 27 Vikings 24

Seattle Seahawks @ Saint Louis Rams

A battle for da best draft pik cuz neither teem is goin nowhere dis yeer.

Seahawks 24 Rams 20

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

Da Niners iz running away wif da NFC West. It cuntinues.

49ers 23 Cardinals 14

Tennesee Titans @ Atlanta Falcons

A battle of 5-4 teems teetering on the edge of the playoff race. Da Falcons have been a disappointmint, while da Titans have played better den expected. Still? I'm goin will Atlanta hear.

Falcons 31 Titans 16

San Diego Chargers @ Chicago Bears

Da Bears iz hot, winning four straight. Da Bolts got a loser head coach. See where I'm heading?

Bears 26 Chargers 24

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Da Igglez have showed no heart dis yeer, while a injured Jints squad has pretty much wn da NFC East allreddy by playin wif heart. It's a wrap.

Giants 23 Eagles 21

Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots

Da Chiefs are on a yo-yo ride two nowhere dis seesun. Da Pat's sit on top of da AFC East despite having a terribul defense. I tink it stays dat way.

Patriots 37 Chiefs 17

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. New Orleans Saints
6. Chicago Bears
7. Houston Texans
8. New England Patriots
9. Detroit Lions
10. Cincinnati Bengals
11. Baltimore Ravens
12. Atlanta Falcons
13. Dallas Cowboyss
14. Oakland Raiders
15. Buffalo Bills
16. Tennessee Titans
17. New York Jets
18. San Diego Chargers
19. Philadelphia Eagles
20. Denver Broncos
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Seattle Seahawks
23. Kansas City Chiefs
24. Arizona Cardinals
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Carolina Panthers
27. Minnesota Vikings
28. Washington Redskins
29. Saint Louis Rams
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Miami Dolphins
32. Indianapolis Colts

OK, I iz on my way two dis turkey farm so I can get a Thanksgiving dinner reddy. I got dis hunny cummin over for a taste and yous knows I iz all about stuffing da bird. Capeesh? As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

NFL 2011 Mid-Season Awards

2011-11-10T18:12:00.005-05:00

Making predictions of an upcoming NFL season is basically akin to swinging a stick at a pinata blindfolded, yet without knowing if such a target truly exists. The reason of an educated guess can be leaned upon, yet there is no real science because too many unknown factors lurk in shadows set aside annually by the enemies of success.

Even with a 2011 season hurriedly smashed together after a players strike that killed much of the preseason, the league has gone on collecting the offerings of fans as this circus barks town to town. The actual play on the field may have degenerated some, but much of this stems from rules that were set out without much clear thought instilled.

As the NFL hits the midpoint of the 2011 season, there are already reasons to rejoice about the game. Some surprises have been peppered in with the unexpected and relied upon. As the pretend awards are passed out, on their way to the real ones in a few months, we look back at preseason predictions and compare them with the reality of here and now.

MVP : Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

I picked Rodgers to win this award a few months ago, and he has played as expected. His team, which relies on him heavily, is undefeated and showing they could be better than the Packers squad that won it all last year. I still think he walks away with the NFL MVP Award when he season ends, and Rodgers has done nothing to show why he won't yet.

Matt Forte, Frank Gore, Drew Brees, and Eli Manning are worth noting for their efforts so far.

Offensive Player of the Year : Fred Jackson, Halfback, Buffalo Bills

My preseason selection, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, has done nothing but show why I selected him. Yet Jackson is the biggest reason the Bills are in first place in the AFC East. He leads the NFL in rushing yards and is just 47 yards away from leading the league in total yards from scrimmage.

Jackson already had the respect of the league for his versatility, and it appears he is headed to his first Pro Bowl season. If he holds up this year, since the Bills rely on him so heavily, Buffalo could make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Rice, Forte, LeSean McCoy, Wes Welker, Calvin Johnson, and Steve Smith are all certainly capable of winning this award when the season ends.

Defensive Player of the Year : Jared Allen, Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings

The player I picked to win this award, Ndamukong Suh, has been average for most of this season. Allen has been awesome all season. He is tied with the most fumbles forced, fumbles recovered, and passes defended amongst all defensive linemen.

He leads everyone with 12.5 sacks and is fourth in tackles amongst defensive linemen. Allen has also found time to intercept a pass. While the Vikings have struggled this season, it could be a lot worse if Allen wasn't having the season he currently is. Minnesota has been mostly competitive because he keeps caving in offensive lines off the edge.

Nick Barnett, Kameron Chancellor, Darrelle Revis, Charles Woodson, and Jason Pierre-Paul are just a few players who could be considered for this award.

Offensive Rookie of the Year : Cameron Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers

My selection, Daniel Thomas, has struggled with his health all year and is fourth amongst all rookies in rushing yards. Newton is third so far.

But it isn't just his legs that makes him special. Despite being the first draft selection of 2011, pundits expected him to struggle from the spread offense, that he played in college, to the pro style offense. Newton has had a few rookie struggles, but he has mostly stood out for his struggling Panthers.

He has performed so well that Carolina hardly runs the football this year despite giving halfback DeAngelo Williams just 75 carries so far after making him one of the highest paid halfbacks in the game before the season started.

Newton has already set team records, by throwing for 432 yards in one game and 854 yards in two consecutive games. His 422 yards passing in his debut is the most in NFL history, and the 854 yards thrown in his first two games is also a NFL record.

Not only is Newton the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first career start, as well as the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first two career starts, he is just the sixth quarterback ever to throw for over 400 yards in consecutive games.

He is the only player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in his first five games, and he is one rushing touchdown away from having for most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback.

Andy Dalton, who is having an excellent season so far as the starting quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, is the only rookie in the discussion with Newton. Dalton has done well, but the surprising Bengals sit on top of the AFC North right now because of their defense.

Newton's team is not winning much yet, but the future appears bright for this 6'5" 248 lbs monster who already has the respect of opponents. He has a better quarterback rating than Dalton, as well as over 900 more passing yards. He is already the leader of a rebuilding Panthers franchise, and one day could be the best quarterback in the league.

Defensive Rookie of the Year : Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals

My pick, J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, is playing very well and is certainly in the running. So are players like Mason Foster, Ryan Kerrigan, Von Miller, Akeem Ayers, Marcell Dareus, Phil Taylor, and Brooks Reed.

Peterson leads all NFL rookies in solo tackles, interceptions, passes defended, and is third in total tackles. But what separates him is the work he does on special teams. He is already the best punt returner in the league.

He leads in the NFL with three touchdowns off of punt returns, punt return yards, and a whopping 21.8 average off of 19 returns. Peterson is already within reach of several NFL records.

His three touchdowns is tied with Devin Hester as the second most by a rookie in NFL history and one away from the record Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen set in 1951. He is just 242 yards away from the record Louis Lipps set in 1984 for the most punt return yards ever by a rookie. He is also within reach of the 23 yards per return average Herb Rich set on 12 returns in 1950.

His 99-yard punt return is the second longest ever in NFL history. It happened in overtime against the Saint Louis Rams, and was the first overtime by a rookie off a punt return since Tamarick Vanover did it in 1995.

If Peterson keeps up even half of this pace, as many suspect he will, there should be an easy task for the voters on who is the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Comeback Player of the Year : Ben Tate, Houston Texans

I picked Tate and he is already fulfilling expectations. He already has 623 rushing yards despite being basically a reserve with limited touches. He is averaging a very impressive 5.7 yards per carry as well.

This award generally goes to players who, like Tate, are coming back from a previous year ruined by injuries. It also can go to an improved player who had previously struggled. Men like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Alex Green are in the running based on those facts.

Arian Foster is the star of the Texans. Not only is he the 2010 rushing yards leader, he leads the team in rushing yards , attempts, and touchdowns this season. Yet he has a lead of just 33 yards over Tate despite 45 more attempts and having started every game but two for Houston in 2011.

It will be curious to see how much longer the Texans keep this duo in tact beyond 2011. Tate has just one start this year, a number he undoubtedly would like to change down the road. Houston has the most rushing attempts and second most running yards by a team so far this year, which is a big reason the Texans sit on top of the AFC South right now.

Tate seems a cinch to join Foster as a pair off 1,000-yard rushers for the Texans this year. He has shown no residual effects from the broken leg he suffered during a 2010 exhibition game either. He has given no reason why he shouldn't win the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Coach of the Year : Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

There really is no doubt who is leading here. Harbaugh is leading one if the NFC's better teams with a good defense and rushing attack. Yet Harbaugh also has had a tremendous positive influence on quarterback Alex Smith, who has performed well despite having his top two wide receivers struggling to stay healthy this year.

My selection, Steve Spagnuolo, has seen his team play poorly. The Niners are already running away with the NFC West title, and their rookie head coach is a huge reason why. If Harbaugh keeps it going, he may pass his younger brother John in accolades. He and John Harbaugh, a successful head coach with the Baltimore Ravens, are the first pair of brothers to be NFL head coaches.

Yoooooooooo! Dis iz 7thStoneFromTheSun, 3rd's cuzin, once again! Yo? I did crappy las weak, going 8-6. I iz now 80-50 overall, so lets get dis partee started. Capeesh?

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Game of the Week

Da winner gets two sit alone on top of da NFC South, even if Atlanta has played one less game so far. Both teems have average defenses, but da explosive Saints offense has looked better than the more balanced Falsons offense so far.

Matt Ryan has been inconsistent with Atlanta all yeer, but da defense has looked better in each of da las three weaks. Drew Brees has been mostly awesone for New Orleans all seasun, but da inconsistent Saints defense can get exposed by a good running teem.

If Michael "Burner" Turner gets off, Atlanta wins. If not, look for Brees to make da difference.

Atlanta 30 Saints 28

Tennessee Titans @ Carolina Panthers

I really iz flippin a coin on hear. Cam Newton mite prove me wrong.

Titans 27 Panthers 24

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

OK, da Bungles have had a nice ride against da lesser teems. Now reality sets on.

Steelers 24 Bengals 20

Saint Louis Rams @ Cleveland Browns

YO! I rather have a labotomy den watch dis crap.

Rams 28 Browns 20

Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys

I tink da Bills fun ride is over. I don't tink much of da Cowboys, but I can sea dem winning hear.

Cowboys 27 Bills 24

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

How many times in da Jags history have dey gone into Indianapolis expecting two win?

Jaguars 23 Colts 21

Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

Tim Teblow ran a win las weak, but da Chiefs will not allow dis.

Chiefs 31 Broncos 16

Washington Redskins @ Miami Dolphins

If da Skins lose hear, pack it up until 2012. John Beck gets his first win ever, at the expense of his former team.

Redskins 20 Dolphins 17

Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Kolb prolly won't play hear two get back at da Eagles for trading him. But Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will.

Eagles 31 Cardinals 20

Houston Texans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Houston kneads dis, and da Bucs are wildly inconsistent. Dat Houston runbning game pulls it out.

Texans 28 Buccaneers 17

Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks

Da Ravens tend two play down too competition and dey are goin to have a let down after a big win las weak. I tink it will be a close one hear.

Ravens 27 Seahawks 24

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

Da Bears are cummin off a big win las Monday, but da Lions know how two play dere division rivals.Det beet Chicago by 11 just over a month ago and sweep dis series to try to stay within reach of da Packers.

Lions 26 Bears 24

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

I see a old school battle hear, where defense rules most of da game. I like da Niners defense much more den da Jints, but I tink Eli Manning is just a bit better den Alex Smith.

Giants 17 49ers 16

New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Dese are too flaewed teems dat we all expected more from. Flip a coin hear, da winner gets to sit on top of da AFC East. I'm going with the better defense.

Jets 23 Patriots 21

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Da Pack just has two loose once. Right? Dis iz a game they very well could, but I tink dey isn't reddy yet.

Packers 34 Vikings 23

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Detroit Lions
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New York Giants
7. Houston Texans
8. New York Jets
9. New Orleans Saints
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Chicago Bears
12. Cinncinatti Bengals
13. New England Patriots
14. Buffalo Bills
15. Philadephia Eagles
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Tennessee Titans
18. Kansas City Chiefs
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20. San Diego Chargers
21. Seattle Seahawks
22. Oakland Raiders
23. Carolina Panthers
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. Minnesota Vikings
26. Washington Redskins
27. Arizona Cardinals
28. Saint Louis Rams
29. Denver Broncos
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Miami Dolphins
32. Indianapolis Colts

OK, dat iz dat. Now iz da time two go find a few honeys too hang out with, because yous knows dat I iz all about da honey. As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

Chicago Bears Despicable Usage Of Matt Forte Draws Ire Beyond The Locker Room

2011-11-04T02:21:00.003-04:00

The Chicago Bears had one of their best second round draft picks ever in 2008, which is quite a statement for a franchise with the illustrious history the Bears have. The team has selected Pro Bowl players like Rich Petitbon and Rick Casares in that round, as well as Pro Football Hall of Fame middle linebackers Bill George and Mike Singletary. Future Hall of Fame candidate Devin Hester was also a second round selection by Chicago.

Matt Forte` was selected that year. Chicago took the halfback, despite the fact he had suffered a knee injury in his junior season at Tulane University. He exploded onto the scene as a senior, rushing for over 2,100 yards and scoring 23 times.

He was put to work right away, leading the team in rushing and receiving with career best marks of 1,231 rushing yards and 63 receptions. He also led the team with a career high mark of 12 touchdowns and 1,715 total yards.

He had broken Hall of Famer Gale Sayers team record for all purpose yards by a rookie, and the 123 yards he ran for in his first game is also a team record. Despite leading all NFL rookies in total yards and receptions, he somehow received just one for NFL Rookie of the Year.

Forte` did suffer a sophomore slump of sorts in 2009, scoring a career low four times. Despite handling the ball 64 less times, he fumbled six times as opposed to the one fumble he had as a rookie. Forte` still led the team in yards rushing and from scrimmage, as well as being just three catches away from leading the team in receiving.

He rebounded last year to run for 1,069 yards and score nine times. Though he handled the ball 27 times less than the year before, Forte` still tied for the team lead in receptions and led the team with 1,616 yards from scrimmage. It helped the Bears reach the NFC Championship Game before their season ended.

Forte` had gained 160 total yards in that game, leading all players. He led all players with 10 receptions as well. In the three years he had spent with the team, Forte` has shown remarkable durability by not missing a contest yet in his career.

His importance to the Bears franchise has been on display once again in 2011. He currently leads the league with 1,071 yards from scrimmage, and he is also averaging a career best 5.4 catches per game and 11 yards per reception. Forte' is also averaging a career best 5.4 yards per carry on 124 attempts, which has enabled him to average a career high 96 yards rushing per game after seven contests.

Yet the running back is frustrated with the way the team is treating him. Forte` makes just $600,000 annually, a far cry from what the highest paid running backs make in the league. Adrian Peterson, of the Minnesota Vikings, is currently making over $13.7 million annually.

The Bears typically like to hash out contract issues during the off-season, but a backlash on how they have dragged their heels on the Forte` situation grows daily as the running back continues to stand out. Forte` has seen his teammates tell the media he deserves a raise in pay, and Pro Bowl middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, considered the leader of the team, recently said Forte` in the leagues most valuable player right now.

Fans have also started a campaign, hoping to get the attention of Bears general manager Jerry Angelo. Angelo reportedly offered Forte` a contract with about $14 million guaranteed before the 2011 season started, but it is a far cry from the $36 million Peterson has guaranteed. Chris Johnson, of the Tennessee Titans, has $30 million in guarantees, and the Carolina Panthers DeAngelo Williams has over $21 million in guarantees.

Not only is Forte` having a better season than any of those backs so far, he is arguably more important to the success of his team than Johnson or Williams are to theirs. Johnson has been struggling horribly so far in 2011, and Williams hardly touches the football on the Panthers pass-happy offense.

Forte` recently was found lamenting his situation to the Chicago media. He realizes the Bears can place a franchise tag on him in 2012, which would bump his salary up to possibly $8 million that year. The running believes that is no solution to the problem, and would not remain silent in his mission if the Bears decided to go that route. All he seeks is fairness, because the average career of an NFL running back is so fleeting.

‘‘The running back position is the most physically demanding on the field,’’ Forte told reporters. ‘‘Everyone acknowledges that. So to continue to give me the touches I’ve had since my rookie year but not award me a long-term contract sends the message that you’re OK grinding me into a pulp.’’

Another reason the Bears should resolve this issue quickly is because they are so reliant upon him. Their quarterback, Jay Cutler, is wildly inconsistent and extremely prone to tossing a bundle of interceptions. The Bears blocking and receiving corps are far from special as well, so the team often rides Forte's back down the field to get scoring opportunities.

Very few backs have shown they can stand up to this type of pressure over a long stretch of time. Many great running backs have succumbed to injuries after taking a tremendous beating over a few seasons. The Bears have seen this in their own ranks after watching men like Sayers, Casares, and Neal Anderson.

Few backs have lasted long carrying an entire team on their backs. Hall of Famers Walter Payton and O.J. Simpson come to mind immediately, but even Canton is full of backs whose careers were cut short due to a mountain of touches in a short span. Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson and Steve Van Buren are other examples.

The NFC North is called the "Black and Blue Division" because most contests have been decided in the trenches. Great running backs in that division have come and gone after battling those wars. The list of great running backs, whose careers were shortened, is long.

Men like Chuck Foreman, Billy Sims, John Brockington, and many more have torn up the NFL before their bodies broke down due to the wear and tear at the position. Forte` seems to understand this, as well as the fact his NFL career can end on any given play.

The Bears are run by the daughter of Hall of Famer, and founding member of the NFL, George Halas. Halas, nicknamed "Papa Bear", was known for his stinginess during his lifetime. Hall of Famer George Blanda once said Halas would make Blanda buy his own kicking shoes and even took back his signing bonus after Chicago had drafted him.

There is no proof Virginia Halas McCaskey runs the team the same way, but it certainly can be assumed she learned how to run the franchise from her dad. While her own children are also involved in the running of the team, the 88-year old McCaskey has recently been engaged in discussions about selling the team.

Angelo reports to team president Ted Phillips. Phillips, named to his position in 1999, has been with the team 27 years after previously working as an accountant. It may be the good old bottom line of dollars and cents that has kept the team from bumping up Forte's salary. But if McCaskey is set to sell the team, Phillips may want to enable the increase before new ownership takes over.

The counterpoint that Forte` has handled the ball less each season is no longer a discussion. The running back is averaging 23.1 touches per game, slightly less than the career best 23.7 touches per game he averaged as a rookie.

Forte` has averaged 20.8 touches per game, which is better than the 18.8 touches Williams has averaged in his career. The Panthers running back is averaging barely 10 touches per game this season despite having signed a huge contract during the off-season.

Johnson has averaged 22.1 touches per game, but it has been curtailed to 19 this year as his struggles continue following a hold out to get his new contract. Peterson averages 21.8 touches per game in his career, but the four-time Pro Bowler came into 2011 with 12 more fumbles than Forte`. Peterson's career high of 24 touches per game was back in 2008.

The onus is on the Bears management right now, and it would make sense for them to make their best player happy immediately. They may choose to continue the stingy ways of the deceased Papa Bear, but that would just show the game has passed them by much like it did Halas while he was alive.

Chicago currently has a 4-3 record in the 2011 season, which is only good enough for third place in their division. The Green Bay Packers are undefeated, and the Detroit Lions are 6-2. The Bears are about to face a Philadelphia Eagles team that is starting to play well.

If the Bears want to win ans stay within reach of the Packers and Lions, they must win this game Monday night. The best plan of attack is the same plan the Bears have used all season, which is give the ball to Forte` frequently. The weakness of the Eagles defense is stopping the run, so again Chicago will have to ride Forte's back for any hope of victory.

But these hopes are being placed on a unhappy man tired of being used at such a reduced rate, his salary is on par with reserves who hardly get on the field at all. The perfect strategy would be to pay Forte` now before Monday, so his happiness has a chance to shine on the gridiron.

This example was seen last week with the Buffalo Bills, who had just extended the contract of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a few days earlier. Fitzpatrick, who has not achieved nearly as much as Forte`, then went on the field and carved up the Washington Redskins to a 23-0 victory.

If McCaskey, Phillips, and Angelo continue to ignore the obvious fact they are basically using Forte` as a piece of cheap meat, dreams of even repeating the successes of 2010 will be more unlikely with each snap of the football the rest of the way in 2011.

Tim Tebow Hype : How To Avoid It As The Descent Into The NFL Playoffs Begin Now

2011-10-28T03:39:00.003-04:00

Tim Tebow has owned a great deal of attention from the media, football fans, and religious zealots long before the Denver Broncos drafted him last year. A former Heisman Trophy winner, Tebow became a legend at the University of Florida by leading the Gators to a pair of national championships.

While setting several Southeastern Conference records, Tebow also became the first collegiate player to ever score at least 20 touchdowns in both throwing and rushing in a single season. He was a consensus All-America choice once and has been called one of the NCAA's best players in the 2000s decade.

Undeserved or not, the hype of his collegiate achievements have followed him to the NFL. huge part of this reason has nothing to do with the gridiron. It has to do with his personal life, which some follow at every turn.

Tebow's mother was told to abort her son during her pregnancy, as doctors expected a stillborn delivery due to an infection. His mother, a devout follower of the Christianity religion, refused and both mother and son beat the odds. After spending his life being home, he became the Florida Player of the Year twice in high school after being allowed to join a team at a school he did not attend.

The religious beliefs of his family has drawn a legion of fans, several who are unconcerned about his gridiron exploits and more concerned about his following of the same gospel they believe in. This was seen when he joined the NFL in 2010.

There have been many more Heisman winners to have played poorly in the professional ranks than there have been players who have been excellent. Since the award started in 1935, just seven players eventually were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This fact has followed Tebow, as has the fact many think of him to be more of a fullback than quarterback. While he has an immense desire to win, the mechanics he possesses is quirky and not considered good enough to succeed in the NFL by many.

While he hasn't completed even 50 percent of the passes he has tossed in his career, Tebow is 2-2 in his career starts. Whatever circumstanced led to those victories, most pundits agree is has been accomplished with a Broncos franchise that has more questions than talent on their squads the past few years.

When Denver came back to defeat a horrid Miami Dolphins team last week, the Tebow hype has been full blown. Even as the game was being played, the NFL's own website didn't even keep track of the match up like they typically do with all contests. Unless you were a Broncos and Dolphins fan actually watching the game, or you bought an NFL package that allowed you to view, the game remained largely shrouded in mystery.

With Brett Favre now retired, the media has been craving a replacement to dote over constantly. Tebow has come along to take this mantle, whether it is viewed as a good thing or not. Unless an injury ends his career, expect the camera to follow every move he makes for at least a decade.

Not every fan wants to follow this hype train, as many have never boarded it or had gotten off long ago. Those fans can concentrate on much more interesting and important stories that are going on during the 2011 season. Stories that could carry on to Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.

The Green Bay Packers are looking like a team that could be the first to repeat as Super Bowl champions for just the eighth time since the game was first played in 1967. They won last year despite having a plethora of key players injured, and now they are pretty much at full strength and the leagues only undefeated team this year.

Not only is quarterback Aaron Rodgers considered one of the very best at his position today, the Packers are one of the leagues top teams in scoring, passing, rushing defense, and yards allowed per game. Rodgers already has tossed the ball to 13 different players, seven players have caught at least 11 balls and scored a touchdown.

While they are a long way away from having a chance to repeat, the road traveled so far has been impressive. Even with all of this, Green Bay isn't even the only story in their division.

The Detroit Lions, one of the NFL's worst teams for the last decade, shot out of the gates at 5-0. While they have lost their last two games by 14 total points, this young team has shown an exceptional balance that belies their experience. They rank 13Th in scoring and 10Th in points allowed, a stat that could help the franchise reach the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

The tight end position is seeing a boom in production as well. Since most of the defenses in the NFL play a zone, the success of the tight end splitting the seam has become even more important. This has allowed quite a few become stars this year.

Only eight tight ends are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, though there should be more. Men like Jerry Smith and Fred Arbanus belong, but most feel the first tight end ever selected, John Mackey, is still the best ever at the position.

While youngsters like Jimmy Graham, of the New Orleans Saints, and Fred Davis, of the Washington Redskins, have stood out this year, there are a ton of excellent players at this position at the game today. Many are good blockers, but they have enough speed to get downfield at break a zone scheme with their deep threat abilities.

Men like Vernon Davis, Antonio Gates, Brandon Pettigrew, Jason Witten, Ron Gronkowski, Kellen Winslow Jr., Tony Gonzales, Aaron Hernandez, Owen Daniels, Jermaine Gresham, Jermichael Finley, Dustin Keller, Heath Miller, Greg Olsen, Jeremy Shockey, and Ed Dickson are just a few who are important players on their teams as well. Pettigrew, Gresham, Gronkowski, Hernandez, and Dickson are youngsters learning their positions as they accumulate impressive statistics.

Established veterans like Dallas Clark, Kevin Boss, Mercedes Lewis, and others, have yet to truly break out in 2011 due to injuries and quarterback struggles their teams are having. Wide receiver may get a lot of attention, mainly due to the diva-like behavior of a few head cases at the position, but the tight end in the NFL today has quietly become the consistent star a team needs to win often.

All eyes will be on Carson Palmer for a few weeks, monitoring his progress as he learns the Oakland Raiders playbook after having joined the team barely a week ago. He had sat out all year, refusing to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, who also spent that time refusing to trade him.

After gridiron giant, and Raiders owner, Al Davis died, the team made the type of risky move Davis spent his career making by dealing away possibly two first round draft picks for the quarterback.

Palmer was thrust into action last Sunday, the first time he had ever come off the bench, and completed just eight of 21 passes. Three attempts were picked off, as the Raiders were dismantled 28-0 by the lowly Kansas City Chiefs.

The race for the services of Andrew Luck, a quarterback at Stanford University, has started to thin out some. Luck, who many think the 2011 Heisman is his to lose, is considered to be the best quarterback prospect in a very long time.

Two horrid teams this year, the Saint Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings, are probably not interested in Luck. The Rams used the first pick of the 2010 draft on quarterback Sam Bradford, and the Vikings used their 2011 first round pick on Christian Ponder.

The main two teams in the "Battle for Luck" are the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. The Dolphins would love to draft him, especially now that it seems the injured Chad Henne's days are done in South Florida. Not only has Miami failed to win a game yet this year, it almost appears they are laying down in each contest in order to procure defeat.

Peyton Manning's neck is still not healing, even despite a radical stem cell surgery that had hoped to help. While heading to Canton as a first-year inductee, the Colts did not foresee this when they gave Manning a five-year contract worth $50 million before the 2011 season started.

Manning has led the franchise to two Super Bowls, winning once in a game was named MVP in. He has been to 11 Pro Bowls and has broken many Colts passing records that were once held by Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas, considered by most experts the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

Yet he will be 36 years old if he even is able to play next year. Luck would benefit sitting and learning from Manning in 2011, and there are similarities between the two. Both have fathers who played quarterback in the NFL, and both are students of the game who are known for being detail oriented.

While Miami would want to see Luck follow in the footsteps of Bob Griese and Dan Marino, the Colts would love to see Luck give them at least the same greatness as Unitas, Manning, Earl Morrall, and Bert Jones once did for the team.

Miami is battling the Colts for misery in 2011, since the Colts have failed to win a game as well so far. This epic battle of futility and Luck could see Indianapolis get an edge in two games, as the Dolphins host the struggling Chiefs. The rest of Miami's schedule appears difficult for them to win much.

The Colts, who have already lost to Kansas City, might have a harder time getting Luck. They have been trying to win and have been competitive in a few contests. Indianapolis will also face mediocre teams like the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars twice, as well as an encounter with the struggling Carolina Panthers in a month.

No matter who is the winner of this battle, the prize of being the worst of 2011 is a banner not to really be proud of nor promote in their quest to get a franchise quarterback of an unknown future. If Luck plays as many expect, maybe a ton of losses will look a little less uglier in a decade from now.

So there really is no reason to follow the evolving Tebow story faithfully, even if you are a fan of the game or a Bible thumping fanatic. With a lousy team that just traded their best receiver, it is doubtful many victories will follow. Especially if he plays like he did most of the game last week.

But he must win because he does not want Denver to be in a position to get Luck. If that happens, these could be your final weeks to get Tebow souvenirs and bask in the bizarre hype unless another franchise wants to take a shot at seeing how far they can go with the kid that has cameras following him everywhere.

NFL Comings and Goings Shine Loudest As Midseason Approaches in 2011

2011-10-21T20:59:00.006-04:00

When the 2011 NFL season started, many pundits wondered aloud if the quality of competition would be effected by the fact training camp time was greatly reduced because of a players strike. While there have been many examples of this being true, the show must go forward.

This was seen with running back Jerome Harrison, who has been in the league since 2006. He was set to go to the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade this week, his fourth different team, but the move was halted by a physical detecting a brain tumor.

The trade attempt may have saved his life and career, thanks to the early detection. Harrison is known as the man who broke the immortal Jim Brown's franchise record by running for 286 yards in one game for the Cleveland Browns in 2009. It is the third most rushing yards in a single game in NFL history.

A few other realities have also shone forth. The Green Bay Packers are healthy and are on their way to being a serious contender in defense of their title. The duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick passed Hall of Famers Dan Marino and Don Shula for the most regular season victories one quarterback has ever had under one head coach.

While the Packers and New England Patriots are set at quarterback, other teams are not. The Washington Redskins benched Rex Grossman in favor of John Beck. The Minnesota Vikings appear ready to bench Donovan McNabb, who Grossman replaced in 2010.

Injuries caused the Miami Dolphins to go with Matt Moore, while the Saint Louis Rams will play A.J. Feeley this week. The Oakland Raiders, however, have been stealing the headlines recently.

After the death of gridiron giant Al Davis two weeks ago, the franchise made a move that was one the maverick owner would have liked. Oakland may have possibly given up two first round draft picks to the Cincinnati Bengals for disgruntled quarterback Carson Palmer, but it represents an upgrade at the position.

The Raiders has just gotten news that starter Jason Campbell with be out at least a month with a broken collarbone, and reserve Kyle Boller was not playing well. Palmer, who refused to play in 2011 unless he was traded, returns home to California. After having grown up in Orange County, he became a Heisman Trophy winner with the University of Southern California.

After leaving USC, he was the first pick of the 2003 draft by Cincinnati. Palmer battled with injuries to his knee and arm, making the Pro Bowl twice, but he grew weary of the Bengals losing ways. With the Raiders on the cusp of sitting on top of the AFC West, a revival of Palmer's career is there for the taking.

Another ghost of the NFL's past may soon reappear. The bombastic Terrell Owens is working out for teams in hopes of playing. While 37-years old, his age is not the issue with Owens. He is a clubhouse cancer who often lets everyone know it all about T.O.

Antonio Gates seems a viable candidate for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, but the seven-time Pro Bowler has been showing signs of breaking down recently. He missed a career high six games for the San Diego Chargers in 2010 with foot issues, the same problems that have caused him to play just two games and catch only eight balls so far this season.

He is set to return this week, something the Bolts need if they want to stay in first play in their division. Gates is only 31-years old, but he is in his ninth season. If his foot problems continue, this could be his last year in the NFL.

Olin Kreutz decided not to finish the 2011 before exiting the game. A six-time Pro Bowl center, he spent 14 years with the Chicago Bears and was known for his leadership and fiery passion for the game. He rejected an offer to stay with the Bears, which turned out to be an unwise move.

Kruetz joined the New Orleans Saints for one million less dollars this season, and even started in a few games. Realizing his skill set was not what it once was, he walked away from the game instead of stealing a paycheck. While a member of the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team, his only real chance at Canton will come from the fact he played with the Bears.

While worthy of induction, players tend to get overrated by the media in cities like Chicago and New York. Yahoo Sports even went as far as to call Kruetz one of the greatest centers ever, which shows how much extra love someone gets playing in those towns.

While a very good player, there are better centers who are still awaiting their call into Canton for decades. Still, you have to respect a man who played football for the love of the game and not the money.

While guys like McNabb and others may follow Kruetz to retirement, it is likely they will do so after the season. With the loss of so many legends on the horizon, which may even include Peyton Manning if his neck injury never starts to heal., the "Not For Long" league will have to once again readjust as the show goes on.

Yo! Whut it iz? Dis iz 7thStone again. OK, I rebounded sum to 9-4 las weak, makin my overall record now 55-35. Now lets get too it.

Denver Broncos @ Miami Dolphins

To of da crappiest teems in football battle for supremancee at da top of da toilet. Tim Tebow cums home to Florida and wins again.

Broncos 10 Dolphins 9

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

The Titans looked bad las weak, sumthin da Texans have been doin four three weaks. Dis iz a game dat decides who wins da AFC South, in my opinion.

Texans 24 Titans 20

Chicago Bears @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Da Bears playoff chances could dim cunsiderablee if that Bucs play up to dere abilitees.

Buccaneers 23 Bears 21

Atlanta Falcons @ Detroit Lions

OK, dis iz a big game four both teems. Da Lions are cummin off dere furst loss, causin dem to tumble into secund place in da NFC North. Da Falcons are a game behind too teems in da NFC South, so dey knead to keep pace.

Detroit's passing game should bee da key hear, cuz da Atlanta secundairy has just been mediocre so far dis seesun and quarterback Matt Ryan has been erratic a lot.

Lions 27 Falcons 21

Seattle Seahawks @ Cleveland Browns

I supposeda storeeline hear iz dat Mike Holmgren's former teem battles his new teem. Flip a coin, but da Browns just ain't movin da ball as well as Seattle.

Seahawks 30 Browns 17

San Diego Chargers @ New York Jets
Game of the Week

Jets head coach Rex Ryan recentlee ran his toesucker again, dis time by statin da obvious. Norv Turner sucks as a head coach and blew it with sum loaded Chargers teems over da yeers. As far as Rex sayin he would've won it all as a head coach of da Bolts? Dat iz sour grapes cuz San Diego had hired Turner over Ryan in 2007.

Chargers like Phlip Rivers play with fire, so I sea dem tryin to show Ryan he should shut up. Star tight end Antonio Gates is back, sumthin da mediocre Jets safeties are not happy about. Da teem kneads too win two stay ahead of da Raiders in da AFC West to.

Da Jets iz overrated. Mark Sanchez is a less den mediocre system quarterback, and da rest of dis teem just ain't pickin up da slack. A loss hear could kill dere playoff dreems two.

Chargers 27 Jets 13

Washington Redskins @ Carolina Panthers

OK, da Redskins FINALLY flushed dat hunk of shit Rex Grossman. But dere offensive line, witch was average to begin with, is now realing with injurees. At least dey is facin a Panthers defense missin star linebacker Jon Beason a whole lot.

Da problem with da 1-5 Panthers iz dat dey don't run da ball. Dey got too good running backs, and even paid one a whole lotta cash a few months ago. Dey just seam to ask rookie quarterback Cam Newton two due to much, even if da kid has been grate doin it.

I tink dey run da ball finally, facing a Washington defense that can bee gashed on da ground. Newton mite get da press, but dat iz OK if dey win. A Redskins loss hear could be catestrophic to dere seesun.

Panthers 23 Redskins 17

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders

You know what sucks about dis game? Al Davis and Lemar Hunt, two of da gratest football men ever, are now dead. Yet dis rivalree still lives on, thanks too them.

Raiders 28 Chiefs 24

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Arizona Cardinals

A rematch of Super Bowl XLIII. But da big difference is da Steelers are still pretty good and da Cardinals ain't. If Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb doesn't play well dis weak, da Big Redfans will be unhappy da Cards gave up soo much two get him.

Steelers 31 Cardinals 20

Saint Louis Rams @ Dallas Cowboys

So da Rams secundairee stinks and iz missin dere starting quarterback. Chalk dis up two da Cowboys.

Cowboys 37 Rams 10

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

Donovan McNabb's daze as a starter end after dis weak.

Packers 38 Vikings 13

Indianapolis Colts @ New Orleans Saints

Is dere reely any debate hear?

Saints 41 Colts 20

Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Too weaks in a row of aweful Monday Night Football games. Too weaks in a row of heerin dat idiot Jon Gruden babble not stop about nuthin to fill dead air during a dead game.

Ravens 30 Jaguars 10

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. Detroit Lions
5. San Diego Chargers
6. New England Patriots
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Buffalo Bills
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10. New Orlean Saints
11. Oakland Raiders
12. Atlanta Falcons
13. New York Giants
14. Houston Texans
15. Philadelphia Eagles
16. Chicago Bears
17. Tennessee Titans
18. New York Jets
19. Dallas Cowboys
20. Washington Redskins
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Seattle Seahawks
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Arizona Cardinals
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
27. Cleveland Browns
28. Miami Dolphins
29. Saint Louis Rams
30. Denver Broncos
31. Kansas City Chiefs
32. Indianapolis Colts

OK, I iz outta hear! Time two make da donuts wif dis hunny I met at da race track da other day.

As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

Philadelphia Eagles Prove Money Doesn't Buy NFL Love

2011-10-14T21:28:00.005-04:00

The Philadelphia Eagles face the Washington Redskins this Sunday in a game that can only be described as an encounter where their 2011 season is on the line. If this team has any Super Bowl aspirations, a fifth defeat could cripple their dreams.

Philadelphia is fighting history this weekend as well. If they finish the weekend at 1-5, the team must realize only the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals reached the playoffs after starting a season as poorly.

That Bengals team started the season 1-6 before rattling off seven straight wins behind Pro Bowl players like Lemar Parrish and Bob Trumpy. They would lose the first playoff appearance in franchise history against the eventual champion Baltimore Colts.

The offense has yet to really click for the Eagles yet this season. While ranking third best in the NFL in total yards gained, they have been struggling to consistently score touchdowns and rank 11th in total points scored. The offensive line, an issue that mostly has haunted head coach Andy Reid since he took the job in 1999.

It has to burn Reid's heart at this issue. He has won 60 percent of the 197 regular season games with Philadelphia, which makes him the winningest head coach in franchise history, but blocking is an area he is supposed to be an expert in.

Reid played offensive tackle in college, then got into coaching immediately upon graduating after his 1981 senior season. He coached the offensive line until the end of the 1996 season. His Eagles teams have produced just five Pro Bowl blockers since he took the helm, with only one that Reid drafted and developed, not something the head coach probably foresaw.

Philadelphia looked smart last year by trading quarterback Donovan McNabb and going with Michael Vick in his place. Vick, though known for a mobility that made him the NFL's top rushing yards leader by a quarterback in league history last week, has taken a tremendous pounding in 2011 because of Philadelphia's offensive line woes.

Vick has battled injuries and missed time this year, something the Eagles thought they had a contingency plan for by signing free agent Vince Young. Young has been to the Pro Bowl quarterback twice since being drafted in 2006, but he was not healthy enough to play when Vick went down.

Blocking isn't the only reason Vick has suffered. Though he is still learning how to be a pocket-passer, Vick has a propensity to hang onto the ball too long and take many unnecessary sacks.

The Eagles rushing attack is led by an excellent 5.8 yards per carry average from halfback LeSean McCoy, yet the Eagles still are ineffective in short yardage situations where a powerful running game between the tackles is needed. None of Reid's teams have ever excelled in this critical area.

If the offensive trenches weren't enough of an issue for Reid, his defensive lines haven't been much better in his Eagles career. Philadelphia has had a habit of getting tiny pass rushers who were weak against the run, often contributing to the reason Reid has yet to win a Super Bowl despite 119 regular season victories and nine playoff appearances in his previous 12 years.

Jeff Lurie has been a great owner since buying the Eagles in 1994. He is known for his loyalty as much as the generosity he has displayed to charitable causes. Reid's coaching staffs have shown a solid continuity for the most part, which can be seen with defensive coordinator Juan Castillo.

Castillo has been with the Eagles since 1995, holding jobs in many areas. After coaching the offensive line since 1998, he moved over to defense this year. Critics are not only pointing to Philadelphia's poor run defense, others are looking at a secondary that has yet to meet expectations.

After spending a ton of money to sign free agent cornerback Nnamde Asomugha, as well as trading for Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Lurie bit the financial bullet by retaining the services of Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel. Not only has the secondary given up way too many touchdowns on so few passing attempts, ranking 30th in that category, the group is not creating turnovers.

The Eagles tried to address the long-standing issue in their trenches by signing two high profile free agents in Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins. While the duo has already racked up a combined 12 of the teams 16 total sacks, they are also a reason the team ranks 30th in rushing yards allowed and last in rushing yards per attempt up the middle of the defense.

The team took a gamble this year by going with a bunch of underwhelming or unproven linebackers this season, and are losing big so far. Not only has the group mostly stunk in run support, they have been even worse in pass defense.

The fact the Eagles safeties haven't played great hasn't helped either. Kurt Coleman has struggled at free safety, which hurts more due to the fact Nate Allen has yet to play as well as he did in his 2010 rookie year.

Despite Lurie shilling out millions to Vick, Young, Asomugha, Babin, Bryant, Steve Smith, Ronnie Brown, and others, the results have yet to be met by a group trying to get acclimated with each other on the fly in a season truncated because of a players strike. Yet history shows pouring money into players does not equate to championships.

Whether it is the 2010 Miami Heat, the Ted Stepien Era with the Cleveland Cavaliers, or even the 2011 Boston Red Sox, the examples are plentiful. Sometimes the angle of spending a lot of money works, as George Steinbrenner showed by winning seven titles in his 37 years of owning the New York Yankees.

The season is not yet lost for the Eagles, especially if they defeat a division rival that Reid has triumphed over 15 times in 24 attempts. The Redskins, who are coming off their bye week, need this game to stay on top of the NFC East while trying to increase their lead with their second division win in as many attempts.

Washington will probably attempt to run the ball down the Eagles throats with their trio of excellent running backs. If they succeed, Philadelphia could see their 2011 season begin to end as the game clock expires.

The City of Brotherly Love is starving for a football title in the NFL, having not seen their team win a championship since 1960. They are known as passionate fans, so a let down by their beloved Eagles may lead to a large insurgence of fans calling for the firing of Reid.

With their season on line, let alone the Eagles careers of guys like Reid and Castillo, the team has their backs against the proverbial wall and must begin to come out swing like Philly legend Rocky Balboa. Hopefully their thrust will not be fictional like Rocky was.

Yooooooooooo! For doze of yous dat forgots about me, I iz 7thStoneFromTheSun, da distant cuzin of 3rdStoneFromTheSun Yo, I did suck las weak in my procrastinashuns. I went 7-6, and I now iz 46-31 overall.

Lets get too it!

Saint Louis Rams @ Green Bay Packers

OK, I know a lots of yous mugs tought da Rams mite go two da playoffs dis yeer. But dey will now bee 0-5, sumfin not many saw cummin.

Packers 37 Rams 21

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Da Jags never shuld have gone da cheep route and dumped quarterback David Garrard, cuz it iz cleer Blaine Gabbert aint reddy. Da Steelers will expose dat truth even more.

Steelers 23 Jaguars 7

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins

As 3rd says, dem Igglez have spent like a billion dollars and iz 1-4. I'm picking da Skins running game hear, but dont bee shocked if suckass Rex Grossman trows da game away two Philly.

Redskins 27 Eagles 24

San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions
Game of the Week

Yo, dis aint 1950 so dont rub yer eyes in disbelief. Dis iz da game of da weak! Both teems got good defenses and quarterbacks picked furst in dere drafts. I tink it mite cum down too who runs da ball best, if dat iz a hint.

But Yo! Who hear saw dese teems a combined 9-1 cummin into dis game?

Lions 23 49ers 21

Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons

I'm not in love wit Matt Ryan or da Falcons pass defense so far dis yeer, but they can win if dey run da damn ball. Cuz Carolina sure as fuck don't.

Falcons 30 Panthers 28

Indianapolis Colts @ Cincinnati Bengals

Da Colts blow chunks yo. Dey couldnt even beet da shitty Chiefs. Put dem down at 0-7.

Bengals 34 Colts 17

Buffalo Bills @ New York Giants

Eli Manning cemented his spot as one da most overrated players ever las week. Da Bills are a helluva lot better den da Seahawks, and dey will go downstate and leave 5-1.

Bills 34 Giants 24

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Mason just joined da Texans, who iz strugglin all of da sudden, and iz facing a teem he spent six seasuns wif. Da Ravens will enjoy da fact star linebacker Mario Williams wont play for Houston again dis yeer.

Ravens 27 Texans 20

Cleveland Browns @ Oakland Raiders

Just keep winning baby! R.I.P. Al Davis

Raiders 31 Browns 23

Dallas Cowboys @ New England Patriots

Tony Romo mite trow four 400 yards against dis crappy Pats secondary, but his teem has no answers for Tom Brady.

Patriots 37 Cowboys 28

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Just when it looked like da Bucs was turning da corner, they laid a egg of shit las week. Dis alloud da Saints two sit on top of da NFC South. New Orleans iz ranked 28th in yards given up per rushing attempt, but rank fourth best in rushing attempts against dem cuz teems are trowing so much trying to play catch up.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees should enjoy facin a dissappointin Buccaneers defense, whose seasun mite be on da line hear.

Saints 34 Buccaneers 23

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Get out da No Doz Sunday nite. Dat iz if you dont like smash mouth football in da Black and Blue division. Da Bears knead dis cuz da Packers and Lions are starting to run away in da race for da NFC North title.

Bears 24 Vikings 17

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets

Dis piece of crap MNF game iz a perfect reasun da New York City media kneads to shut da fuck up about dere overrated talent and why we knead to start ignoring dese boobs. Capeesh?

Da Jets suck! Mark Sanchez sucks dirty donkey balls and dat Jets defense looks old. Rex Ryan has been gettin his fat mouth closed a lot dis yeer so far. I dunno if he iz puttin his foot in his mouth or his wife's, but he should STFU until he has a reesun to talk.

Da Dolphins basically got Matt Moore and Sage Rosenfels as dere quarterbacks, which aint awesum. Both is sound reserves at best, but we will sea. I tink Miami better run rookie halfback Daniel Thomas 25 times against dat suspect Jets defense.

But da Jets will put 8 in a box cuz dey dont respect da Dolphins quarterbacks, which iz da rite move.

Jets 23 Dolphins 14

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Detroit Lions
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Buffalo Bills
5. San Francisco 49ers
6. New Orleans Saints
7. San Diego Chargers
8. New England Patriots
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Washington Redskins
11. Tennessee Titans
12. Atlanta Falcons
13. Oakland Raiders
14. Houston Texans
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Chicago Bears
17. New York Giants
18. New York Jets
19. Dallas Cowboys
20. Philadelphia Eagles
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Seattle Seahawks
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Arizona Cardinals
25. Miami Dolphins
26. Carolina Panthers
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
28. Cleveland Browns
29. Saint Louis Rams
30. Denver Broncos
31. Kanas City Chiefs
32. Indianapolis Colts

OK, I iz outta dis peace! I iz gunna lay down wif dis hunny I met at da bar and have her feed me grapes as I watch da games.

As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

Incomplete : The 10 Worst Quarterbacks In The NFL Today

2011-10-05T09:01:00.005-04:00

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

129 Interceptions and Fumbles in 72 Games
109 Touchdowns Thrown, 61.2 Completion Percentage, 84.0 Quarterback Rating
36-36 Record

When the Denver Broncos selected Cutler in the first round of the 2006 draft, they thought they had their quarterback of the future. Especially after he made the Pro Bowl in 2008.

Then the Broncos suddenly traded him to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton, first- and third-round selections in 2009, and a first-round pick in 2010. The reviews on Cutler have been mixed since.

His first year in Chicago saw Cutler lead the NFL in interceptions thrown. While he reduced his number of interceptions in 2010, Cutler led the league in number of times sacked and yards lost off those sacks. Though his turnovers decreased, Cutler threw an interceptions seemingly every game with a 4.1 interception percentage with the Bears.

While Cutler led the Bears to the 2010 NFC Championship Game last year, he still throws a ton of interceptions. He also endured a wrath of criticism for taking himself out of that championship game after spraining his MCL, even though Bears head coach Lovie Smith stated he made the decision to take bench Cutler.

Cutler hasn't really justified that big trade yet, and he has already tossed four interceptions this year. The plus side is that he is entering the second year under offensive coordinator Mike Mart's system.

The down side is that the Chicago offensive line has been horrendous at times.. If they improve, giving Cutler more time to throw, perhaps he quarterback will decrease his turnover rate and show Bears fans why their team mortgaged so much of their future on his arm.

Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings

215 Interceptions and Fumbles in 165 Games
234 Touchdowns Thrown, 58.9 Completion Percentage, 85.6 Quarterback Rating
97-61-1 Record

It wasn't long ago quite a few thought McNabb was headed for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, especially after earning his sixth Pro Bowl in 2009. Then the wheels came off.

After being the second overall pick of the 1999 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, he started six games as a rookie. McNabb then proceeded to carry the franchise on his back the next decade. He is the Eagles all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns by a quarterback.

He was then traded to the Washington Redskins before the 2010 season, where he ended up being benched for the final three weeks of the season. Not only were there whispers that his productive playing days were over, some claimed he was out of shape and couldn't grasp the new offensive system he was playing under.

Washington decided to trade McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings at the end of the season. He has continued to struggle, as have the Vikings, to an 0-4 record so far in 2011.

His quarterback rating not only has gone down the past two years, but the 15 interceptions McNabb threw last year was a career high mark. He will be 35-years old soon, but some critics are wondering if his days as an NFL starter are about to end sooner than expected.

McNabb has endured his share of criticism since being drafted. Not only did a bunch of fans boo his selection that day, but he has had critics question his competence. McNabb has handled everything with dignity and class, and his selection in 1999 rivals Champ Bailey and possibly Torry Holt as the best first round draft pick that year.

If Father Time has indeed caught up with McNabb, he won't go down without a fight. He still ranks ranks fourth best all-time in career interception percentage in NFL history. He was the NFC Offensive Player of the Year after leading Philadelphia to Super Bowl XXXIX.

History shows quarterbacks nearing the end of great careers mostly never turn it on again, but people like Kurt Warner, Y.A. Tittle and others have showed it does happen. McNabb, who last year said he wanted to play for many more years, and the Vikings certainly hope he has some greatness left in him.

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

91 Interception and Fumbles in 58 Games
55 Touchdowns Thrown, 57.7 Completion Percentage, 73.8 Quarterback Rating
22-32 Record

Ever since Smith was the first overall draft pick in 2005, he has been on most lists as the worst starting quarterback in the NFL. He was probably put on the field too early, but the 49ers could not afford to give him time to sit and learn his position.

Yet Smith has only lasted a full year at starter once so far. He also may be running out of chances to be the starter, especially since the raw and athletic Colin Kaepernick was drafted this year. It hasn't always been Smith's fault that he he has yet to show why San Francisco drafted him, because he has been sacked 142 times in his career.

With the best receivers at his disposel in his career, Smith's 2011 season has seen him complete a career best 67.3 percent of his passes so far. He also has tossed just one interception, despite having no running game so far. New head coach Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback, has had a positive impact as the 49ers shot out to a 3-1 record.

Sometimes it takes a quarterback a few years to learn and get it all down. Canton has men like Len Dawson, Dan Fouts, Bart Starr and others as proof. So there is still a chance Smith can end up having a career comparable to those legends.

Tavaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks

44 Interceptions and Fumbles in 40 Games
29 Touchdowns Thrown, 59.3 Completion Percentage, 77.2 Quarterback Rating
11-13 Record

Jackson was drafted in second round of the 2006 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He ended up starting in 19 games his first three season, but stayed on the bench mostly behind Brett Favre the next two.

He left Minnesota after 2010 and signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Jackson not only has good receivers like Mike Williams and Kevin Boss, he rejoined former Vikings teammate Sidney Rice.

It is his first season in a new system, as well as the first time in his career he is the anointed starter. He already has five touchdown passes, which means he will pass his career high of nine soon if he stays healthy. But Jackson has already tossed four interceptions as well, which has helped the 1-3 Seahawks rank 29th in scoring so far in 2011.

Since Seattle can't seem to get their rushing attack going yet, they will rely heavily on Jackson. After being played too early at the beginning of his career, he should be as ready as he might ever be. Jackson's entire career has been played under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, so system familiarity will not be a reason to hold him back.

Rex Grossman, Washington Redskins

71 Interceptions and Fumbles in 45 Games
46 Touchdowns Thrown, 54.6 Completion Percentage, 71.8 Quarterback Rating
23-15 Record

The Chicago Bears used a first round draft pick on Grossman in 2003. He did start seven games in his first three seasons, but the Bears started him all of 2006. He played decently as the Bears defense led the team to a Super Bowl before losing.

He lost his starting game after seven games the next year, and was released by Chicago after 2007. After sitting on the Houston Texans bench for a season, he followed offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to the Washington Redskins and ended up starting the final three games of 2010.

He is now the starter, but it may not be for long. Grossman still makes innumerous mistakes every game he plays, often forcing passes that often hit the defenders in the chest. Though he is in his ninth season, Grossman often plays like a rookie who has had minimal experience at the quarterback position.

With his high turnover rate, it will be interesting to see how long the Redskins will put up with him. They are a team rebuilding, but their 2011 schedule has had some luck in the fact that Washington has faced opponents bereft by injuries already.

At their current 3-1 record, it may be unlikely Grossman is benched even though the media has begun whispers a change is on the Redskins horizon. If this happens, it is probably the last legitimate shot Grossman will have as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

63 Interceptions and Fumbles in 35 Games
35 Touchdowns Thrown, 54.5 Completion Percentage, 71 Quarterback Rating
21-14 Record

Some fair-weathered fans might not like this selection of a guy who played college ball at USC, where he won a national championship, then has led a New York team a game within the Super Bowl each season since the Jets drafted him in the first round of the 2009 draft.

They basically gave up a second round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns, along with three players no longer in Cleveland, to get a player who became the first rookie quarterback to start for the franchise since their inaugural season. Both critics and fans of Sanchez have pointed to his lack of collegiate experience since that day.

Being a player in a fish bowl like New York is a double-edged sword. While a player may be severely overhyped much of the time, every move made is also met with scrutiny. Sanchez has handled this situation well so far.

Some call him a newer version of Trent Dilfer, a quarterback who once rode the Baltimore Ravens running game and defense to a title in 2000. The Jets are similar to that Ravens team in that their rushing game and defense is the main reason they reached the AFC Championship the previous two years.

Sanchez still makes a ton of mistakes, but he is in just his third season and was never allowed to sit and learn his position because of the $50 million he was given in 2009. But the Jets are winning, and that is all that matters at the end of the day. No matter who is manning the quarterback position.

Eli Manning, New York Giants

153 Interceptions and Fumbles in 109 Games
162 Touchdowns Thrown, 58.2 Completions Percentage, 81.1 Quarterback Rating
63-44 Record, Super Bowl XLII Champion and MVP

Manning made a few waves before he even played in the NFL after the San Diego Chargers used the first pick of the 2004 draft on him. Refusing to play with the Chargers, he was dealt to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers.

Manning started seven games as a rookie, splitting the duties with veteran Kurt Warner. The Giants were encouraged enough by Manning's performance to allow Warner to move on to the Arizona Cardinals.

While Rivers has gone to three Pro Bowls, as opposed to one for Manning, the Chargers have yet to reach a Super Bowl. Manning, despite leading the NFL in interceptions thrown in 2007, rode a strong rushing attack and smothering defense to Super Bowl XLII.

In a game most remember for a 32-yard prayer Manning heaved to David Tyree, who snagged the ball with one hand, the quarterback was awarded the Super Bowl MVP after two short fourth quarter touchdown passes helped New York win 17-14. That is enough legacy for most quarterbacks to hang their hat on.

Manning has two areas that both greatly help and sometimes detract from his true abilities. While playing in the fish bowl called New York, he is the little brother of future Hall of Famer Petyon Manning. His family has a rich legacy that carries him and often shades the reality of his skills.

Manning is coming off a 2010 season where he led the NFL in interceptions thrown for the second time in his seven seasons. Now entering his eighth year, he has thrown just two so far despite having several teammates hurt and many changes made to the Giants roster.

He may be the third best NFL quarterback in his own family, but Manning believes he is an elite player. That confidence will hopefully increase his completion percentage while reducing a high turnover rate.

Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders

94 Interceptions and Fumbles in 69 Games
72 Touchdowns Thrown, 61.1 Completion Percentage, 83 Quarterback Rating
29-39 Record

It has been a wild ride since Campbell began playing college football. It seems he has played in a new system under a new offensive coordinator annually. He has also played behind some porous offensive lines, leaving him vulnerable to being frequently hit.

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2005 draft by the Washington Redskins, Campbell has been inundated with tons of plays by several different coaches. He has been reunited with offensive coordinator Al Saunders this year, a man Campbell played under the first two seasons of his career.

After starting seven games as a rookie, Campbell has basically started since. He has proven to be pretty tough and durable over this time. He was making progress in Washington, but ended up getting traded for a fourth-round pick to the Oakland Raiders after the Redskins signed free agent Donovan McNabb.

He was benched by since fired head coach Tom Cable for three games, all of which Oakland lost, before coming back to lead the Raiders to their best record since 2002. While the Raiders rushing attack has been the star of this team, Campbell has tried to work hard and develop a repertoire with his young wide receivers.

It may seem Campbell has been around forever, but he will be only 30-years old soon. Oakland is headed in a good direction and have the right man for the quarterback job, but must get better play from the blockers and receivers to help him out.

Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins

37 Interceptions in 36 Games
31 Touchdowns Thrown, 60.7 Completion Percentage, 75.7 Quarterback Rating
13-18 Record

Henne was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2008 draft. After sitting on the bench as a rookie, he has started since. The results have been mixed.

While Henne's progress has slightly been slowed by the single-wing formation, also called "Wild Cat," his team frequently ran the first two years of his career, he also continues to make mistakes in his reads. Miami got him an upgrade of receivers to throw to, but his completion percentage had shown no improvement.

Despite having a good size and strong arm, his ability to check down to secondary receivers and not force passes to covered receivers has held Henne back. After having veteran coach Dan Henning teach him at the beginning of his career, Henne is now in his first season under Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator.

With head coach Tony Sparano seemingly in his last season with the team, Henne appears to likely to have a new coaching staff in his future. Whether that is with the Dolphins or not will be determined later, as will be his future as a starting quarterback in this league.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

10 Games Played and Four Turnovers
11 Touchdowns Thrown or Rushed, 50 Completion Percentage, 82.1 Quarterback Rating
1-2 Record

How can such an untested youngster make this list? When he is an overhyped entity, courtesy of the media and zealots whose view of him extends beyond the gridiron.

Critics say Tebow is basically a fullback at this stage of his career, and Denver has run him 44 times already in a career that started last season after the Broncos used a first round pick to acquire him. Despite a terrible 2011 preseason that obviously showed he isn't ready, his legion of fans cry his name all game.

The media has peppered Denver head coach John Fox with more Tebow questions than questions about the Broncos team, exacerbating the hype. Even with the Broncos coaches and players showing support for starting quarterback Kyle Orton, the media and a few fans keep harping on Tebow.

Tebow may not be ready until 2013, if the recent preseason was any indication of his progress, but that will not stop the factions who impatiently want him out there now. There used to be a time a quarterback would sit and learn how to be an NFL quarterback, and time is something Tebow needs a lot of.

NFC East Leading Washington Redskins Head into Bye Week After a Big Win

2011-10-02T20:35:00.003-04:00

It wasn't pretty, but the Washington Redskins 17-10 victory over the Saint Louis Rams propelled them atop of their division with a 3-1 record heading into their bye week. Though there is no time to celebrate, there has to be some pride of the work this team has put in so far.

Expecting to rebuild, general manager Bruce Allen wheeled and dealed during the 2011 draft. Nine of Allen's 12 picks have made the team, and the remaining three are on the practice squad.

With their two division rivals losing this week, the Redskins gained percentage points on the 1-3 Philadelphia Eagles, 2-2 Dallas Cowboys and the 3-1 New York Giants. Washington defeated New York already in the first week of the season..

The Redskins will prepare for the Eagles in a game two weeks from now, but they also need to use this time to work out some kinks. Critics will point to a soft schedule filled with injured opponents, but any victory attained in the NFL is truly earned.

The running game was clicking versus the Rams, something it has done several times since preseason. This time saw Redskins 2010 rushing leader, Ryan Torain, get his first action of the year and rush for 135 yards on just 19 attempts.

The passing game is still a work in progress. Quarterback Rex Grossman continues to turn the ball over, something that has been Washington's problem 18 straight games, and he had a series in the third quarter of the Rams game that was frustrating.

After Torain carried the Redskins about 40 yards, Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan reverted to his bad habit of eschewing the run game in favor of the pass. He first had Grossman, not known for nimble feet, roll out to his left, where the quarterback quickly stumbled and began to fall to the ground untouched or without defensive pressure.

Grossman tried to thrown across the middle of the field, but a Rams defender dropped a sure interception. Grossman looked a bit lost after that play, causing the Redskins to take a delay of game penalty. Finally getting his team ready, he signaled center Will Montgomery to snap the ball but looked over to a receiver as the ball was hiked.

Though no turnovers game on that series, this series of plays killed the drive and forced Washington to punt. These types of moments must be ironed out during the bye week, because the Redskins might not survive such events in another contest.

The defense has carried this team, a sight Redskins fans have grown accustomed to over the past many years. The 21 points they allowed in a victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the second week is still the most they have allowed in a contest yet.

Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo are a pair of first round draft that have made seamless transitions from defensive end to outside linebacker. While neither are as good in pass defense as they will be in time, the youngsters are creating havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Middle linebacker London Fletcher is the leader of the defense, and Rocky McIntosh was a terror versus the Rams most of the contest. Washington's linebackers have benefited from stout play by the defensive line, as the front seven is the prime reason for their record.

The amazing part of Washington's defensive excellence is that they have done much of it without star strong safety LaRon Landry. Landry was easily the best safety in NFL in 2010 until an injury ended his season after nine games.

Landry returned last week, after recovering from a groin injury that had kept him out since training camp, but was seen going into the locker room early in the fourth quarter against St. Louis. He did return to play later on.

Getting healthy is obviously a priority of a bye week, so it will be a nice break for some of the Redskins with nagging injuries. The other positive of having the bye week so early is getting it getting it out of the way and plow forward with momentum the rest of the way.

Since the NFL implemented the bye week in 1990, seven teams have won the Super Bowl after enjoying an early break. Three more reached it after having their bye week early. The 1993 Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills had two bye weeks that season.

So this week is important for many reasons, especially since they are coming off a victory. The Redskins have had time to have their weaknesses exposed and the roster is healthy enough to try to do something about it.

If Grossman's prediction that Washington will win the NFC East this season comes true, hammering out the kinks with be needed so they can hopefully keep winning enough games to get into the playoffs. That, as well as good health and fortuitous luck, can help the Redskins continue to shock the critics who expected them to finish last in their division this year.

NFL 2011 Week 4 Predictions and Power Rankings

2011-10-01T22:26:00.003-04:00

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys

You have to admire the Cowboys victory last week, considering they are so banged up along their roster. Still, kicking six field goals will not get it done against Detroit.

Lions 27 Cowboys 20

New Orleans Saints @ Jacksonville Jaguars

The Saints cannot stop the run and the Jaguars best player is halfback Maurice Jones-Drew. Yet, in case you haven't noticed, Drew Brees is on fire.

Saints 30 Jaguars 16

Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns

Chris Johnson has only 98 yards on 48 carries, showing why training camp is so important. But that Titans defense has carried the club, ranking first in the NFL in yards allowed and second in points given up.

Cleveland isn't doing much offensively yet, but their pass defense is ranked third best in the NFL in passing yards allowed. If Johnson stinks again, the Browns will have an advantage.

Titans 20 Browns 17

Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals

Who here predicted the Buffalo Bills would start the season 3-0? How about 4-0?

Bills 24 Bengals 20

Washington Redskins @ Saint Louis Rams

The Rams will be happy to have star halfback Steven Jackson back in this must-win game against the Redskins. Washington has given up 252 yards on 41 carries to Ahmad Bradshaw, Beanie Wells and Felix Jones the previous three weeks.

That fact, and the fact opponents can always rely on Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman to make several key boneheaded plays each week, might be enough to get Saint Louis their first win this season.

Rams 20 Redskins 17

San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Frank Gore has struggled to just 148 yards on 59 carries so far. This hurts because the 49ers have one of the NFL's worst starting quarterbacks in Alex Smith. If Gore cannot produce against a beat up Eagles squad that is 30th in run defense, they have no shot.

The Niners are dead last amongst all NFL teams in yards gained, so the Eagles star-studded secondary might have to swipe a few of Smith's mistakes and carry their team to victory.

Eagles 23 49ers 20

Minnesota Vikings @ Kansas City Chiefs

This might be interesting only in the fact that it could be the last time Donovan McNabb starts in his career. The Vikings cannot continue to sit back and watch him play poorly, or the season will soon be lost.

Vikings 27 Chiefs 17

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Houston Texans

Houston's defense looked like it was back in 2010 last week by coughing up 40 points after having given up just 20 total the previous two weeks. The offense, led by halfback Ben Tate, already has 90 points scored.

Pittsburgh isn't scoring yet, getting just 54 points so far, but the defense has given up just 55 in three weeks. Their 2-1 record has been aided by playing two lousy teams the past few weeks.

This is a statement game for both. Houston needs to show they are the cream of the AFC South crop, as many have predicted they will be this season. Pittsburgh needs to prove they are still strong Super Bowl contenders, as well as disprove the recent whispers they are an aging team in many important areas.

Houston needs to generate a pass rush against a beat up Steelers offensive line. Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips may have a few special blitz packages drawn up for outside linebacker Mario Williams, especially since Houston has quite a few defenders dinged up with injuries.

The vaunted Steelers run defense has yet to play well, so they need to step up the week. Not only will they have Tate to deal with, 2010 rushing champion Arian Foster will see his first action this year. So it comes down to if experience Pittsburgh has will prevail over the inexperienced Texans.

Texans 24 Steelers 21

Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears

Carolina does not run the ball, just relying on Cam Newton to pass practically every play. This lack of offensive balance should play nicely into the Bears wily defense.

Bears 30 Panthers 24

Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks

Disappointing is how you could term both of these 1-2 teams. Neither have yet to play as many expected, but the Seahawks offensive woes will be the difference here.

Falcons 28 Seahawks 17

New York Giants @ Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Kolb has had sufficient time to break in with the Big Red. Now is his time to show why Arizona gave up so much to acquire him.

Cardinals 31 Giants 28

Denver Broncos @ Green Bay Packers

Is there any doubt who wins?

Packers 37 Broncos 20

New England Patriots @ Oakland Raiders
Game of the Week

Oakland has the best rushing attack in the NFL, and are ranked the sixth best in points made. Their defense, however, is near the bottom of the league in many categories.

New England has the best passing attack in the NFL, but they too have a defense ranked near the bottom of the NFL in many categories and they will not have the services of starting defensive end Albert Haynesworth this week. Both teams also share the surprising distinction of losing to the Buffalo Bills late in the game.

Both teams need to win to keep from falling in their division. While the Raiders do not play in nearly as talented a division as the Patriots, this game could mean a lot later in the season to both squads.

It comes down to if the Raiders can stop the pass or the Patriots stop the run. It also may come down to the final play.

Patriots 38 Raiders 35

Miami Dolphins @ San Diego Chargers

The Dolphins were great on defense but lousy on offense in 2010. Now those roles have reversed. San Diego can score, but their defense has been erratic.

This could be a high scoring affair, but the Bolts have the edge of experience for these types of games.

Chargers 34 Dolphins 31

New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens season has started pretty good, but not great. They rank 13th in the NFL in both yards gained and allowed. While their defense has given up the fewest points in the league, the offense ranks eighth in most points scored.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan knows this team well, having been the Ravens defensive coordinator just a few years ago. But his own vaunted defense is struggling much more than expected, ranking 31st in rushing yards allowed and 12th in points scored upon.

Ray Rice and Ricky Williams will need to have good games here. Both teams will keep it close until the final seconds.

Ravens 16 Jets 13

Indianapolis Colts @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It really doesn't matter if Curtis Painter or Whistler's Mother plays quarterback, the Colts just plain stink without Peyton Manning.

Buccaneers 27 Colts 10

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Detroit Lions
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Houston Texans
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Tennessee Titans
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. Oakland Raiders
10. New England Patriots
11. San Diego Chargers
12. New Orleans Saints
13. New York Jets
14. Atlanta Falcons
15. New York Giants
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Philadelphia Eagles
18. Chicago Bears
19. Washington Redskins
20. San Francisco 49ers
21. Seattle Seahawks
22. Cleveland Browns
23. Carolina Panthers
24. Miami Dolphins
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Arizona Cardinals
27. Cincinnati Bengals
28. Minnesota Vikings
29. Saint Louis Rams
30. Denver Broncos
31. Indianapolis Colts
32. Kansas City Chiefs

NFL 2011 Week 4 : Washington Redskins 5 Keys To Beating the St. Louis Rams

2011-09-30T20:12:00.004-04:00

Lick Your Wounds

Losing to your rival hurts, but the pain runs deeper when you know the loss was your own fault. Poor play was seen in a lot of places for the Washington Redskins last week. Gambling on three straight all-out blitzes with the game on the line, the Redskins gave up the big play that ultimately helped them lose the game.

Facing the Saint Louis Rams this week, getting back to basics may be the key to victory. They will face a team that has had difficulty stopping the run this season, so they might need to hand off the ball to Tim Hightower and Roy Helu more than the 19 times they did last week.

While the Redskins defense is ranked fifth best in the NFL in points allowed, their run defense of 11th in rushing yards allowed is deceptive. If you look at the numbers of their three previous opponents top running backs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Beanie Wells and Felix Jones, you can see they have given up 252 yards on only 41 carries against the trio.

Steven Jackson is a much better running back than those three, as well as more versatile a player. He got off to a fast start by running for 56 yards on two carries before being hurt. He returned to very limited duty last week, but still got 23 yards on four carries against an excellent Baltimore Ravens defense.

If he is ready to go at full speed, the Redskins need to keep Jackson off the field as much as possible. This can be done by running the ball well and controlling the clock, while praying their erratic quarterback doesn't suffer another of his frequent brain locks by making throws he should never attempt.

Hightower has already been handling the ball more than he ever has since becoming a pro in 2008. Helu has been quite a find since Washington drafted him in the fourth round this year. Now may the time to get Ryan Torain his first rushing attempts of 2011, especially since he ran for 742 yards in 10 games last season.

Washington has to pick themselves up and dust themselves off. They will get another crack at the Dallas Cowboys just before Thanksgiving, so the Redskins need to focus now on the St. Louis Rams and head into the bye feeling good about themselves.

Reality Check

Washington should be undefeated right now, especially when they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles after they get their bye week out of the way. They defeated a beat up New York Giants team that has improved some after the first game. After defeating a Arizona Cardinals squad getting acquainted with a new quarterback, they laid an egg against an injured Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas had an offense in disarray, but Washington quarterback Rex Grossman looked uncomfortable all game and the team once again had difficulties in the red zone. This hurt especially because the Cowboys run defense was stout.

Dallas was barely averaging two yards per carry heading into their contest versus Washington, but Felix Jones ran for 115 yards on just 14 carries. Tony Romo played with broken ribs and his top wide receiver hurt, but he still got the team to win with just six field goals

Growing pains are expected when a team rebuilds, like the Redskins are. Though there is a big infusion of youth on the team, as opposed to the 2010 roster, there are more than enough pro veterans to keep Washington moving in a forward direction.

This game may have a bigger impact on the 2011 season than some may think. Heading into a bye week with another loss can hurt moral in the locker room and have fans hoping for some changes made to the lineup. Grossman's starting job could be on the line this week, especially if he continues to play like he did last week.

A win here may get the team fired up and working hard with a chip on their shoulders in the bye week. As they head down the road of 2011, Washington doesn't seem to have a difficult opponents until week 12 against the New York Jets. The games before then are very winnable, so positive momentum can be attained with a resounding win over the Rams this Sunday.

Cool It

It was really great having tight end Chris Cooley back in the Redskins lineup. Not just for his abilities, but his leadership certainly boosts moral.

He gutted it out for a few games as he tried to recover from a knee injury that kept him out of preseason games, but the two-time Pro Bowler had a good game last week. He was needed since Fred Davis was limited to one reception.

The eight-year pro quietly passed the legendary Jerry Smith, who belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, for the most receptions ever by a Redskins tight end in the first week of 2011.

Cooley caught a season high four passes for 41 yards last week, but he also ran the ball twice for the first time in his career. One rushing attempt resulted in a first down.

With Cooley seemingly back, he should get back to his typical output. Besides his rookie year and 2009 season, which was limited to seven games due to injury, Cooley has not had fewer than 57 receptions. He always to be in the right place for his quarterback, allowing Washington to move the chains.

Davis has slimmed down and gotten in the best shape of his life, so he can split the seam like few tight ends can. He is reminiscent of Smith in that area, because Smith was known for frequently getting deep down the field for big catches. Davis is averaging 17.8 yards on his 12 receptions.

But Cooley is a wily player who has used smarts, innate instincts and his athletic ability to burn defenses for years. He is the most reliable receiver Washington has, so hopefully there will be a heavy dosage of balls thrown his way for the rest of the season.

Kick 'Em While They're Down

The Rams may have been hurt by the players lockout like no other team. They are a young team, so the limited reps in a truncated training camp has done them no favors.

Injuries have blasted this team instantly. Star halfback Steven Jackson got hurt after the first game, but is expected back Sunday from a quad injury. His backup, Cadillac Williams, is slowed by a hamstring injury.

The Rams top receiver, Danny Amendola, may not be ready to go after hurting his elbow in the first game of the year. Their top cornerback, Ron Bartell, is out for the year. They key losses have hurt the winless Rams.

Saint Louis is last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, and second to last in total yards and points allowed. While Williams has done a good job in Jackson's place, the passing game has not done well. Saint Louis ranks 29th in points scored, so getting points has proven to be difficult for quarterback Sam Bradford.

Right tackle Jason Smith has been hobbled by an ankle injury, causing the second overall pick in the 2009 draft to be benched last week. The Rams need him to help an offensive line that is full of more talent than most others in the league.

The Rams have won nine of 31 regular season matchups against Washington, but this is the eighth time they have met since 2000. Saint Louis has won three of their last four games against the Redskins, losing 9-7 in 2009. They won 30-16 last year.

Washington will be facing not only a team desperate to win finally in 2011, they will face a Rams team that is confident that they can win. The Redskins need to defeat a team that is attempting to get off the snide after injuries held them back, or they will be disappointed heading into their bye week at 2-2.

Warm Up The Bullpen

Rex Grossman's gross play last Monday is a big reason the Redskins are no longer undefeated. He is in his third season under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's system, but the ninth-year pro plays often like a rookie who is entering his first NFL game ever.

Grossman has not only tossed three interceptions his first three games, he has already taken eight sacks and fumbled the football twice. He has gotten away with a lot of poorly thrown balls that are usually intercepted, and he most likely got away with another fumble last week.

When you are a team that is a week away from getting their bye week finished, a strong start is needed. Especially when your team that has a ton of changes in your roster and is trying to remain competitive while rebuilding. This kind of team cannot afford to have a quarterback playing like a chicken with their head cut off.

Shanahan cannot allow the offensive to wallow for sixty minutes under incompetent leadership another week. Grossman has done nothing to prove he deserves to keep a job he barely won in training camp, helped by circumstances more than actual production.

John Beck had legendary Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann's support during preseason. Theismann said Washington would go with Beck, but Shanahan went with Grossman.

It is not to say Washington would have even two wins with Beck at the helm right now, because all of that is unknown for a quarterback who hasn't played since he suited up as a rookie for a horrible Miami Dolphins squad in 2007.

But you know what you get with the "Rex Hex." Gross play flooded with tons of turnovers and even more poor decisions. This is is given by an unathletic quarterback who is as mobile as a statue and so short he seemingly gets at least a few attempts batted down each contest. There is a reason he has been a journeyman bench warmer most of his career.

If the gross play continues against the Rams, the plug has to be pulled on Grossman. Put Beck in and see what he can do. If promise is shown, Washington can use their bye week to get the rest of the offense more in sync with a mobile quarterback who is a better athlete.

Whether than means whether Beck is a better quarterback or not would be determined on the field of play.

NFL Mistakes : 11 Players Who Teams Regret Giving Up On

2011-09-29T16:15:00.003-04:00

Dick LeBeau

LeBeau was a fifth round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 1959 draft, the was the 58th player picked overall. LeBeau did not make the Browns team, and was cut in training camp. He would then be picked up by the Detroit Lions.

He played six games in his rookie year, mostly on special teams, did recover the first fumble of his career that season. In 1960, LeBeau earned the starting job at cornerback opposite newly acquired Hall of Famer Dick "Night Train" Lane. The Lions defense also had Hall of Fame middle linebacker Joe Schmidt, Hall of Fame safety Yale Lary. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Alex Karras and Pro Bowl safety Terry Barr.

LeBeau picked off four passes his initial season. The next three seasons, LeBeau and Lane formed the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. LeBeau picked off four balls in 1962. He scored the first two touchdowns of his career that year, by interception and fumble recovery.

In 1963, LeBeau picked off five passes and returned them for 158 yards. He also returned one interception 70 yards for a touchdown. LeBeau would then make his first of 3 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in 1964. That season also marked Lary's last in the NFL, and Lane played only seven games. LeBeau still managed five interceptions that year.

The 1965 season was the last year for both Lane and Schmidt. LeBeau picked off seven passes and returned one for the last touchdown of his career. LeBeau's last Pro Bowl season was in 1966, when he intercepted four passes.

LeBeau picked off four passes in 1967 by bookending Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney. He did this while under new head coach, and former teammate, Joe Schmidt. LeBeau and Barney would then team up for the next three years as one of the best cornerback tandems in the league.

The 1970 season saw LeBeau have a career high nine interceptions. At 34-years old in 1971, LeBeau would intercept six passes. The 1972 season would be the last year as a Detroit Lion for LeBeau and Schmidt. LeBeau was moved to free safety that year, and would not intercept a pass for the first time since his rookie season.

LeBeau only retired from the NFL as a player after 1972. He went into coaching in 1973 for the Philadelphia Eagles as a Secondary Coach. He stayed with the team until 1975. He then held the same duties with the Green Bay Packers from 1976 to 1979.

In 1980, he moved to the Cincinnati Bengals. He served as their secondary coach and a defensive coordinator with the Bengals until 1991. LeBeau then served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992 to 1996.

This is when LeBeau would gain notoriety for inventing the now commonly used "Zone Blitz" defense. The Steelers defense featured such greats as Hall of Fame cornerback Rod Woodson, Pro Bowl linebackers Greg Lloyd, Hardy Nickerson, Levon Kirkland, Chad Brown, Kevin Greene, Jason Gildon and strong safety Carnell Lake. They would go to the Super Bowl after the 1995 season.

In 1997, LeBeau returned to the Bengals as a defensive coordinator. He would then be named head coach of the Bengals in 2000, holding that job until 2002. LeBeau then worked for the Buffalo Bills in 2003.

He returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004, and is still the defensive coordinator of the Steelers today. In 2005, the Steelers won Super Bowl XL. LeBeau is one of the most respected coaches in NFL history and is called "Coach Dad" by his players.

Dick LeBeau's playing career alone may have had him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He is the first player from the 1959 NFL Draft to make it into Canton. He is a member of the Detroit Lions Legends and his 62 interceptions are the most in the history of the Lions.

Dave Butz

Butz was the fifth overall selection of the 1971 draft, chosen by the Saint Louis Cardinals. His career got off to positive beginnings, as he started 10 of the 12 games he played as a rookie.

Then Butz suffered a devastating knee injury of the first game of the 1972 season. The Cardinals believed his playing days were over, so they released him. The Washington Redskins quickly signed the huge defensive tackle.

After being brought along slowly by Hall of Fame head coach George Allen, where Butz started in 16 of the 40 games he appeared in over three seasons, he was elevated to a starters job in 1978. He would remain there the next 11 seasons.

Being 6'7" 291, he was an immovable object in the middle of the defense. While stuffing running backs was his specialty, Butz also batted down a ton of passing attempts. If that wasn't enough of a distraction for opposing quarterbacks, he was also a good pass rusher despite drawing multiple blockers most plays.

The 1983 season is considered his finest year. Butz was named to his only Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro nod after being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Kansas City Committee 101, an award chosen by 101 NFL sportswriters and sportscasters. He had a career best 11.5 quarterback sacks that season.

He was the Redskins model of consistency. After becoming a starter, he missed three games in 11 years. Butz missed five total in his 14 years with the Redskins. Besides having 59.5 career sacks, which is most ever by a Washington defensive tackle, his 203 games played is the fourth most in franchise history.

Dave Butz is a member of the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team. Not only did he constantly make the Cardinals regret giving up on him, Butz made Redskins fans joyful by helping their team win two Super Bowls. He is one of the 70 Greatest Redskins ever.

Lou Creekmur

Creekmur lasted until the 26th round of the 1948 draft when the Philadelphia Eagles used the 243rd pick on him. He did not make the team, so he was out of football until 1950.

The Detroit Lions offered him a tryout that year, which turned out to be a great move. He earned a starting job at left guard that season and went to the first of eight consecutive Pro Bowls. The 1951 season saw him honored as First Team All-Pro, something he would garner in six of the next seven years.

Creekmur moved to left tackle in 1952, where he would stay the rest of his career. While noted as a fierce run blocker, he was equally exceptional pass blocking. He kept Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne upright.

Layne also happened to be a player Detroit got from another team off that 1948 draft. He was selected by the Chicago Bears with the third overall pick that year, who would trade him one year later to the New York Bulldogs. He was traded to the Lions the following season.

Layne was known for taking his linemen out each week for expensive dinners to thank them for keeping him healthy. Creekmur would later note that Layne was his favorite quarterback to protect.

Detroit would go to four title games and win three of them behind Creekmur. He retired after the 1958 season, but was coaxed back in 1959 to play eight straight games despite not having any time to practice and get in shape. He retired permanently after that season.

Not only is Creekmur inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his six First Team All-Pro nods are the most ever by a Lions offensive lineman. It is also tied with Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Dutch Clark as the most ever by an offensive player in that franchises long history.

Lou Creekmur is the best blocker in Lions history and his toughness is legendary. Creekmur broke his nose 13 times playing football, but he never missed a game and always was great. Not bad for a guy who nobody wanted on their team for the first few years he was out of college.

George Blanda

Blanda was a 12th round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in the 1949 draft. His final two seasons pf college football was played under legendary coach Bear Bryant. Blanda is a member of the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame.

Blanda then went on to play pro football under NFL founder and Hall of Famer George Halas. The two did not get along.

Blanda was given $600 to sign with the Bears, but Halas took the money back after Blanda made the team.
He kicked, punted, and quarterbacked his rookie year. Blanda started the next season with the Baltimore Colts, but found himself back on the Bears for the final 11 games of that season.

While mainly used as a kicker for three years, he spent the 1951 season also playing linebacker. Blanda intercepted the only pass of his career that season.

Blanda earned the starting job at quarterback in 1953, and led the NFL in attempts and completions. He started seven games the next year, and led the NFL in yards gained-per-games played.

He would accomplish that feat two more times in the AFL. Blanda was then mainly used as a kicker until 1958. He decided to retire because of his difficulties with Halas.

He said that Halas no longer seemed interested in the NFL and the game had passed him by. Blanda was quoted to have said, "Halas was too cheap to even buy me a kicking shoe."

After sitting out of the 1959 season, Blanda decided to play for the expansion Houston Oilers in the fledgling American Football League. The Oilers would go on to win the first AFL Championship with Blanda at the helm.

The Oilers repeated as AFL Champions the next year, as Blanda was named to his first All Pro team while leading the AFL in passing yards, touchdowns, and several other categories. He also set a record for fewest receiving yards in a career, when he caught a pass for negative 16 yards.

He would be named an All-Pro the next two seasons as well. He led the AFL in attempts and completions from 1963 to 1965. Blanda also led the AFL in interceptions thrown from 1962 to 1965.

At 40-years old, Blanda joined the Oakland Raiders in 1967. He was named to his last All Pro team, this time as a kicker, helping the Raiders get to Super Bowl II.

He led the league in extra points attempted and made in four of his first eight seasons with Oakland. He led the NFL in scoring in 1967 with 116 points, and had a career high 117 points the following year.

His biggest year in Oakland was in 1970, when he would be named the Bert Bell Award winner for Player of the Year. Blanda had actually been released for a short time in preseason, but was quickly brought back.

That season, Blanda had to come off the bench four times to replace Darryl Lamonica, the starter, due to injury. Blanda led the Raiders to three comeback wins and a tie.

He then had the come in for an injured Lamonica during the AFC Championship game. He booted a 48-yard field goal, and went 17-32 for 271 yards and two touchdowns, but the Raiders fell to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Colts.

In 1973, at 46-years old, Blanda scored 100 points. He then retired after the 1975 season at 48-years old.
Many fans may know that the Hall of Famer Blanda retired with an then-NFL record 2002 points, but he also holds several other records.

He shares the record for seven touchdown passes in a game, owns the record for most seasons played, and most seasons scoring a point (26). He's also the first player in history to score over 2,000 points, the oldest person to ever play in the NFL and in a title game. Blanda has thrown the most interceptions in a season.

He still has attempted and made the most extra points ever. While playing the fourth most games ever, he still has the fifth most points scored ever. His 26 seasons played and most years of scoring a point are also records.

Brett Favre broke his record of 277 interception in 2007, and Drew Bledsoe broke his record of 68 passing attempts in a game during the 1994 season.

George Blanda is truly one of the legends of the game of football, as a kicker and quarterback. Many Raiders will always remember him coming off the bench and leading Oakland to thrilling victories.

Timmy Brown

Brown was a 27th round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 1959 draft. He only was on the roster for one game in his rookie year, and did not accumulate any stats.

He then joined the Philadelphia Eagles the next year. He played very sparingly, but did have a 79-yard kick return on 11 attempts.

The 1961 season would be the year Brown got his chance. He led the NFL with 29 kickoff returns and 811 yards. He scored on a 105-yard return, which still stands as an Eagles franchise record and is the seventh longest in NFL history. He also scored the only punt return touchdown of his career on just eight returns.

Brown led the NFL in all-purpose yards in 1962 and 1963. In 1962, Brown caught 50 balls and averaged an impressive 16.3 yards per catch.

He led the NFL in kickoff returns and kickoff return yards in 1963, with 33 attempts for a career high 945 yards. He was also named to the Pro Bowl from 1962 to 1965.

He led the league with a yards per rushing average of 5.4 yards per carry, as he ran for a career high 861 yards in 1965. Brown became the first ever to score on two kickoff returns in one game during the 1966 season, which is still a NFL record that he shares with nine others.

Brown got injured in the seventh game in 1967 and missed the rest of the year. He joined the Baltimore Colts the next year, and helped the Colts win the NFL Championship before they went on to lose in Super Bowl III. He retired after that season and has enjoyed a fine acting career. Brown was in both the movie and TV version of M*A*S*H.

Timmy Brown rushed for 3,862 yards and 31 touchdowns, while catching 235 passes for 3,399 yards and 26 additional scores. His 14.5 yards per catch is very impressive for a running back, and he also averaged 26 yards on 184 kickoff returns. Brown's five career kickoff return touchdowns is tied for the eighth most in NFL history.

Don Maynard

Maynard was drafted in the ninth round of the 1957 draft by the New York Giants. Though he did not make the team that year, he did play the next year for the Giants. He was used as a return specialist mostly, taking 24 punts and 11 kickoffs for 401 yards. Maynard also caught five passes and ran the ball a career best 12 times as a reserve halfback.

He was released after that season, so Maynard joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in 1959. The fledgling American Football League was born the next year, so Maynard left the CFL to join the New York Titans.

He was teamed up with felow wide receiver Art Powe. Powe, who is a member of the AFL's All-Time Team, was another receiver rejected by the NFL the year before. Powe had been an 11th-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, but was also just used as a return specialist.

The duo lit up the AFL for the three years they teamed up. Powe had 204 catches over that time, leading the league in receiving yards and touchdown catches once, before going to play with the Oakland Raiders.

Maynard was equally as dangerous, grabbing 171 balls for 1,935 yards and 22 scores over that time. The Titans weren't a very good team, so the franchise was often on the verge of bankruptcy trying to compete against the Giants in the same city.

Renamed the Jets in 1963, the franchises fortunes began to change for the better after drafting future Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath. He and Maynard soon developed an excellent repertoire and Namath often looked the way of his favorite receiver when the team needed yards most.

Making his first Pro Bowl in 1965, Maynard led the AFL with a career best 14 touchdown receptions. Namath became the first quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in 1967, and Maynard's career best 1,434 yards and 102.4 yards receiving yards per game, both of which led the league, was a big reason why. He also averaged 20.2 yards on 71 receptions while scoring 10 times.

This set the stage for the Jets magical 1968 season. Maynard led the AFL with a career best 22.8 yards per catch average, while also leading the league with a 99.8 yards receiving per game average. He piled up 1,297 yards and caught 10 touchdown passes.

In the 1968 AFL Championship, Maynard burned the Oakland Raiders secondary for 118 yards on six receptions. Not only did he score the first touchdown of the contest, he also scored the last. That latter touchdown won the game for the Jets 27-23.

The Jets then faced the NFL's Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Tired of hearing the media constantly tell him the Colts would dominate, Namath made his famous guarantee that his team would win. Baltimore was so intent on stopping Maynard, Namath used him as a decoy and targeted George Sauer instead.

While Maynard did not touch the football, the strategy worked. New York won 16-7, an important moment in AFL history that ultimately forced a merger between the leagues. It is still the only championship season in Jets history.

The 1969 season was not only Maynard's last Pro Bowl year, it was his only First Team All-Pro nod. He averaged 20 yards on 47 receptions. His production began to decline over the next three years, so he joined the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1973.

After one catch in two games, he joined the Houston Texans of the World Football League in 1974. The Texans were later renamed the Shreveport Steamers because the WFL was struggling financially. He retired after that season.

Not only is Maynard inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the AFL's All-Time Team. Maynard is one of 20 players to play the entire 10 seasons the AFL existed, and he is one of seven to have played his entire AFL career for one franchise. He is also one of just a few players to play for the NFL, CFL, AFL and WFL.

Maynard was once just one of only five players to record more than 50 receptions and more than 1,000 receiving yards in five different seasons for many years. He left the game with the most receptions and receiving yards in pro football history at the time. He is the first receiver ever to exceed 10,000 receiving yards.

He still is the Jets all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns caught. His 18.7 career yards per catch average is even more amazing because Maynard dealt with the 10-yard chuck rule and caught balls from over a dozen different quarterbacks.

Known for his sure hands, Maynard also was had great improvisational skills when running routes. He is easily the greatest receiver in Jets history, let alone one of the best in pro football history.

Warren Lahr

In the final round of the 1947 draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Lahr. Just six players were chosen after him. He did not make the team, but he was the last of 16 players from Case Western Reserve University to play in the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns had him try out in 1949 and he made the team. His rookie season found Lahr used in assorted ways, where he caught his only career pass and scored his only offensive touchdown off of nine rushing attempts.

Safety was the position he would make his mark quickly. He had four interceptions his rookie year as the Browns won the All-American Football Conference title for the fourth and final time. The AAFC merged with the NFL the next season.

Cleveland dominated the NFL in 1950 and Lahr was certainly a big reason why. He snagged a career best eight interceptions, two of which he returned for two scores. He led the league in scores off of interceptions that year.

When Cleveland beat the New York Giants in a 8-3 defensive struggle, Lahr picked off a pass that helped preserve the win. It helped substantiate the Browns as a legitimate powerhouse as well as showed the three AAFC teams belonged in the NFL.

He came up big in the Browns first title win. The Los Angeles Rams had two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin, but Cleveland picked off five of their passes that day. Lahr led the way with two, as the Browns prevailed 30-28.

Lahr led the NFL again with two touchdowns off of interceptions in 1951. Cleveland mowed through the league with one loss behind the top defense. They scored five times off of 58 turnovers that season.

The Browns faced Los Angeles again in the title game, where Lahr had an interception and two fumble recoveries. The Rams won the game 24-17 on a 73-yard bomb from Van Brocklin to Hall of Fame wide receiver Tom Fears late in the fourth quarter.

Despite 22 interceptions in his first four seasons, Lahr did not get to the Pro Bowl until 1953 after gaining a career best 119 yards off of five interceptions, He scored the final touchdown of his career in 1954, as the Browns won another championship.

Cleveland repeated as champions in 1955 as Lahr had another five swipes. In his first seven seasons, he had piled up an impressive 34 picks and never had fewer than four in a season. He stayed with the team until 1959 before retiring.

His 44 career interceptions are still the second most in Browns history, and his five touchdowns off of interceptions is still the most in franchise history. He is a member of the Browns Legends and should soon find himself inducted into the newly created Browns Ring of Honor.

Earl Morrall

Morrall was a first round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 1956 draft. He was the second player chosen overall that year.

He was mostly used as a punter in his rookie year. He did start four games when the starter, Hall of Famer Y.A. Tittle, was injured. Morrall was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers after that year, and was named to his first Pro Bowl in 1957.

After starting the first two games of the 1958 season for Pittsburgh, Morrall was traded to the Detroit Lions for Hall of Famer Bobby Layne. There, he backed up Tobin Rote, Jim Ninowski, and Milt Plum until 1964. During the 1963 season, Plum was injured early in the year and Morrall ended up starting 11 games.

Morrall tossed 24 touchdowns on 2,621 yards. Both totals would be the second highest of his career. He was hurt early in the 1964 season, and missed the rest of the year. He was then dealt to the New York Giants during the offseason.

He started the entire 1965 season, and threw the longest pass of that season for 89 yards. Morrall started seven games the next year and threw a pass that is still franchise long of 98 yards to Homer Jones, the man who invented the spiking of the football after a score.

He was replaced by Gary Woods as the Giants went 1-12-1. Morrall soon became a reserve behind Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton. He then was dealt to the Baltimore Colts in 1968, where his career would be reborn.

Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas was injured in the last preseason game and was out for the year, so Morrall became the starter. He led the Colts to a 13-1 record after throwing for a career high 26 touchdown passes with a career best 2,909 yards.

He led the NFL in touchdown passes, touchdown percentage and yards gained-per-pass attempt. He was selected to his last Pro Bowl and was named the 1968 NFL MVP. The Colts would go on to lose in Super Bowl III. With Unitas healthy again, Morrall started three games over the next two seasons.

In 1970, the Colts would win Super Bowl V when Morrall was called upon again after Unitas was injured early in the game. Morrall helped the Colts beat the Dallas Cowboys 16-13.

Morrall started the first nine games of the 1971 year, leading the Colts to a 7-2 record. He was then injured and replaced by Unitas as the Colts would go on to lose to the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship game.

The Colts then cut Morrall, but he was claimed by Miami. Dolphins head coach Hall of Famer Don Shula had coached him on the Colts' 1968 Super Bowl team, so he knew what kind of player he was getting.

The move paid off early into the 1972 season, when Hall of Famer Bob Griese was injured during the fifth game.
Morrall started the next 12 games and helped lead the eventual Super Bowl Champion Dolphins to the only perfect season in modern NFL history. He took them to the AFC Championship game, but was replaced by Griese.

Morrall was named the AFC Player of the Year in 1972, and he also won the first Comeback Player of the Year Award that year. He started one game the next year, as the Dolphins repeated as Super Bowl Champions. Morrall retired after the 1976 season at the age of 42-years old.

Though Earl Morrall started only 102 of the 255 games he played over 21 years, he won 60 and tied three. He also was an important part of four Super Bowl teams and has to be considered one of the best firemen in NFL history.

Otis Taylor

Taylor was drafted in the 15th round of the 1965 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also selected in the fifth round of the American Football League's draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

What happened next is part of both AFL and Chiefs lore. Taylor was brought into the Eagle camp to try out, but legendary Chiefs scout Lloyd Wells had other ideas. Wells had successfully stolen Hall of Fame talents like Buck Buchanan, Emmitt Thomas and Willie Lanier from the NFL.

Taylor was being watched closely by Eagles personnel to prevent him from talking to Wells, but were unsuccessful. In a moment called the "Babysitting Incident", Wells coerced Taylor to sneak out the Eagles facility and sign a contract with the Chiefs.

It turned out to be a great move for Kansas City because Taylor became the big-play receiver the needed. He made his first Pro Bowl in 1966 after having the best year of his career.

Taylor led the league with a 22.4 yards per catch average on 58 receptions for a career best 1,297 yards. He scored eight times, including one on a league leading 89-yards catch.

He led the AFL with a career best 11 touchdown catches the next year, as well as grabbing a career high 59 balls, then spent the next three seasons battling injuries. Yet he was there when Kansas City needed him most, which was seen in the 1969 season.

The Chiefs won the last AFL title that year, which propelled them into Super Bowl V. Taylor led all Chiefs receivers with six catches for 81 yards. He sealed Kansas City's 23-7 victory in the fourth quarter with a catch that covered 46 yards en route to a touchdown.

The 1971 season saw Taylor return to the Pro Bowl and earn his second First Team All-Pro nod after grabbing 57 passes for a league-leading 1,110 yards. He made his final Pro Bowl the next year after getting another 57 receptions.

After a decline in production over the next two seasons, he suited up for one game in 1975 before retiring. He was more than a productive receiver with a propensity of making a big play, Taylor was also a fierce competitor who is one of the best blocking wide receivers to ever play the game.

This fierceness was seen in a game against the Oakland Raiders in 1970. Chiefs Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson was speared by mammoth Raiders defensive end Ben Davidson as he laid on the ground. Taylor attacked Davidson, which provoked a bench-clearing brawl.

Not only is he a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame, Taylor is still all over the teams record books. He ranks second all-time in receiving yards and touchdown catches. His 410 career receptions still ranks third best in Kansas City history.

Wells was a huge reason the Chiefs got their only Super Bowl win. His famous encounter with Taylor helped give the team the best wide receiver that team ever had wear their uniform. Taylor also made the NFL regret not keeping a closer eye on their prospects.

Pete Retzlaff

Retzlaff was drafted in the 22nd round of the 1953 draft by the Detroit Lions, where he was the 265th player chosen overall. The Lions cut Retzlaff in training camp, so he went back to college and worked as an employee of the school for a year. He then enlisted in the United States Army for almost two years before coming back to again try out with the Lions.

Detroit sold his contract to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1956, where he would spend the first two seasons of his career as a reserve fullback. Though he did not have a rushing attempt over that time, the Eagles coaching staff noticed his excellent receiving skills.

Moved to wide receiver in 1958, Retzlaff exploded onto the NFL scene. He went to his first Pro Bowl after leading the team with 56 receptions. After a solid 1959 season, Retzlaff became part of Philadelphia lore.

The 1960 season is the last year the Eagles have won an NFL title. There were eight Pro Bowlers on that squad, which included Retzlaff, and four future Hall of Famers in Norm Van Brocklin, Sonny Jurgensen, Tommy McDonald, and Chuck Bednarik.

While all three Eagles receivers went to the Pro Bowl that year, Retzlaff led the team in receptions and receiving yards. He would catch 80 passes over the next two years, but he got hurt in 1962 and missed six games.

The Eagles asked Retzlaff to move to tight end in 1963, where he excelled immediately. Making the Pro Bowl until the 1965 season, he led the team in receptions and receiving yards each season.

The 1965 is considered by many his finest year in the NFL. Retzlaff set career best marks of 66 receptions for 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns. Not only was he given his only First Team All-Pro nod, Retzlaff was the recipient of the Bert Bell Award for NFL player of the year.

He was 35-years old in 1966, an advanced age for an NFL tight end. Despite having another productive season, Retzlaff decided to retire at the end of the season after 11 years.

Dubbed "The Baron" and "Pistol Pete" by his teammates, Retzlaff bled the Eagles colors. He loved his peers so much, he was the second ever National Football League Players Association president.

He was also the second general manager in Eagles history. Not only has the franchise retired his jersey number, Retzlaff is a member of the Eagles Honor Roll.

Retzlaff still ranks second in Eagles history with career receptions and receiving yards. He also ranks fifth in touchdown catches. His five Pro Bowls is tied with McDonald and Mike Quick as the second most ever by a Philadelphia receiver.

Philadelphia got real lucky Retzlaff came along when he he did. Pete Pihos, the legendary Hall of Fame end of the Eagles, had just retired in 1955. Buck Shaw and his coaching staff also deserve credit for switching his position.

His experience as a fullback made him an exceptional blocker and a threat once he caught a pass. Retzlaff averaged over 16 yards per catch in his career, never averaging less than 15.4 yards in the last eight years of his career.

While the spectacular and diminutive McDonald got most of the press, which was also shared with Pro Bowl tight end Bobby Walston, Retzlaff was consistent. He led the Eagles receptions six times throughout his career.

Not only could he split the seam of a defense by being a deep threat, Retzlaff went and got the tough pass over the crowded middle of the field. He missed just 12 games in his career, showing the toughness and durability he exemplified.

Brett Favre

The main reason Favre lasted until the second round of the 1991 draft is because teams were concerned about reports of a hip condition he had. The Atlanta Falcons used the 33rd overall selection on him.

He got into two games as a rookie, throwing two interceptions off of four attempts. Green Bay then hired Ron Wolf as their general manager, who then began trying to acquire Favre.

Wolf had been working for the New York Jets before that and had planned on drafting Favre until the Falcons snagged him one pick before the Jets could. New York took Browning Nagle instead, and the quarterback stayed in the NFL until 1996.

Giving up Green Bay's first round pick of 1992, a running back named Tony Smith, the Packers obtained Favre's services. Smith, who was out of the league after 1994, happened to be Favre's teammate at Southern Mississippi University.

What happened next is often compared to Wally Pipp. Pipp was the first baseman of the New York Yankees who sat out a game and never got his job back because Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig would man the position for the next 17 seasons.

Green Bay had a Pro Bowl quarterback named Don Majkowski, but he got hurt in the third game of the season. Favre took over and stood out immediately, making the Pro Bowl. It was the third straight year Majkowski got hurt, so he was released after the season and was out of the league at the end of the 1996 season.

Favre began a career where he went to the Pro Bowl in nine of his 16 seasons with the Packers. He not only had the respect of his peers, the media loved him. He would be named NFL MVP three times.

The 1996 season was his most successful. Favre led the NFL with a career best 39 touchdown passes while tossing just 13 interceptions. Green Bay would go on to win Super Bowl XXXI, where the gunslinger tossed a pair of scores in the 35-21 victory.

He led the NFL a third straight year in touchdown passes in 1997, something he would do one more time in his career. The Packers reached the Super Bowl again, but would lose 31-24 despite Favre's three touchdown passes. This would be the last time in his career that he took a team that far.

After setting a ton of NFL and Packers records, Favre decided to retire after the 2007 season, his last Pro Bowl season with Green Bay. He then decided he wanted to play again, but the Packers opted to go with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback.

He was traded to the Jets and got off to a good start, tossing a career best six touchdowns in the fourth game of the season. He would make the Pro Bowl that season, then decide to retire again.

The itch to play quickly returned, so Favre decided to suit up for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009. He went to his 11th and final Pro Bowl after having maybe the best season of his career. The 40-year old tossed a career low seven interceptions against 33 touchdowns. His 4,202 yards thrown that year was the third highest total of his career.

After taking the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game that year, he decided to play in 2010. Unfortunately for him and Minnesota, he played like a 41-year old quarterback. He got hurt, which ended his streak of 297 consecutive starts, and missed three games that season. He retired for good soon after.

Favre owns several records, like most consecutive games started, most touchdown passes thrown, most passes attempted and completed. and most wins by a quarterback. He is the only player named NFL MVP by the Associated Press three straight years and he is a member of the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team.

There is the other side of his gunslinger attitude that most likely prohibited him from winning more than one title. Favre owns the NFL records for most interceptions thrown, most fumbles lost, most turnovers ever by a player, and most times sacked.

Yet he did take his teams to five conference championship games and two Super Bowls in his career. Pretty good for a guy given up on early in his career because people thought the avascular necrosis in his hip would prevent him from attaining the greatness he later achieved.

NFL 2011 Week 3 : Washington Redskins 5 Keys To Defeating The Hated Dallas Cowboys

2011-09-26T06:47:00.005-04:00

Don't You Forget About Me

Tim Hightower rebounded from a mediocre first week as a Redskin to explode against the Arizona Cardinals, his former team, last week. He ran for 96 yards on 20 carries, most of which happened in the first half of the Redskins 22-21 victory.

His backup, rookie Roy Helu, piled up an additional 74 yards on just 10 attempts. Yet both did not get many touches in the second half as offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan seemed to call for a pass every down. Though Washington eked out a win, Shanahan's disregard for the effective running game hearkened back to 2010.

If was the first year he and his dad held jobs in the organization. There were quite a few games the team lost, like the their match up with the Indianapolis Colts, where he got obsessed with calling pass plays and it cost his team in the end.

The Dallas Cowboys have been stout at stopping the run for several years, so most teams have been attacking their dinged up secondary. Yet their offense relies on the pass so much, it could mean their defense spends much more time on the gridiron.

If this happens, then an effective run game will be needed even more. Especially in the fourth quarter, where most overworked defenses begin to tire. Hightower and Helu will need carries all game, not just a portion of it. The old adage that a good ground game gives the offense more options will certainly come into play if Shanahan decides to opt for a better offensive balance.
.

No Mercy

Not only are two of the Cowboys best cornerbacks dealing with injury issues already, a third will not play at all because of an ankle problem. This could benefit Washington when quarterback Rex Grossman looks to pass.

Orlando Scandrick is out and his replacement, veteran Terence Newman, is playing in his first game this year because of a nagging groin injury. Grossman will probably test that groin a lot, as well as nickle back Alan Ball. The Redskins currently have the ninth best passing attack in the NFL, and four different wide receivers have receptions.

Santana Moss may be the best receiver Washington has, but Mike Jenkins may shadow him. Jenkins, who has a sore shoulder, is the best cornerback Dallas has right now. This means Anthony Armstrong and Jabar Gaffney will need to beat Newman and Ball.

Tight end Fred Davis has been amazing since coming into training camp in better shape. He is averaging a healthy 17.4 yards on 11 receptions, so Washington was afforded to let Chris Cooley fully recuperate from a knee injury. Cooley is now back, so he gives the Redskins another weapon.

Washington has had some early successes in the pass same this season, so this is a game to keep the momentum going. If Newman is still hobbled, it will draw safety help and give Davis or Cooley more chances to gouge Dallas for big chucks of yards after the catch.

No Miles To Run

Miles Davis is the best Cowboys receiver. He leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns this year. He has been vital to an offense with an inept ground game. Dallas averaged barely over two yards per attempt this season, and starting halfback Felix Jones is dealing with a shoulder issue.

The other starting wide receiver, Dez Bryant, has a thigh injury that has limited him to one game so far. This has made Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo rely heavily on Miles and Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten. Witten's 13 catches is one less than Davis.

If Bryant is still too hurt to be his usual dynamic self, this helps the Redskins because they have a few injuries in their defensive secondary. Josh Wilson and DeAngelo Hall are not at full health, but are expected to play. Strong safety LaRon Landry has yet to play this season, because of a hurt hamstring, and his is listed as questionable.

His replacement, Reed Doughty, is good against the run but mediocre versus the pass. Romo, now having to lean on Witten, will go after Doughty in a number of attempts that will exceed double digits. Even if Doughty is assigned to reserve tight ends Martellus Bennett and John Phillips, Romo will look to pick on him much like Eli Manning did two weeks ago.

If Dallas has wide receivers like Kevin Ogletree and Jesse Holly as their weapons, perhaps free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe can focus on Witten and give Romo a harder time. Since Romo is already dealing with broken ribs, the secondary shutting down the Cowboys passing attack will leave the quarterback more available to being hit by Washington's pass rushers.

Kicks Count

Dallas has two placekickers on their 2011 roster. One, rookie Dan Bailey, handles all of the short kicks. The other, David Buehler, is injured in the groin of his kicking leg and will try to play. Washington's diminutive return specialist Brandon Banks may get a shot a returning kickoffs if Buehler's injury shortens his kickoffs.

Considering Dallas may have the best punter in the NFL in Mat McBriar, it was unlikely Banks would get many opportunities whenever the Washington defense forced McBriar on the field. It will also be an uneasy situation for Dallas if Baily has to attempt anything longer than 50 yards, though Bailey did hit a critical 48-yard attempt last week.

Redskins kicker Graham Gano has yet to make a kick over 34 yards. He has missed twice already on attempts between 30 and 39 yards. If Washington struggles to get in the red zone against Dallas, they will have to rely on a player who has eight of his 13 career misses come from distances of 30 yards or more.

Remembering A Rivalry

Rivalries in the NFL today are harder to maintain because of free agency. Teams are no longer able to maintain the bulk of their roster like in the past, where they would develop their players and a stronger bond of unity would be an outcome.

Redskins Hall of Fame head coach George Allen taught his team to dislike the Cowboys, and the teams passionate fans followed suit. This came from the fact both Washington and Dallas dominated their conference when Allen joined the franchise in 1971.

The Redskins made the playoffs in five of Allen's first six seasons, which included a Super Bowl appearance. Dallas had made the postseason every season but two times between 1966 and 1985. They were the class of the NFC usually, once earning the nickname "America's Team."

Allen knew his team had to beat Dallas to achieve success, no small task with Hall of Famer Tom Landry as the head coach of the Cowboys. The 60 wins the Cowboys have in their meeting, out of 100 contests, is the most over any other NFL franchise. Washington, however, has beat them in both playoff games they met in.

Landry beat Allen eight times in the 15 games he faced Allen, but the Redskins great beat him in their only playoff game. That victory, a 26-3 drubbing, propelled Washington into their first ever Super Bowl and first NFL title game in 28 years.

Dallas took command in this series since the second game of the 1997 season. Washington has won just seven times in the last 27 meetings. The 2005 season has been the only time the Redskins won both games over that time.

Yet fans of both teams will admit the unpredictable often happens when these franchises battle. Good examples are the 1989 season, where the Cowboys lone victory that year came at the expense of the Redskins, and the 1991 season.

Washington had stormed out of the gates at an 11-0 record when Dallas came to town that year. After losing by three points, Washington's run at perfection ended. They rested their main players in the final game, giving them their only other defeat. Had they has beat Dallas, they stood a better chance of matching the 1972 Miami Dolphins for a truly perfect season.

Maybe the history of these franchises escapes most of those involved with both teams today, but the Redskins have legacy to remind. General manager Bruce Allen is the son of the Hall of Fame Redskins coach, so he certainly knows how important it is to beat Dallas. The Cowboys head coach is Jason Garrett, who was a backup quarterback with Dallas for eight years. He also understands this rivalry.

The Redskins are currently undefeated and alone on top of the NFC East. A loss here drops them into a tie with Dallas and the New York Giants. Washington already beat New York, so a victory over Dallas would give them two big wins within their own division, which is important at times when the playoffs approach. These two wins could give them enough in the percentage points department if there is a tie-breaker.

There may not be as much venom between these squads compared to the past, but there will be no love lost. With Hall adding fuel to the fire by being recorded by cameras saying he will try to tackle the injured Romo and Jones hard, players will come in fired up as the ghosts of legends egg them on to greatness.

Cincinnati Bengals Blow Smoke While ESPN Blows Tim Tebow

2011-09-24T00:16:00.003-04:00

Like a pound of high grade skunk smuggled past the vigilant guard dogs at an airport by being crazy glued to the taint of a 400 lbs midget, it is time for POINTLESS PONDERING.

Does anyone besides me make the huge mistake of turning on ESPN while an actual sporting event is not being broadcast? Not that crap the network pretends is a sport, like poker or competitive eating, but a sport where a participant actually breaks a sweat from physical activity while not sitting on their fat asses?

I did.

Turning on the boob tube one day, I saw ESPN oozing out a gabfest called "First Take." The shrow sprinkles a few active and retired athletes around three women who are the main characters of this pretend talk show. The most dramatic queen of the three is a geriatric know-nothing named Skip Bayless.

Bayless, who probably couldn't tell you who George Halas was even though he was born ahead of Papa Bear, has the memory of a fruit fly and thinks that everything at this moment is the 'greatest of all-time.' This pole smoker is known throughout ESPN as the former sports journalist who tries to get attention by besmirching athletes like Lebron James.

ESPN has been in mourning since Brett Favre retired finally a few months ago. Missing scrolling his name in huge letters constantly across the viewers screen, they still mention the Hyckocrite several times a day even if Favre is no longer part of the sports landscape and was last seen being accused of molesting women younger than his own children.

They knew they had a replacement lined up. A guy who, compared to Favre, is akin to being near beer versus real beer. Yet, like Favre, his concocted image far outweighs his actual abilities or talents. In others words : all hype and no substance. Just like EPSN itself.

Bayless and his fellow paparazzi have spent the 2011 NFL season drooling and batin' to Tim Tebow's picturesque image. Tebow, who is a third-string quarterback who even has a former first-round draft pick bust named Brady Quinn ahead of him on the depth chart, has become a polarizing figure thanks to the constant attention he receives from stalkers who pose as sports media members.

Tebow is not even close to being a NFL quarterback in most experts eyes, but do not tell that to Bayless. The old fruit spends every possible moment he can calling Tebow the best player the Denver Broncos have, because Bayless is a typical NFL puppet who believes the game revolves around the universe of this one position on the gridiron.

Ever since ESPN took over the Monday Night Football duties, they have tried to rival the NFL's own network in soft coverage they try to pawn off as news to viewers, carefully trying not to besmirch the monster entity. They earned this by constant on-air fellatio on the likes of Favre and other questionable characters with personal lives just as shady as the Hyckocrite's is.

A few weeks ago, Denver was losing agame on Monday Night Football. Broncos starting quarterback Kyle Orton played admirably, despite having terrible blocking and a shoddy rushing attack that produced a paltry 25 yards from his running backs against one of the worst run defenses in the league.

While Orton threw for over 300 yards in a game Denver would lose by a field goal, ESPN spent their times using the cameras to scan the stands for any idiot wearing a Tebow jersey or holding a sign professing their love for a player who has yet to do anything worth noting on a professional football field. The same "Christian" fans who would later piss away $10 grand on a billboard showing support for Tebow instead of doing something for society... like feeding homeless children.

Skippy has twisted his manpon since this moment, as well as showing the world once again he knows absoloutely nothing about football. Bayless has basically called Orton a loser while proclaiming Tebow to be the next Favre. He continued his tirade even after Orton led Denver to a win after getting help from an effective rushing attack last Sunday.

It doesn't really seem it will matter if Tebow is a career reserve or a future Hall of Famer to ESPN, because the network has found their new deity to stand along Favre on the ESPN pedestal. They will continue to feed their sheep while dropping his and the Hyckocrite's name at every turn possible, while viewers are forced to watch people like Bayless drools incessantly at perverted dreams that will never come true.

Breaking news! A Cincinnati Bengals player is in trouble with the law. No...wait! Make that two Bengals. As Led Zeppelin once said, "The Song Remains The Same."

Some franchises are forever snakebitten by bad karma, it seems. The ghosts of men Paul Brown, who founded the team, screwed over seem to be drowning this team in ignorance and forgettable obscurity. Somewhere upstairs, the ghosts of Mac Speedie and others are probably smiling in content as yet another Bengals player embarrasses himself, his family and teammates.

Whether the player is a moron like Adam "Pac Man" Jones paralyzing a person for life after making it 'rain money' at a strip club, or a deceased player like Chris Henry for having continual alcohol issues while alive, the Bengals franchise has had their players arrested over 32 times since 2000. It is easily this highest number amongst NFL teams, and this issue is a huge reason the team has gone 73-104 since 2000.

Brown, a legendary Hall of Fame coach who won seven championships in his 17 years with the Cleveland Browns, founded the Bengals in 1968. Though he coached in Cincinnati for just eight years, he got the franchise off to a fast start by helping them to a 55-56-1 record. He then ran the team from his offices from 1976 to 1991, when he died of complications from pneumonia.

The Bengals reached the playoffs three times with Brown as their head coach, then four more times with him as the general manager. This includes the only two Super Bowl appearances in franchise history, where Brown's teams lost both times to the San Francisco 49ers. The team has reached the playoffs just twice since Brown passed away.

It is ironic the team lost both Super Bowls to the 49ers Hall of Fame head coach Bill Walsh. Walsh is another person who was once screwed over by Brown after having been a Bengals assistant coach from 1968 to 1975. He was promised the Bengals head coaching job for years, but offensive line coach Bill "Tiger" Johnson was chosen instead.

Johnson resigned five games into the 1978 season while Walsh became the San Francisco head coach in 1979 and won three Super Bowls in his nine seasons on the Niners sidelines. Brown was accused of almost preventing Walsh of even getting the head coaching job in San Francisco once by Walsh himself.

Walsh claimed that Brown "worked against my candidacy" to be a head coach anywhere in the league. "All the way through I had opportunities, and I never knew about them," Walsh said. "And then when I left him, he called whoever he thought was necessary to keep me out of the NFL."

It is reminiscent of Brown's issues with Speedie, a Pro Bowl wide receiver during the Browns championship years. When Speedie wanted a raise in pay, he was rebuffed by Brown. He then bolted to the Canadian Football League for a bigger paycheck.

Years later, Speedie became a coach and scout in the American Football League. The Bengals joined the AFL initially, so the two men once met on the gridiron before a contest. When Speedie extended his hand as a greeting, Brown turned his back on him after telling Speedie, "Yes, I know. You're the one who went to Canada."

Speedie went to his grave believing Brown's influence prevented his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are other frustrating examples of how Paul Brown infuriated people along his career, but time constraints will inhibit this endeavor.

His son Mike hasn't done any better since taking over the team, as the Bengals have gone 113-181 under his regime. He is known for his frugality and much as he is for overseeing squads that frequently have members ending up arrested.

Brown has frustrated people himself, as recently seen by quarterback Carson Palmer's refusal to play for the team and walking away from millions of dollars after Brown turned down his request to be traded to another team.

Now current players Jerome Simpson and Anthony Collins are in trouble after being arresting in a drug sting where over five pounds of marijuana was taken from Simpson's home after undercover agents delivered about two pounds of the drug to the wide receivers home.

Simpson, who is leading the Bengals in receptions this year, has been viewed a disappointment as a player since being drafted in the second round of the 2008 draft by the team. Before 2011, he had appeared in just 11 games and had 21 receptions in his career. Collins, drafted two rounds behind Simpson in 2008, has started has started 16 of 34 career games as an offensive tackle.

Both of their NFL careers are in jeopardy right now, a conundrum the league offices are used to dealing with when it comes to Bengals players. It may seem to be business as usual for this team, but the act has to have worn thin for the NFL long ago. Perhaps the only way out of these constant messes for the Bengals is to hold an exorcism in an attempt to finally bring this team good karma

Yoooooooooooo! Dis iz 7thStone once again! I is 3rdStone's cuzin, four doze of yous who fourgot me. I do predikshuns of da NFL four him becuz I iz a ex-bookie.

Yo! I iz 21-11 overall now after goin 11-5 las weak. Not two shabby, not to strong. Capeesh?

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Carolina Panthers

I know Cam Newton has a lot of passin yards, but yoooooooo! Da Panthers dont run da ball no mo! WTF iz dey paying DeAngelo Williams all dat cash and givin him da ball on just 22 times so far? Jonathan Stewart, who ran for 1,133 yards in 2009, has only 23. Newton leads da teem in rushing attempts and yards, besides bein da only Panther to run four a score dis seasun.

I don't care how good Newton iz, dat is STUPID Yo! Dis teem kneads two run too win! For all dat passin, dey iz still only 18th in scoring in da NFL so far. Da D is 26th in points allowed.

Dey should move up dis week facin a Jags teem dat has one player, Maurice Jones-Drew, who can actually do sumfin with da football. Jack Del Rio's gamble on cuttin David Garrard has looked dumb so far because his replacemint sucked donkey balls. Capeesh?

Now Jacksonville is starting there rookie quarterback, but dis guy cant do any badder den da scrub dat was their las weak. Still, dey is goin to feed MJD da ball like 30 times or more. Dat will bee da key hear.

Jaguars 23 Panthers 21

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

Da Donovan McNabb Era haz gone so good dat Vikings fans iz calling four rookie Christian Ponder. Dis teen cant score and dey iz ranked 31st in da league in passing.

Detroit iz doin just what we all tought dey iz doin. Yo! Dis teem iz four reel. Capeesh? Watch dem and sea what I meen.

Lions 34 Vikings 20

San Francisco 49ers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Yo! Not only did da Bungles top receiver get busted with sum good smoke by da Feds da other day, da teem just found out top running back Cedric Benson iz being suspended three games. Guess Benson can go finish out his jail time now after his apeel iz reduces his sentence or gets rejected next Tuesday.

Da Niners blew a win las week, but dat iz cuz Alex Smith is just a crap QB. Dis piece of crap is going to be benched wifin three weeks, mark my words. But da 49ers iz pissed enough over las weak to win dis one.

49ers 24 Bengals 19

Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns

OK, da Browns iz not as good as I tought dey would be. Dey iz young, so I still feal dey will bee good by da end of da yeer. Miami iz da better teem hear, espeshully after finding a good running back in Daniel Thomas las weak.

Dolphins 27 Browns 24

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

Everyone iz happy da Bills is 2-0. But da dreem stops hear. A reality check is cummin. Capeesh?

Patriots 37 Bills 27

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles

I saw dis stat dat Mike Vick completed 43% of his passes against da Giants blitz las yeer. Now da dog killer is hurtin in his chicken neck.

Still, da Jints secondary sucks ass and Eli Manning just has had reality's scrotum teabagging his girly ass so far. Dis boob says he in a elite QB, but do elite quarterbacks lead a 27th ranked scoring offense wif a 80 QB rating? Dat ratin goes down more against dem three Pro Bowl cornerbacks Philly has.

Eagles 30 Giants 21

Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans

Da Titans shocked da NFL in weak 2 by beatin da Ravens HANDILY with no running game to speek of. Chris Johnson looks like a guy who didn't do training camp with his 77 yards on 33 carries.

But dat defense is da story Yo! Ranked fouth in da league in points allowed, it iz hard to pass on dem. Dey already have alreddy forced 8 turnovers.

Denver kneads to run da ball hear. Dey cant rely on just chuckin passes, so mebbe Tim Teblow will run a few option plays since dat iz about allhe iz good four.

Titans 20 Broncos 10

Houston Texans @ New Orleans Saints

Since 1950, only 11 running backs have run for over 100 yards in their first 11 games. This list includes Hall of Famers Earl Campbell and Marshall Faulk. Another guy is dis list iz Ben Tate of da Texans. Look four him do get his third easily against a terruble Saints run defense.

Drew Brees will be testin out Wade Phillips revamped Houston defense. They rank first in both points and yards allowed so far. Dis will bee da difference as dat explosive Texans offense wears down a mediocre Saints defense.

Texans 38 Saints 27

New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders

Watchin da Raiders blow dat win against Buffalo las weak was ugly yo. While dey can score points, dey cant stop opponents from scoring. Da Raider have scored and given up 58 points, not a formula four success.

Da Jets dont let opponents score. Oaklands rushing attack is there best strength, while da Jets run defense is dat squads best strength. Plus New York kneads to stay pace wif da Pats yo.

Jets 34 Raiders 20

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers

Da Chiefs are goin so bad, head coach Todd Haley will bee luckin two win five games dis yeer. All there best players are getting hurt so bad, dey iz out all seesun. Da Chargers offense iz just two powerfull.

Chargers 42 Chiefs 14

Baltimore Ravens @ Saint Louis Rams

Da Ravens got embarrassed last weak after embarrasin da Steelers da weak before. Saint Louis iz goin to attack dat suspect Ravens secondary dat iz ranked 28th in passing yards alloud. With deep threat Lee Evans out dis weak, Baltimore will knead to rely on da run game and young tight ends.

Sam Bradford won't have Danny Amendola two throw too, so Mike Sims-Walker will knead two bee big. Even if star halfback Steven Jackson plays this weekend, he may be best served is the passing attack since Baltimore is stout against the run.

Ravens 24 Rams 21

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game of the Week

This could be a helluva battle! Da Bucs rediscovered the run game las weak, witch will helps against a mediocre Falcons defense that is 28th in points alloued and 27th in yards alloud. Tampa Bay cannot leen on da pass game as much as dey have da furst too weaks.

Matt Ryan has been incunsistunt so far, but he did help Atlanta cum back in a thrillin win las weak. Pro Bowl halfback Michael "Burner" Turner has been da Falcons biggest star this yeer, which is not a good deel for a Buccaneers defensedisappointedly ranked 31st in run defense and 28th in total yards alloud.

Da best run game should win dis, witch iz why I iz goin wif Atlanta.

Falcons 23 Buccaneers 17

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

Da Bears have played no teem more den dey have da Pack. Though they are 91-83-6 against Green Bay, da teems have met just twice in postseesun. Da last time was in da 2010 NFC Championship Game, where da Packers prevailed 21-14. In da three games dey played las yeer, every contest was decided by a one score difference.

Da 2011 Bears season iz lookin a lot like 2010, where da defense is carrying a erratic offense. The Bears offense kneads two step up dis weak cuz da Pack has da worst padd defense in da NFL after givin up 800 yards in da air alreddy.

But da Packers got weapons galore on offense. Plus dey take care of da football by not turnin it over. The secondary is da weekness of da Chicago defense, so I expect Aaron Rodgers to pick them apart when he kneads it mostest.

Packers 23 Bears 21

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Yo! Snoozeville! Capeesh? Let's leeve it at Larry Fitzgerald has a big day.

Cardinals 30 Seahawks 20

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts

OK, Kerry Collins iz alreddy banged up and hasn't even been in da Colts system for to months. Dis iz not a good sign when facing a angry Steelers teem still seething for having there butts kicked two weaks ago.

Steelers 34 Colts 10

Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys

OK, dis rivalry is like all NFL rivalrees today. Watered down by free agency, so dey have A LOT less meening to da players these daze. But Dallas is banged up good and da undefeeted Redskins iz healthy.

If dat moron Kyle Shanahan does almost blow it again wif his crappy play calling, like how the jackass forgot da run game in da second half of las weaks win after Tim Hightower had dominated da furst half, den Washington should get there 39th win in 101 games versus da Cowboys thanks too dat solid defense.

Redskins 27 Cowboys 24

Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Houston Texans
3. New York Jets
4. New England Patriots
5. Detroit Lions
6. Washington Redskins
7. Buffalo Bills
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. Baltimore Ravens
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
12. Chicago Bears
13. Tennessee Titans
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15. New Orleans Saints
16. San Diego Chargers
17. Oakland Raiders
18. New York Giants
19. Dallas Cowboys
20. Cincinnati Bengals
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
22. Arizona Cardinals
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Miami Dolphins
25. San Francisco 49ers
26. Cleveland Browns
27. Saint Louis Rams
28. Denver Broncos
29. Seattle Seahawks
30. Carolina Panthers
31. Indianapolis Colts
32. Kansas City Chiefs

OK, I gots two go. I gots dis fine hunny lined up at dis club I know. She can spin on a pole, capeesh? As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

NFL Sell Out : How Pandering To The Offense Has Ruined Quality Of Play

2011-09-16T23:18:00.002-04:00

Week one of the 2011 NFL season saw five games where both starting quarterbacks on each team exceeded 300 yards passing. Some may say the sloppy defensive play stems from a truncated preseason caused by a players strike, but this is more an indictment of the direction the game is headed.

In 1978, the NFL made two huge rule changes that have drastically changed the game of football. The first was to allow offensive linemen extend their arms and grab defenders, as opposed to the chicken wing style of blocking that had been allowed since the beginnings of the NFL.

If that wasn't enough, they set receivers free to basically prance around the gridiron without care. The 10-yard chuck rule had been lessened to a paltry five yards, making the receivers jobs much easier while their statistics ballooned.

These two rules have caused an offensive explosion in the NFL, basically turning quarterbacks the face of the game because these rules benefited them most. It is akin to when Major League Baseball lowered their mounds, shrunk the ballparks, then juiced the ball and players to increase scoring in order to lure the novice fan who had been avoiding the game for years.

The strategy has filled the National Football League's pockets like no other sport on the planet. Already a tax-free organization that had enough power to push their blackout rules through the Senate, Congress and White House in one day, this insanely rich league saw the rules cashing in ability and took it further.

The game today basically has turned a quarterback into something besides a football player. The position is a gilded image the NFL is hell-bent on protecting because that is what they deem to be their cash cow.

Not only is a defender not allowed to hit the quarterback too high or low, he cannot hit them too hard. If he lands on a quarterback, a penalty and fine are on their way for putting too much of his body weight upon the golden boy.

The term "put a skirt on them" has been used to describe an NFL quarterback for decades now. Others think the NFL may as well put flag football rules as the protective bubble the league so desperately seeks for this position.

Defenses have been castrated beyond recognition. If a team wants to play defense as the way NFL Films often hails in historic clips, they will be fined and suspended without fail. Not only has the aura of a great defense been lessened drastically, but the personalities that go with them have been greatly tempered.

It is as if the league ignores the fact defenders can come off the edge while dragging a mammoth blocker who has been clawing at them since play commenced. Despite this, the onus is on the defender to somehow pull up and not lose momentum, risking serious injury to legs especially, and lay the quarterback gently as if it were a newborn infant.

Rules that prevent clotheslines and head shots make sense, especially now that the NFL is being forced to look at head injuries. This is something they ignored since the inception of the league. While the NFL reluctantly is making adjustments, they do so with a smile as they continue to ignore all of the countless alumni of their league that have been suffering for decades.

Yet the two rules in 1978 have pretty much destroyed football as a competitive sport. It has become more an indoor track meet in hospital clean environments these days. Defenses tend to just be warm bodies providing temporary obstacles these days, instead of having a fair chance to compete anymore.

I had a discussion with Pete Rozelle in 1978. Rozelle, then the NFL commissioner, bristled at my questions of why these rules would even be allowed. Especially since it so blatantly punished the defenses and gave that side of the football much less opportunity to compete.

I thought Rozelle would understand my position, considering his background. He helped fight racism as a publicist at the University of San Francisco in 1951, the last year the school played football, where 11 members of the football team went on to the NFL. Three are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame while five were Pro Bowl players. Rozelle joined the Los Angeles Rams soon after.

While with the Rams, he saw the team have two Hall of Fame quarterbacks split plays on the field in Bob Waters and Norm Van Brocklin. Besides having a powerful running game, the Rams passing attack was lethal. with Hall of Fame receivers Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch and Tom Fears.

The Rams had just won the 1951 championship, where the two quarterbacks ranked first and second in passing that season. Van Brocklin threw for 554 yards one game, a record that still stands today.

When Rozelle continued to be evasive giving specific answers, I decided to end the conversation by pointing out how the American Football League showed a game could accrue a ton of yards and points without castrating the defense. Rozelle, now with a red face filled by anger from mentioning the hated AFL, called me a jerk and that was the end of my chance to discover what the league's thought process was.

Rozelle was later replaced by Paul Tagliabue, a lawyer whose only athletic expertise came from playing basketball at Georgetown University. Tagliabue continued to tinker with those two rules, especially when it came to trying to help the receivers and quarterbacks.

He did such a job that now Jerry Rice is called by NFL Films the greatest player in NFL history. Rice, who constantly ran the five-yard slant pass in a dink-dunk offense that smartly took advantage of the rules, was a quick player with average speed and a tremendous work ethic. Put Rice in the 10-yard chuck rule, his 1,549 career receptions could possibly be at about 600 instead

When the NFL started out, it was a running game. One where ball carriers were not tackled until they stopped moving, meaning they could continue to crawl for more yards after contact. Scores, as expected, were generally low-scoring affairs..

The college game was the more popular sport, but that changed in 1925 when the Pottsville Maroons beat Notre Dame University in an exhibition game. Despite beating the Fighting Irish and their famous "Four Horseman" backfield, the champion Maroons were stripped of their title even though that win brought the NFL legitimacy. The reason given was that commission Joe Carr had told the Maroons not to play, while the team claimed Carr had given his approval.

Passing the football came into vogue in the NFL when the Washington Redskins drafted Sammy Baugh in 1937. Baugh is considered the innovator of the passing game in the NFL. He was so successful, the Chicago Bears drafted Sid Luckman two years later and the passing game was on its way.

Baugh, for all of his successes, had just two years of over 2,500 yards passing. In 1947, he set career high marks of 210 completions on 354 attempts for 2,938 yards and 25 touchdowns

He never passed for over 2,000 in any of his other 14 years, which includes winning two of three NFL title games. Baugh also played safety on defense for six years, grabbing 34 interceptions.

He still holds the NFL record for average yards per punt average in a career, and was inducted in Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 1963. While holding extreme importance to the NFL passing game, his numbers greatly pale to those quarterbacks who enjoy the rule changes of 1978.

Washington was also lucky to later have another quarterback to take the passing game of the NFL to even a higher level. Sonny Jurgensen set many team records in his career, and still holds on to a few this day.

Jurgensen was first mentored by Van Brocklin with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as his backup on the Eagles 1960 title team. He was traded to the Redskins in 1964 for Pro Bowl quarterback Norm Snead, who had grown up nearby and was the second overall selection of the 1961 draft.

Jurgensen, who passed for 3,723 yards in 1961, exceeded his career high total by 25 yards previously set in 1967. He had a span of over 400 passing attempts three times over four years, highlighted by the 508 attempts he had in 1967.

Washington's head coach that year was Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham. His strategy was to throw the ball often, which is seen by the team-leading 91 carries halfback A.D. Whitfield had that year.

Jurgensen was part of a trio that would later get inducted into the Hall of Fame. Wide receivers Charley Taylor and Bobby Mitchell combined for 130 receptions and 1,856 yards. Tight end Jerry Smith had 67 receptions for 849 yards himself, becoming the first team ever to have their two wide receivers and tight end to have at least 849 yards each in one season.

Taylor led the NFL in receptions, while Smith was second in both receptions and touchdown catches. Mitchell was fourth in NFL receptions that year.

Joe Theismann, not Baugh or Jurgensen, is still the Redskins all-time leader in career passing yards. He was at the helm when the NFL made those three key rules changes in 1978.

His passing yards totals increased in 1981, exceeding 3,300 yards in three of the next four years. The one time he didn't was in the 1982 strike season, where he helped the Redskins win their first title since 1942.

Theismann's career high passing yards mark of 3,714 yards has been passed by Redskins quarterbacks Jay Schroeder and Brad Johnson. The team has had 12 different quarterbacks lead the team in passing since Theismann's career ended in 1985.

Washington isn't alone as a team that has struggled to find a long-term quarterback over the years. Sid Luckman, who retired way back in 1950, is still on top of the Chicago Bears list for career passing yards.

Chicago isn't the only team whose passing yards leader never was fortunate to play after 1978 and enjoy the rules that ultimately changed the game. Hall of Famers Len Dawson, Bobby Layne, Joe Namath and Luckman are the only quarterbacks whose careers ended before the 1978 rule change and still lead their franchises in career passing yards.

Layne left the Detroit Lions in 1958 after just over eight years with the team, where he led them to three NFL titles in four attempts. Credited with inventing the two-minute drill, Layne is second to Luckman in longest-running leader in passing yards for a team.

Namath is credited by some as the man who led the way to forcing the NFL to merge with the American Football League. Not only because the AFL was deemed to having a more exciting brand of football with their wide open passing attacks, but also due his famous guarantee the preceded the New York Jets defeating the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.

Namath was called "Broadway Joe" during this time where he was king of New York City. He was in movies and modeled, but he also had a gun for an arm. In 1967, Namath became the first professional quarterback ever to pass for over 4,000 yards in a season.

His brand of football helped bring the AFL more popularity than it had ever experienced since their 1960 inception. The NFL was known for a hard nosed running game before then, but the league tried to match their rival that season through the arms of men like Jurgensen and Fran Tarkenton.

Dawson joined the Kansas City Chiefs, then the Dallas Texans, in 1962. He led the Chiefs to three AFL titles, one that is still the longest championship game in professional football history, and two Super Bowl appearances.

His 1969 season saw the Chiefs win Super Bowl IV, the last AFL game ever. He retired after the 1975 season, having played 19 seasons total.

Tarkenton's Hall of Fame career ended with the Minnesota Vikings in 1978. He spent 13 of his 18 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, retiring with a then-NFL record of 47,003 career passing yards.

Yet it was his final year where he threw for a career best 3,468 yards, which also happened to lead the NFL. The "Mad Scrambler" had exceeded the 3,000 mark just once in his career before then, getting 3,088 with the New York Giants in 1967.

Tarkenton also led the NFL in attempts and completions in 1978. Enjoying the new rules that made his job easier, he exceeded his career best mark of attempts by 147, while surpassing his best total of completions by 82.

Some quarterbacks, who were there for the rule change in 1978, still lead their organizations in passing yards. Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, who won four Super Bowls, joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970 and stayed there until 1983.

Despite all of Bradshaw's successes, it wasn't until after the rule changes of 1978 that his statistics picked up exponentially. He had passed for over 2,000 yards just three times in his eight previous seasons, yet that quickly changed after his job became easier.

He made two of his three career Pro Bowls after 1978, which also includes his lone First Team All-Pro nod and NFL MVP award in the 1978 season. Bradshaw passed for at least 2,887 yards the next four year, which includes a career best of 3,724 in 1979. After suffering an injury in 1983, he retired.

Kenny Stabler joined the Oakland Raiders in 1970. He won a Super Bowl and the 1974 NFL MVP with them.

Yet his 1979 season saw Stabler throw a career best 3,615 yards. He had never exceeded 3,000 yards before that. Stabler's season high in passing attempts was 310 attempts, which happened in his MVP year. Starting in 1978, he had 904 attempts in his final two years as a Raider.

Ken Anderson joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 1971 and stayed with them until 1986. His lone First Team All-Pro year came in 1981, where he set career high totals in attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns.

He led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl that year, where he set Super Bowl records in completion percentage and total completions in the Bengals loss. Anderson then set an NFL season record for completion percentage in 1982.

Perhaps no quarterback enjoyed the rule changes more than Hall of Famer Dan Fouts. The rule change coincided with the San Diego Chargers hiring head coach Don Coryell, revitalizing Fouts' career.

Coryell, whose offensive genius is still seen in every NFL offense today, ushered in an era simply called "Air Coryell". Fouts not only had Hall of Famers Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow catching his passes, he also had the services of Pro Bowler wide receivers like John Jefferson and Wes Chandler.

Fouts joined the Chargers in 1973 and had never thrown for more than 2,535 yards before Coryell's arrival. He exploded on the NFL from 1979 to 1981, exceeding 4,000 yards passing all three years. He twice led the NFL in attempts and completions as well.

The 1981 season was his best, where he set career high totals in attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns. He may have surpassed these totals in 1982, if it were not for the players strike shortening the season to nine games. Fouts retired after the 1987 strike-shortened season.

Steve Bartkowski joined the Atlanta Falcons in 1975 and stayed there until after the 1985 season. Jim Hart joined the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1966 and stayed there until 1983. Brian Sipe joined the Cleveland Browns in 1974, lasting there until 1983.

All three enjoyed their best statistical seasons after the 1978 rule change. Sipe threw for 4,132 yards in 1982, Bartkowski had 3,829 in 1981, and Hart had 3,121 in 1978. Hart is the only one of these three to go to the Pro Bowl before 1978, which he accomplished four times.

The other 21 NFL teams have career passing leaders who joined their teams after the 1978 season. Of the 20 players who own the most career passing yards in NFL history, only Tarkenton, Fouts, Hart, and Johnny Unitas had their careers start before 1978. Unitas is the only one who never experienced the pleasurable rule changes quarterbacks now enjoy.

It isn't just the quarterbacks whose statistics have been greatly jaded since 1978. The receivers have enjoyed way more credit that they deserve perhaps. Of the top 40 players in career receptions, just Hall of Famer Steve Largent had his career start before 1978.

Joiner, Harold Jackson, Stanley Morgan along with Hall of Famers John Stallworth and Fred Belitnikoff are the only receivers in the top 100 in career receptions whose careers started before 1978. Belitnikoff retired after the 1978 season.

There are only six players in that list of the top-100 receivers who never enjoyed the 10-yard chuck rule in their career. Hall of Famers Don Maynard, Charley Taylor, Raymond Berry, Lance Alworth, Bobby Mitchell and the underrated Lionel Taylor, who should be in Canton, are those players.

While the modern fan might try to say the athlete today is superior, that is true in athleticism only. In regards to football ability, that can be debated more because fundamentals of the game were so much more important then.

The players of the past held a second job, not paid so much that they could afford to train every day of the year like the modern athletes are able to now. Those past players had to make time to get into shape to prepare for training camp, which usually meant after they had worked eight hours at their primary job.

Then there is the obvious observation that the human race grows each generation. Players who weighed over 300 pounds were not too plentiful until the last few decades. Now it is common for players to weigh that much, and there are quarterbacks now closing in on that size.

The rule to help blockers cannot be argued for or against too well. The older player was subject to head injuries because they were taught to lead with their heads. The modern blocker gets to extend his hands to prevent this, but is basically allowed to hold every play.

Raymond Berry told me that this change made in blocking in the primary reason for the increase in offense. He explained that this gives a receiver and quarterback extra time to get open, giving them a tremendous advantage.

He used an example of a 15-yard out route. Berry said this play, that might have taken five seconds to run in the rules before 1978, now can last up to six or more seconds because the quarterback and receiver are afforded longer opportunities to exploit a defense.

With timing being so important between the quarterback and receiver, the extra time to delve into the opponents can mean more yards for the offense. Berry, who is known for the fantastic timing he shared with Johnny Unitas, is also a former head coach who led the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl in 1985.

Technology has also been implemented. The debate of whether it helps or not can last a long time. While now medical personnel can examine the entire body of an athlete better, there are also more cameras to examine every inch of the gridiron. The equipment players have used has been improved gradually ever since the NFL began play.

Human error is a rich part of NFL history, but this factor is now lessened by instant replay. The problem with instant replay is it can stop the game and cool down athletes, making them more susceptible to injury.

While the NFL smartly seeks to improve their brand, sometimes the lure of cash detracts from actual achievement. Loads of fans today, many who no concept nor concern for history, think the game today is better than it has ever been.

The novice fan today wants the 45-42 final score over the 17-14 tally. Much like how the baseball fan of today has been conditioned to want home runs hit over no-hitters thrown, the football fans wants a ton of touchdowns made each Sunday.

The memories of greatness achieved, when football was truly a hard sport to play for everyone involved, of history fades further into the past as the modern player posts obscene statistics helped by rules. Statistics that dwarf predecessors who had to actually earn their accolades without being helped out by the league's front office nor rules to carry them further down the gridiron.

With Tagliabue's student, Roger Goodell, now at the helm, it will get worse before it gets better for football purists. Purists who now basically have the defense sitting on the sideline with them as the offense runs their plays unabated.

Whether the 1978 rules changes helped the NFL or not is subject for debate. The modern fan will point to the cash now raked in without realizing this league has been pulling big gates in for years no matter what the dollar is actually worth. The Rams still hold attendance records set during that era Rozelle oversaw.

The fickle fair-weathered fan of today may be content with the pandering of the offense because it results in more scoring, but the idea of bring back even the 10-yard chuck rule could show them players actually earning their accolades while being fairly defended.

But fairness left the NFL long ago. The importance of cash overrides actual competitive play now. It just furthers the saying, "This isn't your fathers NFL". It's yours now. Good luck.

NFL 2011 Week 2 : Washington Redskins 5 Keys To Defeating The Arizona Cardinals

2011-09-16T01:03:00.002-04:00

Lean On Me

The defense has often been a big reason the Washington Redskins has won over the last several years. This was true again in their victory against the New York Giants last week.

The Arizona Cardinals offense is still a work in progress because quarterback Kevin Kolb is new to the team. Yet they did show the ability of production against the Carolina Panthers last week in several areas.

Halfback is a big question mark, but Beanie Wells churned out 90 yards on 18 carries last week. The Redskins allowed 75 total rushing yards last week, so it is important they shut down Wells and make the Cardinals defense one dimensional.

Arizona can throw the ball, which is seen by the 309 yards that Kolb put up on 18 receptions. The Redskins might have to play a lot of man-to-man defense because the Cardinals like to throw to their tight ends and even have four on their roster.

Todd Heap and Jeff King combined for 101 yards on four receptions. Both averaged over 20 yards per catch, which included King's 48-yard touchdown catch. King, mostly noted for his blocking ability, had averaged just over eight yards on 114 career receptions in his five seasons coming into this year.

Washington gave up two big plays to Giants tight end Jake Ballard, a rookie who is on the team because he can block well. This lumbering tight end exposed a weakness in a Redskins defense by getting 59 yards on a pair of receptions.

If the safeties are forced to pay closer attention to Heap and King, it will leave wide receivers like Larry Fitzgerald facing the Washington cornerbacks only. Fitzgerald is spectacular in a double-team situation, but he is an even bigger threat in single coverage.

Washington needs the return of strong safety LaRon Landry, who has been nursing a hamstring injury for months. Landry was the best safety in the NFL in 2010, piling up 85 tackles before getting hurt early in the ninth game of the season, is in a contract year and hasn't played since November 15th of 2010.

Landry is a week removed from criticizing the Redskins training staff via Twitter. He now defers questions to head coach Mike Shanahan, who only says Landry has been limited in practice so far.

The Redskins cannot rush him back too early, but Landry has already stated he is excited to play next to free safety O.J. Atogwe. It is the first time since Sean Taylor passed away in 2007 that Landry has a Pro Bowl-caliber player alongside him.

Reed Doughty has been in the lineup while Landry heals, but Doughty is basically an extra defensive back who plays a linebacker slot in a dime package. The Giants picked on him often last week, putting Washington in a precarious position against Arizona if Landry needs another week off.

Special Delivery

Redskins placekicker Graham Gano missed another chippie last week. He missed five field goals of 39 yards or less in 2010, something he did again on his only field goal attempt last week. Washington cannot afford to keep having Gano miss field goals that because points in the NFL are of premium importance.

Washington has the electric Brandon Banks are their return specialist. The diminutive Banks is capable of taking it to the house every time he returns a kick. Yet Arizona has two big threats of their own on special teams.

LaRod Stephens-Howling, who is about the same size as Banks, led the NFL in kickoff return yards last year. He also took two kickoff returns for touchdowns, his third in his two previous seasons as an NFL player. Gano must take advantage of the extra five yards he has kicking the ball off by not giving Stephens-Howling any chances to return the ball.

If that wasn't enough, Arizona also has a dynamic punt returner in rookie Patrick Peterson. Though he was drafted for his excellent coverage skills as a cornerback, the rookie went through college as a dominant punt returner. Peterson returned just two punts last week, but the second one was returned 89-yards for the winning score.

Sav Rocca might have been the Redskins best free agent signing in 2011. Rocca has averaged 43 yards a punt in his four NFL seasons, showing a remarkable consistency along the way.

But putting the ball inside the opponents 20-yard line is possibly what Rocca does best. He has dropped 106 of his 341 career punts inside the 20, and has an impressive net punting average of 37.5 yards. Four of his six punts dropped in inside the 20 last week, but the Redskins gave up 27 yards on the two punts that were returned.

Washington must not allow the Cardinals returners go off this Sunday. If they do not, it could take away any other successes they have on the field.

Bombs Away

Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman took advantage of a immensely crippled Giants defense by throwing for 305 and a pair of scores while tossing just 13 incompletions. Washington needs a similar performance against an Arizona defense that looked bad last week.

The Cardinals have a few injured cornerbacks of their own, and this was seen against the Panthers. Rookie Cam Newton struggled with his throwing accuracy all preseason, but he took the form of Johnny Unitas against Arizona with a record-setting performance.

Newton set a record for a first game by a player by carving up the Cardinals defense for 422 yards and missing on just 13 passes in 37 attempts. Eight different Panthers receivers got a reception, led by the 178 yards and two scores Steve Smith had on eight catches.

Washington could use another big game from tight end Fred Davis, who had 105 yards on five receptions last week, as well as a healthy Chris Cooley. Carolina's tight ends combined for 129 yards on seven receptions last week, so Grossman may want to look in the direction of Davis and Cooley often.

Payback

Tim Hightower was stunned a few months ago by being dealt in a trade between the Cardinals and Redskins. While he was happy to return to the Washington Metropolitan Area, where he grew up, he also saw the Redskins obtained him for just a sixth-round draft pick and 14-year journeyman defensive end named Vonnie Holiday.

Hightower had led the Big Red in rushing last year, his third NFL season, while averaging nearly five yards per carry. He led the NFL with an 80 yard run as well.

Despite 23 touchdowns and 118 receptions in mostly a reserve role in his Arizona career, the team dealt him because his 12 career fumbles bothered the Cardinals coaching staff.

He has a very impressive training camp, getting 170 yards on 25 carries in a few quarters of play. Yet the Giants shut him down to 72 yards on 25 attempts last week. Take away a 22-yard run he had, the 50 yards on 24 attempts showed the Redskins offensive line gave Hightower no chance.

Arizona faced a pair of productive Carolina halfbacks in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart last week. They limited the pair to 56 yards on 19 carries, while also holding the athletic Newton to 18 yards on eight attempts at sacking the rookie four times.

Hightower will certainly want to make Arizona regret trading him, but his offensive line needs to help get that point across. The unit was just terrible last week against a Giants defensive line missing their two best players. Arizona has three excellent run stuffers in the trenches, so this game might ride on Hightower's shoulders.

Hog Revisitation

Football excellence has always followed Russ Grimm. Drafted in the third round of the 1981 draft by the Redskins, he soon became an integral member of three Super Bowl winners for the franchise.

Athleticism was just one reason for his greatness. He may have toiled in the trenches, but he was often listed as an emergency quarterback in a career that saw him go to four Pro Bowls before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Amazingly, he is the only member of the famous Redskins offensive line, dubbed the "Hogs" by coaching great Joe Bugel, to be in Canton. When his playing career ended, he quickly became a coach and used the information the accumulated as a player. Not only did he have his own expertise, he was mentored by coaching giants Bugel, Jim Hanifan and Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs.

After spending nine years coaching Washington's tight ends and offensive linemen, he went off to coach the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line for six seasons. He helped Pittsburgh win a Super Bowl and reportedly was going to be Bill Cowher's replacement at head coach until the offer was rescinded at the last minute and given to current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin instead.

Since 2007, Grimm has been the Cardinals offensive line coach. Success in football continues for him and has now been inherited by his offspring. Cody Grimm is the starting free safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an honor he won in the 2010 season as a seventh round draft pick. Chad Grimm is currently an assistant coach in the Cardinals organization.

Grimm has been a serious candidate for a NFL head coaching job several times. He excels at getting the most out of a players abilities, something he did himself in his career.

He has helped such great Redskins offensive linemen blockers like Chris Samuels and Tre' Johnson to become Pro Bowl players. He did the same in Pittsburgh with Alan Faneca, Marvel Smith and Jeff Hartings.

Arizona comes into 2011 with two free agent veterans now starting at guard. Grimm still has continuity at center and the tackle spots. But this one of his most experienced units with the Cardinals, even with losing 11-year veteran guard Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack to injury for the season.

The depth of the offensive line is bolstered by Duece Lutui, a starter since 2006 until losing his spot to eight-year veteran Rex Hadnot. Grimm has already helped the Cardinals reach their first Super Bowl in 2008, but he undoubtedly expects greatness from his present students.

Chris Nield is certainly on his radar this week. The nose tackle was the second to last player drafted this year, and he made the team because of a solid preseason with few highlights. That changed last week after Neild had a pair of sacks and forced a fumble while spelling starter Barry Cofield.

Not only do the nose tackles need to be as good as last week, but defensive ends Adam Carriker and Stephen Bowen as well. Both contributed a sack last week. Outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan's ability to pressure Kolb will also hold extreme importance.

While no real Redskins fan wants Grimm to experience failure, they are in the unenviable position of rooting against one of their heroes. It is real nice to see an "Original Hog" back in town, and there is a chance he sees fellow Hogs Joe Jacoby and George Starke, who have stayed in the area after their football careers, as well.

Grimm probably has a part of him wishing success for the Redskins as well. But torn emotions will reign on the sideline and stands this Sunday as present situations will temporarily have both rooting against each other.

NFL Predictions For Week One

2011-09-11T03:39:00.004-04:00

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Game of the Week

These two teams dislike each other, and this is the best rivalry in the NFL today. The Steelers are 18-12 in this series, and five of the last six were decided by three points or less.

I like the Ravens, but I think it will take a few more weeks until they hit their stride. The Steelers know each other right now, so familiarity will win.

Steelers 19 Ravens 17

Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears

The Falcons balance on both sides of the ball will be hard to handle for their opponents this season. The Bears defense is excellent, but it remains to be seen if the offense has improved for their sub par 2010 performance.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has chucked 79 interceptions in 68 career games. It is the highest total in the NFL over that time. If Cutler continues to make errors, it will make it easier for Atlanta to win.

Falcons 23 Bears 17

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

The snoozer of week one of the NFL to some. Cincinnati has a chance at being the worst team in the AFC North this year, while the improving Browns really need a strong start to show their improvements.

Browns 31 Bengals 14

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

No Peyton Manning means no hope for the Colts. This is the Houston Texans time to win the AFC South, and they should use their running attack to destroy the Colts porous run defense.

Texans 37 Colts 20

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

These teams mirror each other in several ways. Both have new starting quarterbacks, though the Titans Matt Hasselbeck holds the edge here.

Running the ball well should decide this. Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew is ready to go after a full training camp under his belt, while Tennessee's Chris Johnson has only been at it about a week.

Jaguars 21 Titans 17

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs

It seems the only way Buffalo wins here is by an excellent defensive effort and halfback Fred Jackson running wild. While the Bills defense should be improved from last year, the Chiefs plan to run the ball down their throats.

Chiefs 23 Bills 13

Philadelphia Eagles @ Saint Louis Rams

Philly needs to show why owner Jeff Lurie plunked down over $200 million this year. The Rams are a promising team who can run the ball well with a Pro Bowl halfback and one of the best offensive lines in football.

The Eagles defensive weakness is stopping the run, so this area will be exploited by the Rams. Yet Philadelphia gets wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and Steve Smith back this week, and the Rams secondary is the weakness of the Saint Louis team.

Eagles 34 Rams 24

Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If you love to watch young defensive lines with the ability to dominate, tune into this game. Both teams feature trench play from pretty deep defensive units, led by Detroit's Ndamukong Suh.

It comes down to the young quarterbacks on both teams. Matt Stafford may have Calvin Johnson to throw to, but the Lions quarterback has been brittle so far in his career. The Buccaneers Josh Freeman does not make many mistakes, and this could be the difference this week.

Buccaneers 14 Lions 10

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

Two new quarterbacks start here, but the Cardinals hold the edge. Kevin Kolb will enjoy throwing the football to Larry Fitzgerald and Todd Heap this season, something that should be seen in week one.

Cardinals 31 Panthers 17

Minnesota Vikings @ San Diego Chargers

Minnesota changed head coaches last year, but the Chargers hung onto theirs for some reason. That reason needs to be shown immediately.

While Minnesota's back seven in their defense is pretty good, they have questions along the defensive line. The Chargers offense is explosive, so a fast start is needed by them in order to show they are Super Bowl contenders.

Chargers 28 Vikings 24

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

Both teams have pretty lousy quarterbacks, so the run game will be big here. Both teams have nice receiving trios, but no one to get them the ball.

While special teams may decide things, this could be the week Frank Gore reminds fans of just how good he can be.

49ers 20 Seattle 17

New York Giants @ Washington Redskins

It is fitting New York will be represented in the nation's capitol on the tenth anniversary 9-11. Washington will need to run the ball and eat up the clock to keep the Giants excellent offense on the sideline.

The Giants severely depleted secondary will be tested soon, but it is doubtful this will come from Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman. His penchant for mistakes will probably make the difference.

Giants 27 Redskins 24

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets

This could get ugly fast, as Dallas can't stop the run and probably will not be able to run against the excellent Jets defense. Tony Romo may end up chucking over 50 passes in this one.

Jets 27 Cowboys 14

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

Miami fully expects to have a better offense compared to last year as young quarterback Chad Henne matures into the player they hope for. But their rushing attack is still in question.

The Patriots, considered by some to be the best team in the AFC, only have to question of how many games they will win this year.

Patriots 23 Dolphins 16

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos

Oakland loves to run the football, as they should with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush taking carries. But their defensive secondary in an unknown commodity when extra defensive backs are needed, and the run defense on both teams is nothing special.

Kyle Orton could light up the Raiders secondary for over 300 yards, but the amount of offensive plays the Broncos could have may be limited due to the Raiders ground game controlling the clock.

Raiders 20 Broncos 17

NFL Predictions For The 2011 Season

2011-09-09T22:23:00.005-04:00

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles

The self anointed "Dream Team" has a ton of talented players thanks to owner Jeff Lurie going all out with his checkbook. Lurie has gone all in for a franchise that hasn't won a title since 1960.

While the Eagles defense looks great in the secondary, the front seven may be an issue. The defensive line is full of pass rushers not known for stopping the run.
The linebackers are pretty inexperienced and kicker and punter are rookies too.

But the Eagles were smart by getting Vince Young to backup the oft-injured Michael Vick at quarterback. The offensive unit can score points, but a suspect offensive line could be their downfall.

Philadelphia has a lot of pressure to produce in 2011. Historically, a bought team that spends heavy never realizes the successes compared to teams that mold their own talent.

Yet the Eagles are in the right division this year with two teams rebuilding and another already riddled with injury. This could be the season that the city of Brotherly Love sees their first football trophy in 41 years.

2. New York Giants

The Jints already face an uphill battle with the possibility of four cornerbacks missing the entire season, as well as a rookie defensive tackle they had high hopes for.
Yet this is a veteran squad still full of immense talent.

New York may end up having to win a few high scoring affairs this year, but this can happen because they have a deep wide receiver corps.

So deep that they watched Steve Smith walk over to a division rival a few weeks ago.
Eli Manning was recently quited as saying he is an upper echelon quarterback in the league. This is time for him to back up his words, because his arm will be put to the test often.

While they are still strong in the trenches offensively, it is aging. The rushing attack should still be strong for the Giants, led by the inside/ outside attack of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

The front seven of the defense is uncertain for the first time in a long time for the G-Men. Their top three defensive ends should be fine, but the rest of the front seven is a mix of inconsistent players and unknown commodities.

So it seems the Giants offense will have to carry the team, as well as Manning actually becoming that upper echelon quarterback he thinks he is. This is a team as capable of making the playoffs as they are going 8-8.

3. Washington Redskins

The "Shanaplan" enters a second season after a very forgettable first year full of dysfunction and eight games decided by three or less points.

Closing out games was a big weakness for the team in 2010.

The Redskins 2011 draft looked pretty good in preseason, and several draft picks made the roster or practice squad.

They upgraded the trenches through free agency, losing second-round pick Jarvis Jenkins for the year to injury.

With the question of whether John Beck or Rex Grossman starts at quarterback, the Redskins are able to temper this with a group of running backs who have the ability to be productive.

Washington has upgraded their wide receivers and tight end Fred Davis has lost so much weight that he looks like a hybrid tight end.

If the Redskins quarterbacks can be at least average, the team will score points. The defense is led by ageless middle linebacker London Fletcher. They have two young defensive ends playing outside linebacker and are getting positive results so far.

With the addition of two free agents on the defensive line, Washington expects better results after a poor showing in 2010. The secondary got a big boost by signing free safety O.J. Atogwe. Strong safety Laron Landry was the best safety in football last year until an injury ended his season early.

Washington is expecting big things from this duo. One of best offseason moves Washington made was acquiring Sav Rocco to be their punter.

This is a position at where the Redskins have seemed to struggle at for several years recently. Rocca's ability to pin opponents deep might make the difference between victory and defeat.

With electric return man Brandon Banks, a big roster upgrade on both sides of ball at most everywhere but quarterback, the Redskins can be good enough to challenge for the division. Though that is no guarantee, no matter what Grossman says.

4. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas comes into 2011 walking the razors edge.

Despite the trenches holding back their teams from winning consistently the past few years, they got rid of a few players and lost a few more to free agency.

Felix Jones is expected to carry the rushing attack, but there are skeptics as to whether or not he is the type who can handle 20-30 touches a game over an entire season.
After his first two seasons were shortened by injury. Jones had 48 receptions and 185 carries in 2010.

Without veteran Marion Barber helping Jones anymore, fourth-year halfback Tashard Choice and his 222 career carries is the main reserve.

Dallas is said to be high on seventh round pick DeMarco Murray, though the rookie wassn't real impressive during preseason games.

With a trio of small backs running behind an offensive line in flux, the passing attack with be the Cowboys best weapon. Quarterback Tony Romo, who missed 10 games to injuries last year, might end up with many games where he attempts upwards to 50 passes or more this season.

The defense is pretty much the same group that was second to last in the NFL last year in points allowed. Though they are decent on pass defense, the Cowboys trenches are average at stopping the run.

It is an aging unit that hopes to flourish under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's system. Ryan has a huge task in front of him.

Coaching defense for the Cleveland Browns the last two years, his defenses were near the bottom against the run. Yet they improved from 21st to 13th in points allowed.

Before that, he spent four years as defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders, where his defenses were annually near the bottom in rushing defense and points allowed.

It appears Dallas will have a lot of games where they will rely on Romo too heavily as their defense struggles. They will have to gamble often on this to win, hoping Romo holds up all season.

Head coach Jason Garrett was given the job midway into last year, despite being considered by a few one of the worst offensive coordinators in the game.

Nepotism was thought to be one of the reason for his hiring, considering one of his brothers works in the Cowboys front office, his dad used to, and another brother is on the coaching staff.

The team is in desperate need of rebuilding, and that will be seen a lot in 2011.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers

When you are coming off a championship season where you basically won it all with about half of the roster you expected to count on, there isn't a whole lot of need for overhauling your roster.

Green Bay stayed away from the free-agent market this season, choosing to re-sign most of their own players while continuing to build through the draft. This is the formula that brought the franchise their 13th title, the most in NFL history.

The biggest free-agent loss may have been defensive end Cullen Jenkins, but the Pack returns most everyone else on a defense that ranked second in points allowed and interceptions accrued despite all of the injuries to their back seven.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers permanently quieted any remaining critics about his replacing Brett Favre in 2008. At Rodgers' current pace, he may one day find himself with Hall of Famer Bart Starr for the title of greatest Packers quarterback ever.

One of the best news Rodgers has received this year is the return of halfback Ryan Grant. Grant missed most of last year because of injury, but his return will help the four excellent wide receivers Rodgers loves to throw to. Jermichael Finley, the Packers best tight end, also returns after missing 11 games to injury in 2010.

It is doubtful Green Bay will again experience the rash of injuries they incurred in 2010. Assuming their players stay healthy, this team will be very difficult to oust this year. If Rodgers stays on the field all season, the Packers have an excellent chance of completing the very difficult task of repeating as champions.

2. Detroit Lions *

The young Lions are just about everyone's prediction for most improved NFL team this year. After watching them lose eight close games last year, one can see why there is so much optimism for this team.

The defensive line, led by 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, is the star of this team. They are a nice blend of proven veterans and promising youth. This unit has the talent to dominate the NFL this year.

Detroit also added two new starting linebackers and a cornerback. They expect this unit to do much better than last season, where they ranked 19th in points allowed and 21st in total yards allowed.

The offensive line is the same group from last year. The onus will be on them this season to try and get quarterback Matthew Stafford to finally last a full year healthy. If Stafford stays on the field, his receiving trio of Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew has a chance to be explosive.

If there is one weakness, it is at running back. Detroit is banking on Jahvid Best to stay healthy even though much of his 2010 season was riddled with nagging injuries. There isn't much behind Best, so his health may be critical to the Lions' offensive proficiency.

A young team needs growing pains to improve. Detroit had their share of that in 2010, so they are now ready to build upon those experiences and progress even further this season. There is more than enough talent on this roster to seriously challenge for a division title.

3. Chicago Bears

The Bears' big story last year was quarterback Jay Cutler leaving the NFC Championship Game with an injury. Cutler's toughness and leadership has been questioned since, setting up a season where he has a lot to prove.

Chicago's offseason saw them bring in three ex-Dallas Cowboys to upgrade the offense. While they have more depth at wide receiver now, Chicago decided to jettison their two main tight ends from 2010. The Bears are gambling Kellen Davis is ready at tight end after they spent the previous three seasons trying to mold this project.

The offensive line has been an issue the past few Bears seasons. They moved Robert Garza to center after he spent the previous six years at guard. Newly signed free agent Chris Spencer can't beat Garza out, but things could change if the current starting guards falter.

Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is the leader of a Bears defense that was second in run defense in 2010, as well as fourth in points allowed and ninth in total yards allowed. Defense has always been king in Chicago, and that should not change this year.

The main changes on the defense will be at safety and one defensive tackle slot. Chris Harris will now be joined by Major Wright at safety, and Henry Melton has supplanted Matt Toeaina at defensive tackle for now. The Bears also drafted Stephen Paea, who could soon replace Melton.

Mike Martz is in his second season as the offensive coordinator for the Bears, so Cutler should be much more comfortable in the system now. If the Bears can do better than the 21st ranking in points scored last year, the defense is good enough to get them to a Super Bowl.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Rebuilding a team makes for tough decisions along the way. Minnesota already had done the easy part by hiring a new head with six games left in 2010.

The team has revamped their roster by losing players to free agency and retirement especially. They also released several veterans who were once an important part to a team that never quite played up to expectations.

Some critics wonder why the Vikes are replacing one old quarterback with another, but they have had success in the past making similar moves. Minnesota is hoping Donovan McNabb can be at least as effective as Randall Cunningham, Warren Moon and Brett Favre once were for the franchise.

Though they got rid of their left tackle, the offensive line is still very solid and very experienced. This may help an older quarterback like McNabb, who is no longer as mobile as he once was.

Losing their best wide receiver to free agency now puts the tiny Percy Harvin in the spotlight as their top receiver, even though much of Harvin's career has been hampered by migraine headaches. The rest of the receiving corp is pretty underwhelming.

McNabb may rely heavily on his tight ends in the passing game. Visanthe Shiancoe is very underrated, and rookie Kyle Rudolph has a lot of promise. The Vikings may often run a jumbo package to get both on the field at the same time.

One other reason for the jumbo sets is the fact that the team is carrying just three running backs on their roster. Adrian Peterson, one of the best halfbacks in the NFL, is the starter. Any injuries to this unit could send the team reeling further.

Losing their run-stuffing defensive tackle to retirement hurt, but they will also not have Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kevin Williams for a few games as he serves a suspension for ingesting a banned substance. Besides defensive end Jared Allen, the rest of the linemen are unknown as to what they will contribute when relied upon.

The linebackers may now be the strength of the Vikings. Tackling machine Chad Greenway just signed a new five-year contract, and he will be playing alongside the Henderson brothers. While E.J. Henderson is a Pro Bowl middle linebacker, his younger brother Erin is starting for the first time in his four seasons.

The secondary saw Minnesota release starting free safety Madieu Williams, but they did get back cornerback Cedric Griffin. Griffin missed much of last year with a knee injury and will be the bookend for Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield.

There is still enough talent on the Minnesota roster to reach the playoffs, but rebuilding sometimes involves baby steps. Losing the salaries of a bunch of expensive veterans was a wise move, setting up the Vikings' future to look brighter than the present.

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta was great in 2010, winning 13 games. They won their division for the fifth time in franchise history, reaching the playoffs for the 10th time since they joined the NFL in 1966.

Most of their players are back, especially on an offense that produced six Pro Bowlers. The only changes will be made at right guard and wide receiver.

The new wide receiver is 2011 first-round pick Julio Jones, a big, sturdy, athletic receiver known for the spectacular catch. He will bookend Roddy White, who has led the team in receptions the last four seasons.

Factor in future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzales, and it is easy to see quarterback Matt Ryan has some pretty fantastic weapons to play with. Ryan also is blessed to have a set of Pro Bowl running backs lining up behind him.

The defense got an upgrade by signing free agent defensive end Ray Edwards to bookend Pro Bowler John Abraham. The rest of the unit returns intact after ranking fifth in points allowed in 2010. The offense ranked fifth in points scored, showing the tremendous balance that led to their 13 victories. Atlanta also ranked 16th in yards gained and allowed.

The Falcons schedule this year will be tough, facing six teams that made the playoffs last year. But they have more than enough talent to be successful, especially if the pass defense improves upon last years number. If they get to their bye week healthy and with a decent record, the second half of their schedule could propel them back into the postseason.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Watching the Bucs 2011 preseason, it was fun to see the exuberance of a young team led by a young head coach. This team is growing up quickly during a massive rebuilding session, but they are playing well as it goes on.

After a difficult 2009 that resulted in three victories, Tampa Bay won 10 last year. Four of their 2010 losses came by seven points or less. This came with a team that averaged just 26 years old.

Quarterback Josh Freeman was spectacular last year, tossing just six interceptions the whole season. Though the Bucs passing attack ranked ranked 17th in passing, Freeman played the 2010 season like a wily veteran instead of a second-year pro.

The running attack ranked eighth in yards gained, though they did lose their primary reserve to free agency. LeGarrette Blount came out of nowhere last year to run for 1,007 yards in 13 games and seven starts. Tampa Bay is hoping for a similar season in 2011.

Raheem Morris is one year younger than future Hall of Fame cornerback Ronde Barber. Besides manning the head coaching duties, Morris is also the Buccaneers defensive coordinator.

He hired former NFL great Keith Millard to coach his up and coming defensive line. Tampa Bay's exciting trio of defensive tackles got more help when Morris used his first two picks of the 2011 draft on a pair of defensive ends with big upsides. The Buccaneers third pick gave them their starting middle linebacker.

Barber is the leader of a defense that will have possibly seven starters under the age of 25. Morris is molding a defense that could one day be on the same level of some of the past great Buc defenses.

They will play 2011 honoring true greatness by paying tribute to "The Original Buccaneer." The late Lee Roy Selmon is the only Buc in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the first to have his number retired by the team.

This team is young, but very exciting. They made a lot of progress last year, taking many by surprise. As they continue to grow, Tampa Bay will show this season they have more than enough talent to win their division now.

3. New Orleans Saints

The Saints found out in 2010 why history makes it so very hard to defend a championship title. Injuries swept through the roster, yet their dinged up quarterback stood tall and got them back into the playoffs.

New Orleans finished 11th in scoring in 2010 after leading the NFL the previous two seasons. Changes were then made along the offensive line, where they lost their starting center to free agency and cut their longest-tenured player in right tackle Jon Stinchcomb.

After the running backs corp was hit hard by injuries last year, the Saints got aggressive by signing free agent Darren Sproles, a diminutive pass catching specialist, and using their second 2011 first round pick on Mark Ingram.

With Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory returning, New Orleans has a group of running backs they expect to be an improvement over their 28th ranked rushing attack of 2010. Yet the offense will go through quarterback Drew Brees, their Super Bowl XLIV MVP.

While the Saints pass defense played well last year, their run defense was erratic at best. They signed three free agent defensive linemen, and drafted another in the first round.

This unit has not looked good in preseason, and it could be hurt further by starting defensive end Will Smith incurring a two game suspension for ingesting a banned substance.

If the Saints do not improve on stopping opponents from running the ball, it may not matter how many points their explosive offense puts up. Their revamped offensive line will also be put to the test trying to protect Brees while running the ball more effectively.

4. Carolina Panthers

Carolina is in the throes of rebuilding, though they have kept some basic foundations the organization has followed since their 1995 inception. Ron Rivera is the fourth head coach in team history, and all Panthers head coaches were former defensive coordinators.

The Panthers are hoping history repeats itself under Rivera. After going 1-15 in 2001, they hired John Fox as a head coach and reached the Super Bowl in his second year with the team. Fox was let go after the team went 2-14 last season, ushering in Rivera.

Rivera showed the team he is on a mission recently by cutting 2009 second round pick Everette Brown, a player once thought to have great potential. The team will have two rookies starting at defensive tackle, as Carolina will carry just eight defensive linemen with six having one or less years of NFL experience.

Cam Newton is the first pick of the 2011 draft. He will start right away and try to learn the game on the fly because the team has no alternatives in reserve better.

Newton has shown accuracy issues in preseason, but he is a behemoth of a man for this position. His athleticism should cover up a few mistakes as he progresses.

The tight end is typically the best friend of a young quarterback. Carolina went out and signed two productive veterans for their rookie franchise quarterback. Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen are both solid players that Newton will be very comfortable leaning on at times.

Besides wide receiver Steve Smith, Carolina knew they had to upgrade this unit in the offseason. They added two receivers fresh off the high-powered San Diego Chargers offense, a team Rivera spent the previous three seasons with, and second-year pro Armanti Edwards is a former college quarterback who showed flashes of being ready to contribute during preseason this year.

The offensive line has worked together a few years, so the Panthers are hoping their three-headed halfback can be better than last seasons injury plagued output. DeAngelo Williams was recently given a huge contract, so he is being counted on heavily. Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson are his more than capable reserves, and both should get many carries themselves in 2011.

The back seven of the Panthers defense is their strength. Led by Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jon Beason, the back of the defense did a solid job versus the pass last year. Carolina was dead last in scoring offense in 2010, as well as 26th in points allowed.

The offense should be expected to have a few hiccups this year with a rookie at the helm, so it will be the burden of the defense to keep the Panthers close in contests. If the star players stay healthy this year, which they were not in 2010, this team should show signs of progression as the rebuilding process begins.

Baby steps are needed here, because of a head coaching change in the middle of a rebuilding job, but Carolina feels they have the right young man at quarterback to lead the way.

NFC West

1. Saint Louis Rams

Rebuilding a team takes time and the Rams showed this in 2010. With the NFC West title in their grasp, Saint Louis lost the last game on their schedule to Seattle. Though the Rams shared first place with the Seahawks, they lost the opportunity to reach the playoffs.

Keeping the mission to upgrade a team that has struggled the past few seasons, Saint Louis became active in the free agent market. They picked up two veteran running backs, with good pass receiving skills, to back up star Steven Jackson.

The offense then upgraded their offensive line by signing a nasty and tough guard, while adding to a passing attack that ranked 26th last year by grabbing a talented free agent wide receiver in Mike Sims-Walker. Saint Louis also drafted two more wide receivers in hopes of scoring more points.

Defense was the star of the 2010 season for the Rams, yet they still made major changes. Both safeties and outside linebackers will have newly acquired players, as will the right side of their defensive line.

They added savvy veterans like Al Harris and Pro Bowler Quintin Mikell to the secondary. The free agent signing of Mikell was important because five-year starter O.J. Atogwe left the squad after becoming a free agent.

Saint Louis is banking their defense will be better in 2011 after signing five free agents and using their first draft pick on a athletic defensive end some think will be a star one day. With the expected improvements on offense, it could be enough to get a young team on top of their division at season's end.

2. Arizona Cardinals *

The Cardinals were not happy playing four quarterbacks last year, so they gave up a Pro Bowl cornerback years away from his prime to get Kevin Kolb. Kolb spent the better part of four seasons sitting and learning, so he should be ready to go and prove he has what it takes to be a starting quarterback.

Running back is an issue for the Cardinals. They will be forced to rely on oft-injured Beanie Wells after 2011 second-round pick Ryan Williams was lost for the year to injury. But the Cards have Larry Fitzgerald at wide receiver, one of the better players in the league.

He was just signed to a eight-year, $120 million contract a year after grabbing 90 balls from a muddled quarterback situation. Todd Heap is one of five tight ends on the roster. Arizona is hoping a return to his home state will inspire Heap to his third Pro Bowl season. Veteran Jeff King was also brought in to help the offensive block off the edge.

The offensive line will have two new guards starting. Rex Hadnot and newly acquired free agent Darren Colledge get the nods, with last year's starter, Duece Lutui, backing them up.

Arizona will have new starting cornerbacks after Greg Toler was placed on injured reserve. Tiny Michael Adams starts at one slot, despite having just 89 tackles in his four years with the club. A.J. Jefferson is the other starter, and he has one career tackle after making the team as an undrafted free agent rookie last year.

This is expected to change soon because rookie Patrick Peterson was the top defensive back in the 2011 draft and was selected fifth overall. He will be given time to learn because the Cardinals have a good safety tandem in Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes.

The defensive line is the best part of the defense, led by defensive tackle Darnell Dockett. Calais Campbell is a huge defensive end and nose tackle Dan Williams, the Cardinals top pick last year, shows promise.

The Cardinals kept nine linebackers on the roster this year. Daryl Washington and Paris Lenon are excellent inside linebackers who are backed up by veterans Stewart Bradley and Reggie Walker, along with promising rookie Quan Sturdivant.

The Big Red ranked near the bottom in both offense and defense last year. They are expecting to score a lot more points and being especially more effective in run defense. If the offense lives up to their potential, Arizona could pick up a lot of wins off a mediocre schedule in the weak NFC West.

3. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are the defending AFC West champs despite having a 7-9 record, the 23rd best scoring offense, the 25th best total in points allowed and being 28th in points differential. Pete Carroll's first year as head coach was highlighted by a playoff win over the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.

Building on that success while rebuilding, Seattle was very active in the free agent market. They signed up a new starting quarterback, star wide receiver, tight end, defensive tackle and offensive guard.

They have a new center, and both right guard and tackle will be rookies starting. They added Pro Bowl tight end Zach Miller, which was important because incumbent starter John Carlson is on injured reserve.

While Tavaris Jackson wasn't great at quarterback in the preseason, Seattle has hopes he can frequently get the ball to the tight end as well as tall wide receivers Sidney Rice and Mike Williams.

Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett ran for 1,100 yards together in 2010. Throw in dynamic return specialist Leon Washington and Seattle has a decent backfield behind Jackson.

The defense is still a work in progress. The strength of this unit is in linebackers David Hawthorne, Aaron Curry and Leroy Hill. Alan Branch replaces the departed Kentwan Balmer to line up next to Brandon Mebane at defensive tackle.

The secondary will see Walter Thurmond at cornerback in place of the departed Kelly Jennings. Kam Chancellor is now the strong safety after Lawyer Milloy retired. Both are second-year pros with not much experience.

Seattle has 21 players who are either rookies or first-year players on their roster. There are only 19 players left that Carroll inherited last year. The rebuilding job Carroll is doing takes time, but it is headed in the right direction.

4. San Francisco 49ers

It has been a rough time for the Niners since head coach Steve Mariucci was fired in 2002. They are on their fifth head coach and haven't had a winning record in that time.

Jim Harbaugh is now the coach in charge of trying to bring a winner to San Francisco. The big issue with this team starts at quarterback, where Alex Smith has done a mostly lousy job since being the first overall selection in the 2005 draft.

The writing on the wall for Smith became real clear in the 2011 draft, when the Niners used a second round pick on Colin Kaepernick. Though very athletic, Kaepernick is very raw and a few years away from being ready.

The offense runs through the amazing Frank Gore, a halfback running around with two surgically repaired knees. The 49ers receiving corp is one of the most talented in the NFL, but they don't have a quarterback who can consistently get them the ball.

Vernon Davis is one of the most athletic tight ends in NFL history. He should be going into a fifth season that has him inducted one day into Canton, but he has been held back by an organization that has poor quarterback play and spent a few years not using him correctly.

With wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree, the trio should be explosive. Yet it most likely be yet another season where Smith doesn't get the job done on his end.

The defense is going through changes as well. They lost their starting nose tackle, two linebackers, a cornerback and safety. They upgraded the strong safety position by signing free agent Donte Whitner and moved defensive end Isaac Sopoaga over the center.

Carlos Rogers was signed to start at cornerback and the versatile Madieu Williams will back up incumbent Dashon Goldson at free safety. The run defense was good last year, but the pass defense hurt the Niners often.

The 49ers have made some nice upgrades, but Harbaugh will need some time to rebuild the team and develop a quarterback. They are capable of winning the weak NFC West, but that depends on how often Smith can get the ball to the team's best weapons.

AFC East

1. New York Jets

When you make two straight AFC Championship Games and lose with a team full of veterans, it is smart to not continue getting old. The Jets got rid of quite a few veterans in their quest to get younger while staying a top-notch team.

Yet their biggest free agent signing was wide receiver Plaxico Burress when he got released from prison after serving two years in jail. The Jets plan to bookend the 34-year-old Burress with Santonio Holmes, while 37-year-old Derrick Mason will be used as the third receiver.

The offensive line is the strength of the team. Right tackle Damien Woody retired, so Wayne Hunter steps in. The rest of the unit remains intact, which is important for a team so reliant on the run.

Shonn Greene was supposed to start at halfback last year, but soon saw LaDainian Tomlinson getting more playing time because Tomlinson was more effective and is a better pass receiver. Greene needs to step up this year because the 32-year old future Hall of Famer has a ton of wear and tear on his body.

Fullback Tony Richardson, the winner of last season's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and the Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award for his charitable work, has retired. New York will miss the three-time Pro Bowler known for his crushing blocking ability. John Conner now takes over as the lead blocker out of the backfield.

Defense is the Jets' best strength, as it should be with defensive guru Rex Ryan as the head coach. This defense is so good, they could afford to trade a young and solid Dwight Lowery to the Jaguars because of their cornerback depth.

Furthermore, they added 2011 first-round pick Muhammad Wilkerson at defensive end to replace veteran Shaun Ellis. The rest of the starters return on a unit that ranked third best in yards allowed last season, as well as sixth best in points allowed.

Though the Jets linebackers are excellent, it is the secondary that is the star of the unit. Led by Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis—maybe the best cornerback in the game today—who anchors a smothering Jets secondary that defends the run almost as good as they do the pass.

With a defense and offensive line like this, it is pretty easy to see why the Jets were one win away from the Super Bowl in each of the past two years. Quarterback Mark Sanchez is still a work in progress, but he showed definite improvement in his second season by tossing seven less interceptions and five more touchdowns than he did in his 2009 rookie year.

Sanchez will enjoy having two experienced receivers blended in with the players he already knows well, and having a 6'5" receiver like Burress can help reduce mistakes with his size alone. The running game ranked fourth in yards gained last year, but the passing games ranked 22nd in yards gained.

If the passing game improves, as expected, the defense and rushing attack are good enough to get the Jets back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1968.

2. New England Patriots

One thing is certain, the Patriots keep it interesting all year round. Whether it is watching head coach Bill Belichick work the draft like a maestro, delving into the free agent market, or making trades, New England is unpredictable but exceedingly interesting.

Chad Ochocinco, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, was brought in for a couple of expendable late-round draft picks. Known for his blabbering mouth as much as his playing abilities, Ochocinco has kept his lip zipped so far in New England.

Albert Haynesworth was brought in for a fifth-round pick, a gigantic steal if the man ever plays up to the abilities that made him a two-time Pro Bowler just three years ago. The "$100 Million Slave" has taken a siesta since then, only rearing his head when complaining or going to court.

The karma is that "Fat Albert" has to continue playing in the 3-4 defense he abhors. Thus far, he has not quit on his teammates or complained to the media about the head coach, so the influence of "The Hoodie" appears to once again worked for the best.

The first player usually mentioned on the Patriots is future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. While New England has a pair of interesting young prospects behind him, the 34-year-old Brady once said he wanted to play until he was 40. The two-time NFL regular season and Super Bowl MVP is the leader of this team and is coming off yet another excellent season.

Besides the addition of Ochocinco, Brady loves to spread the ball around to all of his weapons. Wes Welker is typically Brady's first option, but there are a pair of young studs at tight end and running backs who are exceptional catching balls.

They brought back a player Brady loves in Deion Branch last year after he had failed with the Seattle Seahawks. All Branch did was grab 48 balls in 11 games as an extra receiver. New England also has three young receivers in reserve.

The blocking also got a huge boost, further cementing Belichick's brilliance. Brian Waters was released by the Kansas City Chiefs in a cost-cutting move despite coming off his fifth Pro Bowl year. Coincidentally, Waters was cut by Belichick disciple Scott Pioli.
Waters will be a reserve behind an already exceptional offensive line. Nate Solder, the Pats' top pick in 2011, will spend this year sitting and learning behind Matt Light at left tackle.

Yet the most interesting part of the New England offense might be at running back. BenJarvis Green-Ellis was never drafted in 2008, but he became a 1,000-yard back last year. Belichick already had the speedy Danny Woodhead behind Green-Ellis, but he drafted two more running backs who will probably contribute right away.

If Haynesworth or Mike Wright falters at defensive end, 11-year veteran Shaun Ellis is ready to go. Ellis is coming off a Pro Bowl year, so he should be a factor. The secondary looks so good that Belichick recently cut 2007 first-round pick Brandon Meriweather and 2009 second-round pick Darius Butler. Sergio Brown, an undrafted player who had 11 tackles in his 2010 rookie year, will now start at strong safety.

The rich literally do get richer when it comes to the Patriots. A team coming off a 14-2 season usually doesn't make a lot of roster moves, but New England will have seven new starters this year.

The end of the season should see this team in the running for a playoffs spot, and many fans think they will play in the Super Bowl as well. While there are several veterans on the roster who know how to win, there is a lot of youngsters that should keep this team near to top for many years ahead.

3. Miami Dolphins

The best part of the Dolphins' 2010 season was the defense. It ranked sixth best in the NFL for total yards allowed, and was equally stout against both the run and pass. Minus the sudden retirement on linebacker Channing Crowder, every starter returns.

With the offense being the weak link last year, Miami used four of their first six draft picks to help that side of the ball. All four made the team, and three figure to be a big part of the offense right away.

Mike Pouncey is the twin of Maurkice Pouncey, a center who made the Pro Bowl in his 2010 rookie year. He was the Dolphins' first-round pick, after playing at nearby Florida University, and will start right away at center.

Charles Clay, another rookie, will start at fullback. Marc Colombo was signed as a free agent and will start at right tackle, moving incumbent Venon Carey in at guard. Reggie Bush, who was acquired in an offseason trade, will compete with rookie Donald Thomas for the bulk of carries at halfback.

Brian Daboli replaces Dan Henning as offensive coordinator. Henning, who brought back the single-wing offense to the NFL (dubbed "Wildcat), retired after being a part of professional football since 1964.

Daboli is from the Bill Belichick coaching tree. He earned three Super Bowl rings in various coaching positions before joining the Cleveland Browns in 2009 as an offensive coordinator. Both of his seasons there saw the Browns as one of the worst offensive teams in the NFL, so Miami is hoping he can get their offense to be better than the 30th rank they had in scoring during 2010.

Miami has the defense to carry this team to a division title. The offense worked on their passing game a lot in the 2011 preseason, and had some successes. If they get good production from there, the Dolphins could very well be in the mix for a playoff spot in the final week of the 2011 season.

4. Buffalo Bills

It seems the Bills have been stuck in rebuilding mode for awhile. Part of the reason is failed drafts. The Bills have had nine first-round picks since 2000 either fail or leave for other teams. The jury is still out on last year's top pick, but this years top pick, Marcell Dareus, has looked impressive thus far.

Buffalo ranked 28th in both points scored and points allowed last year. They cut their starting center and will have two new starters on the right side of the line. Second-year pro Donald Jones has earned a starting job at wide receiver, and journeyman Scott Chandler starts at tight end.

The defense lost their top three tacklers from 2010, and there will be five new starters this season. Nose tackle Kyle Williams is coming off a great 2010 season where he made the Pro Bowl.

The secondary ranked third in passing yards allowed in 2010. This unit is the strength of the team, with the only change being that George Wilson will now start at strong safety. Buffalo has three new linebackers starting this year, and they are hoping Shawne Merriman can be the force off the edge he was in 2007 until injuries derailed his career.

Buffalo has a good amount of youth on this roster, but there is 13 players 30-years or older. Head coach Chan Gailey will need several seasons turning over this roster, but Bills fans are tiring of this strategy that has kept the team out of the playoffs since 1999.

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Though the Steelers lost in Super Bowl XLV, the fact that they played in their second title game in four seasons just further cemented a legacy of being an elite NFL team.

The defense is the face of this organization, much like it has been for the past 54 years for the franchise. Pittsburgh finished first in the NFL in points allowed and rushing defense in 2010, as well as second best in total yards allowed.

Running the ball against the Steelers is one of the most difficult chores for NFL offenses. The unit got only better with the return of 13-year veteran Aaron Smith at defensive end, a team leader who has played just 11 games the past two years due to injuries.

While Pittsburgh has long been known for their frugality, they opened up the vaults and lavished young linebackers Lamar Woodley and Lawrence Timmons with hefty contract extensions. Linebacker has long been a key position for the Steelers, and the young duo join 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, who has been named to the last four Pro Bowls, to give Pittsburgh perhaps the best unit in the league.

2010 Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu joins Ryan Clark to give the Steelers a veteran safety duo in a secondary filled with experience. The secondary gives up the most yards on defense, but that is due to the fact opponents are usually unwilling to attempt to rush the ball much.

The four game suspension of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hurt team continuity at the beginning of 2010. Even though the defense carried the team out of the gates at 3-0, it took Roethlisberger time to catch up to the rest of the offense.

Halfback Rashard Mendenhall had his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2010, while adding 13 rushing scores. His excellence gives the team wonderful offensive balance with the veteran receiving corp of Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Mike Wallace.

If there is one unknown for Pittsburgh this year, it is the offensive line. This unit was beat up by injuries last year, so they return with just two starters from that team. Willie Colon would have started last year, but he was injured.

Jonathan Scott will man left tackle now that Max Starks was released. Scott's first four years in NFL was with two teams and had 14 starts, but the nine starts he had last year in place of an injured Starks impressed the team enough to go with him at this key position.

There are not many NFL teams that had the quality depth of the Steelers, let alone the quality defensive unit. There are few observers who do not believe that this team is a serious Super Bowl contender once again.

2. Baltimore Ravens

Sometimes one mans trash is another mans treasure. When the Ravens offensive underperformed in the 2011 preseason, general manager Ozzie Newsome picked up two Pro Bowlers off of the waiver wire.

Bryant McKinnie ate himself out of a job in Minnesota, so the Ravens may be his last shot at being a starting left tackle in the NFL. Andre Gurode was let go by the Dallas Cowboys as a salary casualty, but he may start because Mat Birk is battling injuries.

While the offense relies heavily on versatile halfback Ray Rice, Baltimore picked up Ricky Williams to back him up. Both will have Vonta Leach, perhaps the best blocking fullback in the game now, leading the way.

Baltimore made a lot of changes in their receivers corp. They let veterans like Todd Heap, Derrick Mason, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and Donte' Stallworth go. Lee Evans was acquired in a trade, giving the Ravens perhaps their best deep threat in team history.

Evans and Anquan Boldin will have three rookies backing them up at wide receiver, while Heap's position will be filled by second-year pros Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitna. How this group of young receivers perform could be the difference between a Super Bowl or a failed season.

The defense went through changes as well, even though future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed stayed on board. They gave the starting nose tackle position to Terrance Cody, the strong safety position to Tom Zbilowski, and one cornerback position to Domonique Foxworth after clearing the positions through free agency.

The Ravens defense produced four Pro Bowlers last year after finishing third in points allowed. With their talent and experience, it is certainly feasible they are equally excellent this year.

Baltimore has made the playoffs seven times since 2000, but they have not reached a Super Bowl since 2000. Lewis has clearly stated he came back this year to win it again, and this team follows their leaders word best they can.

While having good depth at many positions, the one spot they are dreadfully thin at is quarterback. Joe Flacco never missed a game in his previous three years, but it is typical that quarterbacks get injured eventually. All that is behind him is a rookie whose best attribute is his legs.

If Flacco goes down, the Ravens will be in major trouble. If he continues to stay healthy, Ozzie Newsome has surrounded him with enough weapons to get this team back to the promise land.

3. Cleveland Browns

Ever since Mike Holmgren became the president of the Browns last year, he has slowly began overhauling a team that has made the playoffs just once since being reborn in 1999. After watching the team go 5-11 last year, changes began.

The first move he made was overhauling the coaching staff by hiring a new head coach, who also serves as the offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. He also hired three men, from his San Francisco 49ers days, to be on the coaching staff.

The offensive line kept only Pro Bowl center Alex Mack and Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas as starters. The defensive line has three new starters, and Cleveland has a new starting free safety.

Offensively, Cleveland got two pleasant surprises last year. Colt McCoy was a rookie quarterback forced into action after the two veterans ahead of him got hurt. He played so well that he will keep the starting job this year.

Peyton Hillis spent his first two NFL seasons as a reserve for the Denver Broncos, where he had 397 rushing yards. He exploded in the NFL in 2010 by pounding out 1,177 yards and 11 scores on the ground.

Cleveland has kept just three halfbacks and a blocking fullback on the roster this year, so they are gambling that Hillis can do the job yet again. His reserves consist of a rookie and a second-year player who sat out all of last year with an injury.

Holmgren is hoping the 2011 draft class does better than last year, where just three players helped the team.This year the team has just nine players over the age of 30-years old, while in 2010 the team averaged 27.5-years old.

Holmgren needs time, but his track record shows he gets the job done. He has overseen two teams that reached the Super Bowl in his career so far. The Browns are headed in the right direction, something the famous "Dawg Pound" is certainly aware of.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals 2011 season already was in disarray before it began. Their star quarterback demanded a trade, refusing to play in the meantime, and their star wide receiver and clubhouse headcase was traded for a few low-round draft picks.

Now they are stuck with a rookie quarterback, so Cincinnati will have to rely on their running game most likely. Cedric Benson has a good chance of surpassing the career high mark of 321 carries that he had in 2010.

A.J. Green was the Bengals first draft pick this year, so the 6'4" receiver might end up being the primary target. While Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley, and Jerome Simpson show promise, the Bengals also picked up the explosive Brandon Tate off of waivers to help the receiving unit.

The offensive line will see two new starters on the right side, mainly because guard Bobbie Williams is serving a four game suspension for ingesting a banned substance. Andre Smith has been a huge disappointment since being the sixth overall draft selection in 2009, but the Bengals plan on starting him at right tackle.

The defense will be missing linebacker Keith River and reserve defensive back Adam Jones for the first six weeks of the season. They also lost a starting cornerback to free agency. Cincinnati will have a new middle linebacker this year, and a new starting strong safety.

Marvin Lewis has been the Bengals head coach since 2003. He was drafted for his defensive expertise, but the Bengals ranked 24th in points allowed in 2010.

With a rookie quarterback with suspect arm strength, it could be a basic game plan of running the ball and hoping the defense is stout. If these factors fail, it could be a miserable season for the Bengals.

AFC South

1. Houston Texans

The Texans were picked by many pundits to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2010. The offense didn't let them down, fishing third in the NFL in yards gained and ninth in points scored.

But the defense was beyond terrible. Houston was ranked 30th in yards allowed and 29th in points scored. The pass defense was the worst in the league as well, helping Houston finish a disappointing 6-10.

This might be the last chance for head coach Gary Kubiak to get his team over the hump. Kubiak enters his sixth year with the most talented team that he's had during his reign. Another letdown year could spell doom.

The offense brings back reigning NFL rushing champ Arian Foster, as well as promising backup Ben Tate. Tate missed his 2010 rookie year to injury. Both halfbacks have run wild during the 2011 preseason.

Andre Johnson, the Texans' top receiver, is coming off a 2010 season where he caught 86 balls and eight touchdowns. Tight end Owen Daniels, whose past two years have been hampered by injuries, tries to regain his 2008 Pro Bowl form.

While seven starters return from last year's defense, they will move to a 3-4 base defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. One starter, Glover Quin, moves from cornerback to strong safety.

The hiring of defensive guru Phillips, who has a long history of improving defenses, is the biggest move Houston has made this offseason. The Texans also signed two free agents in cornerback Johnathan Joseph and free safety Danieal Manning, while using the 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft on mammoth defensive end J.J. Watt.

Mario Williams, a two-time Pro Bowler has 48 career sacks in his five seasons since being the first pick of the 2006 draft. He moves from defensive end to outside linebacker, where Phillips hopes to take advantage of his 6'6" frame and pass-rushing skills.

With the expected improvement at defense to go with an explosive offense, Houston hopes to see their first professional football team make the playoffs since the Oilers did so back in 1993. They might also win their division too.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio has been on a mission to improve the defense. He has picked up two solid staring defensive tackles and a cornerback the past two drafts, then hit the free-agent market for more pieces.

While defensive end Aaron Kampman was an injury disappointment in 2010, it did not stop Del Rio from gambling on other players with injury-filled pasts. Paul Poslusny and Clint Session will start at linebacker after just being signed by Jacksonville this year.

Dawan Landry was a solid strong safety for the Baltimore Ravens since 2006, but he will now play free safety because Courtney Greene finished third in tackles last year for the Jags despite missing two games. Dwight Lowery was just acquired in a trade, and he should be valuable in the nickel package.

Matt Roth was brought in as a free agent to start at defensive end, hopefully bookending a healthy Kampman. Roth hasn't played defensive end since 2007, having been moved to outside linebacker.

Jacksonville expects the defense to be better in 2011, especially against the run. They were 29th in rushing scores allowed last year, and 22nd in rushing yards allowed. The four veterans they just signed are expected to make a positive impact, but the fear of them staying healthy is heightened due to their track records.

Offense revolves around halfback Maurice Jones-Drew. Drew deserves some sort of medal for 2010, having a Pro Bowl year despite playing the entire season with a torn meniscus in his knee. Though he did miss two games, he still piled up 1,324 yards on the ground and was named Running Back of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association.

David Garrard has been the primary quarterback since 2006. He made the Pro Bowl in 2009, but threw a career high 15 interceptions last year. Jacksonville released him a few days before their first game, bringing back memories of the 2007 season when Garrard got the job after Brian Leftwich was cut a week before the season started.

The new quarterback will be journeyman Luke McCown. He has a couple of nice targets to throw to in Mike Thomas and Mercedes Lewis, but losing Mike Sims-Walker to free agency will hurt. Jason Hill, who has 51 career receptions in five years, will battle rookie Cecil Shorts and Jarett Dillard for snaps.

Dillard was hurt after seven games in his 2009 rookie season and hasn't played since. Undrafted rookie Jamar Newsome may be in the mix after averaging nearly 20 yards per catch in the 2011 preseason.

Jacksonville struggled to score or pass on offense last season, and it appears they could repeat this problem again in 2011 because they really didn't add any new parts. Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville's top pick this year, needs time to sit and learn how to be an NFL quarterback. The rumor is he is expected to be the starter in a few weeks.

There are discrepancies over the sudden Garrard release. While some think it was a cost cutting move because he made close to $8 million a year, Del Rio claims it was based on a sub-par 2011 preseason.

Del Rio, already on the hot seat, may have sealed his fate with this move. Depite a few holes in the Jaguars 2010 roster, they still finished second in their division.

With the upgrades made on defense, Del Rio is hoping his team will win their first division title since 1999. If not, the Jags could soon be looking to hire the third head coach in franchise history.

3. Tennessee Titans

The start of the 2011 season could be tough for the Titans. Owner Bud Adams dragged his heels on giving holdout star running back Chris Johnson a raise, waiting until about a week left in training camp to do so.

While most starters from 2010 return, Johnson will have to quickly get acclimated with new quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. He will also need to work with rookie Jake Locker in case Hasselbeck gets hurt. All the reps Johnson lost with those two in training camp could come back to haunt Tennessee.

The defense will have two new linebackers in free-agent signee Barrett Ruud and rookie Akeem Ayers. Fifth-round pick Karl Klug has won a starting job at defensive tackle, beating out fellow rookie Jurrell Casey despite being drafted two rounds later.

Veteran journeyman Shaun Smith will start as the other defensive tackle, moving Jason Jones back to his more natural position at defensive end. William Hayes is bookending Jones, replacing the departed Jacob Ford.

The secondary is the same as last year, except Jason McCourty replaces Alterraun Verner at cornerback. McCourty, the twin brother of New England Patriots star cornerback Devin McCourty, lost his starting job to Verner last year after getting hurt.

The defense was 26th in the NFL in yards allowed last season, while giving up over 21 points per game. There is concern that there won't be a vast improvement this year because of the new defensive line full of of uncertainties.

Tennessee was a streaky team the last two years. They started out 0-6 in 2009, then finished 8-8. The 2010 season saw them burst out with a 5-2 record, then win just one game the rest of the way.

Mike Munchak, a Hall of Famer who has been with the organization since 1982, is the new head coach and will try to find more consistency for his team. It may take some time for him to rebuild the team he wants, but the Titans have the talent to win a division that could be decided in the final week.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Ever since the NFL blatantly slanted their rules to help the quarterback, no team has relied more on this position than the Colts. As future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning goes, so goes the franchise.

Manning, who holds the record for four NFL MVP awards, has never missed a game since being drafted in 1998. He comes into 2011 with a nagging neck injury that will end his consecutive games streak, and his return is uncertain after recent surgery.

Most assumed he would be there opening day. His former coach Tony Dungy recently said Manning cares more about his being able to play than any awards he has ever received. The true leader of this team, Manning recently signed a $90 million contract for five years.

While the Colts offense should be excellent as usual whenever Manning is back at the helm, there is still some concern over who will be blocking. Indianapolis has had an inconsistent ground game recently, thanks to halfback Joseph Addai's inability to stay healthy and Donald Brown being a disappointment after being a first round draft pick in 2009.

Manning has dealt with poor offenses lines before easily. He gets rid of the ball fast and calls the right plays to avoid taking too many hits. Wide receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark are his favorite targets, but the ball gets spread around to whoever the Colts put out there.

Defense is the issue in Indianapolis for 2011. The run defense has been bad the last three years, never finishing higher than 24th in yards allowed. It has looked just as porous during the 2011 preseason.

Gary Brackett is their best linebacker, yet he has had just one healthy season since 2006. Pat Angerer, who was second on the team in tackles in his rookie season last year, will join newly acquired Ernie Sims as the other starters at linebacker. Sims, the ninth overall selection in the 2006 draft, has not played as well as once hoped.

The Colts have high hopes for a talented defensive secondary that was beat up and hurt most of 2010. Justin Tyron was picked up off waivers and started six games because injuries hit this unit so hard.

Kerry Collins was coaxed out of retirement after it became clear Curtis Painter was not ready to start at quarterback while Manning is out. Collins enters his 17th NFL season and will soon be 39 years old. Expect the Colts to run the ball more than usual with him starting, because he has been in the Colts' system less than a month.

Indianapolis can pass and stop the pass, but the ground game is nothing special on both sides of the ball. They have made the playoffs in 11 of Manning's 13 seasons at the helm, so they are capable of winning the division a third straight year.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers

How does a team that lead the NFL in offensive yards gained and defensive yards allowed, as well as being ranked second in scoring, finish 9-7 and miss the playoffs? It is done by having journeyman head coach Norv Turner at the helm.

Turner somehow kept his job this year, just like he somehow keeps getting hired after being fired. San Diego is the sixth team he has coached since 2000, and he has been with San Diego since 2007.

San Diego brings back most of the offensive talent that made them so productive in 2010. They did lose defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, now the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Greg Manusky takes over for a unit that has many changes.

Donald Butler and Takeo Spikes might be the new inside linebackers for the Bolts. Spikes enters his 14th season, and the two-time Pro Bowler is solid. Butler spent his 2010 rookie season injured after being drafted in the third round. Steven Cooper, a Charger for eight years, is in the mix.

Seven-year veteran Travis LaBoy joins San Diego this year and is expected to start at outside linebacker, in spite of missing most of the last two seasons to injury. Bob Sanders, the 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, tries to reignite his career after playing just nine games total in the last three seasons.

If the defense stays healthy and gels, the Chargers will be a dangerous team. They found out last year that Mike Tolbert could do the job at halfback after Ryan Mathews got hurt.
The versatility of their offense will give opponents headaches. San Diego could very well represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. That is if Norv Turner doesn't get in their way once again.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

One of the biggest offseason moves for the defending AFC West champions was the changing of offensive coordinators. Bill Muir, who has NFL experience as both a defensive and offensive coordinator, takes over for Charlie Weiss after Weiss suddenly bolted back to the collegiate ranks.

Muir's first duty is to keep the running game going after losing their five-time Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters. Ownership chose not to pay the 34-year old despite a 2010 Pro Bowl year.

Kansas City will also need to find a way to use 2010 second round pick Dexter McCluster. The tiny running back wasn't used much on offense last year, mainly lining up as a kick returner.

Jonathan Baldwin, the Chiefs top pick this year, has had a tough training camp where his attitude has been questioned. He had just one reception this preseason.

Scott Pioli, Kansas City's general manager, did make some good moves. He signed Steve Breaston, an exciting wide receiver and punt returner. But veteran defensive lineman Kelly Gregg may have been the Chiefs best signing, because the veteran nose tackle has a non-stop motor and knows how to win.

Le'Ron McClain left the Baltimore Ravens, like Gregg, to join the Chiefs. He is a fullback who can block, catch, and be the feature running back if needed. These three veterans are expected to help immensely in 2011.

Kansas City had the top rushing attack in the NFL last year. The defense was average, but this mostly young unit is expected to be better this year.

3. Oakland Raiders

What AFC team has a group of running backs as good as Oakland? The depth of quality at this position might be unmatched throughout the league.

What holds the Raiders back offensively is a young group of wide receivers not playing up to their potential yet. Jason Campbell, who will be playing quarterback in the same system in back-to-back seasons in one of the few times since his high school days, had the youngsters stay at his house this summer as they worked on getting better together.

The results of this sage move will be seen in 2012, but Oakland fans want to see Darrius Heyward-Bey to show why he was the seventh overall selection in the 2009 draft. He has just 35 receptions in his career, and has showed little progress as a player so far.

The offensive line, long a sore spot for Oakland, has seen many changes. The left guard position now has rookie Stefan Wisniewski instead of the departed Robert Gallery. The best move might take a few years to notice.

Oakland hired Raiders legend Steve Wisniewski to coach the unit, a man known for being nasty, tough, and consistent in a career worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will mentor this unit, which includes his nephew Stefan, to play the game with the same attitude that he had.

The Raiders run defense has been horrible for many years, but young middle linebacker Rolando McClain is making excellent progress. He is also much better against the pass than advertised.

The pass defense, which was very good on 2010, lost the best cornerback in football, Nnamdi Asomugha, to free agency. They are confident that their anointed starters will do fine, but the reserves are the question when they use extra defensive backs.

Rookie Demarcus Van Dyke will be counted on, but Oakland may not have enough quality depth in their secondary. Joe Porter, who has bounced around the league on practice squads since 2007, will be the other reserve cornerback.

Oakland came close to the playoffs last year, and they expect to get there this season. A great running game can carry a team a long way, but the usual questions of their passing game and run defense may curtail aspirations.

4. Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow fans will get their fix on certain plays throughout the season, but Denver needs starter Kyle Orton to man the quarterback position all season if they want a chance at success. Orton, while not spectacular nor flaunted by the media, is a solid player who makes sound decisions.

Orton needs Denver to have an effective ground game. Knowshon Moreno has been good during his first two years, churning out 1,726 yards, but the acquisition of veteran Willis McGahee with save him a few hard hits around the goal-line especially.

Brandon Lloyd was one of a few wide receivers to come out of nowhere to star for their teams in 2010. He is Orton's favorite target, and also the most consistent.

John Fox was hired as the head coach this year to fix the defense. Von Miller and Raheem Moore, both drafted in the first and second rounds this year, will start at linebacker and free safety respectively.

Brodrick Bunkley was acquired in a trade to start at defensive tackle. Losing veteran Ty Warren to injury hurts the run defense, but graybeards Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey will be there to clean up any mistakes.

The run defense has looked a bit better in preseason, but time will tell. Hall of Famer John Elway was brought in to rebuild. Hiring Fox was the first step, but progress might not be blatantly seen until 2012.

Playoffs

Detroit Lions @ Saint Louis Rams

Doormats to the NFL no more, the Lions pull it out late thanks to the stellar play of their defensive line.

Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Kolb does a fine job against his old team, but the Eagles just have too much talent for the Big Red this day.

Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets

This is a grueling battle that is decided by a Ray Rice touchdown run.

New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers

The best game of the playoffs, both teams go back and forth as bodies leave the field bruised and bloodied. Troy Polamalu deflects a ball that Ryan Clark catches to thwart the Patriots late in the fourth, preserving a Steelers victory.

Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons

Detroit is happy to be here, but the Falcons already have. Their balanced attack and experience prevail.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers

Those three Pro Bowl cornerbacks Philadelphia kept on the roster come up big, allowing the pass rush to reach Aaron Rodgers more often than not. Green Bay's defense keeps them in the game, but Michael Vick finds Steve Smith in the end zone with less than a minute to go for the win.

Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans

Houston hosts their first playoff game ever, but the Texans are no match for the veteran Ravens.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ San Diego Chargers

Norv Turner coaches his last game with the Chargers as the Steelers take advantage of a series of bad play-calling in thefourth quarter.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons

Vick returns to more jeers than cheers in Atlanta, but he has the last laugh as the Eagles pass defense shuts down the Falcons passing game.

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers had won the previous three playoff meetings with Baltimore, but they come in limping today. With few points on the scoreboard, Billy Cundiff hits a field goal as time expires to send the Ravens to the big game.

Super Bowl XLVI

Baltimore Ravens @ Philadelphia Eagles

Vick gets off to a hot start to keep Philly in the game, but Ray Rice is running wild. Down by a score late in the fourth, Vick gambles and Ed Reed picks off the pass. Flacco takes a knee three times as Ray Lewis retires at the top of the mountain holding the trophy.

Awards

NFL MVP : Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Offensive Player of the Year : Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Defensive Player of the Year : Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

Offensive Rookie of the Year : Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins

Defensive Rookie of the Year : J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

Comeback Player of the Year : Ben Tate, Houston Texans

Coach of the Year : Steve Spagnuolo, Saint Louis Rams

NFC Championship or Bust : 5 Reasons Rex Grossman Needs to Beat the New York Giants

2011-09-09T17:54:00.002-04:00

The Washington Redskins 2011 preseason was a breath of fresh air. For the first time in many years, the effort of the players never waned. Though their preseason record is unimportant, the fact is the Redskins showed improvement and head into the regular season in good health.

Rex Grossman will start at quarterback in the Redskins first game against the New York Giants. He got the job because John Beck played poorly in his last preseason game, while Grossman was nothing special in his previous appearances.

Grossman was once at the helm a Chicago Bears team whose defense led them to Super Bowl XLI in 2006. Since then, he has been a reserve mostly while bouncing around the NFL before making the Redskins his third team since 2008.

Despite this vagabond journey, Grossman proclaimed that Washington would win the NFC East in 2011. Now that he was given the starting job, it is time for Grossman to back up his words by playing the type of excellent football he has never played in his career.

The Jints are riddled with injuries in their defensive secondary especially right now. Grossman has a huge opportunity to get the 'Skins off the snide in 2011 by getting his team an important divisional win.

New York has owned this rivalry, winning 91 of the 156 match-ups the two have had in the regular season. Since 2000, Washington has beat the G-Men just six times in 22 battles. Grossman is fighting history here, so a win would give Washington a big moral boost.

There are a few new weapons for Grossman to play with. Besides the influx of several new wide receivers, Washington stole halfback Tim Hightower in a offseason trade. New York has an excellent offense, so Grossman needs to have his team dominate the play clock and finish with touchdowns over field goals.

The Redskins offensive line has looked a lot better that last season, but it was just preseason. Grossman still holds onto the ball too long and makes poor decisions. For his prediction of success to come true in 2011, he needs to stop forcing passes that have almost zero chance to help his team.

Kyle Shanahan enters his second season as the Washington offensive coordinator, but it is the third straight season he has worked with Grossman. Continuance should not be an issue, and this factor was a big part as to why Grossman is still wearing the burgundy and gold.

When you run your mouth in a tough division like the NFC East, you better bring it. Especially if you are on a team that struggled the last few years and is being considered by some to be the worst in the division.

While the Giants are missing a ton of defensive backs, they still are full of pass rushers along the defensive line. Grossman will need to be quick in body and decisions, but he also needs to start finally showing he has learned something after all of these years under Shanahan.

NFL Draft's Mr. Irrelevant Still Reverberates Impact On Football Today

2011-09-01T01:45:00.003-04:00

The NFL Draft has been a roller coaster throughout history. The first draft took place in 1936, lasting nine rounds. The rounds increased each year, reaching 22 rounds in 1939.

It reached 32 rounds in 1943, then went to 30 rounds from 1948 to 1959. When the American Football League started in 1960, the NFL found itself battling with the AFL to sign players. The NFL draft was reduced to 20 rounds, while the AFL had six years of drafts in their existence before merging.

In 1967, the draft lasted 17 rounds, which was the norm until it went to 12 rounds in 1977. It has been just seven rounds since 1993, despite the fact history has given the NFL many great players chosen late in the draft.

Chris Hanburger was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year despite being drafted in the 18th round of the 1965 draft by the Washington Redskins. The Chicago Bears have drafted 29 players in the last round that have played in the NFL since 1936.

Cheta Ozougwa is the 2011 Mr. Irrelevant trying to make the Houston Texans. The undersized defensive end is trying to avoid history by having an NFL career.

Only 22 players drafted last by the NFL have played pro football. Seven have been since the league went to a seven-round draft in 1993.

The Mr. Irrelevant Award has been handed out since 1976 by Paul Salata, a former wide receiver who played two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Colts in the All-American Football Conference. He had 74 catches and eight touchdowns in his 23 games.

After the AAFC folded, Salata was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in an allocation draft. He decided to join the Canadian Football League instead, playing five years with the Calgary Stampeders before retiring.

Salata created the "Lowsman Trophy", which is the equivalent to the Heisman Trophy for the last person drafted. A ceremony called "Irrelevant Week" soon commences, with prizes being given to the player.

Besides a banquet, there is a roast in the players honor to joke over the fact he was drafted last. A street is named after the player that week, he gets more gifts, and several legendary athletes from various sports partake in the events.

The draft has changed a great deal in length since Salata invented the term "Mr. Irrelevant". Now unfortunately just seven rounds, the NFL had 17 rounds in 1976. There were 487 men drafted in 1976 and just 254 in 2011.

The laziness of draft participation by the NFL today is baffling, consider scouting departments are laden with employees assisted by computers that have film on virtually every player from Division 1A to Division III in the college football ranks.

The overall perception is that the modern athlete is better and college football is better these days. These facts have not propelled the NFL into adding more rounds to their draft in hopes of improving the overall quality of play by unearthing gems like so many teams have done in the past.

Danny Fortmann was drafted by the Bears in 1936, and he was the fourth from last selected. The story goes that Bears Hall of Fame owner George Halas only drafted Fortmann because he liked his name. Chicago was rewarded with a Hall of Fame player.

Fred Dreher is the first player selected last in the draft to play in the NFL. The Bears selected him in 1938, the only year he played. Dreher had three catches for 69 yards and a score that lone season.

Mort Landsberg was the last pick of the 1941 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He didn't make the Steelers, but he did play with the Philadelphia Eagles that season.

World War II beckoned, so Landsberg served the Armed Forces. After the war, he played for the Los Angeles Dons in 1947.

Stu Clarkson was drafted by the Bears in 1942. He went to serve in World War II after that year, but returned to the Bears in 1946. The linebacker stayed with the team until 1951, getting 10 interceptions and a touchdown in his career.

The Philadelphia Eagles drafted hometown hero John Schweder in 1949, but he did not make the team. Schweder joined the Baltimore Colts of the All-American Football Conference in 1950 for one season before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1951, where he lasted five years.

Clay Matthews was the fifth from last player chosen in 1949. After being selected by the Los Angeles Rams, he was cut and didn't play that year. Matthews made the San Francisco 49ers in the AAFC the next year and played four seasons.

He is the father of two sons who played in the NFL. Bruce is in the Hall of Fame and Clay Jr. played over 19 seasons. Matthews has three grandchildren playing in the NFL now in Kevin, Casey, and Clay III.

Clay Matthews III is considered one of the top linebackers in the game today, and he is the only member of the family who has earned a Super Bowl ring.

Jacque MacKinnon was not only the last person drafted last in the 1961 NFL Draft, he was the eighth from last player selected in the AFL Draft. MacKinnon eschewed the Philadelphia Eagles to join the San Diego Chargers.

MacKinnon spent most of his 10 year career as a blocking fullback who paved the way for Chargers legends like Paul Lowe, Keith Lincoln, and Dickie Post as the Bolts won the AFL West five times between 1960 and 1965.

San Diego had three Hall of Famers coaching in Sid Gillman, Al Davis, and Chuck Knoll. The Chargers would win the only championship in franchise history during the 1963 season.

MacKinnon was more than a bruising blocker. He was also a deep threat as a receiver, often playing tight end. He averaged 18.8 yards on 112 career receptions, scoring 20 times. MacKinnon only carried the ball in three seasons, accumulating 86 carries and two scores at a 4.4 yards per carry average.

He was so respected in the AFL, MacKinnon made the AFL All-Star squad twice. He was the first player ever to be drafted last and accomplish this feat.

The San Diego Chargers inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1978, three years after he passed away. He is probably the greatest "Mr. Irrelevant" in pro football history.

Bobby Brezina was drafted by the Packers in 1963, but played played one game for AFL Houston Oilers.

Homer Jones, who invented the football spike after a score, was a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the New York Giants. He still holds the NFL record for yards per catch with a 22.3 career average on 224 receptions. Jones was drafted two picks ahead of Brezina.

John Sisk Jr., whose dad once played five years for the Chicago Bears, played in three games for Bears in 1964. It was a year after he was drafted.

The 1964 Chargers drafted Frank Kinard Jr., son of Hall of Famer Frank "Bruiser" Kinard, was one of five University of Mississippi players drafted by Bolts that year. Two made the made pros, but joined the NFL instead.

Bill Curry, a future NFL and college head coach, was the second to last pick in the 1964 NFL Draft. He went to two of Pro Bowls.

Tom Carr was the last pick in the 1966 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. He eventually played four games for New Orleans Saints in 1968.

The 1972 draft saw Stan White and Ted Washington selected back to back with three picks left. Both linebackers lasted 11 years

Charlie Wade was the last pick in 1974 by the Miami Dolphins. He would become a member of the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs until 1977. Wade finished with 39 catches for 683 yards and a score, all of which was in 1974 for the Bears.

Bill Kenney is the only Mr. Irrelevant to go to a Pro Bowl for the NFL. Selected by the Miami Dolphins in 1978, he was cut and was out of the league until 1980.

He started three games for the Kansas City Chiefs that year, and was their starting quarterback for much of his eight years with them. He led the NFL in passing attempts and completions in 1983, his Pro Bowl year. Kenney finished his career with the Washington Redskins in 1989.

Kenney shared the title of Mr Irrelevant of 1978 despite being the second to last pick. Lee Washburn, a guard for the Dallas Cowboys, was the final pick who never went to training camp because of an injured back.

Drew Hill, a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, was the third to last pick in 1979.

Tyrone McGriff was the last pick in 1980, by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started 10 of 16 as a rookie, 20 as a reserve next two years. McGriff then joined United States Football League for three years before retiring. He is a member of College Football Hall of Fame.

Tim Washington, the last pick in the 1982 draft by the San Francisco 49ers, played one game each for the Niners and Chiefs that year.

John Tuggle was the last pick in 1983 by the New York Giants. The fullback started five of 16 games, while getting 17 carries for 49 yards and a score. He died of cancer three years later.

Anthony Carter was selected one pick earlier than Tuggle. The wide receiver went to three Pro Bowls after finishing three years in the USFL where he won a championship and was All-USFL twice. He still holds NFL records for 642 all-purpose yards and 221 punt return yards in one postseason game.

Only eight of the 28 last round draft picks in 1987 didn't play in the NFL. Current Carolina Panthers quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, son of Hall of Famer Don Shula, was one of the eight.

Tyrone Braxton, the second to last pick, made a Pro Bowl and won two Super Bowl rings in five attempts. Fred Stokes, picked two slots ahead of Braxton, earned a Super Bowl ring as well.

Norman Jefferson was Mr. Irrelevant that year. He played two seasons for that Packers, appearing in 14 games while returning 11 kicks and punts.

Matt Elliott was the last pick in 1992 by the Washington Redskins. After playing one year in Washington, starting two of 16 games, he was out of the league a few years. Elliott joined the Carolina Panthers in 1995 and played three years there. He started in 32 of 47 games for them.

Just six of 28 picks in the last round of the1994 draft did not play in NFL, a year after the NFL shortened their draft to just seven rounds. Pro Bowl players like Gus Frerotte and Jamal Anderson were among the 22 who did.

The Denver Broncos found two starters on the offensive line in the final round. Tom Nalen and Keith Burns helped Denver win two Super Bowls. Nalen went to five Pro Bowls.

Marty Moore was the final choice in 1994, made by the New England Patriots. Moore started 11 times over six seasons, helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl XXXI.

He joined the Cleveland Browns in 2000 and started nine games before heading back to New England the next year. Though he played three games before getting hurt, he earned a Super Bowl XXXVI ring after the Patriots won the first championship in franchise history.

Michael Reed was the Carolina Panthers Mr. Irrelevant in 1995. He appeared in three games over two seasons.

Jim Finn was the final pick in 1999, made by the Bears The fullback didn't make the Bears and sat out that year, but he joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2000 and played three years with them.

Finn joined the New York Giants in 2003 and lasted four years before injuries ended his career. He has a Super Bowl XLII ring and averaged over seven yards er attempt on 60 career carries.

Mike Green was the last pick of the 2000 draft by the Bears. He became the starting strong safety in 2002, lasting three years. Green left Chicago after 2005 and was with the Seattle Seahawks in 2007 before joining the Washington Redskins the next season and retiring at the end of the year.

Ramzee Robinson was the final pick in 2007, made by the Detroit Lions After 19 games over two seasons with Detroit, Robinson spent 2009 with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. After not playing in 2010, he is trying out for the Browns this year.

David Vobora was the last pick in 2008, selected by the Saint Louis Rams After three seasons in Saint Louis, where he started 16 of 34 games at linebacker, Vobora joined the Seattle Seahawks this year.

Ryan Succop was "Mr. Irrelevant" 2009, drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been the Chiefs kicker ever since he was drafted, and has 206 points so far.

While no player picked last in NFL drafts has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame, quite a few have made a significant contribution to the game. Two made Pro Bowls, and one was inducted into his franchises Hall of Fame.

Though the shortening of the drafts to seven rounds makes the surprise of "Mr. Irrelevant" making a roster much less exciting, it is quite an accomplishment for any player to get drafted. Making the team and even seeing action on the field is a huge accomplishment as well.

Though a bigger draft would be better, training camp time is shrinking and organizations today seem much less interested in finding the next "Night Train" Lane from virtual obscurity and watching them get inducted into Canton.

The NFL future of the current group of "Mr. Irrelevant's" is unknown right now, but it is quite clear their presence today makes the game better.

NFL 2011 Waiver Wire Raffle : Each Teams Needs Before Preseason Ends

2011-08-25T19:35:00.003-04:00

Arizona Cardinals : Running Back

Gambling that oft-injured Beanie Wells will be able to carry the load at halfback could be a huge mistake. Arizona was banking on rookie Ryan Williams as his backup when they traded Tim Hightower a few weeks ago, but now Williams is lost for the season with a knee injury.

Larod Stephens-Howling and Alfonso Smith is what is left on the depth chart, not exactly what many NFL teams would want to play an entire season with. Stephens-Howling is a diminutive third down specialist, while Smith sat mostly on the Cardinals practice squad last year.

When Wells has been healthy, he has been a bit of a 2009 first round draft pick failure. He averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last year, and has started just twice in his career.

The Big Red needs at least one more running back in camp now, but they will have to wait until a quality back becomes available. Teams like the New Orleans Saints are loaded with experienced backs, so the Cards maybe should wait until the Saints start to trim their crowded backfield.

Atlanta Falcons : Wide Receiver

The Falcons are certainly set with their top three pass catchers, but depth beyond that is questionable and mostly unproven. Eric Weems is a Pro Bowl return specialist with 13 career receptions over three years, but Atlanta may prefer not to throw the tiny Weems too many passes to keep him healthy.

Kerry Meier, a fifth-round draft pick last year who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, might get the job. Yet the Falcons will rely on 2011 first round draft pick Julio Jones heavily, so there is a chance the Falcons would like one more veteran on the depth chart.

Roddy White is the top target in the passing attack for Atlanta, but the fourth receiver has an important role in the high powered Atlanta offense. Bran Finneran, who spent 11 seasons with the team until retiring after last year, caught 19 passes and three touchdowns in that role last season.

The New York Giants have 10 receivers with NFL experience in camp, so maybe the Falcons should keep an eye on the Jints when they start cutting players.

Baltimore Ravens : Defensive Back

Baltimore lost three key players to free agency, none bigger than strong safety Dawan Landry. Yet the other two, Josh Wilson and Fabian Washington, were starters at cornerback. Chris Carr is the only returning starter at cornerback.

Drafting Jimmy Smith in the first round helped, as will the return of veteran Domonique Foxworth. Foxworth missed 2010 because of an injury.

Getting steady veteran Bernard Pollard to compete with Tom Zbikowski at strong safety was a good move. Free safety is set with future Hall of Famer Ed Reed backed up by versatile Lardarius Webb and Haruki Nakamura.

Yet the looming question is if to continue with Cary Williams or look to get an upgrade. The 13 games he appeared last year was a career best for the third-year pro. 2010 practice squad member Danny Gorrer and 2011 fifth round draft pick Chykie Brown, the third Texas Longhorn cornerback drafted this year, are also vying for this key job.

Baltimore carried five cornerbacks last year, and all were needed in a pass-happy NFL. Brown might have an edge on the job, but getting a proven veteran to add depth would not be a bad move either.

Buffalo Bills : Wide Receiver

Trading top receiver Lee Evans was a move for the future, but he will be missed this year. If you look at the group of receivers in the Bills camp now, it is hard to be impressed.

Steve Johnson, who caught 82 of his 94 career receptions in 2010, broke out last year. The fourth-year pro is now the primary receiver who is expected to have Roscoe Parrish as his bookend.

Questions begin after the starters. Brad Smith is a former college quarterback who is versatile enough to line up at receiver or running back. Yet he has always been a complimentary player instead of relied upon heavily.

Buster Davis never lived up to expectations with the San Diego Chargers for four years after the Bolts wasted a first round pick on him. Phil Hubbard is a fourth-year pro with one career catch whose career highlight is getting in trouble with the law a few weeks ago. Felton Huggins has been with the Bills practice squad since 2007.

David Nelson is a tall receiver who had some impact last year after making the team as an undrafted free agent rookie. Donald Jones, also undrafted last year, had five starts and 18 receptions for the Bills. Marcus Easley, drafted in the fourth round last year, spent 2010 on injured reserve.

Local product Naaman Roosevelt, yet another undrafted rookie, had nine catches and a start. Kamar Aiken is an undrafted rookie the Bills signed this year. He is a big kid who was last seen sending veteran Denver Broncos safety David Bruton to the hospital after Bruton attemped to tackle him after a catch.

Not exactly an inspiring group of receivers, on paper, that will put fear into opponents. Buffalo was 28th in scoring last year, and they will be hard pressed not to duplicate that feat in 2011.

This team should take a long look at the waiver wire, because gambling that the current corps can carry the team to victory in 2011 could end up being a huge mistake.

Carolina Panthers : Defensive End

Carolina has eight defensive tackles in camp and six defensive ends. Depth behind projected starters Charles Johnson, who had 11.5 sacks and 62 tackles last year, and 2011 first round pick Everette Brown is questionable.

Greg Hardy is good enough to challenge Brown for the staring job. In limited play during his 2010 rookie year, he got 30 tackles, three sacks, and a safety.

Eric Norwood, an undersized player drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, gave Carolina three tackles last year. He is the only other veteran defensive end in camp behind the starters.

The Panthers had a difficult time trying to stop the run last year. Their starting safeties had to come up often to help and combined for 163 tackles last year. They drafted defensive tackle Terrell McClain in the third round of the 2011 draft to help out inside.

The team has pass rushers at defensive end, but checking the waiver wire for a veteran who is good at stopping the run would help.

Chicago Bears : Blockers

The 2011 free agent signing of Chris Spencer was a good move, but the Bears first preseason game showed that the offensive line could still be an issue like last year. Quarterback Jay Cutler's few plays were of him running for his life whenever he wanted to pass.

Robert Garza has been a Bear since 2005, and the team knows they can rely on him. After that, there are a lot of unknowns in the unit.

J'Marcus Webb was a 2010 seventh-round selection who ended up being a starter at left tackle because 2008 first-round draft pick Chris Williams had to move to guard after not panning out at the position. 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi is expected to start at right tackle.

Besides the versatile Edwin Williams, depth has questions. Lance Louis has been with the Bears since 2009 and has four starts in 16 games in his career. Frank Omiyale has been in the league since 2005, yet has appeared in just 43 games.

The rest of the group consists of practice squad players and undrafted free agents. Chicago should see if any serviceable offensive linemen get released to improve the overall quality of depth on this unit.

Injuries often happen in the trenches, making reserves key players here. Chris Williams has already missed 10 games in his three years, further making it necessary for the Bears to look at the waiver wire intently.

Cincinnati Bengals : Defensive Line

Losing starting quarterback Carson Palmer this year is a tough, but necessary, move for the Bengals. The team looked so out of kilter in their preseason games, pundits are already predicting a miserable season for the team.

Their defensive line is full of players sought after out of college, yet quite a few haven't done well in the pros. Players like Jason Shirley and Victor Adeyanju are mid-round draft picks who have spent the bulk of their careers on practice squads.

Frostee Rucker has given Cincinnati only 61 tackles since being a third-round selection in 2006. Clinton McDonald, a seventh-round pick in 2009, has two career tackles. Jonathan Fanene has given the Bengals just 79 tackles since being drafted in 2005.

Geno Atkins is slated to start at defensive tackle and had just 16 tackles during his 2010 rookie year. Pat Sims is challenging Atkins for the job, but Sims has not exactly been stout against the run always. Domata Peko is the other projected starter at defensive tackle

Defensive end might be the best area along the Bengals defensive line. Michael Johnson's starting job might be in jeopardy this year after Carlos Dunlap had 9.5 sacks in 12 games during his 2010 rookie year. Robert Geathers, who has started in five of his last six years, is the nephew of former pass rushing great Jumpy Geathers.

The inside, besides Peko, is a question mark for a team that was 26th in points allowed in 2010. Depth at every position is certainly an issue, in terms of proven quality guys.

As the Bengals move into 2011 without offensive stars Palmer and Chad Ochocinco for the first time since 2003. The defense needs to pick up the slack, but the questions all along the defensive line may prevent that. The Bengals need to be active when the waiver wire becomes filled with free agents.

Cleveland Browns : Quarterback

Colt McCoy has Cleveland exited because he is a very promising quarterback capable of leading the Browns far one day. His backup is veteran Seneca Wallace, who has starters experience.

Yet that is as far as it goes. Undrafted rookie Troy Weatherhead and journeyman Jarrett Brown are not the answer as the third quarterback.

While Brown fans prefer Wallace doesn't even play, because that would mean McCoy was healthy all year, history has shown many teams requiring the services three or more quarterbacks in a season. The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers both used four quarterbacks last season, and several teams saw three quarterbacks in action.

There will be serviceable quarterbacks cut during training camp. Players better than Brown or Weatherhead. Cleveland needs to recognize history and upgrade this situation as soon as possible.

Dallas Cowboys : Trench Help

When you look on both sides of the Cowboys trenches, it is hard to be impressed. This has been the weakness of the team for a few years and it appears it will be yet again in 2011.

Dallas did draft 20-year old rookie Tyron Smith in the first round this year to start at right tackle, and the Cowboys have hopes for him. Phil Costa, who made the team as an undrafted free agent rookie last year, is slated to start at left guard with only four career NFL games on his resume.

Left tackle Doug Free, center Andre Gurode, and guard Kyle Kosier return as starters for an offensive line that had their running backs ground out just 1,443 yards and eight scores last season.

The reserves consist of undrafted free agent rookies, 2011 fourth round choice David Arkin, journeymen Montrae Holland and Jeremy Parnell, and Sam Young, who appeared in just two games during his 2010 rookie year.

It doesn't get a lot better on the other side of the ball for Dallas either. Besides nose tackle Jay Ratliff and defensive end Igor Olshansky, there defensive line is riddled with questions.

Marcus Spears is expected to start at defensive end, but he has not given Dallas much since they used a first-round pick on him in 2005. The reserves are even more questionable.

Jouneyman Kenyon Coleman returns to Dallas since leaving them after the 2006 season. He is the only known commodity on the Cowboys bench for the defensive line.

Clifton Geathers is the younger brother of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers. Dallas is his fourth team since being drafted last year. He is battling Jason Hatcher, who has been on the Cowboys bench since 2006, for the right to back up Olishansky.

Nose tackle is even worse. Sean Lissemore, Josh Brent, and Jimmy Sadler-McQueen are all fairly inexperienced players trying to back up Ratliff. This area could be an issue if Ratliff gets hurt, though he has hasn't missed a game in each of his last three Pro Bowl seasons.

Dallas will get pushed around again if they do not get better players along the line. This will force them to rely too heavily on the pass like last year. There will be NFL-caliber linemen cut in training camp, so getting these types in a Cowboys uniform would most likely represent an upgrade that their respective positions.

Denver Broncos : Defensive Tackle

While ESPN and all non-journalists huddle around the locker of third-string quarterback Tim Tebow, Denver has more important issues to address.

The Broncos were excited when they signed free agent defensive tackle Ty Warren this year, but that recently changed because Warren suffered a triceps injury and many think he will not play this season.

Marcus Thomas, who lost his starting job in 2008, will now be challenging journeyman Kevin Vickerson now to start next to Broderick Bunkley on a team that ranked last in points allowed last year. Denver was also second to last in run defense in 2010.

Vickerson played well at times last season, so he is expected by many to start. After that, the interior of the Broncos defense is a huge question.

Journeyman DeMario Pressley joins former defensive end Ryan McBean with undrafted rookie free agents Mitch Unrein and Ronnell Brown as the only defensive tackles left on the roster.

Denver has a lot of pass rushing defensive ends not known for being stout against the run, so the run stopping abilities from the defensive tackle position becomes even more important. The Broncos definitely need more proven players at this position, so watching the waiver wire may be their best option right now.

Detroit Lions : Running Back

Losing 2011 second-round pick Mikel LeShore hurts an up and coming team some think has what it takes to reach the playoffs this season. Detroit lost seven games in 2010 by eight or less points, an experience that typically matures teams and makes them better the following season.

LeShore was expected to be the "Mr. Inside" to Jahvid Best's "Mr. Outside." Best had a nice rookie season in 2010 when healthy, which wasn't very frequent. It became quickly apparent that Best is best used in passing downs with 10 to 15 carries a game.

Now with the loss of the back expected to pick up the slack, Detroit is scrambling for a replacement. Maurice Morris is a 10-year back whose best days are long behind him, which can also be said for journeyman Mike Bell.

Aaron Brown and Jerome Harrison are like Best, small backs best used in the passing attack. All that is left in camp is Ian Johnson, who has bounced around on several practice squads since entering the NFL in 2009.

All that is out there now is guys like Lendale White, Clinton Portis, Tiki Barber, Brian Westbrook, and Laurence Maroney. White is a back who specializes in carries between the tackles, so he may be an upgrade over Morris and Bell.

Detroit might have to wait until the final cuts to see what is out there, because it is doubtful the current backs in their camp offer much relief for Best.

Green Bay Packers : Defensive End

It is hard to pick a position on a defending champion that is bringing back nearly everyone after winning it all with seemingly half the roster injured.

Losing Cullen Jenkins to free agency hurt, considering the Packers haven't really replaced him. They did draft Lawrence Guy in the seventh round of this years draft, as well as invite free agents Chris Donaldson and Elisha Joseph to camp.

Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson might be fine with the current group of defensive linemen and do nothing. But it is a group that, other than B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett, is comprised of young unproven players like Mike Neal, C.J. Wilson, and Jay Ross along with veteran journeyman Howard Green.

Houston Texans : Wide Receiver

After Andre Johnson, one of the best in the game, there is a big drop in talent at wide receiver for Houston. This will make the tight end a very key member of the passing attack.

Kevin Walter is a nice possession type who works best in the slot, he and Jacoby Jones both caught 51 passes in 2010. Yet both combined to average just over 11 yards per reception. While both are solid, they are best as complimentary players as opposed to starters.

Journeyman Devard Darling has six NFL years under his belt, but spent last year in the UFL. He has the ability to stretch the field, but consistency has always been his issue. The same can be said for Paul Williams, who also didn't play last year after four years with the Tennessee Titans.

Dorin Dickerson is a former collegiate tight end who was drafted in the seventh round last season. He spent 2010 on the practice squad as he makes the transition to wide receiver. The rest of the wide receivers unit is practice squad types and undrafted free agents.

There may not be superstar quality to hit the NFL waiver wire in the coming days, but there could be players who represent an upgrade over what the Texans have on their roster right now. Getting a solid receiver to bookend Johnson would help the team a lot.

Indianapolis Colts : Defensive Linemen

The Colts signed free agents Tommie Harris, Tyler Brayton, and Jammal Anderson to help their porous defensive line. They also selected defensive tackle Drake Nevis in the third round on the 2011 draft.

The returns have been less than promising so far in preseason. The run defense has given up 384 yards, 19 first downs, and three touchdowns in their first two games. This is cause for concern, even the casual fan tries to write it off as "just preseason."

The Colts seem to go as far as quarterback Peyton Manning takes them, but Manning will have difficulty if opponents run down his teams throats and control the clock each week. As great as the future Hall of Famer is, time of possession control typically wins games in the NFL.

Getting better players to stop the run is needed by Indianapolis. They have two undersized pass rushing defensive ends in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, yet neither is exactly stout against the run.

Colts general manager Bill Polian will need to watch the waiver wire and hope a run stuffing defensive lineman becomes available. If not, the Colts will suffer much of 2011 with their current group.

Jacksonville Jaguars : Linebacker

The Jags plunked down $45 million on oft-injured free agent middle linebacker Paul Posluszny, a tackling machine when healthy. They also signed Clint Session, who has played all 16 games just once in his four years.

Daryl Smith, drafted by the Jags in the second round of the 2004 draft, has the most tackles in team history. He has played every linebacker position for Jacksonville and seems to get better yearly. Smith is expected to start with Posluszny and Session.

After that, the questions begin with this unit. Important questions considering two of the starters have histories of not finishing seasons because of injury.

Russell Allen made the Jacksonville roster in 2009 as an undrafted rookie. He has nine starts, so the Jaguars feel comfortable with him backing up Posluszny.

Gerris Wilkerson is a veteran outside linebacker entering his sixth year. He earned a Super Bowl ring in 2007 and brings a winners attitude to the team.

He will compete with a pair of undrafted players who made the Jags roster last year in Jacob Cutera and Kyle Bosworth, the nephew of former NFL player Brian "The Boz" Bosworth, for the backup position.

Slade Norris has minimal NFL experience, having spent most of his two years in the NFL on practice squads. Aaron Morgan is the third undrafted linebacker who earned a spot on the Jacksonville roster last season. Promising Scott Lutrus and Michael Lockley are a pair of undrafted rookies also trying to make the team.

Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio played 12 years in the NFL as a linebacker. Mark Duffner, a former head coach of the University of Maryland, is his linebackers coach. The pair, along with defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, know what they are doing.

Yet a group of undrafted and unproven players backing up starters known to get hurt frequently does not look good on paper at least. Perhaps grabbing a linebacker or two, with sound NFL experience, off the waiver wire would help upgrade the Jacksonville linebackers unit.

Kansas City Chiefs : Quarterback

The story of Chiefs starting quarterback Matt Cassel is like straight from a movie. A career backup in college. he made the New England Patriots team in 2005 after being drafted in the seventh round. He got to back up future Hall of Famer Tom Brady with the Patriots as he learned his craft.

All of his schooling came to fruition in 2008, when he was thrust onto the field after Brady was hurt in the first game. Cassel won 10 games that year, forcing New England to place a franchise tag on him.

He was then traded to the Chiefs, and Cassel has won 14 games in his two seasons with the young and improving Chiefs. While he has yet to get hurt, the backups on Kansas City are far from being considered excellent.

Tyler Palko is fighting 2011 fifth-round draft pick Ricky Stanzi for the right to back Cassel up. Palko has just a little more experience, having bounced around on six different professional football teams since 2007.

Yet neither are what experts would consider ready to lead the team if Cassel goes down to injury. Kansas City may want to check that waiver wire for veteran quarterbacks cut in the next few weeks, if there will be any in a league that has very few good ones at the position despite all the rules that try to help the quarterback succeed.

Miami Dolphins : Wide Receiver

Miami has Brandon Marshall, who has had a drama-filled career in the NFL, and Davone Bess as their starting wide receivers. Third-year pro Brian Hartline, who started 12 games last year, also had a decent season in 2010.

It is an uncertain group after them. Journeymen like Patrick Carter and John Matthews are fighting second-year undrafted players like Roberto Wallace and Marlon Moore for roster spots.

Julius Pruitt is a practice squad player who also wants a job, as does undrafted free agent rookie Phillip Livas. Speedy Clyde Gates, who the Dolphins selected in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, is also in the mix.

The top three receivers are set in Miami, but the inexperience that follows has to be cause for concern. Miami want to snag a veteran off the waiver wire just in case one of their starters gets hurt.

Minnesota Vikings : Defensive Tackle

Losing run stuffer Pat Williams to retirement forced Minnesota to draft Christian Ballard. The Vikings have a huge contingent of players in camp after losing several key players from last season.

Not only did they bring in eight defensive ends, Minnesota has seven defensive tackles in camp. The only defensive tackle that is a known commodity is Pro Bowler Kevin Williams.

Letroy Guion was drafted by the Vikings in 2008, but it took until last year for him to contribute. Fred Evans has been a Viking five years and has 34 tackles. Minnesota is the seventh team Remi Ayodele has been on since 2006, but he did win a Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints in 2009 and has been a starter the last two years after bouncing around the NFL.

Tremaine Johnson has spent the last two years on the Vikings practice squad. Colby Whitlock is an undrafted free agent rookie trying to stick.

Losing a Pro Bowler who clogged the middle of the defence since 2005 hurts, and getting a player with any semblance of those abilities is a daunting task. Ballard was a bit of a steal in the fourth round, since some draft pundits had him gone in the second round.

Ayodele is capable of starting for the Vikings, but it would not be a bad idea looking at the waiver wire for a proven veteran to flesh out the rotation on the depth chart.

New England Patriots : Outside Linebacker

It is hard to point out any kind of weakness on a team as loaded with talent as the Patriots, yet the outside linebacker position has typically been the spot of New England in many of the 11 years Bill Belichick has been their head coach.

Jermaine Cunningham was a second-round pick last year who collected just 34 tackles in his rookie year. After playing in just eight games in his first three years for two teams in the NFL, Rob Ninkovich has played in 31 for the Patriots since 2009. He started 10 games last year and is expected to start again this season.

The reserves are a potpourri of unknowns. Dane Fletcher gave the Pats a pair of sacks in the 13 games he appeared in during his 2010 rookie year after making the team as a undrafted free agent.

Eight-year veteran Niko Koutouvides is hoping to add quality depth, as is 2011 sixth-round draft pick Markell Carter. It is a young group that will be mentored by defensive coordinator, and former NFL linebacker, Pepper Johnson, Patrick Graham, and Belichick.

While Belichick may add a veteran to this unit from the waiver wire, he may be content with what he has now on his roster.

New Orleans Saints : Defensive Line

After watching the Houston Texans gain near 150 yards on the ground, while averaging about 10 yards per carry in the first half, the Saints newly acquired defensive linemen looked like last years group.

Aubrayo Franklin, Shaun Rogers, and Turk McBride were brought in as free agents, as was 2011 first-round draft pick Cameron Jordan. The Saints are hoping the performance against the Texans was a one time thing.

Journeymen Mitch King and Tom Johnson join unproven players like Junior Galette to try to help out. Fifth-year pro Jeff Charleston had the best year of his career in 2010 with the Saints.

Veteran defensive ends Alex Brown and Will Smith start, and the pair combined for 77 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season. Not exactly superb numbers from a pair that should be in their prime right now.

New Orleans has allowed 344 yards and three scores at an average of over 5.5 yards per carry during the preseason so far. Getting better is a must, and it may take getting a few guys off the waiver wire for them to do so.

New York Giants : Tight End

You'd think that losing Terrell Thomas, Brian Witherspoon, and Bruce Johnson for the year would have the G-Men looking for cornerbacks. You may be correct but the team has depth there. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster have starting experience.

Joe Burnett has NFL experience, and Brian Jackson has been on practice squads since 2009. Factor in 2011 top pick Prince Amukamara, the Jints look decent here if he returns soon from a foot injury.

But losing starting tight end Kevin Boss to free agency might hurt. Journeymen Daniel Coats and Bear Pascoe are known mostly for their blocking. Jake Ballard spent his 2010 rookie year on the practice squad as an undrafted free agent.

This possibly leaves the pass catching onus on Travis Beckum, who was a third-round selection by the Giants in 2009. Beckum has just 21 receptions so far in his career.

While the Giants are filled with excellent wide receivers on their roster, getting a tight end who can do even half the job Boss once did would help. New York thought they had that when they signed free agent Ben Patrick, but Patrick suddenly retired five days after joining the team.

Getting an upgrade for tight end or conerback off the waiver wire might be the way to go.

New York Jets : Wide Receiver

Getting free agents Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason were good moves, even if both are 34 and 37-years old respectively. Their experience should mesh well with Santonio Holmes in the receivers corps.

Yet there are questions after this trio. Third-year pro Patrick Turner has two career receptions, and fifth-year veteran Logan Payne has three.

The rest are rookies. Scotty McKnight was a seventh-round pick this year, and Jeremy Kerley was selected in the fifth round. Undrafted free agents Courtney Smith, Dan DePalma, and Michael Campbell are also trying to make the team.

If any of the veteran trio gets injured, the Jets could be in trouble if they decide to go with the unproven youngsters. Claiming a proven veteran off the waiver wire may be a wise move.

Oakland Raiders : Wide Receiver

The Raiders have a young group at wide receiver, so inconsistency has been prevalent with this group. Darrius Heyward-Bay has just 35 career receptions since being the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft.

Louis Murphy, picked in the fourth round of the same draft, has 75 receptions. Chaz Schilens was drafted in 2008 and has 49 career catches. Shaun Bodiford, who has bounced around the league since 2006, has one career reception.

Derek Hagan has 64 receptions since joining the NFL in 2006. Chad Jackson, who also entered the league in 2006, has 14 career receptions. Nick Miller, now entering his third season with the Raiders, has three career receptions.

Jacoby Ford electrified the NFL in his 2010 rookie season by setting a Raiders team record with three touchdowns off kickoff returns. He also found time to catch 25 balls at an impressive 18.8 yards per catch average.

Raider wide receivers gave the team just 112 receptions in 2010, three less than both Andre Johnson and Roddy White had by themselves last year. This unit needs to step up in 2011 if Oakland wants to seriously compete for the AFC West title.

It is very rare a team gets a player off the waiver wire who can contribute a Pro Bowl performance with their new team, but Oakland could settle for a savvy veteran who knows how to get open running crisp routes. Newly hired offensive coordinator Al Saunders will have his hands full if the Raiders decide to go another season with a group of youngsters trying to learn on the fly.

Philadelphia Eagles : Linebacker

Vince Young put a target on the Eagles early by dubbing them the "Dream Team." The rest of the NFL had already seen the team load up their roster with top free agents, so Young's words provide them nothing but inspiration.

Yet this stacked team still has areas of concern. None are bigger than linebacker. The three linebackers Philadelphia plans to start has 132 career tackles combined.

Moise Fokou is the graybeard of the starters, having been selected in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. Jamar Cheney, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2010 draft, will bookend him at outside linebacker.

The starting middle linebacker with be rookie Casey Matthews, who comes from one of the NFL's most famous families. His grandfather Clay Matthew Sr. played offensive tackle in the 1950's. His dad, Clay Jr,, played 19 years as an NFL linebacker. His older brother, Clay Matthews III, is a Pro Bowl linebacker for the world champion Green Bay Packers.

If that wasn't enough legacy, his uncle is Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. His cousin, Kevin Matthews, is being coached by Bruce as a center for the Tennessee Titans.

At 6'1" 231, Casey Matthews is not the prototypical size to play middle linebacker. Yet he has more than his expert family to learn from. Linebackers coach Mike Caldwell played 11 years in the NFL as a linebacker.

After this young trio, the backups are even more questionable. Akeem Jordan has been with the team since 2007 and has 178 career tackles. Rashad Jeanty has been in the NFL since 2006 and has 214 career tackles.

Keenan Clayton was drafted in the fourth round last year and had 11 tackles in the seven games he played in. Greg Lloyd Jr., the son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Greg Lloyd Sr., was picked in the seventh round of the 2011 draft. Brian Rolle was selected in the sixth round of this years draft.

This young unit is unknown by everyone but the Eagles coaching staff. The team may go with these kids, but it wouldn't be a bad move to snag any veteran linebackers who finds their way on the waiver wire.

Pittsburgh Steelers : Tight End

The Steelers are loaded with talent, so picking the tight end position in need of depth upgrade is reaching.

Heath Miller is the starter, as he has been his entire six seasons since drafted by Steelers in 2005. Veteran John Gilmore has played since 2002 because he is an excellent blocker.

After those two, Pittsburgh basically has H-Backs. David Johnson is used as a blocking fullback, as is Jamie McCoy. These two are vying to become the starting fullback.

Undrafted free agents Miguel Chavis, Vaughn Charlton, and Weslye Saunders are all trying to make the team. Saunders is an intriguing prospect.

He was rated a first-round talent by some with his 6'5" 267 frame and soft hands, then was told he would be ineligible for the draft because he violated team rules in college and did not play in 2010 after lying to the NCAA. He was reinstated later on, but went undrafted.

Yet Pittsburgh may want to take a look at any veteran tight ends on the waiver wire to add more quality depth.

Saint Louis Rams : Defensive Tackle
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The young Rams are just about everyone's list as the next surprising team to make the playoffs in 2011. They have built a strong team in their rebuilding process over that last few years, and are just lacking in experience in some areas.

The one area that could use more proven bodies is at defensive tackle. Fred Robbins and Justin Bannon are a pair of wily veterans who should start this year. Darell Scott, entering his third year with the team, will try to back them up.

Gary Gibson, who started last year but gave the team just 18 tackles, returns. Daniel Muir has been in the NFL since 2007 and has 23 career tackles. Jermelle Cudjo had 13 tackles as an undrafted rookie last year.

Undrafted rookie John Henderson is the other defensive tackle in camp. Looking at the depth chart at this position, it is hard to get excited past the starters. The Rams may want to consider upgrading here by checking the waiver wire in the weeks to come.

San Diego Chargers : Running Back

Ryan Mathews had a tough 2010 rookie season, missing four games because of injury. The Bolts turned to fullback Mike Tolbert to carry the load, and he responded by leading the team in rushing and scoring 11 times.

San Diego lost Darren Sproles to free agency, so their best pass catching back left on the roster now may be Tolbert. Jacob Hester has given next to nothing since the Chargers reached on him in the third round of the 2008 draft.

Curtis Brinkley made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2009, but wasn't able to play until the next year after being shot by unknown assailants. He has just two career carries. Frank Summers was signed as a free agent, and he is a lot like Tolbert and Hester in that fullback who can play some halfback mold.

Jordan Todman slid to the sixth round of the 2011 draft, but the diminutive back is leading the team in rushing and receiving this preseason. Shawnbry McNeil, Dean Rogers, Brandon Sullivan, and Isaac Odim are all free agents trying to make the team.

If Mathews has another season interrupted by injuries this year, Tolbert will be the main rushing weapon. Yet there doesn't seem to be much behind him if he gets hurt. San Diego might want to watch the waiver wire to improve the quality of their reserves.

San Francisco 49ers : Defensive End

Signing veteran journeyman Josh McCown just barely took quarterback off this list here, but this is a weak position for the team because their starter is inconsistent and their rookie project will take several years to be ready.

After starting defensive end Justin Smith, who has made the Pro Bowl the last two seasons, the other end position has opened up. Isaac Sopoaga moves back to nose tackle to replace the departed Aubrayo Franklin after playing defensive end for the past three years.

Ray McDonald, who has mostly been a reserve since the Niners used a third-round pick on him in 2007, is expected to start. Will Tukuafu, Demarcus Dobbs, and Brian Bulke are all undrafted and unproven.

To say San Francisco is dreadfully thin at defensive end is a kind understatement. This team really needs to scour the waiver wire to upgrade the depth at this position.

Seattle Seahawks : Middle Linebacker

David Hawthorne moves back to middle linebacker after playing on the outside last year. The fourth-year pro, who made the team as an undrafted rookie, had 116 tackles and four interceptions playing in the middle during the 2009 season.

If he gets hurt, Seattle has two unknowns behind him. Rookie K.J. Wright, who was drafted in the fourth round, and Michael Johnson, who tried out for the team last year, are trying to backup Hawthorne.

It may be a good move for Seattle to get a proven player behind Hawthorne. Since Seattle was 21st in rushing yards allowed last season, this would be smart in case one of their better defenders season is cut short by injury.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Running Back

Losing reserve halfback Cadillac Williams may hurt more than expected. LeGarrette Blount resurrected his career last season by gaining 1,007 yards at a five yards per carry average. Earnest Graham, who was the teams feature back in 2007, has become a blocking fullback.

After those two, the questions begin. Kregg Lumpkin, who has been in the NFL since 2008, has two career carries. Allen Bradford was drafted in the sixth round this season and leads the Bucs in rushing this preseason. Yet he and Blount are averaging just two yards per carry so far.

Tampa Bay is gambling Blount is not a one-year wonder. If he is, there could be problems unless the Buccaneers grab a proven running back off the waiver wire to back him up.

Tennessee Titans : Outside Linebacker

Signing underrated free agent middle linebacker Barrett Ruud helps fill the huge hole the departed Stephen Tulloch left. But the outside linebackers of the Titans are a mix of experience and unknown youth.

Will Witherspoon enters his 11th season in the league. He is solid at every linebacker position, and has been a consistent tackler wherever he has played. He will have Akeem Ayers, the Titans second-round pick this year, bookending him.

Gerald McRath, Tim Shaw, Patrick Bailey, Rennie Curran, John Stokes, and Jonathan Cornell vie for the reserve jobs. McRath has started 12 games since being drafted in 2009 by Tennessee.

Shaw is on his fourth team since 2007 and is mostly a special teams contributor. Bailey has also contributed mainly on special teams since he joined the NFL in 2008, and has a Super Bowl ring. Curran was drafted in the third round by Tennessee last year, and collected just seven tackles all season.

Ayers is a raw prospect who left college a year early to join the NFL. McRath is a good backup for him in case the youngster isn't ready to start. Yet the rest of the reserves are an unknown commodity.

Tennessee may decide to go with Curran an the other main backup, but it isn't a bad idea to see if the waiver wire can produce more quality depth.

Washington Redskins : Inside Linebacker

London Fletcher appears ageless, but the 36-year old will have to retire eventually. Rocky McIntosh starts next to him, but some critics feel he is a better fit as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

The Redskins are using converted defensive ends as outside linebackers, so the middle linebackers ability to tackle sideline to sideline becomes even more crucial. The people who back up the starters here are questionable.

Perry Riley was drafted in the fourth round last year, and it appears he is being groomed to one day take over for Fletcher. Keyaron Fox and Horatio Blades are mostly noted for their special teams contributions. Evan McBride is an undrafted free agent rookie trying to make the team.

If an experienced middle linebacker hits the waiver wire, the Redskins should seriously consider signing him. Fletcher and McIntosh rarely get hurt, but having an emergency backup plan isn't a bad idea in case Riley isn't up to the job just yet.

Tennessee Titans Gamble on Chris Johnson Shows Bud Adams Forgets His Past

2011-08-24T20:29:00.003-04:00

Chris Johnson is the best running back in the NFL today, and has been the past few seasons. He has accomplished this respect despite having virtually no help on offense besides his blockers.

Now Johnson wants to get paid like he is amongst the best in the NFL. The problem is that he plays a position where the average career doesn't last even two years. Gambling that a running back reliant on his speed can keep up his current pace after 925 carries in his first three seasons seems a bad bet to some.

Yet Johnson, the 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, has gone to the Pro Bowl all three years. His $12 million contract pales in comparison to the $40 million five-year deal Minnesota Vikings star halfback Adrian Peterson has.

Why Titans owner Bud Adams has allowed Johnson to miss so much training camp is bewildering. Adams is a maverick owner known for being aggressive to help his team win.

One of the original owners to kick-start the American Football League in 1960, Adams got the AFL front page headlines on most newspapers right away. He did this by taking on the established and powerful NFL.

Billy Cannon had just won the 1959 Heisman Trophy and was at the top of everyone's list as the most desired college football player in the 1960 draft. Pete Rozelle was still the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, but was about to assume the duties of NFL commissioner for the next 30 years.

Rozelle made it no secret the Rams, who owned the first pick of the 1960 NFL Draft, was going to select Cannon. Adams decided to go a route few saw coming.

During the 1959 Sugar Bowl, Adams found his way along the sideline. When the game ended, he approached Cannon and got him to sign an AFL contact to play with Adam's Houston Oilers. The Oilers, now named the Titans after moving to Tennessee in 1997, would win the first two AFL titles.

Rozelle was not pleased with how Adams got Cannon on his team, so he threatened legal action. Adams took the NFL to court and won. But he was not done helping stabilize the AFL. Adams was crucial in helping a struggling New York Titans franchise, now named the Jets, stay in business.

These were critical moves that gave the AFL more power and eventually force the NFL to merge the two leagues. Adams vision is big reason the AFC is in existence today.

You'd think a man that aggressive would not lollygag about and let his best player twist in the wind. Especially since the team just hired a new head coach and got rid of a quarterback who was supposed to be a star there for years.

Adams certainly hasn't lost the fire in his gut at 88-years old, as was seen in 2009 when Adams gave the bird to Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson during the Titans 41-14 victory. Old friends who started the AFL together, the playful Adams was eventually fined $250,000 for his obscene gesture.

Yet not giving Johnson a contract worthy of his skills may be the more obscene gesture that Adams has given in years. Typically overly generous and loyal to his team, Adams is not doing himself any favors by dragging on this contact dispute.

Johnson is in Titans headquarters trying to get a contact done so he can play football again. While Adams might want some clauses in the contract he eventually offers, because of the tenuous life an NFL running back lives, he should allow Johnson the opportunity to play and earn a paycheck that is along the lines of Peterson's huge contract.

Philadelphia Eagles Legend Norm "Wild Man" Willey Passes Away

2011-08-20T16:38:00.002-04:00

Norm Willey passed away at the age of 83-years old in Newark, Delaware on August 18, 2011. While many young Philadelphia Eagles fans may know nothing about him, he is one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history.

He was drafted by the Eagles in the 13th round of the 1950 draft. He was the 170th player picked overall. Nicknamed "Wild Man" by his teammates, Willey was known for for his reckless abandon on the field.

After a exceptional career in both football and basketball in college, Willey was later inducted into the Marshall University Athletics Hall of Fame. He quickly earned a starting job for the Eagles and intercepted a pass in his rookie year, taking it 41-yards for a touchdown. He also had a career high four fumbles recovered that year.

Willey picked off the last pass of his career in 1952 and scored the last touchdown of his career off of a fumble recovery in 1954. But Willey did more than tackle opponents. He also caught 2 passes for 50 yards in 1954.

He was named to his first Pro Bowl and lone All-Pro team that year. Willey would then make his final Pro Bowl team in 1955.

He retired after the 1957 season at 30-years old. Though he left the Eagles, he stayed in the area and dedicated his life to teaching kids both on and off the gridiron.

Teaching physical education and football, as well as being a driving instructor, Willy had a tremendous impact on Pennsville, New Jersey. The the Norm Willey Boot trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Pennsville-Pennsgrove football game.

Willey is one of the best pass rushers in the history of the Eagles, even if the record books cannot give him the respect he deserves. The NFL did not start recording the quarterback sack statistic officially until 1982. Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas had seven sacks in one game during the 1990 season, and this is called the NFL record.

"I guess I came along too soon," Willey once said."I'd get two or three a game, but no one kept count. If I played today, I'd be setting records and getting rich. Back then, no one paid attention to the defense."

Willey sacked New York Giants quarterback Charlie Conerly 17 times in one game during the 1952 season. A game that New York writers in that era said "Willey's the greatest defensive end we have ever seen, and probably the greatest we'll ever see."

Giants Hall of Fame halfback Frank Gifford once wrote that Willey was "very fast and we were very slow." Conerly left the field bleeding and limping, and Eagles coach Jim Trimble argued with the Giants chaplain, because the chaplain felt Conerly was abused too much.

Named the NFL Player of the Week for his monstrous day, Willey said the best moment was collecting $170 in incentive bonuses. Paid just $9,000 yearly, Willey was given $10 each time he hit the opposing quarterback.

It is a shame so many defensive statistics were overlooked for decades by the NFL, and it took until the 1980's for the league to start officially recognizing important ones like sacks and tackles. If Willey's day had been an official stat, it may sit along other notable accomplishments like Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak.

The "Wild Man" should be in the Eagles Ring of Honor. Not just for his Pro Bowls and incredible amount of sacks, but for what he did for the surrounding community for 60 years of his life.

Rest in Peace Norman Earle Willey.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Flexes His Moron Muscle on Terrelle Pryor

2011-08-19T03:24:00.003-04:00

Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison should consider nicknames like "Truth", "Nostradamus", or "The Thinker".

It has been the outspoken Harrison who has constantly railed against the NFL machine that Roger Goodell is the figurehead overseer of. He has said Goodell a "crook and a puppet", and also said that "I hate him and will never respect him.”

Pure gospel to any real football fan and any man who has played the game. Goodell gets praise for drawing a hard line on misbehavior, but he often crosses the line because his ego feels it subjugates the media and players. His minions whose only duty is to blindly follow any of his decisions to the letter.

Now Goodell has overstepped his job description again at the expense of Terrelle Pryor. Pryor, who wants to be a quarterback, is going to be involved in the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft.

To say Goodell has destroyed Pryor's draft stock and potential earnings throughout his career could be construed as accurate by some observers. Pryor is being forced by Goodell to serve a five-game suspension for infractions incurred at college, not the NFL.

While Pryor broke NCAA rules that would have forced him to miss five games for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season, if he had stayed in college, Goodell decided that his league still held jurisdiction over this matter. As if NCAA football was nothing more than a minor league system owned by the NFL.

Pryor already was heading to the NFL with a lot of baggage, no matter how his agent Drew Rosenhaus tried to ignore it. Pryor is a big athlete, but it is highly doubtful he will ever play quarterback in the NFL with his questionable fundamentals and abilities.

His best position most likely lies elsewhere on the field. Wide receiver, tight end, and even linebacker has been the opinion of several experts who have followed him since he began play at Ohio State.

Knowing this, teams may take a chance on him as early as the fourth round of the draft. Not this first, as his agent keeps telling anyone who will listen. The reasons are not based on purported character flaws, but the lack of ability to play the quarterback position at the next level.

Even with all the rules the NFL has put into place since 1978 to make a quarterbacks job easier, Pryor's footwork, release point, arm strength, decision-making abilities, and overall field vision are just some mechanics that will take too many years to refine enough to see if he has what it takes.

Goodell acted like the hunter in this decision, but he could soon become the hunted if Pryor plays this right. Goodell's ego has unwittingly put the NFL in a dangerous position.

This is saying something for an entity so strong, they had their television blackout rule pass through the U.S. Senate, Congress, and White House in mere hours. Besides maybe a declaration of war, rarely has this occurred in the history of the United States.

One day you may hear Pryor say he was defamed by Goodell's ruling, which also affected his earning potential and overall confidence in himself. The kind of rhetoric you often hear in lawsuits throughout the planet. If he ever is deemed to have a case, Pryor could sue for many more millions of dollars than any player in the history of the NFL has ever made.

It could also teach Goodell and the NFL to stay within their boundaries. While a powerful league, they are supposed to represent professional football while colleges represent amateurs in all sports they play.

Goodell has now firmly placed himself in the cellar of the worst commissioner in NFL history, probably even surpassing Joe Carr. Carr was the second ever president of the NFL from 1921 to 1939, replacing Hall of Famer and Olympic hero Jim Thorpe, and had his own issues between amateurs and professionals.

While Carr was known for acting swiftly on teams using college players then, mainly because the college game was perceived as superior to the National Football League in that era, he is forever linked to one bad decision.

The Pottsville Maroons joined the NFL in 1925 and proceeded to win the NFL title. They then took on Notre Dame University in an exhibition game, because the Fighting Irish featured the "Four Horsemen". The purpose of the game was to bring credibility to the NFL.

After the Maroons told Carr of their intentions to play the game, discrepancies soon arose. Pottsville claimed they had Carr's blessing, while Carr said he gave the team three separate warnings not to play the game.

Pottsville won the game, which helped boost the popularity of the league. Carr, however, took away the Maroons NFL title and gave it to the Chicago Cardinals, a franchise that still proudly holds onto that trophy today. The Maroons folded in 1929.

Now Goodell's decision has replaced Carr's error in the scale of epic buffoonery of poor choices in NFL history. It comes as no shock to anyone who has followed the career of the son of a former United States Senator whose contacts with the league gave his kid a job in 1982.

While the NFL career of Terrelle Pryor might not amount to much on the gridiron, he could have a long lasting impact on the league itself. An impact brought on by the bloated ego of Roger Goodell.