NFL News

Bengals Place Franchise Tag on Graham

2009-04-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Bengals made an interesting move by franchising their kicker, Shayne Graham. Graham has been a solid kicker over the past couple years, but is unusual to see a franchise tag placed on a kicker. Graham signed his offer for $2.4 million on Thursday. Graham will enter his seventh year with Cincinnati and is the team's all time leader in field goal percentage. Marvin Lewis said he was happy Shayne was going to be with them again and the Bengals plan to work out a long team deal during next season.

Colts Surprise Pick

2009-04-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Indianapolis Colts surprised everyone on draft day when they took running back Donald Brown with their first round choice. The Colts already have a young productive back in Joseph Addai, although he had a down year last year partly due to his injury and lack of play on the offensive line. Donald Brown has great talent and went probably around where he should have, but no one would have guessed he would end up in Indy. Most teams now a days have more than one running back, but usually the backs compliment each other. Brown and Addai are both similar style runners and posses the same assets. The Colts could have used a lot of help on their defensive and maybe should have gone with a defensive linemen. Although it is hard to argue with an organization that has done so much through the draft over the last decade. It should be interesting to see how much time Brown gets this year and if Addai will bounce back.

Hill Stays in Seattle

2009-04-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

Six days ago the Seattle Seahawks drafted linebacker Aaron Curry with the 3rd overall selection. After doing that decided to withdraw the franchise tag on Leroy Hill making him a free agent. Hill agreed to a six year $35 million deal on Thursday. Seattle has now arguably the best linebacker core in the league. Lofa Tatupu and Hill have had good two seasons in a row and Aaron Curry is one of the most athletic linebackers in league. Having to great leaders with him will help Curry develop into an elite linebacker.

Jets Look to Get Sanchez Help

2009-04-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

After the Jets shocked everyone on Saturday by trading up to the number 5th pick to draft Sanchez they are looking to sign a wide receiver. Although there are talks about the Jets trading for Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin it is unlikely that this will happen. Mainly because the Jets gave up so much to move up to the 5th spot they don't have the power to trade for one of these guys. Therefore, they will have to look to free agency for help this season. Ex-Colt Marvin Harrison is the likely target, but rumors have started that the Jets have been talking to Plaxico Burress. Both these guys will help the Jets passing game after the departure of Lavernious Coles, but both have big negatives. Obvious is the sitation Burress is in is unknown and he could be out of football for a while. Harrison on the other hand is 38 years old and noone knows how long he will be around for.

Edge Moving

2009-04-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Running back Edgerrin James was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday. The release came after the Cardinals spent their first round pick on Ohio State running back Chris Wells. Edge was disappointed when the Cardinals would not release or trade him last year, but finished the season strong in the postseason.
The New Orleans Saints have been in talks about signing the 30 year old veteran. With Deuce McAlister gone I would not be surprised if this move happens. Running back Reggie Bush has shown he has had injury troubles and can not handle a 16 game load by himself. Edge would definitely help the running game and would provide Drew Brees with pass protection in the backfield.

Vick to Be Released May 20

2009-04-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Michael Vick is scheduled to be released from prison on May 20. Vick will serve a month in confinement in a home with his fiancee for 2 months. During this time Vick will work for a construction company for $10/hour. After the 2 month period Vick will be on probation for the next three years. Vick still has to apply for reinstatement to the NFL. If he succeeds he will most likely face a suspension.
It should be interesting to see if Vick still has his talent after being gone for a while. It is safe to assume that whichever team takes him will likely face controversy with the public, not to mention the risk he brings to the team himself.

Briggs Injury Not a Big Deal

2009-04-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

Linebacker Lance Briggs showed up to an autograph session with his hand heavily wrapped. Briggs cut himself while shaving with an old style razor. The media made it a big deal because of Briggs's previous event when he crashed his Lamborghini and left the scene. Briggs was charged with a misdemeanor for the incident that happened last summer. Although Briggs cut his hand he still showed up and participated in the Bears mini camp this week.

Eagles Get Peters

2009-04-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Eagles continued their busy off-season by trading for Bills offensive tackle Jason Peters. The Bills received two undisclosed draft picks in 2010. Peters had problems with the Bills organization and wanted out. During the off-season the Bills questioned Peters work ethic and motivation. The Eagles had a lot of problems with their offensive line last year including health issues. In the off-season they lost two linemen, but were able to sign two starters including Peters. No one denys the talent Peters has, but the Bills front office felt that Peters would hold out until week 10 when he would be forced to play becuase of his contract. Peters wanted a bigger contract and the Bills would not offer him one. Peters signed a 6 year $60 million contract with the Eagles on Friday. This probably worked out best for both teams. The Eagles fill a big void and they get to keep their two first round draft picks this season and the Bills got rid of someone who was unhappy before the draft so they can plan accordingly.

Schedule Released

2009-04-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

The NFL schedule was released this evening and many fans will not like what they see. The Cowboys lead the way with 6 nationally televised games. Although this does include the traditional one on Thanksgiving that is still a bit too many. The Cowboys just got a new stadium and lost their best offensive weapon, Terrell Owens, this off-season. The Cowboys have under performed the past couple of years and really do not deserve all this national spotlight. A positive is that all these games are against good teams. The Giants, Eagles, and Panthers all made the playoffs last year while the Saints have high hopes for this year and the Redskins is a long standing division rival. They do get the Raiders on Thanksgiving. With all this pressure on the Wade Phillips and Tony Romo this could be the year that makes or breaks the Cowboys.

Packers Work Out Paulus

2009-04-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Green Bay Packers worked out Duke's senior point guard, Greg Paulus, on Monday. Paulus did not play football while attending Duke, but did play 4 seasons on the basketball team. So what is he doing in Green Bay? Paulus was an elite quarterback in high school before electing to play basketball at Duke. Paulus was a Gatorade football player of the year and recieved offers from Notre Dame and the University of Miami. While playing high school football Paulus was a 4 time all-state player and set 6 passing records along the way.
No one knows exactly why the Packers have chosen to look at Paulus. Paulus is very undersized at 6-1 180 pounds, would be a big surprise to be seen in a NFL uniform especially as a QB. Paulus does deserve credit for never giving up or getting down on himself after he had his starting job taken away from him his senior year by under classman Nolan Smith.

Bears Get Cutler

2009-04-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

Cutler is now a Chicago Bear. Everyone thought this would be a good fit, but General Manager Jerry Angelo would pass on the opportunity like he always does. Angelo pull the trigger and sent 2 first round picks and Kyle Orton to the Broncos. They always swapped their 3rd round pick this year for the Broncos 5th round pick. The bottom line is Cutler is the first franchise quarterback the Bears have ever had, which is said considering they are one of the oldest franchises in football. Chicago fans are happy that Angelo made a move and it being the biggest move in Bears history. Cutler is coming off a pro bowl year and will look to lead the Bears to the playoffs. The Bears also signed veteran linemen Orlando Pace. Pace is still a great player and will help this team as long as he can stay healthy.

The Broncos got two first round picks and a quarterback that is average in Kyle Orton. Rookie head coach Josh McDaniels has a lot to prove to his team and Denver fans. Cutler was a player you could build around and it is a sad day in Denver to lose a quarterback who had Elway capabillity because the Broncos replaced their hall of fame head coach Mike Shanahan with McDaniels. Bronoco fans should be worried considering Cutler was the reason they almost made the playoffs last year. Now all they do is take a step back in what was a weak division.

Bruce Will Return

2009-04-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Wide receiver Issac Bruce told coach Mike Singletary he will return for his 16th season next year. Bruce is getting very close to retirement and any year could be his last. He currently ranks second in career receiving yards behind only Jerry Rice. Bruce caught 7 touchdowns last year and had 61 total receptions making him only the fifth player to catch 1000 passes in a career. Bruce can still make plays despite being 37 and will be a great mentor to the younger receivers on the 49ers.

Officer Resigns after Moats Incident

2009-04-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Running back Ryan Moats ran a red light and was chased by authorities until he pulled into a hospital on March 18th. Moats was rushing to get to his mother-in-law who was dying in the hospital. Upon arrival Officer Powell pulled a gun on Moats and threatened him with jail time. Moats did not get to see his mother-in-law before she passed because of this. Officer Powell was put on the inactive list immediately and finally resigned April 1st. A public apology was issued by Powell and the Dallas Police Department on behalf of Moats and his family. Chief David Kunkle could not believe an officer on his unit acted in such a manner.

Donte Stallworth

2009-04-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Browns wide receiver, Donte Stallworth, was found guilty for the incident that happened in mid-march. Stallworth hit a pedestrian in Miami early in the morning in March. The pedestrian was rushed to the hospital, but did not survive. Stallworth was completely cooperative with authorities and submitted a drug and alcohol test. More than two weeks later Stallworth was found guilty of DUI manslaughter. Stallworth is expected to give himself up to authorities by Thursday and will face a very long jail sentence.

Torry Holt

2009-04-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Veteran wide receiver Torry Holt was released about a month ago and since then has received no offers. Holt has made visits to the Eagles and the Ravens and is scheduled to make a visit with Tennessee this week. Holt is a great leader and could help develop young receivers. I think the Ravens or Titans is a better fit than the Eagles, but he is still able to make big plays and therefore should help any team try to win a Super Bowl.

Burress Case

2009-04-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Giants receiver Plaxico Buress's case was ajourned on Tuesday until June. Burress is in a position where he may want to enter his sentence early so he can do his time and possibly get back to football. Similar to what Vick did, if Burress enters early it could also reduce the length of his sentence. The Giants on the other hand have to make moves as if Burress is gone. There have been rumors they have been trying to trade for Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards, but nothing has been confirmed. I wouldn't be surprised if the Giants used their first round pick to draft a wide receiver. Kenny Britt should still be there at the end of the first round and looks to be a good fit in New York.

Cutler Gets His Wish

2009-04-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Jay Cutler has been requesting to be traded after rumors that new head coach Josh McDaniels tried to trade him earlier. The Broncos announced they will be looking to trade Cutler and are listening to offers from teams. As of right now there is no clear front runner and no deal has been announced. The Lions look as they could try to work something because they have the number one pick and would most likely use it to draft a quarterback. No one knows if the Broncos are looking to get a quarterback in the deal or if they are just going to try to let Chris Simms lead the team. Simms was signed to a one year deal and has not played in 2 years since rupturing his spleen. Cutler would be an upgrade to almost any team and fans should start to hear deals floating around within the next couple days, but I wouldn't be surprised if Cutler didn't find a new home until draft day.

Terrell Owens

2009-03-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Wide receiver Terrell Owens found a new home with the Buffalo Bills. The bills signed Owens to a one-year deal worth just over $6 million. Owens will definitely help the Bills passing game and with young Qb Trent Edwards and talented receiver Lee Evans Owens could fit very nicely in Buffalo. Randy Moss had many problems on and off the field before he went to New England now he is still at the top of his game and among the best receivers to every play. This could be similar in Owens case and what could be better than watching these two play against each other? They get to do it twice next year now that they are both in the AFC East. With a healthy Brady next year I'm picking the Patriots to win their division, but the Bills should give a good effort and should be able to compete in what was last year's best division.

Broncos Continue to Add Depth at RB

2009-03-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

If you asked who was the running back for the Denver Broncos in 2008 many people would find themselves coming up with nothing. The Broncos had 7 different running backs to start a game for them last year due to injuries. A few of these backs were not even on NFL rosters at the beginning of last season. The Broncos signed veteran LaMont Jordan on Wednesday. Jordan has had only one season with over 1,000 yards rushing in his 8 year career. He has power and can catch balls out of the backfield and should make a nice compliment to smaller backs, Buckhalter and Arrington, who were signed earlier in the free agency period. The Broncos also have last year's draft pick Ryan Torian. Torian broke his elbow and when he returned he torn his ACL and was lost for the season. If Torian can make a good recovery the Broncos could have a solid running back by committee system next year.

Missing Boaters

2009-03-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

A search began on Sunday for 4 missing boaters including two NFL players. After finding Schulyer on Monday coast guards called off the search for the other 3 men on Tuesday. Linebacker Marquis Cooper and defensive linemen Corey Smith are still missing. Although the search was called off the family members of the missing boaters have set up their own search party. This is a sad tragedy and my prayers go out to these men and their families.

Warner Staying In Arizona Despite Big Offer from 49ers

2009-03-04T16:36:00.001-08:00

Kurt Warner signed a 2 year deal with Arizona on Wednesday. The deal is worth up to $23 million dollars and $19 million is guaranteed. Warner fit in nicely in Arizona and decided to stay there which was a great decision. Warner has family in Arizona and said he is happy with what Arizona has been doing. Warner is hoping wide receiver Anquan Boldin will stay and has agreed to take a $2 million dollar pay cut if Arizona can renegotiate Boldin's contract. This unselfish jester will hopefully help Boldin agree to a deal. If the Cardinals can get Boldin back tey could be back in the Super Bowl next year.

Ravens Big Wednesday

2009-03-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ray Lewis agreed to a three year deal with the Baltimore Ravens Wednesday. The offer is worth between $20 and $25 million, which is a good deal for both parties. Lewis was drafted by the Ravens in 1996 and has played his whole career with the Ravens. As a fan a Lewis I am glad he decided to stay in Baltimore. He has been the face of that organization for over ten years now. Lewis is starting to get to the end of his career and I hope he retires as a Raven. It is rare to see players these days play their whole career with one team.
The Ravens also signed Center Matt Birk on Wednesday. Birk played 11 seasons with the Vikings and has proved to be one of the elite centers in the league. Birk should fit in nicely in Baltimore and the Ravens lost Jason Brown to free agency earlier.

Crabtree Won't Run

2009-03-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

Wide receiver Micheal Crabtree will not participate in the combine due to a foot injury. Crabtree was going to try to run the 40 yard dash before having the surgery, but decided it could get worse and its not worth it. NFL teams would prefer him to sit out than to make the injury worse and could possibly miss the first few weeks. I don't think this will have a big impact on his draft position. He is can go anywhere from 4 to 12. If he were to run and get injuried he could drop to the late first round or even second round.

Kurt Warner

2009-03-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Kurt Warner was very impressive last year after stealing the starting job from Leinart and leading the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over 50 years. Warner is now a free agent and is visiting the 49ers. The 49ers are in desperate need of a quarterback and leadership. If they can sign Warner they can save themselves one more year before they try to get a franchise QB in the 2010 that looks to be stacked with talent at the QB position. Warner is looking for a lot of money and Arizona wasn't willing to sign him because of the problems with WR Anquan Boldin. I wouldn't be surprise if Warner signs with either of these teams, but remember these teams are in the same division and will face eachother twice during the regular season.

Cutler Subject to Trade

2009-03-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

Many rumors have been flying around the past couple days about the Broncos trading Jay Cutler. Cutler has shown he has the talent and leadership to win, but Denver needs to help him by getting better on defense. Originally the Broncos were being discussed in a three way trade along with the Patriots and Chiefs. Now that the Patriots have traded Cassel they are out of the picture, but could Cutler still leave? Another source said Tampa Bay offered Denver a first and third round pick for Cutler. After hearing all of this Cutler said he had no desire to be traded and was shocked to hear these rumors. I don't think Cutler is going anywhere especially since last season he showed he can play great and went to the Pro Bowl. There may be more talks about him over the next few days, but I expect him to stay a Bronco.

Texans Get Smith

2009-02-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

Houston signed DE Antonio Smith to a 5 year deal on Saturday. The Former Cardinal will got a big reward for becoming an elite pass rusher quickly during his years in Arizona. Smith will play opposite of Mario Williams who is coming off a great year. The Texans have helped their defense greatly by adding another pass rusher who could free up linebacker Demeco Ryans. Ryans is an undersized linebacker, but has great lateral speed and will have a big season if Williams and Smith are drawing double teams.

Eagles Trade Sheppard

2009-02-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to lose players from their secondary. The Eagles lost safety Brian Dawkins to free agency and now they trade corner back Lito Sheppard to the New York Jets. The Jets needed a corner to start opposite of Darrelle Revis and Sheppard wanted out of Philly. Sheppard was a starter for most of his career until he lost his job to Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown last year. Sheppard is still a great talent at corner he just didn't fit with the personal in Philly and should be able to help a poor Jet's secondary greatly. Sheppard is only 27 and still has a great career ahead of him. The Jets will give the Eagles 2 draft picks, but the rounds and years of these picks has yet to be determined. It is tricky to evaluate the value of Sheppard considering he was a nickelback last year and the Jets are treating him as if he is going to be their starter in 09.

Chiefs get Cassel

2009-02-28T13:45:00.001-08:00

The New England Patriots looked like they were going to keep Matt Cassel when they made him a franchise player, but decided to trade him to Kansas City. Kansas City gave New England a 2nd round pick for Cassel and Mike Vrabel. Cassel started 15 games last year after Tom Brady was lost for the season and led the Patriots to an 11 win season. I think this a good move for both teams. Kansas City gets a Qb they feel can lead them to the playoffs and get the ball to their play makers. This deal will be better if the Chiefs can sign Cassel to a long term deal so they have a player they can build around. The Patriots on the other hand will get Brady back by the start of the season and found it unnecessary to pay over $30 million for two Qbs when one will strictly be a back up.

Broncos making deals

2009-02-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Denver Broncos signed four players on Friday including pro bowl safety Brian Dawkins. Dawkins is getting old, but showed he is still able to play with the best. He will improve a poor Denver secondary and will fill the leadership role that is needed on defense. The Eagles will miss Dawkins who spent his whole career in Philly, but they need to make room to extend McNabb's contract. The Broncos also signed running backs J.J Arrington and Correll Buckhalter. Both these guys should add depth to the running back position which was a big problem with the Bronco's offense. With qb Jay Cutler leading the way the Broncos could have a very good season next year.

Browns Trade Winslow

2009-02-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

The Cleveland Browns decided to trade tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winslow has had a career plagued by injuries, but when healthy he is the most talented receiving tight end in the game. Winslow battled a staph infection last year and only appeared in 10 games this past season. Tampa Bay has gotten younger on both sides of the ball, although it has yet to be determined who will be throwing the ball to Winslow whoever it is will be happy to have him as an option. Tampa Bay will give Cleveland two draft picks, most likely a 5th round and a 7th round.

Big Signings for the Defense

2009-02-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

Albert Haynesworth landed a big deal with the Washington Redskins. Haynesworth agreed to a 7 year $100 million deal on Friday. This deal makes him the only non quarterback player to be under an $100 million deal. I don't think he is worth this much money, but Washington thinks that with him they will be a contender and needed to make sure he would sign with them. Washington also signed corner DeAngelo Hall to a 4 year deal. Hall played pretty well after coming to Washington from Oakland and the Redskins need a corner considering Shawn Springs is getting old and his lack of speed showed on the field last season.
Bart Scott also made a big splash on day one of free agency signing a deal with the New York Jets. Scott brings leadership to a young defense and should be able to make plays even though he will not be alongside Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.

Vikings and Houston Close to Trade

2009-02-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Vikings are close to trading for Houston Qb Sage Rosenfels. Minnesota will most likely give up a third or fourth round pick. Rosenfels played in 6 games this past year due to the injuries to Matt Schaub. Rosenfels threw 6 tds and completed 66% of his passes, but he also threw 10 interceptions. This was Rosenfels first actual playing time and he was able to make some nice plays. With time I think Rosenfels could turn into a solid Qb in the NFL, but Minnesota is going to have to get someone who he can throw to. Bernard Berrian is an average WR and Sydney Rice has not yet developed into the player everyone thought he could be. I think Rosenfels will compete with Tavaris Jackson for the starting job.

Colts Say They Will Release Harrison

2009-02-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

Reports came out that the Indianapolis Colts will release WR Marvin Harrison. Harrison will be 37 by the start of the 2009 season. Harrison has had a stellar career leading the Colts in receiving for many years up until recently. The Colts think they can fill the void with former Buckeye Anthony Gonzalez. This may work as long as Wayne and Clark continue to put up the numbers they have been the past few seasons. I expect to see Harrison on another team in 2009, but I don't know who would want to commit to a 37 year old who has been hasseled by knee injuries the past few seasons. It is Marvin Harrison though, so I am sure there is someone who will sign him.

Corners Getting Paid

2009-02-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

Coaches and players are starting to realize that it is very difficult to find a shutdown corner. Corner back is a very important position because of the pass-heavy offenses in the NFL. Kelvin Hayden signed with the Colts and should be an asset to improving their inconsistent defense. The Oakland Raiders signed Nnamdi Asomugha to a 3-year 43.5 million dollar deal. This is the most a Corner back has ever made. Asomugha redefined the word shutdown in 2008. He helped the Raiders lead in yards for opposing #1 recievers and they were ranked 2nd in catches for opposing #1 receivers. This is mostly because of Asomugha who is arguably the best man to man defender the game has ever seen. We will see what else Oakland does to try to help Asomugha and a poor Raiders defense.

Running Backs Galore

2009-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

The free agency signing period begins in less than a week and is looking to be filled with gems. Just like every other free agency in the past there is plenty of big name players on both sides of the ball, but recently added to this list were running backs Fred Taylor and Deuce McAllister. Both of these guys are getting old, but have been productive when healthy. McAllister is definitely more of a risk when it comes to health than Taylor. McAllister has had two major knee surgeries over the past few years and everyone is unsure how he is going to recover. Taylor on the other hand was cut because Jacksonville is going in a different direction and may have to give MJD a contract extension. I think Taylor will find a solid role on another team and continue what has been a long and unappreciated career. He could be a good fit on a veteran team such as the Patriots, who signed Corey Dillion and won a Super Bowl a few years ago. This looks to be a very similar situation.

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Cardinals and the Steelers found themselves in a great game on Sunday. This was no doubt a very entertaining game. There were plenty of spectacular plays in throughout the game including a record setting performance for numerous players. Kurt Warner now has more career passing yards the Super Bowl passing John Elway and Joe Montana when he passed for 377 yards in Super Bowl XLIII. Larry Fitzgerald continue his post season terror by breaking records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in a post season. James Harrison showed why he was defensive player when he returned a interception for 100 yards and a score. That was the longest return in Super Bowl history. With all this said I still haven't mention the Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes. Santonio Holmes finally had the break out game everyone expected and came up big when the Steelers needed him. On the finally drive Holmes had 4 catches for more than 70 yards and the game winning touchdown catch. It was a great game and I can only hope Super Bowl XLIV is as entertaing as this one.

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

This game should be close, but in the end I think Arizona will win. I really like Kurt Warner and the passing attack of the Cardinals. I think Boldin has a big day, but Fitzgerald out performs him and wins the MVP. The defense will get some stops and force big Ben to make mistakes. The final score will be 31-20 and Kurt Warner will get his 2nd Super Bowl win. Go Cardinals!

10 Predictions for Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

These are a few things that need to happen for either team to win on Sunday:

5 Things that will help the Cardinals win on Sunday:

1 Kurt Warner will have time to step up and throw the ball.
2. The front seven will hurry Big Ben
3. The defense will force turnovers.
4. Larry Fitzgerald will have a big day not just receiving.
5. Anquan Boldin will be the hero.

5 Things that will help the Steelers win on Sunday:

1. The defense will contain Larry Fitzgerald
2. The o-line will finally protect Big Ben
3. Willie Parker will have a big day
4. The Secondary will make big plays
5. Special teams or defense will generate points

Key Matchups

2009-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

This Super Bowl is filled with great matchups on both sides of the ball. First being the great run defensive of Pittsburgh against the running offensive of the Cardinals. The edge definitly goes to Pittsburgh they have been ranked number one the whole year and the Cardinals ground game has not been consistent all year. The passing game of the Cardinals against the great secondary of Pittsburgh is going to be a great matchup to watch. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh tries to stop Larry Fitzgerald and if they will be able to get to Kurt Warner. I think a key to Arizona winning is their defense. The Cardinals defense is fast and will be able to get after big Ben who was hit more than any other qb this season.

Hall of Fame 2009

2009-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

The H.O.F class of 2009 was announced and there are some big names and first time ballots going in. Great defensive players; Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas, and Rod Woodson were all selected. Bruce Smith was one of the most feared pass rushers and is the all time leader in sacks. Rod Woodson was a remarkable talent playing Corner Back and Saftey throughout his career. Derrick Thomas is what everyone referred to as a model for the modern day linebacker. Thomas was agressive and feared by offenses around league. Congrdualations to these players and their achievments.

McNabb Wants to Retire an Eagle

2009-02-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Donovan McNabb wants to return as the starting QB for the Philidelphia Eagles. McNabb is seeking a long term deal, but Eagle fans are getting restless. Mcnabb has been blamed for the recent unsuccessfulness in Philly. He hasn't won the big game, but he has played in 1 Super Bowl and 4 NFC Championship games including this years lose to the Cardinals. McNabb has done nothing, but played well during his time as an Eagle and Eagle fans still blame him. McNabb has never had any playmaker on offense besides Running Back Brian Westbrook. There was one year when McNabb was throwing to T.O. and he did well they even went to the Super Bowl. Eagle fans need to realize they have a great player at QB and they are one wide reciever from being a great football team.

Sporles to Test Market

2009-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Darren Sproles got his chance to shine while L.T. was sidelined with and injury during the playoffs. Sproles took advantage racking up 328 all purpose yards and lead San Diego to a victory over the Indianpolis Colts. Sproles was a non-factor for most of the game against Pittsburgh, but did display his speed on a 61 yard touchdown reception late in the game. I think Sproles will stay in San Diego he fits well there and I can't see another team spending a lot of money on him considering his size and his limited ability to carry the ball 20 plus times a game. I do think teams that are looking for a "scat back" and a kick returner will be happy to have him, but I don't know what the price will be.

For other news and information on the NFL check out my site http://nflfannews.webs.com

Cancer Battle Continues

2009-01-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

Jim Johnson the defensive coordinator of the Philidelphia Eagles has cancer again. Jim was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2001 and after making a recovery doctors found cancer in his spine. The cancer found stemmed off of the skin cancer found earlier. Johnson has radiation treatment scheduled and plans to be coaching next season. Johnson has done a great job in Philidelphia and I hope he is able to recover. If he is not able to return to the team next year there could be a problem. Johnson has established himself as one of the most agressive defensive callers and has help the Eagles succeed in recent seasons.

Taking a Pay Cut

2009-01-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

Larry Fitzgerald recently told reporters that he would redo his contract if it kept fellow wr Anquan Boldin in Arizona. This is very interesting to me because you never see professional athletes take pay cuts to benefit the team. Everyone knows Boldin is a great player and Fitzgerald realizes that the team is better with him and wants to do everything he can to win. In sports today we usually find athletes complaining they don't get paid enough and threating their teams with hold outs and asking to be traded, but this shows the type of person Fitzgerald really is. He doesn't care about the money he wants to be a winner.
LaDainian Tomlinson was rumored that he might be taking a pay cut to stay in San Diego. After all the talk about L.T. being traded, L.T. and General Manager A.J. Smith talked about L.T.'s future with the Chargers. L.T. was rumored to restructuring his contract in an effort to stay with the team as opposed to going to another team.

Linehan to Coordinate the Lions Offense

2009-01-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Scott Linehan was fired from his head coaching job of the St. Louis Rams early this year. The Rams got off to a terrible start and finished with the second worse record in the league only in front of the Lions. So why would you want to go to a team worse than your own? Well the Lions have shown a few bright spots on their offense including wr phenomena Calvin Johnson. Calvin Johnson really broke out this season amassing over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those are great stats especially considering he is only in his second year and his team was 0-16. I would look for Linehan to really use Calvin's gifts next year and for Calvin to improve on these numbers.

Ken Whisenhunt

2009-01-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ken Whisenhunt began his NFL coaching career in 2001 when he was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers to coach the tight ends. After showing his success in turning them into great blockers he took over the offense coordinator position in 2004. Ken displayed his excellent playing calling while having a great running game and mixing it up with big plays through the air. In 2005 the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Superbowl partly due to the infamous wide reciever reverse pass which lead to the 14-10 victory of Seattle. Now Ken is the Head coach of Arizona and is back in the Superbowl against his former team. Arizona struggled late in the season, but has turned it on in the playoffs. A big part of this is Edgerinn James and Tim Hightower have been able to contribute on the ground while the Arizona passing game has been outstanding and has lived up to the hype. If Arizona can get the running attack going it is going to be a long day for the Steelers defense. I'm looking forward to Whisenhunt having sweet victory over his former team.

Larry Fitzgerald

2009-01-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

The Arizona Cardinals will be making their first Superbowl appearance in franchise history on February 1st. A big reason for this is the emergence of Larry Fitzgerald. Larry Fitzgerald is having the most dominating post season of any player I have ever watched. He has already set the record for most recieving yards in a post season with 419. This number will only grow on Superbowl Sunday because I don't see anyone slowing him down, not even the number one defense.