Soulpower's NFL

Guess who?

2011-09-14T21:16:00.000-04:00

March 25, 2010 was supposed to be my last entry on Soulpower's NFL. Supposed to be. The more things change, the more they stay to same. Let's just say that I got distracted. I never stopped loving football and never stopped talking about it, just couldn't write about for a while.

That's over now. Just like the lockout. Which really scared me straight and made me think, what would I do on Thursday, Sunday and especially Monday night, when I'm really ready for some football? Watch the news all night, look at other sports that I really don't care about trying to get a fix. I shudder at the thought. I mean what would life be like if we didn't get a chance to see:

The defending champion Green Bay Packers put up a 40 burger in the first game of the 2011 season
Someone other than Peyton Manning line up behind center, suck wind and look like a total smuck
The New England Patriots be the same old Patriots that just win in stunning fashion
The Steelers who match up well with the Ravens, get their a**** handed to them
The game of the week, the defensive chess match that was the Jets and Cowboys, along with a redemption story all on the 10th year remembrance of the events of 9/11.

Had there been a lockout we wouldn't have seen any of it.

What would it be like if we didn't get to see this guy:

Haloti Ngata, DT of the Baltimore Ravens. I was so bothered by what I saw in that Ravens-Steelers game I had to consult with a former football player, a co-worker who gave me the best analysis of why the Steelers got a beat down. Ngata could not be blocked, Big Ben could do nothing but turn the ball over to studs like Ed Reed.

That's what we would have missed. All water under the bridge now. I'm ready for week 2, the rest of the season, the playoffs, the Super Bowl.

Now if I could just get a ticket to the Falcons-Eagles game.

Ngata photo - NFL.com, I Need Tickets - bleacherreport.com

These trades... what?

2010-03-15T16:01:00.002-04:00

Every time I think I'm done with the Soulpower's NFL and trust me, this year I was done... they drag me back in. Sorry gang, you can't get rid of me yet. That said there are a few trades and non-deals that have me scratching my 'fro.

Help me understand... why the Jets couldn't come to terms with Thomas Jones, who arguably has a bit more left in the tank than the former MVP LaDainian Tomlinson. He just got a two year deal with the NY Jets for 5.2 million. The article on NFL.com says "second-year running back Shonn Greene, who emerged in his rookie season and made Thomas Jones expendable" when he had is most productive season ever (1400 yds, 14 TDs)? This is mind boggling. What was expendable was coming to contract terms with Jones. You don't let a guy go who's producing like that unless it involves money or attitude and it might have been both in his case. I'm not a Tomlinson hater, don't get me wrong it's a good deal for him, but I hate it for the Jets.

In other Jets news the days of watching Rex Ryan trotting down the sideline in with the stretched to the limit sweater vest will be over soon. Coach Ryan had lap band surgery to reduce the size of his stomach. He had attempted a liquid diet before,lost weight and gained it all back (you know those diets don't work). In seriousness, I'm glad he made the decision and hope that the boost he gets from the surgery will boost him to a lifestyle change that improves his health for the long haul.

Browns Boggle
They release Derek Anderson a pro-bowler a few years back and trade Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos. They bring in former Seahawks back-up Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme? I could see Wallace going there as the Brown's President Mike Holmgren is his former coach, but Delhomme? He's 35 and hasn't had a good year since '03 season when the Panthers lost to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Then there's the Tommy John surgery situation. I don't see how Delhomme is the answer to the QB woes, I just don't see it.

Where is the Love for
Darren Sharper? You've seen it/heard it by now, according to Sharper "If the love was right, that would have been taken care of. The love would have been reciprocated,". Well there hasn't been any love shown to him by the Saints. In the meantime he's had a little knee surgery and is looking at the Jets (again with the Jets, are they the hotness now or what?). It's typical for Super Bowl winning teams to have their rosters plucked by the league, but he has yet to be plucked. Is it age? There's plenty of folks who are older one in particular who is BEGGED and STALKED every season to come back. Why isn't this the case for Darren Sharper? I hope he does go to the Jets.

#81
is still floating after his Bills release. Terrell Owens met with the Bengals who decided to go younger with Antonio Bryant. Apparently the rumor mill is still going in Cincinnati that there's an outside chance that T.O. could wind up there. There are plenty of teams that need WR help, but they really aren't biting. We have a kinder/gentler T.O., still productive, still a threat yet it seems that all of his karma coins have been used up. Will T.O. retire? Will he be picked up by a new team? Who should it be? Let me know in the comments.

Wilcard Weekend Picks

2010-01-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

Saturday January 9, 2010

Jets at Bengals - Ok enough already with the Rookie QB from southern California and he's not ready and the weather's too cold. The weather sucks for everybody and I don't think that Sanchez is going to screw up on the Wildcard stage. As for the Bengals, the good D they were playing mid season, is now midrange and the juggernaut that was Palmer to 85 is no more. I'm taking the Jets with a heavy dose of Thomas Brown.

Eagles at Cowboys - This PAINS me to say as much as I love #5 and #7 and Andy Reid but unless Coach does something absolutely mind blowing I don't see the Eagles winning this. #5 has been inaccurate, Romo has been accurate. Cowboys D has been pressuring and putting QBs on their backs. Cowboys :-(

Sunday January 10, 2010

Ravens at Patriots - I think we're going to see something we're not using to seeing, well we already are. The Patriots don't have a bye, they have to play a wildcard team in the Ravens. They have to play without Wes Welker and they have to play with Tom Brady's bad ribs and we have no idea what's going on with Randy Moss. We know that the Ravens D is still quite serviceable and their running game is on FIRE with Rice and McGahee. Ravens move on and Patriots go skiing.

Packers at Cardinals

Rodgers and Woodson thumbs up Warner and no Boldin thumbs down. I'm taking the Packers.

What say ye NFL heads?

The Hiatus is Over in time for Black Monday

2010-01-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

Let's just say I've been distracted and leave it at that. I'm not talking about the playoff picture yet. I must first give my picks for Black Monday (which should be renamed I mean everything bad is not black) but I digress. In fact this Black Monday could be good for some teams who are in dire need of a change. These are my top picks for the unemployment line beginning tomorrow.

#1 Jim Zorn - Washington Redskins

Look Bruce Allen has that legendary blood in him. He wants a winner and he can't win with this hapless bunch, I'm talking the coach and the players, the whole kit and kaboodle. Zorn is out, Shanahan is in.

Photo: Toni L. Sandys The Washington Post

#2 Eric Mangini - Cleveland Browns
I know Mike Holmgren has been non-committal on the firing but but this experiment has not worked. The artist formerly known as Mangenius will be looking for a new job.

Photo: The Cleveland Leader

#3Perry Fewell - Buffalo Bills
The Defensive Coordinator became interim head coach after Dick Jauron was fired. The Bills have played better ball under his tutelage but I think that as long as coordinators like Rivera, Shottenheimer et al are available and the move coveted Bill Cowher, he will not get this job. He is coming up though and I'm hoping that he gets a head coaching job in the near future.

Photo Mike Groll, AP

#4 Raheem Morris - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This has been a tempestuous year for this young coach, with his young team and coordinator firings during the season. I'd like to see him stay but it looks like the hot boy Bill Cowher has been contacted by the Bucs as well. I don't think Morris is going to make it. If Cowher goes to the Bills, queue up some the usual suspects for this job as well.

#5 Love Smith - Chicago Bears
What have you done for me lately Lovie? Since the 2006 Super Bowl season the Bears have been 7-9, 9-7 and finished 7-9 this year and out of the playoffs. I know his tenure has been plagued with player injuries but we all know that doesn't matter in the NFL. Don't think he's going to get another year to finish out of the playoff race. Lovie is out.

On the Bubble
John Fox - stays on the perpetual bubble. He has one year left on his contract yet even he is not sure what will happen (are they ever?). He may get to ride this one out but I don't see him making it past the 2010 season.
Gary Kubiak - The Texans finally finished at 9-7 their first winning season ever, however they didn't make the playoffs. Texans owner Bob McNair has said that Kubiak definitely will be back next season but if some prize coach or coordinator falls in his lap, will he maintain that stance? Owners are a fickle bunch.
Jack Del Rio - The Jags have been out of the playoffs since the departure of Mike Smith. Is it the defense, the personnel, the offense. I don't know but I don't think that the back to back losing records for the Jags and the back to back winning records (first ever) for the Falcons are a coincidence. From what I can find, however the poor economy may allow Del Rio to stay with the Jags next year.

NFL 2009 Week 8 Observations

2009-11-03T19:52:00.000-05:00

Shaking it Off - The Ravens were able to shake off their defensive issues and take the Broncos off the undefeated list. Relentless pressure, running game, passing game -- basically clicking on all cylinders got them this much needed win. Though I'm still not drinking the Bronco Kool-Aid, I don't think that this loss was the beginning of their demise. But don't get it twisted, they are NOT SuperBowl bound.

Ted Ginn Jr - Hello Mr Ginn, we've been waiting on you to do your thing and you did it in a major way. You have made it to your first STUD award.

Ginn with two kick returns for touchdowns 100 and 101 yards a pop became the first player in NFL history with two kickoff return TDs of 100-plus yards in a game). The Dolphins got the win despite being beatdown on most statistical categories and The Jets continue their up and down ways.

The G-Men on the slippery slope - Looks like a secondary problem to me. Looks like a pass rush problem. Looks like a passing game problem. Looks like problems. The Eagles #5 was able to do anything he wanted and had all kinds of time to do it. Eli took the loss to the Eagles with his usual aplomb but I think he may (at least publicly) be underestimating the problems the Giants have on both side of the ball.

The End of the Donut - Congratulations to the St Louis Rams who got their first win of the season over a one win team in the Detroit Lions. Steven Jackson (remember him?) had a whale of a game. 22 rushes, 149 yards and a TD. The first rushing TD for him in eight games. Welcome back Big Boy. Hoping that I can drop the WOEFUL adjective I so frequently use on the Rams and that they can pull out some more wins in the second half of the season.

Is he back? - a few years back I waxed poetic, weekly, about the Vince Young mystique. In week 8 it appeared that his broken spirit had been healed. Vince Young back in starting position, played as Mr. Poise/Mr. Efficient. 15/18 passing 125 yards in the air, one TD and 31 yards on the ground. Glad to see Mr. Young back, but the story of this game was Chris Johnson running like a bat out of hell and all over the poor Jags, 228 yards on 4 carries and 2 TDs. By the way, Johnson's performance this week lands him on the STUD board.

#4 in Purple - Favre got booed, the Vikings won end of story.

Battle of the Homies - The MNF showdown between one of my former homes and my current home. Yeah the Saints/Falcons was all that, but did anyone with the exception of the diehard Falcon fan expect the Falcons to win this? They did have a chance to tie near the end except 2009 perrenial STUD Darren Sharper intercepted a desperation pass from Matt Ryan.

Thoughts/comments/questions. Leave them here or hit me up as always at twitter.com/soulpowr

The Good Old Days

2009-10-20T19:43:00.000-04:00

The 0-6 St Louis Rams don't have much to smile about so here's some a little something to beat those St Louis Blues, future Hall of Famer #28, Marshall Faulk. Enjoy.

NFL 2009 - Week 6

2009-10-20T19:34:00.000-04:00

This is the first week in I don't know how many years that I have been unable to watch ONE full game. This is not a good feeling but thanks to endlessssssss coverage I think I've seen enough to say a couple of things.

Ravens - man up and play some team defense, lower your frustration, raise your dedication.
Bill Belichick - This guy just doesn't give a you know what. He knows Tennessee sucks, he knows they have no answers and guess what his team ran over the Titans, then back the bus up over them and ran over them again. Bill goes hard or doesn't go at all I guess.
The Eagles - this is not a big upset really. The Eagles always have a couple of "slip and fall" games during the season. This was one of them.
The Redskins - forget the game. They keep taking away pieces of Jim Zorn's job. Just fire him already. Can Mariucci go there? What do you think?
The Bill-Jets game - We got an extra quarter of football because neither team wanted to win this game. I actually saw the 4th and the OT on this one, I couldn't BELIEVE what I was seeing. As for the Bills, does
T.O. still play for them?
Broncos-Chargers - always a good game. Eddie Royal went OFF. Too bad I didn't make it to the end.

If there's something that I missed, let me know. Otherwise I think this may have been a good week to miss the action.

Oh and one more thing, enough of the Ochocinco, Jay Cutler Twitter Wars... not news.

NFL 2009 - Week 5 Picks

2009-10-11T12:21:00.000-04:00

Well it's about time son

2009-10-07T16:18:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, here's Michael Crabtree, FIVE weeks into the 2009 season and he is finally a 49er.

NFL 2009 - Week 4 Observations

2009-10-07T15:35:00.000-04:00

I had a bad week in terms of picks 9-5.
Brett Favre looked really good in the Vikings victory over the Packers, but you know what? Aaron Rodgers may have looked even better, he has no protection and still get is done. Oh and the NFL Analysts are all over Favre's well you know what. We're just heading into week five. Please calm down, this is not the coming of Jesus.
I'm mad at Mark Clayton of the Ravens for dropping that gimme that would have put them in position to win the game.
Darren Sharper is a stud and the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

I'm also to glad to see "Hey it's the Champ Bailey" back on the grind again with his INT against the Cowboys.
As for the Cowboys, when are folk going to realize that Tony Romo is average and Mike Shanahan is going to have Wade Phillips job next year.
Mike Singletary can keep his pants up in front of Vernon Davis now, he's starting to show and prove.
Braylon Edwards is now with the Jets - whoopdeefriggindo. Do the Jets need a jealous crybaby in the locker room? No. Maybe Coach Rex Ryan will get him to man up as well as lose those butterfingers that he has.
The Titans might as well play Vince Young.
I heart Jay Cutler for the same reasons I USED to love Brett Favre. Say what you want, he did what he had to do in order to get into a better situation. I'm not mad at him and the Bears finally have a QB.

I can't believe the Bengals are 3-1 and I'm starting to believe that the Coach formerly known as Manginius is a fluke.

Looking forward to week 5 and all the drama it brings. Questions or comments, please feel free to drop them here or hit me up at twitter.com/soulpowr. Peace.

NFL 2009 - Week 4, take 1

2009-10-04T12:11:00.000-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The NFL is supporting the fight against breast cancer with its Crucial Catch campaign in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Crucial Catch places emphasis on annual screenings especially for women over 40. The NFL coaches, officials and players will all be wearing something pink during the month in support of breast cancer awareness. For more information on what you can do support breast cancer awareness, support those affected by breast cancer or for support services please contact the American Cancer Society. Also check out Fergie's PSA for the NFL.

Week 4 Picks
Week 3 I finished up 11 and 5 thanks to Peyton Manning. Here's the week 4 picks:

SUNDAY

Game

Pick

Comment

TB @ WAS

Redskins

If they lose to the Bucs heads will roll and roll quickly

BAL @ NE

Ravens

DET @ CHI

Bears

TEN @ JAC

Titans

Both of these teams suck. The Titans should lose the donut this week.

OAK @ HOU

Texans

CIN @ CLE

Bengals

SEA @ IND

Colts

NYG @ KC

Giants

BUF @ MIA

Bills

NYJ @ NO

Saints

STL @ SF

49ers

DAL @ DEN

Cowboys

SD @ PIT

Chargers

MONDAY NIGHT

GB @ MIN

Vikings

2009 Week 3

2009-09-28T22:49:00.000-04:00

On a day in which I had about 1 zillion things to do (including napping) I was able to keep up with all the games. I want to thank a Twitter homie @cdxx80 for hipping me to the Red Zone channel on Comcast. Every team entering the red zone from every game is shown on this channel and let me tell you it is the hotness. This is the next best thing to Directv's Sunday ticket and it is free with Sports Pack. There's my one plug for Comcast today. I'm giving it in spite of the fact that my internet service was down when I came home tonight, but I digress, this here blog is about football and there was plenty of action in week 3.

The Picks
I'm at 10-5 for the week (excluding MNF now in progress). Two of those five should have NEVER happened and those two will top the SMH list for this week.

SMH At:

Loss that should not have happened #1: The World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers who have started off hot hot hot the 1st three weeks during the first half, but go ice cold in the 2nd half. How did they lose to the Bengals: 1)mental errors, Limas Sweed dropping a sure-thing touchdown in the end zone; Big Ben threw an INT to start off the second half; 2)Settling, i.e. not playing to be in a position to get 6+1 instead of 3 during their trips to the red zone; 3)the Bengals just played better, having found a running game with, gasp Cedric Benson, Palmer finding his receivers and the defense apparently on the upswing. The Steelers right now are not looking like a team prime to repeat.
Loss that should not have happened #2: The Washington Redskins losing to a team that had lost 19 games in a row. How does this happen? I hate to say it because I was so hoping this kid would work out, but I believe it's Jason Campbell. I believe that Jason Campbell is not a west coast offense guy. That said I could probably back it up one more and go to the coach Jim Zorn and the offensive coordinator for installing this offense. This kid can not get it done in this system. Also where is the ballyhooed Redskin defense, where is the running game? I'm tired of picking the Redskins every week.
Brett Favre - I picked against the Vikings this week because 49ers Coach Mike Singletary has those kids BALLIN. Looks like they were going to get the win and then #4 pulled out the game winning TD pass to Greg Lewis out of his old bag of tricks with :02 left in the game.

The Baltimore Ravens who are looking like the BEASTS of the AFC with all this offense they have going on. Joe Flacco 25-35 342 yards 1 TD, 2 rushing TDs from Willis McGahee (glad to see him going) and 1 rushing TD from Ray Rice in their whooping of the Browns. The Ravens are the team to beat. Everyone else is sputtering in the AFC right now.
The Arizona Cardinals. This team was in the Super Bowl? Manning et al shredded the Cards, it could not have been more ugly.
The Tennessee Titans. With the loss Sunday to the Jets, they are at the bottom of the heap of the AFC--winless along with the Browns, Dolphins and Chiefs, how in the world did this happen?

The Homies

Falcons lost to New England, Colts throttled Cardinals, Saints beat the Bills and #81 doesn't want to talk about it.

The rest of the winners: Jaguars, Packers, Giants, Eagles, Bears, Broncos, Chargers

Injury Update

There were two major injuries yesterday. Chad Pennington, Dolphins starting QB has a torn shoulder and will miss the rest of the year. I don't see him coming back ever. The 2nd, the big man/big money man DT Albert Haynesworth of the Washington Redskins has a strained right hip flexor.

Note to the television analysts. Before you all jump all over the Brett Favre bandwagon like he's the savior of the Vikings, please slow your roll. He had a spectacular play and a great game yesterday. Let's hold all of the bowing down before the Favre throne until week 16. Thanks.

Week 3 Picks

2009-09-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

Not looking at any spread, this is who I've got:

Ravens, Redksins, Texans, Patriots, Packers, Giants, Jets, Eagles, 49ers (yes I'm picking against All Day), Saints, Bears, Steelers, Broncos, Dolphins, Colts, Cowboys.

Let's Go.

Eddie George on Steve McNair

2009-09-26T23:34:00.000-04:00

I never saw this video until now. Guess I was just now ready to do so.

The Homoerotic Imagery Inherent in the Sport of Football

2009-09-26T10:05:00.000-04:00

You have got to read this one from Soulbrother v.2

#20 Real Skills Y'all

2009-09-25T20:39:00.000-04:00

Yes he is Good; Studs

2009-09-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

The Dolphins beat the Colts in just about every statistical category. They won the time of possession game by a landslide, 45:07 to the Colts 14:53 (the shortest time of possession for a game winner since 1977). The thing is they lived and they died by their running attack which was effective but not enough. Freeney et al were worn down, but not worn out. They defended the Red Zone and made certain that there would be no TDs through the air. Chad Pennington is a safe, accurate guy. He takes care of the ball and doesn't make a lot mistakes. He's good for a team with a good running game, but not good for a team that wants to make it deep into the playoffs. You know who is good? Peyton Manning.

A fresh Peyton Manning, only in the game for less than 15 minutes, did what he had to do to win the game the tape says how:

So guess what? He get's named a STUD for this week as well. His will to win and ability to make the most out of a bad situation got him there. Much love to #18.

I have one more STUD for this week, Darren Sharper, S New Orleans Saints who who scored on 97 yard INT return for a TD. A 12 season veteran, at age 33, Sharper is the NFL's active leader in career interceptions. How does he continue to do it? He trusts his eyes.

Photo: Michael C. Hebert

Questions, comments feel free to do so here or at twitter.com/soulpowr see you on Week 3.

2009 Week 2

2009-09-21T19:51:00.000-04:00

The Homies

Falcons - I didn't get to view a lot of games yesterday since I went to see the hometown Falcons beat the Panthers 28-20. The Dome was full, Falcons flags were flying and the team wore the 1966 throwback Jerseys. 1966 was the first season for the franchise and members of that inaugural team were on hand and honored. Also honored during the game were local tennis phenom Melanie Oudin and the group Collective Soul who were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame over the weekend. The Falcons are now 2-0 as are the Saints atop the NFC South. I have some concerns about the Falcons secondary however. They have yet to be tested. We know Chad Pennington isn't a gun slinger, he's safe and accurate. We know that Delhomme is much maligned and beleagured and I'm still not sure that his arm is the same. What will happen when the Falcons play their biggest division rival the Saints who are lobbing balls all over the place and SCORING. Concerned, very concerned.
Saints - I will include them as well as it is an adopted hometown for me. Brees and the scoring machine keep rolling. The latest victims the Eagles who were walloped by the Saints 48-22. 3 more passing TDs for Brees and 2 rushing TDs put the Saints over the top, way over the top. The Eagles QB situation is at the least interesting Kevin Kolb got the start--he's not ready for primetime.
Lions - I was checking the scoreboard during the first half of the Falcons game and it appeared that the Lions were giving the Vikings a run for their money but at the end of 60, the result was typical. Vikings 27 Lions 10. All Day had a quiet day and #4 had an efficient mistake free day 23/27, 2 TDs no INTs.
Colts - are on MNF tonight against the Dolphins.

Falcons photo courtesy of Curtis Compton, CCompton@ajc.com

SMH at:

Jeff Reed of the Pittsburgh Steelers - well not really. He missed two critical field goals but we all know that you have to play well enough to WIN the game without heaving the pressure to win on one man who spins most of this time not in the game, the kicker. These Steelers lost to the Bears who's QB, Jay Cutler (yes I am a fan) settled in and took care of business this week, sans the jitters and errors of week 1.
The Seahawks run defense - or the lack thereof. The 49ers Frank Gore looked like Frank Gore again yesterday, running all over the Seahawks to the tune of 207 rushing yards, 247 total yards and 2 TDs both of them of the long-haul "to the house" variety. As for the Seahawks, Hasselbeck was knocked out the game with bruised ribs and they have ZERO running game.
The New England Patriots - you would think after the whole "embarass the Patriots" quotes from Jets safety Kerry Rhodes that the Patriots would have been firing on all cylinders. They didn't, they went out with a whimper behind what looks to me a gimpy Tom Brady. Yes the mighty Patriots were beaten by the J-E-T-S Jets 16-9. The Jets pass rush smothered the Patriots passing game even with Brady making 47 attempts, his number one receiver Randy Moss was held to four catches and 24 yards. The Patriots scored NO touchdowns.The Jets put their money where Rhodes' BAM was and got the job done.
The Cowboys - who played their home opener in the Taj de Jones and were taken down by the GMen. Even with Romo stinking up the joint the Cowboys had the lead inside 4 minutes of the end of regulation. But Eli Manning would have no parts of that, leading the Giants down the the field for a game winning field goal by Lawrence Tynes (who fared way better than Mr. Reed). The Cowboys lost in their monstrous stadium 33-31 and for good measure their former receiver #81 now of the Buffalo Bills got in on the action.
The Chargers - May be better with out Tomlinson? That was the talk last week. Guess their not so good without him when facing a defense like the Ravens who defeated them 31-26. Nearly half of the Chargers scoring came from field goals (is this field goal week?), even though Philip Rivers passed for 436 yards and 2 TDs. The Ravens are clicking on ALL cylinders right now. They have an offense now with Flacco. McGahee is looking better, the defense always holds it down. Are the Ravens the beasts of the AFC?

The Rest - with two comments
The Bengals, Cardinals, Raiders, Redskins, Broncos, Bills and Texans were all winners. I am happy that the Bills won against Tampa. I know the Bucs are sorry but they needed this win to get some heat off Dick Jauron, whom I am a fan of. I think he's a good coach, he's just been in some mighty bad situations. One more thing. I heard talk about the Texans Matt Schaub nearing elite QB status last night during one of the post-game shows. I thought for certain my ears were playing tricks on me. First of all, he's always hurt, but most of all he is throwing to a BEAST of a receiver, Andre Johnson, take him away and I think you'd have a very average QB.

Questions or comments hit me up here or at http://twitter.com/soulpowr . Talk to you after MNF.

Finally, the Season Begins

2009-09-16T21:05:00.000-04:00

Week 1 of the 2009 NFL Season

Opening kick-off for the 2009 NFL season was on Thursday. I didn't get to see the kickoff or all the pre-show antics as I was running through downtown Atlanta (literally in a corporate road race) but I digress. Even so I was traveling at breakneck speed to make it home to watch the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Tennessee Titans. Outside of some brilliant plays from the now injured safety Troy Polamalu, this one was a yawner, one in which I couldn't finish. Didn't find out until the next morning that the Steelers had won in overtime, 13-10. From the bit I did see of the game. Big Ben looked to be in early season form. Holding on to the ball to long, a bit indecisive, a bit skittish but he'll be fine. I need to see some more of them to determine what his protection looks like. Steelers D looks like it's doing the doggone thing. As for the Titans, not a lot of scoring, don't know if they will improve in that area this season either. Defense still looks fairly good even with the defection of Albert Haynesworth to the Washington Redskins. One thing that was kind of alarming was their kicking game. Rob Bironas has won games for them, in fact he's been their entire offense on occasion. That he missed two of three field goal atempts is a wonder. Maybe he was a little skittish too?

SMH (Shaking my head) at:

Jake Delhomme's performance against the Eagles. He just doesn't want to keep his starting job. A fumble and four INTs sure won't ingratiate him to the coaches, his teammates or fans. Delhomme didn't finish the 2007 season due to surgery on his elbow. He ended the 2008 season (in the playoffs vs the Cardinals) in disastrous fashion and seems to have picked up where he left off. Can Delhomme shake it off?
The Denver Broncos for blowing up everybody's game picks by beating the Bengals in DRAMATIC fashion. The Bengals had just scored what should have been a game winning touchdown. 39 seconds to go and a tipped pass into the hands of Brandon Stokely and 87 yards later, this play ends up being the game winner. ILL!
#5, now we know why #7 was brought in. Donovan McNabb gets a broken rib as he scores a rushing touchdown and had to leave the game. No news as yet as to his status for week 2. The Eagles have signed Jeff Garcia who will back up Kevin Kolb who will be the starter if McNabb can't go.
The San Francisco 49ers for suprising and upsetting the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals beating them in the Cards home opener.
Leodis McKelvin of the Buffalo Bills for deciding against fair catching a touchback in the end zone, running it out and fumbling the ball when the Bills had a lead, with just over two minutes to go. The ending, predictable, Patriots win, again.
LaDanian Tomlinson, former stud who got banged up AGAIN against the Raiders. The analysts are already saying they're a better team without him. I'm beginning to wonder if dude is finished myself.

The Homies - home teams of my fam
Nothing exciting here. Colts win, Falcons win, Lions get WHOOPED by the Saints.

The Rest
The folks who were supposed to win, won.

The Ballyhooed Rookie QBs
Lions, under the helm of Matt Stafford got WHOOPED. There will be more of those to come for this youngster. His first season is going to hurt, his career may hurt if he plays all of it with the Lions. Mark Sanchez had a very different first start with the help of a running game and the Jets defense, he got the W for his debut.

Studs

I would expect that #28 will be on here plenty this season. Yes Mr. All Day, Adrian Peterson did his thing, 25 carriers, 180 yards, 3 TDs. Unstoppable and makes you forget that #4 is there.

Photo: Mark Duncan / Associated Press

Drew Brees gave the Lions the blues. 26/34, 358 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT. Folks are already talking -- Saints win the NFC South. I say not so fast, but for sure, in week 1 Brees was a bonafide stud.

Photo: Bill Feig / Associated Press

No. 7, Stallworth, Johnson

2009-08-11T11:29:00.000-04:00

#7 On His Way Back
As the NFL recycles a bunch of QBs who suck, are past their heyday or are subject to meltdown at a moment’s notice, there is one guy who’s got fresh legs, a new attitude and a hunger to play. You know him, love him or loathe him, that guy #7 Michael Vick. Living in the Atlanta metro during the Vick days was nothing short of spectacular. He bought an excitement to this town which is largely Braves territory and made more than just the diehard care about football again. Then he took an L, a big one over dog-fighting and spent 23 months locked up. Warden Goodell, who I never thought in a million years would let the kid back in conditionally reinstated Vick. He is eligible to be signed, participate in training camp and pre-season and is good to play after serving suspension which would end week 6 of the 2009 season at the latest. While Vick was away I’d say that not only has his mind changed, but his spirit has changed as well. There’s no way it couldn’t have changed with having Coach Tony Dungy as counselor, advisor and unrepentant champion of Vick’s cause.

During the Hall of Fame game on NBC Sunday night Coach Dungy let analysts Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth know that Vick is ready and that there are teams who are interested in his services. According to ESPN there are at least five teams taking a a look and Coach Dungy is confident that Vick will land with a team by the end of training camp this season.

I’ve said it before and will say it again. Vick did something wrong, he paid the price and now it is time for him to get a job, on an NFL team. The question, the debate and the speculation as to which team is he’ll land is what’s hot right now.

The Case of Stallworth
Cleveland Browns WR Donte Stallworth killed a man on March 14, 2009 in Miami, driving drunk. He took a plea deal on DUI manslaughter and served 24 days of a 30 day sentence in jail. He’s got community service, house arrest (the length of which he is appealing to be shortened), permanent revocation of his license and an indefinite suspension from the NFL for the act. At the time of the incident I felt very strongly that suspension was in order, he killed someone, and he did it recklessly as a drunk driver. I don’t yet have a handle on how I feel about indefinite suspension. I’d like to hear what YOU think about his suspension as a result of the manslaughter charge.

The Passing of Jim Johnson
Longtime Eagles Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Coach Jim Johnson passed away on July 29, 2009 at age 68 after losing his battle with a cancerous tumor on his spine. The Jim Johnson defense was 2nd in the league in sacks from 2000-2008 and was consistently ranked as one of the leagues top defenses. Andy Reid acknowledged with certainty that the success the Eagles have had in his tenure would not have happened without Jim Johnson.

Steve LaTreal McNair February 14, 1973 - July 4, 2009

2009-07-12T06:30:00.000-04:00

I cried immediately. He was my absolute favorite QB, I admired his stamina, his quiet aggressiveness, his ability to shake defenders with his strength and mobility, his leadership, his resolve to never quit inspite of truckloads of injuries and his smile, I'm talking about #9 Steve "Air" McNair, found dead on July 4, 2009.

McNair's collegiate football was played at Alcorn State an HBCU in Lorman, MS. Alcorn State is in the SWAC and McNair holds records as the all time conference leader in passing yards and yards of total offense. In 1995 this black man, from a small black school was selected 3rd overall by the Houston Oilers, heading into the rarefied air of NFL quarterbacks and even more rare air of the black NFL QB. McNair became the team's starting QB in 1997 when they moved to Tennessee. As a starter with the Oilers/Titans (1999), he was selected to 3 Pro-Bowls, shared the MVP with Peyton Manning in 2003 and was also an All Pro selection in 2003. He lead the Titans to SuperBowl XXXIV in which they lost on a last second completed pass to Kevin Dyson who was unable to cross the plane for a score.

In 2006, McNair was unceremoniously traded to the Baltimore Ravens. However the Ravens go the QB boost that they'd been looking for, for years . Though McNair was no longer Air McNair, nor the running/mobile McNair of old, his leadership, consistency and hard work set a standard for the Ravens. He started every game in the 2006 season, lead the team to a 13-3 record and a playoff birth in which they lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round. McNair missed most of the 2007 season with injury and retired in 2008. McNair's 13 season career stats were 174 TDs (37 rushing), 119 INT, 31,304 passing yards, 3590 rushing yards (one of only three QBs in the 30,000, 3000 club) and a QB rating of 82.8.

McNair was a great player on the field and a great man in the community, sponsoring football camps, initiating relief drives in the wake of hurricane Katrina, and hosting/sponsoring numerous events for charity in Nashville.

We all know the story of his untimely death. The victim of an apparent murder suicide, in which his girlfriend Sahel Kazemi murdered him and turned the gun on herself. Steve McNair was still married to Mechelle his wife of 12 years and had four sons. The details of his relationship with Kazemi, his wife and a possible 3rd woman are scattered and splattered all over the news. No one will ever know the whole story, the two primary subjects of the story are the only ones who knew for sure. Kazemi and McNair, both entered into a relationship that carried a high degree of risk neither knew how high.

McNair doesn't get a pass for breaking his marriage vows, but he will not get any judgement from me as I am not the ultimate decider of how these things should be handled, only the Creator can do that. All that I can say with certainty is that I admired him as a player and as a philanthropist, imperfect man that he was. I know that he's not alone in his imperfection, we are all imperfect. I will miss him and will remember him for all that he did RIGHT, not what he did wrong.

Photos

Remembering Air McNair photos

Funeral service

Steve McNair shot to death

2009-07-04T16:57:00.000-04:00

Future HOF QB Steve McNair has been killed in Nashville TN, a single gunshot wound to the head. I am devastated.

Links:

http://bit.ly/h7xtc

http://bit.ly/aqjjx

Michael Vick Reinstatement - Yes or No

2009-05-30T23:28:00.000-04:00

Michael Vick was released from Leavenworth Prison into home confinement May 20,2009. His sentence will be completed on July 20,2009 at which time Vick can meet with Warden I mean Commissioner Roger Goodell regarding reinstatement in the NFL. I'm rooting for his return. Will the powers that be, namely Goodell and NFL owners give him the chance to do so or will they bow to the pressures of the animal rights groups and not allow him to earn a living doing the job he's most skilled at doing, playing football. I don't think so.

There's been so much press about how Vick needs to show contrition, remorse and be REAL about it. He can't be contrived, hasty or look as though he's building his case for reinstatement in the media. My question is, how in the world does he build his case if not in front of the media. You see something happened in this case. Much care and heavy handed punishment was issued in the name of animal rights, while at the same time human rights are all but forgotten. Yeah I know those poor dogs can not speak for themselves. Groups like PETA and the Humane Society and individual animal lovers have to do it for them. Who is going to step up to the plate and speak for Michael Vick? We do know that he has one powerful and well-respected ally in retired Coach Tony Dungy, but beyond him, who will come to bat for him. Vick has become the symbol for animal cruelty in this country, someone to be cast down and basically forgotten for making a very bad and very illegal choice. However bad and however illegal, we are talking about DOGS, we're not talking about human beings. He committed a crime against animals and regardless of what is thought/said/written, what Vick did is NOT a crime against humanity.

Vick has paid the price for his decision, he lost his job, his dough and his reputation, however there will be no PETV (People for the Ethical Treatment of Vick) because he's considered subhuman for what he did to those dogs. Which is even more troubling to me because living here in the A, brings to mind the case of one Bobby Cox, record breaking manager for the Atlanta Braves, who slapped his wife up, got only a slap on his wrists and still has a job. So what does this say, you can beat on your wife and continue to make millions but you can beat on a dog and be relegated to $10/hr jobs for the rest of your life? Well that may be the case. Vick is not going to get ethical treatment, he is going to get the financial treatment. Owners are going to look at the bottom line and think, hey I don't need this outside my stadium, these protesters. I don't want the threats, I don't want the media attention, I don't want Vick. You can't mess with the owner's money now can you? Goodell will tow the line for those owners in order to protect the SHIELD.

So let's be clear. Should Michael Vick be reinstated in the NFL? Yes. Will he be? No. I want to be proven absolutely wrong and will happily eat crow if he's re-instated. A human should be given just a much of a chance to live his life as any animal. Vick's life is a football life. I want him to have it back.

Where do you weigh in?

Photo: Steve Helber, AP

Trades, Mini-Camps and #4

2009-05-09T23:33:00.000-04:00

Trades and Rumors of Trades

Lorenzo Neal

The Raiders have added veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal to their back field. Neal who has blocked for five 1000 yard rushers including Eddie George, Corey Dillon and LaDanian Tomlinson is a three time pro-bowler, who should be a welcome addition to the Raider backfield.

#81 Boldin

Uber-Agent Drew Rosenhaus has stated on Twitter that he believes that is stud

client can still be traded before training camp. Boldin (as is well known) is unhappy

with the Cardinals organization because he believes they haven't offered him the contract that he deserves. The top spot in the running for Boldin's services belongs to the Baltimore Ravens who currently are not satisfied with their stable of receivers.

Marvin Harrison

The future HOF WR was released (the split was amicable) from the Colts at the end of the 2008 season. As yet there has been no interest from any teams. Harrison's agent believes there will be more interest and an eventual signing closer to training camp. My question, as great as he's

been, is Harrison just too old (37 in August ) or was it really just the troublesome knee that has kept him down the last two seasons? I'd certainly like to see him continue, the optimum would have been for him to stay with the Colts. Maybe they will bring him back later to retire him.

Check here for a fairly exhaustive list of off-season releases and trades.

Mini-Camp

In my humble opinion Mini-Camp isn't that big of deal. The only time it is a big deal is when there is an injury to a top draft pick, some notable player doesn't show or there's a beef. The real drama comes at training camp time, that's when you start seeing the hold-outs, as well as who looks good and who doesn't. Here's this year's mini-camp schedule.

I thought we were done with this, really. Brett Favre retired at the end of the 2008 season. He was released by the NY Jets. He has an injured throwing shoulder. The Vikings want him supposedly, they have received x-rays of the shoulder supposedly. He was to meet with Vikings head coach Brad Childress (we know this didn't happen). Personally I've had enough. As much as I love #4, I was done the first time he retired. He cried, I cried and we all moved on. Then he came back and played for the Jets, I accepted it, grudgingly but watched gladly although he had a relatively poor season. Favre's agent, Bus Cook is either being coy or really doesn't have a clue about the Vikings interest (real or otherwise) in Brett and has stated he's had no conversations with #4 about any phone calls, x-rays or anything else taking place with the Vikings. The bottom line: #4 is an HOF QB who is looking all kinds of crazy right now with this coming out of retirement circus that he has dropped all of the fans and the media into. What I want: for him to stay retired, wait his five years and go in on the first ballot.

Got any hot tips, rumors or anything else newsy about the NFL? Be sure to leave a comment here or hit me, soulpowr up on Twitter.

What's Happening in Free Agency

2009-03-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

Hot Releases/Trades

I thought I could catch them all but there's been too much time since the last post. Here's the hot ones.

Correll Buckhalter - The former Eagles backup RB has signed with the Broncos and I don't understand this move on the Eagles end. Brian Westbrook has proven to be Mr. Everything, however because of his number of touches he gets nicked up a lot hence a solid backup like Buckhalter is needed. This is a win for the Broncos, who've had virtually no running game since the departure of Clinton Portis.

Fred Taylor - the veteran RB was released by the Panthers made visits with the Bills and the Patriots and signed with the Patriots on 2/27/09 for 2 years, $5 million.

D'Angelo Hall - the CB keeps his job with the Redskins to the tune of 6 years $54 million. The Redskins are still printing their own money.

Matt Cassel - the former Pats QB was franchised and subsequently traded to the Chiefs along with Mike Vrabel for a draft pick and compensation.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Former Bengals WR heads to the NFC West Seattle Seahawks, 5 yrs, $40 million with $15 million guaranteed. We will find out if he's got real skills or whether he was just a beneficiary of having Chad Johnson lined up on the other side of the field.

Albert Haynesworth - this DT hit the mother load of all contracts, by signing with the Redskins. Haynesworth is the first defensive $100 million man signing a 7-year deal with $41 million guaranteed in the first three years. Again, the Redskins are printing money, not taking anything from Haynesworth but WOW!

Kellen Winslow - The TE was traded to the Buccaneers for a second round pick in 2009 and a 5th round pick in 2010. Considering Winslow's talent level, this sounds like the Browns just wanted to unload him. He's been troublesome, he's been hurt, but the boy can play. Winslow seems to be in love already with the young Bucs Coach Morris. What we don't know is who will be QB.

Brian Dawkins - The Rock of the Eagles D, Safety Brian Dawkins, who's played his entire career with the Eagles is now a Denver Bronco, signing a 5-year $17 million deal. The Eagles appear to be following the path of the Bucs, going younger. Dawkins, did not want to leave the organization but realized it was a "business decision".

Roy Williams - The Safety was released by the Cowboys last week and is in talks with several unnamed teams.

Terrell Owens - WR Owens was released by the Cowboys, with much whining and has signed a one year $6.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. He will be second fiddle to Lee Evans. This should be (hopefully) the farewell tour for Owens.

Still to come updates on Kurt Warner, Ray Lewis, LT and more.

Releases and Franchise Tags

2009-02-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

Buccaneers Going Younger

Veterans Derrick Brooks (LB), Cato June (LB), Joey Galloway (WR), Warrick Dunn (RB) and Ike Hilliard (WR) have all been released by the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Galloway, wasn't surprised or upset by the move and Dunn, showed typical humility. Both were complementary

of the Bucs organization. Derrick Brooks, on the other hand didn't have much for the press after the announcement, most likely because he is stunned. Brooks entire 14 year career was played with the Bucs in which he was an 11 time Pro-Bowler, and Defensive Player of the Year in 2002. He's been the undisputed leader of the Bucs defense but had a down 2008 season as a result of injury.

The NFL is a business like any other. Employees get paid their job and consistent performance is rewarded and just like any other business, you can be let go for poor performance or because the company just can't afford you anymore. I don't know the status of Brooks contract, and don't really care. As a team leader and outstanding performer for the team,

you'd think he'd be around to school the youngsters. As fan, I'd like to see him there, Bucs fans would like to see him there but that's not going to be the case. All that said, I don't believe it's a bad business move. The young guys have to take their lumps in order to improve. The young coach (Morris) is going to take them as well and may be the first casualty (check back after two seasons). Brooks is a 35 year old linebacker, HOF caliber, a leader who can still get the job done. Once the sting has gone down, Mr Brooks will show up again on a team near you for the 2009 season.

Photo: Tribune file photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Tag pays off

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs maintained optimism that his franchise tag would buy him time

to negotiate a new deal. His optimism paid off. He signed a 4 year $25 million deal, $13 million of which is guaranteed.

Franchise tag tees off

Julius Peppers. He said he wanted out if they franchise him. On February 19th the Carolina Panthers gave him the franchise tag. Peppers knew it was coming and (reportedly) in advance of the tagging provided a list of teams that he preferred to be traded to one of which may be the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have since indicated that they are not interested in the Peppers and don't have a first round pick available to make it happen. If Peppers is not traded and plays out the tag year he will earn $16.683 million.

Yeah I know what he said. He wants to try something new go somewhere else, blah blah blah. I think there's some wiggle room here and I think Peppers is going to sign the offer.

No. 88

The cost of future HOF WR Marvin Harrison was too high, $13.4 against the Colts cap unable to come to an agreement, Harrison was released from the Colts per his request on

Tuesday. Harrison of that vaunted 1996 WR draft class which included Keyshawn Johnson and Terrell Owens has remained consistently outstanding on the field and consistently elusive with regards to the media. He continued that elusiveness on Tuesday as he was not present for the press conference and did not issue any statement regarding his release. Harrison is an eight

time Pro Bowler who broke all si

gnifcant Colt's single-season and career receiving records. He and Peyton Manning are the most prolific passing combo in NFL league history and he ranks in the top 5 all time in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Marvin can play another year or two if he wants to as a 2nd or 3rd option on a team given his age, 37 this year and his recovery from a serious knee injury in 2007. The Colts want to bring Marvin back and sign him at the end of his career to retire as a Colt and to induct him into their ring of honor.

Marvin Harrison is a class act and future Hall of Famer who will be sorely missed by fans, Colts teammates and management. He's a great example of how greatness can be achieved by doing your job and doing it well without spending any time courting the media.

Photo: Indianapolis Colts/A.J. Macht

Trades and a Gun

2009-02-16T10:10:00.001-05:00

Falcons Ready to Trade Vick

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff expressed in Q&A for Falcons.com that the team is seeking a trade for suspended

QB Michael Vick. League rules do allow for a trade of suspended players. There is no timetable and no official word from Commissioner Goodell regarding Vick's reinstatement if there is one.

My hope is that Michael Vick is reinstated. The chances of that happening are 50/50 in my estimation. The Commissioner

has had some tough cases in his tenure, Vick's is another on the list. If he is reinstated my estimation is that he will go to the NFC East or North. He's done in these parts.

Photo: Alan Kee/NFL

The Smoking Gun

Speaking of tough cases, another may end up on the Commissioner's plate soon. This one of Marshawn Lynch RB, Buffalo Bills. Fresh off a Pro Bowl appearance, Lynch was stopped in Culver City, California, arrested and is facing a felony charge for possession of a concealed

firearm. Because this is Lynch's second brush with the law he could face suspension by the league for violating its personal conduct policy.

The incident isn't rubbing me the right way for two reasons: first, Lynch who has been in trouble with the law previously, had a gun in the car (no information available right now as to whether it was licensed) this was a dumb move considering his history and the most recent gun fiasco with Plaxico Burress. Lynch should know better. Secondly there is no information (at this time) indicating that Lynch was violating any laws at the time the vehicle was pulled over. All we do know is that three African-American males in a 2006 Mercedes Benz (one identified as Lynch by the officer(s)) were stopped. In other words why was he stopped in the first place? I'm continuing to dig through this story and if you hear any news, please contact me.

Photo: Mark Mulville / Buffalo News file photo

The Earth has been Franchised

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has become only the 2nd player franchised in Giants history. He received the designation on Friday and is expected to earn $6.6 million for the 2009 season. Jacobs has indicated that he wants to stay with the Giants and sees the move as a means to getting a long term deal done.

Peppers: "It's time for a Change"

There's no beef with the team, the coaches or owners, Panthers DE Julius Peppers is just ready to move on. Peppers contract is up and he's indicated that he doesn't want to be franchised and will seek a trade if he receives that designation.

In his words: “Seven years is a long time and since I’ve been here, I’ve given everything I had. There’s never been a time that I wasn’t giving my all. It’s a situation where I feel I’m at the point in my career where I want to do different things. It has nothing to do with anything that happened with me and coaches or me and the owner. There’s nothing that happened. I just feel like personally, for me and my career, it’s time for a change.”

Photo: NFL.com

Free Agency, #4, Did you know?

2009-02-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

Free Agent Watch
TJ Houshmandzadeh, WR Bengals - no franchise tag for him. The the Bengals will have to either sign the WR to a long term deal before the start of free-agency on 2/27 or let him hit the market.
Terell Suggs, LB Ravens - TSizzle was franchised last season because he and the Ravens were unable to come to a long-term agreement. He wants to stay there but is open to another team if necessary. In his words “Baltimore has first dibs.”

#4 Retires, for Real this time
With no fanfare and no press conference, only a conference call, QB Brett Favre contacted the Jets and informed them of his retirement and this time he seemingly sealed the deal by signing and turning in his retirement papers. Farewell to #4 . He should be collecting his yellow jacket in five years (check the record, he'll be in).

Did you know?
Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Johnson is training NFL Draft Prospects.
The FBI is investigating the Super Bowl porn interruption that occurred in AZ.
Uber-Agent Drew Rosenhaus is at it again, this time for Plax and the feathers are flying.

Fitzgerald, Johnson, Did you know?

2009-02-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

Pro Bowl 2009

Guess who nudged out the 30-21 victory the NFC? Mr. Stud Stud Stud, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald who is the 2009 Pro Bowl MVP.

Photo: LATimes.com

L.J. and the Chiefs

Chiefs RB Larry Johnson wants out of Kansas City. The Chiefs are getting younger, he is not and doesn't believe he'd get a fair shake even with another coach. Stating that he's been trade bait since he's been in Kansas City, he believe it's best for him to move on. I tend to agree with him. He may not have a lot of time left considering his punishing running style and the fact that he'll be 30 this year, which is the magic number for RBs. He has yet to return to the form he had during 2005 and 2006 seasons when he was a veritable work horse for the Chiefs. Note to Pioli. Let him go.

Photo: NFL.com

Did you know?

Hall of Fame Giants LB Lawrence Taylor, the real L.T., will be on the next Dancing with the Stars.

Jon Gruden is hurt by the comments of his former players.

Coaching Carousel, Cassel, Warner and other News

2009-02-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

Coaching Carousel

AZ Cardinals OC Todd Haley has been offered and has accepted the head coaching job with the KC Chiefs.

Cassel Getting Paid (for one year)

The New England Patriots have placed the Franchise tag on QB Matt Cassel who started 15 games for the Pats this year. The tag for QBs for next season is $14.65 million. They lock him in for one more season, that is a good thing because he had a great season, for a guy who's sat on the sidelines for four seasons. His experience is much like Aaron Rogers of the Packers, and even though neither team made the playoffs, Cassel came mighty close finishing the year 11-5. Cassel sitting pretty and should he be released after 09 should be able to cash in elsewhere.

Warner, Is this the End?

The Walter Payton Man of the Year, who had a whale of season is contemplating retirement. This will be no force out for Kurt Warner however. The Cardinals want to keep him as they have enjoyed their most successful season ever with him at the helm. Warner knows that at 36 the time to hang up the cleats is approaching. He is relying on God to give him the answer as to when to retire.

Contract Talk, Steelers' James Harrison

The media hadn't let Harrison hold the Lombardi trophy long before they started asking him about his contract. Looks like the Steelers are following suit. The Defensive player of the year and almost XLIII MVP has one year left on his deal. The negotiations have already begun. The Steelers will do the right thing on this one.

Contract Talk, Ravens' Ray Lewis

The NY Jets or the Dallas Cowboys have perennial Pro Bowl and former defensive player of the year LB Ray Lewis on their radar. Lewis summed the situation up short and sweet in his interview with NFLN as to why he's considering offers: “I don’t play less...If you don’t play less, you don’t take less. That’s just life.” This is going to be a hot one, stay tuned.

Did you know?

Former Cowboys WR Terry Glenn was recently arrested for marijuana possession and public intoxication.

Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh soon to be a free agent wants to play for the Eagles, that is if QB Donovan McNabb stays at the helm and he (unlike Eagles fans) likes Andy Reid's play calling.

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-02T22:45:00.000-05:00

I did some whining about the lack of adequate coverage of the teams, the players, the stories leading up to the Super Bowl. I really felt that this Super Bowl was not getting any love from the press because the usual suspects were not in it. Yes the Steelers had won five Super Bowls previously but there still wasn't a lot of buzz. The game made me forget about all that, because it was DRAMA!

This was my first Super Bowl on Twitter and it was good to see how people were reacting to the game. I'd like to give one shout out to one member of the Steeler nation who was across the pond for the game @1winedude, who held it down in England terrible towel and all. I digress. We know what happened, we know that during the first half the vaunted Cardinals offense couldn't get anything going and that their defense was able to hold the Steelers in check until just before the half when Defensive Player of the Year, LB James Harrison intercepted Warner on the goal line and took it to the house, 100 yards for the longest scoring play in Super Bowl History. We

thought that maybe the game was over. The 2nd half came and so did the Cardinals penalties, they seemed to be imploding until

the old stud Warner found his rhythm and his stud WR Fitzgerald and the game was ON! Yes they scored two touchdowns and took the lead with 2:37 to go in the game.

Then Big Ben, all poise took over engineered a drive that lead to a TD pass to Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.

The victory makes the Steelers the champs of XLIII and champs of most wins for a franchise with

six. Reliving this game as I write this still leaves me breathless. By far one of the most exciting Super Bowls I've seen. Congratulations to the Champs the Pittsburgh Steelers and to the Arizona Cardinals, who had an absolutely stunning run.

Coach Tomlin

Coach Mike Tomlin, the young coach that Mr. Rooney took a chance on, the one who got the job that either Russ Grimm or Ken Wisenhunt was supposed to get, is now the youngest head coach at age 36, to win a Super Bowl, surpassing Jon Gruden. He is also only the 2nd African-American head coach to win, the first his mentor Tony Dungy. Tomlin certainly reflects Dungy's calm in the storm, but he does it with a steeliness and confidence that is appreciated by this fan. Tomlin did not flinch at the challenge that was facing him. An unknown guy (from a good coaching tree) coming into a storied franchise with only two coaches before him in nearly 40 years, both of whom had Super Victories (Knoll, multiple), a guy who was close in age to some of his players,and the first African-American head coach in franchise history, successfully sold his philosophy of accountability, toughness and humility to a team, to a city and to the Steeler nation has now earned his first of hopefully several Super Bowl rings. As a fan, I'm happy for this coach's victory, as an African-American I'm proud of his victory and the example that Coach Mike Tomlin is setting.

Super Bowl XLIII, News

2009-01-30T07:23:00.001-05:00

Tech Ads will Not be a Major Presence

The usual online companies like GoDaddy, Monster, CareerBuilder, E-Trade and Cars.com will be airing ads during the Super Bowl, but technology companies this year are holding out on this type of spending, as 30 sec ads can run $3 million during the game. In lieu of ads, this year many companies are running digital tie-ins like user-generated ads from Doritos and Super Bowl related content on social media site Facebook. There will be one new player in the Super Bowl ad game, online video hub, Hulu.

Big Ben Holding it Down

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in an interviews on radio row and with Deion Sanders, is sounding much like a man in control of this team. His desire is to play a better game this Super Bowl, though the Steelers won their last trip in Super Bowl XL he wants to elevate his game and the game of his offensive team mates.

Steelers WR Hines Ward fully participated in practice on Thursday.

John Legend and T-Pain will be performing at the Super Bowl pre-game festivities

L.T. Watch

Chargers President and Ceo Dean Spanos has intimated that LaDanian Tomlinson will be a Charger for the 2009 season, but hasn't offered up much more than that.

Super Bowl XLIII, Coaching Carousel

2009-01-28T22:38:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XLIII

There's not a lot of news going on at the Super Bowl, the angles I whined about a few days ago are not really being touched on. Just a few notes really:

Cardinals stud WR Larry Fitzgerald is considering restructuring his contract in order for the organization to keep is stud partner WR Anquan Boldin.
Steelers WR Hines Ward did not practice today but he never practices on Wednesday and indications are that the knee is better.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James had a Lamborghini delivered to him at the team hotel.
Lingerie Bowl is cancelled (didn't know they had such a thing)
MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, who's in Tampa covering the big game for NBC (remember he used to be on ESPN) basically said that media day (Tuesday) is nothing but silliness.

Coaching Carousel Update 10

The Oakland Raiders are expected to name their interim coach Tom Cable as head coach soon. Of course the Raiders have denied the report, but they vehemently denied that they were going to fire Lane Kiffin and well, you know the rest.
Former Chiefs coach Herm Edwards may be heading to a TV near you, behind the desk as an analyst.

Super Bowl XLIII, L.T. Watch

2009-01-27T07:37:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XLIII

Check out Monday's media sessions on NFL.com on the events tab, then select Super Bowl media sessions.

Big Ben wants to smack somebody - In regards to the status of WR Hines Ward playing in the Super Bowl Roethlisberger says: "People ask me that question, and I want to smack them. It's Hines Ward -- he's going to be out here. It's the Super Bowl."

Cardinals Coach Wisenhunt doesn't want his players to get caught up - Wisenhunt, "we can't lose sight of the fact that we're here to play a game."

Super Bowl losers gear - As you know, Pofficial Super Bowl merchandise is produced for both teams prior prior to the Super Bowl so it can be made available to the public immediately following the game. Merchandise created for the team that loses the Super Bowl is donated to World Vision a global relief agency. ESPN, Sunday NFL countdown ran a nice story Sunday about a soccer team that became the Patriots (losers of Super Bowl XLII) who became champions of their league.

L.T. Watch

Chargers LB Shawn Merriman has weighed in on the media battle between A.J. Smith and LaDanian Tomlinson, stating that the feuding "has to stop" in order for them to win a superbowl. A.J. Smith has since hemmed and hawed on the the Chargers website for his remarks last week regarding L.T. Explaining that he handled the questions regarding the trade of Tomlinson poorly and that he has spoken to LaDanian to clear the air. L.T. for his part appears to be pleased with the conversation he had with Smith.

This isn't over gang. It's still January.

Coaching Carousel, L.T., Superbowl

2009-01-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

Coaching Carousel Update 9

Herman Edwards was fired as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Speculation that Mike Shanahan is the top dog to fill this job has been running rampant ever since. Adam Schefter/NFL.com is reporting not so and that Shanahan has not been contacted at all about the job. Possible candidates for the job include another top dog selection, former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher as well as Cardinals OC Todd Haley (last seen arguing on the sideline of the NFC championship with Anquan Boldin), Dolphins DC Paul Pasqualoni and Chiefs OC Chan Gailey. My guess is that new GM Scott Pioli is going to select either Haley or someone who hasn't even surfaced yet. Cowher's name has come up with every job, but I believe both he and Shanahan will wait another year for some more prime real estate to open, like the Dallas Cowboys.

L.T. Watch

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison has weighed in on the L.T. dilemma. Harrison, a former Charger himself was in the same shoes a few years ago. He also wanted to retire a Charger but the team had other plans, trading him away to the NE Patriots. While working on NFLN this week Harrison stated: “LaDainian is obviously a Hall of Famer. Why should he have to question if he’s going to be on the team or not? Or if he’s going to be traded? Do you honestly think you are going to be a better team without LaDainian Tomlinson? It’s just crazy to even think. It’s disappointing.” I think it would be shame to trade L.T. and will continue to say it until there is movement one way or the other. The Chargers may be thinking they want to go younger, but It would be a mistake to let L.T. go. Would they then move Darren Sproles to #1 and pick up a number two? If they were going to trade L.T. they should have done it last year and kept the Burner (Michael Turner) made him #1 and kept Sproles at #2. But I also think they should have kept Marty Schottenheimer. Who cares what I/we think? We're just the fans.

Superbowl Comment

I am not seeing the hype right now. We're a week a way and all the stories coming across the wires are about arrests, injuries and coaching changes. I know that this past week we had the pleasure of inaugurating a new President, Barack Obama into office. This is the news of the week undoubtedly as he is the first African-American elected to the high office (and I am proud and elated about it) but I think there is something else at work here. There's no glamor factor. There's no Cowboys, Giants or Eagles from the NFC, there's no Patriots or Colts coming out of the AFC. Yet there are so many interesting stories coming into Superbowl: Kurt Warner, 37 an MVP candidate, resurrected his career in the desert of AZ, Ken Wisenhunt and Russ Grimm were both on Bill Cowher's staff but were trumped by a relative unknown young African-American Coach, Mike Tomlin upon Cowher's retirement. They are both facing their former team. Should the Steelers win the Superbowl, Tomlin would be the youngest coach and only the 2nd African-American coach to do so. Then there is the story of the stud Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, who's had a devastating impact on the teams that have tried to stop him in the playoffs. For fans, this Superbowl has everything you could ask for. Why isn't the media showing Superbowl XLIII more love? This week the wires better be blowing up with all Superbowl, all the time.

LT's Days Numbered? Gruden Relief

2009-01-22T23:21:00.000-05:00

LT Watch

Chargers GM A.J. Smith has responded to LaDanian Tomlinson via the San Diego Union Tribune. The show stopper:

“As for now, I am the Chargers’ GM, and I have major decisions to ponder for the organization now and in the future. My recommendation to Dean Spanos will be what’s in the best interest of the team — both short and long term. That’s my job. That’s what Dean hired me to do.”

This is the beginning of the end for LT in San Diego.

Happy that Gruden is Gone

Bucs QB Jeff Garcia and RB Earnest Graham both said that it was time for a change in Tampa. Both speak on deteriorating relations between the former coach Jon Gruden and the team. Garcia, who was already salty about not having his contract renegotiated and his benching during the season had arguably the most strained relationship with Gruden and with former GM Bruce Allen.

Expect new head Coach Raheem Morris to take a different approach in relating to and rallying players. He's certainly not as rough around the edges as Gruden and appears to have the heart of the team in mind.

Sugar Ray, Vick and LT

2009-01-22T07:28:00.000-05:00

Ray Lewis is a Free Agent
Yes he's 33, and played 13 seasons but the Baltimore Ravens have every intention on keeping him out of the free agent market. Why wouldn't they forget age, he's a 10 time pro bowler, played every game this season, is a two time defensive player of the year and the undisputed leader of the D and really of the team. Lewis who will be a an unrestricted free agent in February, even with this "age" could command a high price tag. The Ravens are hoping for a "home town discount" but have for the most part ruled out putting a franchise tag on Lewis to keep him. They would like to keep Sugar Ray in the fold so that he can complete his career with Ravens. We will see what happens come February my expectation is that Ray Lewis will retire as a Raven.

No PETA Ad for Michael Vick
PETA has rescinded their advertising offer to Michael Vick. Vick's attorneys had requested that PETA support Vick's return to the NFL for doing the spot and PETA flatly refused. Vick should be released in time for training camp this summer and PETA is not in support of his return to the NFL. Regardless of how PETA feels about Mike Vick, there are teams in the NFL who will take a look at him, he's still young in QB years, his body hasn't taken any hits in the last two years and he'll be hungry and ready to play. Somebody will take him.

LT Intends to Stay with Chargers
LaDanian Tomlinson is making an appeal to Chargers, he's played all eight seasons of his career in San Diego and wants to finish his career there. His last two seasons have been plagued by injuries that have kept him out of the playoffs. In addition he signed a whopper contract in 2004, which was at the time the biggest contract for a running back in NFL history. The Chargers could take a big cap hit on this contract and are looking for some savings, either by restructuring or trading him. Mark it, this LT contract situation is going to heat up and may even blow up.

McNabb News, Coaching Carousel Update 8

2009-01-21T07:59:00.000-05:00

McNabb News

Uh-Oh The Vote of Confidence
Earlier this week the Philadelphia Eagles team president Joe Banner and owner Jeffrey Lurie stated their desire to have both coach Andy Reid and starting QB Donovan McNabb back next season. This is mighty early, especially after a defeat in a conference championship game, to give the dreaded vote of confidence. This usually signals the death knell for those who've received it. McNabb and Reid are now in my opinion officially on the clock.

More Disrespect for #5
Before the Eagles lost the NFC Championship game to the Cardinals, #5 lost some of his front lawn. McNabb's offseason home is in Chandler AZ. On Thursday, a Cardinals flag was left hanging from a tree in his yard. McNabb in typical fashion laughed it off and left the flag flying, but things turned more serious on Saturday morning when McNabb went outside, smelled diesel fuel and found the words "Go Cards," "Go Kurt," and "I heart AZ" burned into his front lawn. Two people have been charged with misdemeanor criminal damage Rex Perkins, 37 and his co-worker, Ryan Hanlon, 28 for the pranks.

Comment
I have to ask why people believe that it's okay to scandalize McNabb's name and now vandalize his property. When will McNabb leave the smile behind, while of course keeping it classy and let everyone know that he will not be disrespected anymore. I'm believing that will come this summer. His contract runs through 2010. He's already expressed quietly that he wants a new deal. Let's hope that #5 is proactive and forces the issue by forcing a trade, before the Eagles brass make a decision for him.

Carousel Update 8

Rex Ryan's press conference/introduction and the new head coach of the NY Jets is today at 10:00 am EST.
Herman Edwards is still the coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. A decision from new GM Scott Pioli is pending.

Conference Championships, Update 7

2009-01-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

Cardinals vs. Eagles

The hot Eagles cooled off and gave too little to late in their quest for the NFC championship as they went down in defeat to the AZ Cardinals. Yes, the Cardinals. McNabb will be blamed for the Eagles 4th NFC championship game loss, but here's what really happened:

The Cardinals had only one turnover to three for the Eagles.
The Eagles were unable to bring any real pressure to Warner during the first half.
The Eagles had red zone problems in the first half. They were settling for field goals against a team that can put up big numbers.
The Cardinals defense put the clamps on Mr Everything (Westbrook) and the Eagles did not utilize RB Correll Buckhalter enough, who was effective whenever he touched the ball.
Finally, the biggest reason is a real showstopper. WR #11 Larry Fitzgerald, who has had a mind numbing playoff run and has surpassed the GOAT Jerry Rice for the most post-season receiving yards, 452. He's big, he's physical and will out-wrestle defenders for the ball and in this game had 9 receptions for 154 yards and three TDs, the kid is unstoppable.

The Arizona Cardinals and their coach Ken Wisenhunt have done the unthinkable. They have not been in a title game since 1948, they've had the winningest season in their history as well as their most playoff wins. Former MVP Kurt Warner has made everyone forget that they have a highly touted QB draft pick on their roster and may be cementing a place for himself in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals, they are on their way to Tampa for Superbowl XLIII to face...

Photo: Kevin Terrell / NFL.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers

What looked like a typical Steelers/Ravens mashup began to get out of hand as the Ravens secondary suffered losses. Ravens QB Joe Flacco had is rookie card pulled finally with three INTs in this game, most notably one into the arms of safety Troy Polamalu which was returned for a touchdown. This was a grudge match between two teams that know each other well. The number one ranked defense in the NFL with precision play from Big Ben who kept the ball in the hands of his receivers and away from Safety Ed Reed, earned the Steelers and soon to be stud Coach Mike Tomlin a trip to the to the Superbowl. Congratulations to the Steelers on making their 7th Superbowl appearance.

Note: Ravens RB Willis McGahee was carted off the field after a helmet to helmet collision. He did have movement in his extremities and was held in a hospital overnight for observation. Much love to McGahee, and hopes that he's suffered no ill effects from the hit.

Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/NFL.com

Coaching Carousel Update 7

Ravens DC Rex Ryan offered the Jets Head Coaching Job

ESPN is reporting that the newly defeated DC of the the Baltimore Ravens Rex Ryan will be offered the head coaching job with the New York Jets. All candidates have been notified of the selection and it's expected that Ryan will accept the job.

Morris to Bucs, Spagnoulo to Rams Update 6

2009-01-17T17:51:00.000-05:00

Raheem Morris, the New Coach of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers

My wish has been granted. Raheem Morris, went from DBs coach to DC to Head Coach of the Tampa Buccaneers in one month. The 32 year old Morris was introduced to the media less than 24 hours after the firing of Jon Gruden. Joining Morris as the new GM is Mark Dominik. Morris has been on staff with the Bucs for seven years and has received praise from management and an apparent stamp of approval from the players . He's a young guy with fresh eyes, humility and unbridled enthusiasm who has inherited a mature team. I am hopeful that he follows in the footsteps of his mentors one of whom, Mike Tomlin is coaching tomorrow in the AFC Championship. Video of the press conference is on the the Bucs website.

Photo: Chris O'Meara / Associated Press/NFL.com

Giant's D-Man is Heading to the Rams

I'm surprised that it took this long but Steve Spagnuolo has landed in St. Louis as the Rams next head coach. He's been offered a four year deal. He stays within the NFC, has a great RB a decent QB and a defense that was ranked 28th. He turned the D around for the GMen. He'll do it again for the Rams, given the right personnel. For a quick and dirty on Spagnuolo check out this NFL.com article.

Congrats to both Raheem Morris and Steve Spagnuolo on their new gigs.

Photo: Bill Kostroun / Associated Press/NFL.com

Coaching Carousel Update 5

2009-01-16T18:29:00.000-05:00

Gruden is Done for Now

After seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen have been fired. Gruden was not on my hot list, and apparently was not on any analysts hot list so the news is stunning. His record as coach of the Bucs was 60-57 with the Bucs winning Superbowl XXXVII (2001 season), his first season as head coach. His record shows that it was pretty much up and down from there, with the Bucs making several playoff appearances, but winning no playoff games. Getting knocked out of the playoffs this year may have done him in just like Mike Shanahan, was done in by the Chargers, combined with a loss of love from his players. But don't cry for Chucky. He's got three years left on a four year contract extension so he can chill unless he coaches again in the interim, and he probably will. The Rams and Jets jobs are still open, the Chiefs may open, and who knows what Al Davis might do, he may ask him back (not likely but not completely out of orbit either). His entry into the coaching carousel certainly shakes things up, but I can leave the topic without saying this.

It always comes down to "what have you done for me lately" in the NFL, let's not get it twisted. Gruden won that Superbowl in the house that Dungy built. He was young, he was attractive (to some) he was fiery and he was not Dungy. The youngest coach ever to win a Superbowl is what he became, but the Bucs have been average at best ever since. He will get another job, the guy can coach. I want to see him build on his own.

Now back to the Bucs. Speculation is rampant, did they fire Gruden to get Bill Cowher, to get Mike Shanahan, to bring Dungy back? Adam Schefter says no. It's a young man's game and he believes that Bucs DC Raheem Morris is the front runner. I'd like for him to be right. This is Soulpower's NFL that said, if there is a capable, well respected African-American coach already on staff then he should definitely be given the opportunity to get the job and the Bucs would be complying with the Rooney Rule to boot.

Photo: NFL.com

The Detroit Lions Search Complete

The Lions introduced former Titans DC Jim Schwartz as there head coach on Friday. Schwartz is a self described "blue collar guy" walking into a truckload of problems. I wish him well with the Lions, who do have a stud WR in Calvin Johnson, but not much else. Let's not even mention their front office, deplorable. Check out his introduction here.

All the coaching changes for the season are summed up here. You probably know most of it already but it's a nice table.

Divisional Round, Coaching Carousel and Plax

2009-01-13T20:57:00.000-05:00

The Divisional Round

All the picks came through in fabulous fashion. Eagles, Ravens and Steelers, but what in the world happened to the Panthers? Plenty, they lost the time of possession game. The Cards held the ball almost twice as long as the Panthers. They lost their running game: The Panthers were third in the league in rushing during the regular season but were held to 75 yards on the ground. Turnovers: you can not win (well you might if you're Peyton Manning) with 6 turnovers 5 of which were picks. The Panthers lost the game but you must give credit to the Arizona Cardinals whose defense has escalated the growth curve, shoe stud WR Larry Fitzgerald was outstanding in the absence of his stud partner Boldin and who have now found a running game with the re-insertion of Edgerrin James into the lineup. For at least four years the sports talking heads have been hyping up the Arizona Cardinals, this year was no different, but I don't think anyone expected to see the Cardinals in the NFC Championship at home no less. Congratulations to Cardinals and the remaining teams heading to their respective conference championships.

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images via NFL.com

Coaching Carousel Update #4

The Denver Broncos have named 32 year old former Patriots OC Josh McDaniels as their new head coach. This is a curious choice as they have a stud in training in Jay Cutler and a WR Brandon Marshall who is destined to be a beast. The other finalists for the job were all defensive guys so this is a headscratcher. The Broncos have named former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan as their new DC. Let's hope this marriage can work. You can see video of the Josh McDaniels introduction here.

The Kansas City Chiefs have hired former Patriots VP Player Personnel Scott Pioli as General Manager. The writing is on the wall for Herm Edwards.

The Detroit Lions have had second interviews with Titans DC Jim Schwartz and Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles. They will also talk to Chargers DC Ron Rivera, who makes the circles every season but doesn't ever get a head coaching job. Last week he had refused the invitation, did the Chargers loss change his mind?

For the Oakland Raiders, Interim Coach Tom Cable is still the front runner. The Raiders will also interview Packers assistant coach Winston Moss.

The St Louis Rams have five finalists: Cowboys OC Jason Garrett, Rams interim coach Jim Haslett, Vikings DC Leslie Frazier, Giants DC Steve Spagnuolo and Ravens DC Rex Ryan.

The NY Jets are taking their time. There is speculation that they are interested in two coaches who are still in the playoffs, Rex Ryan and Cardinals assistant head coach and OLine coach Russ Grimm.

The Indianapolis Colts had a succession plan in place. They named QB Coach/assistant coach Jim Caldwell to succeed Tony Dungy who announced his retirement yesterday. See his introduction and background here. A separate post is on the way regarding Coach Dungy.

Plax News

Damaged car lands Giants' Burress in Pa. court

Plax will appear in a Pennsylvania court on Wednesday for not holding up his end of a car lease deal. He was supposed to appear at a dealership's publicity events in exchange for the lease of a Chevy Avalanche.

Players would welcome Burress back to Giants

It seems his teammates are missing him after being defeated by the Eagles in the divisional round. Let's hope that when the smarting of the playoff loss wears off, this desire for Plax will wear off. I do know of another trouble maker who'd wouldn't mind coming there from Cincinnati who doesn't take guns to clubs.

NFL Divisional Round Picks, NFL Local

2009-01-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

Saturday

at

Ravens. Matchups are good, Ravens are hot, D has too much speed for Kerry Collins

Panthers. Cardinals road whimps. Stopping Falcons run game was an anomaly. Panthers will run successfully.

Sunday

Eagles. #5, team peaking, GMen sliding, injury at DE, Earth banged up

Steelers. Rivers hot, Steelers D hotter. Will win in ugly fashion.

NFL Local News

UGA QB Matthew Stafford and UGA RB Knowshon Moreno announced at a joint press conference on Wednesday that they will be entering the NFL draft. As Prime famously said, "Must be the Money", but these two guys are ready. Best wishes to them, will be checking for them at the combine or pro day whichever they choose to have.

NFL Coaching Carousel Update 3

2009-01-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

Cleveland Browns New Head Coach: Eric Mangini

Eric Mangini is now off the carousel and into the head coaching spot with the Cleveland Browns. Mangini is pleased as punch to be back in Cleveland where he got his start basically as a "ball boy" and then PR Assistant for his former mentor the Dark Knight Bill Belichik. I'm not going to harp on how he got a job so quickly after being fired from another. There is obviously history there, so good for him. For more on Mangini and his introduction in Cleveland see this video .

Photo: John Kuntz/The Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com

Coaching Carousel Update 3

I had not spoken much about the first two teams because their coaches were fired during the season and the interim coaches are in the running, that said, hop aboard.

St Louis Rams - Planning or already scheduled interviews with: Vikings DC Leslie Frazier, Giants former head coach Jim Fassel, and Buccaneers DC Raheem Morris. Interim coach Jim Haslett is the fallback candidate

Oakland Raiders - Strongest candidate appears to be interim coach Tom Cable, Al Davis has also spoken to New York Giants OC Kevin Gilbride

Detroit Lions - In addition to Leslie Frazier there's: Jason Garrett, Steve Spagnuolo, Titans DC Jim Schwartz, Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles and Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray. They also tried to go after Chargers DC Ron Rivera who declined.

Denver Broncos - seven candidates have been/will be interviewed by this weekend: Broncos OC Rick Dennison , Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles, Jason Garrett, Leslie Frazier, Steve Spagnuolo and Raheem Morris

NY Jets - already scheduled or interested in: Colts OC Ron Meeks, former Ravens coach Brian Billick, Boston College (fired) head coach Jeff Jagodzinski, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, Jets Coordinators Bill Callahan and Brian Schottenheimer

Cowboys - Wade Phillips appears to be safe until 2010, at which time it is rumored that Jerry Jones will go after Mike Shanahn.

Eagles Hold it Down

2009-01-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

I get no greater satisfaction than watching #5 QB Donovan McNabb succeed. I'm not even breaking down this game. The Eagles won, McNabb has never lost a playoff opener. He's the Eagles all-time everything, he plays his game and he keeps it classy. McNabb has been vilified since the DRAFT, not ever been appreciated, I can tell his story until I'm blue in the face. I'm going to watch all the games, love to see the NFC south Panthers do something, GMEN, the sleeper Chargers. For an NFL fan this is the best time of the year, I'm loving it, but let's be clear. I'm rolling with #5 to get that ring end of story.

Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn/US Presswire/ESPN.com

Ravens at Dolphins
Oh yeah the Ravens advanced today as well. This is not a shocker. Ravens D, Ed Reed a BEAST, enough said.

Falcons Mike Smith Coach of the Year

2009-01-04T16:23:00.000-05:00

Smith edges Sparano for AP Coach of Year

Here's how it went down:

Mike Smith, Falcons, 23.5
Tony Sparano, Dolphins 22.5
Jeff Fisher, Titans 3
Bill Belichick, Patriots 1

The AP NFL Coach of the year is selected by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

Congratulations to the hometown coach who joins his QB Matt Ryan AP Rookie of the Year.

Photo from NFL.com

Chargers Keep it Moving, Colts Flame Out

2009-01-04T08:28:00.001-05:00

So much for the road team sweep.

The Chargers-Colts matchup has turned into a bit of a rivalry. Last year, the Chargers successfully knocked the Colts out of the playoffs, and this team, who finished the year 8-8 has knocked the Colts out again. LT barely played in this game due to what may be a serious groin injury, but it didn't matter. The Colts fell victim to a few things:

Poor starting field position - 12 drives total 5 of which started at or behind the 10 yard line. This is difficult starting position, even for an MVP.

Running the ball/stopping the run - Colts 65/Chargers 167 yards

Penalties - in the OT put the nail in the coffin

Darren Sproles - a one man wrecking crew, 328 all purpose yards, unstoppable

Considering how got the Colts were coming in (winners of 9 straight), a little bit of Super Bowl chatter piped up. Now we're looking at the Chargers who not only knocked Mike Shanahan out of a cush job, but have now knocked out the NFL MVP.

See the latest bracket for the NFL playoffs.

Photo: Denis Poroy / Associated Press/NFL.com

Matty Ice - Gone Cold

2009-01-03T20:59:00.001-05:00

First possession and an INT. We weren't worried though by the time the 2nd quarter came around the Falcons and their rook QB Matt Ryan seemed to have settled down and behaved like they had been their before. Then things fell apart. The Cardinals defense was able to stifle the potent (2nd best in the NFL) running game of the Falcons AND they were able to find their own running game in the wily veteran Edgerrin James. Yes #32 was on the loose picking up a respectable 73 yards on 16 carries. The Cardinal studs Fitzgerald and Boldin both caught TDs Fitzgerald in especially fantastic fashion, but all this happened at the expense of the home team. The Falcons were not ready for the big stage. The Rook looked like one but they took it like champs. ATL is proud of the Falcons for the great season they had. We're expecting greatness next year.

Next up Colts @ Chargers.

MVP, Wildcard Picks, Coaching Carousel Update #2

2009-01-02T19:21:00.001-05:00

MVP - Peyton Manning, QB Indianapolis Colts
You know how bad the Colts looked at the start of the year. Then game after game I watched Manning march his team to victory. His two minute drill is sweet. This is his third MVP joining my man #4 as the only 3-time MVP. Tonight he's going to be facing the San Diego Super Chargers. Peyton, show 'em who's king!

Wildcard Weekend Picks

Falcons @ Cardinals - Falcons
Colts @ Chargers - Colts
Ravens @ Dolphins - Ravens
Eagles @ Vikings - Eagles

Coaching Carousel Update #2

Denver Broncos - add: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett
Cleveland Browns - add: Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker interviewed on Friday
Detroit Lions - no updates if you have some scoop, @ me on Twitter
NY Jets - no updates if you have some scoop, @ me on Twitter

Shanahan, Coaching Carousel

2009-01-02T01:55:00.000-05:00

Broncos fire Shanahan after 14 seasons as head coach

When this news came over the wire I was shocked. Mike Shanahan wasn't even on my radar of coaches likely to get fired. There are coaches still on the job right now who've done a lot worse (check the list again from Monday). Yet the Broncos on the last night of the season were in a win or go home situation after leading the AFC West all season long. I picked them to win the AFC West because the Chargers were so schizophrenic. The Broncos were BLOWN OUT, the young stud Cutler could only shake his head on the bench as he watched his playoff hopes blow-up. Needless to say as a fan of Shanahan I was reeling. He's the only coach that's ever made my STUDS list and now he's gone. He held an emotional press conference on Wednesday as did Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. The first question posed to Shanahan was "did you deserve it?" Shanahan kept it classy reiterating that organizations have to make tough decisions and that the bottom line was that the failure of the Broncos was solely up to him. He did not lash out at Bowlen and emphasized that they are great friends and will continue to be great friends. Both press conferences clearly show how tough the decision was on both of them and that there's much respect between them. As odd as it is, this is probably the best firing I've ever seen, no bitterness, no battles over money still owed on contract (at least not yet) and an overall sense of positivity and reverence.

I'm not worried about Shanahan. The Browns are already looking to get their hands on him. He will coach again, probably as soon as he's ready to so. Peace to you Coach, hope to see you again real soon.

Coaching Carousel Updates

Denver Broncos - looking at Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, curious choice to me seeing that the Broncos problems are on defense. They are also going to speak to Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Tampa Bay secondary coach Raheem Morris.

Cleveland Browns - have met with former Jets coach Eric Mangini. Considering Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz if they are able to get Patriots VP of Player Personnel Scott Pioli

NY Jets - are all over the map. Confirmed for either an interview or right to interview: Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and offensive line coach Bill Callahan and Giants' Steve Spagnuolo. On the radar are Mike Shanahan and Marty Schottenheimer

Detroit Lions - still beating the bushes on the Lions but right now only coming up with highly recommended Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier

Bill Cowher watch: NO to the Jets and the Browns

Got some other NFL news? Hit me up.

Thomas Jones is Trippin!

2009-01-01T15:07:00.001-05:00

Jets RB Jones: Favre should have been benched

When this came across the wire I could only laugh. Don't get me wrong I think RB Thomas Jones had a stud-worthy season, his best since 2005. Those numbers declined thereafter and then #4 comes to town. The very threat of Favre's arm opened up the running game of which Jones was the beneficiary. I can appreciate his desire to win and even more that he is putting his team first, but does Jones think he had a better chance to get to the playoffs on the arm of Kellen Clemens? If so he's insane. #4 was brought to the Jets because he gave them their best playoff chance. Benching was never an option. At this point the only one that's going to bench Favre is Favre.

Congratulations Coach Singletary

2008-12-29T11:57:00.001-05:00

From the Associated Press:

Interim no more: Singletary staying as 49ers' head coach

I'm glad to see another African-American head coach in the NFL. However, before today is over we may lose four.

Fast and Furious Firing

2008-12-29T11:41:00.001-05:00

Two more of my hot seat picks are out:

Romeo Crennel of the Cleveland Browns

and

Eric Mangini of the NY Jets.

Soulpower's Coaching Hot Seat

2008-12-29T11:37:00.000-05:00

AFC

Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals - Out of control locker room, no offense, no defense and players who stay in front of the judge.
Romeo Crenell, Cleveland Browns - QB controversy and injuries, no playoff appearances, and a coaching style that lacks fire
Dick Jauron, Buffalo Bills - Jauron signed an extension earlier this year. He's on the hot seat because his team hit the skids after a fast start. Jauron is a great coaching mind and is over a young team. Hoping he gets to stay
Eric Mangini, New York Jets - Keeps missing the playoffs. He couldn't even make it with Jet Favre. Is he not ready?
Herman Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs - Herman is really the victim of bad luck with his QBs and a crybaby running back

NFC

Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears - They have done NOTHING since their superbowl apperance, Lovie is stubborn and has no fire
Wade Phillips, Dallas Cowboys - Locker room is OUT OF CONTROL. He's gotten nothing but poor play out of Romo and a bunch of mouth and crying from She-O. They've yet to win a playoff game with all that talent and this year they aren't even going.
Jim Haslett, St Louis Rams - Him being out may be personal. This guy can coach and his players are lobbying to keep him We'll see later today how it all shakes out.

NFL Black Monday

2008-12-29T09:48:00.000-05:00

The NFL regular season ended last night with the Chargers defeating the Broncos

Not only on this Monday are all the playoff teams making their post-season plans, this Monday is irreverently known as Black Monday, the day that coaches get FIRED! The first casualty Rod Marinelli of the Detroit Lions.

The writing was on the wall on this one. Matt Millen was finally fired this year and the only thing that could have saved Marinelli was a winning season, which didn't happen. The Lions ended the season 0-16 with their final loss to the Green Bay Packers yesterday 31-21. After 3 seasons with the Lions, Marinelli's record was 10-38. Because the organization and the team has been so bad, it's hard to really judge whether Marinelli can coach. Given that, I'd like to see him get another chance. He's a member of the Dungy tree and I'd like to see it bear some fruit.

San Diego Super Chargers

2008-12-28T23:12:00.000-05:00

Yes, they are playing that disco Super Chargers song and the Chargers have walloped the Denver Broncos 52 to 21 over the Denver Broncos. Broncos have been notoriously bad at stopping the run all year and all of the Chargers backs have run over them. The Broncos lead the AFC West all season long, they were skittish so much so that they ended up playing for the division championship during the last game of the last week of the regular season and now they are going home. The Chargers were just as skittish as the Broncos this season, talks of LT losing a step, lingering injuries to both L.T. and Gates but they hung it, took care of business and got some help. They deserve to be in and now get to meet the Colts in the first round next weekend. Congrats Super Chargers!

Latest playoff schedule is here.

Week 17 Eagles IN Cowgirls OUT!

2008-12-28T19:23:00.000-05:00

I told you on Dec 9, back at my blog's old location that the Eagles and the Colts were creeping. Colts shut out the Titans and the Eagles are in the playoffs, the cowgirls are out. I can barely contain my excitement about #5 and the Eagles so I won't. So here's some unabashed enthusiasm. The Eagles CRUSHED the cowgirls 44-3, they wanted it more, McNabb, Westbrook and Dawkins were stellar as usual. Now the Eagles go in as the NFC's 6th seed facing All Day and the Vikings. The Eagles are strong against the pass, the Vikings are strong against the run. Looks like the perfect setup for #5 to shine again.

Next up the next shocker, who gets the AFC West will find out by 11:30 tonight.

The bracket has not been updated since the early games but will update shortly.

Pro Bowl Snubs & MNF

2008-12-22T20:22:00.000-05:00

SI.com has 12 players on their Pro Bowl snubs list. Can't say that I agree with ANY of them with the exception of John Abraham DE from the Falcons. 3rd in sacks in the league this year and holding it down. Showing you love here Mr. Abraham. Do your thing in the playoffs.

Taking Da Bears tonight.

The G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-21T23:39:00.001-05:00

NFL East Champions, homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. This game BETTER be on NFL replay this week.

Week 16 Playoff Picture Shaping Up

2008-12-21T19:16:00.000-05:00

Go Ahead Homies

The Atlanta Falcons behind the Rook, QB Matt Ryan, just clinched a wildcard spot by beating the Vikings. Congratulations to the Falcons. If you followed the blog at the previous location, you know I was not drinking the kool-aid until they started playing outside of the NFC South. Well this team has done what was absolutely unthinkable, go to the playoffs. They have shaken off the demons of Bobby Petrino and Michael Vick (who should be released in time for NFL training camps, more on him later) and playing like a team. They have no distractions, they are focused and ready to roll unlike...

The Dallas Cowboys

What is going on with the cowgirls? What is going on with Romo? Since beginning as a starter under Bill Parcells in the 06 season, Romo has had a bad December every year. He starts off hot, hot, hot and fizzles out. This is not all Romo though, the Cowboys haven't had a winning December since 1996. Distractions don't help them either. WR81's ranting about not getting the ball, about side meetings and lashing out at an ESPN reporter, Adam Jones, fighting bodyguards. It's enough to make a fan go crazy. I have no love for the Cowboys but I do have love for the NFL, a league of TEAMS. I'm waiting on Romo to step up and put his foot down, preferably on some necks, and pull that team together. Right now his leadership is lacking and their season is riding on him. Will he step up to the plate?

AFC West

All season, thick and thin I have been riding Jay Cutler saying the Broncos are going to win the AFC West, well low and behold look who is knocking on the door? The previously left for dead San Diego Super Chargers. The Broncos would be the #4 seed, now with their loss to the Bills today and the Chargers win over the Bucs, the winner of the head to head next week will win the AFC West and face the Colts and a guy who's looking very much like an MVP, Peyton Manning.

The rest of the playoff picture

A good and soon to be changing bracket (due to some key losses today) can be found at http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/standings/playoffrace/bracket

The Reunion

#4 reunited with his old Coach Mike Holmgren and watched his playoff hopes go right down the drain. The Jets lost to the gulp, Seattle Seahawks. Mike Holmgren is heading for retirement to resurface in San Francisco????? #4 who knows where he's heading as much as I love him, I don't know if I want another summer of will he or won't he.

Kudos

To the Miami Dolphins. New coach, young team, wildcat, Bill Parcells and they go from 1-15 last season to a possible playoff birth this year.

The Rest

Check your scoreboards check the game summary on NFL.com

Moving

2008-12-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

Been contemplating this move for a minute now. NFL content is coming soon.

SUNDAY
Game	Pick	Comment
TB @ WAS	Redskins	If they lose to the Bucs heads will roll and roll quickly
BAL @ NE	Ravens
DET @ CHI	Bears
TEN @ JAC	Titans	Both of these teams suck. The Titans should lose the donut this week.
OAK @ HOU	Texans
CIN @ CLE	Bengals
SEA @ IND	Colts
NYG @ KC	Giants
BUF @ MIA	Bills
NYJ @ NO	Saints
STL @ SF	49ers
DAL @ DEN	Cowboys
SD @ PIT	Chargers
MONDAY NIGHT
GB @ MIN	Vikings