Tomlinson Return

LaDainian Tomlinson returned to training field of San Diego Chargers to participate in 3-day mini-training camp. This was his first appearance since his groin injured last year.
“L.T. looks great,” coach Norv Turner said. “He has been out here running for a month, so he didn’t show anything different.” His injury didn’t affect this NFL record holder for touchdowns Tomlinson in a season.”It’s just good to get out and run around again,” Tomlinson said. “And be healthy.”

Now Tomlinson is about to turn 30 years old. It seems that age also has no effect on his play.”No, I wasn’t restricted and I did everything,” said Tomlinson, who was also slowed by a toe injury in 2008. “Of course you are always concerned because it is the first time back on the field and especially after being injured. But I wasn’t restricted at all and it was great.”

Although Tomlinson was back, many important players are unable to participate in this camp including linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee), defensive tackle Jamal Williams (knees), left tackle Marcus McNeill (neck) and tight end Antonio Gates (toe).

By and large,Turner was satisfied with the team’s performance. Chargers got 8 wins and 8 losses in last season. They overcame Colts in an overtime playoff game but lost to Pittsburgh Steelers. Anyway, the experience that Chargers beat Broncos in December and entered playoffs is still a popular topic among people.

2009 season, running back 10: King of the data led second-year rookie bring up the rear

May 17, the United States Sports News (sportingnews) site according to scout reports and performance last season, predicting the 2009 season, running back 20, the following is a list of the top 10:

1. Adrian - Peterson (Vikings)He is the best pure play running back, rookie season, the offensive efficiency will become the king of the ball in the 2008 season is to become more offensive from the first, this season he had the opportunity to display more defensive and ball skills.

2.Steven - Jackson (Ram)Rams coach Stephen SpargueNuoro after taking office, Jackson made no secret of the intention of training as a core, Jackson himself is the most comprehensive NFL running back, it is possible to attack in the number and distance of the ball leading.

3.Brandon - Jacobs (Giants)His physique and action in full compliance with the requirements of the Giants offense, he injured last season, immediately revealed the weaknesses of the team no doubt.

4.Brian -VisBaruch(eagle)He was injured last season to play a poor result in torture, but taking into account the past three seasons, he can win a total of 37 touchdowns (including running the ball and the ball), play smooth as he is still a nightmare for opponents, eagle team offensive line this year in surgery, he should be the beneficiaries.

5.Frank - Al Gore (Men 49)New attack coach Jimmy - Ray and running back coach Tom - Larsemann Gore will bring the Gospel in such a weak 49 years, Gore has been to keep the season three more than 1000 yards from the attack, the new season he has more potential.

6.Clinton -Porteous(red)He’s the mighty red ball and the wide field of vision can often attack the team signs of the dawn appeared healthy, he is certainly most productive NFL running back, one.

7.Michael - Turner (Falcons)Last season, Turner red ball in the second distance, but the number on the top ball, the number of 17 touchdowns, ranking second, but the new front to join the proximal Tony - Gonzalez Turner may be snatched away in the red zone touchdowns nearby, but there is no doubt Turner is still the first choice of attack.

8.Raday Hosseinian - Tomlinson (Lightning)2008 season, he averaged only 3.8 yards-per-ball from the offensive, more than one hundred yards, only two of the matches, the data is the worst since joined the NFL, but taking into account his injury several weeks in bed, the new season, we or full of looking forward to.

9.Matt - Ford (Bears)Last season as a rookie, he accounted for 37% of the offensive team the opportunity to run both of his imaginative power both at the same time as the first things to take over, with slugger like Cutler pass, he data of the new season will certainly be further improved.

10.Chris - Johnson (Titans)He is an outstanding running back open to the threat of the ball and has great hands, Titan outspoken coach is Johnson’s best has arrived, and his plan is to fully exploit Johnson in 2009, including change for the timing of the next in order to disrupt the counterpoint to Johnson to create more neutral, it can be predicted in 2009 he will be a star.

Brett and Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings broke the ice and invited Brett Favre to their team with president Mark Wilf hoping that Favre could put the idea of retire out of his head.

“He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. He’s a great competitor,” Wilf said. “Ultimately, you’ll have to ask Brett what his plans are, but, sure, there’s interest in Brett Favre. But again, it’s part of a process we have in general with any of our players. We’re always looking to make our team better.”

But with Favre, retirement has become an annual ordeal. After being released by the Jets, Favre is now free to sign with the Vikings if he is healthy enough and still has the desire to play.
“He’s retired a couple of times, so you wonder where his loyalties lie,” Greenway said. “For us, we’re moving forward with what we’ve got here. We have a team that can obviously win at a high level, and we have a team that, moving forward, we think can really compete for an NFC North title again and get to the championship game and hopefully further.As good as something may sound, we have a great team to play with right now and there is no sense in looking outside of what we have within our 53 (man roster).”

Whether Favre would reire or join the Vikings is still not determined. Age and injury became Favre’s comeback. Anyways, go Favre’s own way to let others speak. Favre has the last word in his life.

The NFL has finally relented. Chad Ocho Cinco will get his last name on his jersey

The NFL refused to change Chad Ocho Cinco's last name on his jersey last year, but this year, they have no choice. Chad Ocho Cinco is his official last name, so they have to put it on the jersey.

However, the jersey will read "OCHO CINCO."

Bills CB McGee hurt while defending Owens

Buffalo Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee hurt his right arm when he tumbled to the turf while defending receiver Terrell Owens during a voluntary minicamp practice.

At that time, McGee was shadowing Owens up the sideline when the two went up for a pass. Owens initially caught the ball but had it ripped out by McGee. The two then fell to the ground with Owens partially landing on the cornerback. McGee hasn’t return to play after that. It seems that he got seriously hurt.

T.O. said that it was just a competitive play. “He did what he was trying to do to break it up, and I was trying to make a play on it.” Owens said.

Indeed, McGee tried his best to defend T.O. and stopped lots of passes that were coming to him. He’s doing fine always.

Guess what T.O.’s been and gone and done! Does he begin to make trouble? Maybe T.O. is the source of everything that is wrong in the world. He needs to consider a retire.He’s getting older. Anyhow, it’s out of his era. Go his TV show.

Besides, Buffalo Cornerback Leodis McKelvin’s hand injury, which forces him to miss the final two days of this week’s minicamp, has an effect on team performance. The Bills’ first-round draft pick last year, McKelvin was in street clothes while watching practice from the sideline.

Everybody has his opinion but it’s hard to say that whether Buffalo will lose the team although players’ hurt is a fatal harm to the team. If it’s so bad luck, what with one thing and another, the poor team has too much to contend with. We’ll see what happens when the season gets here. Wish McGee will be okay! Go Bills!

Cowboys, veteran LB Ellis likely headed for split

CARROLLTON, Texas (AP)—The Cowboys and veteran pass rusher Greg Ellis(notes) aren’t waiting for another offseason spat before splitting up, apparently for good.

The 12th-year pro with a recent history of complaining about his role, his contract, or both will likely play elsewhere in 2009, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday.The only question is whether the departure comes through a trade or the 33-year-old linebacker’s release. Either way, the Cowboys figure to get about $4 million in salary cap relief while remaining on the hook for $1.5 million in guaranteed money.

Jones said an admittedly contentious relationship had nothing to do with a divorce from the player he chose after passing on receiver Randy Moss(notes) in 1998, when the Cowboys were trying to repair their image with fans.

The No. 8 pick of the ’98 draft delivered on the character issue, staying out of trouble while steadily piling up 77 sacks in 11 seasons. Ellis led the team in sacks six times, the second-best total in club history. But he showed he had a mouth, too.

Ellis complained in 2006 about moving from defensive end to linebacker, saying the Cowboys and former coach Bill Parcells were setting him up to fail in the new 3-4 defensive alignment. After that turned out OK, Ellis squawked again a year later when the Cowboys drafted Anthony Spencer(notes), another college defensive end they planned to move to outside linebacker.Back then, Ellis said he was sure they were trying to replace him and demanded a new contract that showed the team’s commitment. He got the new deal in 2007 and responded with his best season, a Pro Bowl year with a career-high 12 1/2 sacks despite missing the first three games recovering from a torn Achilles’ tendon.

It turns out the notion of Spencer replacing him was merely delayed by two years. Jones said Spencer’s development and the promise of other young players figured into the decision.“Certainly we had some issues regarding business—contracts,” Jones said of his dealings with Ellis. “But that hasn’t been reflected relative to how he’s played the game and how he’s competed for the Cowboys. I feel like we have a very good relationship.”Ellis and his agent didn’t return phone calls seeking comment.

His soon-to-be former teammates spoke fondly of a leader who remained popular in the locker room even as he publicly questioned the team’s commitment to him.“He was a mentor to me when I first came in and also we became really good friends,” said defensive end DeMarcus Ware(notes), who led the NFL with 20 sacks last year. “Now we’re sort of like brothers. We did everything that we could to sort of help the team. But now he’s going probably somewhere else to benefit that team, and I’ve got to do what I need to do to help this team out.”

Ware stands as a potential beneficiary of any Ellis move. The Cowboys are trying to sign their best pass rusher to a long-term contract. He doesn’t feel any guilt over that.“You’ve got to help your team out, but also protect yourself,” Ware said. “I don’t feel good about it. But at the end of the day, it’s a business.”Spencer said Ellis helped him make the transition from end to linebacker the past two seasons. Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said he believes Spencer is ready to be a full-time starter.“At the end of training camp, I thought he was going to have a tremendous year,” Phillips said. “He got hurt early and that stopped his progress. As long as he doesn’t get hurt, I don’t think his progress will be stopped. He’s a real talented player.”

The Cowboys acknowledge they have a leadership void to fill. Even receiver Roy Williams, who has only played part of one season in Dallas, noticed the voice of Ellis in the locker room.“He’s an old head,” Williams said. “He was telling me a story about Troy Aikman. I was like, ‘You played with Troy Aikman?’ That seems like a long time ago. But he’s a great player. A great leader. He’s going to be missed.”

Childress won’t close door on Favre joining nfl jersey Vikings

As Brett Favre Watch continues in both Minnesota and, to a lesser extent, Mississippi, Vikings coach Brad Childress addressed the situation publicly on Thursday, declining the opportunity to say the possibility of the future Hall of Famer nfl jerseys donning Purple and Gold was a dead issue.Childress did confirm for the first time that he has spoken with Favre via the phone — although it was “several” weeks ago — but wouldn’t say whether he had reviewed Favre’s medical records. Childress also acknowledged the Vikings are continuing to investigate Favre — a fact team president Mark Wilf confirmed last week — but little else came from the line of questioning with reporters.

“It was worth a conversation and as far as I know he is still retired,” Childress said. “It’s nothing that I am focused on, because I don’t think anything has changed and I am really focused on the guys that are here on this football team, both old and young. I am not spending any time on that.”

One topic that briefly surfaced on Thursday was how long the Vikings — or Favre, for that matter — would be willing to wait before making a final decision. As OTAs turn into minicamps, and minicamps turn into training camp, and training camp turns to preseason, is there a point of no return for the Vikings? Childress sidestepped the issue, and was also asked why he isn’t willing to label the issue “dead” when given the opportunity.

“Because I think you just take every situation as it comes along,” Childress said. “I mean for me to stand here and say something is not going to happen – I don’t know. I just don’t know. It’s all hypothetical. I just think we have gotten to the point where we hypothetically ask a question, but we have to have an answer to it.

“So, again it is not something that I am entertaining and I am more focused on the guys that are part of this football team – old and young, in the building or out on the grass. That’s what I put all my energy into right now.”

Cardinals’ Boldin set to fire agent Rosenhaus

Anquan Boldin took a major step in trying to resolve his contract dispute with the Cardinals and repair his image with fans, firing agent Drew Rosenhaus in a move some of his teammates applauded Tuesday.

The Pro Bowl receiver filed papers on Friday with the NFL Players Association of his intention to dismiss Rosenhaus. Boldin, after waiting a mandatory five business days in accordance with union rules, can hire new representation beginning Friday.

Boldin’s some teammates understood his great decision although that would say a lot about him.
Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner believed public perception was a huge part of business. “But oftentimes, that public perception is wrong,” he said. “You can’t go out and dispute it all the time, but just thinking about a guy like ‘Q’, the guy does everything right. He busts his butt, he’s here every day, he’s a great leader for us, and he just wants to be compensated fairly for what he’s accomplished and what he brings to the table. None of us fault him for that. There’s no way in our book that he should ever have a bad reputation because of that.”

Warner sees the change as hopeful.

“I’m hopeful every day,” Warner said. “Maybe Anquan felt there was a sticking point there and that this is going to free some things up and allow them to have a different approach moving forward and better with the Cardinals. I’ve had hope from Day 1 that they can get something done. Maybe this is a move in the right direction. No matter what happens, I hope that we get it done sooner rather than later so we can have him back.”

Still, it’s up to Boldin now. He just wants to have a final answer. You must admit that his performance is beyond all doubt. He has a right to decide his NFL future. Maybe it is difficult for Q to not be practicing with Cards. Rosenhaus is a snail who won’t get thing done. He should be clear what his intention is. Anyways, it’s time for Q to have a change.

I hope things go a lot smoother so that Q can play soon.

49ers sign Bly to one-year nfl jerseys contract

As for the mystery cornerbacks visiting the San Francisco 49ers today nfl jerseys that we blogged about earlier, it turns out one of them was 10-year veteran Dre Bly. The 49ers moved quickly to replace the injured Walt Harris, signing Bly to a one-year contract on Thursday.

“We lost a Pro Bowl caliber player in Walt Harris this week, and we were able to fill that void today with another Pro Bowler in Dré Bly,” said general manager Scot McCloughan. “We added a player with a passion for the game, tremendous productivity and proven durability who knows what it takes to compete at a high level in the NFL. It was important to get Dré in here quickly so that he can get acquainted with our system, our coaches and his new teammates.”

It’s expected that Bly will compete with Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer for the starting spot opposite Nate Clements.

New Football Jerseys for 2009/2010

Holy crap, it’s almost 2010 already! 5 years until Back to the Future style flying cars. We won’t need planes anymore! I’ll travel to and from Barcelona for every match at the speed of light! Lasers will be everywhere!

Also, new jerseys (images from The Official Site):HOME:

AWAY:

Your thoughts on The Return of the Stripes and the “mango” colored one that evokes the Mediterranean Sea?

From tough background, Holmes emerges as Super Bowl MVP

TAMPA, Fla. — Santonio Holmes sat on the grass alongside the end zone — legs outstretched, head bowed, arms wrapped tightly around the ball.

He’d come too far to let go.

Holmes, who overcame a gritty childhood in rural south Florida, will leave Florida this week with a Super Bowl MVP to his credit.

Holmes made a brilliant catch with 35 seconds left to give the Pittsburgh Steelers their record sixth Super Bowl title, a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night.“I dared the team,” Holmes said. “Just give me the ball, give me the chance to make plays and I will do it for you.”

He was true to his word on the 6-yard winner.

After a pass to the left corner went through Holmes’ hands, Ben Roethlisberger lofted the ball toward the right corner, over the hands of not one, not two, but three Arizona defenders. Holmes leaped to get it — and somehow managed to drag both feet in bounds, his toes barely scraping the grass before he tumbled out of bounds.

The official threw up both arms — touchdown! — and Holmes sat out of bounds for several seconds, looking down at a ball he didn’t want to give up. His teammates piled on top of him, celebrating a game that will go down as one of greatest in Super Bowl history.

The referee took a look at the replay to make sure Holmes had control of the ball and got both feet down. The third-year receiver never had any doubt.

“I knew it was a touchdown 100 percent,” he said. “My feet never left the ground. All I did was stand on my toes and extend my hands.”

Amazingly, Holmes’ catch came at exactly the same point — 35 seconds remaining — as Plaxico Burress’ 13-yard touchdown catch in last year’s Super Bowl, giving the New York Giants their upset of the unbeaten New England Patriots.

That finish was a classic. This one was even better.

“The first read was the running back in the flat, but he wasn’t open,” Roethlisberger said. “Then I was going to try to bang it to Hines (Ward, MVP of Super Bowl XL), but someone was closing in on it and I was a little nervous about it. It wouldn’t have been a touchdown. I looked back, scrambled a little bit and saw (Holmes) in the corner. I tried to throw it high so he was going to catch it, or no one was.

“Luckily, he made a heck of a play.”

Holmes was so good — nine catches for 131 yards, four of them on the winning 78-yard drive — that he actually managed to outshine teammate James Harrison, who seemed to be a shoe-in for the MVP award through three quarters.

“Santonio is a guy who just loves to deliver,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
Harrison, the NFL’s defensive player of the year, returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half. The longest play in Super Bowl history gave the Steelers a 17-7 lead heading to the locker room, and they stretched it to 20-7 after three periods.
But Kurt Warner and the Cardinals rallied, going ahead 23-20 with 2 ½ minutes remaining on Larry Fitzgerald’s 64-yard touchdown catch.Then it was Holmes’ turn to shine. Earlier in the week, he used the Super Bowl stage to acknowledge selling drugs in Belle Glade, Fla., hoping his story would persuade other youngsters growing up in tough surroundings to turn their life around, just as he did.

Now, he’s given them another compelling reason to follow his path.

“This is a wonderful blessing,” Holmes said. “I would like to thank the Lord for helping me overcome all the things I overcame, the coaches for sticking with me, the organization for being behind me and believing in me, and my quarterback for giving me this opportunity to make plays for him all season.”

After being drafted in the first round out of Ohio State, Holmes matured into one of Pittsburgh’s key offensive players by his third season, making 55 catches for 821 yards and five touchdowns in 2008. He added three more scores in the playoffs.

“What he did tonight was similar to what he did in the month of January in the playoffs to get to this game,” Tomlin said. “In big moments we know what we can get from him.”
Before the final drive, Holmes told Roethlisberger to look his way. They hooked up for 14 yards. Then a 13-yarder. A 40-yard play took the Steelers to the Arizona 6.
And, finally, the one that mattered most of all.

“The sky’s the limit for that guy,” Roethlisberger said. “He has the potential to go where no receiver has ever gone. This is a big confidence boost for him.

On Pittsburgh’s winning drive, Holmes and a hand — and feet — in all but 5 yards.
Roethlisberger actually looked for Holmes on first-and-goal, but he couldn’t hang on to the high throw. Holmes slapped the ground after the ball slipped through his hands, then headed back to huddle.

On the first throw into the end zone, Holmes couldn’t hang on. He slapped the ground after the ball slipped through his hands, then headed back to huddle.

He was sure thankful to get another chance.

“I said to him that I wanted to be the guy to make the plays for this team,” Holmes said. “Great players step up in big-time games to make plays.”

They don’t get any bigger than this.

While it’s customary for the Super Bowl MVP to head to the amusement park for a celebratory parade the day after the NFL championship game, both Holmes and Roethlisberger were invited.

The players filmed their “I’m going to Disney World” commercial on the field following the game and will head to Disney, about 80 miles east of Raymond James Stadium, on Monday morning.
“I told the guys, ‘It’s now or never, guys. You’ll live forever if we do this and all the film study, all the hard work, all the stuff that everyone talked bad about us about is all going to be for nothing,’” Roethlisberger said. “We got off to a little bit of a rocky start there, but we pulled through it and we found a way.”

Good luck in your NFL future, Shockey!

The New Orleans Saints’ tight end Jeremy Shockey was released from Vegas hopsital after treatment for dehydration.

Shockey often gives the impression of being dynamic and game to take on challenges. He has been in the Pro Bowl four times, most recently in 2006. Before playing for the Saints, Shockey was with the New York Giants. In eight seasons, Shockey has 421 receptions for 4,711 yards and 27 touchdowns. He did a great job, man! I bet it is greatly to his credit that he made so excellent standings.

He’s the guy who paved the way for the Giants’ Super Bowl win by getting hurt and losing his job to a better tight end. Without him, Sanits may not beat against Giants. It is pity that he got leg injuries due to some guy and he can’t play for Super bowl. Still, thanks for all his time on the Giants I appreciated it.

I was impressed by his tattoo on right biceps incorporating American symbols such as the stars and stripes of the United States flag and a bald eagle. “It speaks for itself. I’m proud to live in this country, to have the right to express anything you want…. I’m very American.” Good say. It’s said that the tattoo took 21 hours over three days to complete. But it derseres. That which is bitter to endure may is sweet to remember. Nowadays, the tattoo has been one of familiar symbols of Shockey. Everything seems so nice!

A merry heart goes all the way. Shockey, may you will soon be better. May you like the eagle, opening out your wings and fly high up into the sky. Shockey, I am in favor of you forever! I love you, man! Good luck in your NFL future!

New Orleans claimed rightful place as a 2013 Super Bowl site

NFL owners agreed to award the 2013 game to New Orleans on May 20th, the first time the Super Bowl will be held in the city since Hurricane Katrina shredded parts of the Louisiana Superdome, home to the Saints. It will be New Orleans’ 10th time as a Super Bowl site.

“We’re just thrilled about what’s going on,” Saints owner Tom Benson said. “We’re getting a new Superdome. Now we’re going to get a Super Bowl on top of that. It couldn’t be any more exciting than that.” Benson was congratulated by the owners, even those who saw Super Bowl bids for their city be voted down.

Louisiana lawmakers already have approved plans to spend $85 million in Superdome upgrades, which would be completed in time for the 2013 Super Bowl. The upgrades would include additional seating, new suites, wider concourses and other measures for the Saints to generate new revenue streams.

The Saints needed to leave their home city, then returned to great fanfare in September 2006 — a night many in New Orleans point to as perhaps the most poignant sign that normalcy was slowly returning.

“(That) had an emotional impact on this city that carried the hearts of New Orleanians for the next two years,” said J. Stephen Perry, the president of the New Orleans metropolitan convention and visitors bureau. “And this announcement today, I will tell you, will have jubilation in the streets.”

Five Reasons Why Jeremy Shockey Will Have A Pro Bowl Year

Jeremy Shockey is arguably one of the better tight end’s playing in the NFL today.
Known for his fiery temper and extreme competitiveness, Shockey’s arrival in New Orleans was met with bitter skepticism.

Before he could even slip on his new number 88 jersey, fans questioned his character and desire to be a team player.

This was only the natural thing to do. After all Shockey’s tenure with the Giants was a rocky one. Reports had him alienating himself from teammates, questioning his quarterback play - Coughlin’s coaching, and it was even rumored he got into a shouting match with Giants GM Jerry Reese.

On top of all of this Shockey’s debut as a Saint was less than stellar. He played in only11 games in 2008 - posting career lows in yards (483) and touchdowns (0).

He also accused the Saints training staff of misdiagnosing his sports hernia, an injury that plagued him the majority of the season.

It’s hard not spit out the old “here we go again” slogan as we dread the impending Shockey affect.

But wait! All reports have Shockey healthy, happy, and participating in all non-mandatory team activities. Yes that’s right, non-mandatory team activities! Could it be? Has Shockey turned the corner in an effort to revamp his once promising career?

YES - the answer is a resounding yes. I think there is more to Shockey than meets the eye and I know he can be a phenomenal tight end - especially with Drew Brees throwing him the ball.
I also think he realizes that if he doesn’t get his career back on track with the Saints it could be the last straw.

So here are the top five reasons why I think Jeremy Shockey will have a pro bowl caliber with year with the New Orleans Saints:

1. Shockey wants a new contract.

Its no secret that he is after a new deal with the Saints. In the NFL you don’t get the money without the performance. The only measuring stick the team has is his performance in the 2008 season—which was dismal at best.
It’s obvious he must step up his play in '09 if he wants to step up his pay.

2. Shockey is healthy.
For the first time in a couple of years he is completely healthy - 100%. Injury has slowed him down over the last few years and no more so than in 08. He was visibly slower on the field and seemed to be in pain every time he turned to run.
I’ve never had a “sports hernia” but I’m sure it sucks. Barring any setbacks through training camp the Shockey we see on the field next season should be the Shockey of old, a fierce competitor and a hell of a route runner.

3. Shockey now knows the Saints offense.
His arrival in New Orleans was unexpected and late into the offseason. He never truly had the opportunity to get accustomed to Payton’s system and the injuries only increased his time away from the field.

There were several occasions last season that Shockey ran the wrong route and it was obvious he was not very comfortable with his new offense.
With almost a full season under his belt and full participation in this years off season program he should be back to pro bowl form.

4. The Shockey and Brees connection.
If you look back at any of the games Shockey played in last season it was pretty obvious Brees had little to no chemistry with him. Brees is the perfect example of a quarterback that covets the familiarity and trust he develops with receivers that “work” with him.
Lance Moore benefited from it last season as clearly Brees developed that trust in the once backup after Marques Colston went down. Moore totaled career bests in receptions (79), yards (928), and touchdowns (10) because of this.
Shockey’s newly found dedication to the team and Brees will show as the deadly accurate quarterback will hit him over and over again next season. Chemistry is a wonderful thing.

5. Shockey is competitive.
The NFC South now houses some of the NFL’s most elite tight ends. This off season has seen the Falcons acquire perennial pro bowler Tony Gonzalez through a trade with the Chiefs and the Buccaneers acquire the talented Kellen Winslow via a trade with the Browns.
Seriously, what other division is as stacked as the South at tight end? There is absolutely no way that Shockey wants to play second fiddle to either one of these guys. Expect him to play harder and better than he ever has before—I guarantee you he will not be upstaged by either one.

Haynesworth’s Tampering Investigation

When defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth signed with the Redskins only five hours or so after becoming an unrestricted free agent, no one believed the communications started from scratch at 12:01 a.m. ET.

In most cases, however, nothing happens. Primarily because most teams at some time or another violate the rules regarding tampering.

In this case, the Titans have opted to take a stand. They have accused the Redskins of tampering. Sports, the league is now formally investigating the matter.

Per Cole, the league has interviewed at least two people regarding the situation.

According to some view, the best evidence might ultimately come from cell phone records, or from internal e-mails exchanged by Redskins officials.

The bigger question isn’t whether the Redskins got a head start, but whether they started so early that it prevented the Titans from having a full and fair crack at re-signing Haynesworth.The Titans, and every team that holds a player’s rights, are entitled to have the ability to negotiate with the player exclusively, without having the player or his agent find out what other teams might pay.

Again, this kind of stuff happens all the time. But if the league can prove the Redskins started the process before they were permitted to do so, the Redskins will be one of the unfortunate few who lose one of more draft picks because of it.

This may be one of potent rules of NFL that if you want to win, you need to do something. So sometimes fair competition may not exist. Let’s wait for recent happenings.

Harrison defends White House snub

President Barack Obama granted an interview to Pittsburgh Steelers for their celebration party.
Obama joked that no matter how big those Steeler players are, he told them he’ll always be a Bears fan first. But the president said he rooted for the Steelers over the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl.

Linebacker James Harrison has bypassed the traditional ceremony, just as he did when the Steelers were honored by President George W. Bush at the White House in June 2006.
At first Harrison said that if President Obama really wanted to meet the Steelers, he’ d do it even when they didn’ t win the championship. “As far as I’m concerned, he would’ve invited Arizona if they had won,” he said.

Harrsion’s words didn’t want to make Obama embarrassed, this is just the spitting image of his independent charcater. Nice!

Redskins are second NFL team to make lottery deal

Hail to the Redskins — especially if that scratch-off is a winner.

The Redskins on Friday became the second NFL team to announce a partnership with a state lottery, taking advantage of a new league rule designed to bring in more revenue during a weak economy.The Virginia Lottery will issue Redskins-themed scratch-off tickets for the 2009 season. The tickets will be sold only in Virginia.

“We envision a game that will link lottery fans with the Redskins in new and exciting ways,” Redskins chief operating officer Mitch Gershman said.

Breaking from a strict policy that deterred any association with gambling, NFL owners voted Wednesday to allow teams to sign licensing deals with state-sponsored lotteries. The New England Patriots became the first team to announce such an agreement Thursday.

The Redskins had been in negotiations with the Virginia Lottery in anticipation of the owners’ vote. Several other NFL teams are considering lottery deals.

President Obama Welcomes the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers to the White House

ABC News' Nitya Venkataraman and Sunlen Miller report: President Obama welcomed the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers to the White House Thursday, celebrating the team's thrilling, fourth quarter victory over the Arizona Cardinals in February.

Speaking from a stage on the South Portico, the president acknowledged his allegiance to the Chicago Bears but said it was "no secret that I was pulling for the Steelers during the Super Bowl last year, and that's part of the reason why this is so much fun for me."

"I can't remember a more exciting Super Bowl," Obama said.

It was the team's sixth Super Bowl title, the second in four seasons, a championship seized in the final 35 seconds of the game with a touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes resulting in a 27-23 victory.

Of the game-winning play, Obama said, "I pointed out that that was a heck of a pass that Ben threw. But then one of linemen pointed out that was some blocking on that play. So that just reminds you, that's what Steeler football is all about, it's a team effort."

Obama continued "This is a team that entered the season facing the most difficult schedule in the league. But guys like these thrive on that."

Standing alongside Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin and team captains Ben Roethlisberger, James Farrior, Jeff Reed, and Hines Ward, Obama also paid homage to the heroes of Steelers' past, citing "guys like Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and the Steel Curtain and Mean Joe Greene" as part of his early interest in the game. (Greene was also among those in attendance at today's White House event.)

Obama called the Super Bowl champions "a new team for a new era" a quality he said was "embodied by Coach Tomlin."

No stranger to the Steelers' First Family, the president lauded the Rooneys as "an extraordinary pillar" for the city and Steelers owner Dan Rooney as "a tremendous ambassador for pro football and for the city of Pittsburgh."

The septuagenarian has been a tremendous ambassador for Obama as well: Rooney endorsed Obama ahead of the Pennsylvania primary in April 2008 and remained an avid supporter throughout the election season; Rooney was nominated as US Ambassador to Ireland on St. Patrick's Day.

Obama rewarded political loyalties with sports allegiance come Super Bowl time, declaring himself the Steelers' First Fan in the early days of his presidency and backing them against the Cardinals as the team "closest to his heart."

Following his remarks and the team's presentation of a #44 black Steelers jersey to the president, Obama joined the team - absent one linebacker whose 100-yard touchdown return at the end of the first half made for one of the game's signature plays - to assemble 3,000 care packages for troops overseas alongside Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center on the South Lawn of the White House.

Also absent today was Vice President Joe Biden whose attachment to the Steeler franchise runs deep.

Joining the president and team at the White House and in the care package assembly line was a powerhouse of politicians with Pennsylvania ties: Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Sen. Bob Casey, Sen. Arlen Specter, Teresa Heinz Kerry, as well as Representatives Tim Murphy, Mike Doyle, Glenn Thompson, Tom Rooney, and Charlie Wilson.

Chasing Brian Westbrook: McCoy, Weaver, and...?

The Philadelphia Eagle's have locked in Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, and Leonard Weaver as backfield players. The fourth and wildly unlikely fifth backfield position(s) are an open competition with an interesting cast of characters that fit the Andy Reid system in their own distinct ways.

No. 36, Brian Westbrook needs no introduction or explanation. One of the greatest backs in Eagle history, a healthy "B-West" is an unstoppable weapon lining up all over the field, creating the "Where's Waldo Effect" among NFL defenses.

Currently No. 29, LeSean McCoy, looks like a stud. He's been called small by the negative half of the football world. The realist knows he is 5'10", 211 pounds and ultra quick. Battling the flu, he weighed in at the combine at a low 198 pounds, not his game weight.

Traditional small back concerns are durability related. This kid was a two year durable starter at PITT. McCoy is definitely not injury-proof, but he has good size and has proven durability.
If Lorenzo is feeling friendly or get's cut, LeSean McCoy will be wearing No. 25 as he did in college. It's an interesting point that was made to me on an Eagles blog, that LeSean McCoy jerseys have not been released as No. 29. The reason is not lack of demand, so it makes you wonder why the Eagles are holding back, if that's a clue.

McCoy will need to work on his third down pass blocking. There are two parts necessary for a running back to be a solid pass blocker.

First, the player needs technique. That can be taught. More importantly, the player needs a heart that pumps blood, not fruit punch. McCoy has the heart and he will learn the technique.
Everyone knows that McCoy is a speed back. He didn't run at the combine, but ran a 4.5 on his pro day and was disappointed. Interestingly, that was Westbrook's 40 time. In the 2004 State College NIKE training camp, McCoy ran a 4.25 40-yard dash. So if you haven't heard, the boy is quick.

No. 43 Leonard Weaver is a versatile back capable of playing both fullback and halfback. I dare to say that while Weaver is a true full back, he is also very much like a 250-pound version of Brian Westbrook if you can imagine that.

Quick, elusive and powerful, Weaver can catch the ball out of the backfield turning wheel routes into 65 yard touchdowns and he can finish plowing a hole between the Andrews brothers for Westbrook or any other Joe with a press pass that wants to run behind him.

Weaver is a tremendous pass blocker who knows when to roll out into the flat. He makes for a tremendous third down single back or I-form option. Weaver fits this system like a glove. Not one of O.J.'s gloves, but like a good glove.

No. 25 Lorenzo Booker is a prototypical Andy Reid running back, only undersized at 5' 10", 198 pounds. He was worth a fourth-round pick in a draft day trade in 2008. He may have already served his purpose as an emergency back for last season.

The competition for fourth back will be fierce and Booker will have to show something very special in training camp to stay on this team.

That being said, Booker had an outstanding 2008 training camp. He looked like the real deal. For a moment, Booker looked like a possible future replacement for Brian Westbrook.

When the regular season started, a 2.0 yard average per carry quickly limited the optimism. Keep in mind, this guy's story is not written yet. He is talented, but may be the odd man out if Andy Reid doesn't mind cutting last years perceived fourth-round value.

No 32. Kyle Eckel is 5'11", 237 pounds and wears Ricky "Running" Waters old number, but there is no confusing these guys. Eckel fills great roles for this team. Eckel can run block as a full back. He can get his shoulders down low and plow in short yardage as a running back. Eckel can contribute on special teams.

As preseason perspectives go, Kyle Eckel is the logical choice to facilitate the overall game day operations. If Booker is ranked fourth on the depth chart in the coach's office, it is probably more ceremonial than factual.

Eckel can run behind or block for Leonard Weaver. I would not be surprised to see Weaver and Eckel as a fullback tandem in front of Westbrook in short yardage. That is the kind of creative play construction Reid could do with Eckel on the roster.

No. 49 Walter Mendenhall is 6'0"", 225 pounds, runs with speed, power and catches the ball well out of the backfield. The 2009 rookie free agent, seems like an excellent fit considering his size and skill set.

The older brother of 2008 first round draft choice Rashard Mendenhall, Walter transferred from the same Illinois to smaller Illinois State where he was stunning on the football field while studying for his masters.

There has been some buzz about Mendenhall as a slightly bigger back option for the Eagles. Understanding Eagle's fans, there is great demand for this prototypical sized back with an NFL related pedigree.

Mendenhall will have to dazzle in camp and show he can contribute on special teams. If he looks anything like he did in his highlights, Mendenhall will dazzle.

No. 41 Marcus Mailei is a true and strict full back who sizes up at 6'0", 255 pounds. Mailei is a 2009 rookie free agent signed out of Weber State. Mailei is also a favorite of mine because he wears Keith Byars and Wilbur Montgomerey's jersey number at this time.

Forgetting nostalgia, Mailei brings some interesting opportunities to the Philadelphia Eagles offense. Weaver is a real fullback, capable of doing a lot of things for this offense. Mailei is a true steam rolling full back.

If he can't contribute on special teams, he probably doesn't have a chance of making the active roster, unless he starts breaking people with his lead blocks when the pads go on.

No. 34 Eldra Buckley is 5'9", 207 pounds and wears the Herschel Walker jersey. Buckley was signed after being released from the Chargers practice squad. Finding something out about this guy has been a challenge. His signing looks mostly like a practice body for the summer, but players have come from more obscure places in the past.

Only four backs will really have a chance at the active roster. If Booker is not one of them, he will most likely not clear waivers and get picked up by another team's active roster or practice squad. With running back prospective talent galore in the NFL, Booker may surprisingly clear waivers and be a practice squad candidate.

Reid's safer choice is Eckel. The overall potential uses for Kyle Eckel exceeds a marginally higher expectation for an alternate back. No misunderstanding, this is not a sexy selection. Reid knows what he's not getting with Eckel and that's a plow or jack hammer as a lead blocker and he is not a big pass catching threat out of the backfield.

After Booker and Eckel come the free agent signings. This class has real potential. Buckley, Mendenhall and Mailei will have to be inspirational in training camp and preseason to make the team. They will also need to be as effective as Eckel on special teams.

The role of Mendenhall and Mailei can be somewhat filled in one player, Kyle Eckel. Although Eckel is not the explosive player Mendenhall might be and he is not the physically imposing player Mailei could be, these guys will have to be exceptionally eye catching to earn a spot over not just the role player option of Kyle Eckel, but Lorenzo Booker as well.

Eldra Buckley doesn't make much sense as an option. He prospectively is a very similar player to Booker. If Booker makes the team, Buckley doesn't make the team. If Booker doesn't make the team, it would seem the team is looking for a different type of player as a depth option.
For my own two cents, I offer the wildly unimaginable. I predict Mendenhall and Mailei standing out in camp and further supplanting Kyle Eckel's utilitarian position with a more specialized value from two backs: a bigger fullback and a quicker, more rounded big halfback option.
This is a really unreasonable call, but I'm going with my gut here.

Reid will likely continue to surprise Eagle fans. The fourth back spot will ultimately not have much of an impact in 2009 other than a special teams contribution. However, Andy is constantly looking to build for the future and involve in a couple creative plays.

If he sees some true talent that he likes, he will go for the guy whether fourth or fifth in the backfield.

The AFL legacy jerseys: Let's review all eight

Eight former AFL teams will wear 1960s throwback uniforms during "legacy games" in the 2009 NFL season. Shutdown Corner takes a look back (or ahead, if you will) at those throwback jerseys in advance of the season. Today, we review them all, and rank our favorites. Click on each individual jerseys for more information.


The Shutdown Corner rankings:

1. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. It's the best uniform in NFL history that doesn't currently exist in the NFL. Please consider making the switch permanent, Titans.

2. San Diego Chargers. These are the gold standard for retro jerseys. They only miss the top spot because we've seen them recently, unlike the Oilers duds, which have been buried for years.

3. Denver Broncos. Without question, the biggest departure from a given team's standard jerseys. They are bold, and I commend the Broncos for showing no fear by wearing them. If you haven't seen the socks that go with them, you've got to click that gold jersey above.

4. Buffalo Bills. Much like the Oilers, it's a defunct jersey that's far superior to what replaced it. A clean, classic and strong look.

5. New England (Boston) Patriots. Patriots fans may not care for the history associated with the red jerseys, but I dig them. Pat Patriot is second only to Bucco Bruce as the best helmet-dwelling mascot in NFL history.

6. Oakland Raiders. The jersey you see above isn't much different from what we normally see, but the helmet's a little different. Click and see. Oh, and I highly recommend purchasing the Darius Heyward-Bey model. I think that will be an investment that will pay off for years to come.

7. Kansas City Chiefs/Dallas Texans. There's nothing too exciting about these, unless you think the NFL really needs a uniform that closely resembles that of the Washington Redskins.

8. New York Jets (Titans of New York). The Jets have been breaking these classics out for the past couple of years now. They're not attractive colors, and there's no novelty involved, since we've seen them recently anyway.

Chilly Sidesteps Favre Talk

Get Yer Brett Favre Jerseys!

I had to laugh at a FirstCuts article that highlighted a notable piece of Favre-related Vikings apparel on eBay -- a Favre Vikings jersey that happens to look pretty dang authentic.

Sure, perhaps people should wait until he actually signs with the team to start peddling Favre Vikings jerseys, but I think it raises an interesting question: Simply put, would you want to buy one of these?

Many Vikings fans would rush out the day Favre jerseys become available to buy one. Others wouldn't even consider purchasing one. Admittedly, I imagine I'd fall in the former category -- I'd buy one for the novelty factor, if nothing else. It's one of those items that, two or three years ago, you wouldn't have even fathomed seeing on a store shelf.

After the jump, we've got a bunch of quarterback talk -- Chilly's comments on Favre, an interesting quote from T-Jack, and even a John David Bootycall. But I want to hear your thoughts on the jersey question -- if Favre inks a deal with the Vikings, would you buy his jersey? Let me know in the poll below and comments section.

James Harrison won't visit Obama's White House with the rest of Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and "Weekend Update" guest James Harrison won't be joining his teammates at the White House on Thursday when President Barack Obama welcomes them.

"If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl," he told Pittsburgh's WTAE-TV. "So as far as I'm concerned he would have invited Arizona if they had won."

Harrison's motives don't appear be to political and he also skipped the Steelers' visit after Pittsburgh's 2006 Super Bowl win.

Grant Hill let it be known on this morning's "Mike & Mike" that he was ashamed of Harrison's decision.

Personally, I wouldn't care who the president is or if I saw eye-to-eye with him politically. The chance to be honored at the White House is an opportunity most people will never get to experience.

But, let's be honest about this glorified photo-op. It's the same with every team. They show up, give the prez a novelty jersey, shake a few hands and then get out of there. It's not exactly a life-altering afternoon for a professional athlete who has already won the world championship.

So, what do you make of Harrison's decision to skip the trip?

Players prefer the league's all-star game to stay in Hawaii

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- As Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis casually chatted at their posh oceanside resort, the discussion quickly turned to how much they'll miss Hawaii.

The Pro Bowl is bidding aloha to the islands after Sunday's game following a 30-year run. Next year's Pro Bowl will be played in Miami one week before the Super Bowl. The location after that remains uncertain.

One thing is clear: Many of the NFL's top stars are unsure about the Pro Bowl being shipped to the mainland.

"I just think you take away from everything the Pro Bowl means," Lewis said Tuesday. "I don't understand it all."

The Baltimore Ravens' linebacker, who played college football at the University of Miami, said he would "probably not" play next year's game if selected.

Lewis, who's making his 10th Pro Bowl trip, said many players live in or visit Florida often, so playing there wouldn't necessarily be a reward.

"That's no vacation," Lewis said. "That's what we regularly do. You don't want to go to the Pro Bowl and do what you regularly do. You want to come over and do something different. You want to tour the islands and bring the kids over here to see something different."

The NFL has been looking to increase the profile of the game. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had called the Pro Bowl "a somewhat anticlimactic" ending to the season.

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson said all the players love coming to Hawaii.
"When you think of the Pro Bowl, you think of Hawaii," he said. "But then again, it's a change that was made, and all you can do is roll with it."

The Pro Bowl could end up rotating between Hawaii and the mainland.

The state has paid the NFL an average of $4 million annually under their expiring five-year contract to host the game. The Hawaii Tourism Authority and the NFL are in negotiations for Honolulu to host future games.

The Pro Bowl hasn't been played on the mainland since the 1979 game in Los Angeles, where Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Ahmad Rashad was the game's MVP.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, another University of Miami standout, said there's no question where the players would rather end the year.

"This place is much better," he said. "You can go to Miami all the time."

In Hawaii, the players and their families stay at a secluded hotel on the Leeward Coast of Oahu, an hour's drive away from the bustle of Waikiki. After practice, they lounge by the pool, swim in the lagoons or go next door to play 18 holes of golf.

Portis said in Miami, "there's too much to get into," especially with places such as South Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

"There's going to be people getting DUIs, people getting suspended, so I think coming out here is much nicer," he said. "(Being in Miami), I don't think it will have the same feel. They don't have any leis in Miami. They don't have flower shorts to walk around in."

Some players believe the Pro Bowl could lose some luster by not having Super Bowl players participating, since they'll be busy preparing for the big game.

"It would be interesting to see how many people actually go and participate in Miami next year," Vikings defensive end Jared Allen said. "For me, I like coming over here."

Manning said one of the best weeks of his life was coming to Hawaii after leading the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl win in 2006.

"There's no better week to be over here than after you won a Super Bowl," he said.
The nine-time Pro Bowl selection said swapping weeks and cities are like changing coaches.
"If something is good, why do you want to change it?" he said. "I don't know what the economic factors are that come into play, but I know the times I've come over here, it's a special week."
Manning said tropical Miami is one thing, but he's curious about 2012 when his city hosts the Super Bowl.

"I'm not sure that's necessarily a reward to come to Indianapolis in February," he said.
Whatever city the Pro Bowl is in, Manning said he'll play. And he hopes to make it three years from now.

"I would almost be out of eligibility. That's getting up there for me," he said, jokingly.

2009 NFL Draft Grades

Once again I find myself at odds with the SN staff over a football related subject. This time I've got a problem with their NFL Draft team grades... The Bengals get an A while the Steelers get an F, this can't be the bizzaro NFL! The Chargers get an F and the Bears get an A, Clifton Brown is starting to piss me off! You will see the SN grades in parenthesis right next to my grades. So let me share with you my 2009 NFL Draft team grades?

NFC

Arizona Cardinals: B+ (SN: B-) Getting Wells with the second-to-last pick in the first round was a coup. He adds exactly the kind of explosion the position needs. This team is a juggernaut on offense, so it made sense to add defenders like outside linebacker Cody Brown and safety Rashad Johnson. Brown should add some pass rushing help, but hel need to get stronger to be a complete linebacker.

Atlanta Falcons: B+ (SN: B) Ole Miss Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry fits perfectly into Mike Smith's four-man line because he can rush the passer. Missouri strong safety William Moore was slowed by injuries last season, but when healthy he has the range and physicality to be a punishing tackler. If the Falcon defense can pick it up this season, it will be because of Moore and Jerry.

Carolina Panthers: C (SN: C-) The Panthers traded their first-round pick for Jeff Otah last year, and then took another risk by shipping next year first-rounder for the right to draft Brown. It looks like a far riskier maneuver than Otah did last season, but Brown provides insurance against possibly having to break ties with Julius Peppers in 2010. Brown can only justify this pick if he bulks up his undersized frame, otherwise he will be devoured by large tackles.

Chicago Bears: B (SN: A) GM Jerry Angelo took the first day of the draft off but that's because he made his major move last month, trading for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, a proven performer. Based on his recent results, Angelo's trade for Cutler was undoubtedly better than any players he could have taken in the draft. If Cutler leads the Bears to the playoffs, this draft was a total success.

Dallas Cowboys: D (SN: D) A D for the boys down in Big D. They didn pick until the third round and then proceeded to reach big time on Jason Williams and Robert Brewster. All they did was add depth, which was needed at some spots, but likely got no future starters in this draft.

Detroit Lions: A- (SN: A) Stafford could be the franchise quarterback that the Lions have been searching for their entire existence. Pettigrew is a good blocker and should be a very good offensive weapon, coupled with Calvin Johnson; Detroit might have a dynamic offense. Despite some size concerns, Delmas was the most complete safety in the draft and should be the starter from day one.

Green Bay Packers: A (SN: A-) The Pack gets an A purely based on getting both B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews in the 1st round, both will have an immediate impact on the defense. They also added much needed depth at the tackle position; these guys could be starters some time down the road. This is by far my favorite team draft for this year.

Minnesota Vikings: C (SN: B) Drafting Percy Harvin concerns me a lot. Harvin has big time concerns due to his attitude, it has often been said that he lives in ercyland?and has a diva attitude. Harvin has the talent to be a game changer but may lack the mental discipline to live up to those expectations. In the second round, the Vikings took mountainous offensive tackle Phil Loadholt of Oklahoma. Big Phil is 6-8, 336 pounds. South Carolina ILB Jasper Brinkley had third-round value but slid to the fifth round, so the Vikings got somewhat of a steal there.

New Orleans Saints: C (SN: D-) The Saints didn't have much firepower, but they did land the draft's best cornerback in Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins. He's a very physical player with great ball skills. The Saints spent 90 minutes late Saturday on trying to get back into the first round in order to draft Ohio State running back Beanie Wells, but failed. Other than Jenkins, New Orleans got very little in the way of players that will make an immediate impact.

New York Giants: B (SN: B-) The G-Men first choice of North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks made a lot of sense. Nicks is polished and played in a pro-style offense. UConn offensive tackle William Beatty has great size and should develop into a reliable backup. Wisconsin TE Travis Beckum and Ramses Barden of Cal Poly could be real sleepers. Barden especially, considering he is 6-foot-6 and did play well against San Diego State and Wisconsin.

Philadelphia Eagles: B+ (SN: A) When rating this draft, start by remembering the Eagles used a first-round pick for Buffalo offensive tackle Jason Peters, who has Pro Bowl talent. Then, the Eagles lucked into Missouri receiver Jeremy Maclin, who was rated No. 1 at his position on 18 teams' draft boards. Then in the second round, Pitt running back LeSean McCoy was another steal with 53rd overall pick. McCoy will give Brian Westbrook a breather this season. Virginia Tech cornerback Victor acho?Harris has only 4.6 speed, but he should be a core special-teams player.

San Francisco 49rs: B (SN: D) Everyone referred to Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree as a "diva," but on the field he was the best receiver in college the past two seasons with 41 TD receptions while averaging 120.3 yards per game. The 49ers are definitely not worried about his foot surgery for a stress fracture. The iners made a solid decision in swapping their second-round pick for Carolina's first-round pick next year. They also made other solid picks in QB Nate Davis out of Ball State and Pitt linebacker Scott McKillop in the 5th round. Running back Glen Coffee of Alabama also looks to be a solid contributor.

Seattle Seahawks: B (SN: C) The Seahawks automatically assured themselves of a good draft grade by taking Aaron Curry, who is the most NFL ready player in the draft. The Hawks also got a steal when they traded their 37th overall pick to Denver for their 1st rounder next year. They also got good value in picking Oregon Center Max Unger during the middle of the second round.

St. Louis Rams: B (SN: A-) The Rams toyed with the idea of trading with the Jets, but didn't believe the offered compensation justified their second pick in the first round. Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith should eventually become a left tackle and they passed on Rey Maualuga in order to draft Ohio State middle linebacker James Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis should start immediately and he was taken over Maualuga because he actually can call the defense (and the Bengals wonder why Rey was staring them in the face in the second round!).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C- (SN: C) The Bucs probably didn need to trade up in the first round to land Josh Freeman, who was a stretch anywhere in the first round. Coach Raheem Morris, who has connections at K-State, was very involved in this selection, Freeman knew of this selection for a long time. Many rate Freeman as a project, but the Bucs had to do something at this position with only Luke McCown, Brian Griese and Byron Leftwich on the roster. By making this trade, the Bucs ignored their defense, which may prove to be a huge mistake. Moore and Miller look to be solid stop-gaps for the short-term.

Washington Redskins: C (SN: D-) The Redskins got good value out of the few picks that they did have. DE/LB Brian Orakpo was highly coveted by owner Daniel Snyder and other members of the scouting department. The Skins were prepared to trade up for Orakpo but benefited from the Heyward-Bey fallout. Orakpo should give Washington a strong pass rush for the first time in years. The Redskins traded out of the second round and made a local pick in the third round with Maryland cornerback Kevin Barnes, who started 21 games and can be either a zone or man-cover cornerback.

AFC

Baltimore Ravens: B+ (SN: C-) The Ravens are one of the best teams at finding falling talent in the first round and did just that this year. Oher is a lot closer to the likes of Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith and Jason Smith than his status as the No. 23 overall pick indicates. Second-round pick Paul Kruger has the ability to play immediately in this league and may push for ample playing time.

Buffalo Bills: B (SN: C) Aaron Maybin was the pass-rusher this team needed to anchor the defensive line. On the other side of the line, the selections of center Eric Wood and guard Andrew Levitre in the second round were excellent picks. Wood is a very good center and Levitre very well may be the best guard in this draft. Also, Jairus Byrd's ball skills could help him become a very good nickelback in this league.

Cincinnati Bengals: B- (SN: A) Once again the Bengals manage to draft the best player on the board at their position when it their turn to draft. Andre Smith, Rey Malaluga, and Michael Johnson are all great talents but are big time boom or bust prospects. The Bengals are ignoring possible character issues with Malaluga and Smith that could lead to big problems in the future. Johnson is a top talent but fell to the 3rd round because he has a bad habit of taking a large number of plays off. This is definitely one draft class that needs time to be accurately assessed.

Cleveland Browns: B (SN: A-) Eric Mangini is staying close to his roots and is imitating Bill Belichick and the trade down. The Browns traded down 3 times in the first round before selecting Center Alex Mack at no. 21. Along the way the Browns picked up a second round pick from the Jets and a few sixth round picks. In addition to Mack, the Browns added much needed depth to their WR corps by selecting Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiske.

Denver Broncos: C+ (SN: A-) The Broncos filled some needs and found some parts, but the bottom line is that they are without quarterback Jay Cutler now, and they definitely didn't replace him. Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno was a no-brainer with the first choice, especially since San Diego coveted him. Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers has the look of a Justin Tuck type; able to rush from an inside position or from the edge. However, Denver true needs are on the defensive side of the ball and did not truly address that until later in the draft.

Houston Texans: B+ (SN: B) The Texans augmented a deep, talented defensive line with two defensive playmakers with their first two picks. Cushing has the desire and toughness to play right away and Barwin is a developing pass rusher, something Houston desperately needed in the front seven. Cushing really is the crown jewel of the Texans?draft, no one works harder than he does and he will be something special, I guarantee it!

Indianapolis Colts: C (SN: D) Donald Brown is a good player but kind of a luxury pick, which isn't a knock on it because running back Joseph Addai has had some injury issues as of late. Fili Moala and Jerraud Powers were taken a little high, though. The Colts also did a good job of creating some much needed depth at other positions. A solid draft but nothing spectacular.

Jacksonville Jaguars: B- (SN: C) The Jaguars did the smart thing by spending their first two picks on offensive linemen; both of them have a chance to be tackles. Virginia's Eugene Monroe was a no-brainer with the eighth overall pick, while the Jaguars were fortunate to get Arizona's Eben Britton in the second round after many mock drafts put him at the bottom of the first round. However, they did not address the receiver position where they are in desperate need of depth.

Kansas City Chiefs: C+ (SN: B-) New Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli turned his first three picks into key foundation players with the selections of Jackson, Magee and by trading for Cassel at the start of free agency. The rest of the Chiefs draft did not impress me a lot at all, it appeared as if they were just randomly grabbing at players. Colin Brown is a really disappointing pick to me, he was a reach in the 5th round and I do not see him panning out.

Miami Dolphins: C- (SN: C-) There is no questioning Davis?talent. He may be the best pure cornerback in the draft and has the ability to be a Pro Bowler regular. The problem is, like his brother Vernon with San Francisco, Davis thinks he抯 great already and doesn listen to coaching. They might have problems with Pat White, who clearly stated that he wants to be QB in the NFL and the Dolphins have Chad Henne waiting to take over. Unless White becomes a phenom in the wildcat, he will never be happy. Drafting Patrick Turner was a major reach along with the rest of the Dolphins late round picks.

New England Patriots: A- (SN: B) Once again the Pats make the moves to stock up on picks for this past draft and for 2010. They addressed many critical positions and added much needed youth to the team. The fact that teams continue to give the Patriots draft picks seems insane, but Belichick is more than willing to work the phones on draft day (the Pats were in on seven trades).

New York Jets: A- (SN: B-) The Jets made a great move to get into the top 5 from no. 17 to get Mark Sanchez. All the Jets had to do was give Cleveland their 1st and 2nd round picks along with some lightly regarded players. The Jets made good use out of their other two picks, selecting Shonn Greene and Matt Slauson to upgrade their running back and offensive line. The only reason I give them a minus is because they only had 3 picks to work with.

Oakland Raiders: F (SN: D-) This draft is another cry for help by the Raiders as they keep taking players based on outdated theories about what works in the NFL. There is not too much to explain here. Darrius Heyward-Bey was a major reach here, a product of Al Davis?love for speed. Bey is an extremely raw talent who many people, including me, think will be a bust. Even more perplexing than the selection of Bey was the selection of Ohio U Safety Michael Mitchell in the second round. Most scouts had Mitchell falling out of the draft entirely or getting picked up in the sixth or seventh rounds.

Pittsburgh Steelers: C (SN: F) It is never easy to draft this late in rounds, many coveted players are often off the board. This was the case for the Steelers, who saw coveted centers Alex Mack and Eric Wood taken by the Browns and Bills. They went with iggy?Hood instead, adding some much needed youth to an aging D-line. They took undersized Penn State center A.Q. Shipley in the seventh round, but scouts think this kid knows how to play despite his limitations.

San Diego Chargers: B- (SN: F) The selection of linebacker Larry English at No. 16 was a little high, but he fills a potential need for them and he's a good player. If Shawne Merriman is not ready to go or is not as explosive coming back the Chargers will need English to step up sooner rather than later. Guards Louis Vasquez and Tyronne Green were good selections in the third and fourth rounds.

Tennessee Titans: C+ (SN: C-) The Titans picked up a desperately needed receiver in Rutgers Kenny Britt at the end of the 1st round. Britt should help the Titans diversify their offensive playbook for the 2009 season. Auburn DT Sen'Derrick Marks in the second round was a huge reach for a one-gap performer who needs to improve his motor. It was a negative trading next year's second-round pick to New England for South Carolina tight end Jared Cook, who should provide some blocking and be a deep middle threat.

As you can see, I disagree with Clifton Brown big time on a few picks and disagree on almost all picks period (we agree on 2). I pretty sure that I right more often than I wrong?I know I not wrong. Let me know what you think!

Dolphins' future may rest on shoulder of U-M's Chad Henne

MIAMI — The local pro football team was back on the field for an offseason workday, so I went out there trying to find the one guy who is the most important person to this Miami Dolphins franchise.

Jason Taylor was drawing the day’s biggest media crowd by far and by rote upon his return to the team. But it sure wasn’t him.
Second-year tackle Jake Long (out of Michigan) walked past looking like something Michelangelo sculpted, but it wasn’t him, either.
Coach Tony Sparano and personnel maven Bill Parcells (not looking like something Michelangelo sculpted) sauntered off the practice field together, but, no, even they aren’t the most important.
Ricky Williams was over there holding his little court, speaking his free-spirit esotery, talking about the power of praying. Not him, either, of course. (Ricky continues to lead the team in interesting, but not importance).
Top-draft pick cornerback Vontae Davis? Nah. Joey Porter? Nope. Ronnie Brown? Nuh uh. Jimmy Buffett? Let’s move on.
Finally I saw my man, and approached.
“Hi, Chad. Got a minute?”
It wasn’t Pennington.
It was the guy in the No. 7 jersey, backup quarterback and former U-M star Chad Henne.
Hardly played last season as a rookie.
Might hardly play this year.
Most important person to this club nevertheless.
Not to this season, perhaps, but to just beyond it and for a long time thereafter if the Dolphins are right in gambling on his greatness.
To any Dolfan balancing an imperative on right now with an eager eye on tomorrow, there is no more overriding question than this one: “How good will Henne turn out to be?”
Because as surely as Pennington won’t be counted on beyond this year and as surely as Pat White is here as a Wildcat novelty not the future at quarterback, it’s all on Henne.
Will he be Dan Marino or John Beck or shades in-between?
Will he smoothly accept the baton from Pennington and deliver excellence at the most important position, year after Pro Bowl year?

-->(2 of 3)

Or will he bust and leave Miami back at square one in its search for the young franchise quarterback it hasn’t had since Marino circa 1983?
No person more than Henne will impact the team as meaningfully or for as long if he’s great, or leave a bigger crater of disappointment is he isn’t.
(Hey, no pressure, Chad!)
We couldn’t know much about that potential watching Henne throw all of 12 regular-season passes last year. We know a little more now in gauging his progress. Or believe we do.
We look for signs. Hints. We watch his development by degrees, imagining he will be the next Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, but maybe privately fearful he won’t.
We hear testimony from eyewitnesses, and it is impressive.
“What not many people get to see is his confidence, his unbelievable presence in the huddle,” guard Justin Smiley said of Henne. “He acts like he’s been there. The sky’s the limit. He has the makings of a great quarterback. All the tools to be great. And I think he will be.”
Having Pennington as a willing mentor helps.
“It’s been tremendous,” Henne said. “I’m right by his side all the time.”
It takes a generous person to help groom the man who will take his job, but Pennington has been that.
“No. 1, I see great poise and great quarterback demeanor,” Pennington said of his heir to the air. “All the talent in the world, and a very calm demeanor, even when coaches are yelling.”
Sparano mentioned not poise but physical advancement when I asked him what development he had seen in Henne over the past year.
“The change in his body — he is completely, physically much stronger,” said the head coach, crediting quarterbacks coach David Lee with tuning Henne’s mechanics. “The ball’s coming out at a different pace now. And his decision-making process is better.”
That analysis alone tells you why Henne slipped to the second round a year ago. A quarterback who needs to get stronger and better mechanically will slip. We still don’t know if a stronger Henne with a better delivery will be enough.

-->(3 of 3)

Sparano — refreshingly plain-spoken, detailed and honest in most assessments — acknowledges we still haven’t seen Henne in a way we yet must to begin to fully judge if he’ll be a franchise quarterback.
“When the bullets start to fly and you’re doing it in games, that’ll be the best test,” said the boss.
Until then, Henne is doing all he can, which is believing he is good enough while he tries to prove he is.
“Right now, I will try to compete for the starting job,” Henne said, even though Pennington is certain to open as No. 1 barring an injury. “I feel fully confident about my ability to play. I’m humble, but I really feel like I have the ability to lead this team to championships and hopefully Super Bowls.”
Ask Henne if anyone in the NFL reminds him of himself, and he mentions a guy who shared the same coach at Michigan.
“We have similar arm movement and other things,” Henne said.
He meant Tom Brady.
If the comparison looks as good on the field as it does in theory, this franchise’s quarter-century wait for its next great young quarterback might have ended at last.
Of course, “if” shall necessarily remain the biggest word surrounding Chad Henne until which time he has a chance to erase all doubts — and does.

Six NFL teams that could be home again for the playoffs

Now that I’ve listed six 2008 playoff teams that won’t get back to the postseason in 2009 and six non-playoff teams that will take their places, common sense and a copy of the league’s lineup of teams will permit a list of the other 14 non-playoff teams to be generated fairly easily.
But this is a three-part series. So I’ve got to emphasize six of those non-playoff teams from 2008 that will remain non-playoff teams in 2009. Otherwise, it’ll throw the whole thing off.
So here’s six who didn’t make it last year and whom some might think will make it back, but I don’t.

1. New York Jets

An offseason spending spree capped by the unexpected arrival of an aging quarterback created high expectations for the Jets in 2008.
When Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s knee imploded in the first quarter of the first game of the season, the expectations were even higher.
When the Jets reeled off impressive back-to-back road wins against the Pats and Titans in November, some began to fret about the scheduling nightmare that would arise if two New York teams that share a stadium in New Jersey end up hosting conference title games on the same day.
Then the bottom fell out for the Jets, claiming coach Eric Mangini’s job.
This year, more money has been spent and the draft has brought a young, fresh-faced quarterback who’ll be counted on to conjure memories of Joe Namath. So the expectations will be high again.
But high expectations in 2009 would be even more unrealistic than they were in 2008.
If Brady is healthy, the Pats will be very tough to overcome for the division crown. So then the question becomes whether the Jets will be able to beat out the likes of the Steelers or the Ravens (whichever one doesn’t win the division) and the second-place team in the AFC South for the two wild-card berths. Given that the teams of the AFC East face a much tougher slate of games this year, playing each of the teams of the AFC South and the NFC South, it will be harder to compete in the standings with the teams of the AFC North (who play the teams of the AFC West and the NFC North) and the teams of the AFC South (who play the teams of the NFC West).
With a new head coach, defensive coordinator and quarterback and a thin receiving corps and two tailbacks who are skipping underwear practices because they want more money, the Jets would be better off targeting 2010 as the year in which they return to the tournament.

2. Denver Broncos

The good news for the Broncos is they play in a bad division.
The bad news for the Broncos is they’re a lot worse than they were in 2008.
Weeks after the fact, the decision to trade quarterback Jay Cutler remains vexing. Regardless of whether coach Josh McDaniels decided he preferred Matt Cassel or whether McDaniels simply didn’t want Cutler or whether Cutler simply didn’t want McDaniels, a team should not be giving up a young franchise quarterback for any amount of draft picks or players.
So now the job falls to Kyle Orton, who couldn’t do much of anything on a Bears team that had an excellent defense. He’ll likely have an even harder time on a team with a mediocre defense.
But, hey, at least they have more tailbacks than former Broncos tailback Travis Henry has kids.

3. Washington Redskins

Here’s a fairly safe rule of thumb for assessing how a pro football team feels about its chances for the coming season.
If the team in question makes more than one attempt to acquire a new starting quarterback, it’s safe to conclude that the team doesn’t believe that its current starter is good enough to get the team to the playoffs.
The Redskins attempted to trade for former Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, and then the Redskins tried to draft former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.
They failed on both accounts, and so they’re stuck with Jason Campbell. And if they don’t believe they can win with Campbell, why should anyone else?

4. Cincinnati Bengals

Fueled by the return to health of quarterback Carson Palmer, the retention of running back Cedric Benson, the replacement of one receiver with a hard-to-spell name (T.J. Houshmandzadeh) with another one (Laveranues Coles), the arrival of perennial Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams, and an unlikely selection to serve as the featured team on NFL Films’ Hard Knocks series, there’s a feeling that the Bengals can rebound dramatically in 2009, like the Dolphins, Ravens, and Falcons did in 2008.
At times, I agree with the notion that, with Palmer available all season, the Bengals can be much better than they were in 2008.
But will that be enough to overcome the Steelers and the Ravens?
That’s the primary problem — the Bengals find themselves in the same division as last year’s AFC finalists. Thus, unless Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger or Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco become plagued by the same kind of injury issues that limited Cincinnati to a four-win season, the Bengals would have to qualify as the second wild-card team — from the position of third place in their division.
So while the Bengals might be good this year, there likely will be too many other good teams.

5. New Orleans Saints

With an unprecedented number of Super Bowl-winning coaches expected to be in the mix for new jobs in 2010, the hot seats will be hotter than ever.
And the seats don’t get much hotter than they do under Sean Payton, head coach of the Saints.
After starting his career in New Orleans with the franchise’s first-ever berth in an NFC title game, Payton’s Saints have missed the playoffs twice in a row.
A similar pattern already has gotten Eric Mangini fired by the Jets; thus, Payton surely fears that, if he doesn’t turn things around in 2009, he’ll possibly be looking for new work soon.
While there’s reason to believe the Saints will be as good if not better than they were last season, they face a tall order in a tougher-than-advertised NFC South. The Falcons likely weren’t flashes in the pan, and the Panthers apparently will continue to be competitive.
So if the Saints can’t overcome the two division rivals they weren’t able to overcome a year ago, they’ll then have to navigate the mine field of second-place (and possibly third-place) teams in a top-heavy NFC for one of the two wild-card spots.
With no tailback on board who can replace Deuce McAllister and a draft class grossly undermined by last year’s trades for linebacker Jonathan Vilma and tight end Jeremy Shockey, it’s looking like 2009 could be another year that conjures memories of all those seasons in the 1970s and most of those seasons in the 1980s and 1990s that resulted in Saints players watching playoff action not from the sidelines, but from their living rooms.

6. Green Bay Packers

The Packers followed a 2007 season capped by an outcome that far exceeded all expectations with a messy divorce from Brett Favre and a disastrous 2008 campaign.
The defense took the fall for the team’s failures, and the resulting overhaul of the coaching staff also triggered a change in the philosophy from a 4-3 to 3-4.
It’s not an easy switch to make absent the personnel to do it correctly. Though the Packers managed to land two key pieces of the puzzle — nose tackle B.J. Raji and linebacker Clay Matthews — in the draft’s first round, it’s simply too much to expect the defense to perform at a playoff-caliber level in the first year it’s used.
Then there’s the fact the offensive line has some lingering question marks, and the running game could use some extra beef.
Put it all together, and it’s unlikely the Packers will fend off the Bears and the Vikings for the NFC North crown.