NFL Off-Season 2007 thread

[SUPERECWFAN1]

With a lot of our teams outta the playoffs its pretty much the off-season for us. In this thread we can discuss Free-Agency , resignings and all. I'll start it off by posting the usual news and rumors.

Kansas City locked Tony Gonzalez up for 5 more seasons likely making him a Chief til his career ends. Which makes me pretty darn happy.

But heres some more news.

Seatle's Robbie Tobeck ( center) annouced his retirement today. Tobeck had been out since mid-season with an injury and he came back this year as his last season. Tobeck played 13 seasons in the NFL, 7 with Seatle.

Mack Strong ( FB) is undecided at the moment. He is 35 and has felt the pain of having 2 neck stingers in a game against Chicago. He even said he's 35 and he has to examine how many more years he could do this.

Ken Whisenhunt was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as head coach. Likely leaving perhaps Russ Grimm ( come on even the fuckin name sounds awesome to be a Pittsburgh coach !) to take the Steelers job.

RUMORS TIME.

Packers quarterback Brett Favre didn't renew his membership at Oneida Golf & Country Club near Green Bay.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Given his contentious relationship with Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, his 5-13 playoff record and contract situation, Marty Schottenheimer, in all likelihood, lost his fourth head-coaching assignment on Sunday.
-- Kansas City Star

The Dolphins have talked with Jim Mora and Chan Gailey for a second time and are expected to talk to Brian Schottenheimer in the next day or so. But San Diego's loss could open the door to Cam Cameron and even Marty Schottenheimer.
-- Miami Herald

Cowboys safety Roy Williams' declining work ethic, centers on diminishing pass-coverage skills over the last two seasons. "Roy has gone from being acceptable in coverage, to a joke," said one voice. "It's like he thinks he's an entertainer now, looking to make SportsCenter with his hits, while blowing off what he needs to be concentrating on."
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Russ Grimm became the leading candidate as the next Steelers coach when Ken Whisenhunt accepted the job to become coach of the Cardinals yesterday. Bill Cowher last week recommended that the Steelers hire Chan Gailey.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Some people wonder, if USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin ends up with the Minnesota Gophers football coaching job, would he ask his father, Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte, to join him.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Saturday night's game could have been Donte Stallworth's last with the Eagles, depending on whether they decide that his 825 yards and six touchdowns this season were good enough. After the game, Stallworth said he had a bitter taste and it was unfortunate they lost, but when asked about his future in Philadelphia, he simply replied, "Are you serious?"
-- Philadelphia Daily News

Jeff Garcia says he wants to come back and finish his career with the Eagles. Andy Reid, who makes those decisions, says he wants Garcia back. The best guess is that Garcia will be back. Put the odds at about 60/40, though -- not the slam dunk everyone's stated intentions would seem to suggest.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

When Jonathan Ogden hobbled out of the Ravens' locker room yesterday, it might have been for the last time. The 10-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle said there is a "possibility" he might retire and end his career after 11 seasons.
-- Baltimore Sun

Ravens receiver Derrick Mason, who aired his disappointment minutes after the game with what he called 'being underappreciated,' stood his ground and did not back down from those remarks while cleaning out his locker at the team's training facility yesterday. For all of his complaints, however, Mason said he has no plans to seek a trade nor could he envision being shipped away.
-- Baltimore Sun

As the final minutes ticked off the clock before their second-round draft pick, the Titans had University of Miami cornerback Devin Hester on the phone. Suddenly, though, there was a change of plan. Good-bye Hester, hello LenDale White. If White flounders, he could be remembered as the player the Titans took instead of Hester.
-- The Tennessean

Travis Henry is under contract, but is due an $8.3 million roster bonus. His contract will need to be reworked in order for him to remain a Titan. Both sides have indicated they'd like to work it out. Chris Brown becomes an unrestricted free agent this spring and the Titans are not expected to re-sign him.
-- The Tennessean

[matrix]

:) i never thought i say this but since Vince Young is on the Team i really hope the Titans upgrade the receivers positions. Drew Bennett is a keeper as well as Bo Scaife but they really need to address those areas.

[Corrina]

They have a good receiver they signed last year, David Givens. He just needs not to get injured next year. :)

[Davideaux]

I hope MIA gets a good GM and coach. And doesn't give one guy all the power, like they did for Saban.

[matrix]

They have a good receiver they signed last year, David Givens. He just needs not to get injured next year. :) oh yeah, still like to see the titans upgrade at TE. :)

[Dennis K]

I hope MIA gets a good GM and coach. And doesn't give one guy all the power, like they did for Saban.


Last I heard, they were bringing Jim Mora back for a second interview

[Punchy]

I predict Wisenhunt will take the Cards to the playoffs next year. You gotta remember, the Niners almost made it out of that weak division this year.

[mrc1214]

I predict Wisenhunt will take the Cards to the playoffs next year. You gotta remember, the Niners almost made it out of that weak division this year.

Thats the whole thing I think the Niners are going to win that division. Wisenhunt is going to need a year or two to build that team up a bit. They need offensive lineman and alot of defense.

[Punchy]

I'm thinking Wisenhunt can design an offense around a weak line. The guy is good.

[mrc1214]

I'm thinking Wisenhunt can design an offense around a weak line. The guy is good.

He is a very good coach, but he does like to run the ball. And the Cardinals couldnt run this year at all. He'll most likely draft a couple of lineman and some defense. Thats really all Whisenhunt will need to draft because there set everywhere else.

[matrix]

Ted Ginn jr, Adrian Peterson, Antonio Pittman have enter the draft. any thoughts on where they may wind up or where they should go. I'm really hopping Houston takes Ginn. Pittman or Peterson

[HomerJay]

Ted Ginn jr, Adrian Peterson, Antonio Pittman have enter the draft. any thoughts on where they may wind up or where they should go. I'm really hopping Houston takes Ginn. Pittman or Peterson
Ted Ginn jr was great on MARRIED WITH CHILDREN.

Oh sorry, wrong guy.

[mrc1214]

Ted Ginn jr, Adrian Peterson, Antonio Pittman have enter the draft. any thoughts on where they may wind up or where they should go. I'm really hopping Houston takes Ginn. Pittman or Peterson


Ginn will be the 3rd reciever taken. I know Clavin Johnson is defintly entering the draft but Im not sure about Dwayne Jarret. Peterson should be the first to go unless he has a horrid combine. And Pittman should be the 3rd RB taken behing Peterson and Marhshawn Lynch from Cal.

[matrix]

Ginn will be the 3rd reciever taken. I know Clavin Johnson is defintly entering the draft but Im not sure about Dwayne Jarret. Peterson should be the first to go unless he has a horrid combine. And Pittman should be the 3rd RB taken behing Peterson and Marhshawn Lynch from Cal.

Jarrett is entering the draft, for what he can do i really think the raiders should pick him up. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/news/story?id=2724623

[EZMOHR]

Our papers in the Bay Area are saying The Raiders really want to trade out of the first pick....which is a horrible idea.

I think though, the Raiders will pick JaMarcus Russell, Vince Young-lite if you like. He's a good QB, I just don't think he's got that....IT factor you see in other QB's. I just don't see fire in him.

But, as horrible as that Raiders O-line is, they need someone who is somewhat mobile.


As for my Boys, man I hope they get either some D-Line, or some O-line help.

[matrix]

Our papers in the Bay Area are saying The Raiders really want to trade out of the first pick....which is a horrible idea.

I think though, the Raiders will pick JaMarcus Russell, Vince Young-lite if you like. He's a good QB, I just don't think he's got that....IT factor you see in other QB's. I just don't see fire in him.

But, as horrible as that Raiders O-line is, they need someone who is somewhat mobile.


As for my Boys, man I hope they get either some D-Line, or some O-line help. :p i always thought of Russel as a newer version of Dante Cullpepper or Bryon Leftwich. you might be thinking of Troy smith as a Vince Young-Lite but yeah i can see the raiders picking Russell.

[mrc1214]

:p i always thought of Russel as a newer version of Dante Cullpepper or Bryon Leftwich. you might be thinking of Troy smith as a Vince Young-Lite but yeah i can see the raiders picking Russell.

He would be a decent pick for them. But the players on that team just dont care enough about anything. The Raiders might be better off trying to trade the pick and pick up a few players.

[matrix]

He would be a decent pick for them. But the players on that team just dont care enough about anything. The Raiders might be better off trying to trade the pick and pick up a few players. it's kinda sad that Art shell couldn't turn that team into something better than what it was.

[mrc1214]

it's kinda sad that Art shell couldn't turn that team into something better than what it was.

They just didnt care it was sad. He had to bench Porter, Moss was just being Moss like, and the whole offense just gave up. They need a full rebuild on the offense. The defense was great though. Both of Buddy Ryans sons are amazing defensive coaches.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The Chiefs need to draft WR,Offensive Line and CB in this draft. Hopefully they'll sign some free agents to shore up the O-Line and get a good WR with a draft pick.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Mike Shula already has met twice with the Dolphins about their coaching position. According to a person familiar with the search, Mike Shula's second meeting, which took place at the team's facility, lasted four hours. Owner Wayne Huizenga, GM Randy Mueller, CEO Joe Bailey and president Bryan Wiedmeier were present during the lengthy discussions, indicating the interview was not merely a courtesy gesture to the Shula family.
-- Miami Herald

Though he admits he "thinks the percentage is probably low," the Giants' new GM Jerry Reese refused to close the door completely on Tiki Barber's 10-year career and plans to ask him if he will consider playing for at least one more season.
-- New York Daily News

NFL sources confirmed Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck suspects he has played the past season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder that could sideline him up to and through training camp.
-- NFL.com

Receivers coach James Lofton and the Raiders spent much of yesterday negotiating details of a contract, sources said. The sides parted last night without an agreement but are scheduled to resume talks in the coming days. Lofton is almost certainly concerned about things such as how much control he will have under owner Al Davis and how many of the staffing decisions he will be allowed to make.
-- San Diego Union-Tribune

Looks like Britney Spears has crotch-flashed her way out of the Super Bowl. Among the celebrity business being brokered while everyone was in L.A. for the Golden Globes is casting for an all-star NFL Network promo to air during the Super Bowl. A source familiar with negotiations says Spears' people were turned down flat when they asked about participating. "She's too much of a train wreck," says the insider. "Besides, we already have Paris Hilton."
-- New York Daily News

Lions running back Kevin Jones is set to begin rehabilitating his left foot injury in about two weeks, and he said Tuesday that there is at least a "possibility" that he will return in time for training camp. Yet, he declined to pinpoint a return date.
-- Detroit Free Press

[EZMOHR]

:p i always thought of Russel as a newer version of Dante Cullpepper or Bryon Leftwich. you might be thinking of Troy smith as a Vince Young-Lite but yeah i can see the raiders picking Russell.


Actually, I was thinking JaMarcus Russell could be the early Daunte Culpepper, before Culpepper became fat and bloated, and couldn't run 5 feet without wheezing. And Byron Leftwhich is about as fast as the slowest O-Lineman in the NFL.

And I would liken Troy Smith to Michael Vick-lite. Very Lite. Extremely Lite. Like comparing Coca Cola to whatever off-brand you can get at Walgreens. Hell whatever off-brand you can get Family Dollar of Big Lots is how I would describe Troy Smith. And no, I thought Troy Smith was way over-rated before that stinker he put up in the Desert.

[ponset]

Mike Vick had his water bottle take away from him at the Miami Airport.
Water bottle had a secret compartment with a brown substance that smell sort of like POT. :evilsmile
No charges were file. Vick was allow to fly back to Atlanta.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Mike Vick had his water bottle take away from him at the Miami Airport.
Water bottle had a secret compartment with a brown substance that smell sort of like POT. :evilsmile
No charges were file. Vick was allow to fly back to Atlanta.

Yeah because again , he's a NFL Sports star and this is allowed. I'm shocked with how things are supposed to be concerning airport security , that Vick was allowed to fly on home in this 9/11 world now.

[Punchy]

what an idiot

not for smoking pot but for not knowing that you can't take water bottles through security

he should've just rented a private jet

[Valmore]

I will now take this moment to laugh at the Miami Dolphins:

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah, hire the offensive coordinator who couldn't figure out how to hand the ball off to LaDanian Tomlinson more than 9 times in the second half of the Chargers' biggest playoff game in years as your new head coach. A guy who never had a season above .500 as a head coach in college.

Sounds like an AWESOME move... to the Patriots, Bills and Jets, that is.

[Punchy]

One a different note let me applaud Sarkisian for turning down the Raiders job.

Seriously, I'd rather be an assistant at USC than the head coach at Oakland any day of the week.

[mrc1214]

One a different note let me applaud Sarkisian for turning down the Raiders job.

Seriously, I'd rather be an assistant at USC than the head coach at Oakland any day of the week.

Very true. I wonder whos going to take that job. I feel so bad for that person./

[J Dog]

Annnnnnnnnnnnnndddddddddd the new Dolphins coach is...

CAM CAMERON!!!

As a IU Hoosiers fan, I know he didn't do good when he was a college coach. But he did kinda good as the offensive coordinator with San Diego. Maybe since he had a crappy college career, I believe that he'll probably have an excellent career as Miami's head (if Saban and Carroll didn't do so good in the pros but can win National Titles in college, what about the opposite?)

[Valmore]

One a different note let me applaud Sarkisian for turning down the Raiders job.

Seriously, I'd rather be an assistant at USC than the head coach at Oakland any day of the week.

I'd rather be the laundry guy at USC than head coach of the Raiders. I don't blame the guy for turning down that festering hornets nest at all.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'd rather be the laundry guy at USC than head coach of the Raiders. I don't blame the guy for turning down that festering hornets nest at all.

The Raiders are ran like a High School team anyhow. Al Davis had Al Saunders last season travel in for 2 interviews and by most accounts , Saunders should have had the job with having him flown in twice in 1 month. David screwed that up and Saunders took the job as Redskins assistant coach and offensive cooridinator. I'm not shocked someone from USC turned down the job. USC is more of a pro team than the Raiders at the moment.

[Punchy]

Breaking news.

Bill Parcells just retired.

[macul]

There's a rumor floating around that the Raiders are ready to package Randy Moss, Porter, and a 1st round pick in exchange for Mike Vick. I don't know if I want Moss or Porter, but I'd take their freaking waterboy in exchange for Vick.

[mrc1214]

There's a rumor floating around that the Raiders are ready to package Randy Moss, Porter, and a 1st round pick in exchange for Mike Vick. I don't know if I want Moss or Porter, but I'd take their freaking waterboy in exchange for Vick.

Vick is a horrible quarterback he shouldnt even be playing in the league anymore. Maybe as a wide reciever. But the Falcons would make out with that deal big time. They would win there league that year I guarentee it.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

There's a rumor floating around that the Raiders are ready to package Randy Moss, Porter, and a 1st round pick in exchange for Mike Vick. I don't know if I want Moss or Porter, but I'd take their freaking waterboy in exchange for Vick.

What did I tell you about Al Davis and his love of " Name " players ? Porter and the 1st rd pick are worth it. The CBS Crew has said that the Falcons are approaching this season as letting both QB's battle for the job somehow. That if Vick struggles they won't hesitate to yank his ass and place Schaub in. Money is no longer the key deal now. ;)

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Vick is a horrible quarterback he shouldnt even be playing in the league anymore. Maybe as a wide reciever. But the Falcons would make out with that deal big time. They would win there league that year I guarentee it.

Imagine how bad ass the Falcons could be in Petrino's offense with Moss, Porter , Dunn and Crumpler ! That would be a scoring damn machine.


So who wants a bet that Parcells will end up as a GM now ? Odd he retired so quick. I wonder if he has another job waiting on him or is back to the NBC/CBS/Fox Studio where he can do some great TV stuff.

[Dom]

I'd take the Raider's job.

Sign a 2-3 year deal, get fired, and then collect the rest of my contract while sitting at home.

Duh.

[hoffmandu]

Imagine how bad ass the Falcons could be in Petrino's offense with Moss, Porter , Dunn and Crumpler ! That would be a scoring damn machine.
.

Sounds damn formidable. Is SHaub any good?

[frankiedetroit]

Breaking news.

Bill Parcells just retired.

I was never a fan of his, but he had a great career. Of coaches on the sidelines the last 15 years, he would rank in the top 10. And he'd likely be top 30 all time.

[macul]

Imagine how bad ass the Falcons could be in Petrino's offense with Moss, Porter , Dunn and Crumpler ! That would be a scoring damn machine.


So who wants a bet that Parcells will end up as a GM now ? Odd he retired so quick. I wonder if he has another job waiting on him or is back to the NBC/CBS/Fox Studio where he can do some great TV stuff.

I'm not sure that Dunn returns. He hinted at retirement before last season started. I wouldn't be surpised to see him hang it up. That said, I think Norwood is more than capable of stepping in to a starting role.

[macul]

Sounds damn formidable. Is SHaub any good?

He's looked good in relief and in the few starts he's had. However, there have been many who have looked good in limited roles only to bust when given the starting role (Scott Mitchell anyone?). He matches up well with the type of offense Petrino likes to run.

[hoffmandu]

Moss and Porter could make any QB look like a Saint. And with Dunn taking some pressure off AND Crumpler...........Not too shabby.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Sounds damn formidable. Is SHaub any good?

Schaub's showed flashes. He hasn't gotten much time except for a game here or there to start. Its kinda hard to come in when the starter goes down for a series or 2 and produce though in games . Because you've really not had that much time taking snaps with the starters during the week of practice.

But with Schaub there at least knowing how to read NFL Defenses and can run a system , with that trade I'd swing it. Hell the Falcons could draft a QB even with what their getting from Raiders. Deals like this don't happen every day and if I was the Falcons GM I'd be signing that deal so fast before Al Davis gets wise.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'm not sure that Dunn returns. He hinted at retirement before last season started. I wouldn't be surpised to see him hang it up. That said, I think Norwood is more than capable of stepping in to a starting role.

From what I've seen Norwood runs like a runaway train. They joked that he really doesn't have much patience and trys to run into guys like bowling pins to make runs. I saw him just smash into some Redskins in one game when they made that comparison.

Dunn would have been so awesome had they started Schaub. The guy could legit catch 50 balls outta the backfield at best for that West Coast offense. Imagine a QB that could have used him more as a WR/RB than what we saw the last few seasons. I hope Dunn doesn't retire , he could be that threat in the passing game as well , if he stays.

[hoffmandu]

Reminds of the Vikings/Dallas Herchel Walker trade. You know, the trade that handed Dallas like 3 Bowls.

[mrc1214]

Imagine how bad ass the Falcons could be in Petrino's offense with Moss, Porter , Dunn and Crumpler ! That would be a scoring damn machine.
.

They also have Michael Jenkins and Roddy White who were both first round picks and very good players. Vick just didnt want to get them the ball cause hed rather run around and make stupid plays. It would be a grea trade for the Falcons.

[macul]

Dunn would have been so awesome had they started Schaub. The guy could legit catch 50 balls outta the backfield at best for that West Coast offense. Imagine a QB that could have used him more as a WR/RB than what we saw the last few seasons. I hope Dunn doesn't retire , he could be that threat in the passing game as well , if he stays.

Catching a lot of passes out of the backfield was exactly how I wish Dunn had been utilized. He could have been a lot like Brian Westbrook, only better.

[J Dog]

I'd take the Raider's job.

Sign a 2-3 year deal, get fired, and then collect the rest of my contract while sitting at home.

Duh.

Who'd actually coach that trainwreck? I'd call in sick every Sunday, or do something so stupid, that I'd get fired. At least they have to give comp.

[Punchy]

I'd take the Raider's job.

Sign a 2-3 year deal, get fired, and then collect the rest of my contract while sitting at home.

Duh.

Thing is, with the exception of Chucky, not many coaches have had a successful career after the Raiders.

[mrc1214]

Who'd actually coach that trainwreck? I'd call in sick every Sunday, or do something so stupid, that I'd get fired. At least they have to give comp.

It depends on how much their willing to pay the poor guy. If it were me Id try to get rid of Porter,Moss, Jordan and try to get as many draft picks as I could for them. And then from there I would just try to rebuild.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Catching a lot of passes out of the backfield was exactly how I wish Dunn had been utilized. He could have been a lot like Brian Westbrook, only better.

Dunn had the history of being an awesome WR for that offense. Its just that they really didn't have the QB back there who could pull the trigger in that system to make it work. Mora took too much blame. The guy tried to make Vick work in that system as best as he could.

[mrc1214]

Dunn had the history of being an awesome WR for that offense. Its just that they really didn't have the QB back there who could pull the trigger in that system to make it work. Mora took too much blame. The guy tried to make Vick work in that system as best as he could.

Thats exactly how I feel. I think we'll see Mora in about 2 years and he will be a huge success.

[hoffmandu]

Doesn't sound like Oakland will be trading those revievers after all. I read an article that the new Coach Kiffen was hired to jump start the Raiders into their usual high flying offense. Moss + Porter = high flying. There biggest problem is obviously the O-line anyway, the get a couple of strong personal in there and they can win 8-9.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Doesn't sound like Oakland will be trading those revievers after all. I read an article that the new Coach Kiffen was hired to jump start the Raiders into their usual high flying offense. Moss + Porter = high flying. There biggest problem is obviously the O-line anyway, the get a couple of strong personal in there and they can win 8-9.

The Falcons have also pulled Vick off the table saying he will be their starter in 2007. So expect another 7-9 season with Vick running for 1,000 yards again. The Falcons never cease to amaze me. They would rather watch Vick run around and go 7-9 than actually make a key trade that could benefit their team .

I'm happy because the Raiders will continue to try and repeat Oakland Raiders 1960's vertical ball playing which never works. So now they got a 31 yearold to try this ? At least I know they'll suck regardless who coaches them. I was at least somewhat worried with Vick being traded there.

[macul]

The Falcons have also pulled Vick off the table saying he will be their starter in 2007. So expect another 7-9 season with Vick running for 1,000 yards again. The Falcons never cease to amaze me. They would rather watch Vick run around and go 7-9 than actually make a key trade that could benefit their team .

I'm happy because the Raiders will continue to try and repeat Oakland Raiders 1960's vertical ball playing which never works. So now they got a 31 yearold to try this ? At least I know they'll suck regardless who coaches them. I was at least somewhat worried with Vick being traded there.

I've always said trading Vick will be difficult for two reasons:

1. His gargantuan contract.
2. He puts butts in the seats. A lot of those Falcon "fans" are only there to see Mike Vick break a long run.

[hoffmandu]

The problem with Vick is he can't read a defense to save his life. You can't read a D, you are not a pro-FB QB.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I've always said trading Vick will be difficult for two reasons:

1. His gargantuan contract.
2. He puts butts in the seats. A lot of those Falcon "fans" are only there to see Mike Vick break a long run.

Contract issues aside , they could trade him. Once that rumor came out people were intriqued by him with another team. Eventually the Falcons will end up eating most of it when they are forced to cut him finally.

Well , at this point those fans who just wanna see Vick make big runs shouldn't be the focus. Your supposed to make the entire team better. Your trying to make the team a winner. Not satisfy a section of fans who won't be there when Vick passes 30 and becomes a worse wreck of a player than he is now.

Auther Blank is telling the Falcons fans on a wise scale he'd rather the team go 7-9 and not do anything as long as Vick sells some tickets. I'd love to see attendance drop personally for that dumb assery.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The problem with Vick is he can't read a defense to save his life. You can't read a D, you are not a pro-FB QB.

I know 2 years ago I was royally ripped on the NFL Season threads for saying that if I had to pick someone who could pass the ball , I'd rather have Joey Harrington over Micheal Vick. Because last I saw Harrington could at least read a defense .

It was funny but I stood by my decision. Beyond that 1 season where he marched them into the playoffs with his run 1st, sandlot ball style , I couldn't seriously get behind him enough. I tried....I even said if Vick became a passing QB he could be the total package at QB. A McNabb type who when he came out , people questioned at how good a passing QB in the West Coast he would be.

But Vick's never done it. Beyond that one season of suprise he's never really put the entire package togethor and won't. When I see a Vince Young , I see the guy Vick should try to learn to be. Because Young is gonna be the complete awesome package at QB. He's gonna be a dangerous passing/running QB and will motivate a team to wins.

By now I just hope Schaub gets his ass outta Atlanta and leaves that organization . He deserves his shot. Green Bay and the Raiders couldn't go wrong with going after him.

[hoffmandu]

Contract issues aside , they could trade him. Once that rumor came out people were intriqued by him with another team. Eventually the Falcons will end up eating most of it when they are forced to cut him finally.

Well , at this point those fans who just wanna see Vick make big runs shouldn't be the focus. Your supposed to make the entire team better. Your trying to make the team a winner. Not satisfy a section of fans who won't be there when Vick passes 30 and becomes a worse wreck of a player than he is now.

Auther Blank is telling the Falcons fans on a wise scale he'd rather the team go 7-9 and not do anything as long as Vick sells some tickets. I'd love to see attendance drop personally for that dumb assery.

If Culpepper can get traded, Vick sure as hell can.

[macul]

Contract issues aside , they could trade him. Once that rumor came out people were intriqued by him with another team. Eventually the Falcons will end up eating most of it when they are forced to cut him finally.

Well , at this point those fans who just wanna see Vick make big runs shouldn't be the focus. Your supposed to make the entire team better. Your trying to make the team a winner. Not satisfy a section of fans who won't be there when Vick passes 30 and becomes a worse wreck of a player than he is now.

Auther Blank is telling the Falcons fans on a wise scale he'd rather the team go 7-9 and not do anything as long as Vick sells some tickets. I'd love to see attendance drop personally for that dumb assery.

I think Blank has changed his stance regarding Vick. He hears the rumblings. He knows fans aren't happy. With Vick, Atlanta has been mediocre save for one season and that team also had a very good defense. The fans of all of the Atlanta sport teams are fickle (the Braves couldn't sell out when they were going to World Series regularly) as it is. If Vick gives another mediocre season ticket sales will drop.

[macul]

I know 2 years ago I was royally ripped on the NFL Season threads for saying that if I had to pick someone who could pass the ball , I'd rather have Joey Harrington over Micheal Vick. Because last I saw Harrington could at least read a defense .

Two years ago some of us were willing to give Vick a chance to grow in to the role. He'd only had two years of college ball and didn't play much his first season (he wasn't the starter until year 2). So basically two years ago Vick was still a very young and growing QB. Problem is he hasn't grown as a QB.

I was once a big Vick supporter, but I said at the beginning of this past season that I wanted to see strides and unfortunately those strides never materialized.

[DWEarhart]

The Raiders could potentially eat Kiffin alive.

[Deathstroke]

I hope Parcells ends up back on one of the pregame shows doing commentary/analysis.

It will never happen, but I would love it if he replaced that idiot Michael Irvin.

[Valmore]

I hope Parcells ends up back on one of the pregame shows doing commentary/analysis.

It will never happen, but I would love it if he replaced that idiot Michael Irvin.

Anything would be better than Michael Irvin. A rag doll, G.I. Joe figure, Care Bear... anything.

[mrc1214]

I hope Parcells ends up back on one of the pregame shows doing commentary/analysis.

It will never happen, but I would love it if he replaced that idiot Michael Irvin.

I swear hes high sometimes when hes doing that show. He just goes off on crazy rants. I like Tom Jackson, Berman and Ditka. But Irvin and Jaworski are so annoying I cant watch that show.

[Deathstroke]

I swear hes high sometimes when hes doing that show. He just goes off on crazy rants. I like Tom Jackson, Berman and Ditka. But Irvin and Jaworski are so annoying I cant watch that show.

The difference between Irvin and Jaworski is that Jaworski has knowledge born of endless study of film. He presents it a bit too goofily, but at least it's still practical knowledge, not "I used to play football, so I must know what I'm talking about" like Irvin does.

Jackson is really good, Ditka pretty good, Berman is a good moderator, and I thought Steve Young was decent. But Irvin (and Sterling Sharpe on NBC's programming) is a joke.

[Deathstroke]

Anything would be better than Michael Irvin. A rag doll, G.I. Joe figure, Care Bear... anything.

This just in, Football Bear has signed a 2 year deal to replace Michael Irvin.

[mrc1214]

The difference between Irvin and Jaworski is that Jaworski has knowledge born of endless study of film. He presents it a bit too goofily, but at least it's still practical knowledge, not "I used to play football, so I must know what I'm talking about" like Irvin does.

Jackson is really good, Ditka pretty good, Berman is a good moderator, and I thought Steve Young was decent. But Irvin (and Sterling Sharpe on NBC's programming) is a joke.

Il give you that Jaworski much watch alot of film. I said to my father once thats all the guy must do because he always references films. But hes just too goofy for me.

Irvin and Sharpe just have no clue. And Sterling sharpe is just an idiot. Bettis and him argued on that show all the time. And Bettis was always right.

[Punchy]

Worse part about Irvin is how much he kisses TO's ass.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The coke has obviously eaten Irvin's brain cells. When he tried to make some weird point that McNabb needed Terrell Owens more than he didn't it was fun. I have no clue if it was the sucking up to T.O or the fact he honestly believed a QB who had done so much already without the guy , was gonna sink like the Titanic.

[Nick Soapdish]

Two years ago some of us were willing to give Vick a chance to grow in to the role. He'd only had two years of college ball and didn't play much his first season (he wasn't the starter until year 2). So basically two years ago Vick was still a very young and growing QB. Problem is he hasn't grown as a QB.

I was once a big Vick supporter, but I said at the beginning of this past season that I wanted to see strides and unfortunately those strides never materialized.

Vick started his first year. He was a redshirt freshman and I don't recall exactly what went wrong with the previous QB that required him to start, but he did start. It was a run-based game, but he did do some throwing and some of his crazy runs.

He played a pretty good game against Florida State back in the Sugar Bowl although he also made a few freshman mistakes. But like you said, he's still making those mistakes. He's enough of an athlete that he can get away with it and still be a great player - just not a great or even good QB.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

One scout, the Bengals' Greg Seamon, was quoted on a Web site ridiculing Troy Smith as an overhyped Heisman-winning quarterback who would flop in the NFL or not make it at all.
-- Philadelphia Daily News

The latest update from Brett Favre: He's still figuring out his future, but it might not take as much time this year. He told a reporter from the Hattiesburg (Miss.) American he would talk with Packers coach Mike McCarthy very soon, adding, "I don't want to drag this out as long as I did last year."
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Jerry Jones is so impressed with Jason Garrett, who is one of the hottest young names in coaching circles; he is expected to sign Garrett to a contract today. It isn't yet decided what position Garrett will serve. Garrett could be named the head coach -- or the offensive coordinator.
-- Miami Herald

Bears president Ted Phillips said the organization will not allow any other team to speak with coach Lovie Smith, who is in the last year of his contract.
-- Dallas Morning News

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt's efforts to complete his offensive coaching staff appear to hinge on Cowboys receivers coach Todd Haley.
-- Arizona Republic

The Broncos want to keep Jake Plummer on the roster. But they are appreciative enough of the veteran quarterback's 40-18 record as a Broncos starter to try to get him what he wants elsewhere for the 2007 season. Just as long as the Broncos get what they want as well.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Miami-Dade police denied on Wednesday that Michael Vick received any preferential treatment. Miami-Dade County police have deleted their video of last week's airport incident in an apparent violation of state law. Airport officials won't release their copy of the video either, citing national security concerns.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lane Kiffin was spotted on his first day on the job as coach of the Raiders Wednesday huddled with deposed Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp at practices for the Senior Bowl. Knapp is also believed to be interested in coaching at USC on Pete Carroll's staff.
-- Oakland Tribune

Rodney Harrison is coming back, and, according to his agent, Steven Feldman, he plans on returning with a vengeance for the 2007 season.
-- Boston Herald

There has been speculation Rams receiver Kevin Curtis is interested in signing with the Lions when he becomes a free agent in March.
-- Detroit News

[Deathstroke]

Worse part about Irvin is how much he kisses TO's ass.

Even more to the point, according to columnist Jason Whitlock, is that he kisses the ass of every black athlete no matter what they do wrong.

[macul]

Vick started his first year. He was a redshirt freshman and I don't recall exactly what went wrong with the previous QB that required him to start, but he did start. It was a run-based game, but he did do some throwing and some of his crazy runs.

He played a pretty good game against Florida State back in the Sugar Bowl although he also made a few freshman mistakes. But like you said, he's still making those mistakes. He's enough of an athlete that he can get away with it and still be a great player - just not a great or even good QB.

Sorry. I meant he didn't start his first year in the NFL. He sat behind Chandler. I remember that game against FSU. It was like he was playing them all by himself.

[Nick Soapdish]

Sorry. I meant he didn't start his first year in the NFL. He sat behind Chandler. I remember that game against FSU. It was like he was playing them all by himself.

Yeah, me too. Heckuva game.

And it's not like our defense was playing sloppy. I think we even had a spy on him, but he'd drop back to pass, find everyone covered, evade the onrushing linemen, dodge that spy and run for 20 yards until we could box him in. Rinse and repeat.

I think that game guaranteed him as a number one pick whenever he came out.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Yeah, me too. Heckuva game.

And it's not like our defense was playing sloppy. I think we even had a spy on him, but he'd drop back to pass, find everyone covered, evade the onrushing linemen, dodge that spy and run for 20 yards until we could box him in. Rinse and repeat.

I think that game guaranteed him as a number one pick whenever he came out.

I actually have his NFL Draft somewhere. I used to tape them and have a decade of Drafts. The Chargers could have had Micheal Vick with that 1st pick but after the Ryan Leaf fiasco and learning Vick couldn't read a Defense , and his college coach saying he only read one side of the field a game , they traded out with the Falcons.

I can't blame them for that. With that pick they picked LT and then in the 2nd rd drafted : Drew Brees.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The Cowboys are interviewing Wade Phillips for the head coaching spot. If that happens it will make 2 Chargers cooridantors who have left for coaching slots. Which thrills me because I love seeing them lose good coaches. :evilsmile

Former Dallas QB , Jason Garrett has become a hot coaching prospect. The Cowboys resigned him to eithor be Head Coach or offensive cooridinator which will be determined on how things shake out with Phillips & Norv Turner. The 40 yearold Garrett has gotten interest from Miami to join Cam Cameron as their offensive cooridantor.

Kansas City has already started preparing for life without future Hall of Famer , Will Shields. They signed Mexican football player Ramerio Pruneda. Prenuda has led Monterry Tech to 4 National Championships in Mexico. He was supposed to work for NFL Europe this season but was injured. Tony Gonzalez is the person who talked the 6-6 317 pound guard/tackle to come to KC. Carl Peterson has said Pruneda will particpate in all of KC's off-season workouts and training camp to get him ready .

[SUPERECWFAN1]

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins right tackle Jon Jansen signed a five-year, $23 million contract extension Tuesday.

Jansen is the team's longest tenured player and had two years left on his previous contract, but he agreed to a new deal that includes more than $10 million in bonus money. It also gives the Redskins some salary cap relief for the free-agency signing period, which begins March 2.

"I knew I wanted to play more than the two years, and I wanted to play my whole career in Washington," Jansen said. "This wasn't done in regards to aiding their cap - that's a nice byproduct."

Jansen, who turned 31 last month, was the team's most reliable player during his first five seasons in Washington -- never missing a start -- but his past three years have been marred by injuries. His missed the entire 2004 season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon, broke both thumbs in 2005 and labored with a torn calf muscle for much of 2006.

The calf caused Jansen to miss one game and limited him in several others. Still, he helped spur a rushing attack that ranked fourth in the league. In addition, the Redskins allowed only 19 sacks this season, third fewest in the NFL.

"We are working hard in a lot of areas to help our football team right now and certainly keeping our team together is a part of that," coach Joe Gibbs said. "Jon's been a big part of the success we've had on our offensive line and we're pleased to have this deal done."

Jansen was a second-round draft pick from Michigan in 1999.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

My cousin will be happy to hear this. The Redskins need to keep that line togethor to protect Campbell next year.

IRVING, Texas -- Waiting two hours on a Chicago runway, Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera wondered if icy weather really was delaying his flight to a job interview in Dallas.

"There was a vicious rumor going around Chicago didn't want me to leave so they weren't going to let the plane go," Rivera said, laughing.

Rivera finally arrived at Cowboys headquarters around 4 p.m. Tuesday. He spoke with reporters before meeting with team owner Jerry Jones to discuss the head coaching vacancy created when Bill Parcells retired more than two weeks ago.

Rivera didn't officially become a candidate until speaking with Jones for a few minutes Monday night. However, he'd been expecting the call since Jones decided to hold the job open through Super Bowl week, when Rivera was off-limits because he was getting his team ready for the game.

"Just the fact that Mr. Jones waited until now, that bodes well for me," Rivera said.

Rivera was the ninth person Jones interviewed. Indianapolis quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell will become No. 10 on Wednesday.

Ron Rivera's defense performed poorly in the Super Bowl. (AP)
Having lost to Caldwell and the Colts on Sunday, Rivera spent Monday stewing over it. He was glad to have had a day in between the game and the get-together with Jones.

"It gave me a chance to go through some things in my mind and have a feel for them," he said. "I had a little chance to take a quick look at the Cowboys one last time."

What did he see?

"Some things that can be implemented to really help this defense," he said.

Dallas went 9-7 this past season, with a loss to Seattle in the first round of the playoffs. The Cowboys, who haven't won a playoff game since 1996, collapsed in December and January primarily because of breakdowns on defense.

Rivera, 45, played nine seasons in the NFL and has been a coach for 10, the last three as defensive coordinator of the Bears. Although he's never been a head coach, he's interviewed several times this postseason and last offseason.

A big question surrounding this opening is how legitimate a candidate he is for the top job. There's speculation that San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner has it locked up, and that Jones wants Rivera as defensive coordinator.

Although that would be a lateral move, it's possible because Rivera's contract with Chicago is expiring. He might be willing to leave a great defense to run a mediocre one for more than just the challenge - Jones likely would pay Rivera more than the Bears, who have a lot of other coaches in line for raises.

When asked his chances of becoming defensive coordinator, Rivera said: "I am here to discuss being the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys."

Rivera likely has an idea of what it would be like to work for Turner because he's worked alongside Turner's brother, Ron, the Bears' offensive coordinator.

Rivera knows second-hand about working for Jones, having discussed it with Chicago quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, who had the same job in Dallas from 2000-02.

The biggest challenge Rivera might face with the Cowboys -- as the coach or as defensive coordinator - is adapting a roster built for the 3-4 scheme into his 4-3 system.

He said it's not much of an issue because Dallas frequently used a four-man front. And part of his coaching philosophy is to mold plans around players.

"I think a lot of times guys get caught up in 'this is the only thing I do' and not use the talent around them," he said. "The truth of the matter is, it's all about the players."

Rivera was a linebacker for the Bears from 1984-92, winning a championship with the '85 team that had Buddy Ryan as the defensive coordinator.

After retiring, he spent four years talking football on television, then broke into coaching with the Bears in 1997. He was linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles under Jim Johnson from 1999-2003, then returned to Chicago as defensive coordinator when Lovie Smith took over.

Rivera credits Ryan, Johnson and Smith for helping form his approach to defense. The result has helped his Bears consistently rank among the league leaders in fewest yards and points allowed, and near the top in turnovers.

As for his offensive approach, it's pretty simple: "I do think you have to run the ball to be successful in this league."

Rivera seems like a good candidate here. I actually think that beyond that SuperBowl loss he's a perfect candidate for the Cowboys. Theres a line somewhere where he gave a speech to his defense when they were losing against a team during the regular season at halftime and he really motivated them to a win.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

David Carr will be traded, and Jake Plummer will be the Texans quarterback next season. Plummer will compete with Sage Rosenfels and a rookie Gary Kubiak wants to develop.
-- Houston Chronicle

According to sources, Jerry Jones is still leaning toward naming 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner as the seventh coach in Cowboys history.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The New Jersey mom who is allegedly fooling around with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has received cash and gifts from the gridiron guru totaling more than $80,000 over the past two years - a windfall she tried to hide from the court.
-- Boston Herald

Bruce Arians, the Steelers' new offensive coordinator, has thrown the thick, old, patchwork playbook on the fire. He promises the new model, trimmed down and easy to understand for his players, particularly Ben Roethlisberger. Yet he will add some personal touches, such as playing four receivers on first and second downs without putting the quarterback in a shotgun formation.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It's to be determined whether Rod Smith will start opposite Javon Walker next season, but it will be the Denver captain's job to lose to second-year pro Brandon Marshall at the beginning of camps.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Denver coach Mike Shanahan seemed to indicate he'll allow defensive tackle Michael Myers and guard Cooper Carlisle, the team's top two pending free agents, to test the market.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Though Patriots executive Scott Pioli's name was raised inside the Dolphins' offices before the team committed to Randy Mueller last month, ''we had feedback he wasn't interested,'' owner Wayne Huizenga said.
-- Miami Herald

The Packers are open to extending linebacker Nick Barnett's contract this offseason and have had amiable preliminary talks with his agent.
-- PackersNews.com

I really am happy to see the Snake continue his career. Jake really was pushed into a bad situation. I suppose we all will start the David Carr watch now. Where and who gets David Carr ? Lets discuss people.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

MIAMI -- Peyton Manning finally has his ring. So does Tony Dungy and the rest of the Colts, the NFL's winningest team since 1999. But with Super Bowl XLI in the books, the next logical question is whether Indianapolis can build on its big-game breakthrough and add to its trophy case next season?

And will the runner-up Bears find that Super Bowl loser syndrome too difficult to overcome in 2007? The long NFL season is over, and the offseason has begun. Here's a snapshot look at how the two Super Bowl teams stand as they head into the personnel acquisition portion of the NFL's calendar:

Colts


SALARY CAP
You can make a heck of an argument that no other team in the NFL is in worse shape than the Colts, who have a bevy of potential free agents on their roster and are projected to be less than $5 million under the $109 million cap. Only three teams have less room, and of those, none have as many key free agents. Any way you cut it, the Colts are going to suffer a significant talent drain this offseason.

FREE AGENCY
First the good news: Even though defensive end Dwight Freeney's contract can void in March, he's not getting anywhere close to the open market. Colts general manager Bill Polian made it clear during Super Bowl week that he'll franchise Freeney (at a cost of $8.6 million for 2007) if Indy can't negotiate a contract extension with him before March.

And now the bad news: Indy won't be keeping all the players it prefers to. In no particular order of importance, the key Colts who are scheduled for free agency include both starting cornerbacks (Nick Harper and Jason David), both starting guards (Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott), both starting outside linebackers (Cato June and Rob Morris) and running back Dominic Rhodes.

COACHING STAFF
It's not out of the realm of possibility that the Colts could lose head coach Tony Dungy to retirement after the Super Bowl. Dungy, 51, has been quoted saying he didn't expect to coach much past the age of 50, and his interest in committing himself fully to some kind of Christian ministry is part of his motivation away from football.

Also, Colts quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell is considered a head-coach-in-waiting by many around the league and is thought likely to interview for the Cowboys coaching job in the coming days.

2007 SCHEDULE
Remember how bitter those Ravens fans were to the visiting Colts in the playoffs this season? If anything, it could be worse for Indy next season when it has to go back to Baltimore after eliminating the Ravens in that 15-6 divisional round upset. But Indianapolis doesn't have it so bad from an overall perspective. The Colts play just five 2006 playoff teams, although their four division games against Tennessee and Jacksonville aren't even close to being gimmes any more.

Indianapolis draws the NFC South in interconference play, and that includes tough road trips to Atlanta (Peyton Manning vs. Michael Vick) and Carolina, which figures to rebound from 2006's mediocrity. Oh, and one more game stands out: The Colts get the Patriots back in the RCA Dome for a rematch of this season's AFC title game.

Who are the Colts free agents ? The period starts March 3rd from what I remember.

[Nick Soapdish]

I actually have his NFL Draft somewhere. I used to tape them and have a decade of Drafts. The Chargers could have had Micheal Vick with that 1st pick but after the Ryan Leaf fiasco and learning Vick couldn't read a Defense , and his college coach saying he only read one side of the field a game , they traded out with the Falcons.

I can't blame them for that. With that pick they picked LT and then in the 2nd rd drafted : Drew Brees.

I remember them taking a fair amount of heat for passing on "possibly the best player that will ever play the game" or something like that. Basically, that they couldn't afford to pass up a sure-fire superstar like Vick.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I remember them taking a fair amount of heat for passing on "possibly the best player that will ever play the game" or something like that. Basically, that they couldn't afford to pass up a sure-fire superstar like Vick.

John Butler ( god rest his soul ) was GM and his mind was on LT the whole way. He took a huge risk in trading down to the 5th pick. The Browns could have had LT. But Butler believed in how the board would flow and then he selected his guy.

Brees and LT were great picks by John Butler. I do think the Chargers were too fast to give up on Brees after a tough 2 seasons of learning the pro game. Now with Brees people will think...the Dolphins and others passed on this guy ?

Because with the 26th pick the Dolphins could have went QB and Butler got scared as hell. He offered the Chargers 2nd and next years 2nd rd pick in exchange. He wasn't gonna let Brees slip from his fingers and when the Dolphins turned him down and went CB....he breathed a sigh of relief. ;)

[Punchy]

Colts free agents in order of importance IMO:

Dwight Freeney
Dominic Rhodes
Nick Harper
Cato June
James Mungro
Rob Morris
Dan Klecko
Aaron Moorehead
Ricky Proehl

It's gonna be tough next year. What no one realizes is that there were key injuries to Brandon Stokely and Mike Doss this year, having those two back will ease the burden of some of these free agent losses.

[cable guy]

My cousin will be happy to hear this. The Redskins need to keep that line togethor to protect Campbell next year.



Rivera seems like a good candidate here. I actually think that beyond that SuperBowl loss he's a perfect candidate for the Cowboys. Theres a line somewhere where he gave a speech to his defense when they were losing against a team during the regular season at halftime and he really motivated them to a win.

I actually beginning to warm up to the idea of him as well. I hear he is a great potental HC prospect.

The problem was they needed a 3/4 coordinator, or headcoach. The defense is really set up for that kind of allignment. Wade Phillips was the leading candidate for that.:eek: Def coordinators are set in place pretty much, so they were looking for a HC in that department. Wade is a good coord., but not HC.

Same is true with Norv Turner. Good coord., but awful HC. He would help Romo, but is realy a push for HC.

It was almost like the Cowboy's wanted the best stop gap coach out there, because they feel the base is in place. But's it's enough to make your head spin. Just hire the best guy.

[cable guy]

I just read the Cowboy's are going to hire Wade Phillips as HC.

[mrc1214]

Colts free agents in order of importance IMO:

Dwight Freeney
Dominic Rhodes
Nick Harper
Cato June
James Mungro
Rob Morris
Dan Klecko
Aaron Moorehead
Ricky Proehl

It's gonna be tough next year. What no one realizes is that there were key injuries to Brandon Stokely and Mike Doss this year, having those two back will ease the burden of some of these free agent losses.

Thats goign to hurt if they loose them. Proehl has got to be almost retired. Hes been playing since I was born.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I just read the Cowboy's are going to hire Wade Phillips as HC.

Well that weakens the Chargers. I still think they should have got Riveria . Wade Phillips has never worked as a HC at any spot he's went too.

[Dom]

I'm pretty sure Proehl has called it quits.

And I'd be surprised if they bring Doss back at all.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Bears fan keeping his word, changing his name to Peyton
Feb. 7, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

DECATUR, Ill. -- How do you spell Scott Wiese?

In a few weeks, that'd be P-e-y-t-o-n M-a-n-n-i-n-g.

Wiese, a die-hard fan of the Chicago Bears, signed a pledge in front of a crowd at a Decatur bar last Friday night that if the Bears lost Sunday's Super Bowl, he'd change his name to that of the man who led the Indianapolis Colts to victory.

Final Score: Colts 29, Bears 17.

So on Tuesday, Wiese went to the Macon County Courts Facility and started the process of changing his name.

"I made the bet, and now I've got to keep it," said the 26-year-old, who lives in Forsyth, just north of Decatur.

Wiese will now have to advertise his intention in the local newspaper -- the Herald & Review -- for several weeks and then have a judge give him the OK to become, legally anyway, Peyton Manning.

The men have little in common, Wiese acknowledges.

Manning the quarterback is 30 years old, stands 6-foot-5 and has a contract with the Colts worth more than $100 million.

Wiese is 5-foot-11 and works at a Staples office-supply store for somewhat less.

"I think I kind of represent all Bears fans," he said. "Not that I'm saying they're all idiots like me, but I represent their passion because I really care about my team, you know?"

Wiese's lawyer and friend, Andy Bourey, is handling the paperwork. He said he admires Wiese's sense of honor.

"I never doubted him," he said. "He's a man of his word."

While he pledged to take on the new identity, Wiese isn't sure how long he's willing to keep it.

Say, maybe, until the Bears' next Super Bowl appearance? Not likely, given that their last trip to the big game was in 1985.

"I mean, well, it may be another 21 years."

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

I wonder what the real Peyton thinks ? :p

[Deathstroke]

Colts free agents in order of importance IMO:

Dwight Freeney
Dominic Rhodes
Nick Harper
Cato June
James Mungro
Rob Morris
Dan Klecko
Aaron Moorehead
Ricky Proehl

It's gonna be tough next year. What no one realizes is that there were key injuries to Brandon Stokely and Mike Doss this year, having those two back will ease the burden of some of these free agent losses.


I think Ricky Proehl is going to retire. I thought I saw an article in the week before the game that said as much.

[mrc1214]

I think Ricky Proehl is going to retire. I thought I saw an article in the week before the game that said as much.

He was a good WR it seemed like he played forever.

[Punchy]

I don't think he even caught 2 passes in a Colts uniform.

[Dom]

Well that weakens the Chargers. I still think they should have got Riveria . Wade Phillips has never worked as a HC at any spot he's went too.

Except for Buffalo and Denver.

With interim stints in New Orleans and Atlanta.

But othewise, you are correct.

[Deathstroke]

I don't think he even caught 2 passes in a Colts uniform.

But he'll enjoy the hell out of the ring.

[Punchy]

Except for Buffalo and Denver.

With interim stints in New Orleans and Atlanta.

But othewise, you are correct.

HAHAA! Zinger!!

[Valmore]

Well that weakens the Chargers. I still think they should have got Riveria . Wade Phillips has never worked as a HC at any spot he's went too.

Yeah, getting Buffalo to the playoffs in 1998 and 1999 as well as getting Denver in one year sure shows he never worked as a head coach.

[LtMarvel]

I'm pretty sure Proehl has called it quits.

And I'd be surprised if they bring Doss back at all.
I can confirm that Prohel was done. This season he was doing Rams radio until the Colt called midseason. He told St. Louis Post-Dispatch that win or lose, this Super Bowl was the last game of his career.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Yeah, getting Buffalo to the playoffs in 1998 and 1999 as well as getting Denver in one year sure shows he never worked as a head coach.

He got Denver in the Playoffs ? Last I remembered he had sucked so badly that people were thanking god he was replaced by Mike Shanahan.

Didn't he have Doug Flutie that one season and he benched the guy for those playoffs for Rob Johnson ?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Yep.....Phillips is the dumb ass who benched his best QB in the playoffs for Rob Johnson as I looked it up. Guys a better cooridinator than Coach. Because Denever went 16-16 under him and Buffalo went 29-19 under him as well.

Least we know how this story will end up. How many say 3 years tops ? :p

[Tadhg Adams]

You do realize that 29-19 is a GOOD record right?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

You do realize that 29-19 is a GOOD record right?

Its a decent record ( overall he's 45-35 as a coach regular season ). He doesn't leap out and scare as a Coach. He made a disastorous decision to bench Flutie that one playoff year for Johnson. So he odds are learned his lesson from that.


Don Banks on Cnnsi has a good article up on Coaches who have their 3rd chance at coaching and only Dan Reeves coached a team to the SuperBowl on his 3rd shot. So history isn't kind as Dick Vermiel , Marty Shottenhiemer and Mike Knox shows. ( Knox did it in 4 stints as Banks shows)

I really don't care as he's outta the AFC. I feared him worse as a Defense Cooridantor for the Chargers than I do now. I think he's a master there as his defenses have always been pretty damn solid . I'm actually happy since good coaches are hard to replace and if it weakens an AFC West rival all the better ! :)

[Tadhg Adams]

Its a decent record

No. It's good. His time with the Bills he had a 60% win percentage. That's more than decent. That's way above average.

His overall win percentage is 56% which slightly better than good. An interesting factoid is that Parcells win percentage is 56.67 vs. Phillips 56.25. Do I think he's as good of a coach as Parcells? Of course not, for one he has a weak chin. But to say that a 60% win percentage with the Bills is just decent is laughable. And your earlier dismissal even more so.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

It will be interesting to see whether the Vikings, seeking reasons for season-ticket holders to renew, try to trade their No. 7 overall pick in April's draft, plus a player or two, for Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. of Minneapolis.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Cowboys WR Terrell Owens called into Philadelphia sports radio station 610 WIP yesterday. Owens was upset that talk show host Howard Eskin was "talking smack about him." Owens said that he expects to be with the Cowboys in 2007, and if for some reason he's not playing for the Cowboys, he'll definitely be in the NFL with another team.
-- Dallas Morning News

One league source said it's unlikely the Texans would dump David Carr, given that they passed on local hero Vince Young in last year's draft. That error was made under former general manager Charley Casserly, who chose defensive end Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush or Young.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

Giants RB Tiki Barber revealed Tuesday in Hawaii that he will turn in his retirement papers to the NFL on Monday, once he returns to the mainland after Saturday's Pro Bowl.
-- NFL.com

Colts assistant Leslie Frazier started his interview with the Vikings on Wednesday night and appears to have emerged as the front-runner to become the defensive coordinator. It is believed that former Packers and Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell also was in the mix, but the Vikings apparently went in a different direction.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

If Vikings coach Brad Childress doesn't believe Les Frazier is the man to replace Mike Tomlin as defensive coordinator, look for current linebackers coach Fred Pagac to get strong consideration for the job.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia told the Philadelphia Daily News this week that the Bears would be an intriguing situation.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

Tom Condon, the agent for Byron Leftwich, said the Jaguars quarterback recently met with new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter for what Condon called a "football discussion," but that the player's future with the only NFL team he has been with isn't resolved.
-- Florida Times-Union

The primary job of the Steelers' new coaching staff? Resurrect the Ben Roethlisberger of 2004 and '05, when he was the best young quarterback in the NFL.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


I wonder how the David Carr situation will play out ? Will the Cardinals trade Fritzgerald to the Vikings ? Hmmm gonna be an interesting off-season.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

No. It's good. His time with the Bills he had a 60% win percentage. That's more than decent. That's way above average.

His overall win percentage is 56% which slightly better than good. An interesting factoid is that Parcells win percentage is 56.67 vs. Phillips 56.25. Do I think he's as good of a coach as Parcells? Of course not, for one he has a weak chin. But to say that a 60% win percentage with the Bills is just decent is laughable. And your earlier dismissal even more so.

We'll see Tadhg. Maybe he'll shock me. He is called a master at the 3-4 defense and thats something Dallas runs. I'm happy he's gone because i feared him with the Chargers . Good signing Jerry Jones.


I dismiss him because his one stint saw the worst playoff decision that a coach can make. Bench a hot QB who has played all season and taken a team to the playoffs .

Yes KC has done it which shows how foolish the decision can be. Marty benched Rich Gannon for Elvis Grbac as he struggled and sucked in a playoff game . ( I believe thats when Marty lost his job as well to Gunther Cunningham )

Now the Chargers gotta replace a good Cooridantor as well as the offensive one too !

[Tadhg Adams]

We'll see Tadhg. Maybe he'll shock me. He is called a master at the 3-4 defense and thats something Dallas runs. I'm happy he's gone because i feared him with the Chargers . Good signing Jerry Jones.

We'll see? What? I was talking about the past so what is there to see, is his winning record somehow going to morph into a losing one tonight? I never said he was going to succeed in Dallas, and for the most part the others were just correcting your errors as well.


I dismiss him because his one stint saw the worst playoff decision that a coach can make. Bench a hot QB who has played all season and taken a team to the playoffs .

Funny how you brought things like his records into it then, and dismissed those too, huh? Which is the bit, if you may have missed, that I was correcting you on.

[Dom]

Funny how you brought things like his records into it then, and dismissed those too, huh? Which is the bit, if you may have missed, that I was correcting you on.


But what are you really trying to say?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

We'll see? What? I was talking about the past so what is there to see, is his winning record somehow going to morph into a losing one tonight? I never said he was going to succeed in Dallas, and for the most part the others were just correcting your errors as well.




Funny how you brought things like his records into it then, and dismissed those too, huh? Which is the bit, if you may have missed, that I was correcting you on.

Correct my errors as I welcome anyone else to do it if they wish. No skin off my back . I just don't see his greatness as a HC. But I fear him as a cooridnator more and I'm happy he's gone.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Damn .....hope this replies......


I like Phillips as a cooridantor. I think his defenses have always been strong and I pulled that KC would sign him during the Vermiel years . But we never did and he went to the Chargers where he put togethor a good defense those 3 years. ( Merriman under his watch became a BEAST )

I can't wait to see how he coaches Terrell Owens. This should be fun to watch. :evilsmile

[Valmore]

He got Denver in the Playoffs ? Last I remembered he had sucked so badly that people were thanking god he was replaced by Mike Shanahan.

In 1993 Denver went 9-7 and made the playoffs. The next year they went 7-9 and he was fired. That's still .500 over two seasons with a playoff appearance. That hardly constitutes sucking badly. Heck, he never had a losing season in Buffalo - he went 10-6, 11-5 and 8-8 before getting canned.

He's not a bad coach by any means.

[Ray R.]

In 1993 Denver went 9-7 and made the playoffs. The next year they went 7-9 and he was fired. That's still .500 over two seasons with a playoff appearance. That hardly constitutes sucking badly. Heck, he never had a losing season in Buffalo - he went 10-6, 11-5 and 8-8 before getting canned.

He's not a bad coach by any means.

I liked his dad better though.

I miss Bum Phillips.....

Cuz we're the Houston Oilers, Houston Oilers, Houston Oilers Number 1....

[SUPERECWFAN1]

In 1993 Denver went 9-7 and made the playoffs. The next year they went 7-9 and he was fired. That's still .500 over two seasons with a playoff appearance. That hardly constitutes sucking badly. Heck, he never had a losing season in Buffalo - he went 10-6, 11-5 and 8-8 before getting canned.

He's not a bad coach by any means.

Then how do you feel he'll do in Dallas ? Because we can discuss his merits all we want. I just see him as decent .

You think he'll last the full 3 years or be out sooner ? I know having Jerry Jones breathing down your neck is never easy.

[Valmore]

Then how do you feel he'll do in Dallas ? Because we can discuss his merits all we want. I just see him as decent .

You think he'll last the full 3 years or be out sooner ? I know having Jerry Jones breathing down your neck is never easy.

I think he's there because he's willing to let Jerry Jones breath down his neck - remember, he's coming in already knowing he doesn't get to pick an offensive coordinator. He's stuck with Jason Garrett there because Jones hired him before Phillips. He's probably a placeholder for Jones to see if Garrett has head coaching material in him.

I think he'll probably do about as well as Bill Parcells did, and Bill didn't do that great in Dallas, either.

[J Dog]

One league source said it's unlikely the Texans would dump David Carr, given that they passed on local hero Vince Young in last year's draft. That error was made under former general manager Charley Casserly, who chose defensive end Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush or Young.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

I wonder how the David Carr situation will play out ?

The Texans actually chose Williams just to address their crappy defense. The only reason why we EVER talk about Williams is that he was the #1 pick. I still think he's a bust, but that's because he's not throwing passes, running the ball, or sacking for fumbles. Obviously, they weren't thinking about the ramifications in public relations.

As for Carrwreck, I'll be happy the day the Texans dump him for Drew Bledsoe.

[J Dog]

In 1993 Denver went 9-7 and made the playoffs. The next year they went 7-9 and he was fired. That's still .500 over two seasons with a playoff appearance. That hardly constitutes sucking badly. Heck, he never had a losing season in Buffalo - he went 10-6, 11-5 and 8-8 before getting canned.

He's not a bad coach by any means.

He's not a bad coach, but by the looks of things, he's not a good one either in terms of wanting to go far. But, yeah, I'd go for a guy like this.

Still, I'm gonna miss the Traveling Cowboys Circus featuring Terrell Owens.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I think he's there because he's willing to let Jerry Jones breath down his neck - remember, he's coming in already knowing he doesn't get to pick an offensive coordinator. He's stuck with Jason Garrett there because Jones hired him before Phillips. He's probably a placeholder for Jones to see if Garrett has head coaching material in him.

I think he'll probably do about as well as Bill Parcells did, and Bill didn't do that great in Dallas, either.

Its said Bill Cowher will coach in 2008 . How much do you think Jones could be eyeing him if Phillips fails ? I have to give Parcells his due...he tried. He came in and whipped a team into shape that had fallen to 5-11 and became a loser. I remember one training camp where he was telling them they wouldn't earn the Star on the helmet unless they did it on the field.

Losing Parcells is a blow.

[mrc1214]

Its said Bill Cowher will coach in 2008 . How much do you think Jones could be eyeing him if Phillips fails ? I have to give Parcells his due...he tried. He came in and whipped a team into shape that had fallen to 5-11 and became a loser. I remember one training camp where he was telling them they wouldn't earn the Star on the helmet unless they did it on the field.

Losing Parcells is a blow.

I think well see Cower at NC State. Even if the coach they have now does decent it seemed like people were dying to get Cower there.

[Davideaux]

Who will replace Tiki Barber?

[Ray R.]

Who will replace Tiki Barber?

I would think Brandon Jacobs steps in by default, right?

[Corrina]

Yep.....Phillips is the dumb ass who benched his best QB in the playoffs for Rob Johnson as I looked it up.

And he would have won in the playoffs anyway, save for the Music City Miracle by the Titans.

Not saying he's good or bad--he could certainly have learned better coaching skills under Marty, for instance. But blaming him for that loss is like blaming Parcells for Tony Romo's screw-up.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

And he would have won in the playoffs anyway, save for the Music City Miracle by the Titans.

Not saying he's good or bad--he could certainly have learned better coaching skills under Marty, for instance. But blaming him for that loss is like blaming Parcells for Tony Romo's screw-up.

Had he started Flutie would there have even been a miracle by the Titans ? I just blame him for that decision. Hopefully as you said , under Marty he's learned better coaching skills.

[Valmore]

Its said Bill Cowher will coach in 2008 . How much do you think Jones could be eyeing him if Phillips fails ? I have to give Parcells his due...he tried. He came in and whipped a team into shape that had fallen to 5-11 and became a loser. I remember one training camp where he was telling them they wouldn't earn the Star on the helmet unless they did it on the field.

Losing Parcells is a blow.

I can't see Bill Cowher taking over Dallas. If he comes back to coaching, he's going to a college team. Otherwise, he'd never have left Pittsburgh in the first place. The man had a job for life in one of the greatest cities for football in America. Leaving that for Dallas, where he'd come under constant scrutiny and a jackass like Jones up his ass all the time would make no sense.

Phillips is a placeholder, but not for Cowher. Jason Garrett is who Jones has his eye on. It's the only person who makes sense, because head coaches generally get to pick their own coordinators. Phillips had his picked for him.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

In talking about Coaches winning percentages I had a flash to do a search and heres a suprising thing found by Wikipedia. Anyone remember Rich Kotite who replaced Buddy Ryan in Philly in 1990 ?

Kotite would go on to take the team to the playoffs and in 4 seasons would have a win percentage at .632 ! But once he went to the Jets it was all over. And really once Kotite signed not many thought he was the answer for that team as most had jokes considering his 2-point conversion debacle. Read On....



During his first two years, Kotite led the squad to consecutive 10-win seasons, including a playoff berth. In 1994, the Eagles began the year with a 7-2 mark; Kotite told the media that he was going to investigate his options following rumors that new team owner Jeffrey Lurie was not going to renew his contract. The timing proved disastrous, with the Eagles losing all seven of their remaining games.

The beginning of the end of the Eagles' slide happened after a botched two-point conversion attempt. In a rain-soaked contest at Texas Stadium, the Eagles scored a touchdown with 5:27 left against their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, cutting their deficit to 11 at 24-13. Against objections from his staff, Kotite went for a two-point conversion, and Eagles' quarterback Randall Cunningham was stopped short of the end zone. Afterwards, Kotite blamed the error on the weather. "It was raining very heavily at the time," he explained. "And we looked at the chart and misread the chart." Kotite had a chart suggesting when an extra point should be kicked and when a two-pointer should be attempted, but since there was no protective sheet on top of it, the ink ran in the rain. Kotite was heavily criticized for failing to recognize that, chart or no chart, the risks of a two-point conversion attempt in that situation far outweigh the benefits.

After his dismissal by the Eagles, Kotite returned to the New York area where he was hired as head coach of the New York Jets, who had just fired Pete Carroll after one season and a 6-10 record. At the press conference to announce the hiring, team owner Leon Hess explained the choice by saying, "I'm 80 years old. I want results now!" Hess was to be disappointed as Kotite mustered only 4 wins over two seasons, 3-13 and 1-15. In both of his seasons as head coach, the Jets' had the dubious honor of owning the worst record in the NFL. Despite these losses, Kotite remained upbeat during his postgame press conferences, often praising his defense as "swarming." Two days prior to his last game as Jets coach in 1996, Kotite announced he was stepping down as head coach and has since never returned to the NFL sidelines in any coaching capacity.

Counting his last seven games with the Eagles, Kotite lost 31 of his final 35 games as an NFL head coach, for a winning percentage of .114. Before that, his percentage had been .632.

I remember those press conferances where the team would lose and Kotite would act like it was just another day at the beach. Praising his team at playin hard...but comin up short. :p

[SUPERECWFAN1]

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9984109

Interesting article.

NFL Rumors

Coach Ken Whisenhunt is working on his coaching staff while focusing on the upcoming free-agency period. The Arizona Republic reports that offensive tackle Leonard Davis might be re-signed, while the Vikings might trade their No. 7 overall pick in April's draft, plus a player or two, for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

The Charlotte Observer reports that if the Falcons were to trade or cut Michael Vick, they would take a hit of roughly $23 million against the $109 million salary cap in 2007. Vick's 10-year contract expires in 2013 and he is still owed $59 million in base salary.

Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas could depart via free agency, but according to the Baltimore Examiner the Ravens could put the franchise player tag on him. Thomas and right tackle Tony Pashos could get lucrative offers on the open market.

The Charlotte Observer reports that former Cleveland Browns assistant head coach Jeff Davidson agreed to a contract to be Carolina's offensive coordinator. Davidson will replace Dan Henning, who was fired after the Panthers went 8-8.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Eagles QB Jeff Garcia is expected to be the top quarterback on the free-agent market and stated that the Bears would be an intriguing situation. The Bears have publicly backed Rex Grossman since the fourth-quarter meltdown in Miami, but they might take another look at the quarterback spot.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Chicago outside linebacker Lance Briggs is headed for the unrestricted free agent market and the Bengals could give him a look. At 6 feet 1, 240 pounds, Briggs has started 61 of 64 regular-season games for the Bears in his four-year career, including all 16 in 2006.

With the hiring of the defensive-minded Wade Phillips rather than the offensive-oriented Norv Turner, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Jason Garrett appears to be the front-runner to be the Cowboys' next offensive coordinator.

The Denver Post reports that Rod Smith is expected to restructure his contract. Smith is due to collect a $1 million roster bonus in mid-March, but before the Broncos pay up, they probably will ask him to take a cut from his 2007 salary of $5.5 million.

Brett Favre made Ted Thompson's off-season a whole lot sweeter when Favre announced he'd return for a 17th NFL season. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers' greatest needs on offense are at tight end, running back and wide receiver and of those groups, tight end is likely to be the strongest in free agency.

Peyton Manning knows it's tough to keep a good team together and according to the Associated Press, Manning is particularly worried about losing a key running back for the second straight season. Dominic Rhodes rushed for 113 yards and a score in the Colts' 29-17 Super Bowl win over Chicago.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Byron Leftwich met with new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to determine his future with the Jaguars. Coach Jack Del Rio stated that the team is still evaluating the quarterback position.

The Kansas City Star reports that with 2007 cap obligations of about $104 million, the Chiefs should be about $5 million under the league-mandated ceiling, which is projected to be about $109 million. Kansas City might negotiate a new contract with running back Larry Johnson, who otherwise has three seasons remaining on the deal he signed as a rookie in 2003.

The Dolphins possess the ninth overall pick in a draft and according to the Miami Herald, could use an upgrade at offensive and defensive lines. Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye or Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown could be available when Miami picks in the first round.

Of the 14 soon-to-be unrestricted free agents New England has on its roster, the Providence Journal reports that corner Asante Samuel and tight end Daniel Graham, are the most likely to be designated as the team's franchise player. Samuel, who had a breakout season, stated that he would not be happy if he was franchised.

Thomas Jones is entering the last year of his contract and he's due about $2.25 million. Jones could be on the market if Cedric Benson, the No. 4 pick in the 2005 draft, becomes the feature back next season. According to the New York Daily News, the Giants and the Jets will be looking for a veteran running back this offseason.

According to the Journal News, the Jets hired Dan Quinn as defensive-line coach after the Dolphins fired him because they couldn't agree on a new contract. Denny Marcin, who came to the Jets in 2004 after seven seasons with the Giants, will be re-assigned to another defensive assistant role.

The Philadelphia Daily News reports that Jeff Garcia believes he has 4 to 5 more years left and told fans his ultimate goal is to have a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. While fans don't want Garcia to go, they can't blame him for testing free agency.

The Chargers filled two coaching positions, but lost defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to the Cowboys. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the departure of Phillips means the Chargers lost both of their coordinators. Cam Cameron left last month to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Center Jeremy Newberry wants to play after recovering from microfracture right knee surgery, but according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the team doesn't want to re-sign him. Newberry is looking at the Raiders and will be thrilled to be reunited with offensive line coach Tom Cable, who coached him at Cal.

the Washington Post reports that right tackle Jon Jansen signed a five-year, $23 million contract extension that will keep him in uniform through the 2011 season. The deal also includes a $10 million signing bonus.

[Valmore]

How is that even a rumor? Jason Garrett, a former quarterback, was signed to Dallas BEFORE Wade Phillips was even signed as head coach. Everyone knew he was going to be the offensive coordinator, they just didn't announce it at the time.

[Tadhg Adams]

How is that even a rumor? Jason Garrett, a former quarterback, was signed to Dallas BEFORE Wade Phillips was even signed as head coach. Everyone knew he was going to be the offensive coordinator, they just didn't announce it at the time.

Most of those aren't rumors but just simple statements.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

How is that even a rumor? Jason Garrett, a former quarterback, was signed to Dallas BEFORE Wade Phillips was even signed as head coach. Everyone knew he was going to be the offensive coordinator, they just didn't announce it at the time.

Its in the CBS Sportsline rumor section. I just copy where its at. A lot like the Kansas City Chiefs being 5 million under the cap are just statements.

[Scottsdale_Saint]

not exactly a shock with this guy's track record but his act in the Pro Bowl was a joke. don't know what was worse, him doing a Jack Tatum on the freakin' punter or deciding to celebrate it by posing afterwards. you could almost see it as the play developed...he's going, "ooohhhh, free shot on the punter, let's go!" put this one next to his spitting act on his resume as far as i'm concerned.

before anyone goes all, "it's football, everything's fair before the whistle," yah i get that, but this damn game is a glorified exhibition, and the players play at half speed, if that. i noticed earlier in the game, watching the DB's arm tackle WR's from behind. if that happened in the regular season, coaches would be benching those guys. it's pretty evident there's an unspoken code, don't try to kill anyone. apparently Mr. Taylor missed that memo...:mad:

[SUPERECWFAN1]

not exactly a shock with this guy's track record but his act in the Pro Bowl was a joke. don't know what was worse, him doing a Jack Tatum on the freakin' punter or deciding to celebrate it by posing afterwards. you could almost see it as the play developed...he's going, "ooohhhh, free shot on the punter, let's go!" put this one next to his spitting act on his resume as far as i'm concerned.

before anyone goes all, "it's football, everything's fair before the whistle," yah i get that, but this damn game is a glorified exhibition, and the players play at half speed, if that. i noticed earlier in the game, watching the DB's arm tackle WR's from behind. if that happened in the regular season, coaches would be benching those guys. it's pretty evident there's an unspoken code, don't try to kill anyone. apparently Mr. Taylor missed that memo...:mad:

My thinking is , how much of a fuckin man are you to try and kill the punter . I always liked that one punter who stood up after he was tackled hard by a LB and the punter ran him down and got in his face on the sideline. It was on Fox and Troy Aikman even commented the punter wasn't taking anything on the field. It got some laughs but I think he scared the LB because...who would think a punter would jump in your face and wanna go ?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Forget the Vikings-Raiders Randy Moss trade rumors. After having to deal with Terrell Owens in Philadelphia, the last thing Minnesota coach Brad Childress needs is Moss.
--St. Paul Pioneer Press

Moss will get few takers. . I wonder if Kansas City could try a trade for Randy Moss ? Be interesting.


There is no question that the Colts would like to retain Dominic Rhodes, but there are a number of teams who are likely to come calling. The Bengals will be in the market for a change-of-pace back because their own RB Kenny Watson is an unrestricted free agent himself. The Lions are another team that could have an interest. According to a team source, the Rams will be in the market for a backup running back like Rhodes in free agency and the draft.
-- Dayton Daily News

Peyton wants the team to keep Rhodes. But with the Jets and Lions needing RB help , its unlikely they can keep him. Plus Addia looks like the real damn deal so why keep him from taking a spot he should have.

A Cowboys source said the team will try to sign Tony Romo to another longer contract extension this season to prevent him from becoming a free agent after the 2007 season. It will not be cheap to tie down and lock up a Pro Bowl quarterback long term, but Romo also feels a sense of loyalty to Dallas, the team that signed him out of Eastern Illinois as an undrafted free agent.
-- NFL.com

Romo will be GETTIN PPPAIIIIDDD !! Then bang some hot actress as only the next eligable Dallas Cowboys bachalor QB can do. Just imagine the booty he's gonna attract next season . ;)

Lions sources said they now expect to lose running back Kevin Jones for at least half the 2007 season due to the Lisfranc injury he suffered. Up until now, there had been questions surrounding when Jones might be able to return. Now the Lions are hoping Jones will be able to return six to eight weeks into the 2007 season, which means that Detroit must revise its offseason priorities.
-- NFL.com

Its a shame for Jones and the Lions. Its like this franchise can't get off the marks. At some point you gotta wonder when Ford will stop puckerin up and kissing Matt Millen's ass and fix this team. Poor Brady Quinn , you can just see the fear he has if Millen picks him.

We do not yet know how the family problems will affect Andy Reid's status as head coach of the Eagles. It appears possible he will take some kind of leave of absence, perhaps until the start of training camp. There is a slim chance this family crisis will cause him to walk away entirely. Reid's commitment to his family is that strong.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

God how horrible would that be ? To see both Penn State NFL coaches leave in one year for the same reasons almost . It would be a 1st I'm sure.

Mike Alstott might be leaning toward returning, but the decision still rests with the team. As much as general manager Bruce Allen dodged the question at the end of the season, Alstott doesn't have a contract.
-- St. Petersburg Times

Mike Alstott is like Tony Gonzalez. Certain players shouldn't play on other teams. Its just not right. He's been there forever. He's like the battered old guy who has been thru the downs , the ups and the downs. The GM should get Alstott signed.

It's beginning to look as if the Vikings' next stadium will end up as a renovated Metrodome at a cost of about $500 million.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Former Raider Lincoln Kennedy is making a comeback to football with the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League. Since the Desperados are owned by the Dallas Cowboys, should Kennedy do well, it would leave open the possibility of him getting a shot with America's Team. One of the biggest questions for the Cowboys in 2006 was their offensive line.
-- Seattle Post-Intelligencer

If he can rebound we'll see. I always pull for old players to get a last ride.

Negotiations between the Titans' chief operating officer Steve Underwood and Mike Reinfeldt continued last week progressing toward getting Reinfeldt on board as the team's new general manager.
-- Nashville City Paper

Hope it gets done soon. Free Agency starts and all. Drew Bennent is a free agent who will get a few looks.

The Dolphins have interviewed Terry Shea, fired last month as Kansas City's quarterbacks coach, for their offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach position, a source said Sunday.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Considering the KC QB's beyond Damon Huard didn't look so well I think Shea may have gotten a bad rap here. Croyle's a rookie and unless he's the 2nd coming of Dan Marino he's not gonna come in and fire 3 TD passes and be a instant savor. But I can see that KC wanted someone else there to bring the kid along faster and will lose Huard so....

Cleveland owner Randy Lerner frequently gets pressure from other NFL owners to raise Browns ticket prices, but he will hold off for a third straight year. The Browns ranked 29th in 2006 with an average ticket price of $53.50. League average was $62.38.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Thats funny. Lerner knows the Browns haven't performed well in years and raising ticket prices would likely piss some off. The other owners gotta be wild suggesting this.

Although a bit light at 227 pounds, Donnie Edwards could be a fit for a 3-4 team looking for a veteran presence, such as the Patriots. One wrinkle to keep in mind is that Edwards is represented by Tom Condon, with whom the Patriots haven't had contract talks since tight end Benjamin Watson's holdout in 2004.
-- Boston Globe


Hmmmmm very interesting. If the Patriots do lose Bruschi or another LB to retirement or free agency , signing Edwards would be a good move. As a former KC Chief he should have never been allowed to leave. Can play the pass well and all. New England could end up like the Saints did with Scott Fugita ( another Chief that we let get away )

[Punchy]

The Colt's Mike Doss who was a key injury for the Colts D this year has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent.

What a dick. He's been out the entire season and he's going to try to ride the rest of the team's momentum to a big contract.

[LtMarvel]

I hope Moss ends up in some state other than Missouri.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I hope Moss ends up in some state other than Missouri.

I think the main problem with Moss is how piss poor the Raiders are. He could be a game breaker again with the right pieces. I know KC's taken in trouble makers and helped get productive seasons from em. Kenninson , Rison ect ect.

If KC traded a 3rd or 4th for Moss....it would be a steal considering the Randy we saw with the Vikings. Trent had a bad season but imagine a Moss/Gonzalez tandem on the field.

[LtMarvel]

Trading the waterboy for Moss would be a steal for the Raiders...

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Trading the waterboy for Moss would be a steal for the Raiders...

Do I like the behavior of the Oakland WR's ? I know Moss felt frustrated as the QB problems and overall team dragged him down. He needs another team to give him a shot. I know poor Eddie Kennison bounced around from the Bears to the Broncos and KC finally.

[Dom]

Do I like the behavior of the Oakland WR's ? I know Moss felt frustrated as the QB problems and overall team dragged him down. He needs another team to give him a shot. I know poor Eddie Kennison bounced around from the Bears to the Broncos and KC finally.

I love how you, in a roundabout way, equate Eddie Kennison to Randy Moss.

Kennison bounced around because he is a marginal receiver, at best. Moss if a malcontent, but supremely talented and can help almost every single team in the NFL.

But in your mind, their situations are close enough.

What, is Kennison tearing up NFL defenses and I missed it? I was away for a while, but if Eddie Kennison is now a go to guy, I officially want no part of the NFL.

I don't want to live in a world where you can even mention Eddie Kennison in the same paragrapgh as Randy Moss and have them, in any way, be comparable.

YOU HEAR ME GOD! I DON'T WANT TO LIVE HERE ANYMORE!

[Corrina]

What a dick. He's been out the entire season and he's going to try to ride the rest of the team's momentum to a big contract.

Why shouldn't he? One more injury and he's done, and maybe permanently injured for life.

It's become clear over and over that these teams don't have any true loyalty to their players. If they get injured, they're gone, no guaranteed contracts or nothin', just an injury settlement. Look at McNair last year. He had a valid contract and they wouldn't even let him near the facility. If teams don't honor contracts, why shouldn't players get as much as they can before they screw up their knees or their heads permanently?

I don't blame 'em, especially not with coaches like Nick Saban preaching team unity and then running off to go get money elsewhere, even if they have valid contracts.

[Punchy]

Dan Marino Squeezes Harder And Harder During Congratulatory Handshake With Peyton Manning

MIAMI—During a post-Super Bowl handshake between former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino and MVP Peyton Manning, the Colts quarterback reported that Marino gradually increased the pressure of his grip to the point where, by the end of the 10-second exchange, it was as if Marino was attempting to hurt Manning rather than congratulate him. "At first he was smiling and telling me how great he thought I played, but as the grip got firmer, he started talking through clenched teeth about how lucky I was to win a Super Bowl," Manning said, adding that the more Marino's grip increased, the less sincere his comments seemed. "Towards the end [of the handshake], he was just glaring at me, saying, 'I would kill to be you right now.'" Manning said that the handshake finally ended when the "crazy" look in Marino's eyes eventually disappeared.


the onion (http://www.theonion.com/content/news...queezes_harder)

[Punchy]

Why shouldn't he? One more injury and he's done, and maybe permanently injured for life.

It's become clear over and over that these teams don't have any true loyalty to their players. If they get injured, they're gone, no guaranteed contracts or nothin', just an injury settlement. Look at McNair last year. He had a valid contract and they wouldn't even let him near the facility. If teams don't honor contracts, why shouldn't players get as much as they can before they screw up their knees or their heads permanently?

I don't blame 'em, especially not with coaches like Nick Saban preaching team unity and then running off to go get money elsewhere, even if they have valid contracts.The Colts organization is nothing like the Titans and Tony Dungy is nothing like Nick Saban. I agree it's all business and he has every right to opt out, but I find it just a bit disheartening.

If Doss can get a bigger contract then god bless him, but I think his move will be sideways at best.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The Colts organization is nothing like the Titans and Tony Dungy is nothing like Nick Saban. I agree it's all business and he has every right to opt out, but I find it just a bit disheartening.

If Doss can get a bigger contract then god bless him, but I think his move will be sideways at best.

Players want paid.KC and the Colts are both gonna be $5 million under the cap and KC has already said Trent Green's