NFL Blitz

Pro Bowl Update

2010-01-31T20:31:00.004-06:00

The Pro Bowl is on, does anybody care? Apparently not. Some of the players don't seem to care, Minnesota offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie was kicked out of the Pro Bowl completely for missing practices Friday and Saturday. His absence means that the NFC has only two tackles, Philadelphia's Jason Peters and the New York Giants David Diehl. These two will now have to play every offensive down unless they rotate in a guard. Everything that I've heard or read the past week about the Pro Bowl has mostly been full of apathy. After much complaining on my part about the Pro Bowl being the week before the Super Bowl, I understand the reason for the move. It was in part because of a lack of interest in the game the week after the Super Bowl. I don't think moving it has actually helped any. Not only is it practically a meaningless game, fourteen players other than McKinnie won't be playing. Seven players each from the Colt's and Saint's won't play because of the upcoming Super Bowl. At least if the game was being played in Hawaii, next week we might have some of those players. Well it doesn't matter what anyone thinks anyway. The NFL will do whatever it wants, including banning use of the words 'Super Bowl' in any advertising or now threatening to sue for printing 'Who Dat' on a shirt. Really what has this game come to? Are they going to charge fans royalties on what they chant at games. Now, we own that phrase so you have to pay us this much every time you say it. Well if anyone cares DeSean Jackson is having a good game. I suppose he actually enjoys being there. He has caught a touchdown pass from two different quarterbacks, Aaron Rogers and his Eagle's teammate Donovan McNabb. Matt Schaub had two first quarter touchdown passes for the AFC and in the third quarter they are tied at 24. Update...11:21 left in the third, Maurice Jones-Drew scores to put the AFC up 31-24. 5:09 in the third, Dan Carpenter kicks field goal AFC up 34-24 1:22 in the third, DeAngelo Williams rushes for a NFC TD, 34-31 11:43 in the fourth all tied up David Akers FG 34-34 5:59 Chris Johnson 2 yard TD run, AFC up 41-34

AFC wins 41-34

Which Comes First the Super Bowl or Pro Bowl?

2010-01-26T22:11:00.000-06:00

The Pro Bowl the week before the Super Bowl just doesn't feel right. I get the idea, the world will be focused on Miami for the Super Bowl, why not point everyone there a week earlier. I'm sure the city of Miami is loving this. Not only does their local economy get a major boost from the Super Bowl, they get an extra week of visitors the week before.

While the Colts and Saints players try to prepare for the biggest game of the year, Pro Bowl players are going to have a distraction. Now these men are professionals, I'm sure they can handle it, but it can't help Super Bowl preparations. What do the coaches who are trying to prepare for next week think about their star players being taken away this weekend? The Colts players being honored this weekend will fly to Miami when they were supposed to have the weekend off. The Colts president Bill Polian was quoted on an Indianapolis radio show describing the events as 'stupid'. At least they won't actually participate in the game. With Peyton manning and Drew Brees both starters for the AFC and NFC respectively, can you imagine the uproar if they actually took a snap and got injured? That would make for an interesting week. I suppose they are only honorary starters since they have a much more important game the next weekend. Both Super Bowl teams have seven players each in the Pro Bowl.

Super Bowl and Favre Watch 2010

2010-01-25T20:21:00.001-06:00

The Super Bowl is set, Indianapolis and New Orleans survive to meet in Miami. The Jets did pose a threat to the Colts at least until after halftime. Mark Sanchez played a good game but he's not Peyton Manning. Manning's three touchdown passes helped the Colts rally from an eleven point first half deficit. The Saints won although they probably were not the better team Sunday night. Five Vikings turnovers will work in your favor. At the end of the first half when Reggie Bush committed the lone Saints turnover when he muffed a punt deep in his own territory it looked like the Vikings were poised to take control. However Bret Favre decided to return the favor and give up a fumble of his own. With the game tied and the clock ticking late in the fourth quarter Favre threw a careless interception to blow a shot at a field goal attempt. Of course the preceding penalty for twelve men in the huddle didn't help either. So the Super is set on to the next topic, Bret Favre's next retirement. The questions have already started. Will he stay or will he go? Can he handle another year? last yeas he said he couldn't but eventually changed his mind for another shot at another title. Teammates have said they enjoyed playing with Favre and they want him back even if it means he'll skip training camp. His post game comments would lead one to believe he was ready to retire. Although we have seen this before. We can expect Bret to go back and forth a few times before he finally makes a decision. When he makes a decision public he might still change his mind too. If he does retire what does it mean for the Vikings? Will they be back to the same quarterback situation as before Favre or do they draft another? Well either way they will probably be okay. The Packers and Jets both found life after Favre. There are a few decent quarterback prospects in this years draft so start scouting because this might just be the year he really retires.

Trades and Contracts and Conspiracy Theorys...

2009-10-08T18:03:00.000-05:00

Michael Crabtree finally signs with the 49ers. The same morning this is announced we hear Cleavland has traded Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets. Just a few weeks ago there is news that San Fransisco is accusing the Jets of tampering with Crabtree. Coincidence? I think not. Somehow I think these two events are connected. I haven't been able to find what event happened first. On Tuesday there was news that Crabtree and his agent were meeting with 49ers executives. Then sometime early Wednesday morning they finally come to an agreement. I'm wondering if the Jets went after Edwards because Crabtree was meeting with the 49ers or if Crabtree decided to sign because he thought the Jets would no longer be interested. The Jets wanted to get a big play threat, and either receiver fits that description. Edwards will probably make a quicker impact because of his experience. Of course if they were talking with Crabtree or his agent that would be highly frowned upon. We will probably never know if there was any connection but it does make you think.

Remember the Titans?

2009-10-06T20:03:00.000-05:00

Anybody remember the Titans? Starting the season win less is a sure fire way to make people forget you. This was supposed to be 'the year'. After a playoff run last season there were high hopes for this year's team. With this start you have to wonder if Titans fans are looking for Detroit on the schedule. Oh never mind, Detroit has a win already so that wouldn't be a guarantee. It looks as if the loss of Albert Haynesworth has hurt immensely. Where did that awesome defense go? Oh yeah, to Washington. What a difference one man can make.

However overall this was supposed to be a better team. All of the pieces were fitting into place for a Super Bowl run. Well, so much for preseason hype.

You've got to wonder what about Vince Young in all of this. Is he the man to turn it all around? Did the coaching staff do the right thing giving Kerry Collins the starting job when Young went out? Last year turned out pretty good, this year is just awful so far. Coach Jeff Fisher is adamant that Collins is the starter and he is not going to make any personnel changes. Well withIndianapolis and New England coming up he had better find some way to spark this team. find some way to get some of last seasons magic back or things are going to get very unfriendly in Nashville.

Seahawks get Houshmandzadeh

2009-03-03T08:48:00.000-06:00

T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the Seattle Seahawks agreed on a five-year contract, according to media reports Monday.

Citing unidentified sources, ESPN.com, The NFL Network and the Seattle Post Intelligencer reported on their Web sites that the former Cincinnati Bengals receiver’s deal is for $40 million and includes $15 million in guarantees.

His agent, Kennard McGuire, did not respond to repeated text messages, e-mails and calls to his cell phone and office on Monday.

The 31-year-old Houshmandzadeh has caught 204 passes in the last two seasons. Seattle didn’t have a wide receiver catch more than Bobby Engram’s 47 last season.

The Seahawks had seven injuries at the position while sliding to a 4-12 finish in 2008.

Houshmandzadeh teamed with Chad Johnson to give the Bengals one of the best receiving tandems in the NFL in 2005, when the Bengals had their only winning record in the last 18 years.

While Cincinnati’s offense disintegrated in the last three years, Houshmandzadeh emerged.

A dependable possession receiver, Houshmandzadeh caught 90 passes in 2006 and tied New England’s West Welker for the NFL lead with 112 catches in 2007. He made his first Pro Bowl appearance that season.

With quarterback Carson Palmer sidelined by an elbow injury and the offensive line struggling last year, the Bengals had the worst offense in the league. Houshmandzadeh was its best player, catching 92 passes with four touchdowns.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtOB3lv55ScuLqpxArdgM6FDubYF?slug=ap-seahawks-houshmandzadeh&prov=ap&type=lgns

Favre Retires Again

2009-02-11T10:49:00.000-06:00

NEW YORK (AP)—Brett Favre informed the New York Jets on Wednesday he will retire after 18 seasons, ending a record-setting career in which he was one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks.
The 39-year-old instructed agent James “Bus” Cook to tell the team of his decision, six weeks after Favre’s only season with the Jets ended in disappointment as New York failed to make the playoffs.
In an e-mail to ESPN, Favre said he has no regrets about ending his career in New York and praised owner Woody Johnson, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and fired coach Eric Mangini.
“Mike and Woody, as well as the entire organization, have been nothing short of outstanding,” Favre said in the e-mail. “My teammates—Thomas (Jones) and Kerry (Rhodes) included—were a pleasure to play with. Eric could not have been any better. I enjoyed playing for him. My time with the Jets was short, but I’m honored to be given that chance.”
Running back Jones and safety Rhodes were critical after the season of Favre and his performance. The Jets went from 8-3 to missing the playoffs. Favre threw nine interceptions as the Jets went 1-4 down the stretch, and a torn right biceps might have contributed.
The Jets did not immediately comment on Favre’s decision.

Favre retired last March but quickly changed his mind and a bitter divorce with Green Bay ensued. He was traded to the Jets in August and was a Pro Bowl selection despite an overwhelmingly disappointing season that cost Mangini his job. New York hired former Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to replace Mangini, and he, along with Johnson and Tannenbaum, repeatedly said they wanted Favre to return.
Instead, Favre spent several weeks after the season at his home in Kiln, Miss., away from football before deciding to retire—again.
Favre had two years left on his contract and was due $13 million for next season.
If this is indeed it for Favre, he leaves the game with a slew of records, including career touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), yards passing (65,127), regular-season victories (169) and interceptions (310).
The three-time NFL MVP also holds the mark among quarterbacks with 291 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, despite playing through several injuries throughout his career.

Cowboys Implode

2008-12-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

Dallas, with all that talent, blew another one. Losing to the Eagles 44-6, they have outdone any season ending blow-ups that they have had in years past. The mid-season trade for Roy Williams didn’t pan out. Williams caught just 19 passes in 10 games. Dallas had to trade a first-, third- and sixth-round draft pick to Detroit for him. The Adam 'pacman' Jones acquisition didn't turn out that great either. He had to serve a six-game midseason suspension after fighting one of the bodyguards Jerry Jones hired to keep him out of trouble. The fumble on the kickoff return was classic, just give the Eagles 3 more points. Tony Romo commited 3 turnovers one leading directly to a touchdown when Eagles defensive end Chris Clemons returned a Romo fumble 73 yards for a touchdown. That's a geat way to start your second half comeback. On the next drive Eagles cornerback Joselio Hanson ran untouched 96 yards after recovering a Marion Barber fumble. Someone must have some New Year's plans because it dosen't seem that the Cowboy's wnated to make the playoffs. Oh whell there's always next year maybe if they spend a little more money this offseason.

Pacman is Back...

2008-12-02T23:46:00.000-06:00

IRVING, Texas (AP)—Adam “Pacman” Jones is back in the NFL, and will be able to play this week for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys put Jones on their 53-man roster Tuesday after the NFL lifted the cornerback’s suspension.
Jones missed six games for violating the league’s player conduct policy. He previously was suspended for the entire 2007 season while with Tennessee and played in only six games for the Cowboys before the most recent suspension after an alcohol-related scuffle at an upscale Dallas hotel.
The NFL allowed Jones to return to practice last week and said then he would be able to return to play Sunday at Pittsburgh.
The Cowboys cleared a spot on their roster when they put safety Pat Watkins on injured reserve. Watkins has been bothered by a lingering neck injury, and Thursday was the fourth game he missed this season.
Jones started the first six games, and his 11 passes broken up still lead the team in that category, as do his 27 tackles. He also was the main punt returner. The Cowboys went 4-2 with him and without him.
Jones’ suspension in 2007 came after multiple off-field incidents while with the Titans. He was traded to Dallas during the offseason and given another chance by commissioner Roger Goodell.
But on Oct. 7, Jones got into a scuffle with a bodyguard that was part of a team-employed security detail. A week later, Goodell suspended the cornerback indefinitely. Jones spent part of his time away taking part in an alcohol rehabilitation program.
Since rejoining the team for practice last week, Jones hasn’t spoken to the media.
Coach Wade Phillips said this week that he expects Jones to play in nickel and dime packages and be involved in returning kicks Sunday. The coach didn’t say if Jones would start.
Tank Johnson, whose locker is next to Jones’, said the cornerback has seemed like himself at practice.
“Yeah, I mean he’s fast, he can cover. He can do all the things on the football field that you ask a man to do,” Johnson said Monday. “We’re just excited about him coming back and continuing to do better.”

Cowboy Collapse

2008-10-20T22:25:00.000-05:00

Oh how we miss Tony. The Dallas Cowboys just aren't the same without Tony Romo in the lineup. Backup quarterback Brad Johnson threw three interceptions. He did finish 17/34 for 234 yards and a touchdown. Terrell Owens only had two catches for 31 yards, not his usual performance. Romo and broken pinkie will probably end up playing next week against Tampa Bay. It all adds up to the Cowboys loosing to the St. Louis Rams, and loosing bad. This is not the way to go for a team that was supposed to be headed to the Super Bowl. They are now 4-3 with a two loss streak to overcome.

The Cowboys lost safety Roy Williams for the season with a broken forearm. This further depletes the defensive secondary with Adam Jones serving his suspension. It has been reported that Jones has entered an alcohol treatment facility. This is undoubtedly to help his case with commissioner Roger Goddell. Goodell will determine the full length of the suspension after the Cowboys play Nov. 16 at Washington. Goodell has said a lifetime ban remains a possibility.

How much more can this team take? Owner Jerry Jones reportedly gave a post game locker room talk to his team. I'm sure it was not too pleasant. One must wonder how secure is Coach Wade Phillips right now. Jones has said that Phillip's job is not in danger, but how much more will he take? Remember the Cowboys have not won a playoff game in twelve years.

Pacman suspended...again

2008-10-14T22:42:00.000-05:00

Well I hate to say I told you so, but...Pacman is suspended. The NFL has suspended Adam 'Pacman' Jones for at least four games after police were called to an upscale Dallas hotel on October 7 after a scuffle with one of his bodyguards at a private party. Commissioner Roger Goodell said a lifetime ban remained a possibility.

“It’s going to be up to Adam and what he does in the following weeks. Getting an evaluation and whatever treatment may be prescribed to him at that point of time,” Goodell said. “Part of it is going to be whether he’s willing to do some of the things that we are asking him to do.”

Jones is being paid millions of dollars to play football. Almost every kid in America grows up dreaming of something like that. To be given the opportunity and just throw it away is unbelievable. He is a great player but obviously he cannot take his career seriously. All you have to do is stay out of trouble, just play football. Jones is lucky that with all of his previous arrests he has stayed out of prison. The Cowboys might be regretting this one, he doesn't appear to care anything about his team or his future in the NFL.

Giants The New Dynasty?

2008-10-08T22:39:00.000-05:00

Well it is a little early to crown them but they are the defending champs. They are the team that ended New England's unbeaten streak. They are undefeated through five weeks but one was a bye. The Giants are 4-0 headed into their Monday night game at Cleavland. Eli is no longer in older brother Peyton's shadow, he has proven himself as a NFL quarterback. Brandon Jacobs is running the ball as well as anyone right now averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Looking ahead, the Giants should be unbeaten when Dallas comes to town on November 2. Of course they don't need to look ahead because that's where the trouble will start.

The Tennessee Titans are also undefeated at this point in the season. They are still being led by Kerry Collins who took over the quarterback job after Vince Young got injured. Young is back at practice now so where will the quarterback situation stand? Coach Jeff Fisher has said Collins will be the starter as long as they are winning. Collins has stated that he doesn't think he can go back to being a backup after this success as starter. His contract with Tennessee is up after the season, so which way will the Titans turn? Young was their first round pick out of Texas in the 2006 draft. So will the Titans let Collins, who has led them to an unbeaten record thus far, go to another team? Will the decide to trade Young? Another note to the developing quarterback controversy, the Titans resigned QB Chris Simms yesterday. Trouble ahead? Looks like it.

Does anyone think the Titans are kicking themselves for passing on Jay Cutler to pick Young? Cutler was the 11th overall pick in 2006, Young was picked 3rd. Cutler has thrown for over 1500 yards for the Broncos while Collins only has 740. He has 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions to Collins having 3 and 3. Cutler would have been a good pick he was already in town playing college ball at Vanderbilt. Wouldn't have been to much trouble moving him in. Someone's crystal ball was a little cloudy that day.

Parole Officers for Bengals, Cowboys?

2008-10-04T21:23:00.000-05:00

The Cincinnati Bengals have activated receiver Chris Henry. They cut him in the offseason after his fifth arrest. Coach Marvin Lewis apparently objected to taking Henry back but was overridden by the owner. What makes this interesting this week is if Henry plays against Dallas then he may be covered by former teammate Adam 'Pacman' Jones. Both players were drafted in 2005 out of West Virginia. Both players have also have well documented run-ins with the law. Jones is one up on Henry with six arrests to Henry's five. I wonder if there will be parole officers on the sidelines? It is just amazing that two players with such talent just can't seem to keep out of trouble.

The Bengal's are struggling bad this year starting out 0-4, will Henry's addition spark anything good? There has already been enough drama with Chad Ocho Cinco's name change. Is all this too much for the Bengals? Carson Palmer has been pretty much ineffective, and the running game just hasn't been there. This might be a tough place to start patching things up at Dallas. The Cowboys are coming off a loss to the Redskins and they might be looking for blood. Just as long as they don't get caught taking the winless Bengals for granted they should coast Sunday. One other thing, is the honeymoon over between Tony Romo and T.O.? Everyone remember T.O.'s teary support of Romo after last years playoff loss? His comments about not getting the ball enough after last weeks loss makes you wonder how well they are getting along now. Parole officers and soap operas, should make for an interesting game.

Any Stability for the Raiders?

2008-10-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

As everyone has probably now heard, the Oakland Raiders fired head coach Lane Kiffin on Tuesday. This ends what can only be termed as a standoff between Kiffin and Raiders owner Al Davis. There was no face to face confrontation just a phone call, but Davis did call Kiffin a liar at his press conference. Kiffin seems to have had his players support, as they seemed to be playing hard even in their losses, but Davis seems to think someone else can do better. So now, where do the Raiders go from here?
The Raiders are 20-64 since they went to the Super Bowl in 2002. Tom Cable the interim head coach is the sixth coach in seven years. Not a whole lot of stability there. I understand coaching changes, you need to find the right person to lead your team. Sometimes things just don't work out, but this is unreal. The Raiders have gotten two highly rated draft picks recently in JaMarcus Russel and Darren McFadden, this team should be getting better. What is the real problem?
I haven't followed the Raiders too closely in years. I considered myself a "fan" during the early 90's all the times they seemed to lose to Buffalo in the AFC championship. I don't have any 'favorite' pro team now, but I do still like to watch the Raiders. Over the past few years it has gotten hard though. It seems to me that Al Davis the owner of this team is a big part of the problem. I could be wrong but keeping a coach around might help things. Even professional players will need time to adjust when a new 'system' is put into place. Everyone knows that each coach will want to change things to 'his way' and that will take time to adjust.
Al please, if you want your team to have success, give them some stability. If you can't find a coach you like then just do it yourself. Does Al Davis have any coaching experience anyway? At this point the Raiders organization appears to be out of control. I wish Tom Cable luck as he tries to get this team back on track. Just remember Coach Cable...winning fixes everything.

Not a 'Normal' Year

2008-09-29T22:42:00.000-05:00

Four weeks into the NFL season and a look at the standings is a little surprising. In the NFC the only undefeated team is the New York Giants. The Cowboys and Redskins are right behind them with a record of 3-1 each. On disappointment so far is the Minnesota Vikings with a record of 1-3, but the Vikings did start with some quarterback problems. Of course the Rams are right where expected to be at the bottom at 0-4.
In the AFC East the top team is the Buffalo Bills sitting at 4-0. Yes it's true the Patriots have a loss, and maybe more to come with Matt Cassel's lack of experience at QB. The Tennessee Titans are 4-0 and sitting at the top of the AFC south and the Indianapolis Colts are only 1-2. Oh the mighty have fallen. With the Ravens losing in OT to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, that's one less undefeated team. the Denver Broncos behind the play of quarterback Jay Cutler, are on top of the AFC West at 3-1.
Can the patriots get back on track? Can Bret Favre make some magic for the Jets? Will the Rams win a game? So many questions and still a long way to go.

Patriot's Dynasty Over???

2008-09-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

With there first regular season loss since December 10, 2006, strangly enough also to the Dolphins, one might wonder will they even see the postseason. Losing your starting quarterback for the year in the first game and then losing to the Dolphins a team that only won one game last year is not a good way to start your season. The team that went undefeated all the way to the Super Bowl is really missing Tom Brady. The question now is can matt Cassel pick up some of the slack and get the ball to the Patriot's talented recievers? They brought two quarterbacks in after Brady's injury only to send them away. The Pat's have a week off before they travel to San Francisco. Maybe the week off will give them time to figure out how to turn this young season around. Because the 49ers are playing alot better this year.