2007 NFL Playoff Record: 6-4
New York Giants at New England Patriots
Another year, another Super Bowl where the NFC representative isn't being given much of a chance to win. Unlike last year, I'm deviating from my rooting interest system that usually has me going for a.) team (the Seahawks), b.) division (NFC West) and then c.) conference (NFC), because I just can't bring myself to root for either team. That's right, I officially do not care who wins this game.
If the Giants win, great. No more talk about perfection. Truth be told, I'm sick and tired of the Boston sports fan, even though I'm a Celtics and (normal) Red Sox fan, and it'd be nice to see them knocked back down to Earth.
If the Patriots win, I'll be happy for my friends (most of whom are Patriots fans) and it'll be cool to be witness such a historic season. Plus, it'll be great seeing the '72 Dolphins permanently putting a cork in their champagne celebrations, which is something all football fans can agree is long overdue.
Mac's Pick: Patriots, 42-20.
MVP: Tom Brady, New England
Yeah, I know. I really went out on a limb on that one, didn't I?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Plaxico Burress Commits Cardinal Sin
When Plaxico Burress predicted that his team would win Super Bowl XLII by a score of 23-17, Burress apparently committed the most flagrant infraction anyone could possibly make during the week leading up to a game against the New England Patriots:
He expressed confidence in his team.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy (surprise, surprise) calls Burress' prediction "perfect fodder", and mentions how Pittsburgh and San Diego already learned that it's unwise to "agitate" these New England Patriots by displaying confidence in your team's ability to do it's job.
Here's a question for New Englanders: When Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacted to Burress' prediction by saying "We're only going to score 17 points?", couldn't that be construed as a diss of the New York Giants defense? Or is it ok for the Dreamboat to say such things?
Either way, Sunday can't get here fast enough.
Brady landed on the first official injury report issued by the Patriots, but not due to the most photographed ankle in NFL history.
I can't quite put my finger on why, but I loved this quote from Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia: "We're not terribly big and we're not terribly talented, but we're very good at seeing the game through the same set of eyes."
It's all hand-buzzers and whoppee cushions for Patriots left tackle Matt Light.
The Giants think that playing the Patriots a month ago will help them this Sunday. Newsday's Bob Glauber has the blueprint for beating the Patriots. (Uh-oh, better keep that quiet or else the Patriots are going to post it in their locker room and Shaugnessy will write a book about it!)
Despite playing the Super Bowl, Plaxico Burress thinks 2007 could have been a better season.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning will have his hands full with Asante Samuel.
Being traded to the Giants has worked out well for former Kansas City Chiefs kicker Lawrence Tynes.
NFL News and Notes
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has invited Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett to Super Bowl XLII.
The Miami Dolphins added three former Dallas Cowboys players on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said the brouhaha about him wanting a tall wide receiver was overblown.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson has been talking his way out of the Queen City this week. He'd even love to play in New England.
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee has been named to his first Pro Bowl.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is leaving for Hawaii today.
Titans wide receiver David Givens isn't forgotten by his former teammates.
The city of Houston will bid for Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson won't play in the Pro Bowl.
Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe says that the Broncos should cut wide receiver Javon Walker if they want to be a playoff team again. (And then the reporter fed him an apple)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson confirmed that he had a cracked bone in his foot that caused him to miss the final 8 games of the 2007 season. Johnson was frustrated last year, but is excited to work with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.
The Oakland Raiders have hired James Lofton, which apparently was news to head coach Lane Kiffin, who found out about the hiring through someone not affiliated with the team. (Good times in Oakland right now)
Dom Capers was reportedly offered a job to be the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator or a defensive consultant.
The Washington Redskins will likely have a formal interview with former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci this week.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook says the Eagles should add a few weapons this off-season.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre still hasn't made a decision on whether or not he'll return for a 18th season in the NFL.
Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli says that disgruntled defensive tackle Shaun Rogers will not be released.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees spent his Wednesday talking football and burgers in Glendale.
New Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey says that to play for him, you must be physical. What does this mean for the future of Warrick Dunn in Atlanta?
Turd McJerkison lost a $1.08 million lawsuit.
Who replaces Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks Jim Zorn isn't up to Matt Hasselbeck.
With the hiring of Ted Tollner on Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers have a pair of QB gurus on their staff.
Al Saunders is the new offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams.
He expressed confidence in his team.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy (surprise, surprise) calls Burress' prediction "perfect fodder", and mentions how Pittsburgh and San Diego already learned that it's unwise to "agitate" these New England Patriots by displaying confidence in your team's ability to do it's job.
Here's a question for New Englanders: When Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacted to Burress' prediction by saying "We're only going to score 17 points?", couldn't that be construed as a diss of the New York Giants defense? Or is it ok for the Dreamboat to say such things?
Either way, Sunday can't get here fast enough.
Brady landed on the first official injury report issued by the Patriots, but not due to the most photographed ankle in NFL history.
I can't quite put my finger on why, but I loved this quote from Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia: "We're not terribly big and we're not terribly talented, but we're very good at seeing the game through the same set of eyes."
It's all hand-buzzers and whoppee cushions for Patriots left tackle Matt Light.
The Giants think that playing the Patriots a month ago will help them this Sunday. Newsday's Bob Glauber has the blueprint for beating the Patriots. (Uh-oh, better keep that quiet or else the Patriots are going to post it in their locker room and Shaugnessy will write a book about it!)
Despite playing the Super Bowl, Plaxico Burress thinks 2007 could have been a better season.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning will have his hands full with Asante Samuel.
Being traded to the Giants has worked out well for former Kansas City Chiefs kicker Lawrence Tynes.
NFL News and Notes
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has invited Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett to Super Bowl XLII.
The Miami Dolphins added three former Dallas Cowboys players on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said the brouhaha about him wanting a tall wide receiver was overblown.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson has been talking his way out of the Queen City this week. He'd even love to play in New England.
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee has been named to his first Pro Bowl.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is leaving for Hawaii today.
Titans wide receiver David Givens isn't forgotten by his former teammates.
The city of Houston will bid for Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson won't play in the Pro Bowl.
Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe says that the Broncos should cut wide receiver Javon Walker if they want to be a playoff team again. (And then the reporter fed him an apple)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson confirmed that he had a cracked bone in his foot that caused him to miss the final 8 games of the 2007 season. Johnson was frustrated last year, but is excited to work with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.
The Oakland Raiders have hired James Lofton, which apparently was news to head coach Lane Kiffin, who found out about the hiring through someone not affiliated with the team. (Good times in Oakland right now)
Dom Capers was reportedly offered a job to be the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator or a defensive consultant.
The Washington Redskins will likely have a formal interview with former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci this week.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook says the Eagles should add a few weapons this off-season.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre still hasn't made a decision on whether or not he'll return for a 18th season in the NFL.
Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli says that disgruntled defensive tackle Shaun Rogers will not be released.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees spent his Wednesday talking football and burgers in Glendale.
New Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey says that to play for him, you must be physical. What does this mean for the future of Warrick Dunn in Atlanta?
Turd McJerkison lost a $1.08 million lawsuit.
Who replaces Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks Jim Zorn isn't up to Matt Hasselbeck.
With the hiring of Ted Tollner on Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers have a pair of QB gurus on their staff.
Al Saunders is the new offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Super Bowl XLII News and Notes - January 30th, 2008
Super Bowl Links
As expected, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was the focal point of bizarre questions on Media Day.
Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss is enjoying his first Super Bowl experience, and fans in Oakland wouldn't recognize this version of Moss.
The other wide receiver the Patriots traded for last off-season, Wes Welker, is proving his doubters wrong. Leaving the Philadelphia Eagles was a "Super" move for wide receiver Donte Stallworth.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the NFL's next big head coaching candidate, as is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who isn't looking beyond Sunday's game. Still, there's word that the Washington Redskins are going to be sniffing around both of them next week.
Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas doesn't mind checking his ego at the door. His fellow linebackers are "aged to perfection".
Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs has a plan for going up against Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress this Sunday. Burress has predicted a Giants win, which didn't upset his teammates, but it did upset Newsday's Bob Glauber, who called it "out of line".
A pair of tickets for Super Bowl XLII are going for $77,000 on e-Bay.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy knew it was Media Day when he was standing next to Miss Nevada and a guy dressed like Carnac the Magnificent. David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune also writes about the craziness of Super Bowl XLII's Media Day. and Woody Paige of the Denver Post slobbers all over his keyboard to produce this.
Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that some people will do anything for a ring.
Both the Patriots and Giants adjusted to life without a pair of pass rushers this season.
The Giants are a "running back factory".
His former teammates in Pittsburgh would love to see Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress join them in the Super Bowl ring club.
Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock had some more unkind words for his former team on Tuesday.
Giants kick returner Domenik Hixon is now friends with Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett.
NFL News and Notes
Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News writes that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones should just fire Wade Phillips and hire Jason Garrett, since it's obvious that's what he really wants to do.
The Washington Redskins met with Indianapolis Colts assistant coach Ron Meeks for the second time regarding their head coaching vacancy on Tuesday.
People in Tampa, Florida genuinely seem shocked to read about the off-field troubles Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Jerramy Stevens was involved in during his days at the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks.
The New Orleans Saints promoted a pair of assistant coaches.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith added a trio of coaches to his staff and retained two others.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck weighs in on Mike Holmgren's return and Jim Zorn's departure.
The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a contract with defensive tackle Walter Curry on Tuesday.
The Buffalo Bills signed free agent tight end Teyo Johnson on Tuesday.
Former players and colleagues praised Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.
Former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino said he hasn't seen enough of John Beck to determine whether or not he'll be the QB the Dolphins turn the franchise around with.
The sod at Heinz Field has been removed, but no word as of yet on what will replace it.
Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel had no doubts that the Browns would eventually win under him.
Browns Pro Bowl rookie left tackle Joe Thomas was named the Cleveland Touchdown Club's Browns player of the year.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson wants to be traded to the Miami Dolphins.
Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun thinks Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden should retire.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy has another book out.
The city of Indianapolis will be bidding to host Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
Dave Campo has left the Jacksonville Jaguars to join the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff.
Former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Rien Long remains in stable condition.
San Diego Chargers left tackle Marcus McNeill is heading to the Pro Bowl.
As expected, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was the focal point of bizarre questions on Media Day.
Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss is enjoying his first Super Bowl experience, and fans in Oakland wouldn't recognize this version of Moss.
The other wide receiver the Patriots traded for last off-season, Wes Welker, is proving his doubters wrong. Leaving the Philadelphia Eagles was a "Super" move for wide receiver Donte Stallworth.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the NFL's next big head coaching candidate, as is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who isn't looking beyond Sunday's game. Still, there's word that the Washington Redskins are going to be sniffing around both of them next week.
Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas doesn't mind checking his ego at the door. His fellow linebackers are "aged to perfection".
Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs has a plan for going up against Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress this Sunday. Burress has predicted a Giants win, which didn't upset his teammates, but it did upset Newsday's Bob Glauber, who called it "out of line".
A pair of tickets for Super Bowl XLII are going for $77,000 on e-Bay.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy knew it was Media Day when he was standing next to Miss Nevada and a guy dressed like Carnac the Magnificent. David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune also writes about the craziness of Super Bowl XLII's Media Day. and Woody Paige of the Denver Post slobbers all over his keyboard to produce this.
Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that some people will do anything for a ring.
Both the Patriots and Giants adjusted to life without a pair of pass rushers this season.
The Giants are a "running back factory".
His former teammates in Pittsburgh would love to see Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress join them in the Super Bowl ring club.
Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock had some more unkind words for his former team on Tuesday.
Giants kick returner Domenik Hixon is now friends with Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett.
NFL News and Notes
Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News writes that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones should just fire Wade Phillips and hire Jason Garrett, since it's obvious that's what he really wants to do.
The Washington Redskins met with Indianapolis Colts assistant coach Ron Meeks for the second time regarding their head coaching vacancy on Tuesday.
People in Tampa, Florida genuinely seem shocked to read about the off-field troubles Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Jerramy Stevens was involved in during his days at the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks.
The New Orleans Saints promoted a pair of assistant coaches.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith added a trio of coaches to his staff and retained two others.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck weighs in on Mike Holmgren's return and Jim Zorn's departure.
The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a contract with defensive tackle Walter Curry on Tuesday.
The Buffalo Bills signed free agent tight end Teyo Johnson on Tuesday.
Former players and colleagues praised Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.
Former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino said he hasn't seen enough of John Beck to determine whether or not he'll be the QB the Dolphins turn the franchise around with.
The sod at Heinz Field has been removed, but no word as of yet on what will replace it.
Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel had no doubts that the Browns would eventually win under him.
Browns Pro Bowl rookie left tackle Joe Thomas was named the Cleveland Touchdown Club's Browns player of the year.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson wants to be traded to the Miami Dolphins.
Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun thinks Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden should retire.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy has another book out.
The city of Indianapolis will be bidding to host Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
Dave Campo has left the Jacksonville Jaguars to join the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff.
Former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Rien Long remains in stable condition.
San Diego Chargers left tackle Marcus McNeill is heading to the Pro Bowl.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Mine Is Not A High Horse
You only need to read the first article in the Seattle Time's "Victory and Ruins" segment this week to get the sense that former University of Washington and Seattle Seahawks and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Jerramy Stevens probably isn't a guy that you'd want to hang out with.
The article details how Stevens was convicted of felony assault when he was in high school in 1998 and spent three weeks in jail for violating the conditions of his house arrest by testing positive for marijuana.
In July of 2000, Stevens was arrested on suspicion of rape. Four months later, Stevens crashed his red Toyota pickup truck into Donald Preston's Dodge Daytona on I-5. Five days later, the King County prosecutors office announced that rape charges would not be filed against Stevens.
In May of 2001, four months after Stevens and his UW teammates won the Rose Bowl, Stevens crashed his red Toyota pickup truck into the side of a retirement home.
Some, like PFT.com's Mike Florio, have read the Times' article and want the coaches at the college and NFL level who continually gave Stevens a second chance to answer some tough questions.
Well, why should the coaches be blamed?
Look, I'm positive Jerramy Stevens is a scumbag, but let's not pretend that Stevens' rap sheet was vastly different from what occurs in or around most Division I college football (or basketball) programs across the country. Or that his off-field activities as an NFL player in and around Seattle (and Scottsdale, Arizona) was different than what happens in other NFL cities.
After knowing of Stevens' off-field antics for the last 8 years, it's clear that the biggest reason he was allowed to continue his football career was the decision by then-King County prosecutor Norm Maleng to not file rape charges against Stevens despite him reportedly having sufficient evidence to proceed with it.
Had he gone ahead with the case, Stevens would have been suspended indefinitely from the football team, making it highly unlikely for him to become a 1st round pick in the NFL sixteen months later.
The sad bottom line is that nothing contained within the pages of the Seattle Times should come as a shock to anyone, let alone a guy like Mike Florio, who has written about the NFL for a decade and is an alumni of the same West Virginia University that has given the world prolific turds like Chris Henry and Adam "Pacman" Jones.
I'm willing to wager US$1 that their stories aren't much different than Stevens'.
The article details how Stevens was convicted of felony assault when he was in high school in 1998 and spent three weeks in jail for violating the conditions of his house arrest by testing positive for marijuana.
In July of 2000, Stevens was arrested on suspicion of rape. Four months later, Stevens crashed his red Toyota pickup truck into Donald Preston's Dodge Daytona on I-5. Five days later, the King County prosecutors office announced that rape charges would not be filed against Stevens.
In May of 2001, four months after Stevens and his UW teammates won the Rose Bowl, Stevens crashed his red Toyota pickup truck into the side of a retirement home.
Some, like PFT.com's Mike Florio, have read the Times' article and want the coaches at the college and NFL level who continually gave Stevens a second chance to answer some tough questions.
Well, why should the coaches be blamed?
Look, I'm positive Jerramy Stevens is a scumbag, but let's not pretend that Stevens' rap sheet was vastly different from what occurs in or around most Division I college football (or basketball) programs across the country. Or that his off-field activities as an NFL player in and around Seattle (and Scottsdale, Arizona) was different than what happens in other NFL cities.
After knowing of Stevens' off-field antics for the last 8 years, it's clear that the biggest reason he was allowed to continue his football career was the decision by then-King County prosecutor Norm Maleng to not file rape charges against Stevens despite him reportedly having sufficient evidence to proceed with it.
Had he gone ahead with the case, Stevens would have been suspended indefinitely from the football team, making it highly unlikely for him to become a 1st round pick in the NFL sixteen months later.
The sad bottom line is that nothing contained within the pages of the Seattle Times should come as a shock to anyone, let alone a guy like Mike Florio, who has written about the NFL for a decade and is an alumni of the same West Virginia University that has given the world prolific turds like Chris Henry and Adam "Pacman" Jones.
I'm willing to wager US$1 that their stories aren't much different than Stevens'.
Super Bowl XLII News Notes - January 29th, 2008
Today is media day at the Super Bowl, which can only mean one thing: More photos and videos featuring TV Azteca reporter Ines Sainz.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy wants to know where the suddenly funny Bill Belichick came from. Shaughnessy would also like you to know that he writes books about Fenway Park and other things related to Boston.
Tom Brady was limping slightly during practice on Monday.
Trading for Wes Welker has worked out for the Patriots.
New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork wouldn't be in the NFL if it weren't for his wife, Bianca.
After spending the early part of his career as a backup, Patriots defensive end Ty Warren is now a team captain and a key part of the Patriots defense.
How would this play if the shoe was on the other foot? The City of Boston is planning the Patriots victory parade route that would avoid polling places for the Presidential primary on next Tuesday.
Cue the Johnny Cash: When the New York Giants arrived in Glendale, they were dressed in black.
The Giants have ten first-year players on their roster, from former USC wide receiver Steve Smith, who is used to playing in big-time games on a national stage to Kevin Boss from Division II Western Oregon, who isn't.
41-year old Giants punter Jeff Feagles will be the oldest player in Super Bowl history.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning is flattered by comparisons to his older brother.
Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants can learn a thing or two from the underdogs in last year's Super Bowl.
Newsday's Johnette Howard writes about dirty play in the NFL. Gary Shelton of the St. Petersburg Times writes that "dirty" is another word for "winner".
Ticket scalping is legal in Arizona, but Pheonix police sergeant Joel Trantor doesn't think anyone will be selling tickets outside the stadium on game day.
NFL News and Notes
The Buffalo Bills have named Nathaniel Hackett as the team's quality control coach.
New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Pete Carmichael Jr. is leaning towards declining a job offer from the Miami Dolphins.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Boise St. quarterback Jared Zabransky to compete for the team's 3rd QB spot in 2008.
Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel received a two-year contract extension that is believed to pay him nearly $4 million per year.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese is probably staying in Cincinnati.
Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden is leaning towards retirement.
Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan still plans on one day being an NFL head coach.
Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star thinks the Colts' window of opportunity for the Super Bowl will remain open as long as Peyton Manning is on the roster.
Jacksonville Jaguars secondary coach Dave Campo interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.
Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry has spent the last month thinking of ways he can atone for his first, and possibly only, season in Denver.
Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp interviewed James Lofton on Monday.
Former Houston Texans head coach Dom Capers will interview with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday.
The Washington Redskins are expected to hire Larry Brooks to coach their defensive line.
Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens owes the Philadelphia Eagles $769,120.
Green Bay Packers VP of Finance and salary cap guru Andrew Brandt has resigned from the team effective immediately.
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Purple Jesus is making the rounds at the Super Bowl.
Former Detroit Lions head coach and current NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci could be getting back into the NFL coaching game.
St. Louis Rams assistant coach Greg Olson is expected to be hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson is selling out his fanbase to make a few pounds on the other side of the pond.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald reached incentives that have him in line for a lucrative new contract.
All signs point to Al Saunders becoming the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy wants to know where the suddenly funny Bill Belichick came from. Shaughnessy would also like you to know that he writes books about Fenway Park and other things related to Boston.
Tom Brady was limping slightly during practice on Monday.
Trading for Wes Welker has worked out for the Patriots.
New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork wouldn't be in the NFL if it weren't for his wife, Bianca.
After spending the early part of his career as a backup, Patriots defensive end Ty Warren is now a team captain and a key part of the Patriots defense.
How would this play if the shoe was on the other foot? The City of Boston is planning the Patriots victory parade route that would avoid polling places for the Presidential primary on next Tuesday.
Cue the Johnny Cash: When the New York Giants arrived in Glendale, they were dressed in black.
The Giants have ten first-year players on their roster, from former USC wide receiver Steve Smith, who is used to playing in big-time games on a national stage to Kevin Boss from Division II Western Oregon, who isn't.
41-year old Giants punter Jeff Feagles will be the oldest player in Super Bowl history.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning is flattered by comparisons to his older brother.
Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants can learn a thing or two from the underdogs in last year's Super Bowl.
Newsday's Johnette Howard writes about dirty play in the NFL. Gary Shelton of the St. Petersburg Times writes that "dirty" is another word for "winner".
Ticket scalping is legal in Arizona, but Pheonix police sergeant Joel Trantor doesn't think anyone will be selling tickets outside the stadium on game day.
NFL News and Notes
The Buffalo Bills have named Nathaniel Hackett as the team's quality control coach.
New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Pete Carmichael Jr. is leaning towards declining a job offer from the Miami Dolphins.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Boise St. quarterback Jared Zabransky to compete for the team's 3rd QB spot in 2008.
Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel received a two-year contract extension that is believed to pay him nearly $4 million per year.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese is probably staying in Cincinnati.
Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden is leaning towards retirement.
Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan still plans on one day being an NFL head coach.
Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star thinks the Colts' window of opportunity for the Super Bowl will remain open as long as Peyton Manning is on the roster.
Jacksonville Jaguars secondary coach Dave Campo interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.
Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry has spent the last month thinking of ways he can atone for his first, and possibly only, season in Denver.
Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp interviewed James Lofton on Monday.
Former Houston Texans head coach Dom Capers will interview with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday.
The Washington Redskins are expected to hire Larry Brooks to coach their defensive line.
Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens owes the Philadelphia Eagles $769,120.
Green Bay Packers VP of Finance and salary cap guru Andrew Brandt has resigned from the team effective immediately.
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Purple Jesus is making the rounds at the Super Bowl.
Former Detroit Lions head coach and current NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci could be getting back into the NFL coaching game.
St. Louis Rams assistant coach Greg Olson is expected to be hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson is selling out his fanbase to make a few pounds on the other side of the pond.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald reached incentives that have him in line for a lucrative new contract.
All signs point to Al Saunders becoming the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Defending the Patriots
For some reason, San Diego Union-Tribune writer Nick Canepa doesn't think the New England Patriots are the greatest team of all-time, even if they win the Super Bowl on Sunday, making the first team in NFL history to go 19-0.
That's his opinion, to which he is certainly entitled. To me, however, his reasoning is back asswards, and that's why I'm addressing it here.
Canepa's words are in bold.
"If the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in Sunday's Super Bowl XLII – which is not impossible – are they the greatest football team of all time? After all, people are putting the 18-0 Pats atop the NFL's Parthenon."
The best teams in the history of a sport don't start the season 0-2 or lose 30% of their games. If the Giants beat the Patriots, which isn't impossible despite being very unlikely, they'll be considered a very good football team that pulled off one of the most improbable upsets in Super Bowl history.
"Why not the Giants? Because it would be stupid, that's why, far more stupid than anointing their opposition."
Yes. Anointing the Giants would be stupid.
"Thing is, even if New England wins, it's difficult for me to consider it the best team, although going unbeaten in this day and age easily could be considered the greatest accomplishment. That doesn't make it the best team, but people who don't know will insist.
Canepa is saying that even if the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl (their fourth in seven years) and go 19-0, which even Canepa concedes is the "greatest accomplishment" a team can achieve, these Patriots wouldn't amount to a hill of beans in terms of where they rank among the NFL's all-time teams.
He can't be serious, can he?
"Right now, you have to lay off the Patriots, because they haven't won anything. They still have a game to play, and the team they're up against went nose-to-nose with them not long ago. No, the world should hold on New England, but it really doesn't matter to me if they win or lose, because they're not the best team ever."
I guess he was serious, because he said it again: No matter what the Patriots do this Sunday, they're not the best team ever.
Do explain, Nick.
"Look at these Patriots. They are a product of their coach, Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, who they lucked into in the sixth round of the 2000 draft (when Chargers coach Mike Riley begged GM Bobby Beathard to take Brady, and Beathard refused)."
Do you know where he's going with this? Because I sure don't.
"Just how many Hall of Famers do you think these Patriots have on their roster? Belichick and Brady for sure, linebacker Junior Seau, for his accomplishments in San Diego. Safety Rodney Harrison, another former Charger, is a definite long shot.
Maybe if receiver Randy Moss has a couple more great years – he's done nothing in the playoffs – he'll have a shot after rising from Raiders ashes and catching a record 23 regular-season touchdown passes. But that's it for these guys."
Oh that's right. It's all about the number of Hall of Fame players a team has. Ok, so let's see: Which members of the current New England Patriots team are future Hall of Famers? Canepa lists three.
1. Bill Belichick
2. Tom Brady
3. Junior Seau, but not for anything he did in NE
Canepa has Randy Moss as a "maybe", which I find interesting. Does Canepa know that Moss will likely finish his career in the Top 10 in NFL history in career receptions (he's 88 receptions, or a season away, from eclipsing the current #10 guy, Jimmy Smith) and he'll certainly finish his career in the Top 3 in NFL history in career touchdown receptions.
Interestingly enough, if Moss catches two touchdown passes next Sunday, which isn't a far-fetched thought, Moss would move into 3rd place in all-time touchdown receptions in NFL playoff history.
So let's just, for poops and giggles, assume that happens. The tally now says:
4. Randy Moss.
So that's four future Hall of Fame players on the New England Patriots.
What about Richard Seymour? Sure, he's not a fan favorite in San Diego these days, but he is a 5-time All-Pro defensive linemen who will undoubtedly be on the All-Decade team when it's announced in a few years. Oh, and Seymour is only 28 years old. He still has plenty of football left in him, so after Sunday is over with, he has a number of years to get that "one for the thumb". So:
5. Richard Seymour
That's FIVE easily identifiable future Hall of Fame players on the current team, not including guys like Tedy Bruschi (2-time All-Pro; 4 Super Bowl rings), Asante Samuel, Laurence Maroney, Dan Koppen and Logan Mankins, who all could conceivably garner Hall of Fame consideration when their careers are over with, as well.
But these Patriots don't rank among Canepa's Top 5 teams of all-time. Those teams are:
"Anyway, the 1992 Cowboys had quarterback Troy Aikman, tailback Emmitt Smith and receiver Michael Irvin, Hall of Famers all. It was the deepest team in the history of The League. The Cowboys won a Super Bowl the following year and then another one after 16 players were lost to free agency. Coach Jimmy Johnson was a brilliant talent evaluator."
1992 Cowboys team was great and deep, with Aikman, Smith and Irvin all inducted into Canton. Incidentally, unrestricted free agency began the following season, and in 1994, the "salary cap era" began.
"The 1976 Steelers? Well, you could pick the Steelers of the year before. They won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, although their last one was a joke. The 1976 club didn't win the Super Bowl. Terry Bradshaw got hurt and the Steelers had to play six games with Mike Kruczek at quarterback. They pitched five shutouts before losing to the Raiders (loaded) in the AFC Championship Game."
So a team that didn't win the Super Bowl would be better than a team that could go 19-0 and win the Super Bowl.
Interesting. Those Steelers teams in the 70s were certainly phenomenal, and they do meet Canepa's quota of Hall of Famers. But how can one of the best teams in NFL history be a team that lost a third of their games and didn't even make the Super Bowl?
"The 1985 Bears? The best defense ever. I hear that, with these spread offenses now being run – New England does – the Bears wouldn't stand a chance. But that was a great team, an intimidating team. I'd take my chances with those guys. And Mike Ditka cracks me up."
There's no way the '85 Bears could keep up offensively with the 2007 New England Patriots.
"The 1994 49ers? There's some debate among Niners fanciers, who may prefer 1989 San Francisco. But the 49ers team that beat the hell out of the Chargers in the Super Bowl, with Steve Young at quarterback, was on an offensive run unlike any I've seen. Tell you what, I don't think this Patriots defense would have a chance against them. In fact, I'm sure of it."
Apparently Nick hasn't seen the 2007 Patriots offense.
During the regular season, only playing on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions and Mother Nature (icy conditions in December) could keep the Patriots from scoring more than 27 points every time out. No team in NFL history scored more points than the '07 Patriots.
None. Zero. Zilch.
And would the '07 Patriots lose by 32 points, at home, to a team that finished 7-9?
Absolutely not. But that's what the '94 49ers team did on October 2nd, 1994.
"The 1962 Packers? It's difficult to compare eras. The 1927 Yankees, I guess, were tremendous. But the Pack was coached by Lombardi, and 10 Hall of Fame players have come from that team. The Packers won five championships during the 1960s, when men, supposedly, were men."
It took us this far into the article for Canepa to write anything that makes sense. It is difficult to compare eras. So while the '62 Packers with all their Hall of Famers were a great team, it's hard to say whether or not the Packers would've had that much success in the present-day NFL.
You simply cannot put the '92 Cowboys, '85 Bears, '76 Steelers and '94 49ers ahead of what the '07 Patriots are on the brink of doing, because the current system isn't set up for this sort of success to take place like it was back in pre-salary cap, pre-free agency days.
"Going unbeaten doesn't make you immortal, or I'd include Miami on this list, and those Dolphins will end up having far more Hall of Famers than the Patriots (including a few who don't belong). In the end, it's all about players, and the teams I've named had better players than these guys."
Actually Nick, the question isn't "Who has/had the better players" or "Who has the most Hall of Famers". The question is if the 2007 New England Patriots go 19-0 and wins the Super Bowl would they be the best team in the history of the NFL.
T-E-A-M, Nick. TEAM.
And if they do go 19-0, the answer is obvious: Without a doubt, yes they would be the best team in the history of the NFL.
"Maybe there will come a day when I can look at this New England team in a different light. But now I'm in the dark. As usual."
The first step would be to remove your head from your ass. Once you've done that, maybe you'll see things more clearly.
That's his opinion, to which he is certainly entitled. To me, however, his reasoning is back asswards, and that's why I'm addressing it here.
Canepa's words are in bold.
"If the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in Sunday's Super Bowl XLII – which is not impossible – are they the greatest football team of all time? After all, people are putting the 18-0 Pats atop the NFL's Parthenon."
The best teams in the history of a sport don't start the season 0-2 or lose 30% of their games. If the Giants beat the Patriots, which isn't impossible despite being very unlikely, they'll be considered a very good football team that pulled off one of the most improbable upsets in Super Bowl history.
"Why not the Giants? Because it would be stupid, that's why, far more stupid than anointing their opposition."
Yes. Anointing the Giants would be stupid.
"Thing is, even if New England wins, it's difficult for me to consider it the best team, although going unbeaten in this day and age easily could be considered the greatest accomplishment. That doesn't make it the best team, but people who don't know will insist.
Accomplishments are wonderful, but to borrow from Rick Blaine, when you go to get in the all-time line, the Pats don't amount to a hill of beans in this world."
Ok, read these two paragraphs again, because this is where it gets interesting.Canepa is saying that even if the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl (their fourth in seven years) and go 19-0, which even Canepa concedes is the "greatest accomplishment" a team can achieve, these Patriots wouldn't amount to a hill of beans in terms of where they rank among the NFL's all-time teams.
He can't be serious, can he?
"Right now, you have to lay off the Patriots, because they haven't won anything. They still have a game to play, and the team they're up against went nose-to-nose with them not long ago. No, the world should hold on New England, but it really doesn't matter to me if they win or lose, because they're not the best team ever."
I guess he was serious, because he said it again: No matter what the Patriots do this Sunday, they're not the best team ever.
Do explain, Nick.
"Look at these Patriots. They are a product of their coach, Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, who they lucked into in the sixth round of the 2000 draft (when Chargers coach Mike Riley begged GM Bobby Beathard to take Brady, and Beathard refused)."
Do you know where he's going with this? Because I sure don't.
"Just how many Hall of Famers do you think these Patriots have on their roster? Belichick and Brady for sure, linebacker Junior Seau, for his accomplishments in San Diego. Safety Rodney Harrison, another former Charger, is a definite long shot.
Maybe if receiver Randy Moss has a couple more great years – he's done nothing in the playoffs – he'll have a shot after rising from Raiders ashes and catching a record 23 regular-season touchdown passes. But that's it for these guys."
Oh that's right. It's all about the number of Hall of Fame players a team has. Ok, so let's see: Which members of the current New England Patriots team are future Hall of Famers? Canepa lists three.
1. Bill Belichick
2. Tom Brady
3. Junior Seau, but not for anything he did in NE
Canepa has Randy Moss as a "maybe", which I find interesting. Does Canepa know that Moss will likely finish his career in the Top 10 in NFL history in career receptions (he's 88 receptions, or a season away, from eclipsing the current #10 guy, Jimmy Smith) and he'll certainly finish his career in the Top 3 in NFL history in career touchdown receptions.
Interestingly enough, if Moss catches two touchdown passes next Sunday, which isn't a far-fetched thought, Moss would move into 3rd place in all-time touchdown receptions in NFL playoff history.
So let's just, for poops and giggles, assume that happens. The tally now says:
4. Randy Moss.
So that's four future Hall of Fame players on the New England Patriots.
What about Richard Seymour? Sure, he's not a fan favorite in San Diego these days, but he is a 5-time All-Pro defensive linemen who will undoubtedly be on the All-Decade team when it's announced in a few years. Oh, and Seymour is only 28 years old. He still has plenty of football left in him, so after Sunday is over with, he has a number of years to get that "one for the thumb". So:
5. Richard Seymour
That's FIVE easily identifiable future Hall of Fame players on the current team, not including guys like Tedy Bruschi (2-time All-Pro; 4 Super Bowl rings), Asante Samuel, Laurence Maroney, Dan Koppen and Logan Mankins, who all could conceivably garner Hall of Fame consideration when their careers are over with, as well.
But these Patriots don't rank among Canepa's Top 5 teams of all-time. Those teams are:
"Anyway, the 1992 Cowboys had quarterback Troy Aikman, tailback Emmitt Smith and receiver Michael Irvin, Hall of Famers all. It was the deepest team in the history of The League. The Cowboys won a Super Bowl the following year and then another one after 16 players were lost to free agency. Coach Jimmy Johnson was a brilliant talent evaluator."
1992 Cowboys team was great and deep, with Aikman, Smith and Irvin all inducted into Canton. Incidentally, unrestricted free agency began the following season, and in 1994, the "salary cap era" began.
"The 1976 Steelers? Well, you could pick the Steelers of the year before. They won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, although their last one was a joke. The 1976 club didn't win the Super Bowl. Terry Bradshaw got hurt and the Steelers had to play six games with Mike Kruczek at quarterback. They pitched five shutouts before losing to the Raiders (loaded) in the AFC Championship Game."
So a team that didn't win the Super Bowl would be better than a team that could go 19-0 and win the Super Bowl.
Interesting. Those Steelers teams in the 70s were certainly phenomenal, and they do meet Canepa's quota of Hall of Famers. But how can one of the best teams in NFL history be a team that lost a third of their games and didn't even make the Super Bowl?
"The 1985 Bears? The best defense ever. I hear that, with these spread offenses now being run – New England does – the Bears wouldn't stand a chance. But that was a great team, an intimidating team. I'd take my chances with those guys. And Mike Ditka cracks me up."
There's no way the '85 Bears could keep up offensively with the 2007 New England Patriots.
"The 1994 49ers? There's some debate among Niners fanciers, who may prefer 1989 San Francisco. But the 49ers team that beat the hell out of the Chargers in the Super Bowl, with Steve Young at quarterback, was on an offensive run unlike any I've seen. Tell you what, I don't think this Patriots defense would have a chance against them. In fact, I'm sure of it."
Apparently Nick hasn't seen the 2007 Patriots offense.
During the regular season, only playing on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions and Mother Nature (icy conditions in December) could keep the Patriots from scoring more than 27 points every time out. No team in NFL history scored more points than the '07 Patriots.
None. Zero. Zilch.
And would the '07 Patriots lose by 32 points, at home, to a team that finished 7-9?
Absolutely not. But that's what the '94 49ers team did on October 2nd, 1994.
"The 1962 Packers? It's difficult to compare eras. The 1927 Yankees, I guess, were tremendous. But the Pack was coached by Lombardi, and 10 Hall of Fame players have come from that team. The Packers won five championships during the 1960s, when men, supposedly, were men."
It took us this far into the article for Canepa to write anything that makes sense. It is difficult to compare eras. So while the '62 Packers with all their Hall of Famers were a great team, it's hard to say whether or not the Packers would've had that much success in the present-day NFL.
You simply cannot put the '92 Cowboys, '85 Bears, '76 Steelers and '94 49ers ahead of what the '07 Patriots are on the brink of doing, because the current system isn't set up for this sort of success to take place like it was back in pre-salary cap, pre-free agency days.
"Going unbeaten doesn't make you immortal, or I'd include Miami on this list, and those Dolphins will end up having far more Hall of Famers than the Patriots (including a few who don't belong). In the end, it's all about players, and the teams I've named had better players than these guys."
Actually Nick, the question isn't "Who has/had the better players" or "Who has the most Hall of Famers". The question is if the 2007 New England Patriots go 19-0 and wins the Super Bowl would they be the best team in the history of the NFL.
T-E-A-M, Nick. TEAM.
And if they do go 19-0, the answer is obvious: Without a doubt, yes they would be the best team in the history of the NFL.
"Maybe there will come a day when I can look at this New England team in a different light. But now I'm in the dark. As usual."
The first step would be to remove your head from your ass. Once you've done that, maybe you'll see things more clearly.
Tom Brady Walks Without a Limp
New England Patriots fans turned out in great number to see their team off to Arizona, and they let out a sigh of relief on Sunday when Tom Brady was seen walking without a limp. The Boston Globe's Bob Ryan writes about how last week Brady paid the price for being a celebrity.
Patriots tight end Ben Watson is answering two callings.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was uncharacteristically loosy-goosy with the media during his press conference last night.
No matter what happens this Sunday, the death of Marquise Hill last summer makes the Patriots' season far from perfect.
Belichick and Tom Coughlin share roots in the New York Giants organization.
Today's winner of The Game Can't Get Here Fast Enough Award, which celebrates the most vapid, pointless article/blog that does nothing but contribute to the hype machine that is Super Bowl Week goes to this piece by Bob Glauber about the gap in Michael Strahan's teeth.
Strahan, by the way, plans on savoring the experience of playing in the Super Bowl again.
NFL News and Notes
Derek Anderson and Kellen Winslow could be heading to the Pro Bowl as injury replacements for Tom Brady and Antonio Gates.
Many believe Jim Caldwell is the right guy to replace Tony Dungy as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
Houston Oilers Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews will be one of the speakers at the funeral for Mike Holovak on February 9th in Boston.
John Ryan of The Mercury News tries his hand at comedy to illustrate that Al Davis is the man in the charge of the Oakland Raiders. (This is the sort of dialogue we can expect if the writer's strike continues)
Dallas Cowboys assistant director of college scouting Tom Ciskowski is the likely replacement for the recently departed vice-president of college and pro scouting Jeff Ireland.
The Washington Redskins are planning on interviewing Indianapolis Colts assistant coach Ron Meeks a second time for their head coaching vacancy. (Word to the wise, Ron. The more you interview, the less chance you have of getting the job.)
The Green Bay Packers signed a pair of players to future contracts.
New Orleans Saints fans don't appear to be pleased that they'll lose a home game in 2008.
It appears very likely that the Arizona Cardinals will place the franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby.
It's a "Free Agent Free-for-All" on the Niner Insider blog.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
If They Win, Would the Patriots Be the Best Team of All-Time?
If the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl, there's little doubt that they'd be considered the best single-season team in the history of the National Football League.
Aside from possibly Mercury Morris, and perhaps a few of his teammates from that '72 Dolphins team, everyone can agree on that, right? Jim McCabe of the Boston Globe writes that the "greatest team ever" debate is one that doesn't truly have an answer.
I disagree.
In the current age of free agency, the Patriots have dominated the NFL from start to finish, and if they win Super Bowl XLII a week from today, they've earned the right to say that they are the best team in the history of the NFL.
The Patriots are heading to Glendale, Arizona today.
From the I Can't Wait For Super Bowl Week to Begin Dept., the Globe's Jackie MacMullan writes about Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney.
In New York, the Giants plan to not give the Patriots any bulletin board material took a hit when Plaxico Burress said that the Giants receivers are better than the Patriots receivers.
Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery, who serves as the team's nickel back, returned to practice yesterday and said he will play next Sunday.
The Star-Ledger's Jerry Izenberg weighs in on Tom Coughlin.
The man who turned around the New York Giants season? Lt. Col. Greg Gadson.
NFL News and Notes
The Dallas Cowboys want to talk to their former head coach Dave Campo about rejoining the coaching staff. (Or to ask him where he kept his pencils)
After four years, and four interviews, Washington Redskins defensive coach Gregg Williams is now a "free agent".
What happens to the "championship" merchandise produced for the teams that don't win?
The Chicago Bears can't put the franchise tag on Lance Briggs and won't put it on Bernard Berrian.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brian Kelly will opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent.
The original New Orleans Saints quarterback Billy Kilmer knows what it's like to face an undefeated team in the Super Bowl.
New Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith added four members to his coaching staff.
San Francisco Chronicle readers react to a column by Scott Ostler suggesting that Joe Montana pass the Greatest QB Ever torch down to Tom Brady.
The St. Louis Rams are interested in Al Saunders and Gregg Williams.
Larry Felser of the Buffalo News makes the Hall of Fame case for former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed.
12,000 people turned out to see a team of ex-Miami Hurricanes defeat a team of ex-Miami Dolphins in a flag football game at the Orange Bowl, which will soon be demolished.
Did the Pittsburgh Steelers make the right decision when they didn't re-sign Plaxico Burress after the 2004 season.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman can work out with the team, but has not been reinstated by the NFL.
Tony Dungy's situation raises the question: Do the benefits of a job outweigh the costs of temporarily separating the family?
Longtime Houston Oilers general manager Mike Holovak has passed away at the age of 88.
The San Diego Chargers will play the New Orleans Saints in London on October 26th.
If a franchise quarterback is available in April's draft, the Kansas City Chiefs may not be able to pass him up.
Oakland Raiders head coach (for now) Lane Kiffin didn't wear Raiders apparel during Senior Bowl week, which wasn't a coincidence.
Aside from possibly Mercury Morris, and perhaps a few of his teammates from that '72 Dolphins team, everyone can agree on that, right? Jim McCabe of the Boston Globe writes that the "greatest team ever" debate is one that doesn't truly have an answer.
I disagree.
In the current age of free agency, the Patriots have dominated the NFL from start to finish, and if they win Super Bowl XLII a week from today, they've earned the right to say that they are the best team in the history of the NFL.
The Patriots are heading to Glendale, Arizona today.
From the I Can't Wait For Super Bowl Week to Begin Dept., the Globe's Jackie MacMullan writes about Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney.
In New York, the Giants plan to not give the Patriots any bulletin board material took a hit when Plaxico Burress said that the Giants receivers are better than the Patriots receivers.
Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery, who serves as the team's nickel back, returned to practice yesterday and said he will play next Sunday.
The Star-Ledger's Jerry Izenberg weighs in on Tom Coughlin.
The man who turned around the New York Giants season? Lt. Col. Greg Gadson.
NFL News and Notes
The Dallas Cowboys want to talk to their former head coach Dave Campo about rejoining the coaching staff. (Or to ask him where he kept his pencils)
After four years, and four interviews, Washington Redskins defensive coach Gregg Williams is now a "free agent".
What happens to the "championship" merchandise produced for the teams that don't win?
The Chicago Bears can't put the franchise tag on Lance Briggs and won't put it on Bernard Berrian.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brian Kelly will opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent.
The original New Orleans Saints quarterback Billy Kilmer knows what it's like to face an undefeated team in the Super Bowl.
New Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith added four members to his coaching staff.
San Francisco Chronicle readers react to a column by Scott Ostler suggesting that Joe Montana pass the Greatest QB Ever torch down to Tom Brady.
The St. Louis Rams are interested in Al Saunders and Gregg Williams.
Larry Felser of the Buffalo News makes the Hall of Fame case for former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed.
12,000 people turned out to see a team of ex-Miami Hurricanes defeat a team of ex-Miami Dolphins in a flag football game at the Orange Bowl, which will soon be demolished.
Did the Pittsburgh Steelers make the right decision when they didn't re-sign Plaxico Burress after the 2004 season.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman can work out with the team, but has not been reinstated by the NFL.
Tony Dungy's situation raises the question: Do the benefits of a job outweigh the costs of temporarily separating the family?
Longtime Houston Oilers general manager Mike Holovak has passed away at the age of 88.
The San Diego Chargers will play the New Orleans Saints in London on October 26th.
If a franchise quarterback is available in April's draft, the Kansas City Chiefs may not be able to pass him up.
Oakland Raiders head coach (for now) Lane Kiffin didn't wear Raiders apparel during Senior Bowl week, which wasn't a coincidence.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Redskins Fire Gregg Williams
The Washington Redskins continued their coaching staff overhaul on Saturday, firing defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
Earlier this month, Williams interviewed for the still vacant Redskins head coaching position four times, but the team is apparently heading in a different direction, targeting former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel or current Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
The Redskins have named Greg Blache as their defensive coordinator. Blache had been on the Redskins staff since 2004 and has experience in the NFL at the coordinator level.
Earlier this month, Williams interviewed for the still vacant Redskins head coaching position four times, but the team is apparently heading in a different direction, targeting former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel or current Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
The Redskins have named Greg Blache as their defensive coordinator. Blache had been on the Redskins staff since 2004 and has experience in the NFL at the coordinator level.
Al Davis Is Probably Senile
We were long overdue for a crazy Al Davis episode, weren't we?
As ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported, the ancient Oakland Raiders owner sent a letter to head coach Lane Kiffin asking him for his resignation. Kiffin, who is owed nearly $4M for the two remaining years of his contract, has refused to do so.
The Raiders deny the report, but it's believed that Davis wants to force Kiffin out so that he can hire Dennis Green (yes, that Dennis Green) to replace him, making it 5 coaches in the 6 years since the Raiders were pasted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.
Carl Seward writes that someone at the top of the Raiders organization should go, but it shouldn't be Kiffin.
Super Bowl Links
For the second consecutive day, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was not present at the start of practice on Friday. Patriots center Dan Koppen says that Brady "will be there" next Sunday. Koppen's performance was praised by head coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick also had kind words for Eli Manning.
Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora had words of warning for the New England Patriots.
Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork had words for the person who doles out the fines for the NFL.
From the New York York point-of-view, Matt Cassel or Matt Gutierrez throwing passes to Randy Moss and Wes Welker would look pretty sweet to the Giants, but even they know it's not going to happen.
A pair of free agents the Giants picked off the scrap heap during the season have played key roles for the team during their Super Bowl run.
Danny Jackson of Ronkonkoma, New York is a fanatical fan of the Giants. How fanatical? Read for yourself.
NFL News and Notes
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett wasn't the only reason the Cowboys offense was so productive this year.
Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn is leaving the team to take the offensive coordinator position with the Washington Redskins.
The Philadelphia Eagles could be targeting Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin with their 1st round pick.
The Green Bay Packers signed free agent punter Ryan Dougherty.
According to Jon Machota of the Detroit Free Press, cornerback is the Detroit Lions' biggest need heading into the draft.
If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had one, who would be in their Ring of Honor?
The Carolina Panthers need to find a #2 wide receiver to line up opposite Steve Smith.
Mike Mularkey is the new offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and current Seahawks radio analyst Warren Moon has been charged with a DUI stemming from a traffic stop last month in Medina, WA.
The Arizona Cardinals are expected to use the franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby. The franchise number for linebackers this off-season will be $8.065 million.
Kevin Lynch's "Niner Insider" blog looks at the wide receivers available in free agency this off-season.
New York Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock unloads on St. Louis Rams head coach Scott Linehan.
Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett will be on "Oprah" next Thursday to promote his upcoming book "Standing Tall".
New York Jets legendary quarterback Joe Namath is picking the Giants to win the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is skipping the Pro Bowl.
The Cleveland Browns have made multi-year offers to quarterback Derek Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis.
Cincinnati Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons hopes to find someone to return punts and kicks in the upcoming NFL draft.
Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan believes something he said in his second interview with the Atlanta Falcons cost him that job.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is trying to score as many tickets to the Super Bowl as he can for his friends and family.
Colts safety Antoine Bethea was added to the AFC's Pro Bowl roster.
The Tennessee Titans are raising ticket prices again.
Titans quarterback Vince Young is going back to school to complete his degree.
In an attempt to disprove the theory that kickers aren't a bunch of slang word for felines, San Diego Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding played the final five games of the season with a broken fibula in his left leg.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen is opening up his own bar. With any luck, Pacman Jones will open up a strip club next door to it.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Toomer, Strahan Providing Super Bowl Leadership
Only two New York Giants remain from the team that lost Super Bowl XXXV 7 years ago. Wide receiver Amani Toomer is one of them and he's got a message for his teammates who haven't been there before.
One good piece of advice for the Giants is to avoid providing the Patriots with bulletin board material, which is something defensive end Osi Umenyiora seemingly forgot when he mouthed off about Matt Light the other day.
Former Giants wide receiver Phil McConkey is predicting a Giants win.
In their first practice before Super Bowl XLII, the New England Patriots rested quarterback Tom Brady, who is hobbled by a minor high ankle sprain. The Patriots are not required to release an official injury report until next Wednesday.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy writes that despite all the nonsense surrounding Brady this week, he "will play, the Patriots will win, and all the nonsense will be forgotten".
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised New England's upcoming opponent.
NFL News and Notes
Things are getting busy for the Miami Dolphins. General manager Jeff Ireland was non-committal about the future of linebacker Zach Thomas with the team, and Thomas' former brother-in-law pulled out of the Pro Bowl with a foot injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward wasn't pleased with comments made by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Cleveland Browns are raising ticket prices.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker David Pollack could be making a comeback after fracturing a C6 vertebrae in 2006.
Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun writes that Cam Cameron, the Baltimore Ravens new offensive coordinator, gives the Ravens "the offensive stability they haven't had in years". (Baltimore hasn't finished in the Top 10 in total offense since 1997, when a young Vinny Testaverde was the quarterback and Ted Marchibroda was the head coach.)
Former New York Jets and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson is joining the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive staff today, but not in the role of coordinator.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth wants a long-term deal, and the Titans appear to have plenty of money to give to him.
Police say that alcohol was not involved in the single-car accident involving former Titans defensive tackle Rien Long.
The Houston Texans are expected to announce the hiring of Ray Rhodes today, whose role with the Texans will be to assist the defensive coordinator and secondary coach.
“I'm looking at it like in late July I'd be wishing I had these 2½ weeks back,”, said San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers on why he moved his surgery to replace his torn ACL.
The Denver Post is doing a "Where Are They Now?" series on the team that won Super Bowl XXXII. Today they locate Mark Schlereth.
Changing their approach to the draft has the Kansas City Chiefs optimistic about the future.
The Dallas Cowboys have hired Todd Grantham to coach their defensive line.
The Washington Redskins search for a new head coach will likely extend beyond the Super Bowl.
Philadelphia Eagles coordinators Marty Mornhinweg and Jim Johnson aren't shy about sharing information about the two Super Bowl teams.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is skipping the Pro Bowl.
When he's not telling groups of elementary school kids that the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus don't exist, The Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski tells Detroit Lions fans that there's no reason to have hope that the Lions will turn it around anytime soon.
Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times takes a look at the quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mike Alstott can not be defined by stats alone.
New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has had preliminary discussions with the agents for 2009 free agents Will Smith, Marques Colston and Jahri Evans.
Former Buffalo Bills head coach Mike Mularkey is the Atlanta Falcons' first choice for the team's vacant offensive coordinator position.
The Seattle Seahawks have hired recently fired Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Mike Solari to coach their offensive line.
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has been added to the NFC's Pro Bowl roster.
The San Francisco 49ers will be interested in Lance Briggs when free agency starts, but does the linebacker fit their current scheme?
Former St. Louis Rams guard Adam Timmerman plans to formally announce his retirement in the coming weeks.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tom Brady Not At Practice on Thursday
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was one of three players not present for the media-access portion of Thursday's practice, according to Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick restricts media access to the stretching and one set of positional drills.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick restricts media access to the stretching and one set of positional drills.
Dan Snyder Can't Help Himself
After the recent retirement of Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs, Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has taken interviewing head coaching candidates to another level. He interviewed Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams one time for each year Williams has been working for him. (That would be 4 times, folks)
Snyder also interviewed Indianapolis Colts assistant Ron Meeks and Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Snyder was so enamored after his interview with Seattle Seahawks secondary coach Jim Mora, that he had his private plane on stand-by at Boeing Field in Seattle waiting to whisk Mora back to D.C. to announce him as his head coach before Mora withdrew his name from consideration for the job.
Now Snyder's attention has turned to former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel, who could be announced as the Redskins new head coach as early as today. Fassel seems like a good guy and has coached in a S