NFL Star Avoids Retirement And Hangs Onto A Glorious Past

Subjugating admission to an ego that athletic abilities have waned is tough for many professional athletes. Especially when the person is under 40 years old and feels years of acquired knowledge have made them more valuable than ever before.

Hines Ward recently told reporters that he has no plans to retire and wants to play with the Pittsburgh Steelers next season. Having spent all of his career with Pittsburgh, the 14-year veteran told reporters he is willing to take a reduction in pay off his 2011 salary of $4 million.

Ward says he will be "devastated" if he cannot finish his career with the only professional team he has played for, but Pittsburgh will have to decide in a few months if they want to give the wide receiver a roster bonus in order to give him a chance to make the team in training camp.

Not only is he the the eighth player in NFL to accumulate 1,000 career receptions, Ward is coming off maybe his worst NFL season since his rookie season in 1998. A reserve behind Courtney Hawkins and Charles Johnson that season, it was the only year of Ward's career he didn't start a game.

Antonio Brown began to take starts away this year from Ward, whose nine starts in 2011 were his fewest since the 1998 season. Brown and fellow wide receiver Mike Wallace would be named to the Pro Bowl this year, further pushing Ward into a role of the sage veteran who is more of a coach than player at this stage of their career.
His 46 receptions in 2011 were the fewest Ward has had since his rookie season. Burt it wasn't just a decline in production there that may have the Steelers brass undecided as to whether or not they bring him back for another year.

He was always a possession receiver whose game was more noted for leadership and a run blocking ability that was truly bone-jarring. But Ward averaged a career low 8.3 yards per reception this year, and the two touchdown receptions Ward scored were his fewest since he failed to score as a rookie.

Wanting to hang on another year is nothing new for the NFL player. There has been a ton of wide receivers who wanted to extend their careers one last season, but few who went out to the retirement pastures having left an indelible mark on those last gasps for glory.

Jerry Rice is thought of by many to be the finest wide receiver in NFL history. The Hall of Famer spent 16 years with the San Francisco 49ers, but the team decided to part ways when Rice wanted to keep playing. He joined the Oakland Raiders and remained extremely productive for three season, one of which included a Pro Bowl nod, but wanted to keep playing in 2004.

Father Time finally caught up to Rice by then, so the Raiders traded him to the Seattle Seahawks early in the season. He still tried to play in 2005, but ultimately decided to retire after realizing he would never top the depth charts of any team again.

Rice broke the all-time receptions record of fellow Hall of Famer Art Monk, who is the first NFL player to ever have over 100 receptions in a season. Monk himself extended his career perhaps too long, just as did Rice and many others.

After having spent 14 seasons with the Washington Redskins, the team decided to trim their payroll and parted ways with Monk. He joined the New York Jets for a year and was a moderately effective player, but decided to try and keep playing. Monk joined the Philadelphia Eagles for three games in 1995 before deciding to retire.

Monk wanting to keep playing the game was no different than what his mentor, Charley Taylor, did. The Hall of Famer, who left the NFL as the all-time leader in receptions, tried to play his 13th season for the Redskins in 1977.

Taylor, who had missed the entire previous season due to injury, began the season starting and eventually lost his job to Danny Buggs. He retired as a player, but soon rejoined Washington and coached the wide receivers to three Super Bowl victories.

These are just a few examples of how Ward's NFL future could play out. Few end their careers on a high note, as Wes Chandler and Max McGee did.

Chandler spent 11 years with the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers, which included four Pro Bowl nods. He joined the 49ers in 1988 and played just four games, but garnered a Super Bowl ring that season before finally retiring.

McGee spent 12 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, but had just 16 receptions for 325 yards and four scores in his last two years with the Packers. Yet his nine receptions for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the postseason helped Green Bay win two consecutive Super Bowls and helped McGee retire at the top.

Whenever Ward does decide to retire, he will most likely receive a few votes for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite making the Pro Bowl just four times, he is the Super Bowl XL MVP and was named MVP of the team Steelers times. Ward is the Steelers all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.

Recruited by Georgia University as a quarterback, Pittsburgh had Ward throw just three passes in his career but did run the ball 57 times for 428 yards and a score. He was a precision route-runner who was the only dependable weapon Pittsburgh's passing game had for several seasons.

Yet his leadership skills was perhaps as important as his playing ability. Ward's desire to win would have fit well with the famous "Steel Curtain" defense that won four titles, and his helping the franchise win two more just helps Pittsburgh stay one of the more respected teams in the NFL.

His blocking ability allows Ward to stand out from the rest of the wide receivers in the league. Unfairly termed a dirty player by some, all Ward did was out-think opponents and put himself in the right position to make crucial blocks that also happened to break bones.

In 2008, he laid out a unsuspecting Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers. While not penalized for the play, the ever-softening NFL did change rules in 2009 by making it illegal a blindside block if it comes from the blocker's helmet, forearm or shoulder and lands to the head or neck area of the defender. It is called the Hines Ward Rule by many.

Whether or not Ward remains in the NFL, let alone with Pittsburgh, remains to be seen. It is obvious he is nearing the end of a fabulous career, one that can continue thanks to rules that cater to the offensive side of the football.

His wisdom, blocking ability and leadership should attain a job offer next season, but Pittsburgh may end up being forced with giving Ward's roster spot to a younger and cheaper player. It may not be what the teams wants, but the examples of Rice and Monk are proof that sometimes the bottom line of a fiscal situation outweighs the heart.







Yooooooooo! Dis IS 7thStone wunce again! OK, I took a little trip but I iz back four now cuz I gots 30 days of extenshun to cum up with da money deez goombas claim i owe. Interest iz a killer yo!

My cuzin 3rd filled in and went 4-4 in my absince. He almost called dat Patriots/ Broncos score perfectly tho. I tink I can be better dis weak.




Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

Baltimore has never beaten the Patriots in six regular seesun games since 1996, but dey did win in New England during da 2009 playoffs. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has four of those wins and is coming off a 2011 where he threw for career best totals in attempts, completions and passing yards.

Brady is one of just two players in NFL history to win both the league's most valuable player award and Super Bowl MVP multiple times. He is very much in the running for a third NFL MVP trophy, because the Patriots have relied on his prowess heavily all seasun.

Da Patriots don't run da football a lot, relying on five halfbacks two share da carries. Brady has spread da ball out too 12 different receivers, which includes fore players wif over 50 receptions.

New England's defense is nothing special, ranking 31st in yards allowed and 15th in points coughed up. Their 17th ranked rushing defense will be under the spotlight against a Ravens team that relies heavily on their ground game.

If Baltimore cannot run the ball well, da onus will bee on Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco, whose 57.6 compleshun percentige dis yeer was da worst of his career, has won 46 of his 64 regular seesun starts. Da fourth-yeer pro has been drawing criticism recently for an inability to win big games, but da fact is dat Flacco has also won five of eight playoff games as well.


Ray Rice is the key to the Ravens offensive attack. Not only did he lead the team in rushing and receiving, but da 2,068 yards from scrimmage he had dis yeer led da NFL. Flacco has found five receivers more den 40 times dis seesun.

Baltimore has a veteran defense that is perennially amongst da best in da league. Dey ranked third in both points and yards allowed dis yeer, as well as furst on touchdown passes given up.

Fore Raven defenders wuz named two da Pro Bowl dis yeer, but da Ravens secondairy will have two bee grate for dere teem to win. Strong safety Bernard Pollard will be da most watched, cuz he will be given da assignment of trying to cover New England's two young stud tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Baltimore has a pair of young stud tight ends in Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson themselves. While their combined 94 receptions and eight scores may pale in comparison to the 169 catches and 24 touchdowns Gronkowski and Hernandez got, the two are none the less an effective duo.

New England lost just one home game this yeer, while all fore of da Ravens 2011 losses happened on da road. Both squads know how too win da big game and are laden wif experienced veterans.

3rdStone picked da Ravens too win it all befour dis seesun started, while I tought dey will reech da Super Bowl. Tho I tink da Pats might win dis, I decided to go wif 3rd and stick wif da Ravens.

Ravens 31 Patriots 24













New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

Dis surprise matchup iz indickadiv of a NFL seesun that kinda sucked tanks too no training camp. While da Niner was expected by few two bee hear at da beginning of dis seasun, praktically no one tought da Giants wuld ger hear after losing like half of dere defensive players before dey even got on da field dis yeer.

New York is a teem dat throws da ball a lot cuz dere running game sucks out loud. San Francisco has a grate defense, led by excellent linebackers, and a offense dat leens on using halfback Frank Gore too eat up da clock wif a lot of touches.

Vernon Davis is finally getting to show America his amazing athleticism tanks too da improved play of quarterback Alex Smith. Smith stopped turning da ball over dis yeer two, which allowed Davis more chances two get balls and be spechul.

Da Giants go as far as Eli Manning's arm takes dem. Dere team is mediocre, as dere 9-7 record shows dis yeer, but da quarterback has had his best seasun ever in 2011. He has excellent wide receivers to work wif, which helped Manning set career high marks in attempts, completions and passing yards while making his second Pro Bowl in his eight yeers.

Since da Niners wide receivers are pretty lousy, I expect even da beat up New York secondairy to play wif dem and allow da defense to concentrate on Gore and Davis. San Francisco needs Michael Crabtree to play as good as he thinks he is.

Cornerbacks Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown need to play well enuff too force New York into running da ball more. San Francisco should shut down most of da Jints offense for da most part, but dis iz da key area to push dem too victory.

Gore will be needed to run well, because da Niners do not want two rely to much on Smith. If da Giants blitz a lot to shut down Gore and try to shake up Smith, a pretty yung San Francisco offensive line will bee put two da test.

Dese teems met a weak befour Thanksgiving dis seasun in San Francisco. Da Niners won 27-20 tanks too for field goals by Pro Bowl kicker David Akers. New York gained 90 more yards, but two interceptions by Rogers helped da Niners seel da deal in da forth quarter.

I don't know if da Niners swipe too more balls dis Sunday, but I can sea it. New York has da edge in experience, but San Francisco holds a decisive edge at spechul teems. Gore was shut down in da first meating between da squads, so I am looking for improved production from him.

49ers 23 Giants 21




OK yous mugs, enjoy Sunday. I iz gunna catch da games at dis cuties house, where I expect us tii due our own stretching exercises at halftime. Capeesh?

Like dey often say in Ol' Mexico = A.M.F.

Pro Football Hall of Fame 2012 Semi-Finalists Hope For A Happy New Year

The Pro Football Hall of Fame voters announced 28 semi-finalists for induction into the 2012 class. As always, it is a dubious list missing a ton of superior players, coaches and contributors languishing in a black hole called the "Seniors Pool". Just two players from that pool have a chance each year, which shows the huge flaw of this voting process.

The voters have an extremely hard group of players to sift through this year. There are as many as 13 or more players I feel belong in Canton.

While the next vote to slim the list will not come for a few months, yours truly thought his ineffectual vote should be heard despite not counting. Here is the list :



Steve Atwater
Safety
Denver Broncos
11 Seasons
8 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro Teams
24 Interceptions



I don't think he is even the best safety in Broncos history, an honor I bestow on Goose Gonsoulin then Dennis Smith and Billy Thompson. Atwater will never get my vote.






Jerome Bettis
Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers
13 Seasons
6 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro Teams
13,662 Yards Rushing
94 Total Touchdowns



Bettis was involved in one of the biggest steals ever, when the Steelers got him from the Saint Louis Rams in a trade. He ran for over 1,000 yards in eight of his first nine seasons, showing remarkable durability because his game was running between the tackles.

Not much of a receiver, he could be depended on once handed the ball. He fumbled 41 times, but he usually rewarded his teams with a pounding style that wore out opponents while chewing up the clock.

There is no question that Bettis is worthy of Canton, so I would vote him onto the finalist's list without hesitation.







Jack Butler
Safety
Pittsburgh Steelers
9 Seasons
5 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams
52 Interceptions
10 Fumble Recoveries
9 Touchdowns



I profiled Butler on Crazy Canton Cuts back in 2008.

He is the last person to play in the NFL from Saint Bonaventure University because the school dropped their football program after 1951. Butler joined the Bonnies football team at the request of Bonnie athletic director, Father Dan Rooney, the brother of Steelers owner Art Rooney. Butler then joined Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent rookie.

He retired early because of an injury, but his 52 interceptions in nine seasons were second most in NFL history at the time. He still ranks second in the Steelers history in total interceptions.

When he retired from playing, Butler became an NFL scout. He was the director of BLESTO for over 40 years until he retired at 80 years old in 2007. Butler has helped start the career of innumerable scouts, player personnel directors, and general managers in the NFL.

Butler was one of the hardest hitting cornerbacks to have ever played the game. Yet, he also had shut down ability, which is shown with his 52 thefts. Personally, I think his contributions off the field make him worthy two different ways.

But, sticking to just his play on the gridiron, there is no question that is is truly a disgrace that Jack Butler has not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame already. He goes into Canton if I voted. NO question.







Tim Brown
Wide Receiver
Oakland Raiders
17 Seasons
9 Pro Bowls
1,094 Receptions
105 Touchdowns



Brown certainly is a product of the rule changes that allows receivers to roam untouched after five yards, but he was more than just a pass catcher. Brown also made an impressive mark on special teams

My issue with his being inducted is the fact he was never selected First Team All-Pro and led the league in receiving just once. Brown did lead the NFL in punt and kickoff return yards.

But is that worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? I say no and chalk him up as a good and reliable player who lasted a long time.








Cris Carter
Wide Receiver
Minnesota Vikings
16 Seasons
8 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro Teams
1,101 Receptions
130 Touchdowns



Carter, like Brown, go to enjoy rules friendly to the offense in an obscene fashion. He had a gift, however, of making catches in the end zone.

That gift had him once released by the Philadelphia Eagles, where head coach Buddy Ryan the reason was that all Carter did for the Eagles was "catch touchdown passes". The truth was that Carter was abusing drugs and the wide receiver credits his being cut as the wake up call that saved his life.

The Minnesota Vikings claimed him off the waiver wire right away, where he eventually started and would hold that spot the remainder of his Vikings career. One of Carter's strengths was his conditioning and durability. Though he missed four games because if injury in one season, he played every other game possible for Minnesota.

He led the NFL in receptions once and in touchdown catches three times. Seven different quarterbacks were the primary starter in his 12 seasons with the team. Despite all the lunacy and confusion, Carter was a beacon of steady leadership and consistent production.

Carter accumulated double figures in touchdown receptions in five of his Pro Bowl years. What also made his production even more special is the fact he had to share receptions with future Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss, Pro Bowl wide receivers Jake Reed and Anthony Carter, and Pro Bowl tight end Steve Jordan.

Carter has been a finalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame three times so far. He ranks third in NFL history in career receptions, fourth in career touchdowns catches and eighth in career receiving yards and total touchdowns.

Then there are the old school fans who point to the obvious fact Carter never dealt with the ten-yard chuck rule, which makes it much harder to excel as a receiver, as opposed to the offensive-friendly rules he participated in. Rules that greatly inflate statistics and can help make a player look better than players who did not benefit from the rule changes. This fact has made modern statistics dwarf the numbers from the ten-yard chuck era.

Men like Mac Speedie, Lionel Taylor, Charlie Hennigan, Harold Carmichael, Drew Pearson, Gino Cappelletti, Sonny Randle, Cliff Branch, Harold Jackson, Pete Retzlaff, and LaVern Dilweg are just a few great receivers on par with Carter, Brown, and Andre Reed also awaiting their inductions. Men who dealt with a much rougher game, let alone the ten-yard chuck.

Carter has a feel-good story attached to his career, one that has now extended to where he provides analysis on television. With his career on the ropes because of drugs, he rebounded and became a leader and won the Bart Starr Man of the Year Award, the Bryan "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Besides the 17 NFL records he either owns or shares, he is a member of the NFL's 1990s All-Decade Team. He is one of the 50 Greatest Minnesota Vikings as well as being a member of their 40th Anniversary Team.

The Vikings have retired his jersey and have had a huge amount of great receivers to play for them. Cris Carter may be the best ever for this franchise and certainly deserves to move on to being a finalist once again.






Don Coryell
Saint Louis Cardinals
San Diego Chargers
14 Seasons
111 Wins
First Coach With 100 Wins In Pro And College Football
Only Coach To Lead NFL In Passing 6 Straight Years
5 Division Titles



The biggest no-brainer of the semi-finalists. It is disgusting he hasn't been inducted already, and even more revolting he passed away last year and will never get to enjoy his deserved respect from a game that still leans heavily on his genius to this very day. Crazy Canton Cuts profiled Coryell in 2009.

Coryell played college football at the before getting into coaching. He succeeded George Allen, who later became a Pro Football Hall Of Fame coach.

He also showed his innate ability to develop players, especially on offense. He had 54 players go to the NFL from his college teams, including five players drafted in the first round. Nine of his players were First Team All-Americans. In 1967, he had eight players drafted, and five went in the first two rounds.

The Coryell coaching tree from his collegiate era is very impressive as well.

Joe Gibbs was a player on Coryell's team at first and won the team's Most Inspirational Player Award once. Gibbs later became a graduate assistant, then assistant coach at San Diego State.

He also was an assistant under Coryell with both the Cardinals and Chargers before becoming head coach of the Washington Redskins. Gibbs is a member of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Another Pro Football Hall Of Fame coach who coached under Coryell at San Diego State was John Madden. Madden would join the Oakland Raiders and then become the youngest head coach of the league the next season at 32 years old.

Legendary men like Jim Hanifan, Ernie Zampese, and Rod Dowhower also coached under Coryell at San Diego State. Coryell's 104 victories and .840 winning percentage are the best in Aztec history, and he is a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame.

He then moved to the NFL to lead the Saint Louis Cardinals. His 42 wins are the most by any coach in the Cardinals franchise's history, and his five years as head coach with the team is the second longest tenure ever.

The San Diego Chargers would later hire Coryell. This was when "Air Coryell" was born as a common term, even though Coryell's years in Saint Louis also featured high-powered offenses running under much of the same schemes also used in San Diego.

When Coryell retired from the NFL with 111 wins in 195 games overall, he is the first head coach with 100 victories in both professional and collegiate football.

To try and sum up this man's career or impact on football is nearly impossible. Virtually every offense today, on all levels of the game, is a variation of his system. In his 14 seasons as a coach, his offenses led the NFL in net yards gained per passing attempt five times. They finished in the top-five of the NFL six more times.

His teams led the NFL in passing yards seven times and none of his teams finished lower than seventh. They led the NFL in passing touchdowns three times and finished in the top ten nine other times.

Many Hall Of Fame players and Pro Bowlers were coached by Coryell in the NFL. The list of players inducted into Canton includes Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Charlie Joiner, Dan Dierdorf, Jackie Smith, Fred Dean and Roger Wehrli.

Coryell changed the way football was played. It is still being played the way Coryell invented to this very day. The now all-to-common sight on multiple receiver sets was first started by Coryell, as are many versions of offenses being run these days.

They are all spawns of his genius.

Winslow stated it best when he said, "For Don Coryell to not be in the Hall of Fame is a lack of knowledge of the voters. That's the nicest way that I can put that. A lack of understanding of the legacy of the game."

An ignorance that has wrongly kept Don Coryell from taking his rightful place.








Roger Craig
Running Back
San Francisco 49ers
11 Seasons
4 Pro Bowls
1 First Team All-Pro Team
8,189 Rushing Yards
566 Receptions
83 Touchdowns



A lot will point to Floyd Little as reason why Craig belongs in Canton. Like Little, Craig had a couple of great seasons and a couple of good ones. Unlike Little, he did not play on lousy teams nor did he save a city from losing their football team.

Many will point to his three Super Bowl rings, which could get him in but my opinion is that a championship is a team accomplishment. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is an individual accomplishment.

A versatile back, Craig also had the luxury of being surrounded by a ton of talent that included two Hall of Fame quarterbacks and a Hall of Fame wide receiver. He certainly was a reason the 49ers won three titles, but he was part of an offensive onslaught opponents could not stop.

I consider him a guy on the cusp, but equal to many other deserving running backs like Larry Brown, Spec Sanders and more. It wouldn't bother me to see him a finalist, but I do not consider him more worthy of induction than many other players.








Terrell Davis
Running Back
Denver Broncos
Seven Seasons
3 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams
7,607 Rushing Yards
65 Touchdowns



Davis had four consecutive years of over 1,000 yards rushing before a knee injury basically ended his career. Two seasons were monstrous, where Davis led the league in rushing scores. He led the NFL with 2,008 rushing yards once as well.

Gale Sayers is an argument for Davis in a way. Sayers had a career also cut short by an injury, but he still got into Canton. Unlike Davis, Sayers was a terror as a punt and kickoff return specialist as well.

Davis was like a comet that burned brightly and flamed out fast. It shouldn't be enough to get him into Canton.








Dermontti Dawson
Center
Pittsburgh Steelers
13 Seasons
7 Pro Bowls
6 First Team All-Pro Teams



Dawson first started out as a guard before switching the center and became one of the very best in the business. He has been a semi-finalist three times and and finalist twice. It is time he gets inducted.








Eddie Debartolo Jr.
Owner
San Francisco 49ers
23 Seasons



Ummm....No! Really? This guy is a semi-finalist with a ton of worthy players not? I hope he never reaches these heights again.











Chris Doleman
Defensive End
Minnesota Vikings
15 Seasons
8 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams
150.5 Quarterback Sacks
8 Interceptions
2 Touchdowns
2 Safeties



Defensive end is a position stacked with worthy candidates who are not amongst the current semi-finalists. Men like Claude Humphrey, Jim Marshall, Coy Bacon, L.C. Greenwood and many others head a list of men at this position worthy of induction.

Doleman's numbers do not lie. He was a play-making machine. But he was more than a pass rush specialist at defensive end, which is shown by the fact he exceeded 100 tackles twice in his career. Doleman did get more than 10 sacks eight season and led the league once.

There is no doubt Doleman is worthy of induction, and it would be a shame if he had to wait as long as other past greats like Humphrey or Bacon. Yet I can't say he deserves to go into ahead of them too.









Kevin Greene
Linebacker
Los Angeles Rams
15 Seasons
5 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro Teams
160 Quarterback Sacks
5 Interceptions
26 Fumbles Recovered
3 Safeties



A hired gun as a pass rush specialist, Greene played for five different teams in his career. While getting to a quarterback was his main focus, he did get 87 tackles one year. He had 10 or more sacks in 10 different seasons.

Greene was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year once and led the league in sacks twice. He is a lot like Charles Haley in that he did just one thing really well, but the fiery player was versatile enough to create turnovers defending the pass on occasion.

He is worthy of being a finalist, but there are a ton of other outside linebackers I'd put into Canton ahead of him.









Charles Haley
Linebacker
San Francisco 49ers
13 Seasons
5 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro Teams
100.5 Quarterback Sacks



The only reason Haley has been a semi-finalist three times and finalist once before is because he played on five teams that won Super Bowls. Strictly a pass rush specialist, he never had more than 69 tackles in a season.

Honestly, Charles Haley does not belong in Canton. He never led the league in any category, though he did have the good fortune to play on good teams and was able to line up at defensive end as well. There are way too many candidates more richly deserving of induction over him.









Cortez Kennedy
Defensive Tackle
Seattle Seahawks
11 Seasons
8 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams
58 Sacks
3 Interceptions



Kennedy is a bit of a conundrum for me, as far as being worthy of Canton. He was a playmaker who sacked the quarterback pretty often for a defensive tackle. He did enjoy three excellent seasons where he piled up 242 tackles over that time.

Yet he recovered a measly six fumbles in his career and he had four mediocre season. I can't say he is worthy, just because there are many defensive tackles, like Curly Culp, I consider superior. Yet it wouldn't be that frustrating if he went in either.









Curtis Martin
Running Back
New York Jets
11 Seasons
5 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro
14,101 Rushing Yards
484 Receptions
100 Touchdowns



One of the more underrated running backs of his era, Martin rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the first 10 seasons of his career. Reliable and durable, he led the NFL in carries and rushing yards in his tenth season.

Martin was much more than a guy who carried the ball. He was an effective receiver and fumbled just 29 times in his career. He is easily the most worthy running back amongst the semi-finalists and surely gets my vote.










Clay Matthews
Linebacker
Cleveland Browns
19 Seasons
4 Pro Bowls
69.5 Sacks
16 Interceptions
14 Fumbles Recovered
2 Touchdowns



The Matthews family may be the most famous in the NFL. Bruce is already in Canton, something Clay Jr. hopes to do as well.

His longevity is a big reason he got this far, and he was still a very effective player at the end of the career. Matthews Jr. was an excellent player, I just can name a great deal many more outside linebackers I would put in first.








Karl Mecklenburg
Linebacker
Denver Broncos
12 Seasons
6 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams
79 Quarterback Sacks
2 Touchdowns Scored
1 Safety



After starting out as a pass rushing specialist, Mecklenburg moved to inside linebacker and became a star. He once 13 sacks despite just nine starts.

An effective tackling machine, he had eight years of 97 tackles or more. He was a leader by example, and is one of the greatest Broncos defenders ever.

Yet I consider Randy Gradishar, who is still awaiting induction into Canton, the greatest Broncos linebacker ever. Mecklenburg was a very good player, but I would not vote him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.









Bill Parcells
Coach/ General Manager
31 Seasons
172 wins
2 Super Bowl Wins



Parcells is here because he coached the New York Giants, a team flooded with media attention. While a good coach who has 42 more victories than defeats, he also had some limited successes with the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots.

Known as the "Big Tuna", he was named NFL Coach of the Year three different seasons and is a member of the NFL's 1990s All-Decade Team. He then went on to become a general manager and had mixed results.

Does Parcells belong in ahead of such legendary coaches like Buddy Parker, Chuck Knox, Tom Flores, Dick Vermeil and others? He doesn't belong in ahead of Don Coryell, but the New York City factor might push him in. I think he fairly worthy, but I think that of a few others as well.










Andre Reed
Wide Receiver
Buffalo Bills
16 Seasons
7 Pro Bowls
951 Receptions
88 Touchdowns Scored



Reed was a precise route runner who was more good than great. He never led the league in any category and exceeded 1,000 yards receiving just four times despite playing in a era that caters to offensive production.

What gets him this far is the fact he played on four teams that reached the Super Bowl. He had a Hall of Fame quarterback and running back helping him as well. I classify Reed as a very good player, but I'd put a ton of wide receivers into Canton ahead of him.










Willie Roaf
Offensive Tackle
New Orleans Saints
13 Seasons
11 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams



Roaf deserves induction this year. Plain and simple. I think there are a ton of blockers who belong, but the position is usually overlooked.

Even though he missed 17 games because of injuries, Roaf started in every one of the 189 games he played in his career. A cerebral player with immense strength and incredible dexterity, the nimble tackle was rarely beat whether run blocking or protecting the blind side of the quarterback.










Donnie Shell
Safety
Pittsburgh Steelers
14 Seasons
5 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams
51 Interceptions
19 Fumbles Recovered
4 Touchdowns



Shell is the fourth Steeler on this list. A key member of the famous "Steel Curtain" defense, he is a lot like L.C. Greenwood in that he has been overlooked because that defensive unit already has three members in Canton. Yet there should be three more, even if the voters appear to have a quota per team

The 70 turnovers and four scores in his career may show that Shell was incredible, but he was mainly known for his bone-jarring tackles. There were few safeties more feared in his era.

While I feel Johnny Robinson may be the most deserving strong safety not yet in Canton, I'd put Shell in as well.










Will Shields
Guard
Kansas City Chiefs
14 Seasons
12 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro Teams



Shields better go in immediately. He missed one start, but played in all 224 games in his career. He was always one guards in the AFC annually. He deserves induction now, but I have been saying this about Chiefs legends Jim Tyrer, Johnny Robinson and Ed Budde for years and years as well.









Dick Stanfel
Guard
Detroit Lions
7 Seasons
5 Pro Bowls
5 First Team All-Pro Teams



Stanfel lasted only seven years, but he was amazing in his time. His rookie year was the only season he did not earn an accolade. After four seasons with the Lions, he joined the Washington Redskins and suddenly retired at just 31 years old.

He played in an era where the pay scale was so minimal, players usually made more money working other jobs. Stanfel left the game so he could feed his family at a higher-paying job. There were just three starting offensive lineman in the NFL older than Stanfel when he left the game.

Yet many historians agree there were few guards better. Despite his limited years, Stanfel is a member of the 1950s All-Decade Team. I'd put him in Canton, so hopefully he gets to the list of finalists.








Paul Tagliabue
Commissioner
17 Seasons



No way does this basketballer belong. He helmed the the ruination of the NFL by gearing the rules of the game to carry the offenses while building a false pedestal for the quarterback. His toad, Roger Goodell, continues to carry that message today.







Steve Tasker
Special Teams
Buffalo Bills
14 Seasons
7 Pro Bowls



Tasker was an overachiever who became a terror on special teams as a gunner. But no way does anyone belong in Canton via the special teams ahead of Ray Guy.











Aeneas Williams
Cornerback
Arizona Cardinals
14 Seasons
8 Pro Bowls
3 First Team All-Pro Teams
55 Interceptions
23 Fumble Recoveries
12 Touchdowns Scored



Williams is one of many cornerbacks who belong in Canton, joining greats like Lemar Parrish, Pat Fischer, Louis Wright and more, but he may beat them in the race for induction. Like them, he was a premier defender.

One fact easily seen is that Williams made opponents pay when they tried to move the ball in his direction. I believe he is worthy of immediate induction, but I been saying that about Parrish and others for years.








Ron Wolf
General Manager
Green Bay Packers
24 Seasons



Wolf had a career that even traveled into the Canadian Football League. He orchestrated a deal with the NFL so Joe Kapp could leave the CFL and quarterback his Minnesota Vikings team. Not only did he build them into a powerhouse where the defense was named the "Purple People Eaters", he helped the Oakland Raiders build into dominant franchise as well.

He joined the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and suffered through a 0-25 record until the team got to the NFC Championship Game. Wolf later went to the Green Bay Packers and acquired the services of Brett Favre in a trade that would later result in a Super Bowl win for the team.

Wolf belongs in Canton, but I believe coaches, owners, contributors and executives should be in a separate category so they do not steal a slot from players.








George Young
Executive
New York Giants
33 Years



An employee of the Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and NFL, Young was named Executive of the Year five different times. His teams won three Super Bowls and one NFL Championship.


Young belongs in Canton, but coaches, owners, contributors and executives should be in a separate category so they do not steal induction slots from players.

NFL 2011 Mid-Season Awards

Making predictions of an upcoming NFL season is basically akin to swinging a stick at a pinata blindfolded, yet without knowing if such a target truly exists. The reason of an educated guess can be leaned upon, yet there is no real science because too many unknown factors lurk in shadows set aside annually by the enemies of success.

Even with a 2011 season hurriedly smashed together after a players strike that killed much of the preseason, the league has gone on collecting the offerings of fans as this circus barks town to town. The actual play on the field may have degenerated some, but much of this stems from rules that were set out without much clear thought instilled.

As the NFL hits the midpoint of the 2011 season, there are already reasons to rejoice about the game. Some surprises have been peppered in with the unexpected and relied upon. As the pretend awards are passed out, on their way to the real ones in a few months, we look back at preseason predictions and compare them with the reality of here and now.



MVP : Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers


I picked Rodgers to win this award a few months ago, and he has played as expected. His team, which relies on him heavily, is undefeated and showing they could be better than the Packers squad that won it all last year. I still think he walks away with the NFL MVP Award when he season ends, and Rodgers has done nothing to show why he won't yet.

Matt Forte, Frank Gore, Drew Brees, and Eli Manning are worth noting for their efforts so far.






Offensive Player of the Year : Fred Jackson, Halfback, Buffalo Bills


My preseason selection, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, has done nothing but show why I selected him. Yet Jackson is the biggest reason the Bills are in first place in the AFC East. He leads the NFL in rushing yards and is just 47 yards away from leading the league in total yards from scrimmage.

Jackson already had the respect of the league for his versatility, and it appears he is headed to his first Pro Bowl season. If he holds up this year, since the Bills rely on him so heavily, Buffalo could make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Rice, Forte, LeSean McCoy, Wes Welker, Calvin Johnson, and Steve Smith are all certainly capable of winning this award when the season ends.










Defensive Player of the Year : Jared Allen, Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings


The player I picked to win this award, Ndamukong Suh, has been average for most of this season. Allen has been awesome all season. He is tied with the most fumbles forced, fumbles recovered, and passes defended amongst all defensive linemen.

He leads everyone with 12.5 sacks and is fourth in tackles amongst defensive linemen. Allen has also found time to intercept a pass. While the Vikings have struggled this season, it could be a lot worse if Allen wasn't having the season he currently is. Minnesota has been mostly competitive because he keeps caving in offensive lines off the edge.

Nick Barnett, Kameron Chancellor, Darrelle Revis, Charles Woodson, and Jason Pierre-Paul are just a few players who could be considered for this award.







Offensive Rookie of the Year : Cameron Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers


My selection, Daniel Thomas, has struggled with his health all year and is fourth amongst all rookies in rushing yards. Newton is third so far.

But it isn't just his legs that makes him special. Despite being the first draft selection of 2011, pundits expected him to struggle from the spread offense, that he played in college, to the pro style offense. Newton has had a few rookie struggles, but he has mostly stood out for his struggling Panthers.

He has performed so well that Carolina hardly runs the football this year despite giving halfback DeAngelo Williams just 75 carries so far after making him one of the highest paid halfbacks in the game before the season started.

Newton has already set team records, by throwing for 432 yards in one game and 854 yards in two consecutive games. His 422 yards passing in his debut is the most in NFL history, and the 854 yards thrown in his first two games is also a NFL record.

Not only is Newton the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first career start, as well as the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first two career starts, he is just the sixth quarterback ever to throw for over 400 yards in consecutive games.

He is the only player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in his first five games, and he is one rushing touchdown away from having for most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback.

Andy Dalton, who is having an excellent season so far as the starting quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, is the only rookie in the discussion with Newton. Dalton has done well, but the surprising Bengals sit on top of the AFC North right now because of their defense.

Newton's team is not winning much yet, but the future appears bright for this 6'5" 248 lbs monster who already has the respect of opponents. He has a better quarterback rating than Dalton, as well as over 900 more passing yards. He is already the leader of a rebuilding Panthers franchise, and one day could be the best quarterback in the league.







Defensive Rookie of the Year : Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals


My pick, J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, is playing very well and is certainly in the running. So are players like Mason Foster, Ryan Kerrigan, Von Miller, Akeem Ayers, Marcell Dareus, Phil Taylor, and Brooks Reed.

Peterson leads all NFL rookies in solo tackles, interceptions, passes defended, and is third in total tackles. But what separates him is the work he does on special teams. He is already the best punt returner in the league.

He leads in the NFL with three touchdowns off of punt returns, punt return yards, and a whopping 21.8 average off of 19 returns. Peterson is already within reach of several NFL records.

His three touchdowns is tied with Devin Hester as the second most by a rookie in NFL history and one away from the record Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen set in 1951. He is just 242 yards away from the record Louis Lipps set in 1984 for the most punt return yards ever by a rookie. He is also within reach of the 23 yards per return average Herb Rich set on 12 returns in 1950.

His 99-yard punt return is the second longest ever in NFL history. It happened in overtime against the Saint Louis Rams, and was the first overtime by a rookie off a punt return since Tamarick Vanover did it in 1995.

If Peterson keeps up even half of this pace, as many suspect he will, there should be an easy task for the voters on who is the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year.








Comeback Player of the Year : Ben Tate, Houston Texans


I picked Tate and he is already fulfilling expectations. He already has 623 rushing yards despite being basically a reserve with limited touches. He is averaging a very impressive 5.7 yards per carry as well.

This award generally goes to players who, like Tate, are coming back from a previous year ruined by injuries. It also can go to an improved player who had previously struggled. Men like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Alex Green are in the running based on those facts.

Arian Foster is the star of the Texans. Not only is he the 2010 rushing yards leader, he leads the team in rushing yards , attempts, and touchdowns this season. Yet he has a lead of just 33 yards over Tate despite 45 more attempts and having started every game but two for Houston in 2011.

It will be curious to see how much longer the Texans keep this duo in tact beyond 2011. Tate has just one start this year, a number he undoubtedly would like to change down the road. Houston has the most rushing attempts and second most running yards by a team so far this year, which is a big reason the Texans sit on top of the AFC South right now.

Tate seems a cinch to join Foster as a pair off 1,000-yard rushers for the Texans this year. He has shown no residual effects from the broken leg he suffered during a 2010 exhibition game either. He has given no reason why he shouldn't win the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year Award.






Coach of the Year : Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers


There really is no doubt who is leading here. Harbaugh is leading one if the NFC's better teams with a good defense and rushing attack. Yet Harbaugh also has had a tremendous positive influence on quarterback Alex Smith, who has performed well despite having his top two wide receivers struggling to stay healthy this year.

My selection, Steve Spagnuolo, has seen his team play poorly. The Niners are already running away with the NFC West title, and their rookie head coach is a huge reason why. If Harbaugh keeps it going, he may pass his younger brother John in accolades. He and John Harbaugh, a successful head coach with the Baltimore Ravens, are the first pair of brothers to be NFL head coaches.







Yoooooooooo! Dis iz 7thStoneFromTheSun, 3rd's cuzin, once again! Yo? I did crappy las weak, going 8-6. I iz now 80-50 overall, so lets get dis partee started. Capeesh?



New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Game of the Week

Da winner gets two sit alone on top of da NFC South, even if Atlanta has played one less game so far. Both teems have average defenses, but da explosive Saints offense has looked better than the more balanced Falsons offense so far.

Matt Ryan has been inconsistent with Atlanta all yeer, but da defense has looked better in each of da las three weaks. Drew Brees has been mostly awesone for New Orleans all seasun, but da inconsistent Saints defense can get exposed by a good running teem.

If Michael "Burner" Turner gets off, Atlanta wins. If not, look for Brees to make da difference.

Atlanta 30 Saints 28










Tennessee Titans @ Carolina Panthers

I really iz flippin a coin on hear. Cam Newton mite prove me wrong.

Titans 27 Panthers 24










Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

OK, da Bungles have had a nice ride against da lesser teems. Now reality sets on.

Steelers 24 Bengals 20










Saint Louis Rams @ Cleveland Browns

YO! I rather have a labotomy den watch dis crap.

Rams 28 Browns 20










Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys

I tink da Bills fun ride is over. I don't tink much of da Cowboys, but I can sea dem winning hear.

Cowboys 27 Bills 24










Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

How many times in da Jags history have dey gone into Indianapolis expecting two win?

Jaguars 23 Colts 21











Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

Tim Teblow ran a win las weak, but da Chiefs will not allow dis.

Chiefs 31 Broncos 16









Washington Redskins @ Miami Dolphins

If da Skins lose hear, pack it up until 2012. John Beck gets his first win ever, at the expense of his former team.

Redskins 20 Dolphins 17










Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Kolb prolly won't play hear two get back at da Eagles for trading him. But Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will.

Eagles 31 Cardinals 20











Houston Texans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Houston kneads dis, and da Bucs are wildly inconsistent. Dat Houston runbning game pulls it out.

Texans 28 Buccaneers 17











Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks

Da Ravens tend two play down too competition and dey are goin to have a let down after a big win las weak. I tink it will be a close one hear.

Ravens 27 Seahawks 24












Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

Da Bears are cummin off a big win las Monday, but da Lions know how two play dere division rivals.Det beet Chicago by 11 just over a month ago and sweep dis series to try to stay within reach of da Packers.

Lions 26 Bears 24









New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

I see a old school battle hear, where defense rules most of da game. I like da Niners defense much more den da Jints, but I tink Eli Manning is just a bit better den Alex Smith.

Giants 17 49ers 16








New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Dese are too flaewed teems dat we all expected more from. Flip a coin hear, da winner gets to sit on top of da AFC East. I'm going with the better defense.

Jets 23 Patriots 21









Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Da Pack just has two loose once. Right? Dis iz a game they very well could, but I tink dey isn't reddy yet.

Packers 34 Vikings 23






Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Detroit Lions
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New York Giants
7. Houston Texans
8. New York Jets
9. New Orleans Saints
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Chicago Bears
12. Cinncinatti Bengals
13. New England Patriots
14. Buffalo Bills
15. Philadephia Eagles
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Tennessee Titans
18. Kansas City Chiefs
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20. San Diego Chargers
21. Seattle Seahawks
22. Oakland Raiders
23. Carolina Panthers
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. Minnesota Vikings
26. Washington Redskins
27. Arizona Cardinals
28. Saint Louis Rams
29. Denver Broncos
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Miami Dolphins
32. Indianapolis Colts


OK, dat iz dat. Now iz da time two go find a few honeys too hang out with, because yous knows dat I iz all about da honey. As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

NFL 2011 Free Agent Signing Review Of Every Team

Now that the majority of signings have been done in the 2011 NFL free agent pool, let us review what has transpired.



Arizona Cardinals


Arizona was busy during the offseason by shedding former players and adding new ones. Kevin Kolb is now the starting quarterback, and many critics think he has a lot of potential to be very good.

Todd Heap is a savvy tight end who is Pro Bowl worthy when healthy. Chansi Stuckey is a veteran receiver who has a chance to add depth to an already quality receivers corp.

Vonnie Holliday and Nick Eason are veteran defensive linemen who add depth. Floyd Womack and Daryn Colledge are a pair of veteran guards who could start this year.

Jeff King is a blocking tight end who was an solid signing. Stewart Bradley was an up and coming middle linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles until injuries derailed his progress. If healthy, he could be a solid signing.

Richard Marshall is being counted on to replace Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at cornerback. Rodgers-Cromartie was traded for Kolb.

If Kolb steps in right away firing bullets, Arizona's offense could be as potent as it was under Kurt Warner a few years ago. They upgraded themselves in several areas, so do not be shocked if the Cardinals win the NFC West this year.





Atlanta Falcons


Ray Edwards was brought in to give the Falcons a pair of good pass rushing defensive ends. Ken Parrish appears to be the favorite to win the punting job so far.

It is obvious Atlanta likes their team. It has a good mix of veterans and youngsters who appear primed to duplicate their 2010 successes at the least. They kept the offensive line largely in tact by signing two of the three starters that were free agents.

With the NFC South now stronger than it has been in years. Atlanta will have to stay remarkably healthy to repeat as the champions of their division. The depth is good, making this a possible scenario.






Baltimore Ravens


Ozzie Newsome is one of the best general managers in the NFL, so it is hard to question why the team remained pretty inactive during the free agent frenzy. They lost a ton of players, including many starters, but they decided to stand pat with what they have.

James Hardy is a wide receiver trying to get his career finally going after a few miserable years in Buffalo. Hunter Cantwell is untested, but now the main backup to Joe Flacco at quarterback.

The Ravens are trying to rebuild an aging team while maintaining a squad that can compete in the AFC North. They have a few future Hall of Famers on defense to teach the youngsters, so it may be business as usual for the Ravens when it comes to winning often.







Buffalo Bills


Tyler Thigpen was brought in to be a backup quarterback. Brad Smith is a former college quarterback who can play running back or wide receiver.

Nick Barnett is expected to start at middle linebacker. Lionel Dotson will try to add depth at the defensive line. Drayton Florence re-signed and should be back starting at cornerback.

Buffalo is young, but they did lose their starting strong safety and middle linebacker to free agency. While they will try to continue being a balanced team on offense, they lost a lot of tackles this offseason and the defense will now play under a magnifying glass.








Carolina Panthers


Derek Anderson will be the veteran backup quarterback behind Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen. Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olson are a pair of veteran tight ends who aren't great blockers, but are Pro Bowl caliber receivers.

Legedu Naanee has a good shot at starting at wide receiver. Omar Gaither adds depth at linebacker and Ron Edwards does the same at defensive tackle.

Sean Considine and Kevin Payne are veteran defensive backs trying to add depth. Kendric Burney was surprisingly undrafted, but the rookie cornerback could be a sleeper player worth watching. Ben Hartsock will try to be the blocking tight end the Panthers need.

With a new era with Newton as the top pick, along with a new coaching staff, the Panthers are surrounding their prized rookie with veterans who can help him progress. Since getting a wide receiver to compliment Steve Smith has often been an issue, Olsen and Shockey both might get a lot of balls thrown their way in 2011.





Chicago Bears


Chris Spencer will be the first Bears starting center since 1998 not named Olin Kruetz. Amobi Okoye will try to add depth at defensive tackle,while Vernon Gholston tries to shed his label of being a draft bust.

Marion Barber, Roy Williams, and Sam Hurd are all former Dallas Cowboys players. Chicago hopes Barber has enough tread left on his tires to be an effective reserve halfback. Williams and Hurd will try to upgrade the wide receivers unit.

Adam Podlesh is a strong-legged punter, while Matt Spaeth is a blocking tight end hoping to add depth in jumbo packages.

The Bears were a win away from a Super Bowl last year, so they didn't add a lot to an already solid defense. They hope the ex-Cowboys will play well enough for the team to make another strong run at the Super Bowl.






Cincinnati Bengals


Cedric Benson being re-signed was critical for a team with questions at quarterback. Carson Palmer's reluctance to play with the Bengals has the team wondering what to do next at the position.

Bruce Gradkowsi was recently signed, and the veteran may start as rookie Andy Dalton sits on the bench and develops as the future starting quarterback.

Trading Chad Ochocinco means the team loses a productive receiver and a drama queen who causes headaches and division amongst their players.

Nate Clements is a veteran cornerback who is expected to start. Linebackers Manny Lawson, Brandon Johnson, and Thomas Howard will at least add depth.

Donte Whitner is expected to start at strong safety, while veteran Gibril Wilson hopes to back him up. Max Jean-Gilles might get a starting job at guard.

The Bengals smartly refuse to let a player hold them hostage, yet Carson's little brother Jordan was brought back to try to win the starting quarterback job. If they can get the older Palmer in uniform, the Bengals will be better off in 2011.







Cleveland Browns


John Greco is a backup offensive lineman who might help. Brandon Jackson is a pass receiving halfback who hopes to help. Ramzee Robinson will try to add depth to a secondary that lost one of their starting cornerbacks to free agency.

The Browns are rebuilding through the draft. This youth movement will take time, but positive signs were seen in 2010.







Dallas Cowboys


Abram Elam is the only free agent Dallas has signed so far. He isn't much of a ball hawk, but he does well in run defense. He is a tough-minded player who has had three of his siblings shot to death.

Dallas decided to shed older players while building through the draft this year. It is a patient approach not seen from owner Jerry Jones in years, so it will be interesting to see what the final results are in 2011.






Denver Broncos


Brodrick Bunkley, Ty Warren, Derrick Harvey, and Jeremy Jarmon are all defensive linemen who were brought in to shore up a suspect run defense. Bunkley and Warren are expected to start.

Dante Rosario and Daniel Fells are good blocking tight ends who have some pass receiving ability. Rosario played last year under new Broncos head coach John Fox.

Willis McGahee is a veteran halfback expected to provide a key reserve role. David Anderson is a sure handed wide receiver who hopes to help.

Denver is under new management and there are many more changes expected. From the quarterback position especially. It might take some time for Fox to right this ship, but the talent is there.









Detroit Lions


Stephen Tulloch is a tackling machine who will help at linebacker. If Justin Durant can stay healthy and play to his abilities, the Lions will be very happy.

Eric Wright has a ton of ability at cornerback, but his 2010 season was bereft by injury. A fresh start was needed, so Detroit hopes he reverts back to being a solid player. Eric Coleman is a veteran safety who adds quality depth.

Rashied Davies and Maurice Stovall are veteran wide receivers who hope they can help.

Detroit are a lot of pundits sleeper team in 2011. If quarterback Matt Stafford can finally stay healthy, they could be a dangerous team. The defense was solid mostly last year, as eight of their losses in 2010 were eights points or less.








Green Bay Packers


The Pack has no free agent acquisitions, choosing to rely on their draft picks and players who helped them win Super Bowl XLV last season.

A.J. Hawk, Mason Crosby, James Jones, John Kuhn, Spencer Havner, Charlie Peprah, and Brett Swain were all re-signed by the team.






Houston Texans


Johnathan Joseph, Danieal Manning, and Quintin Demps were brought in to help a defensive secondary that was lousy in 2010. Wade Phillips, now the defensive coordinator, has long been known for making bad defenses excellent.

T.J. Yates is an undrafted free agent rookie quarterback who has the ability to supplant Matt Leinart as the primary reserve. Lawrence Vickers is an excellent blocking fullback, while Brad Maynard is a veteran punter now on just his third team since 1997.

Attacking the secondary was needed, so give the Texans credit for doing so. Joseph is the best player of the three signed, but the entire trio should help this year. The signing of Phillips was huge, because he has long been considered one of the best defensive minds in the NFL.

If the defense responds to Phillips system right away, Houston's explosive offense could get this team finally to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.







Indianapolis Colts


Tommie Harris and Jamaal Anderson are veteran defensive linemen who hope to finally play like many have hoped for. Harris has not been the same since he got injured in 2007, while Anderson has yet to do much in his career.

Ernie Sims has a lot of ability as a linebacker, but he has not always been stout versus the run. Al Afalava is a strong safety with starters experience. Dan Orlovsky and Nate Davis vie to backup Peyton Manning at quarterback.







Jacksonville Jaguars
v

Jacksonville got busy as soon as the players lockout ended. Paul Posluzny was brought in to start at middle linebacker, and the Jags are hoping he can finally stay healthy.

Dawan Landry, Drew Coleman, Courtney Greene, Tyrone Brackenridge, William Middleton, and David Jones are veteran defensive backs who have a good chance of helping the team. The underrated Landry should start at strong safety right away.

Jason Hill is a veteran wide receiver hoping to replace Mike Sims-Walker. Matt Turk is a veteran punter on his ninth team since 1993. Clint Session is a veteran linebacker hoping to add depth. Jason Spitz is a veteran guard who should add quality depth as well.

Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio is a former middle linebacker. He knew the back seven of his defense needed help, so he addressed it head on. Del Rio hopes the unit will be stout enough to allow the Jaguars win the AFC South this year.










Kansas City Chiefs


Steve Breaston is a solid wide receiver and return specialist. Leonard Pope is a tight end who specializes in run blocking. Le'Ron McClain is a versatile fullback who can carry the load if asked.

The Chiefs hit on a few key areas this offseason, which also shows how confident they are in their roster. They fully expect to win the AFC West while they continue to rebuild a young team that has a lot of upside.








Miami Dolphins


Marc Columbo is a offensive tackle who should help. Reggie Bush is a good receiver and punt returner, but not a halfback who can carry the ball more than a few times per game.

Kevin Burnett and Jason Taylor are a pair of veteran linebackers hoping to add depth. Taylor returns to a Dolphins franchise where he was named to six Pro Bowls as a defensive end, as well as the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award and two AFC Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Matt Moore, Kevin O'Connell, and Pat Devlin will try to backup Chad Henne at quarterback.

Miami is now without Bill Parcells calling the shots, so the direction of the team has yet to be seen. It appears rookie halfback Daniel Thomas will now be the cowbell, with Ronnie Brown and possibly Ricky Williams gone.

The defense might have to carry the team this year, especially if Henne plays as poorly as he did in 2010.








Minnesota Vikings


Charlie Johnson should now start at left offensive tackle. Michael Jenkins could start at wide receiver after the Vikings lost Sidney Rice to free agency.

Donovan McNabb is expected to start at quarterback. Despite a terrible 2010 season, McNabb has stated he is years away from thinking of retiring.

If he can play like the five-time Pro Bowler he once was, the Vikings have enough explosive players on the roster to compete for a NFC North title.








New England Patriots


The Pats wisely brought back Pro Bowl offensive linemen Matt Light and Logan Mankins after Stephen Neal retired.

They gambled on defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. Haynesworth is known as the guy who called himself a slave after signing a $100 million contract.

Ochocinco is a blowhard who craves attention. Office pools are being drawn up to bet on how soon he gets on Tom Brady's nerves with his antics.

If the two malignants play to their abilities, the rich in talent Patriots will be even more wealthy. Many pundits had already picked them to win their division before these signing. Signings that possibly get them to a Super Bowl.








New York Giants


Rocky Bernard is expected to add quality depth at defensive tackle, let alone possibly start. Veteran Stacey Andrews was brought back to provide a quality backup for an aging offensive line.

Michael Clayton will try to help a group of young and exciting wide receivers. Ben Patrick is a good receiver who should add depth at tight end.

The team is slowly sprucing off their aging parts while remaining competitive. General manager Jerry Reese is one of the best in the NFL, so the Jints winning ways should continue this year.






New York Jets


Plaxico Burress is a huge gamble. The Jets are hoping he has lost nothing after a two-year stint in jail. If he does, the Jets brass will look like geniuses. If he fails, with many critics questioning his staying in New York, it could be a debacle.

DuJuan Morgan and Ellis Lankster will try to add depth in the secondary. The Jets may not be done signing defensive players after having lost a few to free agency.

The last two years have seen the Jets a game away from reaching the Super Bowl. That is the dream the team obviously feels it can realize by keeping so many players from last seasons roster.








New Orleans Saints


Olin Kruetz is a veteran center who adds depth. George Foster and Alex Barron are offensive tackles a former first-round picks trying to revive their careers. Trumaine McBride and Fabian Washington are veteran cornerbacks who add depth.

Kory Hall should get some starts at fullback. Will Herring adds veteran depth at linebacker. Aubrayo Franklin, Turk McBride and Shaun Rogers are defensive tackles who will try to help the defensive line rotation.

Darren Sproles replaces Reggie Bush as the third-down running back. Sproles also may get plugged in as a return specialist on special teams, an area he has experience in.

The Saints didn't have to add much to their potent offense, but they smartly attacked the weaknesses on defense. Now better prepared to stop the run, New Orleans has high hopes of returning to the Super Bowl.









Oakland Raiders


Kevin Boss was brought in to fill the hole at tight end. Justin Smiley, Stephon Heyer, Seth Wand, and Roy Schuening will try to help the Raiders much maligned offensive line.

Darryl Blacktock, is trying to revive a once promising career, something the Raiders have often had success in doing. Trent Edwards has started in his career, so he adds quality depth at quarterback.

Oakland can run the ball well, and they hope the influx of new blockers will allow them to mash their opponents. Their young receivers need to step up this year to add balance, but their drams of winning the AFC West this year may rest on a defense that lost the best cornerback in football to free agency.







Phladelphia Eagles


Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will team up with Asante Samuel to give the Eagles the best cornerback unit in that franchises long history. Asomugha, the top free agent of 2011, is the jewel signing for the team.


Jason Babin, Anthony Hargrove, Derek Landri, and Cullen Jenkins were all brought in to shore up the run defense, an area that has been a shortcoming of the Eagles for years. If Jenkins can stay healthy, and Babin plays like last year, the Eagles pass rush could create havoc all year.

Johnnie Lee Higgins, who is very good on special teams, and Donald Lee are veterans who will try to make an explosive Philadelphia passing attack a little deadlier. Vince Young is expected to spend this year on the bench watching and learning.

Ronnie Brown is a oft-injured halfback who the Eagles hope can stay healthy enough to handle a few carries as a reserve. Veteran Jarrad Page will try to win the starting job at strong safety.

The Eagles had the best offseason in the NFL, one that could propel the franchise in winning their first title since 1960. Not only did they attack their weaknesses, they made strong areas even better and have good depth as well. Expectations should be high for this team in 2011.









Pittsburgh Steelers


The Steelers have eschewed signing players in the free agent market, preferring to sign their own guys. Lamarr Woodley, fresh off a six-year deal worth $61.5 million , Johnathan Scott, Willie Colon, Ike Taylor, and Shaun Suisham were all brought back.






Saint Louis Rams



Mike Sims-Walker was an excellent signing who should enjoy instantly becoming the top receiver of the Rams. Harvey Diehl is a Pro Bowl guard whose nasty streak now gives Saint Louis one of the best offensive lines in the NFC.

Al Harris and Quintin Mikell are veteran defensive backs who will add depth at the least. Brady Poppinga could find himself starting at outside linebacker this season, while Justin Bannan will add depth at defensive tackle.

Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood will back up Steven Jackson. Both are excellent receivers, but Williams should get more carries because Norwood has had a problem staying healthy.

This team has been growing up fast as they rebuild with excellent drafts. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo added many quality pieces to a team that almost won their division last year and could be a sleeper team in 2011







San Diego Chargers


Laurent Robinson will try to help add depth. Frank Summers is a fullback who is best at blocking and receiving. Takeo Spikes, Travis LeBoy, and Bob Sanders are veterans hoping to help a defense that was very good in 2010.

If Sanders can finally stay healthy and play like he once did, the Chargers have the capability of having one of the best secondaries in football. LeBoy is there to tr to bring a pass rush off the edge the team hasn't consistently had in a few years.

The Bolts did not splurge heavily in the 2011 free agent pool, but that is because they had one of the top offenses and defenses of the NFL last year. They are getting long in the tooth, so now is the time for them to win it all.








San Francisco 49ers



Braylon Edwards needs to show he is a top receiver now, because he has yet to consistently reach his potential. If he does, he could help Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree become a formidable unit. David Akers was an excellent signing and has been a steady kicker most of his career.

Carlos Rogers and Madieu Williams are veterans that could start at cornerback and free safety respectively. Blake Costanzo and Antwan Applewhite are veteran linebackers who add depth and excel on special teams.

Quarterback is still the primary puzzle for the Niners, but new head coach Jim Harbaugh seems to be ready to go with a promising rookie in Colin Kaepernick and 2005 first-round pick Alex Smith. This is despite the fact Smith has done little in his career thus far.









Seattle Seahawks


Kelly Jennings is needed to provide cornerback depth. Zach Miller and John Carlson gives Seattle one of the best tight end duos in the NFL. Veteran kicker Jeff Reed had a rough 2010, but Seattle hopes he reverts to his old form.

Jimmy Wilkerson, Jay Alford, and Alan Branch will add depth to the defensive line rotation. Tavaris Jackson might start at quarterback and have a familiar face to throw to in Sidney Rice. Robert Gallery is a solid guard that helps a Seahawks team that lost a few starters to free agency.

While a young team still, Seattle smartly added many solid veterans to their 2011 roster. They expect to win their division again with these additions.








Tampa Bay Buccaneers


Michael Koenin signed a six-year deal worth $19.5 million, a whopping amount for a average punter. Yet what Koenin does do well is kick the ball off.

He has 106 touchbacks in the last six seasons, which is a tremendous help to any defense. With the kickoff moving back to the 35-yard line, the Bucs expect Koenen to sail a large amount of kickoffs through the opponents endzones.







Tennessee Titans


Matt Hasselbeck might start in 2011 as rookie Jake Locker learns. Daniel Graham is a veteran tight end who is excellent run blocking.

Barrett Ruud was a needed signing to help at middle linebacker. Shaun Smith will try to add depth at defensive line. Frank Walker and Jordan Babineaux are veteran defensive backs who add quality depth.

With a new coaching staff, the Titans are in flux. They are a good running team with an excellent offensive line, but the franchise is on the cusp of rebuilding behind Locker in the years ahead.






Washington Redskins


Redskins fans are undoubtedly happy to have a real general manager after the dismal Vinny Cerrato Era. Bruce Allen is building through the draft, yet adding good pieces to the roster without asking owner Dan Snyder to overpay.

Donte` Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney are veteran receivers the team hopes add depth to a team that plans to throw often. Kellen Clemens is a quarterback with starters experience, but he may spend this year at third string if John Beck plays as head coach Mike Shanahan hopes.

Josh Wilson and Oshiomogho Atogwe are expected to start at cornerback and free safety respectively. Tim Hightower has a very good chance at starting at halfback because he is a solid receiver and excels in the power running game. Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen are being counted on helping Washington shore up a porous run defense.

Allen could still get middle linebacker help, because 2010 starter Rocky McIntosh is still unsigned. Even with Jammal Brown re-signed, the Redskins still might bring in a few blockers to camp.