NFL Legend Buckles to Crime and Punishment

This is the first installment of NFL Lucubrations in 2011, and most likely the only one.


Ain't That A Kick In The Head

Ndamukong Suh is a throw back player stuck in a sad time in the NFL, otherwise known as the Goodell Valley. First he got screwed out of the Heisman Trophy, and award that is supposed to go to the best player but goes to the most popular quarterback, running back or wide receiver, two years ago.

He destroyed NFL offenses in his rookie season in 2010, quickly gaining respect and fear from his opponents. Suh hits hard and often, thus drawing critics who have been brainwashed by Goodell to worship just the offensive side of the football.

Suh isn't producing as much this year, most likely the infamous sophomore jinx being the culprit, but he is still producing at a good rate. He isn't going to match last years tackles and sacks totals, and that will be helped by the fact he is going to serve a two game suspension for stomping an opponent out of frustration on Thanksgiving.

Part of the frustration is the fact that the Detroit Lions defensive line has not met expectations this season. Suh, the 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year, was surrounded by more talent than he had ever played with before. He is spending his second season lined up next to Corey Williams, but the veteran is having maybe the worst season of his eight-year career.

Defensive ends Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril have combined for 13 sacks so far, but they have offered little in run support with just 37 tackles. Linebackers Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch were two veterans signed as free agents before this year, but the duo has only 107 combined tackles. Pat Angerer, of the Indianapolis Colts, and Pro Bowler London Fletcher, of the Washington Redskins, have at least that many tackles by themselves.

Detroit used their first round draft pick this year on defensive tackle Nick Fairley, only to get just six tackles in six games so far. Dreams of this unit being Detroit's second "Fearsome Foursome" have not come about, with Suh and Fairley reminding no one of the great Roger Brown or Alex Karras in the 1960's.

Suh plays with a mean streak, one that recalls historians of "Mean" Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Greene, a member of both the pro and collegiate Hall of Fame's, also was the Defensive Rookie of the Year as a defensive tackle. Suh may not match the streak of 10 consecutive Pro Bowls to start out his career like Greene did, but there are other similarities between the pair.

Like Suh, Greene hated to lose and would often explode if frustrated. During a game against the Cleveland Browns in 1975, Greene repeatedly kicked the opposing center in the groin. "Mean Joe" would also bat the ball away from centers during games where his team was losing.

Not only does he own four Super Bowl rings as a player, he has earned two more as a coach and consultant since retiring. A two-time winner of the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, there are few players in the history of professional football more respected and beloved.

Yet Suh is getting scorn for the same types of actions. Matt Slauson, a guard for the New York Jets, went to reporters to let them know he did not like Suh while the two were teammates at the University of Nebraska. Slauson then tried to say few of his fellow Cornhuskers liked Suh as well, yet not one of those teammates have corroborated these claims.

Some think Slauson's real issue is that he spent most of his time under performing in an injury-riddled collegiate career, which caused him to drop all the way to the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Others believe the cause of his ire was from being thrashed around by Suh continuously in inter-squad scrimmages during practice.

Slauson and others believe Suh's foot stomp of Evan Dietrich-Smith of the Green Bay Packers was not unintentional, which Suh initially claimed it was. The star defensive tackle later apologized for the incident, but still garnered a suspension because he currently is carrying the tag as the dirtiest player in football.

Most of the media, many who never have played football or sports of any kind, claim Suh crossed the line of sportsmanship. While that may hold some truths, the game of football is bereft with emotions that can sometimes be borderline psychotic. As the legendary Jack Tatum, a Pro Bowl safety, once said, " I like to believe my best hits borderline on felonious assault".

That attitude of the game has been castrated by Goodell and rules he has invented like "putting too much weight on the quarterback". It is a game biased in offense and geared to carry the quarterback, one where defenses are now merely temporary obstacles at best.

After the incident on Thanksgiving, reporters were quick to run and get quotes from current and former players. Yet these came from offensive players, men who are basically the enemy of the defense. An outraged is expected from these types.

Playing in an atmosphere as antiseptic as a hospital, the modern defender must watch now only how high, low, or hard he hits a player holding the ball. They must engage an offensive lineman with kid gloves because blockers today are allowed to extend their arms and basically hold on each play, making it extremely difficult for a defender to get near the football.

Suh will have to go the rest of his career carrying the burden of an unjust label that comes from him playing the game with passion. He may have the respect of those who paved the NFL path to get get this game a multi-billion dollar empire, but Suh now has to carry the ire of the current leadership intent on making the game plush and cozy for quarterbacks and other offensive players.

This isn't his first fine, and it may not be his last suspension. If it is, we may soon see a docile Suh playing out the string of his career for a paycheck, something often witnessed in the game today, instead of striving for greatness.

Greatness that has made men like "Mean Joe" Greene and others some of the most recognizable and respected people in all of sports. If Suh wants to attempt to match that type of success, people like Roger Goodell need to get off of his back and let the man play this child's game with all of the zest he can muster. True gridiron legends are made by the man, fans and game, not meddling bores sitting in a posh office on Park Avenue in New York City.





Losing Isn't For Everyone

Cleveland Browns star Josh Cribbs was recently lamenting how he has experienced just 38 victories in the 107 games he has played with the club since joining them in 2005. With a new coach this season, his third with Cleveland, the results have been pretty much the same as they have been his entire NFL career.

The 2007 season was the best the Browns have had in his time there, where they went 10-6. Not only is it the only winning season he has experienced, but Cribbs also made the first of his two Pro Bowls that year after leading the league in all-purpose yards, kickoff return yards, and an average of 30.7 yards per kickoff return.

After setting a NFL record with eight touchdowns via kickoff returns in 2009, his last Pro Bowl year, Cribbs' production on special teams fell off in 2010. He has had a resurgence this year, but he is not satisfied because the new kickoff rules have made opportunities lessen for him.

He doesn't just return kicks or punts, but he is also does a bit of everything on offense. Cribbs was a quarterback in college, so Cleveland has had him rush the ball 121 times and toss 12 passes with them. He is also a productive pass catcher who is used in multiple wide receiver sets. Cribbs has snagged 88 passes so far, but his role has increased in the offense this year and he already has a career high mark in receptions with 29.

Despite the fact he is tired of losing, Cribbs will most likely spend 2012 in Cleveland. His contract will expire after that year, but the market for 30 year old return men may not be as desirable in the free agent market as he may hope.

Yet Cribbs harkens back memories of other legendary Browns return specialists. Men like Eric Metcalf, Greg Pruitt, Dennis Northcutt, Gerald McNeil, Hall of Famers Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Kelly are just a few greats who spent years exciting Browns fans through the years.

Some will say this current Cleveland franchise isn't the same one that ties into the fantastic Browns teams that won eight championships between 1946 and 1964. That team went to Baltimore in 1996 and became the Ravens. This version of the Browns was born in 1999 and has had just two winning seasons since.

This may not be the Browns that sent 16 men to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but the fans of Cleveland's Dawg Pound just want a few more wins. It is refreshing to see a guy like Cribbs, a real leader of the team, say what is obvious.

It is also heartening for Browns fans to know they have players whose desire to win is that immense. Many men have been in Cribbs situation of being with a franchise in an era of losing, but there are also many stories where perseverance was later paid off by championship victories.

It will take some time for team president Mike Holmgren to show results in his attempt to rebuild the team, but Cribbs realizes his window as a productive player shrinks with each contest that passes by. The team is young, but there has been sporadic signs in 2011 that the Browns will improve sooner or later.

Sooner is not soon enough for Cribbs, so Cleveland can expect him to fight until the end. It has been what Cribbs has done since he joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent.





Blame The Coach For My Tears

Many Philadelphia Eagles fans have called for the firing of Andy Reid, the winningest head coach in franchise history, for years despite the fact his teams have won 122 out of 202 games since he was hired in 1999. That rage in helped by the fact the Eagles haven't won a championship since 1960.

Reid even has a winning record in the playoffs, but his teams only reached the Super Bowl once. He smoothly transitioned the squad from the Donovan McNabb Era last year, but the squad has hit a few bumps this season despite spending millions in the free agency market.

When fans saw the Eagles load their roster with Pro Bowlers like Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Cellen Jenkins, Vince Young, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Ronnie Brown, everyone expected the team to be headed for at least a division title in the NFC East. Many saw a Super Bowl ahead, which included yours truly.

But it hasn't worked out that way. Much like many other teams in professional sports history that doled out millions of dollars and got undesirable results, the Eagles have fallen flat on their faces in 2011. Things have fallen so far that Philadelphia was dealt their eighth loss already after getting stomped 31-14 by a young and rebuilding Seattle Seahawks team that has spent this season struggling themselves.

Owner Jeff Lurie is known for his loyalty, so there is hope he won't bow to a few fickle fans who starve for a trophy despite not knowing much about the game. Reid has made a few gambles that ended up being mistakes, like putting Juan Castillo in charge of the defense after the assistant had worked the offensive side of the ball the last 16 years with the team.

Trying to fill the shoes of Jim Johnson has been impossible since the guru died of cancer in 2009. Sean McDermott was fired after replacing Johnson, but he quickly found work with the Carolina Panthers. Yet fans need to realize the defense of 2011 is about the same as last year as far as yards and points allowed.

With the addition of Asomugha, Bryant, Babin, Rodgers-Cromartie, as well as retaining Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, fans expected a huge improvement. The offense is also scoring four points less per game than they did last year, which reflects on Reid.

Quarterback Michael Vick, the man who replaced McNabb, looks like a $100 million mistake. He still remains injury-prone, but he has also regressed from last year when he looked like he finally adjusted to passing in the pocket. Young, who has filled in a few times after Vick went down, has also played erratically in his place.

Brown played so poorly that the Eagles looked to trade him weeks ago. But it isn't just the money Lurie has tossed that has hurt this team. It is the cash he hasn't yet passed out that ultimately became an issue.

DeSean Jackson had made two Pro Bowls in his previous three years with the team. An all-purpose wide receiver, the diminutive Jackson has been a threat catching, running, or returning punts for Philadelphia.

With his output, Jackson wanted a raise in pay. Lurie and his staff seemed more inclined to discuss this after 2011, considering the owner spent a fortune in free agency. Since this moment, Jackson has been a petulant child more inclined to be clubhouse cancer rather than a productive player.

What is confusing about his behavior is the fact Jackson went to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley., a school noted for their scholastic endeavors. All Jackson has done is lower his value with his behavior, so he wont be getting the cash he once sought.

Reid might catch the blame of Jackson's histrionics by some, but the coach has been trying to appease an ego while trying to get his 2011 to learn how to win. It is a juggling act that has not fared well for the team.

Coaches like Jack Del Rio have been fired already, even though that head coach was destined for this result after the owner forced him to cut his starting quarterback to save money. Men like Norv Turner and Tony Sparano should soon follow him to the unemployment line once this season concludes.

But Reid deserves a better fate. Some will say his players laid down on him this year, which should necessitate a change, but the unfamiliarity of a roster loaded with stars might need more time to gel. A squad in need of a real training camp, something the NFL was not afforded this year because of the players lockout.

After all of his productive years of service, Reid deserves one more season. A real season where he is afforded time to instill his philosophies into the newcomers, and possibly get rid of some distractions.

Every head coach is hired to be eventually fired because nothing lasts forever in the NFL other than legacy. Fans of Philly might be tough critics, but what is one more season to a group that hasn't seen a trophy in over 40 years?





Punches Hurt At Any Age

Many know how Canadian Football Hall of Famers Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca brawled a week ago at a luncheon to discuss a cheap shot Mosca put on a teammate of Kapp's during a title game in 1963. Many may not know that the history of these men have NFL ties that still reverberate today.

When Kapp was drafted in the 18th round of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, he basically was forced to the Canadian Football League because the Redskins never even bothered to contact him. Kapp is Hispanic and the Redskins were the last NFL team to integrate in 1962.

He was coaxed to join the Calgary Stampeders by legendary general manager Jim Finks. Two seasons later, he was traded to the B.C. Lions for four players, soon turning the team into a winner.

Leading them to the Grey Cup in 1963, the Lions faced Mosca's Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Mosca, whose nine Grey Cup appearances is a record, was a defensive tackle who was known as the meanest man in the CFL.

Kapp had a teammate named Willie "The Wisp" Fleming, a star halfback who would later be inducted into Canadian Football Hall of Fame himself. Fleming, who still holds the record for the longest play from scrimmage in CFL history, was tearing up the league during this time. Not only is Fleming the first 1,000-yard rusher in Lions history, he averaged 9.7 yards per carry in 1963.

Fleming went out of bounds after a carry, Mosca barreled into the prone player and knocked Fleming out of the contest. The Lions lost that game, but got revenge the following season by defeating Hamilton in the Grey Cup.

Kapp joined the NFL in 1967, thanks to Finks. Several franchises wanted his services, including teams in the American Football League, but Finks worked out a deal where his Minnesota Vikings waived a little-used halfback named Jim Young so that the Lions could sign him. Young would spend the next 13 seasons with the Lions and be named to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Despite spending just three years with the Vikings, Kapp's Vikings made the first playoff appearance in franchise history. He made the Pro Bowl in 1969 and led Minnesota to the last NFL Championship Game ever. After winning that game, the Vikings went on to Super Bowl IV before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL.

He had played that year without a contract, thanks to an option in his contract. Despite having tied a record by tossing seven touchdowns in a single game, the NFL would not allow teams to contact the free agent until late September of 1970.

Kapp signed with the Boston Patriots, which caused the team to give the Vikings a pair of first-round draft picks, and struggled with a team that had just two wins that year. The newly renamed New England Patriots then drafted Heisman trophy winner Jim Plunkett, who also happened to be a quarterback with Hispanic heritage, and turned Kapp away at their facilities when he reported to camp.

After deciding to retire after that encounter, he spent the next decade acting in television and movies. He returned to football in 1982 by becoming the head coach of the University of California, his Alma mater.

Not only is he the last coach to lead Cal to the Rose Bowl, Kapp oversaw his squad make "The Play". This is when the Golden Bears lateraled the ball five times on a kickoff return as the clock expired to defeat rival Stanford University.

After being fired in 1986, Kapp went back to the CFL in 1990 and became the general manager of the Lions. Though he he lasted just 11 games on the job, Kapp was the man who brought star quarterback Doug Flutie to the CFL.

Yet with all of that success, he did not forget what Mosca did to Fleming in 1963. Kapp was close with the halfback and had coaxed Fleming out of retirement in 1968 to try to play with Minnesota. Mosca became a Hall of Fame professional wrestler after he retired from the gridiron.

The popular video of Mosca swinging his cane and Kapp pounding his fists has been seen by many. Some have dubbed it a "geezers brawl" because both men are 74 years old. Yet there is much more respect to be had than humor.

These men played the game for passion, not cash. They had successes beyond that time, but the passion surely still burns in souls not nearly as withered and damaged as their bones. It beckons to the heart as to why a true football fan loves the game, as well as to past participants as to why they played it.

No one is calling for a re-match, but no one wants or expects these gridiron greats to ever lose their love for their teammates, fans, or the game itself. We need more of this passion to touch us all.





Yoooooooo! Dis iz 7thStoneFromTheSun again. OK, I struck out in da afternoon games las weak and only went 7-6. I is now 104-67 overall. I knead two dew better dis time cuz it iz holidaze time.



Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I got dis sneeky feelin da Panthers will win hear, cuz da Bucs just have let down demselves in 2011. Dey mite rebound dis weak,but I tink Cam will get er dun.

Panthers 27 Buccaneers 24










Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

Da Pats are in da middle of a run dat will sea dem win dere final eight games. I tink dat defense gets dem bounced from da playoffs, but a 13-3 record will look good.

Patriots 34 Colts 20









Denver Broncos @ Minnesota Vikings

Da Teblow legend continues, but it is more an indictment of da crappy fundamentals of da NFL today. It is revoltin a NFL defense can't stop an option quarterback who can't throw da ball at all. Da Broncos defense is da reel savior of da teem.

Broncos 17 Vikings 14











Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills

Both teems 2011 playoff hopes iz on life support, but da Bills showed me a little sumfin las weak. I tink dey will build off dat big victory las Sunday.

Bills 28 Titans 24










Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins

Da Raiders iz cummin off a big win las weak,while da Dolphins are just playin four pride. Oakland kneads two seel da deel by winnin games like dis.

Raiders 27 Dolphins 21









Atlanta Falcons @ Houston Texans
Game of the Week

Houston rules dere divishun wif a too game leed, but dey got quarterback issuez and is stuck havin two start a third-string rookie. Dey even went too a retirement community and brought Jake Delhomme back to be da reserve.

Da Texans will knead to rely on dere excellent runnin game and underrated defense two win hear. Lawrence Vickers, an excellent blocking fullback, mite miss da game and put more stress on Arian Foster and Ben Tate two be big.

Atlanta has been incunsistent and mediocre all yeer. But dere run defense is ranked second best in da NFL in yards alloud. Wif a rookie Texans quarterback expectin to see eight or nine defenders in da box Sunday, Atlanta will need to refrain from giving up big plays while controlling the line of scrimmage.

Da Falcons offense has not been as good as expected dis yeer, mainly because quarterback Matt Ryan has played poorly much to often. Halfback Michael Turner, just 52 yards away from 1,000 rushing yards, will need to be big against a Texans defense that is the best in the NFL in yards alloud and happens to bee forth best in rushin yards given up.

Who wins da line of scrimmage will prevail hear. Atlanta is a game behind New Orleans in da NFL South, so dey must stay pace. Dis iz why I iz rollin wif dem hear.

Falcons 23 Texans 14








Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Dese teems faced each other too weaks ago, wif Pittsburgh winning by a touchdown in a very closely contested battle. Even tho da Steelers gained more yards and had one less turnover, Cincinnati took it two dem.

I expect a replay really, but da Bengals are a game behind da Steelers in da AFC North and a loss hear will drop them in the Wild Card playoff quagmire with such average teems like da Jets, Broncos, and Titans.
I tink it goes to da wire.

Steelers 21 Bengals 17










New York Jets @ Washington Redskins

Yeah, Mark Sanchez was a mistake to draft. Yeah, Rex Ryan ran his toe sucker much two much as his teem true frailties was exposed. Yeah, dis average teem only gets press cuz dey iz in New York.

Still, dey are very much in da AFC playoff race and should beet Washington two stay adrift in it. Dese too teems have faced each other just nine times before, and da Jets only win over da Redskins was a 3-0 barn burner in 1993.

Jets 23 Redskins 21









Kansas City Chiefs @ Chicago Bears

A battle of backup quarterbacks who knead a good rushing attack and defense too win. Da Bears.

Bears 24 Chiefs 10










Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

Da Ravens have had a habit of playin down to lesser oppossition in 2011, while da Brownies almost pulled off a big upset over da Bengals las weak. PLUS da Dawg Pound will never forgive Art Modell and will have extra venom four Baltimore.

Ravens 24 Browns 17










Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals

Now dat da Cowboys sit alone on top of da NFC East, dey knead to win deez type of games to stay dere.

Cowboys 27 Cardinals 17









Green Bay Packers @ New York Giants

Remember las weak how I told ya'll da Jints defense would get steamrolled by da Saints? What do yous tink da Pack iz gunna do? Capeesh?

Packers 35 Giants 20











Saint Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

At da beginning of dis seesun, most taught da Rams would be 9-2 and da Niners 2-9 now. Dat iz why dey play da games.

49ers 27 Rams 14










Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints

I was one of dem who had Detroit goin two da playoffs dis yeer, but a loss hear will have dem drop another notch down on da ladder. Da Saints have to get dis two stay ahead of Atlanta in da NFL South.

I expect a high scoring affair, but I tink da Saints just got a few more weapons. If Detroit runs da ball well, dey got a shot.

Saints 38 Lions 31










San Diego Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Da Jags fired dere head coach dis weak, somethin da Chargers should have dun two dere head coach befour dis yeer even began. Why San Diego hasn't canned Norv Turner yet iz a question I have asked since 2009.

Chargers 31 Jaguars 17






Power Rankings

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


Welp,dat iz dat. I knead to get da fuck outta hear two do sum xmas shopping cuz yous alls knows dat dis goomba has a lot of hunnys to spread da mistletoe on in da cummin weeks. As dey say in Ol' Mexico= A.M.F.

NFL Gold Approaches Closer As Prospects Dig For Glory

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

A lot has been made of the past scrums that these teams have butted heads in. From the even amount of points scored to the repeatedly close victories, there is one statistic that looms larger than the rest.

In the five games that quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco have squared off, "Big Ben" has won each time. The most recent came with a broken nose suffered by Roethlisberger in the Steelers 13-10 victory just over a month ago. Baltimore had won the first encounter of 2010 by winning 17-14 with Roethlisberger missing the game while serving a suspension.

Both quarterbacks are similar in that they are large, mobile, and difficult to tackle at times. Roethlisberger may be the most difficult to bring down amongst NFL quarterbacks, thanks to immense strength in his 6'5" 241 frame. Despite missing four games to suspension this year, he has tossed just five interceptions all year. He also has thrown for just 422 yards less on 100 less attempts than Flacco this season.

Flacco has been no slouch himself in 2010. Though the offense for Baltimore hasn't been as explosive as some predicted, he has played mostly mistake-free football and has just ten interceptions. While the offense leans heavily on halfback Ray Rice's 1,220 rushing yards and 63 receptions he provided this year, wide receivers Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, and T.J. Houshmanzadeh, along with tight end Todd Heap, are all capable of taking over a game themselves.

Pittsburgh has the only offensive Pro Bowler amongst the two teams in rookie center Maurkice Pouncey. They have an extremely explosive wide receiver in Mike Wallace, who averaged over 20 yards on 60 receptions while scoring ten times. Halfback Rashard Mendenhall has scored 13 times while churning out 1,257 yards on the ground.

Defense, however, is king in both clubhouses. The Steelers allowed the least amount of rushing yards this year and the Ravens ranked fifth. Pittsburgh had the second rated overall defense in the NFL in 2010 while Baltimore's ranked tenth. Four Raven defenders were named to the Pro Bowl this year, while two Steelers were named also.

Special teams may be a deciding factor. While both teams have excellent punters, Baltimore's Pro Bowl kicker Billy Cundiff holds an edge over journeyman Shaun Suisham. Suisham has been at his best this season after joining the Steelers in week 11, missing just one field goal in 15 attempts. Eight came from attempts of 40 yards of more.

Cundiff bounced around on seven teams since 2002 before finding his groove with Baltimore this year. He tied an NFL record with 40 touchbacks on kickoffs this year, while missing just three field goals on 29 attempts. He has made five field goals of 45 yards or longer.

Both teams will try to run the ball, but Baltimore's starting center Matt Birk is hurting with a knee injury. Both teams come into this game in good health, though Roethlisberger has been playing with an injured foot for quite awhile. Any success on the ground for either team will provide a major shot in the arm.

This game should be like any other game for the squads. It will be close late into the fourth quarter most likely as they struggle to win in the turnover department. Pittsburgh was plus-17 in the Giveaway/ Takeaway department this year, good for second best in the NFL, while Baltimore was a plus-seven.

Pittsburgh averaged 23 points this year while giving up an NFL best 14.5 to opponents, and Baltimore scored 22 while giving up 16. They know each other well and have a genuine dislike for one another that is tempered with respect. Baltimore keeps trying to get over the hump by defeating Pittsburgh, something I expect them to finally accomplish because the Ravens were my preseason pick to win Super Bowl XLV.

Ravens 21 Steelers 16









Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons

Quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Pro Bowler Matt Ryan may get the most ink for this game, the other aspects of the game hold just as much interest and maybe more impact. Joining Ryan at the Pro Bowl with be four other Falcons. This includes their starting backfield. The Packers sent two offensive players to the Pro Bowl as well.

Green Bay appears to have an edge on paper. Despite a plethora of major injuries to their roster all year, they have the fifth overall rated defense in yards allowed this year, as well as the ninth best offense in yards gained. The 15 points per game they gave up this season was the second best, and they are a plus-ten in the Giveaway/ Takeaway department.

Three Packer defenders will go to the Pro Bowl this season, and linebacker Clay Matthews III leads the charge. He is a candidate for NFL Defensive MVP this year, something teammate Charles Woodson won last year. Atlanta sends one defender, defensive end John Abraham, but the defense was underrated all year.

Though Atlanta gave up just 23 more yards than Green Bay this season, it ranked them 16th in the NFL. Yet they gave up just 18 points per game all year and were a plus-14 in the Giveaway/ Takeaway department. When Atlanta played Green Bay in Week 12 this year, the defense led them to a 20-17 win.

What may make the difference in this game is a balanced attack. The Packers rely heavily on Rodgers and the defense because their 24th ranked rushing attack has been wildly inconsistent all year. The Falcons can run the ball well, led by halfback Michael Turner with his 1,371 yards and 12 scores. Both teams have Pro Bowl wide receivers in Greg Jennings and Roddy White, who have nearly identical statistics.

Green Bay has been susceptible in stopping the run in 2010, ranking 18th this year. If they can slow down Turner, the key to this game might be which secondary receiver stands out. The Packers have excellent talents in Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones, while Atlanta counters with Pro Bowl, and future Hall of Famer, tight end Tony Gonzales with wide receivers Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas.

Considering how much the Falcons passing attack relies on White, his getting shut down by Woodson could have a tremendous effect on the game. Gonzales averaged less than ten yards a reception in 2010, while Jenkins and Douglas have been inconsistent all year. Reserve halfback Jason Snelling has also snagged 44 passes this year.

Cornerback Brent Grimes may end up being the most important Falcon this game. He had five interceptions and 23 defended passes this year, making him the teams top defensive back. He will be matched up against Jennings often most likely. If he locks down his position, possession receivers with less explosiveness than Jennings become primary targets.

Both teams should try to establish the ground game, but Atlanta expects to do so and wear the Packers down. If Green Bay is forced to pass too often, their defense may end up being on the field longer than expected. If this occurs, that and the home-field advantage should prevail.

Falcons 27 Packers 24












Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears

No one really knows how the Seahawks have gotten this far into the NFL season. That includes all of Seattle as well. Pete Carroll might have sewn up the Coach of the Year award last week after his squad sent the defending champion New Orleans Saints home for the year.

Seattle won the NFC West with seven wind and being ranked near the bottom on both offense and defense. No one will represent them in the Pro Bowl, though return specialist Leon Washington played well enough to make it. Earl Thomas is just a rookie, but he is probably the best Seattle defender.

Neither team has a quarterback that in considered top notch, but both have had moments of excellence in their careers. Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck is three time Pro Bowler who drew a breath from his past last week by throwing four scores against the Saints. Seattle obviously needs a repeat performance from him if they want to move forward.

Jay Cutler was thought of so highly by the Bears in 2009 that they traded two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and veteran quarterback Kyle Orton for his services. Orton has played better than Cutler since the trade, but his team was putrid in 2010 and Cutler's is still playing. With 16 interceptions against 23 touchdown passes, Cutler makes too many mistakes and is known to have melt-downs on the gridiron.

Matt Forte is the primary weapon on offense, leading the team with 1,069 rushing yards and 51 receptions. The Chicago defense is a huge reason the team is in the playoffs, ranking ninth overall in yards allowed. Led by a pair of Pro Bowl linebackers in Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher, and Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers, Chicago is fourth in the NFL in points allowed.

Peppers is the player to watch. Matched up against rookie Russell Okung, who has battled ankle problems all year, he could provide a huge force off the edge that causes Seattle to help Okung with more blockers. This would free up defensive end Israel Idonije, who put virtually identical statistics as Peppers.

If the Bears stifles the Seattle offense, that gives Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Hester more opportunities. Hester scored three times off punt returns this year, giving him ten in a career. It is tied with Eric Metcalf as the most in NFL history. He and Washington have the ability to carry their teams to victory on their returns.

Playing in Soldier Field, on a turf that the greatest players ever once walked, is a privilege. Bears players are well schooled on knowing how the ghosts can trip up present opponents. Chicago should ride their defense to a win here.

Bears 31 Seahawks 17









New York Jets @ New England Patriots


The Jets trash talk has jumped the shark so much that even Reggie Jackson, a baseball Hall of Famer who once played with the New York Yankees, is telling them to just shut up and play. They are even being clowned by Patriots receiver Wes Welker, who recently made innumerate innuendos about feet that some feel was a stab at Jet's coach Rex Ryan. Ryan and his wife purportedly have a foot fetish that was broadcast on a video.

New York is coming off a win against the Indianapolis Colts last week that ended with a field goal as time expired. Though they dominated much of the game, questionable play calling almost allowed the Colts to pull it off. They cannot afford these types of mistakes again.

Ground and pound is how the Jets win. With a fourth ranked rushing attack and third ranked defense, they are sixth in the NFL in points allowed and are fifth in the Giveaway/ Takeaway statistic. They have done this despite intercepting just 12 passes this year.

New England does not turn the ball over anyways. Tom Brady is the front runner of the 2010 MVP Award, a future Hall of Famer, and probably the greatest quarterback in Patriots history. He threw a paltry four interceptions all season while tossing 36 touchdowns that led the league.

New England is not only the highest scoring team in the NFL this year, but their plus-28 on the the Giveaway/ Takeaway department also leads the NFL. Though critics point to a defense with a young secondary, the 19.6 points allowed per game by the Patriots ranks eighth best in the league. While ranking 30th in yards allowed passing, they did rank 11th in rushing yards allowed.

Of the two games New England has lost this year, one came in the second week of the season to the Jets. New York won it by shutting down the Patriots ground game, intercepting Brady twice, and running the ball well enough that quarterback Mark Sanchez tossed three touchdowns.

New England still needs to run the ball to win here, much like they did while whooping the Jets 45-3 just over a month ago. While Brady has been on fire the past few months, this would relieve him of the pressure of having to be perfect while allowing him to be human by possibly making a mistake. The need to run the ball well is only outweighed by their need to stop the Jets on the ground.

While beating the Colts last week, they decided to lean on the run in the second half. It led to all of their points scored as halfbacks LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene combined for 152 yards on 35 carries. Though it happened against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, New York must continue with this formula against the Patriots.

If the Jets run the ball, it will keep Brady off the field much like it did with Peyton Manning last week. Facing two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in consecutive weeks is an unenviable task few would want, but this is the hand the New York is dealt. The task becomes especially daunting due to fact the Jets are the road team in each contest.

Brady should be ready to nail down his MVP Award this week. With Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie calling him an expletive this week, Brady will look to make a fool out of the Jets cornerback most picked on by opponents. Though veteran receiver Deion Branch is hobbled by a sore knee, Welker and Brandon Tate are capable of picking up the slack.

Patriots 30 Jets 21

NFL Week 12 Gets Good When It Is Almost Over

San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers

The Niners 2010 season falls apart at every sign of turning the corner. First they dealt with a five game losing streak compounded by the fact quarterback Alex Smith regressed to being flop he had been called in his first three seasons.

When he got injured in the seventh game, San Francisco eventually inserted 2006 Heisman winner Troy Smith and have won three of their last four games. Now halfback Frank Gore has been injured for the season, and they head into Green Bay with just one road victory this season.

Green Bay has no running game at all, which will most likely come back to haunt them in the playoffs. They rely on a good defense and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. San Francisco scores about 17 points a game, the second worst in the NFL. Green Bay allows just 15 points, the best in the league.

Packers 27 49ers 12






Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

The honeymoon is long over for Denver head coach Josh McDaniels and Broncos fans. While losing to the Rams last week, several fans were seen with signs calling for his firing. A far cry for last year, which saw the then-rookie coach win his first seven wins before losing eight of the last nine games.

Kansas City fans are loving their second year coach Todd Haley. After four wins last year, the Chiefs are on top of the AFC West with seven wins. They have the fourth best scoring offense in the NFL, the best rushing attack, and the sixth best Giveaway/ Takeaway ratio in the league.

Haley also dislikes McDaniels, which was seen when he refused to shake hands after Denver destroyed Kansas City 49-29 about a month ago. Expect the Chiefs fans to be extra loud as Haley's team seeks revenge.

Chiefs 31 Broncos 21







Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings

Buffalo has looked better the last month, even if they only have two wins. After winning those two games, they took Pittsburgh to overtime last week and were a dropped pass away from victory.

Vikings Pro Bowl halfback Adrian Peterson comes into this game with a banged up ankle, yet appears intent on playing. Minnesota goes as far as their running game takes them. Rookie Toby Gerhart who ran for a career best 76 yards last week, will also see the ball a lot.

Vikings 26 Bills 17








Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions

Detroit fans have to be proud of their young team. Though they only have two wins, Detroit is a scrappy bunch that has taken quite a few losses to the wire. Their first came off a bad call by a referee than allowed Chicago to win.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler had perhaps his best game with Chicago last week. While in first place in the NFC North, they desperately need this win here. Three of their last four games are against the Patriots, Jets, and a Packers team that is one game behind them.

Bears 24 Lions 20








Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

When the 2010 season began, few saw the Jaguars in the running for the division crown. In fact, most thought head coach Jack Del Rio would be replaced after his eighth year. Yet the team is in first place despite having the worst Giveaway/ Takeaway ratio in the NFL, as well as having been outscored by 54 points so far.

Tennessee is now looking like Jacksonville did. Head coach Jeff Fisher, the longest tenured NFL coach in his 17th year, is now being questioned. Perrenial malcontent Vince Young had another brain fart a few weeks ago, and now owner Bud Adams will need to choose him or Fisher. It is highly unlikely they can ever team together again.

Jaguars 31 Titans 17







New Orleans Saints @ Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati will be playing out the last few games with little passion, something they seemingly have done several times in 2010, because they really have nothing left to play for other than pride.

The Saints are in a battle with Atlanta and even a Wild Card birth. They need this win badly regardless if Atlanta wins or not this week. As they get healthier, the defending champions get more dangerous.

Saints 37 Bengals 17








Washington Redskins @ New York Giants

LaRon Landry was well on his way to a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro bid, as well as contending for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, three weeks ago. He has 85 tackles, eight defended passes, an interception, sack, and forced fumble after nine games.

The safety then hurt his Achilles and might eventually end up on injured reserve. Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers will also not play this week because of injury, but they are facing a Giants receiver corps so depleted than it will be starting guys they just signed off the streets for the second straight week.

New York has the sixth best rushing attack in the NFL, while the Redskins run defense is ranked 26th. While Jints quarterback Eli Manning might pick on mediocre cornerback Phillip Buchanon all day, Washington has no chance if they dont stop the run.

Washington quarterback Donovan McNabb is having the worst season of his career, having two more interceptions than touchdown passes. His accuracy has been wildly erratic much of the year, yet the blocking in front of him has not always given him much time. Since Washington has no real ground game due to massive injuries, the offense will rest on his shoulders yet again. He is on pace to set a team record in passing yards.

One big factor is the turnover game. New York has not held onto the ball this year, and their Giveaway/ Takeaway ratio is 26th in the league. Washington ranks ninth. Both teams desperately need this, the Redskins faint playoff hopes end with a loss and the G-Men would fall a full game behind of division leading Philadelphia.

Giants 27 Redskins 24






Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins

Last week, Cleveland inserted veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme, probably the worst free agent signing this season, to play againt the Carolina Panthers team that unloaded him after last year. Though Delhomme tried to lead the Panthers to victory by tossing interceptions, Browns running back Peyton Hillis made sure his team won.

Delhomme will be playing again this week, only because rookie Colt McCoy still has a tender ankle, and that benefits Miami. While the Browns have the fourth worst passing attack in the league, Miami has the fourth best pass defense in the NFL.

It again will come down to Peyton Hillis, something the Dolphins fully realize.

Dolphins 17 Browns 13






Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers

Oakland is in a rut, and that mostly comes from the fact halfback Darren McFadden has run for a pathetic total of 16 yards the past two games after having churned out 757 in his first seven games.

San Diego, on the other hand, is rejuvinated and getting healthy as well. Rookie halfback Ryan Matthews returns with wide receiver Malcom Floyd. They have won four in a row, and it seems likely they win the AFC West yet again when the dust settles.

Chargers 34 Raiders 17






Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Atlanta not only has the best record in the NFL, but they are the hottest team in the NFL today with five straight wins. They do it wth balance and the fact that they rank decond in the NFL in the Giveaway/ Takeway ratio. Some pundits now view them as the best team in the NFC right now.

Tampa Bay is a Cinderella team in 2010, and one of their four losses this year was by six to the Falcons about a month ago. Their defense is stingy in allowing points, and Josh Freeman is a young quarterback who has a bright future.

The balance Atlanta swallows opponents up with will probably be too much for the young Buccaneers to overcome in the end.

Falcons 24 Buccaneers 16







Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks

Carolina's focus might be on who to draft next season, because this season was over early. Seattle wins despite giving up 66 more points than they scored, and having given away the ball more than they have taken it away.

First year head coach Pete Carroll is a sure fire Coach of the Year candidate, because his Seattle team has no business being on the cusp of making the playoffs in 2010.

Seahawks 20 Panthers 18







Saint Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

The Rams are in a battle with Seattle for first place in the AFC West. Arizona has already tolled up the tents and made vacation plans as soon as the season ends.

Saint Louis has a balanced offense and underrated defense. They could present a problem in the playoffs if they forget their youth.

Rams 31 Cardinals 20








Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts

Dallas is playing better since they changed head coaches, but that is because they run the football more. The only way they beat the porous Colts defense is this way, but halfback Marion Barber is out with an injury. Felix Jones and Tashard Choice must step up.

The Colts will look to expose the Cowboys questionable safeties by having quarterback Peyton Manning carve up the middle of the field. Indianapolis has no running game, so they go only as far as Manning can take them.

Colts 28 Cowboys 24






Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore is undefeated at home this year, while Pittsburgh comes to town with a quarterback who may have a broken foot. Factor in how much these teams dislike each other, and a brawl will commence for 60 minutes Sunday night.

Both teams sit on top of the AFC North with 8-3 records, yet they are evenlu matched in many other areas as well. The Ravens have scored just seven more points and allowed 11 less points so far.

Baltimore may need this worse, because the schedule the rest of the way may favor the Steelers. Both play Cleveland and Cincinnati, but the Ravens face two teams, Houston and New Orleans, fighting for the playoffs. Pittsburgh's only hard game appears to be the Jets.

Pittsburgh is second best in the NFL in Giveaway/ Takeaway ratio, while the Ravens haven given away the ball two more takes than they have taken it away. This is a big stat that shows who has the more opportunistic defense. Baltimore must match Pittsburgh here if they want a good chance of winning.

As similar as these teams are in so many ways, the turnover factor could decide the outcome.

Ravens 26 Steelers 21






New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Game of the Week

This game might decide who wins the AFC East. They both hold a 9-2 record, tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFL right now. Statistically, it appears the Jets have an edge.

New York has the second best running game in the NFL, and the fourth best defense. They have scored 77 more points than allowed, which is third best in the NFL. They are sixth in Giveaway/ Takeaway ratio, and the 187 points they have allowed is fourth best.

Despite New England having the worst pass defense and second worst overall defense in the NFL in yards allowed, they have the highest scoring team in the league. Their Giveaway/ Takeaway ratio is second best in the league, and the 68 points that they have scored more than allowed is fifth best.

They also have quarterback Tom Brady, a future Hall of Famer having one of the finest seasons of his storied career. Brady has tossed only four interceptions all year, and the Jets have picked off just seven all year. Two came last week.

If New England can stir any semblance of a running game, the Jets could be in trouble. New York's second year quarterback Mark Sanchez has just eight intervceptions this year, as opposed to the 20 he had last year.

Obviously the turnover factor looms huge here. New York has created five more than the Patriots so far. Yet New England has experience in winning the big game. Jets head coach Rex Ryan has long trumped his squad as Super Bowl caliber, and winning a game like this would prove him more than just a dreamer.

Jets 28 Patriots 27





Power Rankings

1. Jets
2. Patriots
3. Falcons
4. Steelers
5. Eagles
6. Ravens
7. Packers
8. Saints
9. Giants
10. Bears
11. Chargers
12. Colts
13. Buccaneers
14. Chiefs
15. Jaguars
16. Seahawks
17. Rams
18. Redskins
19. Dolphins
20. Raiders
21. Titans
22. Browns
23. Texans
24. Vikings
25. Cowboys
26. Broncos
27. Lions
28. Bengals
29. Bills
30. 49ers
31. Cardinals
32. Panthers


Overall Record 80-60

The Washington Redskins Final Cuts Point To The Future

In a day where two Heisman Trophy winners, several Pro Bowl players, quite a few former first round draft picks, and even a Rhodes Scholar were directed to the unemployment line, the Washington Redskins trimmed their roster down to the 53 players they feel best give them a chance to win a championship.

There were few surprises in the final cuts, with the exception of possibly guard Chad Rinehart and C/ G Erik Cook. Rinehart was listed as the reserve right guard to newly acquired Artis Hicks, and some thought the recent release of second-year pro Edwin Williams signified the move to 2010 seventh round pick Cook as the new incumbent to aging center Casey Rabach. They opted to keep Kory Lichtensteiger, who was drafted by head coach Mike Shanahan in his last season as head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Though the Redskins appear dangerously thin along the offensive line right now, after cutting five men in a few days, there is a good chance they could soon be scouring the waiver wire for reinforcements.

Here is a list of players the Redskins released :

Chad Rinehart : When Washington drafted him in the third round of the 2008 draft, many thought the team had a steal. He started four games in 2009 before breaking his leg. His days may have been numbered after being arrested for public intoxication eight months ago.

Willie Parker : "Fast Willie" was plodding by the time the Redskins hired him a few months ago. The two-time Pro Bowler enjoyed three 1,000 yard seasons and two Super Bowl wins after making the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2004. He had a great career, yet it is possible someone still signs him this year.

Bobby Wade : Wade was trying to make his fifth team since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 draft by the Chicago Bears. A solid slot receiver who carried the ball 12 times for the Bears in one season, we might not have seen the last of the 29-year old receiver. It says a lot that the 93-year old Joey Galloway beat him out for a roster spot.

Tyrone Carter : Carter had a great collegiate career, winning the Jim Thorpe and Jack Tatum Awards, before becoming a fourth round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2000. After three years with the Vikings, and one with the Jets, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers and stayed there as mostly a reserve the next six year. After being cut, the Redskins signed him ten days ago before releasing him. He was a member of two world championship squads in Pittsburgh.

Carey Davis : He made the Atlanta Falcons squad as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2004, then joined the Indianapolis Colts later that season. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, lasting three years with them, and earned a Super Bowl ring. He might find a squad in need of a blocking fullback.

Darrion Scott : He was drafted in the third round of the 2004 draft by the Vikings. He earned a starting job at defensive end in 2006 and held onto it until the end of the next year, getting 9.5 sacks. He was cut after 2007 after being injured. He hasn't played in the NFL since, and may be heading back to the UFL.

Howard Green : Drafted in the sixth round of the 2002 draft by the Houston Texans, he played one game that year for the Ravens. He then joined the New Orleans Saints for two years, starting in 12 games one year. He went to the Seattle Seahawks in 2007, ands lasted two year while getting his only career sack. He played 12 games with the Jets last year, and was brought into the Redskins camp because of his experience at nose tackle.

Ryan Torain : Torain was drafted by Shanahan in the the 5th round in 2008 with the Broncos. He got a start, running effectively for 68 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown, before suffering a season ending injury. He hasn't played since.

Rob Jackson : He was the Redskins seventh round pick in 2008, and spent two years as a reserve defensive end with two different numbers on his jersey.

Robert Henson : Henson was drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 draft. He got in six games, recording one tackle. With his job on the line in the last 2010 preseason game, he stood out until he was injured. He might help someones special teams somewhere, or is headed for the UFL. He is on the Injured/ Waived list.

Ramzee Robinson : He was Mr. Irrelevant in 2007, and made the Detroit Lions for two years. He split time between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles last year.

Lee Vickers : Vickers is a mammoth tight end who has bounced around practice squads with the Steelers, Eagles, and Giants since 2006. He played in nine games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2007, starting two games and catching two balls.

William Robinson : An undrafted free agent offensive tackle who spent time on the Seahawks practice squad in 2008 and part of 2009 before the Redskins claimed him. He appeared in one game last year.

Richard Bartel : He went undrafted in 2007, then spent almost two years on the Cowboys practice squad before the Jacksonville Jaguars put him on their practice squad. He spent last year on the Browns practice squad.

Curtis Gatewood : He played six games as an undrafted free agent rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, and hasn't played since.

Clint Oldenburg : After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 draft by the New England Patriots, he appeared in two games for the Jets that year and hasn't played since. He is on the Injured/ Waived list.

Erik Cook : He was drafted by Washington in the seventh round of the 2010 draft.

Terrence Austin : OK, Galloway is not 93, he is going to be 39 in a month. Still ancient for an NFL wide receiver. Austin was drafted in the seventh round and was solid most of camp, but fell victim to the numbers game despite leading the team with 10 catches for 146 yards and a score in preseason games. He should get a look by other teams.

Selvish Capers : Capers was drafted in the seventh round by the Redskins in 2010.

Anderson Russell : He was an undrafted free agent rookie from Ohio State University trying to make the team as a safety.

Shay Hodge : He was a free agent rookie wide receiver.



It is also time to pay tribute to a few ex-Redskins let go by other teams recently, thus probably signaling the end to their football careers. Many gave the Redskins many good times, and will not soon forgotten.



Jon Jansen : He was a second round draft pick of Washington in 1999. He started every game played until he missed one in 2006, then he played just one game the next season. After starting 11 of 14 in 2008, he went to the Detroit Lions and started two games last year. A gritty right tackle who played well enough to make "The Hogs" proud Jansen was a Redskin.

Ladell Betts : a second round pick by the Redskins in 2002, he spent his first four seasons as an oft-injured reserve halfback. After Clinton Portis went down early in 2006, Betts picked up the slack as the feature back by grinding out 1,154 yards on the ground while getting another 445 on 53 receptions. All were career high marks, as was his five touchdowns. He spent the next three years as an oft-injured reserve before being released at the end of 2009. He recently tried to make the New Orleans Saints, but was let go.

Patrick Ramsey : He was the Redskins first round draft pick in 2002. Starting five games as a rookie, he led the NFL in yards per completion. The offensive scheme of then-head coach Steve Spurrier left Ramsey exposed to big hits. He lost his starting job by 2005, after two injury filled years, then was released. He spent the next three years as a little used reserve for the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions before being recently cut by the Saints.

Colt Brennan : After a illustrious collegiate career, Washington drafted him in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. Though he never got into a regular season game, many fans cheered for him in exhibition games. He was released after 2009, and was just cut trying to make the Oakland Raiders.

Nick Novak : A local product from the University of Maryland, Novak joined the team as a free agent rookie after incumbent John Hall was injured. His first game saw him have a game-winning kick against the rival Dallas Cowboys. When Hall healed, he was released after the fifth game and later replaced the injured Neil Rackers for the Arizona Cardinals for five games.

He came back to Washington the next year to replace an injured Hall again,and kicked a 47-yard field goal to beat Dallas again. He was released after six games, replaced by Shaun Suisham. After being out of the league a year, he won the starting job for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008 and was replaced by Connor Barth after six games. He has been out of the league since, and was recently waived by the San Diego Chargers. In the vagabond world of the NFL kicker, we will probably see Novak again.

Randy Thomas : Though released a week ago by the Miami Dolphins on an injury settlement, after lasting one week in camp, Thomas is worthy of mention. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1999 draft. After four solid seasons, he and three teammates joined the Redskins in 2003. He played right guard next to Jansen, and they were very effective as a duo. He played 5 total games in 2007 and 2009 due to injuries, so the team released him. He started in all 143 games he played over 11 years.

Marko Mitchell : Known as the last draft pick Vinny Cerrato ever made for the Redskins, he showed some promise in the teams 2009 training camp and caught four balls that year before being released at seasons end. He was recently cut by the Minnesota Vikings.

Matt Leinart Wants Reasons To Why The Arizona Cardinals Dislike His Weak Arm

Matt Leinart never had a chance, even when chances were repeatedly handed to him. The 2004 Heisman Trophy winner was the tenth overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft, a draft considered a weak quarterback class. Vince Young and Jay Cutler headline the group, followed by career backups like Tavaris Jackson, Charlie Whitehurst, Kellen Clemens, Brodie Croyle, and Bruce Gradkowski.

Leinart has outperformed all except Young, Jackson, and Cutler, but not by much in cases like Gradkowski. Not the results the Arizona Cardinals were looking for, so they signed 2007 Pro Bowler Derek Anderson after Kurt Warner retired. Anderson was a sixth round draft pick in 2005 now on his third team.

As I predicted upon his signing, Anderson has won the starting job as quarterback of the Cardinals. Now Leinart is crying to the media exclaiming the Arizona coaches never gave him an explanation as to why they went with someone other than him.

Welcome to the NFL Prima donna, a world that sometimes touches a reality many of Earth experience.

Leinart was known as the pretty boy in college, a guy who some were trying to put in the category of future Hall of Famer Tom Brady as far as good looks combined with winning games. He led his Alma mater, USC, to a BSC Championship and AP Championship and some NFL scouts thought his game would translate to the pros.

Unfortunately, like many Heisman winners, his game soon was shown to not have what it takes to be an effective NFL player. Even in the modern where rules are heavily slanted to the quarterbacks favor. Some will say his party boy attitude early in his career derailed his progress, but the real reasons run deeper.

One huge reason is his lack of an NFL arm. The Cardinals run an offensive system where a strong arm with accuracy is needed to succeed. Leinart has neither. To have Anderson, coming off a terrible 2009 season, and a not much better 2008, replace him as he learns a new system on the fly speaks volumes.

Leinart wants a reason, and perhaps the truth will set him free. He was an overrated, overhyped college athlete surrounded by immensely talented teammates. The best comparison to him might be Todd Marinovich, a weak armed lefty drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1991 draft. The 6'4" Marinovich, an inch shorter than Leinart, was a USC product who partied his way out of the league after just two years.

Though it appears likely Leinart is destined to be playing his last year in Arizona this season before embarking on a journeyman career bouncing around the league, some think his skill set better fits the dink/ dunk game of the West Coast offense. It is forseeable he ends up in Seattle next year, rejoining college coach Pete Carrol, though it is improbable he could unseat incumbent Matt Hasselbeck or even move on top of Charlie Whitehurst in the depth chart.

Perhaps not all is lost for Leinart. There certainly no guarantees Anderson excels or even stays healthy a full season. It is likely he will be given yet another chance to redeem himself. What he does with it, if given the chance, is also unknown. Yet all signs point to disappointment.

Something he has been since entering the NFL.

The ALMOST All-Time Green Bay Packers

Titletown, USA

Most every football fan knows this refers to the Green Bay Packers. Their 12 championships are more than any other professional football team ever. There have been 21 Packers to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, second only to their main rival the Chicago Bears.

They have played the Bears 178 times, winning 82 and tying six. This is one of the oldest and best rivalries going in the game today, and the Packers are the third oldest team in NFL history. There is a difference of just 116 points scored between the two.

The Packers actually trace back to semi-pro teams in 1896. Curley Lambeau is one of the founders of the professional franchise, borrowing money from his employer, Indian Packing Company, to get uniforms and equipment. The Green Bay Packers are the oldest team by use of nickname and origin in the NFL today.

They were fist referred to as the "Indians", but played their first game known as the "Packers". Their first team colors were navy blue and gold, after Lambeau's Alma mater Notre Dame. Lambeau briefly considered changing the team name to the "Blues".

They changed to their current colors of green and gold in 1950, and then started using the "G" emblem on their helmet in 1961. Despite having the smallest television market in a town of barely over 102,000 people, the fans are considered amongst the most loyal and rabid.

The history that emanates from this team, from Lambeau, who the Packers named their stadium after, to "Blood" McNally, to Don Hutson, the man who many say invented the pass pattern, to Vince Lombardi, the man who the NFL named their championship trophy after, to Bart Starr and even Brett Favre, the lineage is unlike any other franchise.

Now with rising star Aaron Rodgers leading a young roster chock full of talent, Packers fans are looking forward to continue filling up the largest trophy case in the NFL.



Quarterback : Cecil Isbell


Isbell was the Packers first round draft pick in 1938, the seventh overall selection. He was used as a halfback mostly at first, because Hall of Famer Arnie Hebner was the primary quarterback. Hall of Fame head coach Curly Lambeau alternated them often, as well as played them together.

Leading the NFL with a 5.2 yards per carry average, Isbell was named a Pro Bowler his rookie year. He led the team in rushing and passing, helping them get to the NFL Championship game before losing to the New York Giants.

He led the team in rushing again the next year, making the Pro Bowl again. Green Bay faced the Giants again in the championship game and won 27-0. He split time at quarterback with Herber until the end of the 1940 season, when Herber retired.

Now the primary quarterback in 1941, Isbell led the NFL in attempts, completions, completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns,, touchdowns and interception percentage, yards gained per pass attempt, completion, and per game played, as well as quarterback rating. He was named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro. His 1,479 passing yards was an NFL record at the time.

He broke that record with another Pro Bowl season the next year by tossing for an NFL leading 2,021 yards. He also led the NFL in touchdown passes, completions, touchdown percentage, yards gained per attempt, passing yards per game, quarterback rating, and a career long 73 yard pass.

Hall of Fame receiver Don Hutson was his primary target, grabbing 17 scores, a record that stood 42 years, out of his 24 touchdowns total. Hutson also caught 74 of Isbell's 146 completions, and 1,211 of Cecil's passing yards.

Isbell then suddenly retired from the game, stating he wanted to leave at the top of his game.He went on to become a head coach at the college and professional ranks. His four Pro Bowls is tied with Hall of Famer Bart Starr as the second most by a Packers quarterback, and his 61 touchdown passes still rank sixth best in team history.

He is a member of both the Packers and College Football Hall of Fames, as well as the NFL 1930's All-Decade Team alongside Herber. Cecil Isbell is the only quarterback on that team not yet inducted into Canton, but four Pro Bowls in his five year career shows he was great.

Lynn Dickey, Don Majkowski, and Tobin Rote deserve mention.






Fullback : John Brockington


Brockington was the Packers first round draft pick in 1971, the ninth player chosen overall. He quickly became the main staple of Green Bay's offensive attack, running for 1,105 yards at a career best 5.1 yards per carry.

He was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press, the only Packer to ever acquire this honor. He won the NFC Rookie of the Year Award by the UPI, and was also named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro that year. He gained over 1,000 yards the next year on a career best 274 carries and nine total touchdowns, getting to his second Pro Bowl.

The 1973 season was his last as both a Pro Bowler and 1,000 yard rusher. He set career highs with 1,144 yards and 81.7 yards rushing per game. Though he churned out 833 yards the next year, it became apparent the amount of carries has piled up on him.

After running for 840 yards the next two years, he was cut after the first game of the 1977 season. The Kansas City Chiefs picked him up for ten games as a reserve, and he retired at the end of the year.

John Brockington is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, and his 5,024 career yards rushing with the Packers still ranks third best in team history. He three Pro Bowls is tied with Hall of Famer Clarke Hinkle as the second most by any Packers fullback.

Though Hinkle and Jim Taylor are Hall of Famers who are thought to be the best fullbacks in Green Bay history, Brockington was a special player in his own right.

William Henderson, Howie Ferguson, Ted Fritsch, Edgar Bennett, Frank Balasz, Gerry Ellis, and Ed Jankowski deserve mention.





Halfback : Ahman Green


Green was a third round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 1998. He spent two years there mostly riding the bench, carrying the ball 61 times total before being traded to the Packers.

Green Bay put him to work immediately as their featured back, and he churned out five consecutive seasons where he gained over 1,000 yards on the ground. He also went to the Pro Bowl four straight years. He also caught 267 passes over those five years, displaying what a complete weapon he was for the team.

No other player gained as many yards in those five seasons than he did. He also was explosive, running for touchdowns from 98 and 90 yards out. He is one of just two players in NFL history to have touchdown runs of 90 yards or more.

After an injury plagued 2006 season that saw him play just five games, Green rebounded the next year with his sixth 1,000 yard season in seven years. He then joined the Houston Texans for two injury riddled years before rejoining he Packers in 2009 to add depth to a depleted backfield.

Though he played just eight games as a reserve, he gained enough yards to become the Packers all-time leader in rushing yards and carries. No Packers halfback has appeared in more Pro Bowls that his four. His 350 receptions are the most by any running back, and ranks seventh on the teams list.

A lot was made of the fact Green fumbled 34 times as a Packer, but he only fumbled one more time with 40 more carries than Hall of Famer Jim Taylor, who is considered the greatest fullback in team history. Ahman Green may very well be the best halfback the team ever had. He recently joined the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League.


Billy Grimes, Vern Lewellen, Joe Laws, Tom Moore, Larry Buhler, Dick Weisgerber, Hank Bruder, Donny Anderson, Dorsey Levins, Terdell Middleton, Andy Uram, Travis Jervey, Brent Fullwood, and Jimmy Lawrence all deserve mention.




Wide Receiver : Billy Howton


Howton was the Packers second round draft pick in 1952. He became a star right away, leading the league with career best marks of 1,231 receiving yards and total yards from scrimmage, 102.6 receiving yards per game, and a 90 yard reception. He also averaged a career high 23. 2 yards on 52 catches, scoring 13 times, and making the Pro Bowl squad.

Despite playing just eight games because of injuries the next year, he went back to the Pro Bowl in 1955. He led the NFL with 1,188 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and 99 yards receiving per game in 1956, as well as averaging 21.6 yards per catch on a career best 55 receptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl and garnered a First Team All-Pro nod.

He replicated the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors the next season, and made his final Pro Bowl squad in 1957. He joined the Cleveland Browns for the 1959 season before joining the fledgling Dallas Cowboys in their expansion year in 1960.

He stayed with the Cowboys for four years, catching 161 passes over that time. He retired with 503 career receptions for 8,459 yards after 1963, and both were NFL records at the time.

Though he was the very first NFLPA president, and a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, Howton has yet to be close to induction into Canton though it appears very evident he is worthy.




Wide Receiver : Sterling Sharpe


Sharpe was the Packers first round draft pick in 1988, the seventh pick overall. He started immediately and grabbed 55 balls. He led the NFL with 90 catches the next season, attaining his first Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro nods. He made the Pro Bowl again the next year.

The 1992 season may have been his best. He led the league with 108 catches for a career best 1,461 yards and 13 scores. He also averaged an NFL best 91.3 yards receiving per game. His 108 catches were an NFL record at the time.

He won the Triple Crown for receivers by leading the league in catches, yards, scores, becoming just the 6th player to ever accomplish this. All previous players to have done this are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and only Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers has done this since. He was also named to the Pro Bowl as well as First Team All-Pro.

He broke that record with 112 the next year, becoming the first player to have consecutive seasons of over 100 receptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl and got his third nod as First Team All-Pro.

His last year as a Pro Bowler was in 1994, which happened to also be his last as a player. He led the league with 18 touchdown catches on 94 receptions. He injured his neck so severely that year that he was forced to retire.

Not only is Sharpe a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, his 595 receptions for 8.134 yards were team records until Donald Driver surpassed those marks in 2009. The Packers have had a ton of legendary wide receivers, and Sterling Sharpe certainly ranks near the top.

Lavvie Dilweg, Boyd Dowler, Carroll Dale, John Jefferson, Tom Nash, Tillie Voss, Milt Gantenbein, Harry Jacunski, Carl Mulleneaux, Javon Walker, Roell Preston, Steve Odom, Max McGee, Robert Brooks, and Antonio Freeman all deserve mention.





Tight End : Paul Coffman


Coffman made the Packers squad as a free agent rookie in 1978, but did not accumulate any statistics in the 16 games he played that year. He earned the starting job the next year and snagged a career high 56 passes.

He made the first of his three consecutive Pro Bowls after the strike shortened season of 1982. His best season may have been in 1983, when he set career high marks of 814 receiving yards, eleven touchdowns, and a 15.1 yards per catch average.

He left the Packers after 1985 to join the Kansas City Chiefs. After 17 catches over two years, he joined the Minnesota Vikings and suited up for eight games before retiring at the end of the 1988 season.

His 322 catches for 4,223 yards and 39 scores are far and away the most ever by any Packers tight end in the franchises history. His three Pro Bowls is tied as the most by a tight end in Green Bay history. It is safe to say Paul Coffman is the best to have ever played the position for them.

Mark Chmura, Bubba Franks, Ron Kramer, Rich McGeorge, and Keith Jackson deserve mention.





Center : Charley Brock

Charley with Curley Lambeau

Brock was drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 1939 draft, the 24th player chosen overall. He was named to the Pro Bowl and scored off of an interception in his rookie year as Green Bay won the championship.

He made the Pro Bowl again the next season, then saw time at halfback and fullback over the next two years. He intercepted a career best 6 balls in 1942, and also scored off of a fumble recovery while making his last Pro Bowl.

After Green Bay won the 1944 NFL Championship, he was named First Team All-Pro in 1945 after leading the NFL with 122 yards off interceptions and two returns for score. He also led the league with 52 yards off of 5 fumble recoveries.

Brock retired after the 1947 season with 20 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries in his career. His three Pro Bowls is the second most by a center in Packers franchise history behind Hall of Famer Jim Ringo.

Not only is Brock a member of both the Packers and Nebraska University Football Hall of Fames, he is on the NFL 1940's All-Decade Team. He is one of the best all around players in team history.

Larry McCarren, Frank Winters, Bo Svendsen, Tom Greenfield, Ken Bowman, Nate Barragar, and Mike Flanagan all are worthy of mention.





Guard : Gale Gillingham


Gillingham was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 1966 NFL Draft, the 13th player chosen overall. He earned the starting job at left guard late in the year, unseating Pro Bowler and Packers Hall of Famer Fuzzy Thurston.

After helping Green Bay win the famous "Ice Bowl" game against the Dallas Cowboys, he helped the Packers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the first championship game between the NFL and American Football League. It is now commonly known as Super Bowl I.

The Packers repeated as champions the next year as well, as Gillingham started in every game. He would start in every game the team played until 1976, except for 12 games due to injury in 1972.

He made his first Pro Bowl in 1969, as well as garnering First Team All-Pro honors. After repeating that feat the next season, he made the Pro Bowl in 1971 before being injured in the second game of 1972 and missing the rest of the season.

Gillingham returned to the Pro Bowl in 1973 and the following year before deciding to retire at the end of 1976. He is a member of the teams Hall of Fame, and his five Pro Bowls are the most by any Packers guard in franchise history.

Though Packers historians clamor for the induction of ex-guard Jerry Kramer's induction into Canton, Gale Gillingham certainly should be considered as well.





Guard : Jerry Kramer


Kramer was drafted in the fourth round of the 1958 draft by the Packers. He spent his rookie year as a reserve, mostly playing special teams. He earned the starting job the next year, which was also this first of Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi as a head coach. Kramer held onto his starters job until he retired.

He was named First Team All-Pro for the first time in 1960, and was an integral part of Packers teams that won NFL Championships 1961, 1962, and 1965. He made the Pro Bowl and was honored as First Team All-Pro in 1962 and 1963.

What made those two years particularly special was the fact Kramer served as the primary placekicker as well. He led the NFL in field goal percentage in 1962, made 16 out of 34 field goal attempts the next year, and made 81 out of 85 extra point attempts over that time. He would not kick again until his final season.

He played just two games in 1964 because of injury, but rebounded to be named First Team All-Pro in both 1966 and 1967, as well as make the 1966 Pro Bowl squad. He retired after the 1968 season, where he went four for nine on field goals and nine out of ten on extra points.

Jerry Kramer is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the NFL 50th Anniversary Team, the NFL 1960's All-Decade Team, the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame, and the Senior Bowl 50th All-Time Anniversary Team. He has been a finalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a whopping ten times. He is the only member of the NFL's 50th Anniversary All-Time team not yet inducted into Canton.

He awaits his induction still, one that should have happened several decades ago, because he is one of the greatest guards in Packers history.

Buckets Goldenberg, Fuzzy Thurston, Gust Zarnas, Bill Lueck, Paul Tinsley, Marco Rivera, Lon Evans, and Ross Letlow deserve mention.





Tackle : Dick Wildung


Wildung was the Green Bays first round draft pick in 1943, the eighth overall selection, but he served in the military until 1946 before joining the Packers.

After playing guard his first two seasons, getting a safety playing defensive tackle as well, Green Bay moved him to left tackle in 1948. He stayed there the rest of his career, but missed the 1952 season because of injury.

He made his lone Pro Bowl in 1951, then retired after 1953. He was inducted into both the Packers and College Football Hall of Fame. Though he was a Packer for just seven years, his impact lasted much longer.





Tackle : Bob Skoronski


Skoronski was drafted in the fifth round of the 1956 draft by the Packers. He won the staring job at left tackle right away that season. He had to leave the team until 1959 because he served in the military during the Korean Conflict. It was also the first season Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi was head coach.

After playing as a reserve that year, he earned back his starting job in 1960 and would hold onto it until he retired after the 1968 season. Skoronski was so reliable that he missed just two games in his whole career.

He was an integral part of a offensive line blocking for Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr. Green Bay won championships five times between 1961 to 1967. Skoronski was named to his lone Pro Bowl in 1966.

Not only is he a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, but Bob Skoronski is one of the best left tackles the franchise has ever had.

Baby Ray, Ernie Smith, Bill Lee, Paul Kell, Howard "Cub" Buck, Charles Schultz, Greg Koch, and Ade Schwammel deserve mention.







Defensive Tackle : Dave Hanner


Hanner was a fifth round draft pick by the Packers in 1952. He was a Pro Bowler by 1953, again getting the honor for the last time in 1953.

He was steady and versatile in his 13 seasons with Green Bay, playing both tackle positions. He was also extremely athletic, getting four career interceptions and a safety. He missed just four games in his entire career.

Not only was he reliable, but Hanner was a winner. He played on two Packers teams that won league championships. When he retired at the end of the 1964 season, he became an assistant coach immediately and was part of two Super Bowl winning teams. He stayed with the team until 1996, filling roles like defensive coordinator and scout.

Dave "Hawg" Hanner is a member of both the Packers and Arkansas Sports Hall of Fames. He is also remembered for sacking Chicago quarterback Ed Brown for a safety, helping secure Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi's first career victory with a 9-6 decision over the Bears.





Defensive Tackle : Bob Brown


Brown was drafted in the first round of the 1964 AFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, and in the 13th round of the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

He did not play until 1966, joining the Packers as a reserve. Green Bay won the Super Bowl that season, and repeated the next year. After playing in just six games because of injury in 1968, he earned a starting job the next year and held onto it until he left the team after 1973.

The best year of his career was in 1972, when he sacked Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini for a safety and was later was named to his only Pro Bowl. He was traded to the San Diego Chargers in 1974, then joined the Cincinnati Bengals the next year. He stayed with them for two years before retiring.

Brown was a consistent force, only missing the eight games in 1968. He is one of just three Packer defensive tackles to go to the Pro Bowl. Hall of Famer Henry Jordan and "Hawg" Hanner are the others. It is safe to say Bob Brown is one of the best defensive tackles in team history.

Mike McCoy and Ron Kostelnik deserve mention.





Defensive End : John Martinkovic


Martinkovic was drafted in the sixth round of the 1951 draft by the Washington Redskins. He soon joined the Packers and earned a starting job as a rookie. He scored two touchdowns in 1952.

He made the first of his three consecutive Pro Bowls in 1953 and was considered one of the top defensive ends of the 1950's. He was traded to the New York Giants in 1957 and retired at the end of the season.

Not only is he a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, but he is one of the best defensive ends in franchise history.





Defensive End : Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila


Gbaja-Biamila was drafted in the fifth round of the 2000 draft by the Packers. He appeared in seven games, during his rookie season, getting 1.5 sacks.

He was named a starter the next year and got 13.5 sacks. He has 12 in 2002, and took an interception 72 yards for a touchdown. The 2003 season saw him go to his only Pro Bowl after getting 10 sacks. He followed that up by matching his career high total of 13.5 sacks the next year.

Not only is Gbaja-Biamila recognized as the first to have three straight seasons double digit sack totals, but also the first to do it four consecutive seasons.

In 2007, the Packers used him as a pass rush specialist and he added 9.5 sacks. After being able to suit up for just seven games the next year because of injury, the Packers released him.

Gbaja-Biamila is the Packers all-time leader in sacks with 74.5 total. He has yet to officially retire, but he was one of the finest defensive ends in Green Bay history.

Ab Wimberly, Ezra Johnson, Allen Moore Robert Brown, and Lionel Aldridge deserve mention.





Outside Linebacker : Dave Robinson


Robinson was drafted in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft by the Packers, and in the third round of the AFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He opted to play in Green Bay.

He spent his rookie year as a reserve, but earned a starting job the following season. After helping the Packers win the 1965 season, the 1966 season was his first as a Pro Bowler as the Packers won the first Super Bowl. He earned his second Pro Bowl the next year, as Green Bay won their third straight championship.

After making his last Pro Bowl in 1969, he stayed on with the Packers until 1973 when he was traded to the Washington Redskins. He played two years with them before retiring. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and Gator Bowl Hall of Fame.

Dave Robinson is a member of the NFL's 1960's All-Decade Team, and he has been seriously considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame several times. He may be the best outside linebacker the team has ever had.





Middle Linebacker : Bill Forester


Forester was drafted in the third round of the 1953 draft by the Pack, the 31st player chosen overall. He started at middle guard in his rookie year, a position later turned into middle linebacker by Hall of Famer Bill George.

After playing left outside linebacker in 1954, he played the following two years at middle guard and picked off four balls each season. Green Bay then permanently moved him to the right outside linebacker spot in 1957 and matched his career high mark of four interceptions.

He made the Pro Bowl for four straight years from 1959 to 1962, earning First Team All-Pro honors the last three years. He also tallied his only points in 1959, off of a safety.

When Forester retired after 1962, he had 21 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries in his 11 seasons. It was the most ever by a Packers linebacker at the time, and still ranks third best. His four Pro Bowls are the most ever by any linebacker in franchise history.

He is a member of the teams Hall of Fame and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. Forester was also nominated for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a few times, but has failed to get in as of yet.

When Vince Lombardi became head coach of Green Bay, part of the Hall of Famers winning formula was built around Forester on defense. The Packers went to three straight NFL Championship games in Forester's last three seasons as a player, winning in his last two years.

He is one of the best linebackers the team ever had.

Ed Neal, Clayton Tonnemaker, and Jim Carter also deserve mention.




Outside Linebacker : Fred Carr


Carr was drafted in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft by Green Bay, the fifth player chosen overall. He spent his first two seasons as a back up to Pro Bowler and Packers Hall of Famer Lee Roy Caffey before earning the starters job in 1970.

He would start in every Packers game from then until he retired after 1977. Carr made his first Pro Bowl in 1970, then went back in 1972 and 1975. He was named MVP of the 1970 Pro Bowl, becoming the first to win it in the modern day AFC-NFC Pro Bowl and just the third Packer ever to win the award.

Not only is Fred Carr a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, his three Pro Bowls are tied with Dave Robinson and Roger Zatkoff as the most ever by a Green Bay outside linebacker. He might be the best one the team ever had.

Lee Roy Caffey, John Anderson, Bryce Paup, Tim Harris, Dan Currie, Deral Teteak, George Koonce, Bob Forte, Mike Douglass, and Roger Zatkoff also deserve mention.





Strong Safety : LeRoy Butler


Butler was drafted in the second round of the 1990 draft and spent his rookie season as a reserve. He still picked off three passes and was starting at cornerback the next year.

The Packers moved him to strong safety in 1992, where he would stay the rest of his career. Butler picked off a career best six passes in 1993, 90 tackles, and took a fumble recovery 25 yards for a score. He was named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl that year.

He attained those honors again in 1996, where Green Bay won Super Bowl XXXI. He swiped 5 balls, taking one 90 yards for a score, and had a career high 6.5 sacks. He was also named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in each of the following two years.

When Butler played nine games because of injury in 2001, he retired. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame and the NFL 1990's All-Decade Team. He is the only Packers strong safety to be named to four First Team All-Pro honors, and his 38 interceptions rank fourth best in franchise history.

Hank Gremminger and Mark Murphy deserve mention.






Free Safety : Bobby Dillon


Dillon was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1952 draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was the 28th player chosen overall. He attended college at Texas University, and is inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor and to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

He earned a starting job immediately for the Packers, picking off four passes in his rookie year. Then he became even more of a nightmare to opposing teams in 1953, grabbing nine interceptions for 112 yards. He also scored the first touchdown of his career off of a 49 yard return of an interception. Dillon accomplished this despite playing in just 10 of the 12 games that year.

The 1954 season saw him swipe seven more balls, scoring another touchdown as well. He was named to his first First Team All-Pro honor that season. He was named to the first of his four consecutive Pro Bowls and another First Team All-Pro nod the next season after getting nine interceptions for 153 yards.

Dillon gained an NFL-leading and career best 244 yards off of seven interceptions in 1956, scoring another touchdown and was named to First Team All-Pro again.

He tied his career best mark of nine interceptions in 1957, scoring a touchdown off of a 55 yard return in his 180 total yards. He was named to his last Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors in 1958, after picking off 6 balls for 134 yards and scoring his fifth and final career touchdown.

Dillon retired at the end of the 1959 season year and still holds the Packers franchise record for career interceptions and interception return yardage. He is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall Of Fame.

Bobby got a lot of early notoriety early in his career because he was blind in one eye. Since it is more than obvious this did not detract from his play, Dillon's exploits on the field are his real mark on the game.

He averaged over six interceptions a year for his career. There are a few factors that may have kept Bobby from inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame thus far. One is that he played on some bad Packers teams. The only season that he played on a winning team was his last, which also happened to be Vince Lombardi's first year in Green Bay.

Another reason may be that he played just 8 seasons. Those detractors would get some argument from me on these facts. There is the obvious fact of the impact Bobby had on the gridiron. His amazing nose for the ball is not matched by many to have ever played the game.

When he retired, he ranked second all time in NFL history with his 52 career interceptions That mark was tied by Jack Butler of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also retired in 1959. Both are now presently tied for 23rd all time.

There are only four safeties in NFL history with more interceptions than Bobby Dillon (Ronnie Lott's first five seasons were spent at cornerback). If you add these facts up, it eradicates the arguments of his teams won-loss record or his amount of seasons played. Bobby Dillon deserves his inductions into Canton.

Darren Sharper, Chuck Cecil, Irv Comp, and Johnnie Gray are worthy of mention.




Cornerback : Bob Jeter


Jeter was the Packers second round draft pick in 1960, the 17th player overall, after a stellar career at Iowa University. He ran for 194 yards on nine carries in their 1959 Rose Bowl win over California University to procure a National Championship title.

He joined Green Bay in 1963 after military service. Though he spent his first two years as a reserve, he did catch two balls He earned the starting job in 1965 and helped the Packers win the NFL Championship.

After leading the NFL with two touchdowns off of a team leading five interceptions for 142 yards in 1966 that helped Green Bay win the first Super Bowl ever, the Packers repeated as champions the following year with Jeter's eight interceptions leading the team in that category.

He was named to the Pro Bowl and garnered First Team All-Pro honors that season. After a strong 1968 season, he went to his last Pro Bowl the next year.

Green Bay traded him to the Chicago Bears just before the 1971 season, and he played three more years and then retired. His 23 interceptions still rank as the fourth most ever by a Packers cornerback and he is a member of the teams Hall of Fame.




Cornerback : Willie Buchanon


Buchanon was drafted in the first round of the 1972 draft, the seventh player chosen overall, and he stood out immediately. He picked off four passes and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, the only Packer to have won this award.

Despite playing just six games the next year because of injury, he was named to his first Pro Bowl. He repeated that honor the next season in 1974. He played in two games the following season due to injury but would not miss another game in the subsequent six years.

Perhaps his best year was in 1978, where he had a career best nine interceptions. Four came in one game against the San Diego Chargers, which tied a still standing NFL record. He was named to his final Pro Bowl and his only First Team All-Pro honor.

The Chargers were coached by Don Coryell, who was Buchanon's coach in college. Coryell traded for him, where Buchanon started in three of the four years he was with the team. He recovered three fumbles in one game, which tied a still standing NFL record.

After starting in just one of the nine games played in the strike shortened season of 1982, he retired. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the Packers All-Time team, the California State Junior College Hall of Fame, the Oceanside High School Hall of Fame, and the San Diego Hall of Champions.

Jesse Whittenton, Ken Ellis, and Mark Lee deserve mention.




Kicker : Chester Marcol


Marcol was drafted in the second round of the 1972 draft by the Packers. He exploded in his rookie year, attempting 48 field goals and making 33. Both led the NFL and are team records, and he was named NFC Rookie of the Year by the UPI. His 48 attempts are still the second most in NFL history, and the 128 points he had that year led the league and was the only time he eclipsed the century mark.

He was named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro that year, an honor he duplicated two years later when he led the NFL with 94 points as well as 39 field goal attempts and 25 makes. He is the only Packers kicker to be named to the Pro Bowl.

His last year in the NFL was an interesting one. In the 1980 season opener against the Chicago Bears, he had made two field goals as the game went to overtime tied 6-6. As he attempted a game-winner from 42 yards out, it was blocked. The ball went right back to Marcol, who scooted 25 yards for the winning points.

He was released after five games, but the Houston Oilers signed him for one game. It was against the Packers in Green Bay. Marcol chipped in four points for the Oilers victory. He retired after the game.

The 521 points he scored for Green Bay is still the third most by a kicker, and sixth overall. His 128 point season still ranks seventh best in team history, and he is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame.

Don Chandler, Chris Jacke, Ryan Longwell, and Tiny Engebretson deserve mention.




Punter : Donny Anderson


Anderson was drafted in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft, the seventh player chosen overall. Not only was he a punter, but Anderson was a halfback. He did little of both in his rookie year, as Green Bay won Super Bowl I. He did chip in with a touchdown off a 77 yard punt return.

Gone was the Hall of Fame tandem of Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung in 1967. Elijah Pitts, their other star running back, was in the twilight of his career. Anderson was third on the team in rushing yards and receptions as the Packers repeated as champions. He also punted 65 times, having one blocked for the only time in his career.

The 1968 season was his only Pro Bowl year. He punted the ball 59 times, and had 1,095 all-purpose yards. Perhaps his best season was in 1970, when he ran for a career best 853 yards, caught 36 balls, and punted a career high 81 times.

He was traded to the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1972 and had one of his better years the next season. He ran in a career best ten touchdowns and caught a career high 41 balls and three more scores. He retired after the 1974 season.

Donny Anderson is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Texas Tech Hall of Fame. He still ranks third best in punt attempts, and fourth in punt yardage.

What makes his feats as punter even better was the fact he was the Packers main running back for years, which shows tremendous grit, athleticism, and durability to still be able to end up with a career average of 39.6 yards per punt.

David Beverly, Don Bracken, Max McGee, Josh Bidwell, Craig Hentrich, Max McGee, Jug Girald, and Don Chandler deserve mention.




Kick Return Specialist : Travis Williams


Travis was a fourth round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 1967 draft. He played just five seasons in the NFL, but his impact has him on top of the leagues record books to this very day.

He returned four kickoffs for a touchdown as a rookie, which is the most by a rookie in NFL history. It is also tied with Cecil Turner as the most ever by any player in one season. He averaged an amazing 41.1 yards per kickoff return, which led the NFL., and is the highest average ever by anyone for one year. As a running back, he scored twice more, while helping the Packers win Super Bowl II.

In 1969, Williams scored on a 96 yard kickoff return, while leading the NFL with 1,517 all purpose yards. He also returned the first eight punt returns of his career, and scored on a 83 yard return while averaging a career best 23.6 yards per return. He also led the Packers with 536 rushing yards, and ran for four more touchdowns. He also led the Packers with 27 receptions, while scoring three times.

Williams got hurt in the seventh game of the 1970 season, and missed the rest of the year. He joined the Los Angeles Rams the next year, and led the NFL with a 29.7 kickoff return average on 25 attempts. He also scored on a 105 yard return, which is tied for 3rd longest All-Time in NFL history. He then retired after that season.

His 6 kickoff returns are the most in NFL history, tied with 4 others. He also has the longest kickoff return in Rams history. He averaged 27.5 yards on 102 kickoff returns in his career.

Steve Odom, Dave Hampton, Al Carmichael, Robert Brooks, and Roell Preston deserve mention.



Punt Return Specialist : Desmond Howard


Desmond was a first round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 1992. He was used primarily as a kickoff returner as a rookie, but did manage to score a touchdown off of one of his six punt returns.

In 1994, Howard had his best year as a wide receiver. He established career bests with 40 catches for 727 yards at an 18.2 average for five touchdowns. He ended up with the Jacksonville Jaguars the next year, and returned 24 punts at a 10.3 average, then went to Green Bay the following season.

Though he only played one season for the Packers, it was a memorable season. He led the NFL with 58 punt returns for 875 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 92 yard return. His 875 yards are an NFL single season record, and he even helped propel the Packers into Super Bowl XXXI with a punt return touchdown in the playoffs.

He ended up being the Super Bowl MVP, when he took a kickoff return 99 yards for a score to help Green Bay win. His 90 punt return yards are a Super Bowl record, and his 244 all purpose yards tied a Super Bowl record. He is the only special teams player to ever be named Super Bowl MVP.

Howard then went to the Oakland Raiders. He led the NFL in 1997 with 61 kickoff returns. He led the NFL in punt return touchdowns in 1998, when he took two in. He split the 1999 season between Green Bay and Detroit, but did score on a 68 yard punt return for the Lions in five attempts.

He made his lone Pro Bowl team the next year with Detroit, as he averaged 14.7 yards on 31 punt returns and had 1,401 yards on 57 kickoff returns. He scored his last special teams touchdown that year with a league leading 95 yard punt return. In 2001, Howard set career highs with 1,446 yards on 57 kickoff returns, to go with a 25.4 average. After an injury plagued 2002, he retired.

Desmond Howard was labeled another Heisman Trophy winning flop in the NFL after his first four years, but he shed that label when it was all said and done. He is the only special teams player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl MVP Award.

He had eight career touchdowns on punt returns, which is tied for the third most in NFL history. He once returned 10 kickoffs in a game, which is tied for the most in NFL history.


Billy Grimes, Antonio Chatman, Phil Epps, Will Blackmon, Walter Stanley, Al Carmichael, Johnnie Gray, Ken Ellis, Jon Staggers, and Steve Odom deserve mention.