Vikings/Panthers

Two special QBs in this game (all due respect to McNabb). Cam Newton is doing something we have never seen a rookie QB accomplish, - on his current pace, he will outdo Peyton Manning's rookie season accomplishments.

Manning's rookie season is widely regarded as the best rookie QB season in the NFL modern era (26 TDs). And with the Vikings defense allowing 275 yards per game through the air, Newton may have another incredible day.

Conversely, Christian Ponder is also making an instant splash in the NFL. In his debut, Ponder made plays outside of the pocket, while showing accuracy in his down field passing, against both the Bears and Packers, whom both have good defenses.

With these two quarterbacks, there should be some great offensive plays; in addition to both teams' QBs, let's not forget that both teams have good, if not great, running backs, that are both able to take it to the house on any given play.

One thing both of these rookie quarterbacks have are experienced tight ends, which are ultimately one of the best tools a rookie QB can have on an y given Sunday. 

Wolverines Off To a Good Start

Michigan Wolverine QB Denard Robinson threw two touchdown passes and ran for a TD to lead the #19 Michigan Wolverines to a 58-0 win over the Minnesota Gophers.

The Wolverines (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) played a complete game on both sides of the ball. The front seven showed improvement on defense, and more players on offense were involved, including QB Devin Gardner who took over later in the game.

Robinson was 15 of 19 for 169 yards and didn’t throw an interception for the first time since the opener before being taken out in the third quarter.

The Wolverines got off to their second straight strong start after struggling early in the first three games of the years, out-gaining Minnesota 384-69, averaging nearly 10 yards per play.

Minnesota didn’t take a snap in Michigan territory until there was less than a minute left in the third quarter - when it looked like the Gophers may score, David Cobb fumbled and cornerback Courtney Avery ran the ball in for an 83-yard return, making the game 58-0, with 4:58 left in the 4^th quarter.

In the passing game, Robinson looked more comfortable, showing poise and confidence in the pocket, while using proper mechanics with each throw. Robinson matched his season high 11 completions

The Wolverines kept the Little Brown Jug, the oldest trophy game in major college football, dating back to 1909, by avoiding a third loss to Minnesota in three-plus decades.

The Importance of #88 in Dallas

"Ultimately," HC Jason Garrett said, "he affected the game just by breaking the huddle."

Dez Bryant wears #88, which is a very important number in Dallas. From Drew Pearson to Michael Irvin, and now Dez Bryant, this number is worn by very athletic individuals; however, does Dez have the testicular fortitude to make even half the impact his predecessors did?

"Dez has to understand how important he is to the rest of the team," Michael Irvin was quoted saying. "Dez (Bryant) is tough. He works hard. All of those things are real. Right now what Dez has to understand is this, 'I am a primary right now. They've been waiting - I have to step up right now and assume this role.' And you've (Dez) got to put in the extra time, the studying and make sure whatever issues I'm having I've got to get them down pat, because now I am the primary. You have to make everything else in your life second."

This is what many receivers (Roy Williams, now a Chicago Bear) do not understand – You have to want the ball, every down, every play....”there is no one that can do it better” is the mentality these receivers must have.

Dez Bryant caught four passes (63 yards) on Monday night's game against Washington; however, he appeared to hurt his wrist and shoulder during the game; in addition to his bruised quadriceps he suffered in the September 11^th season opener against the NY Jets. In all likelihood Bryant will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions (2-0).

As of now, Dez Bryant has not reached the point of consistency, however short his career has been up to this point, Bryant has not reached the status of dependable and being available to his team every week. Conversely, Dez has had remarkable, big-time-wow moments, unfortunately, much of his story to this point has been about learning the playbook, struggling to make meetings, the 'mall incident', and injuries - these facts take away from the athlete he is and what he is capable of.

His days in Dallas have been hampered by injuries, but the same can be said for Michael Irvin early in his career. Irvin missed two games as a rookie (sprained ankle); he missed 10 games in 1989 after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament, along with the first 4 games in 1990 (rehab). After these injuries/disruptions however, Irvin played 92 games straight before a suspension in 1996.

One aspect of the game missed by young athletes is the fact that everything else comes second. These individuals have been given the chance of a lifetime, and need to understand that they owe it to themselves to be healthy, available, knowledgeable, as well as focused on the game. Anything else should not be accepted – by fans, teammates, as well as coaches.

The jump from collegiate sports to the pros is huge; however, with Bryant’s athleticism, build, as well as the work ethic he's shown, the only thing separating him from greatness is time.

Ribs, Rivalries, and Redskins

Not the prettiest win in history; however, this victory may have shown just how a leader Tony Romo is.

Will he play?, won't he play?, how mobile will he be?, as well as how well he would lead his team? Were all answered Monday night against the Redskins, the Cowboys' biggest rival (maybe the biggest rivalry in the NFL).

At the half, neither team had scored a touchdown; it seemed as if the defense was going to dictate this game. Both defenses played well – LaRon Landry, Washington's safety played his first game of the year after returning from an injury – and played well.

DeMarcus Ware had a strong performance, as he lead his defense with pressure and recorded 1 sack - Anthony Spencer also recorded a sack, which put the game away.

The Cowboys sealed their second comeback victory in as many weeks on Monday Night Football, with their ugly but gritty 18-16 win over an NFC East rival, tying them for an early division lead a (2-1).

Close games are becoming a regular agenda when it comes to the Cowboys "If you look at the statistics in the National Football League, two out of three games in the NFL last year were within one score in the fourth quarter. We play a lot of those games," Garrett said. "You have to understand and you have to believe you can make the plays when necessary.

This comment shows both the perseverance and confidence that HC Garrett has in (his) team. "We knew they were going to make a play and ultimately Spencer made the play to get the turnover late to seal the deal. It's hard not to get emotional in that situation." - Emotion and pride may have been something lacking two years ago in Dallas; however, now that pride has been restored,a complete team effort showed Monday night.

The Dallas Cowboys, humiliated with their 6-10 record just a year ago, now show mental and physical toughness in two wins over the 49ers, and most recently, the Redskins (2-1); in front of 91,017 in their home opener at Cowboys Stadium. Mental toughness was shown, especially by Dallas' rookie-record holder, Dan bailey, who kicked six field goals, which were enough to take the victory away from 'The Skins'

Physically, The Cowboys used the spare parts they had (with injuries on both sides of the ball, Dallas was forced to rely on their leaders in order to coach, fight, as well s lead their team to a victory.

Tony Romo (22-of-36, 255 yards, 1-interception) needed two pain-killing injections to play with the fractured rib, which limited him last week against the 49ers, as well as practice through the last few days. WR Dez Bryant (thigh contusion) RB Felix Jones (dislocated shoulder), and TE Jason Witten (bruised ribs) all combined for 238 yards; and CB Mike Jenkins re-injured his shoulder but returned to the game and finished it.

This was not an offense-explosion of a game; the Cowboys and Redskins tallied a combined 6-for-25 on 3^rd down, settling for 9 field goals between them, the only touchdown came from a 1-yard catch by Tim Hightower (RB Washington), which gave Washington a 16-9 lead with four minutes left in the 3^rd quarter.

After the game many said that the defense won the game for the Cowboys, and although Tony Romo kept the game manageable with his on-field coaching, the fact that Dallas' defense held the Redskins to zero touchdowns during the 4^th quarter, shows that their defense had much to do with this victory.

Healthier and more in sync, the Cowboys have the talent to once again get back to the playoffs, which is where these Cowboys plan to be.

League Notifies all NFL Teams about Faking Injuries

Clubs are reminded of the following league policy which is stated in a Supplemental Note to Rule 4 (Game Timing), Section 5, Article 4, on page 19 of the Official Playing Rules:

“The Competition Committee deprecates feigning injuries, with subsequent withdrawal, to obtain a timeout without penalty. Coaches are urged to cooperate in discouraging this practice.”

The Competition Committee has reviewed this issue several times, but has been reluctant to propose a specific rule, since assessing a charged timeout for every injury timeout would deprive a team of timeouts for strategic purposes. It also could encourage injured players to remain in the game at risk to themselves to avoid incurring a charged team timeout. To avoid the necessity of a rule with many unattractive qualities, teams are strongly urged to cooperate with this policy. We have been fortunate that teams and players have consistently complied with the spirit of the rule over the years and this has not been an issue for the NFL. We are determined to take all necessary steps to ensure that it does not become an issue.

Going forward, be advised that should the league office determine that there is reasonable cause, all those suspected of being involved in faking injuries will be summoned promptly to this office in New York to discuss the matter. Those found to be violators will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for conduct detrimental to the game. Discipline could include fines of coaches, players, and clubs, suspensions or forfeiture of draft choices.

Cowboys Pick At No. 9?

NFL expert, Dane Brugler, was interviewed on 105.3 The Fan to discuss the possible players the Dallas Cowboys might draft with their No. 9 pick. 

People always say take the best available guy in the draft but there is no way the Cowboys will draft a wide receiver with their ninth pick, even if it’s a stud like Julio Jones, who outperformed Dez Bryant’s performance at the combine last year. So shouldn’t scouts and experts just throw that saying out the window?

Oh, I think you got to stay true to your board. That’s the whole point you have a scouting department and that’s the whole reason you have a personnel department. You look at your board, you identify your top four or five need positions and you go after it. When you’re looking at nine, I think you’re looking at three main positions: you’re looking at cornerback, you’re looking at tackle and you’re looking at defensive end. And I think you have to take a player from one of those three positions at number nine.

Will the Cowboys look for anyone to play the slot wide receiver position such as Jerrel Jernigan from Troy? As Green Bay demonstrated, you need a lot of guys to stretch out the field in this league.

Sure and Jerrel Jernigan, I think, is one of the more underrated prospects coming into the draft. In my opinion, he’s the top senior wide receiver in this draft, so, he’s a guy if you can get him in the third round, that’s a good get. And also, a guy like Edmond Gates from Abilene Christian; he ran one of the fastest 40-times here at the combine with a 4.37. So, he might be a guy that you could identify as someone that would help you in the slot.

A lot of mock drafts have Prince Amukamara going to the Cowboys with the No. 9 pick. Experts have also been saying he could project as a safety in the NFL as well as a cornerback. How do you see him being used?

To be honest with you, I think his best long-term position will be at free safety. He’s such a physical hitter that plays well in press coverage. It’ll be interesting to see what he runs in the 40. He works out later this afternoon and if he runs in the 4.5 range, then maybe you think a free safety might be the best fit for him. But, you have to try him at cornerback: the fluid hips; the footwork; the technique; it’s all there. So, you try him at cornerback and then if you move him to free safety down the line, then that’s where you move him but he’s going to get his chance at cornerback and I think he’ll do well. He’s NFL-ready right now; he’ll step in and he’ll start from day one as soon as gets to the NFL.

Does Prince Amukamara fit the bill for Rob Ryan’s defense, which demands strong tacklers and leaves no room for cowards?

He does and he’s just a natural hitter. He came into college at Nebraska and he was a running back, so he’s a physical guy. They moved him to cornerback and he does not let up out there. The guy…and you want to call him a hitter but he’s a tackler. He’s a wrap-tackler, he doesn’t miss a lot of tackles and he’s a really impressive guy. He did well in his interviews yesterday; spoke really highly of his coaches at Nebraska and he really takes pride in his craft and he works hard to get better at it. He’s got a bright future; there’s no doubt about that.

Courtesy of SportsDayDFW.com

Best QB To Take In 2011

Is there a above-the-rest franchise quarterback in the 2011 draft class?

With Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, Cam Newton, and Ryan Mallett all as possible first-round choices, the leader of this pack has yet to be defined.

Gabbert and Newton, will have a transition from their college-played spread offenses to the pro-style system in the NFL; in addition, both of these college QB's directed wide-open offenses, featuring a shotgun formation, which begs the question, how comfortable will these young players be and adjust to working from under center?

Will their inexperience hurt them, or is there an NFL team out there that will understand how to use these quarterbacks. Still, the fact remains that both of these quarterbacks have the ability to lead an NFL franchise.

Locker and Mallett bring up a different question, their inconsistent fundamentals and mechanics are on the minds of NFL scouts, and even though they have the ability to fit the ball anywhere at any given time with their strong arms, their footwork oftentimes leads to wandering or unorthodox passes. Locker's, for instance, footwork has made him less effective during games; it's affected his accuracy, his control, as well as completion percentage through his college career.

This year, more than previous years, an important draft pick will be a team's quarterback. Teams such as Tennessee, Minnesota, Arizona, Washington, San Francisco, Buffalo, as well as Miami are all team in search of a franchise quarterback for the future. These teams need an upgrade at the position, and all except for Miami, all have a real void at any leadership or help at this position.

This year's batch of quarterbacks may not offer a true leader in terms of what is needed in the NFL; however, the quarterback draft class of 2011 is very talented and has a lot to offer to the future of the NFL.

2011 Hanging In The Balance

Team owners and Representatives of the NFL's Players' Association met in Washington, DC. February 9, 2011 in order to continue negotiations regarding a new collective bargaining agreement, which leaves the 2011 season hanging in the balance.

Today's meeting began at 10 am est. and lasted into the evening. This is the 2^nd time in five days the two sides have met; the Representatives and owners will meet again later this week as well.

According to Commissioner Roger Goodell, the weekend talks were "beneficial" , he also shows his feelings by stating that 'both sides needed to come together to negotiate so that no time [would be] lost."

One important fact remaining is that the two sides settle on an agreement that is fair for the players as well as the franchises; allowing advancement, and more importantly, a 2011 season.

According to DeMaurice "De" Smith, the executive director of the National Football League Players' Association, team owners will lock-out players if there is not a new agreement reached by March 4, which is when the current deal, which was reached in 2008, will expire.

The owners' proposal of an 18-game regular season schedule; division of gross revenue and benefits given to retired players are also among the chief points being debated over the next few weeks.

2010 Offensive Player of the Year

Tom Brady was close to perfect this year, with his precision passing and leadership of the New England Patriots, he is now the Offensive Player of the Year. He didn't run away with it like he did in 2007; however, his numbers this year were enough to earn him the title for the 2nd time in 4 years
 
With a record setting string of 355 passes without an interception, he received 21 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members to edge out Philadelphia's Michael Vick....Okay, a landslide (Vick received 11 votes). 

Tom Terrific threw 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. (In 2007, Brady threw for 50 touchdowns as the Patriots went undefeated during the regular season). 

Even without star receivers, the New England Patriot continue to win, set records, and send players to Pro Bowls, as well as win honors for the season. 

In 2010, Brady lead the NFL with a 111 passer rating, which is 5th all-time; Brady's 65.9 completion percentage was 2nd to starting AFC Pro-Bowler Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers; however, the Patriots ended their post season with a loss to the NY Jets, after Brady threw for 3,900 yards during the regular season

Notes: Tom Terrific is the only quarterback and active player to win the Offensive Player of the Year award twice.
Brady is the 6th multiple winner of the award; the others are Earl Campbell, Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis, and Marshall Faulk. (Campbell (1978-80) and Faulk (1999-2001) won the award 3-times in their career).

        

Voting for the 2010 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Player	Position	Team	Votes
Tom Brady	QB	Patriots	21
Michael Vick	QB	Eagles	11
Arian Foster	RB	Texans	7
Philip Rivers	QB	Chargers	5
Roddy White	WR	Falcons	2
Aaron Rodgers	QB	Packers	2
DeSean Jackson	WR	Eagles	2

2011 Pro Bowl Starters

Game Time
January 30th
7PM EST (Fox)


Offense
                AFC                                     NFC

Philip Rivers	QB	Michael Vick
Arian Foster	RB	Michael Turner
Vonta Leach	FB	Ovie Mughelli
Reggie Wayne	WR	Roddy White
Brandon Lloyd	WR	Calvin Johnson
Marcedes Lewis	TE	Jason Witten
Joe Thomas	OT	Jordan Gross
D'Brickashaw Ferguson	OT	Tyson Clabo
Kris Dielman	OG	Jahri Evans
Logan Mankins	OG	Chri Snee
Jeff Saturday	C	Andre Gurode

Defense

              AFC                                  NFC

Robert Mathis	DE	Julius Peppers
Jason Babin	DE	John Abraham
Haloti Ngata	DT	Jay Ratliff
Vince Wilfork	DT	Justin Smith
Cameron Wake	OLB	DeMarcus ware
Terrell Suggs	OLB	Brian Orakpo
Ray Lewis	ILB	Jonathan Vilma
Darrelle Revis	CB	DeAngelo Hall
Devin McCourty	CB	Brent Grimes
Brandon Meriweather	FS	Antrell Rolle
Eric Berry	SS	Adrian Wilson

Special Teams
           AFC                                        NFC

Shane Lechler	P	Mat McBriar
Billy Cundiff	K	David Akers
Marc Mariani	KR	Devin Hester
Montell Owens	ST	Eric Weems

Coaches: AFC - Bill Belichick
               NFC - Mike Smith

The Titans and Jeff Fisher Part Ways

NFL Network reports that the Tennessee Titans and head coach Jeff Fisher are parting ways. The report said an official announcement could come as early as Friday, but the decision was not confirmed as a firing, resignation, or as a mutual parting.

After 16 seasons together, the Tennessee Titans and Jeff Fisher go their separate ways.

Notes:

Fisher took the Titans to the their only Super Bowl in 2000 (Loss). 
Fisher is only 5-6 (career) in the post-season and has not won a playoff game since beating Baltimore in a Wild Card matchup  (January 2004). 

In addition, the Titans lost a Wild Card game against the Chargers in 2007, as well as wasting their AFC's top seed in 2008 with a loss to the Ravens.

Super Bowl XLV: Title Town USA vs The Steel Curtain

So are you ready for the Super Bowl yet?

This year's Super Bowl is between two teams with huge football traditions, there are too many Hall-of-Famers to count between the two teams. Green Bay has won more League Championships than any other team, and the Steelers have more Super Bowls than any other team in the league. 

Title Town USA vs The Steel Curtain will pit two of the best defensive coordinators against one another; Packers' defensive coordinator Dom Capers and the Steelers' Dick LeBeau are arguably two of the best in the business, and with both of these coaches involved, you can be sure to see some zone-blitzing, a lot of movement, and a lot of match-up variations; these two coaches are very good at disguising defenses, as well as confusing the opposing quarterback and offensive units.

On the other side of the ball, these are two of the best quarterbacks in the league at finishing and keeping plays alive, both Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) and Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) are able to use their feet to either buy time in the pocket, or to scramble for a first down.

Neither quarterback is, by definition, a running quarterback; however, when the time is right and it is needed, either quarterback can burn the opposing defense with a 50 yard pass while on the run or a quick scramble to move the chains. There movement oftentimes make defenses break their assignments, leading to big plays; however, both the Green bay Packers as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers have disciplined defenses that understand how to keep the opposing offense in front of them.

Another aspect of the game that will be interesting to watch is how well either team runs the ball. Both teams have legitimate running games, both offenses can pound it out when necessary, and both offenses have wide receivers and tight-ends that will block down-field.

The receiving core of either team is top notch; Pittsburgh's Hines Ward is a tough experienced wide receiver that always makes it complicated for the other team's defense, Mike Wallace has the ability to outrun anybody on the field at any given time; there is the reliable TE Heath Miller, as well as rookie wide receivers Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, who have made some big catches this year.

The Packers may have the edge at receivers, they bring to the table veterans Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson, whom many say are the best receiving core in the NFL.

Regardless of how this game ends, if it compares to the last time these two met...get ready for some fireworks!

Pittsburgh and Green Bay met back on December 20, 2009, where both teams came out passing the ball (100 pass plays were called during the last contest), there were 73 point scored in that game between the two teams, as well as over a thousand total yards for the game. 

Note: A factor in this game is Pittsburgh's center Maurkice Pouncey's ability to play, he was injured during the AFC Championship game.

Win or Go Home: Packers and Bears

This is it! Third time's a charm 

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will go head-to-head for the third time during the 2010/2011 season. However, the stakes and importance of this game far outweigh the previous two meetings.

 Win or go home is the motto come January, and that is just what one of these team will do. The Bears and Packers are the oldest rivalry in the NFL, dating back to November 27, 1921, where the Bears won 20-0. 

During this season, the two teams met first in Soldier Field in Week 3 (20-17 Bears victory), then the two teams took a leap to Lambeau Field, where the Packers won during Week 17 (10-3); by the way, the Bears lead the All-Time Series 92–83–6. Also, this is the first time the two teams have met in an NFC Championship Game. 

This game will be played in Chicago, and because of this fact, many believe the Bears will have the advantage; they have the crowd, they have the veteran linebackers, and they have the difference-maker, Devin Hester, who is able to score anytime he touches the ball on either a punt or a kick return.

At the quarterback position, there is no one hotter than Aaron Rodgers right now; NFL Network also claims that green Bay has the most talented wide receiving crew in the NFL; in addition, Green Bay has their own set of linebackers, and although they may not have the same number of years under their belts as the Bears linebacking squad, they are very aggressive, fast, and intelligent; and the Packers' differnce-maker continues to be University of Michigan's own Charles Woodson (cornerback and last year's Defensive player of the Year), who can change the tempo of the game at any time. 

Both quarterbacks have only increased their productivity through this year (Jay Cutler has seemed to calm down and make better decisions than in years past), and while Rodgers and the Packers' offense are playing at a high level, they still have to go in and prove their point in Chicago, which by the way, will be a very unwelcoming and non-compassionate place to play this Sunday.

Bears favored by 3.5 points.

NFC Championship Game

Sunday, January 23

3:00 p.m. ET (Fox)