The 10 Best Kickers of All Time

Kickers and punters are becoming more and more important to National Football League teams. What began merely as an allmost unimportant job has morphed into perhaps the most vital on the field (just look at Super Bowl XXXVI).

However, who is the best kicker? Is it Adam Vinatieri, Gary Anderson or even Jason Elam? You’ll just have to read the article to find out.

If you think I’ve left anyone important off this list, just leave me a comment.

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A (Premature) Thanksgiving Slideshow: 10 Things the NFL Should Be Thankful For

Happy (early) turkey day, everyone. There’s a lot to be thankful for. Your health, your family, your friends.

Some NFL personell, has a few things that they should be thankful for, too.

The Lions should be thankful that they have a victory, let alone two. Jim Zorn should be thankful that he still has a job.

In no particular order, here are 10 things the NFL should be thankful for. At the end of the article, there will be one thing the NFL should NOT be thankful for (hint: it’s about the Seattle Seahawks).

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A Mistake On Everyone’s Part: Joey Galloway

When the New England Patriots signed Joey Galloway, I thought that Galloway would provide extra depth at wideout, while giving Tom Brady a reliable target.

I was dead wrong.

Galloway was terrible, playing in just three games, starting two, with just seven receptions. He hadn’t played in a game since the win against the Atlanta Falcons. He had no touchdown receptions.

The 37-year-old wideout sat on the bench for the rest of his Patriots career, even during the 59-0 trounce of the Tennessee Titans, when almost every backup saw playing time.

But, did the New England brass actually believe the Galloway could be the player he was with Tampa Bay and Dallas?

Obviously, no. But the Buccaneers knew that Galloway was going downhill, releasing him on Feb. 25.

Galloway signed with the Patriots on March 14. I didn’t think it was bad having Galloway as the extra wide receiver for the Patriots until I saw him missing passes in the loss at the New York Jets on Sept. 20.

I only watched a little of the game, but I saw Galloway miss at least three passes.

Galloway’s 37-year-old body seemed to act it’s age in the game against the Jets.

Something was obviously up when Galloway stopped playing, and he probably had his bags packed during the 59-0 route of the Titans.

So, whose fault is it? Is Belicheck’s, for thinking Galloway could be reliable, when he clearly wasn’t? Or is Galloway trying to play past his prime?

Galloway should’ve retried with the Buccaneers, where he was beloved. He should be remembered as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

Instead, he may be remembered as a guy who was over the hill trying to play a young man’s game.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

New England Patriots: Moss, Edelman, Join Welker as Questionable

After New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker missed last Sunday’s game against the New York Jets with a right knee injury, he is expected to be a game-time decision against the Atlanta Falcons tomorrow.

However, Randy Moss missed team practices due to a back injury, and Edelman (who caught eight passes for 98 yards against the Jets in Welker’s place) is questionable with an ankle injury.

Also new adds on the injury report: safety Brandon Meriweather, defensive back Shawn Springs, cornerback Terrence Wheatley, tight end Chris Baker among other backups and reserves.

Couple this with the Jerod Mayo injury, and the Patriots could have a tough time against Boston College alum Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.

Joey Galloway will have to step it up on offense, as he had a terrible game against the Jets. The defense will also have to step up to try to slow down Matty Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, and the rest of the high-powered Atlanta Falcons offense.

My prediction: If the Patriots’ offense gets under control without Welker, Edelman or Moss, the Patriots will win. If not, it’ll be a long day for the Pats faithful. Final score: Falcons 28, Patriots 17.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Eagles QB Problem: Jeff Garcia Is The Answer

When Donovan McNabb went down with an injury in Week 1, Philadelphia Eagles fans were killed.

With big free agent signing Michael Vick not available until Week 3, the Eagles are stuck with the unproven Kevin Kolb, and the aging veteran Jeff Garcia.

Kolb is in his fourth season, and has played in eight career games. Kolb’s career passer rating is 25.0, and has 24 career completions

Garcia played for the Eagles in 2006. Garcia will provide veteran leadership in McNabb’s absence, and will allow the Eagles to use Michael Vick as a slot receiver in Wildcat formation, instead of full-time quarterback.

One downside for Garcia, is that he’s 39. he’s not as nimble as he used to be, and might take sacks more than Vick or Kolb.

Still, Garcia has had success in the Eagles, going 5-1-0 in 2006. I’d rather have the proven veteran than the unproven rookie.

As for Vick, he should appear occasionally at quarterback, but expect to see Jeff Garcia as the primary quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles until Donovan McNabb returns.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Andrew Walter Released by New England Patriots, Joining Kevin O’Connell

Former Oakland Raiders starting quarterback and projected New England second-string quarterback Andrew Walter was released by the Patriots Friday.

Projected third-stringer Brian Hoyer is expected to take over the second-string job.

The moves comes after Hoyer (an undrafted rookie) led the Patriots back from a 21-point deficit in the Pats’ most recent preseason game.

I thought Walter had a cemented spot on the roster after the release of former backup Kevin O’Connell. However, coach Bill Belichick must really trust starter Tom Brady’s knee and shoulder, as Hoyer is now the only backup.

Walter, 27, was drafted out of Arizona State in the third round (69th overall) by the Raiders. Walter had a moderately successful NCAA career, as he was freshman All-Pac 10 in 2001, honorable mention All-Pac 10 in 2003, and second team All-Pac 10 in 2004.

However, Walter’s career numbers are less than mediocre. Walter’s career passer rating is 52.6, and he has thrown three career touchdowns compared to 16 career interceptions.

Walter has certainly taken many steps down from his success at ASU. But many teams need a backup quarterback, so Walter might not be on the free agent market long.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Kevin O’Connell Sacked: Third Round Draft Pick Released by New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have released second-string quarterback Kevin O’Connell, solidifying the QB depth chart of Tom Brady, Andrew Walter, and rookie Brian Hoyer.

O’Connell was drafted in the third round (94th overall) out of San Diego State by the Patriots in the 2008 NFL Draft. O’Connell was very successful at San Diego State, as he was Second Team All-MWC in 2007.

O’Connell was released after coming in for an injured Tom Brady during the preseason game against the Washington Redskins. The Patriots gave no explanation for waiving O’Connell.

O’Connell played in just one career regular season game, passing for 23 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions; he finished with a passer rating of 73.6.

When O’Connell came into the draft, several experts said that O’Connell could be a great player.

Maybe O’Connell was just drafted to the wrong team.

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