Brett Favre Proves Revenge is a Dish Best Served at Lambeau

In Brett Favre’s second comeback news conference, he stated playing for the Minnesota Vikings was not about revenge. Only Favre himself knows if the statement was true or not.

Still, the Vikings 30-23 win in Minnesota in week four made the rematch in Green Bay that much bigger. Minnesota had not swept the Packers since 2005, and Green Bay could show the home fans they made the right choice in Aaron Rodgers.

In Favre’s first return to Lambeau Field as a visitor, his numbers were outstanding. Favre completed 17-of-28 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns.

Aaron Rodgers, Favre’s counterpart, played just as good as the future Hall-of-Famer. Rodgers completed 26 of 41 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns.

The current Packers quarterback had more passing yards than the former Packers quarterback primarily because Green Bay was playing from behind for the most part. Minnesota was able to build a 17-3 lead at the half.

To start the second half, the Vikings took the opening kickoff and marched down field to take a 24-3 lead. Just when it looked to be a Minnesota blowout, the Packers came storming back.

Rodgers led the Packers to 17 unanswered points in the third quarter to make the score 24-20 in favor of the Vikings heading in to the fourth quarter. The Green Bay comeback had all the momentum swinging to the home sideline.

That is when No. 4 did what he used to do for the Packers for so many years. Favre lead the Vikings down for a touchdown two minutes into the fourth quarter for a 31-20 lead.

Rodgers, not to be outdone, brought Green Bay right down the field three minutes later for a touchdown to cut the lead to 31-26 after a two-point conversion failed. The aging gunslinger put the final nail in his old team’s coffin with another touchdown with less than four minutes to go for the 38-26 win.

Looking closely at the numbers, there are several reasons why Minnesota won this football game. The first reason was pressure on the quarterback.

The Vikings were able to hit Rodgers 10 times, compared to just four hits the Packers managed on Favre. The biggest number was the number of sacks for both teams. The Vikings had six sacks, and the Packers were not able to sack Favre once.

Another reason for the Packers’ loss has to be the lack of a running game. Rodgers was the leading rusher for Green Bay, with 52 yards on five carries. The bulk of Rodgers’ yards coming on a scramble for 35 yards in the fourth quarter.

While Rodgers led his team in rushing, Favre only had to hand the ball to Adrian Peterson to gain yards on the ground. Peterson was able to rush for 97 yards on 25 carries to lead Minnesota in rushing.

The Packers have to find a running game to ease some of the pressure off Rodgers. The Packers quarterback is already the most-hit signal-caller in the league, and if he has to be the running back as well he will not last the whole season.

The final reason for this Packers loss is easy. The job at returning kicks by Percy Harvin for Minnesota. Harvin had five kick returns for 175 yards, and three of his returns set-up a touchdown for Vikings.

Harvin has been an x-factor all season long for the Vikings. He even had a 51-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter while Minnesota was building its first half lead.

With both games against the Packers out of the way, bigger questions loom on the horizon. The Vikings have a bye week after this game, but how will Favre fare for the rest of the season?

Does Brett still care about the rest of this season after beating his old team twice this season? Is the ultimate revenge Favre can give himself a Super Bowl championship?

At 7-1 and with the second best record in the NFC—until the Saints play Monday—the Vikings and Favre will be watched closely all season long. The defense has to play two whole haves and Favre’s health could be an issue. Still, how much Brett wants to rub it in the Packers’ nose could be his major motivation.

The second fallout of this whole scenario could be the job security of Packers GM Ted Thompson, the man many believe sent Favre out of town. With every Vikings win and every Green Bay loss, all eyes must turn to Thompson.

Playing the “what-if” game, one has to wonder what will happen with Thompson if the Packers miss the playoffs and the Vikings make a deep playoff run, or win a championship. The heat will only increase with every step Minnesota takes to a playoff berth.

Thompson believes he has built a solid team, and Favre’s end-of-season “will he or won’t he” could no longer be tolerated. Thompson’s biggest fear has to be Favre having one more championship season left in him.

If Favre does win a championship, Thompson will not be alone in this and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will be on the chopping block with him. Green Bay will have to choose a sacrificial lamb depending on how well the Vikings do this season.

On the other hand, Minnesota GM Rick Spielman and head coach Brad Childress look brilliant so far by taking a chance on Favre. Both will be safe as long as the Vikings make the playoffs and play for at least an NFC Championship.

Lost in all the Thompson versus Favre talk is Rodgers. Replacing a legend is hard, but replacing a legend who is still playing is even harder. Just ask Steve Young.

Rodgers will always be judged by what Favre did as a Packer. Every success the Vikings have only makes it harder for Rodgers to be completely accepted by Packers fans.

If Favre leads Minnesota to a title, even diehard Packers fans will always wonder what if Green Bay had kept No. 4 behind center. This team was so close in 2007 to a Super Bowl berth, another season missing the playoffs will only add more undue pressure on Rodgers.

Either way, Rodgers may not ever be as loved as Favre is in Green Bay. The only way to change those feelings is Brett not winning another Lombardi Trophy and Rodgers bringing one back to Green Bay himself.

Well, Rodgers had better make that two Lombardi Trophies. The NFL is always about one-upping the other guy. So far, Favre is up 3-0, two wins this season, and one NFL championship. 

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Why Denying Rush Limbaugh NFL Ownership Will Not Be Easy

It is widely known that Rush Limbaugh along with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts is part of a group to buy the St. Louis Rams if the team is for sale. This has set off a firestorm of players and the union against this purchase.

To be fair to all parties lets break this down from every perspective. First let’s look at Limbaugh and his radio and political stance.

Rush is a conservative, a Republican and a vocal opponent of sitting President Barack Obama. I have never met Limbaugh, but I have listened to his radio show.

Say what you want about him and his view points, but he does his job well. This makes people who listen love him and hate him.

To me Rush comes off as a wrestling character in the WWE. He does and says things to get a reaction out of people.

Radio Limbaugh might not be the real life Limbaugh. The man gets ratings from his show by the character he plays on radio.

That doesn’t mean radio Limbaugh and real life Limbaugh do not think alike. Unless you have met the man in real life you do not know.

Limbaugh has had his run-ins with the NFL. There were his comments on Donovan McNabb and the way NLF players looked. Here is a look at two of the more famous quotes Rush is known for:

“I don’t think he’s [Donovan McNabb] been that good from the get-go.  I think what we’ve had here is a little social concern in the NFL.  I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.  They’re interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well.  I think there’s a little hope invested in McNabb and he got a lot of credit for the performance of his team that he really didn’t deserve.  The defense carried this team.”

This was Limbaugh’s statement about Donovan McNabb after he was hired to be on Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN. Rush gave an opinion like he was hired to do and there is nothing in that statement that is racist.

The whole city of Philadelphia at times—let me rephrase—since he was drafted, has not thought McNabb was a quarterback that could take them to a Super Bowl victory. In fact Eagles fans booed when he was drafted.

All Rush said was McNabb’s success was manufactured by the media. Limbaugh never said black quarterbacks are bad or they could not play quarterback. He did say the media in this politically correct country wanted black quarterback and coaches to do well.

ESPN hired Limbaugh to give opinions and when he gave one and it was totally blown out of context ESPN threw him under the bus. McNabb has never been the conversation of greatest quarterbacks of all time and never will.

Say what you want there is nothing in the statement above that is racist against McNabb or black quarterbacks. What Limbaugh was basically saying was that McNabb is overrated.

Limbaugh’s other statement made on his radio show:

“Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons.”

To be fair to Rush, what did the NFL do with all the do-rags and other gangster acts by players? That is right, they banned them.

It was not to make white people happy. It was to protect brand marketing. No sports league or product wants to be associated with gang violence. The comment was not necessarily racist but could have been said with more tact.

As far as other owners and commissioner Roger Goodell goes there is another problem with blocking Rush from being a part owner in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney might have caused it as well.

In the last presidential election Rooney gave money and publicly supported Barack Obama. The league had no problem with Rooney’s stance. After Obama was elected, Rooney took an ambassador’s job in Ireland.

Now that someone from the other side of the political spectrum wants to own a team, it would be hard for the NFL to say no. The league has opened the door for Limbaugh to own a team.

If not for Rooney supporting Obama in the last election the NFL would not have an issue of owners in politics already. Most of the outrage over what Limbaugh says or him owning a team is because of his political leanings.

The NFL might reject Limbaugh from owning a team, but they will have to find something other than politics and his radio show. Rush has been the center of controversy before, so he will not shy away from owning a team.

Last several players and the union have come out against Limbaugh owning a team. Most notability Bart Scott and Mathias Kiwanuka have publicly stated they would not play for the Rams if Rush was a part owner.

I have no problem with anyone taking a stance on principle. They can be athletes, actors, or singers.Tthey have the right to use their fame how they see fit.

There are two things that will keep players from doing a lot of speaking out or signing with the Rams. The union should watch out for both of these reasons.

The first is the “Michael Jordan” political stance. Jordan once said famously when asked why he does not get in to politics or take a stand on issues. The most famous athlete in the world said Republicans buy sneakers, too.

Players will have to start to worry that Republicans buy tickets, jerseys, and other things. The Dixie Chicks can attest to the backlash for taking a stand politically.

The last reason players will not speak out about Rush is having to eat crow later. NFL players have a three-year career average length.

A pro football player has to make as much money as they can before they are out of the sport. If during free agency a player has two contract offers and the Rams are offering the most money, will any player turn it down?

It is nice to have principles, but when it comes down to money everyone takes the highest offer.  Athletes from every sport have said they will never play for this team or coach or whatever and then go player for whom or whatever they said they never would.

Players will always go where the money is. Scott is signed with the Jets for the next six years and has been in the league for five years.

It’s easy for Scott to say he would never play for the Rams if Limbaugh is the owner. Unless he is cut Scott will never be a free agent again. Playing linebacker for 11 years in the NFL, Scott will not be a big free agent after his Jets contract is over.

As far as Kiwanuka goes, he will be in the league five years before his contract with the Giants is up. He will only have one chance to make big money in free agency. There is no way Kiwanuka will pass up more money from the Rams to take less money in his only big money free agency period.

It could happen and free agents will not sign with the St. Louis. The problem is no matter what an athlete says they will take the money no matter who the owner or part owner is.

The players, people outside the NFL are making a lot of noise about Limbaugh and all he would be is a part owner. Likely, Rush would be like most owners and keep his mouth shut about the league and players.

As a NFL owner Limbaugh will have to tone down his radio character and the owners are in a tight spot to deny him owning a team. Dan Rooney has opened the door for Rush to come in.

Players have to show the Rams, the NFL, and the country that when it comes down to it they will not take the money and run. Principles are nice but when it comes down to it they can be bought and sold like anything else.

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What the NFL Season Has Taught Us a Quarter of the Way Through

 

Week four of the NFL season ended Monday night with the Vikings beating the Packers. The league as a whole is basically a quarter of the way through the season.

While no team is completely out of a playoff spot at this point in the season there are teams that have to make a quick turnaround. There have been surprises as far as how good some teams are and how bad others are.

Since a quarter of the games this season have been played let’s look at what we have learned so far this NFL season. Starting with teams with the best record we will look at all 32 teams.

 

4-0 Teams

New York Giants

The Giants could be the best team in the NFL. They have a solid defense and special teams.

The young receivers Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks are getting better each week. Eli Manning has Steve Smith as a dependable target.

New York’s running game is one of the best in the league with the load being carried by Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.  The offense and defense can carry this team far this season.

The Giants have to be considered top Super Bowl contenders. New York is only two years removed from a great playoff run that ended in a world championship over the Patriots.

 

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts just keep plugging in new players and still keep winning. Indianapolis has lost Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison but there is one constant. That is Peyton Manning at quarterback.

The Colts have moved Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne in to the starting lineup to keep winning games. As long as the Colts have a defense that can keep games close and have Manning at quarterback the Colts will always be in games.

This team might not have many more winning years in front of it but until Peyton starts to decline as a quarterback this team will be a playoff contender. The Colts are still a Super-Bowl-caliber team this season.

 

New Orleans Saints

Offense the last couple of seasons have not been a question in New Orleans. Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been outstanding during his time in New Orleans.

The question is can the Saints defense make stops for the offense. The first four games of the season the defense has done its part.

The Saints have to keep winning and get home field advantage if they want to go far in the playoffs. The offense will slow down in the bad weather if this team has to go on the road in the post season.

In the dome the Saints can keep putting up points and not have to worry about the playing outside. The defense will be the key on how far this team will go. Early on that looks pretty far.

 

Minnesota Vikings

The biggest thing this team might have done was luring Brett Favre out of his second retirement. The Vikings already had the best running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson.

Minnesota needed a quarterback to help them win games when teams decide to not let Peterson beat them. Favre at quarterback makes Vikings opponents respect the pass.

As long as Favre does not wear out this team will be a contender. The defense will be one of the NFL’s best.

The Vikings were a playoff team last season and the main question this team had was quarterback. The addition of Favre at the quarterback position was a big upgrade.

Minnesota will find out good they are with games against Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and a road game at Green Bay. The Vikings needed a miracle pass to beat the 49ers and have not really been challenged in their other three games.

This team could face a late season slide depending on Favre. If Favre does not have a letdown, this could be one of the best teams in the post season.

 

Denver Broncos

After the offseason the Broncos had did anyone see them being 4-0 at this point in the season. Denver traded away franchise quarterback Jay Cutler to the Bears for Kyle Orton.

Orton has always been a game manager at quarterback. While he might not win games, Orton, will not lose them for you. He has been doing that since he was in Chicago.

The defense is the real story with this team.  Denver’s defense has only given up 26 points in four games. That is the lowest point total a defense has given up in the NFL by far this season.

This team will run in to trouble if they cannot score points on offense. The defense will keep this team in games.

The offense just has to score when they can and not turn the ball over. Denver will find out how good they are the next couple of weeks. This team could easily win the AFC East, perhaps the weakest division in the NFL.

 

3-1 Teams

San Francisco 49ers

Mike Singletary has changed the culture around the Bay area. The 49ers now play tough defense, led by Patrick Willis and run the ball with Frank Gore and Glen Coffee.

San Francisco is a great Brett Favre throw and an even better catch by Greg Lewis from being undefeated. This team looks to be for real. The 49ers are also in a very weak division as well.

The Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals all look to be bad to middle of the road teams. A 9-7 record won this division last season and San Francisco would only have to win six of their last twelve to reach that mark.

That is just playing .500 football and they already have a win over every team in the NFC West. Shaun Hill only has to be Kyle Orton like and just be a game manager.

This team might not go far in the playoffs but will make the playoffs this season. The only way the 49ers will not make it to the post season is a mass injury bug. Plus San Francisco has signed their first round draft choice Michael Crabtree but do not look for much from him this season.

 

New England Patriots

There are lots of people eating crow after the last two weeks. The New England Patriots spent the first week rallying to beat the Buffalo Bills and losing to the New York Jets.

Sitting at 1-1 everyone and their brother was claiming the Patriots regain was over. Low and behold, the Patriots rallied to win their next two games.

Not just any two game but over the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens. Both were playoff teams in 2008 and looking just as strong early in 2009 to repeat as playoff teams.

As long at this team has Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Randy Moss and an improving defense this team will be a contender. The AFC East looks to be a two-horse race between the Patriots and the Jets.

New England might not make a Super Bowl run but will be a playoff team at the end of the year. Note to everyone out their do not sleep on this team. They have been better than just about any other team in the NFL at everything and will continue to be so.

 

Baltimore Ravens

This team will go as far as their defense and Joe Flacco can take them. The defense has been the strong suit of this team for years led by linebacker Ray Lewis.

Flacco in year two has been solid and only has gotten better. The only problem for the Ravens is that they play in a tough division. The Super Bowl champion Steelers and the improved Bengals are in this division.

The running game should be fine for the Ravens with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee carrying the load. The problem is with this team is the receivers and the only trust worthy receiver is Derrick Mason.

The Ravens need to find a second wide receiver that can be as dependable as Mason. Still, this team could make the postseason. Baltimore has a tough schedule and could get beat up before the end of the season and that could make them miss the playoffs.

 

Chicago Bears

The Bears are one bad night by Jay Cutler from being 4-0. Since his horrible night in Green Bay in which he threw four interceptions and could have thrown six or more Cutler has been outstanding.

He has helped the Bears win their next three games and has not had to do it all by himself. The defense and special teams for Chicago has been solid as well.

Matt Forte has been good running the ball and Devon Hester has started to look like a number one receiver. The defense is still making plays even without Brian Urlacher.

This is the first time Cutler has had a good defense behind him in his career but does play in a very tough division. The Bears will battle it out with the Vikings and the Packers for the NFC North title.

Chicago will go as far as Cutler and their defense will take them. The Bears cannot afford too many more nights of Cutler throwing to the other team four or more times.

 

New York Jets

The Jets should not be a surprise at 3-1 this season. This was a team that started 8-3 until Brett Favre’s arm was injured.

The Jets had a solid defense and an only got better with the addition of Bart Scott in free agency. Rex Ryan is a good coach and will have a great defensive scheme every week.

On offense this team has to run the ball to protect rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. In their only loss the Jets were slow to get their running game going against the Saints.

Sanchez looked like a rookie quarterback in the NFL for the first time against the Saints. Now that other teams have seen what the Saints did to him the running game will matter even more.

The Jets will battle with the Patriots for the division title. This team will go as far as the rookie can carry them.

Sanchez will now have Braylon Edwards to throw to but Edwards could tear this team apart with his off the field issues. If this team wants a chance at the AFC East title protecting Sanchez is the key.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

This could be the first year since 2005 when they went to the playoffs. The only problem is the Bengals could just as easily be 4-0 or 1-3.

Cincinnati was beaten by a fluke tipped pass against Denver, need a late touchdown to beat Pittsburgh, and a field goal in the final seconds of overtime to beat Cleveland. This team could have lost these three games or won them.

Carson Palmer finally looks like he did before his knee injury in the 2005 playoffs against the Steelers. The defense needs to play just a little better if this team wants to battle the Ravens and Pittsburgh for an AFC North title.

The other thing the Bengals have to do is keep Chad Ochocinco (formerly Johnson) under control. The wide receiver is a great player but can become a distraction quickly with his on and off the field antics.

The Bengals might have finally put it all together for their coach Marvin Lewis this season. Cincinnati has the talent to win this division if they can stay focused with their job on the field.

 

2-1 Teams

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons were rolling right along until they had to deal with a Patriots team everyone doubted. Atlanta was on a bye week in week four.

What we know about the Falcons so far is that Matt Ryan has only gotten better in his second season and Tony Gonzalez was a good trade to make. The defense was supposed to be the weak but has been more than adequate so far.

This team will have to contend with the high scoring Saints for the NFC South title. The Falcons won the South last season and should be just as good this season.

The only things that could keep Atlanta out of the playoffs are injuries or the defense lets this team down. Atlanta should be fine on offense but needs to get the ground game going like last year.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles could not get a bye week at a better time. The week gave Philadelphia a chance to get Donovan McNabb healthy from broken ribs.

The Saints spanked this team in week two but backup Kelvin Cobb helped them bounce back in week three over Kansas City. The only problem with this team is the Michael Vick experiment.

McNabb lobbied for Vick before the season started but during the preseason did not seem to like the use of the “Wildcat” offense. This team could have problems if McNabb starts off slow back from injury.

Vick wants to be the starter and McNabb wants to stay the starter before the end of the season this could become a controversy.  The Eagles already play in one of the toughest divisions the NFC East.

There is no question that Andy Reid has done an excellent job in Philadelphia. The key parts to this team are getting older and this season or the next could be the end of a great run. The Eagles could be in real trouble at the quarterback position.

 

2-2 Teams

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers could easily be 4-0 on the season. Bad special teams doomed them against the Bears and a last second touchdown from the Bengals.

The champions look beatable so far this season. Even in their two wins they had to survive a comeback by the Chargers and special team problems from the Titans.

Pittsburgh has been spotty in the running game forcing Ben Roethlisberger to carry the load offensively. The defense has been good but not great and should get safety Troy Polamalu back.

The Steelers will have to fight to win the AFC North with Baltimore and Cincinnati both in the division. Do not look for Pittsburgh repeat as Super Bowl champion but can get in the playoffs if they can stay healthy.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Like the Steelers the Cowboys could be undefeated at 4-0 as well. The defense could not stop Eli Manning from leading his team to a game-winning field goal in a loss. Bad tackling by the defense led to a Brandon Marshall touchdown for a second loss.

Dallas does have one of the best running games when healthy. Marion Barber, Tashard Choice, and Felix Jones can all be game breakers in the ground game.

The receivers are not great but are serviceable. Tony Romo has not been great but not as bad as he has been made out to be.

The defense has to play better. This group has struggled getting sacks and turnovers four games in to the season.

Every team has to avoid turnover but this average Dallas team really has to avoid them. They cannot get enough out of their defense to help out the opposing offense with good field position.

The Cowboys play in the always tough NFC East and will have a hard time making the playoffs. Dallas can kiss the any postseason shot goodbye if they cannot get better play from their defense and Romo.

 

Green Bay Packers

The Packers could be in a bad spot this season. The Vikings have Favre and anything less than a division title in the NFC North will be trouble.

Aaron Rodgers will be safe at quarterback, well as safe as he can be behind his offensive line, but coach Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson jobs are on the line.

This team has a good defense that will keep them in most games. The receivers are good and the running backs are fair.

Rodgers needs his offensive line to get healthy or better or both quickly. He cannot keep taking shots like he has the first four weeks of the season.

This team will start to feel more and more pressure if the Vikings are in contention to win the division. Rodgers will start to fall apart from all the hits he is taking as well if the line problems persist.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have been hard to figure out this season. They played the Colts close and got blown out by Arizona both games losses. Then they beat Houston and Tennessee with ease.

This team has a solid defense and Maurice Jones-Drew does most of the heavy lifting in the ground game. Coach Jack Del Rio and quarterback David Garrard could be facing make or break seasons.

The Jaguars let Fred Taylor go to New England and Jones-Drew is this team’s best offensive weapon. Jacksonville might need a playoff run to revitalize this franchise. Otherwise it might mean a whole shake-up in the organization to sell tickets.

 

Houston Texans

This was supposed to be the first season the Texans made the playoffs. At 2-2, that goal is very much still possible.

This team has to become constant and cannot keep losing a game then winning a game. The talent is there for Houston to make a playoff run.

The Texans have done a good job drafting a team on both sides of the ball. They were scoffed at for drafting Mario Williams with the first pick of the draft in 2006 but he has turned into one of dominate defensive lineman in the NFL.

On offense, Houston has a nice core of players at the skill positions adding Matt Schaub via a trade and Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton through the draft.

If Houston wants to make it to the playoff for the first time in franchise history they will have to do two things. First they will have to play a bit better on defense and secondly protect Schaub. If they can do those two things they will have a chance.

 

San Diego Chargers

Looking at the AFC West the Chargers were supposed to be the favorite in a bad division. That was before Denver pulled itself together.

The offense led by Philip Rivers has not been a problem for this team. San Diego is one team that can put up a lot of points fast. The offense will be even better once LaDainian Tomlinson get completely healthy.

Once thought to be a strength the defense of the Chargers is now a liability. San Diego’s defense has only held one team below 20 points so far this season.

The only way the Chargers are going to turn things around and catch the Broncos is to get better play defensively. After a week five bye the Chargers will face three division teams that could make or break their season.

This could be the last season San Diego employs Norv Turner as head coach without a deep playoff run. Linebacker Shawne Merriman could be on the way out the door as well after this season.

 

Washington Redskins

Daniel Snyder has not had much success with his favorite childhood team the Washington Redskins. Since buying the team in 1999 the Redskins have only made the playoffs three times.

Current head coach Jim Zorn has not lead Washington to the playoffs and a loss to the Detroit Lions is not helping is cause in 2009. The Redskins defense has not been the problem this season.

The defense is only giving up 15.5 points a game. The problem has been the offense which is only scoring 14 points per game.

Washington could be looking for a new quarterback if Jason Campbell cannot turn things around quickly. Campbell has not been a popular choice in Washington and requested a trade as the Redskins made a move for Jay Cutler.

So far in 2009, Campbell has thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions. The complete offensive problem is not Campbell’s fault.

The whole offense has looked bad starting with the offensive line. Running back Clinton Portis has not helped ease the pressure off of Campbell.

The Redskins will not be able to make the playoffs unless the offense can shake out of its funk. The defense has to just keep playing the way it has so far. A bad season will be the end of Zorn in Washington.

 

1-3 Teams

Detroit Lions

Jim Schwartz knew he had his work cut out for him this season. The Lions did not win a game in 2008 the only team to go winless with a 16-game schedule.

In the draft Detroit picked Matthew Stafford with the first pick of the draft. The Lions already had Kevin Smith at running back and Calvin Johnson at wide receiver.

The defense has been retooled and has not been too bad. In four games this season, the Lions have shown flashes of being a very good team.

There was no question this team was not going to make the playoffs. The question was would this team show improvement and break its losing streak.

On both counts the Lions and Schwartz can say through four games both improvement and the end of the losing streak are there. This team might struggle this year and the next but Detroit is building a team that could be special.

 

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks started the season out strongly with a win over the St. Louis Rams in the first game of the season. The next game saw quarterback Matt Hasselbeck suffer a rib injury against the San Francisco.

Seattle lost the 49ers game and has not won since. This team has not done anything defensively since that first game against the Rams.

After pitching a shutout against the Rams in week one the defense of Seattle has been giving up 27.3 points per game. Seneca Wallace has not been bad at quarterback but is clearly a backup.

This team will more than likely be looking to rebuild after this season. New head coach Jim Mora Jr. will need to start anew at quarterback and other positions with this team. This season was a one year shot at the playoffs and the Seahawks will not make it.

 

Oakland Raiders

This whole organization is in trouble starting at the top with Al Davis who has held on to power for far too long. Davis has been very beneficial to the NFL but it is time for him to step away from the day to day job of running a NFL franchise.

The coaching staff is not much better as head coach Tom Cable is accused of breaking the jaw of a former assistant coach. Cable is being investigated by the league and the police and could face disciplinary action from the NFL even if charges are not filed by the district attorney.

JaMarcus Russell is not a franchise quarterback as he has shown so far. He is only completing 39.8 percent of his passes with one touchdown and four interceptions so far this season.

Russell is in his third year in the league and it is time he started to show improvement. Cable has not even benched him for his bad play.

This team should abandon the pass and just run the ball with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. The defense has not been great giving up 22.3 points per game.

This team needs to be overhauled from top to bottom. As long as Davis is still in control do not look for the Raiders to reclaim their former glory.

 

0-4 Teams

Cleveland Browns

This team looks like they are giving up on 2009 season four games in to it. Eric Mangini has traded away wide receiver Braylon Edwards to the Jets and has flip-flopped on his quarterbacks.

Brady Quinn got to start the first three games of the season but has been replaced by Derek Anderson. With Anderson in the lineup, the Browns did show their first signs of life offensively against the Bengals in week four.

While the offense has not been anywhere near the best in the league the defense has been horrible. In four games, the Browns’ defense has not held one opponent to under 20 points.

It’s easy to blame the offense for not winning a game but the defense has to get stops and turnovers so the offense does not have to score 30 points to win. Look for Mangini and Cleveland to start rebuilding in 2010.

 

St. Louis Rams

Clearly the days of the rams being the greatest show on turf are over. The 2009 Rams are not scoring points anywhere near a record setting pace.

St. Louis is in fact the only team to be shutout twice this season. Even with new coach Steve Spagnuolo and Marc Bulger still at quarterback this team is in shambles.

The defense is bad. The offense is bad. The special teams are bad.

This team will be lucky to win one game this season. The Rams are in for a long rebuilding project.

 

 

The next two sets of teams all have a common theme associated with them. These last two groups will round out a look at all 32 teams a quarter in to season.

 

What a difference a year makes

Arizona Cardinals

The defending NFC Champions have gotten off to a slow start this season. The Cardinals have been either really good or really bad in three games this season.

Against the 49ers and the Colts the Cardinals were blown out in games that were not even close. Arizona got its one win this season against Jacksonville in week two.

This is pretty much the same team that won the NFC West last season. Ken Whisenhunt is still the coach and Kurt Warner is still starting at quarterback. The defense has not been very good in either the losses or the win. The offense has not scored like it did last year.

With a week four bye week the Cardinals will have a chance to regroup and try to catch the 49ers in the division. This team has put itself in a hole but not a hole to deep to climb out of.

 

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins made the biggest jump in win total from one season to the next in NFL history in 2008. Miami went from winning one game in 2007 to 11 wins in 2008 and an AFC East title.

Ronnie Brown running the “Wildcat” was a big weapon for the Dolphins last season. Chad Pennington a solid game manager last season has been lost this season.

Pennington’s injury has left Chad Henne as the starter. This team has not been able to stop anyone on defense but Buffalo so far.

The Dolphins inability to make a defensive stop cost Miami a win against the Colts in week two of the season. The offense is not without its problems as well. The Dolphins have to find away to score touchdowns not field goals.

There is time to turn things around but in the AFC East the turnaround has to come fast. Tony Sparano will get a bye in week six to figure the problems out.

 

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers began 2009 like they ended 2008 with the once solid defense not being able to get off the field and the offense turning the ball over. The defending NFC South champions have put themselves in a semi-deep hole.

Carolina is 0-3 and their main problem is fixing Jake Delhomme’s turnover problems. Delhomme has had trouble throwing interceptions and fumbling the ball.

Coach John Fox will have to make a change quick if the Panthers cannot turn things around quickly after their week four bye. One thing that would help Carolina is if the ground game could get going with DeAngelo Williams.

 

Tennessee Titans

The Titans played the Steelers close in the first game of the season losing off missed two field goals by kicker Rob Bironas. Since then the wheels have fallen off for Tennessee.

This team has been bad defensively and has turned the ball over numerous times. Running back Chris Johnson has been the one bright spot.

The Titans have to turn things around fast if they want to defend their AFC South title. Tennessee could make a change a quarterback if things do not get better.

Right now Kerry Collins is the starter but Vince Young could come off the bench to provide a spark for this team. The Titans cannot wait until their week seven bye week to get things going in the right direction.

Coach Steve Fisher’s job could be on the line if the Titans do not get a win fast. To get that win this team will have to play better defense and stop turning the ball over.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs: 1-11 combined record

All three of these teams have one thing in common. All three fired their offensive coordinator just before the start of the 2009 season.

Buffalo fired Turk Schonert in the preseason. Since then the Bills have slowly been bad on offense. The firing did not show up in week one against the Patriots but has as the season has gone one.

The Bills only win came against Tampa Bay another team that let its offensive coordinator go in the preseason. The last two week the Bills have only been able to mange 17 total points in two games.

The main question is when will wide receiver Terrell Owens start to rip coach Dick Jauron and quarterback Trent Edwards for not getting him the ball. Owens did not even have a catch in the Bills week four lost to Miami.

At 1-3 the defense has to get better and the offense has to find away to score points. This team was supposed to compete for the AFC East title. Jauron will be out of a job with nothing less than winning season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski as well in the preseason. Tampa Bay played well in a loss against the Dallas Cowboys in week one.

Since then it has been all downhill for the Buccaneers. Rookie head coach Raheem Morris will catch all the heat for the fire.

Since scoring 21 points against the Cowboys the Bucs have been shutout once and only scored 20 points once as well. The defense does not get a break either since it has not stopped anyone either.

Morris might be a rookie head coach but as the losses mount have long can he keep his job. He might make it through this season but Morris has already benched Byron Leftwich for Josh Johnson.

The Kansas City Chiefs are the third team to fire an offensive coordinator in the preseason. Head coach Todd Haley fired Chan Gaile before the start of the season and this team did not recover.

Since scoring 24 points week one versus the Ravens the Chiefs have not scored over 16 points the other three games. Kansas City has been so bad this season they could not even beat the Raiders.

The Chiefs head coach Haley is a rookie as well and the losses could cost him his job in year one as well. Kansas City was a major rebuilding job to begin with but Haley might have made this job a lot harder.

Kansas City was able to get Matt Cassel in a trade in the offseason. One problem is the Chiefs have a bad offensive line, no running game, and no big name receivers. Haley will have to hope he does not find himself on the chopping block by the end of the season.

 

A quarter of the way through the NFL season and here is the good, the bad, and the ugly so far. Some teams have dug a deep hole already, some could go either way, and some have built a good start.

There is still a long way to go this season and anything could still happen. As the season goes on some head coaches will be on the hot seat and some could get fired.

The NFL season will come into a sharper focus by the half way point of the season. There is still hope for over half the NFL to turn it around if your team is not doing well so far.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Best Pro Football Players In Mississippi History; Part Nine: Kickers

This is the final installment in this series about the greatest pro football players in Mississippi history. The series has featured every position on the field and everyone has had a Hall of Famer or should be in the Hall of Fame.

In the last piece we will see some players that were missed in other posts and we will look at great special team players from Mississippi. The special team players from Mississippi also contain some great players.

So here is our final look at players from Mississippi who have had great careers in pro football. Starting with the players missed then special team players.

 

 

John “Kayo” Dottley: Chicago Bears via Ole Miss Rebels

John Dottley was one of the greatest players in Ole Miss history. Dottley was the first Rebel to rush for 1,000 yards. He did it twice in 1949 and 1950.

Dottley led the nation in rushing and the SEC in scoring in 1949 and was named All-American in 49’ as well. He was also named All-SEC in 1949 and 1950.

The Chicago Bears drafted Dottley in the second round with the 24^th overall pick in 1950. Dottley played for the Bears for three seasons and was named to one Pro Bowl in 1951.

Dottley was named to the Ole Miss team of the Century. He was named to the Ole Miss Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Mississippi Sports hall of Fame in 1971.

 

Parker Hall: Cleveland Rams via Ole Miss Rebels

Parker Hall was a star on both sides of the ball for Ole Miss. Hall led the nation in scoring and was second in interceptions in 1938. He was also first team All-SEC in 1938 as well.

The Cleveland Rams drafted Hall in the first round with the 3^rd overall pick in 1939. Hall is considered the first quarterback in NFL history to complete 100 passes in a season.

In 1939, Hall was named NFL Player of the Year and NFL Rookie of the Year. Hall’s rookie season saw him named first team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.

Hall would see his pro football career cut short as he severed in the military because of World War II. He is also a member of the College Football, Ole Miss, and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

 

 

Ode Burrell: Houston Oilers via Mississippi State Bulldogs

Ode Burrell is considered a Mississippi State great during his short time in Starkville. Burrell was a standout offensively, defensively, and special teams.

In 1963, Burrell was named first team All-SEC and in 1964 was drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers. He instead chose to play for the Houston Oilers who drafted him in the fourth round with the 30^th overall pick.

Burrell played pro football for six seasons and was named AFL All-Star in 1965. After his playing career was over Burrell was named to the Mississippi State Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

 

 

Hoyle Granger: Houston Oilers via Mississippi State Bulldogs

Hoyle Granger was a three time letter winner and a three time All-SEC running back at Mississippi State. When he left the Bulldogs he was third on the all time rushing list.

The Houston Oilers selected Granger with the first pick of the fifth round. Granger played seven seasons as a pro football player.

Granger played most of his career for the Oilers but did play one season in New Orleans. He was a two time AFL All-Star in both 1967 and 1968.

Granger was elected in to the Mississippi State Hall of Fame in 2008.

 

 

Jim Poole: New York Giants via Ole Miss Rebels

Jim Poole played at Ole Miss with his brothers Ray and Barney. All three were stand out football players for the Rebels.

Jim was the oldest of the Poole brothers all of whom went on to play in the NFL along with Cousin Oliver Poole. Jim Poole has the distinction of being the first player ever drafted out of Ole Miss.

In 1937, the New York Giants drafted Poole in the seventh round with the 64th overall pick. Poole would play seven years in pro football.

Poole would leave pro football for three years to fight in World War II. During his years as a player Poole was named to three Pro Bowls from 1938-40 and was selected twice All-Pro in 1939 and 1946.

After playing football, Poole would come back to Ole Miss to coach until he retired. Poole was a charter member of the Ole Miss Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1965.

 

 

George Blair: San Diego Chargers via Ole Miss Rebels

George Blair was a standout defensive back and kicker for the Ole Miss Rebels. Blair was a part two of Johnny Vaught’s National Championship teams at Ole Miss in 1959-60.

Blair was drafted in 1960 by the New York Giants in the sixth round with the 72nd overall pick. Blair decided to play for the San Diego Chargers of the AFL instead.

As a kicker, Blair would make one AFL All-Star appearance in 1961 and was part of the 1963 AFL championship team for the Chargers.

 

 

Roell Preston: Green Bay Packers via Ole Miss Rebels

Roell Preston was a standout wide receiver for the Ole Miss Rebels. He would play in the NFL for five seasons for five different teams.

When Preston got a chance to shine, he made the most of it as a kick returner for the Green Bay Packers. In 1998, while on his second stint in Green Bay, Preston made the only Pro Bowl of his career as a kick returner.

 

 

Jerrel “Thunder Foot” Wilson: Kansas City Chiefs via Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Jerrel Wilson was a standout punter at Southern Miss. While with the Golden Eagles Wilson’s high, booming punts that arched down field earned him the nickname “Thunder Foot”.

Wilson was drafted in 1963 in the 11th round with the 88th overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. He would lead the league with a 72-yard punt his rookie year and had four punts over 70 yards in his career.

For 15 seasons, Wilson would punt for the Chiefs and would be a backup running back. Wilson was named to three Pro Bowls from 1970-72 and was an All-AFL in 1968.

Wilson was named to the All-AFL team in 1970 and was named to the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1988.

Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram once said “Jerrel Wilson made other people aware of how important the kicking game was at a time when special times were not given special consideration.

“I’m prejudiced, but he’s the best punter I ever saw. He’ll go down in history as the best kicker in the NFL.”

 

 

Ray Guy: Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders via Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Jerrel Wilson might have company as the best kicker in NFL history. The company would come from his alma mater as well.

Ray Guy still owns the Southern Mississippi career record for highest average for a game, season and career. Guy also holds the record for the longest field goal in Golden Eagles history with a 61 yard field goal against Utah State in 1972.

A complete player, Guy still is tied for the record for most interceptions in a season at USM with eight in 1972. The same season he would set the record for longest punt which was 93 yards against Ole Miss.

Guy was selected first team All-American 1972 and was named first team All South Independent in 1970-72.  The Oakland Raiders made Guy the only punter ever taken in the first round in 1973 with the 23rd overall pick.

In an outstanding career, Guy was named a Pro Bowler seven times from 1973-78 and again 1980 in his 13 years all with the Raiders. Guy would play in 207 consecutive games and had 619 straight punts without a block.

Guy led the NFL in punting three times, 210 punts inside the 20-yard line (not counting his first three seasons, when the NFL did not keep track of this stat), with just 128 touchbacks.

Guy would never have a punt returned for a touchdown his whole career. He would be a first team All Pro six times from 1973-78 and was a three time Super Bowl champion.

After his career, Guy was the first to have his number retired by USM. He is a member of the USM Hall of Fame, Mississippi and Georgia Hall of Fame.

He was named to the NFL All 1970’s team and the NFL 75th Anniversary team. Guy was named to the College Football Hall of Fame as well.

Guy was named to the USM Team of the Century and every year in college football the best punter receives the “Ray Guy” Award.

 

Special teams players do not normally get in any Hall of Fame but if any special team players do its Jerrel Wilson and Ray Guy. The two Southern Miss kicking standouts deserve to be in the NFL Hall of Fame.

This concludes our look at great players from Mississippi. Some who did not make our list included players who made great plays in the NFL.

One was Lawrence Pillers, who sacked Danny White after the Montana-to-Clark “Catch” to preserve the 49ers trip to the Super Bowl.

Another was D.D. Lewis, who was the first to say the hole in the old Texas Stadium was so that “God could look down on his favorite team.”

I hope everyone had as much fun reading this series as I did writing it. I hope everyone thought each part was great and you learned something you did not know in each one.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Best Pro Football Players in Mississippi History, Part Eight: DB’s

After some time off for various reasons let’s go back to the finish off the “Greatest Pro Football Players in Mississippi History.” We have seen offensively that Mississippi has had some of the best players to ever play on that side of the ball.

Defensively, we have seen great defensive linemen and linebackers. The last part of the defense we will examine is the secondary.

The Magnolia State has produced hall of fame players at each position on the football field and the secondary is no different.

Here is some are of the best pro football defensive backs to come from Mississippi universities.

 

Billy Stacy: Chicago/St. Louis Cardinals via Mississippi State Bulldogs

Billy Stacy was a three time letterman in both football and track at Mississippi State. Stacy made a name for himself as a first team All-SEC quarterback in 1956 for the Bulldogs.

The 1956 season also saw Stacy finish eighth in the nation in total offense with 1,077 yards and led the nation in punt returns with 24 returns for 270 yards.

Stacy was a three time selection for All-SEC and was named an All-American in 1957. In the 1959 draft, the Chicago/St. Louis Cardinals selected Stacy in the first round with the third overall pick.

He would go on to play in the NFL for five years and would be named to one Pro Bowl in 1961. Stacy would return to Mississippi State after his playing career was over.

Stacy has been inducted in to the Mississippi State University hall of fame in 1970. In 1979, Stacy was selected to the Mississippi Sports hall of fame.

 

Ashley Ambrose: Cincinnati Bengals via Indianapolis Colts via Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils

Ashley Ambrose was a standout player for Mississippi Valley State from 1989 to 1992. Ambrose was a four year letter winner at cornerback with the Delta Devils.

In the 1992 draft Ambrose was selected by the Colts in the second round with the 29th overall pick. Ambrose played in the NFL for 13 seasons.

The best season for Ambrose came after he left the Colts and signed with the Bengals in 1996. Ambrose was named to the only Pro Bowl in his career and was named AFC Defensive Back of the Year.

After his career, Ambrose joined the Colorado Buffaloes as an interim coach in 2008. In 2010, he will take over as wide receiver coach.

 

Roynell Young: Philadelphia Eagles via Alcorn State Braves

Roynell Young had a standout career while playing for Alcorn State. Young was the first Braves player ever taken in the first round of the NFL draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Young in 1980 in the first round with the 23rd overall pick. Young was the only rookie to start for the Eagles in their run to Super Bowl XV.

Young would go on to play for the Eagles for nine seasons. The 1981 season was Young’s only Pro Bowl season.

He would also be the team’s defensive MVP in the 1981 season as well.

 

Walt Harris: San Francisco 49ers via Mississippi State Bulldogs

Walt Harris had a record setting career at Mississippi State as a four year letter winner. Harris owns the career record with 16 interceptions for the Bulldogs.

Harris was named All-SEC in both 1994 and 1995 and earned playing time as a true freshman. The Chicago Bears drafted Harris in the first round in 1996 with the 13th pick overall.

While with the Bears Harris was named to the All-Rookie team in 1996, it has been his time in San Francisco that Harris has shined.

After spending time in Chicago, Indianapolis, and Washington, Harris signed with the 49ers in 2006. His first year with the 49ers Harris had a career high six interceptions and earned his only Pro Bowl trip.

Harris is still active in the NFL and is still playing with San Francisco.

 

Patrick Surtain: Miami Dolphins via Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Patrick Surtain had a stellar career during his time at Southern Mississippi. Surtain is still third all time on the Golden Eagles interception list with 16 in his career.

Twice named all C-USA first team in 1996-97 and Surtain was named C-USA Defensive Player of the Year in 1997 as well. The Miami Dolphins selected Surtain in 1998 in the second round with the 44th overall pick.

Surtain played in the NFL for 11 seasons and finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is best known for his time spent with the Dolphins.

With the Dolphins, Surtain was named to three Pro Bowls from 2002-04 and twice All-Pro in 2002-03. The Chiefs released Surtain on February 24, 2009, and he is out of football with no teams signing him this season.

Surtain was named to the All-Century team for Southern Mississippi as well.

 

Hanford Dixon: Cleveland Browns via Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Hanford Dixon was a great player for Southern Mississippi from 1977-80. Hanford was named first team All-American in 1980, his final year with the Eagles, and the same year named first team All-South Independent.

The Cleveland Browns selected Hanford in the first round with the 22nd overall pick of the draft. Hanford played in the NFL for nine seasons, all with the Browns.

The cornerback was named to three Pro Bowls while with the Brown from 1986-88. Hanford is better known for naming one of the best sections in pro football.

Hanford has been give credit for naming the “Dawg Pound” in the old Municipal Stadium. The antics in the “Dawg Pound” started because of Hanford’s barking at teammates, notably fellow corner Frank Minnifield.

Hanford was named to the Southern Mississippi All-Century Team. He was also inducted in to the Golden Eagle Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

 

Speedy Duncan: San Diego Chargers via Jackson State Tigers

Speedy Duncan played his college career for the Jackson State Tigers. He went on to play for the Chargers and Washington Redskins in the AFL and NFL respectively.

Duncan set an AFL record for the longest interception for a touchdown. The interception was 100 yards against Kansas City.

Another AFL record set by Duncan was for a 95 yard punt return for a touchdown against the New York Jets. While with the Chargers, Duncan was an AFL All-Star three times from 1965-67.

Duncan would be selected to AFL-NFL Pro Bowl in 1971 after the merger of the NFL and AFL. Duncan was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1973.

 

Jimmy Patton: New York Giants via Ole Miss Rebels

Jimmy Patton was a great player for Ole Miss as running back and a defensive back. Patton played for the Rebels from 1952-54. He was a co-Captain for the 1954 for team as well.

The New York Giants drafted Patton in the eighth round with the 92nd pick overall in 1955. Patton would play with Giants greats like Frank Gifford, Roosevelt Brown, and Sam Huff.

In the NFL, Patton would play safety and would be selected to five Pro Bowls from 1958-62. Patton would also be selected first team All-Pro during the same time period.

Patton was selected to the Mississippi Hall of Fame in 1973. In a tragic turn of events, Patton was killed in a car accident while traveling to see his sister who was dying of cancer. Patton was the only person in the car and no other cars were involved in the accident.

After his death, Patton was named to the Ole Miss Team of the Century. He was elected to the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.

 

Lem Barney: Detroit Lions via Jackson State Tigers

Lem Barney was one of the greatest players not only in Jackson State History but Mississippi history as well. To this day, Barney is the Tigers all time career leader with 26 interceptions.

Barney was selected three times All-SWAC while at Jackson State. He also had a 42.5 yard average per punt as well.

The Detroit Lions selected Barney in 1967 in the second round with the 34th pick overall. In his first game with the Lions, Barney intercepted the first pass thrown his way by Bart Starr of the Green Bay Packers.

Barney had 56 career interceptions and was also a very good punt/kick returner. In 1967, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie Player of the Year.

He was also named to seven Pro Bowls (1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1976) and seven first team All-Pro (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1975).

Barney would see his No. 20 be worn by Lions greats Billy Simms and Barry Sanders before it was retired. He would meet Marvin Gaye (when Gaye tried to make the Lions unsuccessfully) and would sing backup on Gaye’s hit “What’s Going On.”

In film, Barney would earn roles in The Black Six and Paper Lions. Barney would be named to the NFL All-Decade 1960s team.

In 1986, Barney was named to the Mississippi Sports Hall of fame. Barney received two honors in 1993, the fist was name to the SWAC Hall of Fame and the second was being named to the NFL Hall of Fame.

Barney would receive another honor in 1995 being named to the All Time Black College Football Team.

 

This is the second to the last part of this series. As we have seen before all of Mississippi Division I schools and Historically Black Universities have had great players at every position.

In the last part of this series we will look at some of the best special team’s players in Mississippi history. The final part will feature a player who should be in the Hall of Fame as well.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

A Look Back at Week One in The NFL

The first week of the NFL is in the books. Every team has played a game and is 1-0 or 0-1.

Some teams showed promise even though they lost. Some teams still have questions even though they won.

The injury bug has already hit some big named players all over the league. Quarterback controversies could be looming in other places.

Rookies got a chance to shine in the first week. Old veterans showed they could still play.

Here is a look back at the first week of the NFL season. So let’s look at things that stuck out in the opening week.

 

You must be sound in the kicking game

The Titans had a chance to ruin the home opener of the Steelers in the first game of the season. No matter what you think of the NFL’s overtime, this game should not have even made it to the extra period.

Tennessee’s Rob Bironas missed a 37-yard field goal attempt and had a 31-yard field goal blocked. Kicking at Heinz field is never easy, but the six points the Titans left on the field cost Tennessee a win.

Super Bowl winning teams like Pittsburgh make their field goals to win ball games. Jeff Reed made both his field goals and the Steelers won.

 

Nine interceptions, two fumbles lost, one touchdown

Wondering what the numbers above mean? Those are Jake Delhomme’s numbers going back to last season’s division playoffs.

Delhomme threw five interceptions and lost a fumble in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. In the offseason, the Carolina Panthers gave Delhomme a five-year extension worth $42.5 million with $20 million guaranteed.

How did Delhomme thank the Panthers? In the opening week of the season he threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Carolina’s day would get worse after Delhomme was pulled and Josh McCown replaced him. McCown went down with foot and knee injuries.

The Panthers would set a team record for turnover with seven. Rookie quarterback Matt Moore would throw an interception, and running back Mike Goodson added a fumble of his own.

 

For at least one week, Brett Favre lets Adrian Peterson carry the load

After Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings, there was talk of whether the Vikings would move from a running game to a passing game.

Instead of throwing the ball all over the field and abandoning the run, the Vikings and Favre used an accurate short passing game.

Favre made the short throws and let his receivers do the work for him. The bulk of the Vikings’ offense came from the running game.

Adrian Peterson got a chance to show why he is the best back in the NFL with 180 yards on 25 carries. Teams put more men in the box to stop the run on defense as the season goes on.

As long as Favre does not make any costly errors throwing the ball, teams will have to respect the Vikings’ passing game more this season than last season.

 

No sophomore slump so far

Week One in to the season and Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco continued the success they had in their rookie season.  In 2008, both quarterbacks led their teams to the playoffs and in Flacco’s case, won his first two playoff games.

The Flacons’ Ryan finished Week One with 229 passing yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Miami Dolphins. Baltimore’s Flacco got a win over the Chiefs while passing for 307 yards and three touchdowns.

For the first week of the season, Ryan and Flacco looked to pick up right where they left off in 2008.

 

Addition by subtraction for Dallas

The 2009 offseason for the Dallas Cowboys was as quiet as it has been in years. After a disappointing 2009 season, the Cowboys released troubled cornerback Adam Jones and locker room nightmare Terrell Owens.

The thinking worked the first week of the season, as Dallas quarterback Tony Romo passed for 353 yards and three touchdowns. Romo completed passes to six different receivers and threw touchdown passes to three different receivers.

Instead of forcing the ball to Owens, the Cowboys were able to take what the defense was giving them and make plays.  The 353 passing yards was a career high for Tony Romo.

Is this the season the Cowboys finally live up to the hype, or will they fade in the later part of the season?

 

One rookie quarterback looked like an old pro and one rookie quarterback looked like a rookie

It’s only the first week but, Mark Sanchez looked great in his first pro start. Sanchez passed for 272 yards and a touchdown in a Jets’ wins over the Houston Texans.

On third downs, Sanchez was at his best. He completed 12 of his 18 passes on third down.

Sanchez’s only mistake was an interception that led to Houston’s only score.

As good as Sanchez looked in his first game, his counterpart Matt Stafford struggled in his first game for the Detroit Lions. Stafford passed for 205 yards, but threw three interceptions. He did rush for a touchdown.

The Lions, who went 0-16 last season, got off to a slow start against the New Orleans Saints. Stafford showed signs of being a very good quarterback. Detroit looked like a better team overall from last season.

It might not show up in wins, but the Lions are improved, and as bad as they have been, it will take more than a year to make a turnaround.

 

Teams that fired their offensive coordinators went 0-3 in Week One

Firing your offensive coordinator before the season might not catch on. The Bills, Chiefs, and Buccaneers all fired their offense coordinators before the start of the season.

Of the three teams that fired their offensive coordinators, only the Bills lost by single digits. Tampa Bay lost by 13 to Dallas and had a late touchdown to keep from losing by 20 points.

Kansas City lost by 14 points and was dominated by the Ravens’ defense. It’s early in the season but maybe firing your offensive coordinator is not the best idea before the start of the season.

 

The good and bad of the trick play

First the bad: deep in their own territory, the Bears run a fake punt. Trying to catch the Packers with 12 men on the field, the Bears failed to get the first down and instead got the penalty for too many men on the field.

Green Bay turned the Bears miscue into a field goal.

The good trick play of the first week belongs to the Washington Redskins. Down 17-0 to the Giants late in the first half, the Redskins fake a field goal.

Punter Hunter Smith takes the ball and runs for his life into the end zone. It was the first touchdown of Smith’s career.

The fake field goal did not help the Redskins win. Washington fell to the Giants 23-17.

 

Welcome back Osi Umenyiora and Tom Brady

Two players made their return from injury in Week One and made an impact on the field. The Giants and the Patriots welcomed back Osi Umenyiora and Tom Brady, respectively.

In his first game back against Washington, New York’s Umenyiora sacked the Redskins Jason Campbell to force a fumble and then picked up the ball for a touchdown.

In Brady’s return after an injury in the first game of last season, the New England quarterback led his team to a fourth quarter comeback over the Bills. Brady passed for 378 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in his return.

 

Another Super Bowl loss hangover

After making to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history, the Arizona Cardinals look to avoid the Super Bowl loser hangover. Since 1999, every team but one has failed to make the playoffs the following year.

The Cardinals dropped their Week One game against the San Francisco 49ers. The talk has already begun if Arizona will not defend their NFC championship.

 

Heart breaking losses in week one

Three teams suffered heart breaking losses. Here they are in order of how heart breaking they were:

3. Bills fumble away a win against the Patriots

Leodis McKevin’s fumble on a kickoff helped New England score its second touchdown in the final two minutes.

2. Oakland chokes away a victory at home

After harassing the Chargers on offense the whole night, the Raiders’ defense disappeared in the final two minutes. Philip Rivers drove San Diego down the field and Darren Sproles scored with 18 seconds left to ruin the Raiders’ home-opener.

1. The Bengals snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

Cincinnati playing from behind the entire ball game against Denver finally broke through with a touchdown in the final 38 seconds of the game to take a 7-6 lead.

All the Bengals had to do was run the final seconds off the clock for a win in the first week of the season. Cincinnati instead tips a pass meant for Brandon Marshall of the Broncos into the hands of his teammate Brandon Stokley.

Stokley raced down the field for an 87-yard touchdown. The Bengals were left to wonder what went wrong as they lost 12-7.

Denver gets the edge in week one of the Jay Cutler trade

Denver traded away Jay Cutler to the Bears in the offseason. The Broncos thought they got the better end of the deal with two first-round draft choices.

Chicago thought they had a quarterback to lead them back to the Super Bowl. Week One Denver’s Kyle Orton throws for 243 yards and one touchdown.

More importantly, Orton did not turn the ball over and got lucky with a game-winning touchdown. In Green Bay, Jay Cutler threw a career-high four interceptions, even though he passed for 277 yards and a touchdown.

Week One goes to the Broncos after Cutler throws the four picks in his first career game for the Bears.

 

Two Minute Drill

Peyton Manning:

The Colts future hall-of-famer tied the Colts record for most wins in franchise history. Manning tied the late great Jonny Unitas’ record.

Drew Brees:

Brees picked up where he left off in 2008 with 358 passing yards and six touchdown passes. Defensive backs on the Saints’ schedule will have a lot of sleepless nights.

Santonio Holmes:

Holmes scored the last touchdown last season and the first touchdown this season. In the Super Bowl, Holmes had nine catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, and he repeated those same stats against Tennessee in the first game of the season.

Notable injuries:

Troy Polamalu is out for the next three to six weeks, Donovan McNabb broke a rib and is out and undisclosed time, Jerod Mayo is out for an undetermined amount of time with a knee injury, but the biggest loss is Brian Urlacher, who is out for the season with a wrist injury.

Possible quarterback controversies:

With McNabb hurt in Philadelphia and the signing of Jeff Garcia, the Eagles have four quarterbacks. Garcia led the Eagles to a playoff appearance a couple of seasons ago. The Eagles still have Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb waiting in the wings.

Carolina signed A.J. Freely after the injury to Josh McCown and the poor play of Jake Delhomme. If Delhomme’s struggles continue this week, look for the Panthers fans to want Freely at quarterback.

St. Louis Rams:

The Rams are the only team in the NFL who failed to score in Week One. St. Louis did have a touchdown called back on a blocked 49-yard field goal. The Rams had 12 players on the field and the touchdown was overturned on replay. St. Louis never recovered from the change in momentum.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

2009 NFL Preview and Prediction: AFC East

The NFL season is fast approaching with the first kickoff Sept. 10. The Pittsburgh Steelers are the defending champions.

Before you start thinking repeat in Steelers land, remember there have only been seven repeat champions. The Steelers have the players to repeat and can certainly win it all again.

The problem is, no matter if you are an NFC supporter or an AFC supporter, the Steelers play in the tougher conference.

The Steelers will have to get past the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers, and the New England Patriots. The Steelers will be well tested before they make it to Miami for Super Bowl XLIV.

Now let’s try to break every team down and see who will challenge the Steelers for their Super Bowl Crown. Starting with the AFC East and moving though the AFC in each post.

This time we will look at teams in order of finish.

 

New England Patriots: Prediction 12-4

The Patriots hope to turn the calendar back to 2007, when they rode roughshod over the NFL and went perfect until the Super Bowl. That was before the first game of 2008, when quarterback Tom Brady went down for the season.

As long as the offence can return to a close resemblance to the 2007 offense New England will be fine. The biggest question for this team is how Tom Brady plays after the injury.

The retirement of Tedy Bruschi and the trade of Richard Seymour and other players will leave some holes in the defense that will have to be replaced. The Patriots are moving to a younger defense.

New England’s defense has been spotty during the pre-season but should come together. The first four games of the season are very winnable, so the Patriots can get off to a fast start.

New England has one of the best coaches in the NFL. Head coach Bill Belichick always has his team ready to play and a good game plan.

The schedule looks nice for the Patriots. They get three of the first four games at home, and the rest of the season does not look too bad.

New England opens up at home against the Bills who have fired their offensive coordinator and Terrell Owens has not even started up yet. The Patriots go to the Jets in week 2 and a rookie quarterback in his second game.

The next two games are against two playoff teams from last year. The Falcons and the Ravens will be a good early-season test for the Patriots.

There is no question that the Patriots could be 4-0 or 3-1 in their first quarter of the season. The next stretch of four games is all winnable.

The first road game of the year is against Josh McDaniels and the Denver Broncos. Denver could be down this year after all the off-season drama.

The Patriots return home to play the Titans, another playoff team from last season. New England heads across the pond for a game in England against Tampa Bay.

New England gets a bye week next, then the Dolphins at home. The Patriots could be 8-0 to 6-2 half way through the season.

The next four games feature road tests against the Colts, Saints, and Miami. All three very good teams from last season and the two of the three made the playoffs.

A home game with the Jets is sandwiched between the New Orleans and Indianapolis. Three quarters into the season, the Patriots could be in very good shape heading into the final four games of the season.

The final four games have only one divisional game against the Bills on the road. There are two home games against the Jaguars and Panthers.

The last game of the season is against a very much improved Houston Texans team on the road.

The Patriots seem to get all the really tough games at home. New England is playing the Falcons, Ravens, Titans, Panthers, and Jaguars all at home.

These games are winnable with the home field advantage, especially the late season games against Carolina and Jacksonville.

Road games against the Colts, Saints, and Texans will test the Patriots but can be won.

As far as the division goes, the Dolphins should be the second-best team in this division with the Jets starting a rookie at quarterback and the drama in Buffalo.

As long as New England has Belichick, Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and a decent defense, it is hard to go against the Patriots. The Patriots want to prove they are still the best in the division after losing it to Miami last season.

After missing the playoffs last season and winning 11 games without Brady, a division title and 12 to 13 wins should not be a problem.

 

Miami Dolphins: Prediction 8-8

It’s year two under head coach Tony Sparano and the wildcat with high expectations in Miami. The Dolphins made a 10-win jump from 2007 to 2008.

Some of the credit has to go to a weak schedule, the Patriots without Tom Brady and the introduction of the wildcat. This is a very solid Miami team, but how well will they do against a much tougher schedule this season?

The Dolphins will run the ball and will use Chad Pennington to do what he does best accurate passes and little to no mistakes in the passing game. Then relay on a good defense to win ball games. Much like the teams Bill Parcels built in New York.

Miami did not have any huge key losses this season except maybe Vonnie Holliday. The Dolphins re-signed Jason Taylor, and Pat White could see some time running the wildcat.

The brutal schedule could be the downfall for the Dolphins this season. Out of the division schedule, only one team (Jacksonville) finished 2008 with a sub-.500 record. The schedule also has six playoff teams from 2008.

The Dolphins first four games are against three playoff teams from last season. Miami opens on the road against the Falcons.

The next game is at home vs. the Colts and another away game against the Chargers. The last of the first four games is a home game against the Bills.

The Dolphins could be 2-2 or 1-3 one quarter into the season. Miami does not get any breaks in the schedule, so a fast start is a must.

The next four games include three with divisional implications. Miami gets the Jets at home then away, with a bye week and home game with the Saints in between the New York games.

The biggest game in the second quarter stretch will be a road game against the Patriots. After burning New England last season with the wildcat and taking the division from them this could be a statement game by either team.

The Dolphins could be 4-4 halfway through the season. The third quarter of the season has two games against the NFC South: against Tampa Bay on the road and Carolina at home.

Miami plays its last two divisional games in the final two games of the third quarter of the season. The Dolphins play the Bills at away and the Patriots at home.

Miami has what has to be one of the toughest four games to end the season in the NFL. The Dolphins play three AFC South teams at home against the Jaguars, and the Titans.

The last two games for the Dolphins are at home against the Texans and defending champion Steelers.

The Dolphins will be a very good team in 2009 but the schedule will be tough. An 8-8 record should not be too hard to reach.

The Patriots should be healthy and Miami will not catch anyone off guard with the wild cat this season.

 

New York Jets: Prediction 7-9

The Jets have spent the off-season making noise from new head coach Rex Ryan, who is a sound bite a minute, and rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez out of USC. The Brett Favre and Eric Mangini era is over after one season.

Two key departures for the Jets are wide receiver Laveranues Coles and kicker Mike Nugent. The Jets did add Bart Scott at linebacker in the free agent signing period.

Ryan named Sanchez the starter for the season after an impressive preseason. Typically, rookies do not do well in their first NFL season, but after Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco played well last season it’s worth the risk.

The opening schedule is rough. The Jets start out on the road against an improved Texans team. They next play at home against the Patriots after an off-season of Rex Ryan yapping about Belichick.

Then the Jets get another home game against the Titans and on to the road against the Saints. The Jets could start the season 1-3 or 0-4.

The next quarter of the season is much easier but not at the start with a road game versus Miami. The Jets then get a very winnable game against the Bills.

The Jets have trip to Oakland to play the dysfunctional Raiders and a home game against the Dolphins. Heading in to the bye week the Jets could turn things around and be 4-4 or 3-5 half way through the season.

The second half of the season could give Jets fans a peak in the future of year two under Sanchez. The third quarter of the season starts at home against two warm weather teams.

The Jets get both Jacksonville and Carolina at home in mid to late November and the New York weather could help the Jets. Sandwiched between the Jaguars and Panthers game is a road trip to New England.

The third quarter of the season ends on the road against the Bills. The Jets could be a .500 team heading in to the final quarters of the season.

The last four games are tricky. The Jets go on the road to play Tampa Bay in the warmer Florida weather.

Then the Falcons leave the dome to play in the cold of New York. The Jets have to travel to a dome to play the Colts.

The last game of the season is winnable against the Bengals. The Jets could be as good as 7-9 with a rookie quarterback.

The Jets might only win 4 to 5 games but the defense is good and the Jets have a running game to take the pressure off Sanchez.

The 2010 season could be huge for the Jets depending on how well Sanchez progresses this season.

 

Buffalo Bills: Prediction 4-12

The Bills made a big splash early in the off-season by signing Terrell Owens and late in the off-season by firing their offensive coordinator. The other big news was a trade of tackle Jason Peters to the Eagles.

Buffalo was a very close to turning in a winning season since the team finished over .500 in 2004. Trent Edwards is the quarterback, since the Bills did not re-sign P.J. Losman.

The Bills head coach Dick Jauron will be on the hot seat after the firing of the offensive coordinator. Terrell Owens is normally a good teammate his first season at a new home but can turn quickly on his fellow players and coaches.

Buffalo’s starting offense did not score a touchdown the entire preseason. Things could go wrong quickly for the Bills in 2009.

The Bills open their season on the road against the Patriots in Tom Brady’s return after an injury ended his 2008 season. Buffalo’s second game will be at home against Tampa Bay in a show down between two teams that have fired their offensive coordinators.

Buffalo gets to stay at home to play the very offensive-minded Saints. The Bills then travel to the 2008 divisional champion Dolphins.

The Bills could be 1-3 after a quarter of the season is done. With no off-season to work with a new offensive coordinator, Buffalo could struggle early.

The Bills start the second quarter of the season at home vs. the Browns a winnable game. Next up for Buffalo is a trip to New York to play the Jets.

Buffalo stays on the road next, traveling to the Carolinas to play the Panthers, followed by what could be an upset at home against the Texans.

As Buffalo enters the halfway mark of the season, they could be as bad as 2-6 and at best 3-5. If the start is as bad as 2-6 record look for Owens will wreck this team in the second half of the season.

Buffalo comes back from the bye week to play against the Titans in Nashville and stays on the road the next week to play the Jaguars in Jacksonville. Both games will be hard for the Bills to win on the road.

The Bills get to stay at home the next two weeks, playing the Dolphins and the Jets to round out the third quarter of the season.

The Bills get to complete the round-robin tournament for teams who fired offensive coordinators in the pre-season. At the start of the fourth quarter of the season the Bills play on the road vs. the Chiefs.

Buffalo finishes up the season playing the Patriots and Colts at home with an away game against the Falcons in between. The Bills should beat the Chiefs but more than likely lose the last three.

The good thing for the Bills is that they will not have a fourth straight 7-9 season. Everything is in place for the wheels to come off quickly for Buffalo.

The Bills will not make the playoffs and will finish last in the division. Things could be better with the Jets starting a rookie at quarterback, but with the firing of their offensive coordinator and adding Owens. Do not count on it.

Buffalo will be looking for a new coach after Jauron and the Bills go 4-12.

 

The Dolphins will get tripped up by their schedule and not being able to sneak up on anyone. The Jets will struggle with a rookie quarterback but by the end of the year hopes will be high.

The Bills will fall apart with no offensive cohesion. The firing of Turk Schonert and if he is ever healthy, the volatility of Terrell Owens will sink Buffalo.

The Patriots will be the favorite to win the AFC East with the return of Tom Brady, while the defense will be younger it will make mistakes.

New England is one of the best-run franchises in the NFL, and they will pull this team together and return to the playoffs after a one-year absence. The Patriots are just too good to bet against.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Best Pro Football Player In Mississippi History; Part Seven: LBer’s

We are nearing the home stretch in our series of the greatest pro football players to come from the college ranks of Mississippi. As we saw in our last installment Mississippi has had some very good defensive linemen move on to the next level.

In this installment we will look at the best linebackers to play pro football out of the Magnolia State.  As we will see just about every major university has a player on this list. All three Division I schools have at least one player and two of the three historically black universities have at least one player as well.

We will also see a player who should be in the NFL Hall of Fame on this list. Once again in no particular order or raking here is our look at Mississippi linebackers.

 

 

Johnny Brewer: Cleveland Browns via Ole Miss Rebels

Brewer was a great player during his time on the Oxford campus in Mississippi. He was part of two claimed National Championships in both 1959 and 1960 playing for legendary coach John Vaught.

After his final season playing for Ole Miss Brewer is named first team All-American in 1960. He was also named first team All-SEC and SEC Most Valuable Offensive Lineman in both 1959-60. Brewer also played in the 1961 Chicago All-Star game, Senior Bowl, and Coaches Association All-American Bowl game.

The Cleveland Browns selected Brewer in the fourth round with the 41^st pick in 1960. Brewer started his pro career as a tight end.

As a tight end Brewer caught 89 passes for 1,256 yards and 6 touchdowns. Brewer spent his first five years in the NFL as a tight end.

Brewer switched to linebacker in 1966. Brewer made one Pro Bowl in his career and it was a linebacker for his performance in 66.

Brewer played 10 NFL season retiring with the New Orleans Saints in 1970. In 1991 Brewer was elected in to the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2004 elected to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

 

 

Dave Washington: San Francisco 49ers via Alcorn State Braves

After his career at Alcorn State; Washington would be drafted in 1970 by the Denver Broncos. Washington would be taken in the ninth round with the 219^th pick.

Washington would play in the NFL for 11 seasons. He would be a journey man player while playing pro football. Washington would play for five different teams.

Washington would spend time playing for the Broncos (two seasons), Buffalo Bills (three seasons), San Francisco 49ers(3seasons), Detroit Lions (two seasons), and the New Orleans Saints for one season.

Washington would have his best season in 1976 with the 49ers. He would be named to his only Pro Bowl of his career for his work in the ’76 season. After his career Washington was named in 1999 to the Alcorn State Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

 

Adalius Thomas: Baltimore Ravens via Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Thomas was one of the best players on some very good Southern Miss teams during his stay in Hattiesburg. He was part of Golden Eagles teams that won three (1996, 1997 and1999) C-USA Championships.

Thomas would put his name in the USM record books for most sacks in a game with 12.5 in 1998 and in a season with 34.5 in his career.  He would help USM win two (1997 and 1999) Liberty Bowls and would be named 1999 Liberty Bowl MVP.

Thomas in his four Years at USM would be named to first team Freshman All-American team in 1996. He was a 3 time first team C-USA team from 1997-99, two time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year.

While at USM Thomas would be named first team All-American by various sports outlets. After his career he would be named to the C-USA Team of the Decade, and the USM Team of the Century.

Thomas would be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 with the 186^th pick in the sixth round. He would spend his first three seasons competing for playing time.

In a 2003 preseason game in Atlanta would give notice to the NFL how good Thomas was after he chased down Michael Vick and in tackling him on a scramble and fracturing his right fibula. Thomas would finally brake in to the starting lineup in 2003.

Thomas would be named to the 2003 and 2006 Pro Bowl teams. He would be named first team All-Pro in 2006 as well.

Thomas has played in two Super Bowls. The first with the Raves in 2001 helping them beat the New York Giants. In 2007 Thomas signed with the New England Patriots and came up on the losing end against the Giants.

 

Patrick Willis: San Francisco 49ers via Ole Miss Rebels

Willis has to be one of the most honored players ever to come out of Ole Miss. He would one bright spot for some very bad Ole Miss teams his final three years.

Even though he played on losing teams Willis was named first team All-American 2005 and 2006. He was first team All-SEC and as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in his junior and senior seasons as well.

Plus Willis won the Conerly Trophy as Mississippi’s best college football player and the Butkus Award and the Jack Lambert Award as the best college linebacker in 2006.

The 49ers used the 11^th pick in the first round in 2007 to draft Willis. San Francisco was not disappointed in their selection of Willis.

In his rookie year Willis was named the A.P. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and in his two years in the NFL has been named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro both seasons. Willis should barring major injury continue building upon a stellar career for years to come.

 

Larry Grantham: New York Jets via Ole Miss Rebels

Grantham played for the Rebels at the same time as Johnny Brewer and was part of the 1959 team that lays claim to a National Championship. He played for Ole Miss from 1957-59 and was one of the best players on both offense and defense. He was named All-SEC in 1958 and 1959.

The Baltimore Colts drafted Grantham in the 15^th round with the 178^th overall pick. Grantham instead decided to play for the New York Jets who drafted him in 1960.

Grantham would play for the Jets for 13 seasons. He would see the Jets start out as the Titians and change to the Jets. He would see the start of the AFL and the merger to the NFL.

Grantham would be named to five (1962-64, 1966, and 1969) Pro Bowls and select to five (1960-64) All-Pro teams. During his time with the Jets Grantham would call the defensive plays and help New York make the playoffs in 1968 and 1969. He would start all but 3 games in his pro football career.

The 1969 Jets team would upset the Colts of the NFL who also drafted Grantham in Super Bowl III. Grantham is best known for taking the game ball from the official after the upset and jumping up and down with it.

He is only one of 20 players to play for the same team all 10 years the AFL was in existence and one of only seven players to play for the same team while with the AFL.

After his career Grantham was elected to the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and was named to the Team of the Century in 1993. He would be elected in the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.

 

Joe Fortunato: Chicago Bears via Mississippi State Bulldogs

Fortunato is considered to be one of the best linebackers to ever play for Mississippi State.  He began his career at VMI but did not like it there. When assistant coach Slick Morton got the head coaching job for the bulldogs Fortunato transferred to MSU.

He played from 1950-52 and was named All-American in 1951. Fortunato was also named All-SEC in 1951 and 1952. Fortunato was part of one of the biggest wins in MSU history. The Bulldogs 7-0 win over the 1950 National Championship Tennessee team and their only loss.

The Chicago Bears selected Fortunato in 1952 in the seventh round with the 80^th pick.  He would play for the Bears for 12 years.  Fortunato would play for Chicago from 1955 to 1966 at outside linebacker.

During his time with the Bears Fortunato would be named to five (1958, 1962-65) Pro Bowls and three (1963-65) first Team All-Pro. He would help Chicago to three playoff appearances.  He would also become the Bears defensive coordinator in 1968.

After his career Fortunato would be named to the 1950’s All-Decade Team in 1965. He would be elected in to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1978.

 

Robert Brazile: Houston Oilers via Jackson State Tigers

Brazile played with super talented Jackson State teams that featured Jerome Barkum, Jackie Slater and Walter Payton. He still is third in the JSU record books for interceptions with 21. Brazile was named first team All-SWAC in 1974.

The Houston Oilers were able to draft Brazile after a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.  The Chiefs were able to acquire John Matuszak and the Oilers received Curley Culp and the sixth overall pick in the 1975 draft.

Houston used that first round and 6^th overall pick to draft Brazile in the 1975 draft. The main reason the Oilers drafted him was because of Bum Phillips who was switching the defense from the 4-3 to the 3-4.

Brazile would show he was a perfect fit for the outside linebacker position in the 3-4. He was even named the 1975 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year he was such a good fit in Phillips defensive scheme.

Earning the nickname “Dr. Doom” Brazile would be selected to seven (1976-1982) Pro Bowls and two (1978 and 1979) first team All-Pro.  He even helped the Oilers reach two AFC Championship games in 78 and 79 as well.

After losing in the post season in 1980 Phillips was fired by owner Bud Adams. Houston entered several seasons of losing that many thought made Brazile suddenly retire in 1984. Later, he would say the death of his wife, Cookie, in a car crash that made him decide to retire.

Brazile would be named to the NFL’s All 1970’s Team and is the only linebacker named to the team that is not in the Hall of Fame. He would also be named to All-Time Black College Football Team in 1993 and in 2007 to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

While the case could be made for both Larry Grantham and Joe Fortunato enshrinement to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their pro career Brazile could have an even better case.  

While most cite Lawrence Taylor as the proto-type outside linebacker to rush the quarterback some including Phillips think that Brazile made the 3-4 popular. Brazile was not only good at rushing the quarterback he was very good in pass defense as well.

Many think Brazile has been over looked for Hall of Fame selection being over shadowed by other linebackers of his era.  Brazile should be in the hall for a great playing career that brought the 3-4 defenses into popularity.

That concludes our look at linebackers who came from Mississippi universities that went on to have great pro football careers. Next we will look at the best players to ever play in NFL secondaries from the state of Mississippi.

 See Part Six

Relax Packers Fans, Brett Favre To Stay Retired and Not Play For The Vikings

ESPN has reported that after all the speculation the last few months and all the waiting by the Minnesota Vikings, Brett Favre has decided that for now he is done playing pro football and will stay retired.

With training camps opening at the end of the week, Favre had said last week he would make a decision and then put off his answer until this week. Several players for the Vikings even had contacted Favre and asked him to come and play for Minnesota.

For now, Favre will remain retired. That is until the first snap of the new season and depending on injuries, could go on until late in to the season.

Favre haters and Packers fans can stop crying now about ruined legacies and more acts of betrayals than a cheating spouse. I have said many times I would love to see Favre come back and play, only to hear Green Bay fans complain about how he would have scorn them.

If the haters and Packers fans had a part in Favre’s decision to return to the NFL, I never want to hear a Packer fan talk about how much you miss him. If you love a player and enjoy watching him play, you should take it however you can.

I was hoping Favre would come back and some of my child-like love of the game would go with him. No matter what, I wish Favre the best and hope the haters and Packers fans realized what they have really lost.

 

 

The Best Pro Football Players In Mississippi History, Part Five: Tight Ends

Mississippi has had great players at every position covered so far. From quarterbacks to offensive linemen there have been great players from every university in the state.

The position of tight end is no different. While there have not been a lot of great tight ends, there are a few that should be mentioned.

There might not be any future hall of famers on this list, but it does not mean the players were not some of the best to play pro football.

Here is the list of the best tight ends in Mississippi history to play pro football—once again not in set any order.

 

Rich Caster: New York Jets via Jackson State Tigers

Caster played college football at Jackson State from 1966-69. To this day Caster is still in Tigers history in career touchdown catches with 28 total touchdowns with 160 receptions and 3,638 yards.

The New York Jets drafted Caster in 1970 in the second round with the 46th pick.

Caster played 13 NFL seasons, mainly with the Jets. In that time, Caster had 322 receptions, 5,515 yards, and 45 touchdowns.

In his time with the Jets, Caster was named to three Pro Bowls (1972, 1974, and 1975). Later in his career Caster would switch to wide receiver.

In his final NFL season (1981-82) Caster played for the Washington Redskins when they beat the Miami Dolphins 27-17 to win Super Bowl XVII.

(Note: Caster also played wide receiver in his career, but was a three-time Pro Bowl selection at tight end.)

 

Jimmy Giles: Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Alcorn State Braves

Jimmy Giles played for the Braves during his college career. In 1977, Giles was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the third round with the 70th pick.

Giles would play one year in Houston before being traded to Tampa Bay, where his career flourished. Giles is generally considered to be the best tight end in Buccaneers history.

In 13 NFL seasons Giles would have 350 receptions, 5,084 yards, and 41 touchdown grabs.

Giles was selected to four Pro Bowls (1980-82, and 1985) while in Tampa Bay.

 

Wesley Walls: Carolina Panthers via Ole Miss Rebels

Walls played defensive end his first three years at Ole Miss. In his senior year he was moved to line backer and played tight end. He even started at both against the Memphis Tigers, but quickly found out it would be too much.

So Walls was moved to tight end permanently, and was named All-American his senior year. Walls played for the Rebels from 1986 to 1989.

In the 1989, the San Francisco 49ers selected Walls in the second round with the 56th pick. Walls was a back up to perennial Pro Bowl tight end Brent Jones.

In 1994 Walls left the 49ers to play for the New Orleans Saints for two seasons.

It was not until Walls joined the Carolina Panthers in 1996 that his career took off. While playing for Carolina, Walls would be named to five Pro Bowls (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2001), and first-team All-Pro selections (1996, 1997, 1999, and 2001).

While with the Panthers, Walls was the backup to punter Tim Walter. Walls would leave Carolina in 2003 and signed with the Green Bay Packers.

After the 2003 season Walls retired with 450 receptions, 5,291 receiving yards and 54 touchdown catches.

 

That concludes the best offensive players from Mississippi. Next in this series we start looking at the best defensive players from Mississippi.

 

 

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