The first quarter of the 2009 NFL Season has been a very good on for Niners head coach Mike Singletary (Winner of Head Coach of the 1st Quarter Award)

I always like to hand out the hardware after each quarter of the NFL season.  However, the players and teams receiving their just due better not forget that there are 12 more games to be played this season.

 

Head Coach of the first quarter

San Francisco 49ers’ Mike Singletary: A tough teacher, who is not afraid to dole out love plus get in a player’s grill.  The Niners are 3-1 with two divisional wins already and could be 4-0 if not for Brett Favre and Greg Lewis.

Honorable Mention:  Jets’ Rex Ryan and Vikings’ Brad Childress.

 

Offensive Player of the first quarter

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning – Quite frankly, the man is a machine.  Robo-quarterback has led his team to a 4-0 record (13 straight wins going back to 2008) and thrown for over 300 yards every week. 

Plus the three-time MVP (may someday be four) has made household names of pass catchers Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie while throwing for an NFL-leading 1,336 yards. 

Honorable Mention: Saints QB Drew Brees and Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

 

Defensive Player of the first quarter

New Orleans Saints Safety Darren Sharper: After Pro Bowl stops with the Packers and Vikings, many people thought Sharper didn’t have much left in the tank. Well, people, take a second look, as Sharper leads the NFL with 5 INTs. 

He is the catalyst of the Saints’ rebuilt defense under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.  And his 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Jets was not only exciting, but a true game-changer. 

Honorable Mention: Vikings DE Jared Allen, NY Jets LB David Harris, and Niners LB Patrick Willis.

 

Breakout Player of the first quarter

NY Giants WR Steve Smith: With many deserving candidates out there, including Bengals DE Antwan Odom (8 sacks) and Eagles WR DeSean Jackson (average of 21.6 ypc), my choice is Smith. 

When the season opened, everyone wanted to know who was going to replace Plaxico Burress as QB Eli Manning’s go-to-guy.  Smith has answered the bell, producing numbers 34 catches (Giants record through 4 games), 411 yards, 12.1 ypc, and 4 TDs.

Smith and fellow receiver Mario Manningham should have definitely eased the minds of Giants fans.

Honorable Mention:  Jackson, Eagles TE Brent Celek and Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil.

 

Offensive Rookie of the first quarter

Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox: The only thing better than his cool name is his play. A legitimate 4.3 forty guy, Knox has added explosiveness to the Bears offense and special teams and to think this guy was a fifth-round pick out of little Abilene Christian. 

Despite not starting a game, Knox has produced receiving numbers:  14 catches for 190 yards and 2 TDs with a long of 68 yards in a Week 2 upset win over the Steelers.  Has two catches of 40+ yards is a threat to score at any time. 

The youngster is also making everyone forget about Devin Hester as a kick returner, as he leads all kickoff men with two or returns in yardage, averaging 35.8 yards a return.  Return a kickoff 102 yards against the Detroit Lions. 

Honorable Mention: Vikings WR/KR Percy Harvin and NY Jets QB Mark Sanchez.

 

Defensive Rookie of the first quarter

Detroit Lions FS Louis Delmas: That’s right, the Lions may have the best defensive rookie out there and he wasn’t even a first round “Bonus Baby”.  Delmas is a tough kid from Miami, Fla., and he truly has a nose for the ball. 

When the second-rounder from Western Michigan gets there, he is always looking to lower the boom.  Through four games, Delmas has 22 tackles including 18 solos, 1 sack, and 3 passes defensed. 

The Lions may not be playoff contenders yet, but by virtue of their Week 3 19-14 win over the Redskins.  They can call themselves “winners” and Delmas is a big part of their defense’s rebirth. 

Honorable Mention:  Miami Dolphins DB Vontae Davis, Seattle Seahawks LB Aaron Curry and Cincinnati Bengals LB Rey Maualuga.

 

Comeback Player of the first quarter

Jacksonville Jaguars QB David Garrard: After a season where he threw only 15 TDs and had 13 INTs, a lot of people were saying the Garrard was not worth his big contract (6 years, $60 million signed in April).

After a rough first two weeks of the 2009 season (lost to the Colts and Cardinals), the Jaguars have rebounded behind Garrard, producing two wins. 

Maybe it was Jags head coach Jack Del Rio canceling his radio show, but something has lit a fire under Garrard.  In wins over the Texans and Titans, Garrard has thrown for 537 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs. 

For the season, the former East Carolina star has thrown for numbers 82-138, 59.4%, 941 yards, 5 TDs and 1 INT. 

Honorable Mention: Oakland Raiders Safety Michael Huff and Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco.

 

Team of the first quarter

Minnesota Vikings: I know I maybe jumping on ESPN’s Brett Favre bandwagon, but the Vikings are a complete team.  At 4-0, they have demonstrated that they can beat you with the run (Adrian Peterson) or pass plus their special teams are doing a great job. 

We will see if the Vikes can continue their roll as the season goes especially with tough games waiting against the Baltimore Ravens (Week 6), Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 7), Chicago Bears (Weeks 12 & 16) and NY Giants (Week 17).

Honorable Mention: New Orleans Saints, NY Giants, and NY Jets

 

Most Disappointing Player of the first quarter

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo: Too tentative in the pocket and hasn’t gotten it done in crunch time so far.  Has 4 TDs, 4 INTs, and a passer rating of 79.4.

Dishonorable Mention: Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell, Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens, and the whole Tennessee Titans secondary.

 

Most Disappointing Team of the first quarter

Tennessee Titans (0-4):I am still trying to figure out how a team that won 13 games in 2008 has fallen so quickly.  Amazingly, the Titans squandered a 197-yard rushing performance by RB Chris Johnson in a Week 2 loss to the Texans. 

The Titans are ranked last in passing defense, allowing an average of 282.2 yards per game.  I guess DT Albert Haynesworth, now with the Redskins, meant more than head coach Jeff Fisher thought. 

I don’t think it will be long before aging veteran QB Kerry Collins is replaced by perceived malcontent QB Vince Young. 

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL First Quarter Awards, 2009 NFL Season, Mike Singletary, Tony Romo Tagged: 2009 NFL First Quarter Awards, 2009 NFL Season, Football, Mike Singletary, NFL, Sports, Tony Romo

WR Michael Crabtree is finally ready to sign with the SF 49ers, and now we will see if the future NFL Diva Receiver can shake off the rust to help a team that only has one touchdown catch by their receiving corps

 

There will not be a rookie season holdout for soon-to-be San Francisco 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree.  The aspiring NFL receiver and perceived diva will end his over two-month contract holdout when he signs with the Niners today. 

Reportedly, the Niners will give the unsigned first-rounder (10^th overall) a six-year deal with the terms undisclosed. All indications are that deal is somewhere around the 5-year, $20M contract the 49ers had been offering since training camp and that the sixth year is voidable.

Crabtree will probably make somewhere around $1.8 million in 2009, which was the amount that the Niners had left in their rookie salary pool.

But don’t forget that Crabtree has already forfeited four game checks in the 2009 season.

Crabtree’s signing ends the NFL’s closest situation to former running back Bo Jackson’s season-long holdout in 1986.  It was known that Crabtree had flown to the Bay Area on Monday to help in negotiations with Niners general manager Scot McCloughan. 

However, you never really knew if Crabtree and his gaggle of advisers, including his agent (Eugene Parker), former NFL great Deion Sanders, and his bail bondsman relative David Wells, would allow the deal to go through (deadline was Nov. 17, the last day to sign rookies before they were put back into the 2010 NFL Draft).

Crabtree and his crew had talked tough, asking for more than the amount that the Raiders overpaid for their first rounder Darrius Heyward-Bey—the seventh overall pick got five years, $38.25M real/$54M max; $23.5M guaranteed. 

But in the end, Crabtree needed the Niners (3-1) more than they needed him.  Niners no-nonsense head coach Mike Singletary made it abundantly clear that the team would go on with or without the former Texas Tech star. 

So with Crabtree back in the Niners fold, they clearly may have added another impact player to the NFC West’s leading team.  The Niners current leading pass catcher is emerging TE Vernon Davis (17 catches for 211 yards, 12.4 ypc, and 3 TDs). 

Crabtree probably would have been a Top 5 pick, if not for a late-season foot injury that lingered into the draft process. 

Before the 2009 NFL Draft, some considered Crabtree to be the next Larry Fitzgerald after only two years at Texas Tech, where he was a man amongst boys, producing 231 receptions for 3,127 yards, and 41 touchdowns.

One scout I talked to prior to the draft, raved about Crabtree’s ability to start-and-stop in routes, superior hand-eye coordination, good body control and an aggressive run-after-catch skills.

Now the next player vying for the NFL’s “Diva Receiver Crown” will need to win over the Niners’ lockerroom and Singletary, who is known for his “Can’t use him” mentality. 

Already in post draft mini-camps, Singletary got on Crabtree in practices, so it will be fun to see how long it takes for him to adjust to the NFL game. 

Crabtree, after signing, is expected to be placed on the roster exemption list for one to two weeks as he rounds himself into football shape. 

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in Michael Crabtree, NFL Holdouts, San Francisco 49ers Tagged: Crabtree Ends Holdout, Deion Sanders, Football, Michael Crabtree, Mike Singletary, NFL, NFL Holdouts, San Francisco 49ers, Sports, Vernon Davis

Colts QB Peyton Manning gets my Game Ball for Week Four of the 2009 NFL season after leading the Colts over the Seahawks

One quarter of the 2009 NFL’s “Own the Moment” season is already in the books with the recent close of Week Four around the league.  Before we start recapping Week Four’s action on the field, I have to commend the NFL for their great work this week in supporting the fight against breast cancer with their “Crucial Catch” campaign.  As someone whose family has been personally affected by the disease, it is great to see the NFL getting involved in trying to find a cure. 

There was “pink” everywhere in NFL stadiums including NFL coaches’ hats, fan jerseys, goalpost pads and ribbons on NFL personnel—even Michael Irvin on NFL Network wore a pink tie and ribbon.  Plus there was a Public Service Awareness piece by Fergie from the Blackeyed Peas on early screenings and “tough” NFL players thumbed their nose at stereotypes by wearing pink uniform attire including Saints QB Drew Brees, Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Vikings QB Brett Favre, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco and others. 

I can totally understand why NFL fans are flocking to TV’s everywhere as the story lines are plentiful around the league.  Last week NFL games topped the local ratings in 26 markets, beating several premieres on the networks including ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (ranked No. 2). 

Week Four was another exciting week filled with Revenge (Brett Favre looked like his old MVP self in leading the Vikings over the Packers), “Normalcy” (Peyton Manning throws for over 300 yards in another victory, Steelers pounding their running game to a win over the Chargers  and the Giants steamrolling the hapless Chiefs), “Surprises” (Jaguars easily knocking the Titans into the 0-4 abyss and the upstart Broncos fighting off the Cowboys), and “Heartbreakers” (NY Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez playing like a rookie in a tough loss to the Saints, Jim Zorn Haters going home unhappy as the Redskins squeaked out a 16-13 win over the winless Bucs  and the poor Browns losing in the last seconds of overtime to the promising Bengals).

The game everyone wanted to see, Brett Favre’s long awaited showdown with the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football didn’t disappoint.  The NFL and ESPN’s leading man turned back the clock—defying his impending 40^th Birthday on October 10^th—and showed the league, and more importantly Packers GM Ted Thompson, that he still has some fire left in his basement in a 30-23 victory. 

Favre continually said leading up to the game that one game was not going to define his career and that he was not out for “revenge”, but who was the old graybeard passer trying to kid.  You know Favre felt great as he produced three touchdown passes and 271 yards while completing 24 for 31 passes, without a turnover. Of course everyone will “paint” the MNF game’s picture as Favre, Favre, and more Favre, but it was a total team effort by the ascending Vikings (4-0).  The Vikes battered Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (passing numbers: 26-37, 384 yards, two TDs, and one INT), sacking him eight times, causing an interception and forcing a fumble.  The main disruptor for the Vikings improving defense was DE Jared Allen, who produced a career-high 4 1/2 sacks and a safety in the fourth quarter.  The night was magical for Favre and Vikings, but everyone—especially ESPN—better remember there are 12 more games to be played and Super Bowl XLIV in February is a long ways away.

Some Lloyd’s Leftovers from Week 4 include:

NFL needs to stop protecting Brady

As soon as the “Brady Rule” was on the books this spring, you knew there would be a game situation that highlighted the ambiguity (at the referees discretion) and overall ridiculousness of it.  It had to be fate as the Patriots-Ravens game this past Sunday was the model for the misinterpretation of the rule that basically makes NFL quarterbacks into China dolls and of course Tom Brady was the “victim”. 

In the Patriots 27-21 win over the Ravens, the NFL officiating crew led by referee Ron Winter called two ridiculous personal fouls against the Ravens that of course extended Patriots’ scoring drives.  The two calls amplified the NFL’s continuing “sissy-fication” of the game and further fueled the debate that the league cares more about their million-dollar passers than any other position.  After the game, the Ravens players could not hold their tongues.   “Without totally going off the wall here, it is embarrassing to the game,” linebacker Ray Lewis said. “Brady is good enough to make his own plays, let him make the play.

When you have two great teams that are going at it, let them go at it. Both of their touchdown drives had personal fouls that kept drives alive. Did that win or lose the game? No, but it got them 14 points.”  I could not agree more with the Ravens as the NFL that I grew up watching in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s was a league where a quarterback put his shoulder pads and helmet on like everyone else, so he was rightfully fair game.  As former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan used to say, “They should just put flags on the quarterbacks and get it over with”.  On NBC’s Sunday Night Football, Brady’s former teammate Rodney Harrison jokingly told Brady, “Take off the skirt and put on a pair of pants”.

The Indianapolis Colts are machines

Despite everyone including yours truly predicting a lower than expectations season, the Colts just keep marching on as they won their 13^th straight regular season game in a 34-17 victory over Seattle on Sunday.  The AFC South leading Colts , who are off to a 4-0 start this season, extended their NFL record for most 4-0 starts to five (started back in 2000). The way the Colts and their quarterback Peyton Manning dominated the Seahawks made their head coach Jim Mora say, “We played greatness today. (Manning) is one of the finest of all times.”.

Two rookie head coaches are undefeated

Jim Caldwell ( Indianapolis Colts) and Josh McDaniels  (Denver Broncos) with  their respective wins over the Seahawks and Cowboys both have led their teams to 4-0 starts.  This is only the second time in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) that two rookie head coaches have guided their teams to 4-0 starts in the same season.  The last pair were former NY Jets head coach Al Groh and former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz back in 2000.

Redskins pull their coach from the fire, for this week

After an embarrassing 19-14 loss to the formerly winless Detroit Lions (ending their 19-game losing streak) last week, the Washington Redskins and their head coach Jim Zorn could ill-afford to look bad against the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. 

With the Redskins-Lions game ending play of a terrible ill-fated hook-and-lateral play fresh in their minds, Redskins’ fans were ready to let the team have it and they did.  The boo-birds were out early and often against the Buccaneers as the Redskins were putrid in the first half  producing three punts, three turnovers (fumble and two INTs), one missed field goal and losing by a score of 10-0.  By all accounts it looked like many Zorn haters would be putting back on their Burgundy-and-Gold colors after the former Seahawks assistant was let go with another embarrassing loss seeming to be close at hand. 

But a funny thing happened on the way to Zorn’s firing, the Redskins woke-up.  The Redskins, fueled by a DeAngelo Hall interception and a Jason Campbell to Santana Moss 59-yard touchdown bomb,  stormed back scoring sixteen unanswered points in the 3^rd quarter to defeat the Bucs by a score 16-13 and thus saving Zorn’s hide for another week. 

However as satisfying as the “ugly” win may have been for Zorn, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder may still be lurking to give him the boot.  The Redskins still don’t have any offensive continuity and have been held to fewer than 20 points in 11 of the last 12 games.  Plus  running back and team leader—for better or worse—Clinton Portis is not happy about the play calling and his role on the team as the former Pro Bowl back is still searching for his first 100-yard game of 2009. 

For Zorn’s sake, the Redskins better take care of the business against the lowly Carolina Panthers (0-4) and Kansas City Chiefs (0-4)  in the next two weeks as they have a big divisional showdown looming against the Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) in Week 7. Struggling Redskins QB Jason Campbell (passing numbers: 12-22, 54.5%,  170 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs) said of his team’s halftime wake-up call, “At halftime, I was like, if we don’t pull this one out, I don’t know what I’m going to do on Monday. I might as well hibernate.”

Injuries still a factor around NFL

The scariest moment of this week’s action occurred when Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jared Gaither suffered a head and neck injury while blocking a defender in the Ravens loss to the Patriots.  Gaither had to be removed on a backboard, which brought back painful memories of NFL players who suffered serious injuries on the field like former Lions O-lineman Mike Utley. 

Thankfully Gaither was quickly tended to and head/neck tests at the hospital came back negative.  The big former University of Maryland road grader might even miraculously be back on the field in the Ravens’ next game against the Bengals . Other injuries of note happened to NY Giants QB Eli Manning (Plantar fasciitis), Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (possible dislocated kneecap), Raiders RB Darren McFadden (knee), Baltimore Ravens LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (tore his left quad), New York Giants LB Michael Boley (knee sprain), Bears WR Devin Hester (shoulder) and Bears WR/KR Johnny Knox (shin)

Game Balls

Colts QB Peyton Manning – “Robo-Quarterback”, as I like to call him,  was at his best in the Colts 34-17 victory over the Seahawks.  Manning, while making household names of young receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, produced his 4^th straight game of 300- yards plus passing—first time in his storied 12-year NFL career that he accomplished the feat.  The three-time MVP definitely is trying to outdo his little brother, NY Giants QB Eli,  who also is playing at a high level thus fueling speculation of an all-Manning Super Bowl. 

The older Manning finished with passing numbers 31 of 41 for 353 yards, two TDs, and one INT in the win.  Manning also tied Fran Tarkenton for No. 3 on the NFL’s career passing touchdowns list with 342 and now only trails Dan Marino (420) and Brett Favre (472).

Honorable Mention

Jacksonville Jaguars QB David Garrard – Despite playing in front of 18,000 empty seats, Garrard found his rhythm for the second week in a row.  In a 37-17 dismantling of the Texans, Garrard threw for passing numbers 27-37, 323 yds, and 3 TDs  323 yards and 0 INTs. I wonder how Jags head coach Jack Del Rio will motivate Garrard this week as last week he put the kibosh on their quarterback’s radio show.  Next up for Garrard and the Jags are the struggling Seahawks (1-3) and Rams (0-4).

New York Giants WR Steve Smith – Who needs Plaxico?  Eli’s new favorite target  posted a career-high 11 receptions for 134 yards and 2 TDs in the Giants’ 27-16 win over Kansas City.  Smith has 34 receptions through Week 4, the most receptions through the first four games of a season in Giants’ history.

Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall — Let’s not kid ourselves, the Broncos would be “crazy”  to get rid of Marshall even if he is a pain.  When average QB Kyle Orton and the Broncos needed him most, Marshall responded with the play of the game against the Cowboys.  Late in the 4th quarter, Marshall catch a Kyle Orton jump ball pass over Cowboys CB Terrence Newman and weaved his way to a  spectacular 51-yard game-winning  touchdown. 

New England Patriots WR Randy Moss –  The future hall of famer posted his first touchdown of the season in the Patriots’ 27-21 win over Baltimore.  Moss’ 14-yard touchdown catch gave him 137 career touchdowns and now ranks sixth all-time for the most career TDs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Aqib Talib – The often misunderstood tough corner came to play this week for the Bucs against the Redskins.  In the Bucs’ 16-13 loss to the Skins, Talib produced three INTs against quarterback Jason Campbell.

Other Honorees:  Chicago Bears QB  Jay Cutler (Made like John Elway on a memorable helicopter dive for a touchdown in a win over the Detroit Lions); Niners QB Shaun Hill (was solid in the Niners’ blowout win over the Rams, pushing his record as a starter to 10-4); Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-10 win over the Bills); New Orleans Saints DB Darren Sharper (had two INTs and  returned one a club-record 99 yards for touchdown in the Saints win over the NY Jets); Houston Texans Defense (allowed only 165 yards of offense in their 29-6 victory over the Raiders, which was the Texans defense’s best performance since 2004); Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (after being benched last week, the former first rounder ran for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a SNF win over the Chargers); Dolphins OLB Cameron Wake (The former All-CFL star was activated this week and produced six tackles and  3.0 sacks  while subbing for Joey Porter); Vikings WR Sidney Rice (Special teamer of the week as he snagged two onside kicks – looked like Charles Barkley grabbing a rebound — to seal the Vikes win over the Packers).

Lloyd’s Lackey

New York Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez – Welcome to the NFL rookie!!  After three weeks on a magic carpet ride, Sanchez found out that in the NFL, teams will quickly figure you out.  Sanchez completed only 14 of 27 passes for 138 yards, 0 TDs, and three INTs in the Jets 24-10 loss to the Saints.  New Orleans frustrated and confused the young passer as he turned the ball over four times.  Sanchez directly contributed two touchdowns for the Saints—one on Saints’ safety Darren Sharper’s 99-yard interception touchdown return and the other on a sack/fumble in the endzone.

Maybe now everyone including Jets head coach Rex Ryan will back off the “Sanchize” talk, as in he is the franchise.  As the first rounder from USC (only 16 college starts) has a lot to learn in the “Big Boy” NFL.

Dishonorable Mention

Tennessee Titans QB Kerry Collins – Hey Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, “Put in Vince Young already”.  Your team is off to a horrible 0-4 start and Collins along with your terrible secondary are the main culprits.  Collins was back to his old New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders form as he produced numbers of 29-48, 284 yds, one TD, and two INTs in the Titans embarrassing 37-17 loss to the Jags.  Collins has four turnovers in the last two games and is playing like the “journeyman” that he has always been.  Put in the 2006 NFL Rookie of the Year, who might provide a spark to a team looking for a soft place to fold right now.

CBS Analyst and former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon – I guess somewhere Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb was feeling Gannon’s pain regarding overtime rules. Gannon commentating on CBS for the Bengals-Browns game got confused about when an NFL overtime game is completed.  Right before Bengals kicker Shayne Graham attempted the potential game- winning field goal with seven seconds left in overtime (made it), Gannon wondered on air about whether the Bengals might be leaving too much time left for a big kickoff return by Browns Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs.  Luckily for Gannon,  play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle corrected him and they both had a good chuckle over the former Raiders quarterback’s gaffe.

Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden – Boy was I wrong about this guy after he came out in the draft in 2008.  Instead of being the next Adrian Peterson, McFadden is looking like colossal draft bust Kijana Carter right now.  Maybe it is the play of inconsistent QB JaMarcus Russell or the Raiders banged-up O-line, but McFadden needs to do more.  Facing formerly the NFL’s weakest rush defense (Houston Texans), McFadden produced minus-three yards on six rushing attempts.  He also will miss two to four weeks with a knee injury that requires surgery.  For the season McFadden only has produced 145 yards on 47 carries (3.1 ypc) and only one TD.

Cleveland Browns WR Braylon Edwards – It wasn’t that long ago that Edwards was talking about holding out and that he wanted to be traded out of Cleveland.  Well after another terrible game, Edwards may one get his wish as several fans probably want drive him to the airport.  Edwards had zero catches and a committed a bad personal foul penalty ( negated a good rushing gain) in the loss Browns 23-20 overtime loss to the Bengals.  The former first rounder has not looked nothing like a No. 1 receiver this season and only has only has 10 catches for 139 yards and 0 TDs.  Did I also mention that he allegedly got in an altercation with a club promoter arguing over LeBron James too this week.

Week Four

Patriots 27, Ravens 21

Bears 48, Lions 24

Colts 34, Seahawks 17

Giants 27, Chiefs 16

Redskins 16, Bucs 13

Bengals 23, Browns 20

Jaguars 37, Titans 17

Texans 29, Raiders 6

Saints 24, Jets 10

Dolphins 38, Bills 10

Broncos 17, Cowboys 10

49ers 35, Rams 0

Steelers 38, Chargers 28

Vikings 30, Packers 23

Bye Week Teams: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Arizona, Carolina

 

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Week 4 Review, 2009 NFL Weekly Reviews, Game Balls, Lloyd’s Lackey, Peyton Manning

Week Two of the 2009 NFL season came and went without the fanfare and glitz of Week One—except in Dallas. But this week in the NFL season showed that every year is a new opportunity to rise or fall quickly in the parity-laden league. 

There were upsets (Bengals over the Packers in Lambeau and Texans over the Titans), a possible changing of the guard in two divisions (Niners over the Seahawks and the Jets knocking off the Patriots), rebounds (Bears over the Steelers, Cardinals over the Jaguars, Bills over the Bucs and Raiders over the Chiefs), offensive explosions (Saints QB Drew Brews, Titans RB Chris Johnson, Niners RB Frank Gore, Texans WR Andre Johnson and others)  and bad teams getting worse (Redskins over the Rams,  Broncos over the Browns, and Vikings over the Lions).

The biggest story of the week had to be the grand opening of Jerry Jones’ new football palace called “Cowboys Stadium.”  An NFL record 105,000-plus crowd came to see the Cowboys against the division rival New York Giants, but the stadium was the real story. 

The truly first class stadium is state of the art, including mega scoreboards, huge concourses, pedestal dancers, and any other amenity that $1.1 billion can buy you. 

The pregame ceremony was right out of a Hollywood script, including former President George W. Bush at the pre-game coin toss and a video placing Cowboys stadium in the class of the Taj Mahal and The Coliseum in Rome.

Unfortunately Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (see Lloyd’s Lackey) was not up to par and stunk up Jones’ new play pen again and again in a close 33-31 loss. 

Despite Dallas pounding out 251 yards on the ground against the Giants’ vaunted defense—final rushing numbers 251 yards rushing on 29 carries (an 8.7-yard average) and three touchdowns—Romo floated passes that ended up in the other team’s hands and made bad decisions at inopportune moments. 

The Cowboys turned over the ball four times, including three interceptions thrown by Romo that led to 24 points for the Giants.

The last time the Cowboys opened a new stadium in 1971 (Texas Stadium), they won the Super Bowl, but is anyone ready to step out on that limb…not just yet. 

An interesting stat is that at the end of Week Two the middle of the NFL keeps increasing. There are nine teams at (2-0), nine teams at (0-2) and a glut of 14 teams at (1-1), showing that parity is indeed alive in the “Any Given Sunday” NFL.

For the 23 teams that are either 1-1 or 0-2, there is still good news and their fans need to keep their feet still on their team’s bandwagons.

Being 1-1 or 0-2 after the first two weeks of the season is not a death sentence. Since 2002, 48 of 84 (57.1 percent) teams made the playoffs after starting at those marks. 

In fact, four of the past eight Super Bowl champions began their seasons with a 1-1 or 0-2 record, including the 2007 Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, who started last season at 0-2. 

Remember last year the Bills were (2-0) and the Dolphins were (0-2) and we know how those two teams finished in the AFC East.

Though it is still too early to start formulating long-term season assumptions based on a couple of games, here are some interesting news/notes/trends at this time.

 

The Jets Back It Up

When Jets head coach Rex Ryan was a youngster learning at the foot of his legendary defensive guru father Buddy Ryan, he really listened to his Dad’s ability to “Back It Up.”

After a week where Ryan said, “I didn’t come here to kiss (Patriots coach) Bill Belichick’s rings. I came here to win,” the Jets snapped an eight-game home losing streak to the Patriots with their 16-9 road win.

Ryan’s defense was suffocating as the Patriots never scored a touchdown and were limited to three field goals. The Jets are the first team to have allowed no offensive touchdowns in the first two games of the season since 2006. 

Though Patriots QB Tom Brady was not sacked, the Jets continued to put pressure on him again and again. 

The Jets had many heroes, but biggest props should go to CB Darrelle Revis— who shutdown Patriots WR Randy Moss (four receptions for 24 yards)—and rookie QB Mark Sanchez (14-of-22 for 163 yards, one TD, and one interception) who was cool against the veteran Pats’ defense. 

“I just tried to be physical with him at the line,” said Revis. 

By the way, did you happen to catch the “chilly” postgame handshake between Ryan and Bill Belichick?

 

1972 Dolphins must be feeling good 

There are currently only nine unblemished teams in the NFL, including 2008 playoff teams Colts, Giants, Vikings, Ravens, and Falcons.

This cast of usual winners has been joined by the surprising San Francisco 49ers (continued out-physicalling the rest of  the NFC West led by their defense and RB Frank Gore), New Orleans Saints (outscoring the league behind record setting QB Drew Brees), Denver Broncos (rookie head coach Josh McDaniels’ team is getting the job done, but who have they beaten), and the New York Jets (brash group of youngsters is following their head coach Rex Ryan with a “take no prisoners” mentality). 

Though the unbeatens all have good stories, I don’t think any of them will come close to not losing two or more games.

 

The NFL Season is Survival of the Fittest

Unfortunately every week in the NFL an important aspect is which teams can avoid injuries. This week’s biggest story was the fractured rib injury that Seahawks  quarterback Matt Hasselbeck suffered after LB Patrick Willis nailed him in the Hawks’ loss to the upstart 49ers.

We will have to see if Hasselbeck is able to get back on the field as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb has a similar injury and is not expected back until Week Five. 

Other major injuries hit Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (ankle), Eagles WR DeSean Jackson (groin), Falcons rookie DT Peria Jerry (knee—season), Eagles CB Asante Samuel (stinger), Packers OT LT Chad Clifton (ankle), Bucs S Jermaine Phillips (broken thumb), Bills RT Brad Butler ( knee—season), RG  Randy Thomas (torn right triceps—season), and Raiders OG Robert Gallery (broken leg—season)

The Wildcat still around

With the Dolphins gaining 239 yards rushing in the MNF loss, including 107 out of the Wildcat, the 2008 breakout formation is still the “talk” of the NFL after its one-year anniversary. 

But defensive coordinators maybe catching on as they are preaching that unless the guy taking the snap (Wildcat QB) can throw, then “sell out” on stopping the run. The Ravens were the first team to totally shut it down in the playoffs against the Dolphins. 

The Philadelphia Eagles had okay success with the Wildcat in their loss against New Orleans as Jackson, Westbrook, and rookie Jeremy Maclin only gained 45 yards on nine plays out of the Wildcat. 

I have to agree with ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski that the Wildcat is fun, but in the end the NFL is a passing league first. 

Jaws said, “I love the Wildcat. It’s great. I’m glad Dolphins QB Coach (David) Lee is up there working all the plays. Maybe he can give them to the college coaches, because that’s where they work. At the NFL level you must have a quarterback that plays from the pocket.” 

We will see if Eagles backup QB Michael Vick can open some eyes as a dual-threat Wildcat QB this upcoming week when he returns from suspension against the Chiefs.

 

Titans not the same without Haynesworth

Titans DBs Cortland Finnegan, Michael Griffin, and Chris Hope all went to their first Pro Bowl last season as the Titans picked off 19 passes and allowed only 12 TD passes, second in the NFL. 

But after losing high-priced free agent DT Albert Haynesworth to the Redskins—Haynesworth routinely collapsed the pocket and caused defensive pressure—the Titans secondary has struggled. 

The once mighty Titans have gone 0-2  to start the season and are ranked dead last in the NFL in pass defense (339 ypg).

Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub had a field day in the Texans’ 34-31 upset win over the Titans in Nasvhille,  throwing for 357 yards and four TDs.  Conversely, the Redskins with Haynesworth have improved (they’ve allowed 183.5  passing yards per game—tied for 10th in the NFL).

 

Who needs Plaxico Burress? 

In the Giants’ big win in Big D, Mario Manningham (10 receptions for a career-high 150 yards, including his 22-yard TD) and Steve Smith (10 receptions for 134 yards, and his own 22-yard TD) were spectacular.

The underrated duo—combined for 20 receptions for 284 yards and two touchdowns—seems to have finally crawled out from the huge shadow of Plaxico Burress (former playmaker just started a two-year jail sentence) and now look like reliable targets for improving quarterback Eli Manning. 

Conversely the Cowboys’ receiving corps of  Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin, and Sam Hurd produced only reception a piece.

 

Two Future Hall of Fame Quarterbacks Break Records 

Colts QB Peyton Manning, playing in front of his special guest Tiger Woods, broke the Colts all-time record for most wins by a starting quarterback (119) in the Colts comeback 27-23 victory over the Dolphins. 

Manning said of the accomplishment, “I don’t feel comfortable with these comparisons to Unitas.” Manning added, “But I’m very proud to wear the same uniform as Johnny Unitas. He was a real winner.” 

Manning’s biggest plays were down the stretch including a 48-yard game-winning touchdown throw to emerging WR Pierre Garcon with 3:18 left in the game. 

Manning (14-for-23, 303 yards, and two TDs) was joined in the record books by Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, who set the NFL’s all-time record for consecutive games played by any player (285 consecutive games), breaking Vikings DL Jim Marshall’s record in a dominating 27-13 win over the Lions. 

Favre—who turns 40 in October—completed 23-of-27 passes for 155 yards and two TDs.

Quick Lloyd’s Leftover

What in the world happened to the Steelers vaunted running game that has been a staple of the six-time Super Bowl winner since the 1970’s?  

This season, Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has shelved the running game in favor of passing the ball. The Steelers have run 45 times and tried to pass on 84 occasions (including six sacks) in two low-scoring games decided by three points. 

With their record standing at 1-1 and a tough game coming up at the Bengals, you have to wonder if Arians will have RBs Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore running more.

 

Games Balls

Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis 

The stories of Lewis’ demise over the years has been greatly exaggerated.  When the Ravens needed a big play to close out the Chargers, it was the future Hall of Fame linebacker who answered the call.

On fourth-and-two in the final minutes and the Ravens protecting a 31-26 lead back up against their 15-yard line, the Chargers ran little tank RB Darren Sproles. But before Chargers  OG Kris Dielman could pull, Lewis blasted through the line to stop Sproles for a four-yard loss.  

Lewis (34) finished the game with 12 tackles and a forced fumble. NBC analyst Rodney Harrison said of the play, “The greatest play of Ray Lewis’ career.”

 

Honorable Mention

Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner 

In turning back the clock, the Cardinals 38-year-old passer set an NFL record with a 92.3 completion percentage in the Cardinals’ 31-17 win over the Jaguars.

Warner completed his first 15 passes and finished 24-for-26 with 243 yards, two TDs and a 131.2 passer rating.

The previous record was surprisingly set by Cleveland Browns former QB  Vinny Testaverde (21-of-23 or 91.3 percent) in a 1993 game against the Los Angeles Rams. 

One of Warner’s incompletions was an admitted blown route by WR Anquan Boldin. 

Warner said of the effort, “I’ve had days where I felt like this before…the NFC Championship Game last year. The Super Bowl. Those weren’t as accurate, but I felt like I was going to complete every ball. This was one of those days where you see things so quickly and feel comfortable about making the decisions so quickly.”

 

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees 

For second week in a row, the 2008 NFL offensive player of the year receives a game ball.  Brees threw three touchdowns passes in the Saints’ 48-22 lopsided win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The former Purdue star now has nine touchdown passes through Week Two, which ties him with former St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (1965) for the most TD passes through the first two games of a season.

The Saints topped the 40-point mark for the second consecutive week—which has not been done since the 1968 Oakland Raiders—and Brees dealt with the Eagles blitz as he finished 25-of-34 for 311 yards and three TDs.

 

Cincinnati Bengals DE Antwan Odom 

Who would have thought after the Bengals starred on HBO’s Hard Knocks that a little known defensive end would their leading player through two weeks. 

Going into the 2009 season Odom had had only 15-and-a-half sacks in 60 NFL games, but look who is now the NFL’s most feared sack man.

Odom currently leads the NFL with seven sacks, and he was amazing in the Bengals upset win over the Packers.  Odom produced seven tackles, five sacks, and two tackles for loss in the 31-24 win.

 

Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson 

One of the fastest men in the NFL became the first player in NFL history to record a 90-plus yard rushing touchdown (91), 50-plus yard rushing touchdown (57), and 60-plus yard receiving touchdown (69) in a game. 

Unfortunately Johnson’s efforts did not lead to a victory as the Texans surprised them 34-31. 

Johnson had 284 yards from scrimmage on 25 touches (16 carries for 197 yards rushing, nine catches for 87 yards).

 

San Francisco 49ers RB Frank Gore 

What a game for Niners offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye’s main weapon.  Gore ran for 207 yards on only 16 carries (246 total yards) and displayed a tremendous burst on a pair of long touchdowns.

After rushing 79 yards for a first-quarter score, Gore took the opening handoff of the second half and sprinted 80 yards for a touchdown in the 49ers’ 23-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Gore is the first player since Barry Sanders on Oct. 12, 1997 to record two rushing touchdowns of 75-plus yards in a single game.

 

Other standouts 

Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson (Totaled 10 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the Texans’ 34-31 win over the Tennessee Titans); NY Giants QB Eli Manning (Came of age in a big win over the Cowboys throwing for 330 yards and two touchdowns on 25-for-38 passing); Colts TE/HB Dallas Clark (Took the first pass of the MNF game 80 yards for a touchdown and  finished with seven receptions for 183 yards – the 4th highest total for a tight end in NFL history); Cincinnati Bengals RB Cedric Benson (Rushed 29 times for 141 yards (a 4.9-yard average); Redskins safety Chris Horton (knocked away the Rams’ potential game-winner and produced a forced fumble in the Skins ugly 9-7 win)

Lloyd’s Lackey of the Week

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo

America’s sweetheart passer was terrible in the opening of Dallas Cowboys Stadium.  Romo struggled (13-of-29 for 127 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions) and squandered 251 rushing yards by the Cowboys running backs. 

T.O’s best buddy did have a rushing touchdown, but too often when the Cowboys were deep in Giants territory, Romo found a way to not get points. 

“It’s frustrating, I’m really, really disappointed in myself right now ” said Romo, who entered the game as the NFL ‘s highest rated passer.

Romo’s rating for the night was 29.6, which was more than a 100 points lower than a season-opening 140.6 rating in Week One.

Maybe Jessica Simpson was somewhere with a voodoo doll.

 

Dishonorable Mention

Dallas Cowboys OT Flozell Adams

Giants DE Justin Tuck was rightfully angry with Adams after being tripped in the second quarter of New York’s 33-31 win on Sunday night. Tuck said Adams’ trip—he extended his leg after being beat by Tuck—was “bush league.”

Tuck hurt his shoulder on the play and did not return to the game.

Tuck later said, “It was bush league. He did it a few times, and they (the officials) only called one.” 

Adams tried to downplay the incident when asked about it by AOL FanHouse, saying “I didn’t see nothing. Did you see something?”

 

Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini

Little Belichick without the resume is now 0-2 after an embarrassing 27-6 loss to the Broncos, and his team is one of the NFL’s worst. 

It was also learned this week that Mangini had fined a player $1,701 for failing to pay for a $3 bottle of water during a team hotel stay.

My advice for Mangenuis is to treat your players like professionals, and you will get better results.

 

Washington Redskins rookie LB Robert Henson

The rookie linebacker from TCU—who was inactive against the Rams—complained via Twitter about Redskins fans booing the home team during a 9-7 win. 

Henson tweeted, “All you fake half hearted Skins fan can .. I won’t go there but I dislike you very strongly, don’t come to Fed Ex to boo dim wits!!” 

He later apologized, saying he was angry after being hit with objects from the crowd, but he is a dope. Luckily for the world, Henson cancelled his Twitter account.

 

Other dishonorees 

San Dieo Chargers LB Shawne Merriman (tied for 218th in the NFL in tackles after two games with only six tackles and zero sacks); Eagles punter Sav Rocca (wildly inconsistent and had a bad shank of 26 yards at a crucial stage of the Eagles eventual loss to the Saints).

 

2009 NFL Week 2 Results

SUN, SEPT. 20

49ers (2-0) over Seahawks (1-1),  23-10

Bears (1-1) over Steelers (1-1), 17-14

Bengals (1-1) over Packers (1-1), 31-24

Bills (1-1) over Buccaneers (0-2), 33-20

Broncos (2-0) over Browns (0-2), 27-6

Cardinals (1-1) over Jaguars (0-2), 31-17

Falcons (2-0) over Panthers (0-2), 28-20

Giants (2-0) over Cowboys (1-1), 33-31

Jets (2-0) over Patriots (1-1), 16-9

Raiders (1-1) over Chiefs (0-2), 13-10

Ravens (2-0) over Chargers (1-1), 31-26

Redskins (1-1) over Rams (0-2), 9-7

Saints (2-0) over Eagles (1-1), 48-22

Texans (1-1) over Titans (0-2), 34-31

Vikings (2-0) over Lions (0-2), 27-13

SUN, SEP 13 

Colts (2-0) at Dolphins (0-2),  27-23

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

I am naming Week Two of the 2009 NFL season “Divisional Rivalry” Week, as there are seven matchups featuring divisional rivals. Rivalry games on the docket include Oakland at KC, New England at NY Jets, Carolina at Atlanta, Minnesota at Detroit, Houston at Tennessee, Seattle at San Francisco, and NY Giants at Dallas (See Game of the Week).

To football fans, there is nothing better than putting on your team’s colors and rooting against a hated rival. Players usually try to keep a lid on emotions, but when a familiar foe is across the line—usually twice a year, sometimes three if both teams make the playoffs—you can save the handshakes for the offseason. 

Former Super Bowl-winning head coach turned NBC analyst Tony Dungy said of divisional games, “These games are important, because you want to gain an advantage in your division.” 

Some fans may ask, “How important are division games?” 

Well, since realignment to the current eight-division format in 2002, the 14 teams that have advanced to the Super Bowl have a combined 68-16 (.810) record in games within their division.

With the 50th anniversary of the AFL, there will be two renewals of old-time AFL rivalries (Chiefs-Raiders and Patriots-Jets). The Oakland Raiders will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs for the 98th time in this heated rivalry—two of the eight original AFL teams.  Both teams hung around in Week One, only to lose near the end—Ravens beating the Chiefs 38-24, and Chargers over the Raiders, 24-20—so both will be looking for their first win of the season. 

The Raiders and Chiefs have not liked each other for a long time, starting with the AFL’s birth in 1960 when the Raiders faced off against the Dallas Texans (later the KC Chiefs). The two teams have battled over the years in games, for players in the draft, and even their owners, the late Lamar Hunt (Chiefs) and Al Davis (Raiders), battled over league rules and other matters.  

Some of their best games were played when legendary Hall of Fame coaches Hank Stram and John Madden were patrolling the sidelines against each other and wouldn’t give an inch. One of the more famous incidents between the teams back in the day was the infamous spearing of Chiefs QB Len Dawson by Raiders LB Ben Davidson in 1970 that prompted a huge brawl.

The Chiefs are one of two teams in the NFL with a winning record against the Raiders (51-44-1), which includes a 2-1 record in the playoffs. So get ready for some heated action as the Chiefs’ Red Storm crowd welcomes quarterback JaMarcus Russell and the rest of the silver and black. Raiders LB Kirk Morrison said of the KC-Oakland rivalry, “In Oakland…the game you always really wanted to come see was the Chiefs. You grew up hating red…It goes deep…It’s always been the must-win game.”

 

New England Patriots-New York Jets

The New England (formerly Boston) Patriots will play the New York Jets for the 97th time. The Patriots traveling to the Jets is always big news, especially with the two teams’ history—Spygate, Belichick coached the Jets for literally a minute, the Patriots have won of five of the past seven AFC East division titles and NFL aristocracy vs. blue collar tough guys—basically, there is no love lost between these two franchises. 

Though the Jets hold an edge of 49-47-1 in the series, the Patriots have won three of the last four games against them and are looking to improve on their nine-consecutive game winning streak at the Jets’ home. Pats starting quarterback Tom Brady has never lost to the Jets in the Meadowlands as he holds a 7-0 record in the stadium. Brady also has added incentive, because with a victory on against the Jets, he will match former Bears’ quarterback Jim McMahon for the longest streak of consecutive regular-season wins by a quarterback (22).

To heighten the Patriots-Jets rivalry even more, there is the addition of brash Jets rookie head coach Rex Ryan, who definitely likes to take a page from his father, former NFL defensive guru Buddy Ryan, in stirring the pot. Ryan has been yapping his mouth all week and his team has been following suit, which may get the Pats even more fired up on Sunday. 

Ryan said of the J-E-T-S playing the vaunted Patriots, “I didn’t come here to kiss (Patriots coach) Bill Belichick’s rings, I came here to win…I’m certainly not intimidated by New England or anybody else.” 

Ryan must be rubbing off on his team, as defensive leader FS Kerry Rhodes added, “You go out from the first quarter on, from the first play on, and try to embarrass them, not just go out there and try to win, try to embarrass them.” 

Rhodes better be careful as Brady, fresh off a 378-yard passing performance in a Week One win over the Bills, said, “Talk is cheap…We’re going to be playing this game like it’s the Super Bowl.”

Unfortunately after only one week of play, some NFL fans are panicking a little over whether their team is a pretender or contender. To anyone feeling the pinch of the NFL season after one week of play, please relax. The NFL regular season is a 17-week marathon with many twists and turns ahead. It is too early to paint broad conclusions on team’s futures after one week. 

Sure, injuries and areas to fine-tune were prevalent throughout the league last week, but take the results from week one as partial results. I am urging all fans to wait five or six games before jumping on or off your team’s bandwagon. As we saw with the 2007 Patriots brush with perfection, it is almost unthinkable that a team can get through a season undefeated in today’s NFL—this fact should make you truly appreciative of the Herculean effort of the undefeated 1972 Dolphins.

An interesting stat is that at the end of Week Two, no more than 11 teams will be able to claim a perfect 2-0 record, leaving at least 21 clubs at 1-1 or 0-2. But being 1-1 or 0-2 after the first two weeks of the season is not a death sentence, as  in the years since 2002, 48 of 84 teams—a percentage of 57.1 percent—made the playoffs after starting at those marks. In fact, four of the past eight Super Bowl champions began their seasons with a 1-1 or 0-2 record, including the 2007 Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, who started last season at 0-2.

Here are some Lloyd’s Leftovers before we move on to our featured game for this week.

Lawn vandals are catch—In a grotesque act, the front lawn of Bills’ DB Leodis McKelvin was vandalized after the Bills’ heartbreaking 25-24 loss to the Patriots on MNF. McKelvin fumbled a late kickoff return that led directly to the Patriots’ go-ahead score. The vandalism apparently consisted of the score, 25-24, and a graphic depiction of the male anatomy scrawled in white paint. 

Fortunately, the vandals were caught when two male teens, who lived near McKelvin, turned themselves in. To the surprise of many,  the emerging second-year corner didn’t want to press charges, but expect the D.A in the area to do so. Bills receiver Terrell Owens said of the incident, “Once we make it to the playoffs, tell them to do his lawn again. You just attribute that to ignorance.”

 

NFL hits Texans corner in the pocket—Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson was fined $25,000 by the NFL for his shoe message to his team’s front office. Robinson inscribed “Pay Me” and “Rick” on his shoes, a message to GM Rick Smith.  Robinson has been locked in a nasty contract dispute after being tagged as the team’s franchise player way back in February. 

The disgruntled defensive back held out through training camp and didn’t report to the team until right before their season opener, when he signed a one-year, $9.957 million deal. My feeling is Robinson should let his play do his talking, and last week he wasn’t saying much as he allowed Jets rookie Mark Sanchez to pick him apart in an embarrassing 24-7 home loss.

 

Ochocinco may try a Lambeau Leap – It may be another of his self-promoting stunts (Twitter, U-stream, and others), but Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said via a conference call that he plans on doing a “Lambeau Leap” if he scores against the Packers on Sunday.  No. 85 said, “I’m looking forward to the Lambeau Leap like I did with the Dawg Pound…There needs to be understanding that this is merely a challenge for the defense to find a way from stopping me from getting in the end zone”.   Hey if Ochocinco wants to take his life in his own hands by jumping in the crowd, then more power to him…just don’t try it in Philly.  Last week Ochocinco seemed to be on the comeback trail producing 5 catches for 89 yards in the Bengals heartbreaking 12-7 loss to the Broncos.

 

V.Y does a great job filling in—Titans quarterback Vince Young, who was mentored by the late Steve McNair during his teenage years, did an awesome thing the other day. Young filled-in for his deceased friend at his sons’ (Trenton and Tyler) “Dear Dads Breakfast” event at their school, St. Paul Christian Academy. 

Young surprised the children when he showed up at their house early Wednesday and took them.

“Those are my boys,” Young said. “I wouldn’t say it was to pay anyone back; it was just out of love. Steve would do it for me. He pretty much did it for me when I was growing up. I have a history with the boys and I want to do anything I can. I am their big brother.” 

Young gave jerseys and autographs to several St. Paul children.

 

Favre sticks it to the Jets all the way from Minnesota—Even though Brett Favre is now on the Minnesota Vikings, America’s favorite flip-flopper stuck it to the J-E-T-S one more time. After Favre commented to the media in Minnesota that last year the Jets did not properly disclose his injury, the NFL took action this week. 

The league fined the New York Jets $75,000, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum $25,000, and former Jets head coach Eric Mangini $25,000 for their roles in failing to disclose Favre’s biceps injury on 2008 injury reports. The Vikings don’t play the Jets this regular season, but that would be one fun reunion.

 

Week Two Featured Game

NEW YORK GIANTS (1-0) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (1-0)—Sunday Night Football @ 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC

Broadcast Team: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Andrea Kremer (Field Reporter)

In talking about rivalries in the NFL, the NFC East division has them everywhere. In particular, the rest of the division all wants a piece of the ballyhooed Dallas Cowboys.

I don’t know if it is the star on the helmet, their borderline smug owner, or their moniker as “America’s Team,” but the Cowboys bring out the best in the Eagles, Giants, and Redskins. This week, the Giants and Cowboys will meet for the 94th time in a NFC East grudge match. These two NFC East rivals have won the past two division crowns; Giants (2008), Cowboys (2007).

To make the stage even larger, the Giants will be the first regular season opponent of the Cowboys in their new billion-dollar place, Cowboys Stadium. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said of his team’s new digs, “This is the real deal. This stadium shows the glitz and glamour of the Dallas Cowboys.”

Surprisingly, the Cowboys have won four of the five meetings between the two, but both teams are coming off impressive Kickoff Weekend victories (Giants over the Redskins 23-17 and the Cowboys over the Bucs 34-21). 

However, I still think both sides are thinking about the 2007 season where the Cowboys beat the Giants twice in the regular season only to have the G-Men turn the tables on them in the playoffs by a score of 21-17 in a stinging home loss. That Giants victory and subsequent Super Bowl title have fueled a bitter rivalry to take shape between the two teams. 

“We’re just going to go in there and try to play good football,” says Giants quarterback Eli Manning. “It’s a big game. It’s a division game. We know it’s going to take a great effort on our part. We’re going to Dallas, playing in a new stadium, and it will be a loud crowd. It’s a big game for us.”

Offensively, these two teams have weapons, but go about their game plan differently. The Cowboys prefer throwing the ball all over the place with early season hero QB Tony Romo, while the Giants look to be efficient behind their power running game. Dallas’ high-powered offense led by Romo—threw for a career-high 353 passing yards plus three TDs of 40 yards or more—will have to find a way to avoid the Giants pass rush. 

The Giants last week, held the Redskins to 272 total yards, recorded three sacks and forced two turnovers, including a 37-yard fumble-return touchdown by defensive end Osi Umenyiora. The Cowboys also have a running game led by their three-headed monster (Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice) that combined for 111 yards on 22 carries and one TD last week.

The Giants’ first option will be to pound the ball behind their big O-line. The G-Men were okay running the ball last week against the Redskins, but their leading rusher Ahmad Bradshaw only ran for 60 yards and big back Brandon Jacobs never really got going.

Quarterback Eli Manning is still searching for a replacement for former receiver Plaxico Burress and the candidates are plentiful, including Steve Smith (six catches for 80 yards) and second-year receiver Mario Manningway, who had a touchdown reception last week.   

The Giants’ defense is one of the NFL’s best and they will have their hands full contending with Pro Bowl players RB Marion Barber, TE Jason Witten, and Romo—plus emerging speedsters Jones and Miles Austin. The Giants’ defensive line, led by Umenyiora and Justin Tuck (1.5 sacks last week), will try to rattle Romo into throwing interceptions to a secondary led by CB Aaron Ross. 

The Cowboys defense was a bit sloppy as they gave up 450 yards of offense and 21 points to a rebuilding Tampa, and the Giants are a bigger, more physical team. The Cowboys will be looking for OLB DeMarcus Ware (who got his bell rung last week) to get some pressure on Manning, as they had no sacks against the Bucs. 

There will also be the anticipation of seeing if Cowboys punter Matt McBriar or Giants punter Jeff Feagles can boom one into the huge controversial scoreboard in the middle of Cowboys Stadium.

Injuries will also play a factor in this games. The Giants’ list includes DE Chris Canty (calf), S Michael Johnson (shoulder), T Adam Koets (ankle), WR Hakeem Nicks (foot), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), RB Danny Ware (elbow), S Kenny Phillips (knee), CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring), and LB Clint Sintim (groin). 

Dallas does not have as many players hurt, as their list contains S Michael Hamlin (wrist), LB Jason Williams (ankle), LB Curtis Johnson (hamstring), QB Tony Romo (ankle), and S Gerald Sensabaugh (chest)

LV’s Pick: Last time these two teams met, it was the Cowboys who harassed the Giants’ offense to the tune of eight sacks and two turnovers. But I believe the G-Men, led by their very deep D-line and powerful running game, will spoil Cowboys Stadium’s grand opening. Look for Manning to find Smith and for Tuck to make a big game-changing play—Giants 27, Cowboys 24

 

NFL Week Two

Sunday, Sept. 20 

Carolina at Atlanta 1:00 PM (FOX)

Minnesota at Detroit 1:00 PM (FOX) 

Cincinnati at Green Bay 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Houston at Tennessee 1:00 PM (CBS)

Oakland at Kansas City 1:00 PM (CBS)

New England at NY Jets 1:00 PM (CBS) 

New Orleans at Philadelphia 1:00 PM  

St. Louis at Washington 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Arizona at Jacksonville 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Seattle at San Francisco 4:05 PM (FOX)  

Tampa Bay at Buffalo 4:05 PM (FOX) 

Pittsburgh at Chicago 4:15 PM (CBS) 

Baltimore at San Diego 4:15 PM (CBS)  

Cleveland at Denver 4:15 PM (CBS)

NY Giants at Dallas 8:20 PM (NBC)

 

Monday, Sept. 21

Indianapolis at Miami 8:30 PM (ESPN)

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award -winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson receives the Game Ball for Week 1 of the 2009 NFL Season

The first weekend of the 90th NFL season titled: “Own the Moment” is finally over. NFL nation just couldn’t get enough of America’s Game as Week 1 stretched over three game days (Sept. 10, 13, and 14).

For the fifth consecutive year, all 16 games of the NFL’s Kickoff Weekend were sold out allowing for no local TV blackouts. Overall, the first week brought surprises (rookie Mark Sanchez leading the Jets to dominating the Texans, Niners taking out the Cardinals, and several photo finishes), non-surprises (Rams getting shut out and bad teams finding ways to lose), cheers, and tears (Sorry, Jake Delhomme and Bengals fans) that only NFL drama can provoke.

The wins and losses no doubt will create a buzz of “Monday Morning Quarterbacking” around the water cooler and on sports radio, but remember the NFL season is a 16-game marathon.

The first game on Thursday night kicked off the excitement (fireworks, Grammy winners, etc.) and featured the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers working overtime to overcome the Tennessee Titans 13-10, won when kicker Jeff Reed nailed a 33-yard field goal with 10:28 remaining in overtime. 

You could tell that the Steelers were content to just get a “W” in a physical battle that saw Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu injured with a MCL sprain of his knee. 

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said of the win, “I struggled early; that’s just jitters and excitement. I’m really proud of the way we bounced back.”  The play of the game occurred late in the fourth quarter with the score tied at 10-10, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hit veteran receiver Hines Ward with a pass that took him to inside the Titans’ five-yard line (i.e. a chip shot game winning field goal).

But Ward in fighting for yardage and a possible game-sealing touchdown was stripped of the ball by safety Michael Griffin. 

Ward’s gaffe almost landed him on Lloyd’s Lackey list, but the teary-eyed Steelers’ great was vindicated in overtime as the champs found a way to win and move on (a distinct theme we saw during the first week of play).

What I love about week one is experts, fans, and some members of the media start making year-long assertions based on “one week” of real NFL games. 

Some of the comments/feedback that I have received from fans (we know how they tend to go overboard)—after only one week of play that I consider premature and in some cases “laughable” include:

1) Brett Favre will not be tested this season as running back Adrian Peterson carries the team to the Super Bowl.

2) After his great play in Week 1, you can hand Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez the Rookie of the Year award.

3) The Cowboys, Seahawks, Ravens, Niners, Jets, and Packers are all playoff contenders after Week One wins.

4) The Jets are the team to beat in the AFC East after taking apart the “mighty” Houston Texans.

5) Bears fans should send new quarterback Jay Cutler packing after a four-interception performance in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

C’mon, some of these conclusions may prove to be true, but one week doesn’t show enough to paint such a broad picture.

Sure, Week 1 is important for setting the tone for the entire season—since 1978, teams that were victorious in Week 1 of the NFL season were more than twice as likely to reach the playoffs than losers, of 442 teams which won openers, 233 went to the playoffs including 136 won division titles—but remember, in the parity-laden NFL, everything can change very quickly.

Last year after four weeks, eventual playoff qualifiers the Colts (1-2) and Vikings (1-3) had losing records, while teams that were home come playoff time like the Bills (4-0), Cowboys (3-1), Broncos (3-1), Redskins (3-1) and Buccaneers (3-1) all had winning records.

Some News and Notes from Week 1 included:

 

Bad teams always finding a way to lose

Over the years certain franchise always seems to struggle to put away opponents and it comes back to bite them again and again.  I don’t know if it is “karma” or what, but even as the seconds clicked down on potential wins for the Bengals, Bills, Browns, and Chiefs, you just knew they would find a way to blow it. 

And sure enough each of these downtrodden teams snatched defeat of the jaws of victory.  The worst situation being in Cincy where the NFL’s Hard Knocks stars just had to not allow anyone from the Broncos to get deep after the Bengals had scored a go-ahead touchdown on RB Cedric Benson’s 1-yard plunge with 38 seconds remaining. 

But once again the Bengals dreams were shattered this time when Broncos WR Brandon Stokley grabbed a deflected pass (Bengals CB Leon Hall) and raced into the end zone for an improbable 87-yard touchdown reception in the final seconds, basically ending the game with the score 12-7.

 

The NFL Season is Survival of the Fittest

The “tough” physical game of football causes a survival of the fittest on the way to the Lombardi Trophy. No team makes it to the top without dealing with injuries every week of the season.

Unfortunately, one of this week’s biggest stories was the rib injury that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered in the Birds’ blowout win over the Panthers.  McNabb fractured his rib on a third-quarter touchdown run where he bowled over Panthers CB Richard Marshall then crossed the goal line. 

After scoring, Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson appeared to hit McNabb late, but was not flagged on the play.  McNabb then fell stayed on the ground while grimacing in pain.

The Eagles all-time leading passer stayed on the ground for a few moments, but eventually left the field under his own power.  McNabb will probably miss two to three weeks with the injury and the Eagles signed veteran free agent and Eagles’ 2006 season hero Jeff Garcia as insurance.

What a mess in Philly as the Birds have three former Pro Bowl quarterbacks (McNabb, Garcia, and Michael Vick) on their roster, and most likely unproven third-year quarterback Kevin Kolb will get the first call, if McNabb can’t go. 

The sad part of McNabb’s injury was after his typical slow start, the five-time Pro Bowl player settling into a rhythm.  Even though the Eagles defense was the big story of the game, McNabb had respectable numbers of (10-18, 79 yards, 2 TDs (short passes) and 1 INT) before his injury. 

Big 5 even got out of the pocket to run for 27, yards including a 15-yarder that moved the chains.  Wonder what will happen if Garcia or Vick succeeds…Stay tuned.

Other major injuries Bears MLB Brian Urlacher (wrist – season), Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), Panthers backup quarterback Josh McCown (knee), Patriots LB Jerod Mayo (MCL sprain), Steelers RB Willie Parker (hamstring), Bills DE Chris Kelsay (knee), Titans TE Bo Scaife (knee), Jaguars DE Reggie Hayward (fractured shin – season), Bills LB Paul Pozlusny (broken arm) and Bears TE Desmond Clark (cracked rib).

 

Johnny on the Spot

With the Bengals almost looking like they would make good on all of their boasts on HBO’s Hard Knocks after RB Cedric Benson’s 1-yard plunge with 38 seconds remaining.  But Denver Broncos WR Brandon Stokley, was Johnny on the spot, as he grabbed a deflected pass (Leon Hall) and raced into the end zone for an improbable 87-yard touchdown reception in the final seconds.

Take matters worse for the Bengals, Stokley smartly turned near the goal line and looked behind where he saw no one, so he ran additional six seconds off the clock before scoring. 

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer had one last effort on the final play of the game, but his desperation pass was intercepted.  Regarding Stokely’s miraculous touchdown, Palmer said “I have had never seen anything like that.”

 

Former playoff teams get it done

Just as losing becomes a habit, so does winning as eight of the 12 teams that made the 2008 playoffs (Colts, Eagles, Vikings, Giants, Steelers, Ravens, Falcons, and Chargers) all posted victories. 

Some of the teams fought hard to achieve wins (Giants, Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, Vikings and Colts) while Eagles behind new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott embarrassed the Panthers by a score of 38-10 (more in Game Balls).

 

Passing, Passing and more Passing

The NFL used to be a running back-driven league, but coming off a 2008 season where the league had six quarterbacks threw for more than 4,000 yards, QBs kept chucking it in Week 1. 

There were 13 quarterbacks who passed for over 250 yards, with Patriots returning superstar quarterback Tom Brady leading the way with 378 yards in a win over the Bills.

 

The Wildcat is stuffed – Everyone knows the Wildcat formation was the talk of the NFL going into the 2009 season.  But in most situations where it was used in Week 1, the Wildcat was stuffed.

The Dolphins who brought the much-hyped formation to the NFL last year only generated 4 yards on three Wildcat plays. 

I think NFL teams have figured out (like the Ravens in their playoff win over the Dolphins) that unless the guy taking the snap can throw, then “sell out” on stopping the run. 

Maybe when Eagles QB Michael Vick returns from his suspension in Week 3, the NFL will see a dual-threat Wildcat QB.

 

Bad Teams looking like they are ready for the ‘10 draft

I know it is Week One, but on the hot seat coaches Marvin Lewis (Bengals), Dick Jauron (Bills), Jack Del Rio (Jaguars), and Jim Zorn (Redskins) better turn it around quickly or their owners maybe looking for other men in charge.

 

Mixed results for new head coaches

The NFL’s 11 new head coaches went 5-6 in their debuts.  The winners were the Broncos’ Josh McDaniels, Jets’ Rex Ryan, Colts’ Jim Caldwell, Seahawks’ Jim Mora and Niners’ Mike Singletary.

Losing their first auditions were the Chiefs’ Todd Haley, Browns’ Eric Mangini, Lions’ Jim Schwartz, Buccaneers’ Raheem Morris, and Rams’ Steve Spagnuolo.

 

Game Ball

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

All during the “will he, won’t he” saga of Vikings QB Brett Favre, I said forget about the soon to be 40-year-old passer and concentrate on the best player on the Vikings, Peterson. 

All-Day began the season with a spectacular performance vs. the Browns. As Favre threw for 110 yards—his lowest total for a full game in three years — Peterson rushed for 180 yards on 25 carries and 3 TDs in the opener, plus he added an 18-yard catch. 

The two-time Pro Bowl player also had the play of week looking like the late great Walter Payton on a spectacular a 64-yard touchdown rumble down the sideline, breaking at least five tackles and swatted away defenders like Superman.

The score put the Vikings up 34-13 in the fourth quarter and basically shut the door on the Browns in the 34-20 win.

Peterson gained 140 of his 180 yards rushing on his final nine carries.  The Vikings outgained the Browns 225-89 in rushing yards and held the ball for more than 33 minutes.

 

Honorable Mention

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben was at his best when it mattered most, when the game was on the line.  Finishing with great passing numbers—33-of-43, 363 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT—Roethlisberger was spectacular as he put the Steelers on his back. 

After a slow start, Big Ben was 16-of-18 for 132 yards in the final 15 minutes of the win (including overtime).

With the Steelers only producing an uncharacteristic 36 rushing yards, Roethlisberberger and Super Bowl MVP receiver Santonio Holmes (131 receiving yards and 1 TD) picked right back up where they left off in the Super Bowl. 

Despite facing an intense rush (sacked four times), Big Ben found Holmes in crucial situations, including hitting him with a 34-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

In only his sixth season, Roethlisberger has directed 20 comeback drives after Pittsburgh trailed or was tied in the fourth quarter including Super Bowl XLIII.

 

New York Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez

His head coach Rex Ryan called him “Cool Hand Luke,” and Sanchez was extremely relaxed in the pocket in the Jets surprising win.  Maybe it was pregame talk from Jets’ legend Joe Namath, but Sanchez didn’t look like a green rookie. 

The quarterback selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft after only 16 starts at USC  was efficient while passing for good numbers—18 of 31, 272 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. 

On the first seven third-and-seven or longer situations of his NFL career, Sanchez was seven of seven, converting five for first downs.

For the game, Sanchez was 18-of-31 for 272 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.  Sanchez biggest throw was a 30-yard TD pass to Chansi Stuckey on a perfect post pattern.

 

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady

He’s back !!!  Despite a slow start (footwork and mechanics looked affected by his 2008 knee injury), Brady threw 53 times and compiled a whopping 378 yards with two touchdowns. 

Both of Tom Terrific’s touchdown passes including the game-winner went to tight end Ben Watson and occurred in the final 2:06 of the Pats’ improbable win. Brady finished with great numbers: 39-of-53, 378 yards, 2 TD, and 1 INT.

 

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees

And you wondered what his encore would be after coming up a few yards short of Dan Marino’s single season yardage record.  Brees was amazing finishing with passing numbers 26-34, 358 yds, 6 TDs, and 1 INT in the Saints 47-27 rout of the Lions. 

Brees became the first quarterback ever to open an NFL season with six TDs, and he said he could have thrown for more. 

Brees is on pace to smash Brady’s single-season touchdown record of 50 TDs in 2007.  I am sure next week will not be so easy as the Saints travel to Philly to face a hungry Eagles defense.

 

New York Giants DE Osi Umenyiora

Maybe the G-Men should give big Osi a new deal.  After missing all of the 2008 season with a knee injury, Umenyiora was the lynchpin of the Giants vaunted defense in their 23-17 win over the Redskins. 

The Giants former Pro Bowl player got a sack artist’s “Holy Grail” as he right before halftime he sacked Redskins QB Jason Campbell, which forced a fumble that he recovered and ran for a 37-yard touchdown. For the game, Umenyiora’s line was four tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 1 TD.

 

Other standouts

The Eagles Defense (Everyone seemed to get after Panthers QB Jake Delhomme in Sean McDermott’s D, including Pro Bowl DE Trent Cole with 5 TKLs, 1 sack, and 1 FF — held Carolina to 169 yards and three of 16 third-down conversions); Ravens QB Joe Flacco (26-43 career high, 307 yds personal best, 3 TDs, and 1 INT in win over Chiefs); SF 49ers DE Justin Smith (Game-sealing sack and forced fumble in win over the Cardinals); Jets’ Defense (Rex Ryan’s boys harassed the Texans all day as Houston didn’t have an offensive touchdown and CB Darrell Revis held Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson to four catches for 35 yards, including just one reception in the first half).

 

Lloyd’s Lackey of the Week

Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme

After a home playoff loss where everyone thought that it could get any worse for Delhomme, it did against the Eagles attacking defense. 

The Birds harassed the Panthers former Super Bowl starter every chance possible, making Delhomme finish with putrid passing numbers: 7-of-17, 73 yards, 0 TDs, and 4 INTs.  

Unfortunately for beleaguered Panthers head coach John Fox, it appears the team is stuck with Delhomme after he received a $42.5 million contract extension this off-season including $20 million in guarantees. 

However Fox had seen enough by the third quarter and benched Delhomme and didn’t even bring him back when McCown was hurt. 

Delhomme has now committed 11 turnovers in consecutive games and in his last 22 series has thrown 9 INTs and lost two fumbles (one of them was returned for a touchdown). 

Plain and simple, Delhomme is rattled right now and looks nothing like the guy who led the Panthers to two NFC title games and a Super Bowl. Next up for the falling-apart passer are games at Atlanta and Dallas.

 

Dishonorable Mention

Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler

I am sure somewhere Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels is smiling.  After Cutler was brought in to be the Bears first real quarterback star since Sid Luckman everyone expected a magic carpet ride for him in 2009. 

Well in his first game for the Monsters of the Midway, Cutler produced a 43.2 passer rating.  Cutler forced pass after pass finishing with 4 INTs in the Bears tough 21-15 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Maybe Cutler will be a little more humbled after producing passing numbers of 17-of-36, 277 yards, 1 TD, and 4 INTs.  It doesn’t get any easier for Cutler, as the Steelers come to town on Sunday.

 

Buffalo Bills CB/KR Leodis McKelvin

Why didn’t he just take a knee with the game on the line.  Unfortunately for the Bills with the Patriots clinging to life support, Kelvin on a kick return in the games final minutes came out of the end zone.

Of course as he was fighting for meaningless yards, McKelvin had the ball ripped from his hands from Patriots LB Pierre Woods, and it was recovered by kicker Stephen Gostkowski. 

From there it was Brady-time and the Patriots went on to win a Monday Night thriller 25-24.

 

San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick WR Michael Crabtree

All signs really do point to Crabtree re-entering the draft in 2010 as crazy as it sounds.  The only 2009 draft pick to not sign continues to hold out and thinks he can get picked better than 10th overall in the 2010. I guess his cousin/adviser David Wells is filling Crabtree’s head with this nonsense.

I know the Raiders overpaid for their first rounder Darrius Heyward-Bey—seventh overall pick got 5 years, $38.25M real/$54M max; $23.5M guaranteed— but that is the not the Niners’ fault.

Apparently, Crabtree has left a reported contract of five years, $27 million on the table.  The rookie better wise-up, as the Niners will move on with stern head coach Mike Singletary (saying “Can’t Use Him”) beat the Cardinals by a score 20-16.

 

Chicago Bears LS Patrick Mannelly

Decided to direct snap to an unsuspecting Garrett Wolfe on fourth-and-11, at the Bears’ 26-yard line late in the fourth quarter.  Wolfe only gained four yards and the field position helped set the Packers up for a go-ahead field goal.

 

Detroit Lions Defense

Allowed 515 total yards and six touchdown passes to Drew Brees in an embarrassing loss. The Lions have now lost 18 straight games with their last win against the Kansas City Chiefs (25-20) way back in December 2007.

 

2009 NFL Week 1 Results

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10 

Steelers 13, Titans 10 in OT

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 

Atlanta 19, Miami 7 

Baltimore 38, Kansas City 24

Philadelphia 38, Carolina 10

Indianapolis 14, Jacksonville 12 

Dallas 34, Tampa Bay 21

New Orleans 45, Detroit 27

N.Y. Jets 24, Houston 7

Minnesota 34, Cleveland 20

Denver 12, Cincinnati 7

San Francisco 20, Arizona 16

N.Y. Giants 23, Washington 17

Seattle 28, St. Louis 0

Green Bay 21, Chicago 15

MONDAY, SEPT. 14 

New England 25, Buffalo 24

San Diego 24, Oakland 20

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Season Week 1, 2009 NFL Weekly Reviews, Adrian Peterson, Brandon Stokely, NFL Weekly Review Tagged: 2009 NFL Season Week 1, 2009 NFL Weekly Reviews, Adrian Peterson, Brandon Stokely, Football, NFL, NFL Weekly Review, Sports

Offensive Line still meshing – This group has been the Eagles biggest question mark throughout training camp and the preseason.  Other than steady center Jamaal Jackson, the rest of the line has been a revolving door due to injuries. 

With the regular season opener quickly approaching, it is good to see four pieces of the team’s anticipated line (Jason Peters, Shawn Andrews, Stacy Andrews, and Jackson) practicing and working together. 

However all the lost repetitions in training camp and practices definitely have effect their cohesiveness—QB Donovan McNabb was running for his life at times in the preseason.   Some good signs are that RG Stacy Andrews looks pretty much healed from his ACL injury back in December 2008 and offensive guard backups Max Jean-Giles and Nick Cole look more than capable of replacing injured OG Todd Herramins (foot surgery). 

However you have to wonder if RT Shawn Andrews’ back is healthy and if the former Pro Bowl player’s desire to play the game of football is still there—out for Week 1 against the Panthers. 

Also supposed “franchise” LT Peters has been slow to adapt to the Eagles blocking scheme and has looked unimpressive at times in the preseason—allowed three sacks that I counted.  Any questions regarding Juan Castillo’s unit should be answered by the Eagles’ bye week, which comes in the fourth week of the regular season.

 

Brian Westbrook’s health – Arguably the team’s most important player has not even stepped foot on the football field yet other than practices.  Westbrook (30) may benefit from having most of training camp and the preseason after two surgeries this offseason (knee and ankle), but you have to wonder if time is catching up with B-West.

The Eagles’ mercurial running back is coming off a campaign where he was not as productive, due to often being bruised and battered, as his career year in 2007—finished with numbers 233 rushes for 936 yards, 4.0 ypc, and 9 TDs in ’08. 

In the regular season the Eagles are hoping that the extended rest that Westbrook has received and the addition of pure fullback Leonard Weaver will serve him well.

But there are issues of Westbrook not working with McNabb and his O-line in any preseason games.  Behind Westbrook, rookie LeSean McCoy seems ready to step in after a preseason where he rushed 27 times for 97 yards and 2 TDs, but can he do it in the regular season. 

McCoy will need to improve upon his 3.3 ypr average and needs to make sure he knows his blocking assignments.  After Westbrook, McCoy, and Weaver look for emerging runner Eldra Buckley to contribute.

 

Poor tackling – One thing that really got under late former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson’s skin was poor tackling.  I am sure new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott falls into the same boat and this preseason probably has not helped his disposition.  The Eagles defense continues to have problems tackling at the point of attack. 

Running backs Maurice Jones-Drew, Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead—yes even the Jets small schooler looked good against the Birds – were able to break tackles and move the chains.

I don’t know if it is the loss of middle linebacker Stewart Bradley (ACL), but the Eagles defense needs to get stronger against the run as the Panthers boast the two-head monster backfield of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart—combined for 2,351 yards, which is the highest total in the NFL in 24 years. 

The team has gone back to former starter Omar Gaither in the middle and defensive tackles Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley playing regularly should help, but everyone on defense must concentrate on finishing their tackles.

 

Secondary still having lapses – The Eagles secondary “should” be one of the best in the NFC as Pro Bowl player CB Asanti Samuel looks more comfortable than ever and the Birds consistently have applied pressure on the quarterback (48 sacks in ’08).  But other than Samuel and solid SS Quintin Mikell, there are some question marks with this unit.

At times during the preseason there have been coverage lapses, especially in the Colts game where Peyton Manning picked them apart.  Opposite Samuel, veteran CB Sheldon Brown should be the regular season starter; however, he has been nursing a ribs injury.  All indications are that Brown will be ready for Carolina, but if he can’t go, the jury is still out on backup Ellis Hobbs. 

The smallish corner that came over from the Patriots has not been physical in the preseason and has been beat when left on an island.  The free safety position no longer has future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins and it shows.

Second-year player Quintin Demps was supposed to take charge, but he has been out of position at times and has not shown up on film making tackles or big plays.  The team still seems to want the athletic Demps to step forward, but a better plan might be for former Cleveland Browns veteran Sean Jones to step into the starting line-up alongside Mikell. 

The Eagles should be oaky in the nickel and dime with rookie Victor “Macho” Harris and Joselio Hanson stepping in to fill a variety of roles.  The good or bad thing is that Eagles fans will know quickly against the Panthers and Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith if their secondary is ready for regular season action.

 

Special teams inconsistency – Whether it was punter Sav Rocca shanking punts, rookie Jeremy Maclin lacking explosiveness on kickoffs, the Patriots returning a punt for a touchdown, poor tackling and losing the field position battle on kickoffs, the Eagles special teams definitely need work.

I know that many of the players currently on these units will not be there come the regular season, but the Eagles seem to still be struggling in football’s third phase.  New special teams coordinator Ted Daisher needs to get more out of his unit other than the continued resurgence of veteran kicker David Akers.

The Eagles should have one of the better return games in the NFL as Ellis Hobbs and Quintin Demps look explosive on kickoffs and NFL breakout player DeSean Jackson or Maclin will be returning punts. 

However the coverage units continually have allowed big plays in the preseason caused by guys not staying in their lanes and poor tackling.  Hopefully, Daisher will fix his coverage units once he has his regular players are out there, but this is definitely an area that has a bull’s eye on it going into the regular season. 

I know Eagles fans don’t want a replay of the special teams mistakes that played out in Week One of 2007 against the Green Bay Packers.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

 

NFL Cut Day can be gut-wrenching for many players around the league as players’ careers can pass by them in an instant. 

But after NFL teams completed their roster cuts on Saturday (Sept. 5) getting down to 53 players, they were able to extend lifelines to several younger players on Sunday. Teams started adding players to their eight-player practice squad roster.

Though the practice squad does not have the glitz of an NFL team’s regular season roster, players can still practice with the team, are eligible to be signed to another team’s active roster, and are paid approximately $5,200 per week.

Here is the list of current NFL practice squad players:

 

Arizona Cardinals

FB Fui Vakapuna

 

Atlanta Falcons

WR Troy Bergeron

OT Michael Butterworth

LB Robert James

DE Maurice Lucas

CB Glenn Sharpe

QB D.J. Shockley

OG Jose Valdez

DT Vance Walker

 

Baltimore Ravens

CB K.J. Gerard

WR Justin Harper

DE Bryan Mattison

OT Joe Reitz

WR Eron Riley

OT Stefan Rodgers

LB William VanDeSteeg

 

Buffalo Bills

LB Alvin Bowen

RB Bruce Hall

CB Cary Harris

WR C.J. Hawthorne

OT Nick Hennessey

WR Felton Huggins

DT Corey Mace

TE Jonathan Stupar

 

Carolina Panthers

QB Hunter Cantwell

WR Jason Chery

DT George Hypolite

LB Mortty Ivy

LB Kelvin Smith

 

Chicago Bears

S John Asiata

QB Brett Basanez

DE Ervin Baldwin

DE Joe Clermond

C Donovan Raiola

FB Will Ta’ufo’uo

CB Woodny Turenne

 

Cincinnati Bengals

TE Darius Hill

RB James Johnson

S Corey Lynch

DT Clinton McDonald

FB Chris Pressley

WR Maurice Purify

OG Jason Shirley

LB Dan Skuta

 

Cleveland Browns

CB Brandon Anderson

 

Dallas Cowboys

G Travis Bright

QB Rudy Carpenter

TE Scott Chandler

FB Julius Crosslin

DE Marcus Dixon

WR Jesse Holley (winner of Michael Irvin’s 4th and Long reality show)

WR Manuel Johnson

CB Mike Mickens

 

Denver Broncos

TE Marquez Branson

CB Tony Carter

G Mitch Erickson

CB D.J. Johnson

LB Braxton Kelley

DE Everette Pedescleaux

RB Darius Walker

WR Matthew Willis

 

Detroit Lions

LB Zack Follett

C Dan Gerberry

TE Dan Gronkowski

OT Lydon Murtha

 

Green Bay Packers

WR Jake Allen

QB Brian Brohm

CB Trevor Ford

RB Kregg Lumpkin

OT Jamon Meredith

LB Cyril Obiozor

DE Ronald Talley

NT Anthony Toribio

 

Houston Texans

LB Buster Davis

RB Arian Foster

C Brett Helms

DE Tim Jamison

WR Darnell Jenkins

DE Jesse Nading

CB Mark Parson

OT Adam Stenavich

 

Indianapolis Colts

 

Indianapolis Colts RB Mike Hart was one of many younger NFL players getting a second chance as they were signed to their team’s practice squad.

TE Colin Cloherty

WR Sam Giguere

WR John Matthews

DT John Gill

RB Mike Hart

WR Taj Smith

OG Jaimie Thomas

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

S Michael Desormeaux

 

Kansas City Chiefs

CB Jackie Bates

TE Tom Crabtree

DE Dion Gales

DE Bobby Greenwood

G Darryl Harris

RB Javarris Williams

WR Rodney Wright

 

Miami Dolphins

DE Ryan Baker

CB Will Billingsley

LB J.D. Folsom

OT Nate Garner

C/G Mark Lewis

WR Julius Pruitt

WR James Robinson

 

Minnesota Vikings

DB Colt Anderson

QB John David Booty

OT Chris Clark

RB Ian Johnson

DT Tremaine Johnson

TE Garret Mills

WR Nick Moore

OT Drew Radovich

 

New England Patriots

WR Terrence Nunn

DL Darryl Richard

QB/WR Isaiah Stanback

CB DeAngelo Willingham

 

New Orleans Saints

WR Adrian Arrington

OG Tim Duckworth

QB Chase Daniel

CB Danny Gorrer

RB P.J. Hill

T Jeremy Parnell

DT DeMario Pressley

WR Matt Simon

 

New York Giants

S Vince Anderson

QB Rhett Bomar

DT Anthony Bryant

RB Allen Patrick

TE Jason Pociask

S Sha’Reff Rashad

CB DeAndre Wright

 

New York Jets

No players signed yet to their practice squad.

 

Oakland Raiders

S Jerome Boyd

DE Greyson Gunheim

WR Johnathan Holland

LB David Nixon

LB Slade Norris

FB Marcel Reece

 

Philadelphia Eagles

WR Danny Amendola

OG Paul Fanaika

G Mike Gibson

TE Rob Myers

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

WR Tyler Grisham

DL Steve McLendon

RB Isaac Redman

TE Dezmond Sherrod

C A.Q. Shipley

LB Donovan Woods

RB Justin Vincent

 

St. Louis Rams

LB K.C. Asiodu

TE Eric Butler

DE Ian Campbell

LB Dominic Douglas

RB Chris Ogbonnaya

CB Cord Parks

WR Sean Walker

 

San Diego Chargers

WR Gary Banks

LB Darry Beckwith

CB Simeon Castille

OT Corey Clark

DE Andre Coleman

LB James Holt

FB Billy Latsko

C Ryan McDonald

 

San Francisco 49ers

OT Alex Boone

WR Dobson Collins

TE J.J Finley

FB Brit Miller

DT Khalif Mitchell

RB Kory Sheets

WR Dominique Zeigler

 

Seattle Seahawks

WR Mike Hass

RB Devin Moore

WR Logan Payne

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CB Kyle Arrington

WR Patrick Carter

DT Rashaad Duncan

RB Kareem Huggins

OT James Lee

TE Ryan Purvis

WR Mario Urrutia

 

Tennessee Titans

OG Ryan Durand

RB Rodney Ferguson

DT Mitch King

WR Phillip Morris

S Nick Schommer

G Fernando Velasco

WR Paul Williams

 

Washington Redskins

S Lendy Holmes

DE Robert Jackson

WR Trent Shelton

DE J.D. Skolnitsky

FB Eddie Williams

QB Andre Woodson

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Practice Squads, 2009 NFL Season, Jesse Holley, Mike Hart Tagged: 2009 NFL Practice Squads, 2009 NFL Season, Football, Jesse Holley, Mike Hart, NFL, Sports

The Oakland Raiders’ Turk had to tell veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia, “Coach needs to see you and bring your playbook”

Every team has that member of their coaching staff that no one wants to see on Cut Down Day.  The Turk – HBO’s Hard Knocks has highlighted Bengals coach Jim Lippincott — came around the NFL at 6:00 PM on Sept. 5, reducing rosters to the regular season limit of 53 players.

The last cuts are always the toughest for NFL teams as many had to let go as many as 22 players getting to the regular season limit from the Sept. 1 limit of 75.

Some of the bigger players getting their walking papers were Oakland Raiders backup QB Jeff Garcia, New England Patriots backup QB Andrew Walter, Super Bowl hero New York Giants WR David Tyree, former Boise State star Ian Johnson (Minnesota Vikings), Kansas City Chiefs LB Zach Thomas, and Buffalo Bills RB Dominic Rhodes.

Also Rams defensive lineman Adam Carriker was placed on injured reserve for the year after injuring his shoulder in the team’s preseason finale.

One player who was not cut was Philadelphia Eagles suspended reserve quarterback Michael Vick.  The Eagles decided to keep Vick on the “Exempt” list until he is eligible to come off the list for Week Three of the NFL regular season.

With the Arena Football League (AFL) no more and the Canadian Football League (CFL) well underway, the UFL—a new football league starting this fall—maybe the only option left for some of the players.

Here is a full list of player transactions from around the NFL: 

Arizona Cardinals – Waived OT Elliot Vallejo from IR with injury
settlement, waived OT Brandon Pearce, placed WR Michael Ray Garvin on IR, placed LB Pago Togafau on IR, released S Keith Lewis, placed OLB Cody Brown on IR, waived LB Chase Bullock, waived G Trevor Canfield, waived FB Tim Castille, waived CB Jameel Dowling, waived DT Keilen Dykes, waived DE Alex Fontenot, waived DE Alex Field, released C Melvin Fowler, released S Aaron Francisco, waived WR Ed Gant, released LB Victor Hobson, waived LB David Holloway, waived WR Onrea Jones, waived DT Rodney Leisle, waived FB Reagan Maui’a, waived G Carlton Medder, waived QB Tyler Palko, waived TE Leonard Pope, released OT Oliver Ross, waived RB Chris Vincent, waived WR Steve Sanders, waived CB Wilrey Fontenot with injury settlement, placed TE Ben Patrick on Reserve/Suspended list.

 

Atlanta Falcons – Waived DE Willie Evans, released TE Ben Hartsock, released S/CB Von Hutchins, waived DT Tywain Myles, waived LS Robert Shiver, released DT Jason Jefferson, waived WR Troy Bergeron, waived RB Thomas Brown with injury settlement, waived OL Michael Butterworth, released WR Robert Ferguson, waived LB Robert James, waived WR Aaron Kelly, waived DE Maurice Lucas, waived CB William Middleton, waived WR Chandler Williams with injury settlement, waived TE Jason Rader, waived QB D.J. Shockley, waived G Jose Valdez, waived DT Vance Walker, released LB Jamie Winborn.

 

Baltimore Ravens – Released QB Cleo Lemon, waive WR Biren Ealy, waived WR Bradon Godfrey, waived QB Drew Willy, placed CB Samari Rolle on the Reserve/PUP list, waived KR/WR Yamon Figurs, traded CB Derrick Martin to the Green Bay Packers for OT Tony Moll, waived WRs Jayson Foster and Justin Harper, waived G Bryan Mattison, released CB Evan Oglesby, waived OTs Joe Reitz and Stefan Rodgers, waived TE Isaac Smolko, waived G Tre Stallings, waived WR Ernie Wheelwright, waived DT Nader Abdallah, waived FB Jason Cook, waived TE Davon Drew, waived LB Tony Fein, waived C Robby Felix, waived K Graham Cano, waived S K.J. Gerard, waived RB Cedric Peerman, waived WR Eron Riley, waived OLB William VanDeSteeg, waived with injury settlement DT Will Johnson, placed ILB Jason Phillips on IR.

 

Buffalo Bills – Released LB Pat Thomas, waived OT Chris Denman, waived
LB Solomon Elimimian, waived WR Shaine Smith, waived TE Travis McCall from IR with an injury settlement, placed WR Lydell Sargeant on IR, placed DE Marcus Smith on IR, signed TE Tyson DeVree, traded S Ko Simpson to the Detroit Lions for an undisclosed 2010 draft choice, released RB Dominic Rhodes, waived QB Matt Baker, waived LB Alvin Bowen, waived DE Copeland Bryan, waived TE Tyson DeVree waived DE Ataefiok Etukeren, waived OL Christian Gaddis, waived RB Bruce Hll, waived CB Cary Harris, waived WR C.J, Hawthorne, waived OL Nick Hennessey, waived WR Felton Huggins, released OT Kirk Chambers, waived DTs Derrick Jones and Corey Mace, waived LB Ryan Manalac, waived TE Jonathan Stupar, waived/injured OL Brandon Rodd, LB John DiGiorgio waived/failed physical, WR James Hardy placed on Reserve/Physically Unable to perform, placed RB Marshawn Lynch on Reserve/Suspended list.

 

Carolina Panthers – Waived DT Lonnie Harvey, waived OT Gerald Cadogan, waived WR Ryne Robinson, waived DT Lorenzo Williams, placed S Nate Salley on IR, placed G C.J. Davis on IR, waived WR Larry Beavers, waived/injured RB DeCori Birmingham, waived DE Casper Brinkley, waived OT Patrick Brown, waived QB Hunter Cantwell, waived WR Jason Chery, waived S Paul Chiara, waived CB D.J. Clark, waived TE Andrew Davie, waived DT Marlon Favorite, waived S Joe Fields, waived C Keith Gray, waived LB Anthony Heygood, waived DT George Hypolite, waived LB Mortty Ivy, waived RB Jamall Lee, waived LB Jeremy Leman, waived WR Kevin McMahan, waived WR Marcus Monk, waived OT Jonathan Palmer, waived LB Kelvin Smith, released S Kevin Kaesviharn, released C Justin Geisinger.

 

Chicago Bears – Placed DT Dusty Dvoracek on IR, waived WR John Broussard, waived WR Derek Kinder, waived P Richmond McGhee, waived DE J.J. Milan, signed CB Rod Hood, waived G Johan Asiata, waived DE Ervin Baldwin, waived OT Cody Balogh, waived QB Brett Basanez, waived CB Rudy Burgess, waived DE Joe Clermond, waived FB Jason Davis, waived LB Marcus Freeman, waived CB Marcus Hamilton, waived LB Kevin Malast, waived WR Eric Peterman, waivd C Donvan Raiola, waived WR Brandon Rideau, waived LB Mike Rivera, waived FB Will Ta’ufo’ou, waived CB Woodny Turenne, placed S Dahna Deleston on IR, placed RB Kevin Jones on IR, placed DE Henry Melton on IR, released G Dan Buenning, released CB Rod Hood, released LB Darrell McClover, removed CB Charles Tillman from PUP list.

 

Cincinnati Bengals – Waived WR Greg Orton, Waived DT Pernell Phillips, placed TE Ben Utecht on IR, placed WR Antonio Chatman on IR, released OLB Darryl Blackstock, released LB Jim Maxwell, released DT Langston Moore, waived S Marvin White, waived G Andrew Crummey with injury settlement, waived S Corey Lynch, waived G/DT Jason Shirley, waived DE Chris Harrington, waived RB James Johnson, waived TE Kolomona Kapanui, waived WR Freddie Brown, waived TE Darius Hill, waived DTs Ventrell Jenkins and Clinton McDonald, waived CB Rico Murray, waived OT Gus Parrish, waived FB Chris Pressley, waived LB Dan Skuta, waived K Sam Swank, waived FB Fui Vakapuna.

 

Cleveland Browns – Waived G Marlon Davis, placed OT/G Ryan Tucker on IR, placed G Fred Weary on IR, released TE Nate Jackson, released LB Robert McCune, signed OT Branndon Braxton, waived CB Tra Battle, waived DE Melila Purcell from IR with an injury settlement, waived FB Charles Ali, waived S Brandon Anderson, waived QB Richard Bartel, waived ILB Beau Bell, waived Branndon Braxton, waived LB Titus Brown, waived OL Dustin Fry, waived DL Adam Hoppel, waived WR Paul Hubbard, waived RB Chris Jennings, waived WR Lance Leggett, waived OL Pat Murray, waived WR Jordan Norwood, waived OL Kurt Quarterman, waived DL Brian Schaefering, waived OL Isaac Sowell, waived DL Santonio Thomas, released S Hamza Abdullah, released RB Noah Herron, released CB Corey Ivy, released WR David Patten, released TE Aaron Walker.

 

Dallas Cowboys – Waived WR Travis Wilson off of IR with injury settlement, waived WR Julian Hawkins, waived G Greg Isdaner, claimed DE Curtis Johnson off of waivers from Indianapolis, waived OT Andre Douglas, signed CB Jeremy Haynes, claimed CB DeAngelo Willingham off waivers from Tampa Bay, waived G Travis Bright, waived S Courtney Brown, waived QB Rudy Carpenter, waived FB Julius Crosslin, waived DE Marcus Dixon, waived LB Tearrius George, waived G Ryan Gibbons, waived CB Jeremy Haynes, waived WR Jesse Holley, waived WRs Mike Jefferson, Mike Jefferson, and Manuel Johnson, waived/injured FB Keon Lattimore, waived CB Mike Mickens, waived WR Willie Reid, waived DE Derreck Robinson, waived FB Asaph Schwapp, waived DT Jonas Seawright, waived S DeAngelo Smith, waived WR Isaiah Stanbach, released LB Matt Stewart, waived CB DeAngelo Willingham, placed LB Stephen Hodge on IR.

 

Denver Broncos – Waived P Britton Colquitt, waived WR C.J. Jones, waived C Blake Schlueter, released TE Jeb Putzier, waived DT Matthias Askew, waived G Kory Lichtensteiger, waived QB Ingle Martin, waived CB Rashod Moulton, waived OT Clint Oldenburg, waived DE Carlton Powell, waived LB Lee Robinson, waived WR Nate Swift, waived RB Marcus Thomas, placed G Matt McChesney on IR, waived TE Marquez Branson, waived CB Tony Carter, waived DL Nic Clemons, waived DE/OLB Tim Crowder, waived G Mitch Erickson, released S Vernon Fox, waived CB D.J. Johnson, waived ILB Braxton Kelley, waived DL Everette Pedescleaux, waived DB Antwain Spann, waived RB Darius Walker, waived WR Matt Willis, signed DL Vonnie Holliday, waived/injured CB Josh Bell.

 

Detroit Lions – Claimed CB Cletis Gordon off of waivers from the Texans, waived WR Eric Fowler, released CB Keith Smith, waived WR Glenn Holt, released CB Dexter Wynn with injury waiver, signed QB Brooks Bollinger, claimed QB Kevin O’Connell off of waivers from New England, released G Terrence Metcalf, waived WR D.J. Boldin, waived LB Rob Francois, waived CB LaMarcus Hicks, waived DE Ryan Kees, acquired S Ko Simpson (Bills) for an undisclosed 2010 draft choice, waived DE Orion Martin, released DT Chuck Darby, waived OT Lydon Murtha, placed CB Chris Roberson on IR, released DT Shaun Smith, waived LB Rufus Alexander, released QB Brooks Bollinger, released G Milford Brown, waived TE Carson Butler, released RB Aveion Cason, released WR Keary Colbert, waived DE Sean Conover, released K Billy Cundiff, waived RB Tristan Davis, waived LB Zack Follett, waived C Dan Gerberry, waived TE Dan Gronkowski, released WR Dane Looker, released S Calvin Lowry, waived CB Ramzee Robinson, released S Stuart Schweigert, waived LB Spenser Smith, waived WR John Standeford.

 

Green Bay Packers – Waived P Durant Brooks, waived WR JaRon Harris,
waived DE Stryker Sulak, traded OT Tony Moll to Baltimore Ravens for CB Derrick Martin, waived QB Brian Brohm, waived WR Jake Allen, waived CB Trevor Ford, waived OL Andrew Hartline, waived WR Kole Heckendorf, waived LB Danny Lansanah, waived RB Kregg Lumpkin, waived DE Alfred Malone, waived WR Ruvell Martin, waived OT Jamon Meredith, waived DT Dean Muhtadi, waived OLB Cyril Obiozor, waived CB Joe Porter, waived OT Dane Randolph, released S Anthony Smith, waived RB Tyrell Sutton, waived DE Ronald Talley, waived DT Anthony Toribio, placed DL Justin Harrell on IR, placed CB Patrick Lee on IR, placed TE Evan Moore on IR, placed S Charlie Peprah on IR, waived/injured WR Evan Moore.

 

Houston Texans – Waived WR Michael Jones, waived CB David Pittman,
waived OT Jason Watkins, released OLB Cato June from IR with an injury settlement, waived QB Alex Brink, released LB Khary Campbell, waived LB Buster Davis, waived FB Jonathan Evans, waived RB Arian Foster, waived TE Clark Harris, waived S Brandon Harrison, waived C Brett Helms, waived DE Tim Jamison, waived WR Darnell Jenkins, released G Adrian Jones, waived DT Josh Leonard, waived DE Jesse Nading, released CB Deltha O’Neal, waived CB Mark Parson, waived Matterral Richardson, waived WR Mark Simmons, waived OT Adam Stenavich, waived OT Brandon Torrey, waived OT Cliff Washburn, waived/injured CB A.J. Davis, waived/injured LB Toddrick Verdell.

 

Indianapolis Colts – Waived S Marcus Paschal, removed K Adam Vinatieri off of PUP list, waived DE Curtis Johnson, waived TE Colin Cloherty, waived CB Michael Coe from IR with an injury settlement, placed DE Rudolph Hardie on IR, waived CB Dante Hughes, waived/injured CB Nick Graham, waived RB Lance Ball, waived WR Sam Giguere, waived DT John Gill, waived DT Adrian Grady, waived RB Mike Hart, waived DE Marcus Howard, waived C Steve Justice, waived WRs John Matthews and Brett McDermott, waived RB Walter Mendenhall, waived G Tom Pestock, waived WR Taj Smith, waived LB Michael Tauiliili, waived DT Terrance Taylor, waived OT Jaimie Thomas, waived/injured S Travis Key, waived/injured TE Jamie Petrowski, released DE Josh Thomas, waived OT Michael Toudouze, placed DT Ed Johnson on Reserve/Suspended list, removed S Bob Sanders from PUP list.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars – Waived WR Clarence Denmark, waived WR Maurice Dupree, waived DT Jervonte Jackson, waived TE Tyler Lorenzen, waived QB Paul Smith, placed CB Don Carey on IR, waived LB Lamar Myles, signed QB Todd Boeckman, released OT Tony Pashos, released TE Richard Angulo, released S Marlon McCree, released RB Alvin Pearman, waived LB Tim Shaw, waived RB Chauncey Washington, waived P Steve Weatherford, released CB Brian Williams, waived LB Thomas Williams, released LS Joe Zelenka, waived QB Todd Boeckman, waived FB Brock Bolen, waived S Michael Desormeaux, waived CB Pete Ittersagen, waived DE Jeremy Navarre, waived C Cecil Newton, waived WR Todd Peterson, waived G Cameron Stephenson, waived RB Josh Vaughan, waived LB Johnny Williams, placed DT Rob Meier on IR, acquired QB Luke McCown from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.

 

Kansas City Chiefs – Waived OT Cameron Goldberg, released WR Amani Toomer, released DL Alfonso Boone, placed WR Devard Darling on IR, placed RB Kolby Smith on Reserve/PUP list, waived FB Jed Collins, waived CB Londen Fryar, released C Eric Ghiaciuc, released OT Damion McIntosh, waived LB Corey Smith, waived OT Herb Taylor, waived G Tavares Washington, released CB Travis Daniels, waived CB Jackie Bates, waived DE Dion Gales, waived DE Bobby Greenwood, waived WR Taurus Johnson, released WR Ashley Lelie, waived/injured DT Derek Lokey, released S Bernard Pollard, waived S Ricky Price, released MLB/ILB Zach Thomas, waived RB Javarris Williams, waived WR Rodney Wright, placed G Colin Brown on IR.

 

Miami Dolphins – Waived K Connor Barth, waived WR Anthony Armstrong, waived DT Louis Ellis, waived TE Joe Kowalewski from IR with an injury settlement, waived S Courtney Bryan, waived OT Brandon Frye, waived LB William Kershaw, waived WR Brandon London, waived CB Joey Thomas, waived DE Roderique Wright, and placed OLB Matt Roth on Reserve/Non-Football Injury List, waived: DE Ryan Baker, waived CB Will Billingsley, waived LB J.D. Folsom, waived OT Nate Garner, waived OL Mark Lewis, waived WR James Robinson.

 

Minnesota Vikings – Waived K Taylor Mehlhaff, waived CB Derrick
Roberson, waived RB Antone Smith, waived G Nick Urban, waived TE/FB Garrett Mills, waived S Colt Anderson, waived QB John David Booty, released FB Nehemiah Broughton, waived DE Martail Bennett, waived OT Chris Clark, waived G Brian Daniels, waived OL Juan Garcia, released DE Otis Grigsby, waived S De’von Hall, waived LB David Herron, waived DT Antoine Holmes, waived RB Ian Johnson, waived DT Tremaine Johnson, waived G Andy Kemp, waived CB Marcus McCauley, waived TE Jake Nordin, waived WR Nick Moore, waived WR Vinny Perretta, waived OT Drew Radovich, waived CB Marcus Walker, waived WR Bobby Williams.

 

New England Patriots – Waived QB Kevin O’Connell, released LS Nate Hodel, placed ILB Tedy Bruschi on Reserve/Retired list, placed OT Mark LeVoir on Reserve/PUP list, placed LB Tyrone McKenzie on IR, placed WR Brandon Tate on Reserve/Non-Football Injury list, released QB Andrew Walter, released LB Vinny Ciurciu, released G Billy Yates, waived WR Robert Ortiz, waived S Roderick Rogers, waived DT Steve Williams, released S Ray Ventrone, traded TE David Thomas to New Orleans Saints for 2011 seventh-round pick, acquired TE Michael Matthews for a conditional draft pick, waived DL Titus Adams, released OT Wesley Britt, released S Herana-Daze Jones, released MLB/ILB Paris Lenon, waived DB Jamar Love, waived WR Terrence Nunn, waived OT Ryan O’Callaghan, waived DL Darryl Richard, released TE Alex Smith, placed OL George Bussey on IR, placed OLB Shawn Crable on IR, placed RB Chris Taylor on IR.

 

New Orleans Saints – Waived CB Greg Fassitt, placed WR D’Juan Woods on IR, released DT Rod Coleman, acquired TE David Thomas from New England Patriots for a 2011 seventh-round pick, placed TE Billy Miller on IR, placed FB Olaniyi Sobomehin on IR, placed S Chip Vaughn on IR, waived WR Adrian Arrington, waived G Nate Bennett, waived OT Michael Brown, waived C Digger Bujnoch, waived RB Herb Donaldson, waived G Tim Duckworth, waived CB Danny Gorrer, waived WR Skyler Green, waived DT Earl Heyman, waived RB P.J, Hill, waived TE Martrez Milner, waived OT Jermey Parnell, waived DT DeMario Pressley, waived WR Courtney Roby, waived WR Matt Simon, waived LB Anthony Waters, released OL Anthony Davis, released QB Joey Harrington, released DE Paul Spicer, placed K Garrett Hartley on Reserve/Suspended list.

 

New York Giants – Waived TE Lee Vickers, signed OT Terrance Pennington, placed OT Andrew Carnahan on IR, waived WR Taye Biddle, placed RB Andre Brown on IR, waived CB Stoney Woodson from IR with an injury settlement, removed LB Michael Boley from Active/PUP list, released WR David Tyree, placed DT Jay Alford on IR, traded TE Michael Matthews to the New England Patriots for a conditional draft pick, waived/injured DT Jeremy Clark, waived: QBs Andre Woodson and Rhett Bomar, RB Allen Patrick, FB Dwayne Wright, OLs Terrence Pennington, Orrin Thompson, and Cliff Louis, WR Shaun Bodiford, DLs Maurice Evans, Tommie Hill, Robert Henderson, and Anthony Bryant, LB Kenny Ingram, CB DeAndre Wright, and SS Travonti Johnson, Vince Anderson, and Sha’reff Rashad, placed WLB Michael Boley on Reserve/Suspended list.

 

New York Jets – Waived P Glenn Pakulak, waived RB Craig Kobel, waived S Nate Ness, waived QB Chris Pizzotti, waived WR Huey Whittaker, waived LB Josh Mauga, waived P Ken Parrish, signed TE Ben Hartsock, WR Aundrae Allison placed on IR, Waived: CB Rashad Barksdale, TEs Kevin Brock and Kareem Brown, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, FB Brock Christopher, S Emanuel Cook, LB Kenwin Cummings, OL Stanley Daniels, WR Britt Davis, K Parker Douglass, WR Marcus Henry, RB Anthony Kimble, DL Matt Kroul, OT Nevin McCaskill, OT Ryan McKee, C Michael Parenton, DE Zach Potter, TE Jack Simmons, DL Ty Steinkuhler, place DE Shaun Ellis and OLB Calvin Pace on Reserve/Suspended list.

 

Oakland Raiders – Waived WR Shawn Bayes, waived DT Joe Cohen, waived WR Will Franklin, waived G Jonathan Compas, released G/OT Marcus Johnson, waived: S Jerome Boyd, DB Darrick Brown, DE Greyson Gunheim, WR Jonathan Holland, OL James Marten, LB David Nixon, LB Slade Norris, LB Chris O’Neill, FB Marcel Reece, RB Gary Russell, P/K Ricky Schmitt, TE Darrell Strong, OL Mark Wilson, released: DT Ryan Boschetti, QB Jeff Garcia, OLB Morlon Greenwood, CB Justin Miller, DT Terdell Sands, OT Seth Wand, CB Michael Hawkins waived/injured, C John Wade placed on IR, S Rashad Baker placed on IR.

 

Philadelphia Eagles – Waived OT Chris Patrick, waived S Brandon Harrison, waived LB Charleston Hughes with injury settlement, placed LB Stewart Bradley on IR, placed TE Cornelius Ingram on IR, waived DE/TE Eugene Bright, waived DT Willie Williams, waived LB Curtis Gatewood with injury waiver, released LB Matt Wilhelm, waived WR Danny Amendola, waived RB Lorenzo Booker, waived LB Tank Daniels, waived FB Kyle Eckel, waived G Paul Fanaika, waived DE Josh Gaines, waived G Mike Gibson, waived CB Jack Ikegwuonu, released DT Dan Klecko, waived S Reshard Langford, waived FB Marcus Mailei, waived TE Rob Myers, waived G Dallas Reynolds, released TE Matt Schobel, waived DE Bryan Smith, waived CB Trae Williams, placed OT Fenuki Tupou on IR, placed QB Michael Vick on exempt list, released QB AJ Feeley and claimed DT Antonio Dixon off waivers from the Redskins.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers – Waived WR Steven Black, waived WR Martin Nance, waived S Derrick Richardson, released C Alex Stepanovich, placed G Darnell Stapleton on IR, waived OLB Bruce Davis, waived CB Anthony Madison, waived QB Mike Reilly, released FB Carey Davis, waived RBs Isaac Redman and Justin Vincent, waived/injured WR Dallas Baker, waived WR Brandon Williams, waived WR Tyler Grisham, waived TE Dezmond Sherrod, waived OL Jason Capizzi, released OL Jeremy Parquet, waived C A.Q. Shipley, waived DLs Sonny Harris, Steve McClendon, and Scott Paxson, waived LBs Tom Korte, Andy Schantz, and Donovan Woods, waived S Roy Lewis, waived K Piotr Czech, placed FB/TE Sean McHugh on IR.

 

San Diego Chargers – Waived LB Anthony Felder, waived WRs Rodgeriqus Smith and Greg Carr, waived OT Dan Gay, placed WR Demetrius Byrd on Reserve/Non-Football Injury List, placed S Brandon Hughes on IR, placed DE Ryon Bingham on IR, waived LB Eric Bakhtiari, waived WR Gary Banks, waived LB Darry Beckwith, waived CB Simeon Castille, waived OT Corey Clark, waived DE Andre Coleman, waived TE Charles Davis, waived G Ray Feinga, released G Kynan Forney, waived DE Keith Grennan, waived LB James Holt, released DT Rashaad Jackson, waived FB Billy Latsko, waived WR Charly Martin, waived C Ryan McDonald, waived RB Kestahn Moore, released DT Ian Scott with injury waiver, waived OT L.J. Shelton, waived CB Antonio Smith, waived P Truman Spencer, waived TE Kory Sperry.

 

San Francisco 49ers – Released QB Damon Huard, waived WR Mark Bradford, waived WR Chris Francies, waived K Alex Romero, waived CB Carlos Thomas, waived CB Jahi Word-Daniels, waived OTs Jake Bender and Alex Boone, waived WR Dobson Collins, waived TE Joe Jon Finley, waived G Kyle Howard, released CB Eric Green, waived G Kyle Howard, waived CB Terrail Lambert, waived FB Brit Miller, waived DT Khalif Mitchell, waived OLB Jay Moore, waived TE Bear Pascoe, waived FB Bill Rentmeester, waived LB Justin Roland, waived RB Kory Sheets, waived OL Matt Spanos, waived OT Joe Toledo, waived LB Mark Washington, waived WR Dominique Zeigler

 

Seattle Seahawks – Waived WR Michael Bumpus, placed C Cory Withrow on IR, waived DT Kevin Brown, waived FB Dan Curran, waived LB Shane Simmons, waived TE John Tereshinski, signed S Nate Ness, waived: S Jamar Adams, DE Baraka Atkins, K Brandon Coutu, G Brian De La Puente, CB Marquis Floyd, OT Na’Shan Goddard, S Courtney Greene, WR Mike Hass, CB Kevin Hobbs, FB David Kirtman, RB Devin Moore, S Nate Ness, TE Joe Newton, WR Logan Payne, LB Dave Philistin, OTs Andre Ramsey and William Robinson, QB Jeff Rowe, WR Courtney Taylor, waived WR Jordan Kent with injury settlement, released S Brian Russell, released LB D.D. Lewis, released C Cory Withrow off of IR with injury settlement, placed CB Marcus Trufant on Reserve/PUP list.

 

St. Louis Rams – Waived WR Jarrett Byers, waived TE Joe Klopfenstein,
waived C Daniel Sanders, waived CB Marcus Brown, placed WR Brooks Foster on IR, released WR Ronald Curry, released WR Tim Carter released S Todd Johnson, placed DT Adam Carriker on IR, waived LB K.C. Asiodu, waived QB Brock Berlin, waived DT Antwon Burton, waived TE Eric Butler, waived DE Ian Campbell, waived LB Dominic Douglas, waived OT Renardo Foster, waived FB Jerome Johnson, waived C Tim Mattran, waived RB Chris Ogbonnaya, waived CB Cord Parks, waived RB Antonio Pittman, waived S Mark Rubin, waived G Roy Schuening, waived OT Phil Trautwein, waived WR Sean Walker, placed DE Eric Moore on IR.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Waived WR Dexter Jackson, waived CBs DeAngelo Willingham and Marshall McDuffie, released OL Sean Mahan, waived G Ryan Schmidt, signed OT/G Marcus Johnson, re-signed DE Jarriett Buie, claimed G Jonathan Compas off waivers from Oakland, waived OT Julius Wilson, waived S Steve Cargile, waived OT Anthony Alabi, waived CB Kyle Arrington, waived DE Chris Bradwell, waived C Rob Bruggerman, waived DE Jarriett Buie, waived WR Patrick Carter, waived DT Rashaad Duncan, waived DE Louis Holmes, waived RB Kareem Huggins, waived CB Darrell Hunter, waived OT James Lee, waived/injured S Donte Nicholson, waived TE Jason Pociask, waived TE Ryan Purvis, waived LB Bo Ruud, waived WR Mario Urrutia, placed OT Xavier Fulton on IR, released FB Jameel Cook, released WR Cortez Hankton, released K Matt Bryant, placed S Tanard Jackson on Reserve/Suspended list, traded QB Luke McCown to the Jacksonville Jaguars for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.

 

Tennessee Titans – Waived WR Dudley Guice, waived RB Rafael Little, waived LB Tyson Smith, released C Matt Lehr, waived WR Chris Davis, waived DE Larry Birdine, released LB Rocky Boiman, waived CB Tanard Davis, waived G Ryan Durand, released DeMarcus Faggins, waived FB Rodney Ferguson released LB Ryan Fowler, waived/injured RB Quinton Ganther, waived S Tuff Harris, waived WR Mark Jones, waived DT Mitch King, waived OT Cory Lekkerkerker, waived WR Phillip Morris, waived TE Matthew Mulligan, waived G Jason Murphy, waived DT LaJuan Ramsey, waived S Nick Schommer, released LB Josh Stamer, waived P A.J. Trapasso, waived OL Fernando Velasco, waived WR Paul Williams.

 

Washington Redskins – Waived G Devin Clark, waived S Michael Grant, waived WR Marques Hagans, waived DT Michael Marquardt, released LB Alfred Fincher, waived DE Alex Buzbee, waived TE Robbie Agnone, waived RB Anthony Alridge, released OL Jeremy Bridges, waived OT Scott Burley, waived QB Chase Daniel, waived, DT Antonio Dixon, waived RB Dominique Dorsey, waived CB Doug Dutch, waived WR Keith Eloi, waived LB Cody Glenn, released WR D.J. Hackett, waived S Lendy Holmes, waived DE Rob
Jackson, waived K Dave Rayner, waived G Rueben Riley, waived WR Trent
Shelton, waived DL J.D. Skolnitsky, released LB Robert Thomas, waived FB
Eddie Williams, waived LB Darrel Young, placed QB Colt Brennan on IR.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)