Steps Behind posted by Randolph Charlotin

Because I’ve been immersed in my mock draft and inspired to write a few articles, I haven’t posted for a while. During this time, a lot of news regarding the Patriots crossed the news wire. I should had said a little something about every bit of news, but I was distracted.

But like a cornerback with 4.2 speed, watch me quickly make up lost ground:

At some point, TE Chris Baker signed with Seattle. I completely missed it. But his replacement, Alge Crumpler, already signed on the dotted line. Best of luck, Baker. Now the Pats need a receiving TE.

After heaping effusive praise on Florida QB Tim Tebow, Bill Belichick was seen eating dinner with Tebow in Boston. Don’t read too much into it. I don’t want Tebow unless he becomes a Hall of Fame tight end or consistently pressure the quarterback as a rush linebacker. QB Brian Hoyer was good enough to be the sole back-up to Tom Brady as a rookie. If Hoyer takes the next step in his development, Tebow will be an afterthought.

What should be news is that New England watched Northwestern DE Corey Wootton work out. The verdict: he’s not athletic enough to switch to OLB. Clearly the Patriots are finally taking the need for an OLB seriously.

The NFL released the preseason schedule, and the Patriots play four NFC teams: New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis, and the New York Giants. And that means absolutely nothing. It’s not a revenge game against the Saints. Beating the Giants won’t change the result of Super Bowl XLII. All we’ll get is some good looks at the rookies and guys cleared to play after rehabbing from injury. I’ll be looking particularly at OLB Shawn Crable, WR Brandon Tate, and ILB Tyrone McKenzie.

Nobody played the QB position better than Kurt Warner posted by Colin Linneweber

Legendary St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner retired last week after 12 improbable seasons in the NFL.

Warner, a two-time AP NFL MVP and five-time Pro Bowl selection, walked away from the gridiron, and $11.5 million, while he was still playing at an elite level.

“I’m excited about what’s next,” said Warner, 38, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. “Before I was always excited about next season.”

With a genuine Cinderella tale like Warner, there really is no way to even guesstimate “what’s next” for him.

Despite the fact that he wasn’t even afforded the opportunity to make his first professional start until he was 28 years of age, Kurt Warner is absolutely one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.

Warner attended, and played football for, the University of Northern Iowa near his hometown of Cedar Rapids.

Needless to mention, the Panthers are not exactly a football powerhouse in the Midwest.

Still, Warner rode the pine as a third-string signal-caller until his senior year.

When finally granted his opportunity to perform, Warner excelled and was rightfully named the Gateway Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Predictability, nary an NFL team was interested in selecting Warner with a draft pick out of college.

Instead, Warner signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 1994.

The Packers released Warner before the regular season began, and the immensely gifted passer was then relegated to stocking shelves at a local Hy-Vee grocery store for a paltry $5.50 an hour.

Exercising the Demons posted by Amari Harris

The Cowboys have a huge match-up this week against the #2 seed Minnesota Vikings.  But, I don’t think that will keep any Cowboys fan from relishing in what has transpired over the last month.  Over these last 4 weeks the Cowboys have exercised all of their “demons” and now simply have to go into the Metrodome and take on the 12-4 Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre to advance to the NFC championsip.  Piece of cake, right?  Well before we stuff ourselves, let’s digest the last month of the season and see what the Cowboys were able to stomach (pun intended). 

Demon #1:  DECEMBER

It all started in New Orleans when the Cowboys took on the undefeated New Orleans Saints.  They were coming off back to back losses to the Chargers and Giants and the December monster continued to loom.  Most experts predicted that the Cowboys would not only lose Saturday night in New Orleans , but that they could possibly free fall out of the playoffs with more late-season losses.  The Cowboys went on to man handle the Saints for the majority of the game and DeMarcus Ware added a signature performance  to his growing legacy. 

After handing New Orleans its first  loss of the season, the Cowboys took on a semi-surging Washington Redskins team that wanted to show what they had to new GM Bruce Allen.  Result:  17-0 shut-out, courtesy of Wade Phillips and his suddenly vaunted defense.  The Cowboys had punched their ticket to the playoffs but I have to admit that there were

First Playoff Win in 14 Years For 'Boys posted by Nicholas Schwartz

The Dallas Cowboys have pulled off their first playoff win in years.  Tony Romo is now 1-2 in the playoffs, and Wade Phillips finally has won one himself.  Phillips and Romo had been known as "choke artists" in the past years, Romo fumbling a kicker hold against the Seattle Seahawks and throwing an interception late against the New York Giants.

However,  not only did they win, but they won in convincing fashion against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Holding one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL to 14 points in two games, the defense is playing inspired football.  With the front 7 applying pressure on the running game and the quarterback, the secondary locks down on big name receivers.   Next week is a favorable match up against the Minnesota Vikings offensive line.  They continue to allow Favre to be sacked, and Adrian Peterson is unable to have his explosive speed contribute when he can barely get to the line of scrimmage.  

Romo continues to play the best football of his career with 2 touchdowns and 244 yards.  This is far from the Romo of December and January's past; he has truly learned how to hold onto the ball and avoid turnovers while still being a big play threat.   Miles Austin is his deep threat, but Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton continue to be huge 3rd down targets.  Even Roy Williams is looking in sync with Romo, catching a bullet pass that was way over his head.

The Vikings had a great regular season, but were beginning to see a bit of slump towards the end.  The defense was unable to harass opposing quarterbacks and the offense was stagnant at times.  As Favre is pressured more and becomes frustrated, he makes far more errant passes.  The lone exception to this was the beat down the Vikes put on the Giants in the final game of the regular season.  They began to combine everything they had put together early in the season and were able to rebuild some confidence.  Still, with a bye week they could be sluggish.  Only time will tell how this match up will end, but you have to like the Cowboys chances. 

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16 posted by Joe Anello

Happy Holidays everyone! After watching the San Diego Chargers take hold of the number two seed in the AFC by knocking off the Titans Christmas evening, I'm ready for a great Sunday in the NFL. Even though the NFC playoff picture is pretty clear, the AFC is still wide open. Let's get to the Opening Drive of week 16! 

(8-6) Baltimore Ravens at (7-7) Pittsburgh Steelers

After a string of poor losses, the Steelers are back and in command of their playoff lives. Beating the Ravens would pull them back into the mix while simultaneously putting the Ravens on the outs. Without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers must rely on another big game from Big Ben Roethlisberger. With their week twelve meeting ending with an overtime field goal, this rematch is up for grabs. On Heinz Field, I'll give a slight edge to Pittsburgh.

(7-7) Houston Texans at (7-7) Miami Dolphins

With six 7-7 teams hoping to get a shot at two wildcard slots, this contest will definitely crush one team's playoff dreams. Houston hasn't had a winning season in their short franchise history, much less a playoff berth. Needless to say, the Texans have plenty to play for. (As does their coach, who will likely not return if one of those two goals are not met.) Miami won't catch New England to repeat as AFC East champs, but they could make noise in the playoffs if they can claw their way in. Chad Henne gives them hope for the future as well as the present. I have an urge to take the Texans for the win.

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15 posted by Joe Anello

After another dramatic Colts win, the still-undefeated Saints try their luck against the Cowboys on Saturday night while the second seed in the AFC is on the line on Sunday. Let's start the Opening Drive of week 15 in the NFL!

(8-5) Dallas Cowboys at (13-0) New Orleans Saints 

Dallas' DeMarcus Ware is going to play less than a week after suffering a neck strain, but that may not be enough for the free-falling Cowboys. Going into New Orleans and escaping with a victory will require near-flawless play and a lot of luck. Even without tight end Jeremy Shockey, Drew Brees has an abundance of weapons at his disposal. If the Saints move to 14-0, it will could signal the end of Dallas' playoff hopes and the end of Wade Philips' tenure as head coach.

***UPDATE: Dallas freaking did it. I'll be sure to cover this stunner in the Final Drive.

(8-5) New England Patriots at (5-8) Buffalo Bills 

Don't look now, but the rest of the AFC East is catching up to the Patriots. If Bill Belichick's squad loses another road game (which they've done consistently this season) and Miami or the Jets win, the Pats will fall out of the division lead and risk a playoff berth entirely. In a up-and-down season in Buffalo, this could be a signature win to carry them over into next year.

(9-4) Cincinnati Bengals at (10-3) San Diego Chargers

In the most significant game of the weekend, San Diego and Cincinnati are essentially playing for the number two seed in the AFC and an additional home game in the playoffs. San Diego has been lighting teams up in December while the Bengals were just lambasted by Minnesota. After the tragic loss of Chris Henry, I can't believe the Bengals are going to have enough in the tank to head out west and win.

Randy Moss Is a Moose-Knuckle Who Will Destroy The Patriots posted by Colin Linneweber

New England Patriots players and coaches expressed their support for embattled wide receiver Randy Moss this week after he played like a pathetic moose-knuckle in their 20-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday in Foxboro.

Moss, 32, a four-time All-Pro selection and six-time Pro Bowler, amassed one measly reception for 16 yards in a performance that reeked of unprofessionalism.

Moss’ effort was so blatantly poor that members of the porous 5-8 Panthers chided his lack of exertion on the gridiron.

“We knew he (Moss) was going to shut it down,” Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble told the Boston Globe. “He’d just give up a lot, slow down, he’s not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell by his body language.”

Panthers safety Chris Harris agreed with Gamble that Moss abandoned his Patriots teammates.

“That’s what it is with him,” Harris said. “You get physical with him, and I don’t want to say he quits, but he kind of doesn’t run the routes the way they’re supposed to be run. If you get a jam on him, he’ll just ease up.”

Moss has a notorious history of playing lackadaisically when things don't go his way.

The Minnesota Vikings selected the troubled Moss out of Marshall University with the 21st overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.

Moss publicly seethed that twenty players were chosen ahead of him because NFL executives were worried about his past legal problems and alleged character issues.

Joe's Final Drive: Week 14 posted by Joe Anello

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

(13-0) New Orleans Saints 26
(6-7) Atlanta Falcons 23

A Chris Redman-led Falcons mounted a valiant comeback, but Drew Brees and the Saints pulled out a thriller to clinch the NFC South. With a Saturday night game against Dallas coming up, the unbeaten New Orleans is proving they are the true team to beat in the NFC, winning in a variety of ways. 

(7-6) Miami Dolphins 14
(7-6) Jacksonville Jaguars 10

Jacksonville had control of their playoff destiny. That is, until Miami won in a squeaker. Now the last AFC wildcard spot is up for grabs in a free-for-all. Sorry Jaguars, you had you chance. Chad Henne continues to impress and Ricky Williams continues to shoulder the load without Ronnie Brown. 

(13-0) Indianapolis Colts 28
(8-5) Denver Broncos 16

Even when he throws three interceptions, Peyton Manning finds a way to crush your dreams. Josh McDaniels' defense looked lost at times and could never get anything substantial going on offense. I could care less about Brandon Marshall's NFL record 21 receptions. It happened in a loss where the Broncos were forced to pass all the time. Color me not impressed.

Big Test Coming for Big D posted by Nicholas Schwartz

The Dallas Cowboys have entered their December swoon, and yet I'm not worried.  The defense couldn't contain the pass.  The offense couldn't punch it in from the one yard line.  And off we go to New Orleans, a team that will pass all over you, that will stuff you at the line.

 But the Cowboys have a great opportunity.  If they can beat the Saints, they keep their playoff hopes alive and stay one game ahead of the Giants.  If they can beat the Saints, some of the doubts in December will go away.  They face their toughest test on Saturday.

 Tony Romo hasn't looked horrible this December: far from it.  He hasn't thrown perfectly on every pass, but he's completing the passes he needs to and avoiding turning the ball over.  Normally he is part of the problem in December.  This time, he could be the solution.  Against the Giants he threw for 392 yards, 3 touchdowns and set new records for attempts and completions.  Against the Chargers he was less stellar, but still threw for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. Over the past three games his lowest QB rating was 111.7.

 This game is essentially a must win for the Cowboys.  They still stand a chance if they lose, but the Giants would have to lose at least one and the Cowboys would have to win their last two.  The Cowboys have to know that their season is slipping away, and must follow the examples set by the Redskins and the Falcons taking the Saints down to the wire.  They must come out strong and keep the Saints defense on their hills.  On defense, the pass rush must get to Brees and force him into errant passes.  The secondary has given up too many homeruns over the past few games and need to step up now.

Must Win Game? posted by Amari Harris

If the Dallas Cowboys do not defeat the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, then they will not make the playoffs.  At least that’s what ESPN’s Michael Smith implies as he analyzes the Cowboys December schedule.

It is a strong statement but I have to agree with Smith on this one.  Other than the fact that he is my favorite ESPN analyst, Smith puts forth undeniable logic.  If the Cowboys lose on Sunday then that December question will continue to loom and it will become more than a myth- it will become prophetic stigma.  It seems almost unfair that the NFL would stick the ‘Boys with such a daunting schedule in the last month knowing their struggles, but Roger Goodell can’t save them now.  After losing to the Giants, the Cowboys have put themselves in this mess and they’re going to have to fight their way out.  If they lose this game on Sunday, then they’re going to have to hit the panic button, the panic switch, and the panic remote control. 

This game is eerily similar to a December game last season in which the Ravens came to town and handed the Cowboys a demoralizing loss in their final game in Texas Stadium.  The Cowboys had just come off a victory over (who else?) the Giants, and were looking to build some momentum as the playoffs approached.  Despite outplaying the Ravens for the majority of the game, the Cowboys defense collapsed and allowed the Ravens to run the ball right down their throat for

NY turns down Burress' request for work release (AP)

Former New York Giants Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress has come up short in his bid for work release during his two-year prison sentence in a gun case, a denial that could keep him behind bars until at least next spring, prison officials said Tuesday. The state Department of Correctional Services said the nature of his November 2008 crime merited turning down his request for a work furlough, which... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

NY turns down Burress' request for work release (The Canadian Press)

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Former New York Giants Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress has come up short in his bid for work release during his two-year prison sentence in a gun case, a denial that could keep him behind bars until at least next spring, prison officials said Tuesday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

New York turns down Plaxico's request for work release

Former New York Giants Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress has comeup short in his bid for work release during his two-year prisonsentence, prison officials said Tuesday. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Burress loses bid for work release (AP)

Former New York Giants Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress has come up short in his bid for work release during his two-year prison sentence in a gun case, a denial that could keep him behind bars until at least next spring, prison officials said Tuesday. The state Department of Correctional Services said the nature of his November 2008 crime merited turning down his request for a work furlough, which... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Giants place QB Sorgi, WR Moss on IR (AP)

The New York Giants decided they couldn't wait for backup quarterback Jim Sorgi's injured right shoulder to get better. Sorgi, veteran receiver Sinorice Moss and rookie linebacker Adrian Tracy were placed on injured reserve Tuesday as the Giants reached the 75-man roster limit. Moss has been sidelined most of training camp with groin problems, while Tracy, the team's sixth-round draft... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports