0-for-2 a.k.a Damn Eagles

Oh boy, here we go again. After not getting a SINGLE GAME RIGHT last year, I'm off to a stupendous start this year. On to 0-2!

I wish I could just be 0-2*, since I admitted I really just decided on the Eagles because that would mean when the Packers beat Arizona they'd head to Minnesota. I want that. But I know it doesn't work that way.

The Eagles looked awful after the challenge by Wade Phillips reversed the INT call. They looked unprepared (Andy Reid's fault) and disinterested, almost like they gave up (team leaders fault, probably McNabb). I know a lot of fans want changes in Philadelphia and they may get it. Brian Westbrook is probably gone (they don't use him anyway) and McNabb is probably 50/50. The thing is, who do you replace him with? Vick is not a good QB, despite the TD throw last night, and Kolb is still inexperienced and an INT machine. But, you have to start rebuilding at some point because this era of Eagles football should be coming to a close. Was it successful? That depends on your definition. I'd tend to say yes but, without a Super Bowl win, it's hard to say so for sure.

Congratulations Dallas Cowboys as you exorcised your playoff demons. I have to admit, the 'boys look good. Now I just need them to trounce Brett Favre next week an I may need to really start pulling for them (FYI, I'm hoping for the Saints out of the NFC).

0-2 feels great...for a second year in a row!

Wow, I suck at this.

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Round

E and Jack Strap have made their picks so I guess I should man up and make some "bold predictions sure to be wrong" as well. I won't make you wait any longer; I know the suspense is just killing you.

Saturday's Games
#6 Jets @ #3 Bengals - One of three rematches in the Wild Card round. An intriguing matchup since Rex Ryan believes his team should be Super Bowl favorites and the Bengals showed little fight in Week 17. I think Cincinnati has much more in store for the J! E! T! S! JETS! JETS! JETS! this time around. However, defense (and running games) win championships so it won't be a blowout. Jets keep it close but the inexperienced and overrated Mark Sanchez can be the hero when his team needs him to be

PREDICTION: Bengals 16, Jets 10


#6 Eagles @ #3 Cowboys - Another rematch, however a much better one in the late game. Sure, the Jets and Bengals should be close and go down to the wire but this is a rivalry. Easily one of the best in the NFL. The Cowboys have never beaten a team three times in a season. The Eagles have the better coaching staff and playoff record (4-0 in Wild Card round). I know Wade Phillips seems to have made strides this season and the Cowboys had a great December for the first time in a long time but... I just don't like the feeling I have. It will be a great game. That's all I'm hoping for*.

PREDICTION: Eagles 27, Cowboys 21


Sunday's Games
#5 Ravens @ #4 Patriots - The only non week 17 rematch features two opponents that are really starting to hate each other. The Ravens think the Patriots, specifically QB Tom Brady, get way too many penalties called that are borderline or unwarranted [I tend to agree]. The Patriots want to prove they can overcome Welker's injury and a mediocre defense to obtain the mystique they carried from 2004 through 2007. I think this will be a battle and a bad penalty could have a huge impact on this game.

PREDICTION: Patriots 24, Ravens 17


#5 Packers @ #4 Cardinals - And finally, the 3rd Week 17 rematch of the Wild Card round. This game wasn't even close in the final week of the regular season and I really don't think it will be any different here. Sure, Warner didn't play the whole game but that wasn't the only problem. Anquan Boldin and Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie are doubtful and that is a huge blow to all three facets of the Cardinals game. I think the Packers are on too much of a roll and the Cardinals are too beat up and weak to stop Rodgers and Co. Of course, Arizona could prove me wrong and play like they did in January last year.

PREDICTION: Packers 31, Cardinals 20

*Total disclosure... I really think the Cowboys can win. But, I want to see Aaron Rodgers and the Packers CRUSH the Vikings in the Divisional Round. So, since I was 50/50 on the Eagles/Cowboys I went with what had to happen to get Green Bay to Minnesota next week.

ROUND 1 {DING-DING} PLAYOFFS

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

With all the regular season ANNOINTING (see story below) over & E's picks in, let me take a shot at predicting ROUND 1 {DING-DING} of the NFL Playoffs:

Jets @ Bengals: As a life-long Eagles fan, I really miss Buddy Ryan but at least this week we had his son Rex making bold proclamations (the nut doesn't fall far from the tree). So for Buddy, I say Jets 20 Bengals 14.

Eagles @ Cowboys: Can you imagine what it would have been like this week if the aforementioned Buddy Ryan & Jimmy "The Hair" Johnson were coaching this game rather than boring Andy & Wade? No pre-game hype, but post-game celebration by the Eagles after winning 27-21 in Jerry's Joint.

Ravens @ Patriots: OK, I can't pick another road-winner in ROUND 1 {DING-DING} of the NFL PLAYOFFS, but the loss of Welker will be a problem for the Pats next week. This week it's Patriots 21 Ravens 13.

Packers @ Cardinals: This game will be a lot closer than the temperature difference in Green Bay (18 degrees forecast @ game-time tomorrow) vs. 70 degrees in Glendale. I'm thinking that Brett Favre will be watching his under-study Aaron Rodgers lead a 4th quarter comeback for the Pack 35-31.

Ring that ROUND 1 Bell {DING-DING} & let the PLAYOFFS begin!

Wildcard Weekend Picks

The book is shut on college football but still wide open on football of the professional sort. This weekend kicks off what is sure to be an intriguing NFL Postseason. Will the resting players strategy finally work for the Colts? Will another Wildcard team make a run to the Super Bowl? We'll have to wait on those answers but for now, here are my WC Weekend picks...

New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals

The first of 3 Week 17 rematches. The Jets completely embarrassed the Bengals though Cincy did not play with their full arsenal. Regardless, the Jets are starting to come together and Cincy has been very shaky since building their big division lead. While common opponents are not something to put a ton of stock in, the Jets are 2-0 to the Bengals 0-2 in common games (Texans and Raiders). Both those games were on the road for the Jets (and won convincingly) while the Bengals traveled to Oakland and played Houston in Cincy. Call me a homer, but I think things are starting to come together for the Jets. As long as Sanchez doesn't go on an INT binge, I think they'll be OK. Revis Island will go a long way to shutting down the Bengals offense.

Jets 23 -- Bengals 13

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Another game, another rematch. Cowboys beat Philly pretty handedly last weekend and honestly, I do not see why they will not do it again. The December/Late Season monkey is finally off of Romo's back and they are catching fire at the right time. Not only that, but the Eagles have lost to every decent team they've faced this year. Unless DeSean Jackson and McNabb go crazy on offense (or special teams with Jackson), I do not see the Eagles winning this game at Jerry's Palace.

Cowboys 31 -- Eagles 14

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

I strongly dislike both teams (Pats more than Ravens though, for sure) but I guess I have to pick one. Losing Welker is huge but not crippling. As long as the Pats are able to bottle up the Ravens running attack, I think they should be fine. The Baltimore defense is not as strong as it used to be and I see Brady and Moss having a pretty big game. Should still be a close one though.

Patriots 24 -- Ravens 20

Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals

Rematch number 3 of the first round. Packers are hot, Cardinals are breaking down. It's pretty much as simple as that. Only way I see the Cardinals winning is if Warner plays out of his mind. Which is certainly a possibility.

Packers 35 -- Cardinals 27

2009 NFL Draft Grades: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles were wildly inconsistent in 2008. One week they'd beat an elite team and then soon they'd suffer a terrible loss (or tie). The ups and downs were maddening to the Eagles faithful. In November it looked as this team was done and would be stripped in the offseason. The team then blasted eventual NFC Champion Arizona on Thanksgiving night and defeated divisional rival Giants on their home turf. A big win over Cleveland but a terrible loss to Washington meant a lot of things had to fall right for Philadelphia to make the playoffs. First they had to hope for Tampa Bay and Chicago to lose to Oakland and Houston, respectively. Long shots for both to happen. Well, both lost. Then the Eagles had to take care of business and beat hated rival Dallas. They did. Badly. Of course you all know what happened in the playoffs. They trounced Minnesota and were a nightmare for New York. Then a rematch with Arizona didn't end so well resulting in McNabb and Co.'s fourth loss in five NFC Championship games. But they showed desire and fight to the end. And with a talented roster that has another year or two left in them - not including '09 draft picks - the Eagles should be flying high this coming season.

This is probably my most important review given the base of the readers. Probably 75% of the ~15 people that come to this site are Eagles fans. I'll try to do you justice. Please voice your opinions and reactions in the comments section!

INTRODUCTION
If you look at the statistics for this team you actually wonder how they won only nine games. The offense was 6th in points scored and passing yards and 9th in total yards. The defense allowed the 4th fewest points per game (18.1) were consistent in stopping opposing rushing and passing plays. The Eagles 'D' was 3rd against the pass and 4th against the run, and finished 3rd in total yards allowed per game. Only nine wins!?!? Yes, they certainly underachieved in 2008. Fans agree with me on that. Just think, if a couple of the right pieces were added to a very talented team - quite possibly the most talented team, top to bottom, in the league - the franchise's first Super Bowl title could be grabbed in 2009. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Eagles won't find all the right piece in the draft, right? Well they tried their best to prove everyone wrong.

Andy Reid is back, for better or worse. His deficiencies are noted but his record and achievements are grand, despite never hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. He is one of the best talent evaluators in the game and always has a top notch staff. All of that returns in 2009. If the Eagles are going to win the big one, it must happen in 2009 or 2010. Unless, of course, Kevin Kolb turns into a good QB. Then they probably have another decade to win one. The Eagles are that good at finding and developing talent. It was evident again this past draft.


DRAFT RECAP
Round/Pick/Overall
1/19/19 - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
2/21/53 - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
5/17/153 - Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
5/21/157 - Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech
5/23/159 - Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon
6/21/194- Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington State
7/4/213 - Paul Fanaika, OG, Arizona State
7/21/230 - Moise Fokou, OLB, Maryland


BASED ON NEEDS

• RB - Check!
• TE - Check!
• WR - Check!
• LB - Check!
• CB - Check!
  

Concerns abound on offense. At least before April 25. Then the draft happened and, well, success. A lot of it. A stud WR, a RB in the mold of their current starter, a steal of a TE and CB, depth along the o-line, and an additional massive WR. Oh and a developmental LB. All in a days work. Eagles fans may be driven nuts by his play calling and his recent obsession with trading down, but Andy Reid and his staff now how to work the draft. Much like a certain team that will be profiled early next week.

GRADE: 100/100


BASED ON TALENT
Pick 1 - Instead of trading back this year, Reid's Gang moved up. It's a good thing they did because rumors are that the Giants were in talks with the Lions to move up to 20 to get the Missouri speedster. Anyway, Maclin is a more complete player than last years second round pick DeSean Jackson. Pairing the two with Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, Jason Avant, or Hank Baskett will make quite the trio. The Eagles got a great player at an area of need. Grade: 10

Pick 2 - Two straight skill players? You betcha! McCoy is in the mold of Brian Westbrook, an undersized runner that is more than a scat-back. McCoy can learn from the best undersized runner currently in the NFL. While he has some questionable character and should have stayed in school for another year, McCoy is the type of back that can make the Eagles 'O' go just like Westbrook has. It would have been nice to get a bruiser to complement Westbrook but this way that got his younger twin who could develop into the guy in a few years. Grade: 8

Pick 3 - The Eagles then didn't pick until round five, thanks to trading up in round one, acquiring Jason Peters, and just plain trading down. They continued their strong draft by stealing Florida TE Cornelius Ingram. Ingram, who missed all of the 2008 NCAA season with a torn ACL, is almost 100% recovered and will be ready for training camp. He is a better version of L.J. Smith and kind of like a poor man's Antonio Gates. Ingram needs some work blocking but is not a liability in the passing game. Just another need checked off by the Eagles. Grade: 9

Pick 4 - How did Harris last until the fifth round? Sure he may not have great timed speed but he essentially locked half the field down at Virginia Tech, continuing a line of solid Hokie CBs that include DeAngelo Hall and Brandon Flowers. Harris could move to safety if need be. Luckily because of the Eagles depth with Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown (if he doesn't hold out), Ellis Hobbs, and Joselio Hanson means Harris can learn the defense slowly and can be counted on for an impact in a year or two. Another need filled. Grade: 9

Pick 5 - The Eagles made splashed at the OT position in free agency (Stacy Andrews) and through a trade (Jason Peters). It's now been said that Andrews will shift inside to allow Shawn Andrews - Stacy's younger brother - to play RT. Anyway, with the loss of Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan depth was going to be an issue. Enter Tupou. The mammoth Oregon OT is raw and needs some refinements in pass protection but can be brought along slowly with other young guys as starters. Tupou could also shift to guard if needed. Grade: 8

Pick 6 - Filling their need for speed at the WR position the last two drafts, the Eagles went for a possession guy to add more competition at the position. Gibson is a big target who will most likely be developed as a replacement for Hank Baskett. The Eagles have had problems with WRs for years and they definitely are trying to fix that. Perhaps the only better pick here would have been for depth at LB. Grade: 7

Pick 7 - Reid showing his love for the big guys that fight in the trench. He normally does that early but this year flipped his strategy. After grabbing Tupou he now adds Fanaika for depth inside the OL. Fanaika could be a Shawn Andrews clone. He need some work but will fight Mike Gibson and Mike McGlynn for the 4th guard spot behind Max Jean-Gilles. Again a LB would have been nice. Grade: 7

Pick 8 - A LB! All needs filled. Sure not much is expected of Fokou but, like Joe Mays (that's a sweet name, isn't it?) last year, Fokou could easily make noise during training camp and fight for a backup spot behind starters Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, and Chris Gocong. Mays, and Akeem Jordan will make the roster but Fokou could edge out Tank Daniels, Charleston Hughes, or Tracy White for a spot as a rookie. Grade: 8


GRADE: 66/80


OVERALL
This is how you draft people. You fill needs with high value players. There weren't reaches; just good, no, great, picks. This is the best draft I've examined so far. This is the 21st team; there's only 11 left! Maclin and McCoy will be instant impact guys and I wouldn't put it past Ingram to contribute immediately as well. There's now big, young players along the OL and a developmental guy at CB and LB. This is why Philadelphia stays competitive.

FINAL GRADE: A+

WHY: Straight up this works out to a 92% which would be an A-. Well, like I say below, this is weighted. And the Eagles are getting a bump. This was a solid draft - both for the present and future, which is how you draft these days. Immediate and future help was had here. Cue the slow but not sarcastic slow clap.

NOTE: My "final grade" is weighted and is not a simple combination of "needs" and "talent".


SUPERLATIVES
Best Pick: Ingram
Worst Pick: Fanaika
Sleeper: Harris
Instant Impact: Maclin
Developmental: Tupou


OTHER DRAFT GRADES - Philadelphia Eagles
CBS Sports (Prisco): A+
CBS Sports (Rang): A-
ESPN (Kiper): B-
NFL.com (Brooks): A-
NFL.com (Fan's): B
Walter: A+

UP NEXT

ON DECK

Eagles Acquire LT Jason Peters

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports is reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills have agreed on a trade that will send Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters to Buffalo. In return the Bills receive the Eagles 1st round pick acquired originally from Carolina, #28 overall, as well as the Eagles 4th round pick, #121 overall, and a late-round pick in the 2010 draft. Peters will step in for the departed William "Tra" Thomas, who signed with Jacksonville as a free agent. With the trade for Peters and the acquisition of Stacy Andrews in free agency, the Eagles will trot out to new - and expensive - tackles in opening day.

Honestly I think the Eagles got a steal. Buffalo should have been looking for a 1st and 3rd, at least. Philadelphia offered less and the Bills jumped on it. Definitely tells me that, like Willis McGahee three seasons ago, the Bills just wanted to get rid of the player. Peters will want a new contract and to be paid as one of the top 5 tackles in the league, which he may not be.

Good luck Philly front office.

It's Been a Great 12 Months

The 2009 NFL draft is about three weeks. When it gets here it will end by far the greatest sports year of my life. While not everything that has happened impacts me on the highest of emotional levels, many of them do. It's easy where to start. After this first one I'll try to go in chronological order.

2008 Philadelphia Phillies: What could be better than this? One of the teams I love won a league championship. That's the first time that has happened to not only me, but basically all of my friends who are Philadelphia sports fans. On a personal level it is the only sport in which almost all of my friends like the sport and the team. This is the top of the mountain for the great sports year that started in April 2008.

2008 NFL Draft - I love the draft. It is just as exciting as the games to me. What made 2008 stand out? For once I knew Miami was in good hands. Plus they had the #1 overall pick. They went with mammoth LT cornerstone Jake Long who has already turned in a Pro Bowl season (more on that later). However the biggest reason the 2008 draft kick started the best sports year of my life had to do with Miami's second pick in round two, the 57th overall selection. There, a few picks form the end of the first day of the draft, the Dolphins, my favorite team my entire life selected Michigan QB Chad Henne. Why does that matter to me, a Penn State fan (and alum)? Simple. I graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA. I played football with Chad Henne. Seeing someone you know play for your favorite NFL team? I'd say that's a longshot. But it happened in 2008. Things just kept rolling from here.

2007-2008 Philadelphia 76ers: Though basketball - specifically professional basketball - is low on my sports ladder, I still follow the team and hope they perform at the highest level. The team struggles to a mediocre 41-41 record on the season. In a weak Eastern Conference a .500 record was good enough for the 7th seed. The Sixers prize? Facing the two-seed Detroit Pistons. Despite being huge underdogs, the 76ers took a 1-0 and eventually 2-1 series lead. They couldn't hold it but the team showed what their young nucleus could be capable of in the coming years.

2007-2008 Philadelphia Flyers: After their worst season ever, the Flyers rebounded and caught fire at the right time. They were able to sneak by the 3rd seed, the Washington Capitals, in seven games. Then they took it to the top seed Montreal Canadiens in five games. They ran into a young buzz saw of a team that shall remain nameless in the Eastern Conference Finals. The fact that they made an amazing run a year after being the worst team in the league makes it remarkable and noteworthy in a great year. Funny, if the Phillies hadn't won the World Series this would have just been seen as another failure. Instead it is considered a success.

2007-2008 Pittsburgh Penguins: Not on the list by choice but by default. The Penguins had a stellar year, winning the NHLs Eastern Conference and advancing to the Stanley Cup. They didn't win it all but they came close. After many dismal years the Penguins seem to be back. And PA sports are at an All-Time high.

2008 Philadelphia Soul: Football is football, whether it's the NFL, Canadian, or Arena. While the Soul may not be considered as important as the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and 76ers, they did have quite a good season. Actually they had the best season. The Soul won ArenaBowl XXII on July 27th. Chalk up another point for the city.

2008 Penn State Women's Volleyball: What's better than a National Championship? How about back-to-back National Championships. That's what the women's volleyball team accomplished in December 2008. Along the way they didn't lose a match. Yep, that's right. The Penn State women went 38-0. What makes it even more remarkable is that 37 of those matches were won 3-0. They only lost two games all year and they were against Nebraska, the NCAA Tournament host, in the Final Four. The Championship Match went much better this year than it did in 2007.

2008-2009 Penn State Football: Hope were high in Happy Valley to start the 2008 college football season. While the "experts" felt Penn State was again an Alamo Bowl team, fans knew better. They expected to compete for the Big Ten Championship. They did just that. The Nittany Lions finished the regular season as Big Ten Champs at 11-1, suffering only a last-second heartbreaking loss to Iowa. Though their Rose Bowl berth wasn't as successful as the one in January 1995, they still were in a BCS bowl. Quite a season indeed.

2008-2009 Miami Dolphins: The 2007 Miami Dolphins were a laughingstock. They won only one game all year. They fired their coach after one season. Things were bleak. In stepped football mastermind Bill Parcells. Things changed quickly. After a solid draft that included Long and Henne plus Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford, Donald Thomas and UDFAs Davone Bess and Dan Carpenter, Miami snatched Jets castoff Chad Pennington. The Dolphins went on to win 11 games, unleash the "wildcat" offense, and win the AFC East. The hyphen shifted and so did Miami's fortunes. This had a big impact on why the last 12 months have been amazing.

2008-2009 Philadelphia Eagles: This wouldn't make my personal list at all (since I am a Dolphins fan) but this isn't just about me; it's about the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. The Eagles made another run in the NFC playoffs, reaching the NFC title game for the fifth time since 2002. This one was unexpected, unlike the first four. The team had its ups and down during the year - much like the Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers - but peaked at the right time. They, unfortunately, ran into a team that was playing even better than they were.

2008-2009 Pittsburgh Steelers: Again, this didn't really make my year but it definitely added to the states euphoria (and my fiancees). The Steelers won their 6th Super Bowl, most by any NFL franchise, and second in four years. It was also an epic game, filled with a comeback and last second victory. It was a great game and just another reason the last 12 months have been amazing.

2008-2009 Penn State Fencing: Just two weeks ago the Penn State Fencing team (a joint men's/women's venture) captured their 11th National Championship. Four fencers earned individual titles too. The sport doesn't get much recognition but the team is downright dominant. They deserve just as much praise as any other national champion squad.

2008-2009 Penn State Men's Basketball: While I was in college the men's basketball team was dreadful. In the two years I've been gone they have started coming around. This year was a huge step forward. Though the men's team was overlooked by the NCAA selection committee, the Nittany Lions accepted an invitation to the NIT. After a near disaster versus George Mason, the men went on to vanquish Rhode Island, Florida, Notre Dame, and finally Baylor to capture the programs second ever postseason title. After the game, Talor Battle's younger step-brother Taran Buie committed to the program. Buie is ranked as the 37th best prospect in the nation in the 2010 recruiting class. Though a few key contributors leave, the team should be competitive again in 2009-2010 and could make a deep run in 2010-2011.

2008-2009 Pittsburgh Men's Basketball: Not a team I follow or care much about but, again, great for the state. They were ranked #1 in the nation at least once and made it to the Elite Eight. There they lost to...

2008-2009 Villanova Men's Basketball: The Wildcats earned a three seed in the tournament after a 26-7 record. Four wins later, including an epic one over Pittsburgh to get to the Final Fout, and Villanova has a chance to make this year even better. They now must defeat preseason favorite North Carolina to make the title game. No matter what the outcome of the game tomorrow the Wildcats helped make this year quite memorable.

Has the last 12 months been the greatest in sports history? For the state of Pennsylvania, possibly. For me, definitely. May the next 12 be even better!

NFL Update - 3/26/2009

QUICK HITS

• The Bears signed former Browns OT Kevin Shaffer to a 3-year deal. Shaffer will replace John St. Clair, who left Chicago for Cleveland.
  
• The Panthers and Jake Delhomme have started negotiations on a contract extension. Delhomme is entering the last year of his contract.
• The Chiefs reached an agreement with one of the few remaining players that could arguably upgrade a team. Veteran OG Mike Goff, formerly of the Chargers, signed with Kansas City and may be replacing Brian Waters.
• The Saints are expected to retain the services of backup QB Joey Harrington.
• NFL owner meetings are taking place in California and there has been a lot of news coming from the get together. One of the biggest is expanding the schedule. Commissioner Roger Goodell would like to expand the season to 17 or 18 games, possibly by 2011. One or two preseason games would be dropped to accommodate the the addition of games. If a 17 game schedule were used the extra game may be a neutral-field contest, possibly abroad.
• Rule changes have been another hot topic. The the four or five man "wedge" has been deemed dangerous and has been made illegal on kickoffs. Teams may use no more than a two man wedge, but there is nothing against multiple two-man "wedges". To prevent unsafe collisions during onside kicks, where players can line up has now been changed. There must be at least four players on each side of the kicker during onside attempts. Two more rule changes have made certain hits completely illegal and would result in a 15-yard penalty. Blind-side hits to the head by helmet, forearm, or shoulder are now illegal. This stems from the massive block on Bengals rookie Keith Rivers by Hines Ward. The other rule that will cause headaches for officials is flagging defenders for hits on defenseless receivers. Now defenders may not hit receivers in the head or neck with their helmet, forearm, or shoulder. These last two changes are going to be hard to evenly enforce throughout the course of not just the season but an entire game.
• One of the biggest rule changes comes with instant replay. Officials are now allowed to use replay to determine if a loose ball is a fumble or incomplete pass as well as determining possession. Replays are now also allowed to determine if kicks go out of bounds.
• The final rule change has nothing to do with the schedule, games, officials, or replays. It is the draft order. Starting with the 2010 draft, the order in which the playoff teams select will be different. No longer will it be based on record for picks 1 through 30, regardless of playoff success. Next year, teams that lose their wild card matchup will be given slots 21 through 24 dependant on regular season record. Slots 25 through 28 will go to the divisional round losers (again based on record), and slots 29 and 30 go to conference championship game losers. Picks 31 and 32 remain with the Super Bowl loser and winner, respectively. This came about because of teams making the playoffs but still having a mid-round pick, in front of teams that they beat in the playoffs. The Chargers finished 8-8 during the regular season but won the AFC West. They then defeated the 12-4 Colts but lost to the Steelers the following week. In 2012 the Chargers would have pick 25. This year they are 16, 11 selections in front of the Colts.

• 2009 DOLPHINS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-25, 2-44 [from Washington], 2-56, 3-87, 4-108 [from Oakland], 5-161, 6-181 [from Oakland], 7-214 [from Cleveland], 7-237 [from Carolina].
• The Dolphins acquired DT Tony McDaniel from the Jacksonville Jaguars last week in exchange for their 7th round pick (232 overall) in the 2009 draft. McDaniel will see most of his time at DE in Miami's 3-4 alignment. He may be forced to play some NT in emergency situations. McDaniel will be fighting with Randy Starks, Rod Wright, and Lionel Dotson as the primary backups to Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford.
• Miami is interested in Cincinnati CB Mike Mickens, considered a second or third round prospect, and Tennessee CB DeAngelo Willingham. Willingham has the size to convert to FS in the NFL.
  
• Staying active in the offseason, Miami traded OC Samson Satele to the Raiders for Oakland's 6th round pick. The teams also swapped 4th round selections. The Dolphins signed former Raiders OC Jake Grove earlier this month to take over for Satele.
• As I mentioned a few days ago, the Dolphins are prepping second year QB Chad Henne to be the teams starter in 2010.
• My Two Cents: The Dolphins currently own nine draft picks, four of which are in the top 100 selections. Personnel Czar Bill Parcells would like to have 10-12 to work with on draft day. Look for a small deal or two take place in the coming weeks. And I'd put the probability of Miami trading down in the first at close to 65% in order to accumulate more picks and get better value for the players they have targeted. This is a deep CB class - Miami's biggest weakness - but no one really stands out as elite. Miami would get better value on a CB between picks 30-40 then at 25.
  

• 2009 JETS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-17, 2-52, 3-76 [from New Orleans], 4-115 [from Washington], 6-193, 7-228.
• New York has been linked to a number of prospects over the last week, including Cincinnati OLB Connor Barwin, Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin, Florida WR Percy Harvin, San Jose State DE/DT Jarron Gilbert, Kansas State QB Josh Freeman, USC QB Mark Sanchez, and Stillman College DE/DT Sammiie Lee Hill.
• Another former Raven may fly to New York to be reunited with head coach Rex Ryan. CB Samari Rolle visited the Jets last week.
• The Jets are rumored to be interested in disgruntled Denver QB Jay Cutler. In order to obtain him they'd most likely have to part with at least their first and second round selections this season plus possibly their first round pick in 2010.
• The Jets signed former 49ers CB Donald Strickland to a 3-year, $3 million deal.
• My Two Cents: Though the Jets need some help at DE and depth at NT, New York would be best suited addressing a dismal offense at pick 17. I doubt they trade up to land a QB; sitting at 17 should be a premiere WR or RB that fits their needs. My money still says WR but someone like Tyson Jackson would be very enticing if available.
  

• 2009 STEELERS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-32, 2-64, 3-96, 4-132, 5-168, 5-169 [compensatory], 6-205, 7-226 [from Tampa Bay], 7-241.
  
• Though the team has not yet struck a deal with 2008 Defensive MVP James Harrison, president Art Rooney is optimistic terms will be agreed upon.
• Restricted free agent CB Anthony Madison signed his one year offer from Pittsburgh. The deal will pay him $1.01 million in 2009. Madison could see his role expanded since Bryant McFadden left for Arizona.
• The 49ers are convinced former Steelers OT Marvel Smith is past his back problems. An offer is on the table for him. He has yet to sign it.
• The Steelers are interested in OC prospects Eric Wood (Louisville) and A.Q. Shipley (Penn State). They also have a visit scheduled with little known prospect Sammie Lee Hill from Stillman College, Hill would be an ideal 3-4 DE.
• Former Steelers John Stallworth has joined the the Rooney family in ownership of the franchise. The Hall of Fame wide receiver is a part of a group of investors that comprise 50% of stake in the team.
• Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says divisional rival Baltimore - not Pittsburgh - is the team to beat in the AFC North.
  
• My Two Cents: Great to see a former player love a franchise enough to invest in them Great move for the organization and by Stallworth. The Harrison situation is similar to that of many former Steelers OLB. Pittsburgh rarely pays a high price for veterans at the positions over 30. Harrison will soon be 31. Not good for him. Even though he won MVP last season, he'll have to have a hell of a 2009 season to convince Pittsburgh to sign him to 3- or 4-year deal. There will not be a deal done before or during this season. It's not Pittsburgh's style. Ask Joey Porter, Jason Gildon, and Greg Lloyd.

• 2009 COWBOYS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 2-51, 3-69 [from Cleveland], 4-101 [from Detroit], 4-117, 5-156, 5-166 [from Tennessee], 5-172 [compensatory], 6-197 [from Miami], 6-208 [compensatory], 7-210 [from Detroit], 7-227 [from Detroit].
• Dallas will host the Raiders during the afternoon Thanksgiving Day game. Yuck.
• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants to utilize the "wildcat" offense in 2009. They have the necessary pieces in Felix Jones and Isaiah Stanbeck, a former college QB. Jones has also gone on record saying he'd be willing to use a draft pick for a player suited for a "wildcat" scheme. Perhaps West Virginia QB Pat White?
• My Two Cents: I like the "wildcat". I do. After all, my Miami Dolphins are the ones that reintroduced it to the NFL after it lay dormant at the professional level for decades. However, I think it has run its course and would not be an effective game plan. Perhaps in small doses but not as a large chunk of the offense. Outside the Dolphins dismantling of New England in week 3 - the first appearance of the set - Miami was stifled in later games. Things are quiet in Dallas. That's probably for the best.

• 2009 EAGLES DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-21, 1-28 [from Carolina], 2-53, 3-85, 4-121, 5-141 [from Cleveland], 5-153 [from N.Y. Jets], 5-157, 6-194, 6-195 [from Minnesota], 7-230.
• Philadelphia may be interested in Buffalo LT Jason Peters. Peters remains unhappy with his contract with the Bills. The massive OT would be a big upgrade for the Eagles, who lost both starting tackles to free agency. Tra Thomas signed with Jacksonville and Jon Runyan remains unsigned. Stacy Andrews was signed away by Philadelphia from Cincinnati to play RT.
• Philadelphia, finally, has a true FB. After using three or four men at the position last season, the Eagles agreed on a 1-year deal with Seattle FB Leonard Weaver.
• The Eagles have been linked to a couple of draft prospects, including Cincinnati CB Mike Mickens, Tennessee CB DeAngelo Whittingham, Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew, and Stillman College DE/DT Sammie Lee Hill.
• My Two Cents: The Eagles should certainly pursue Peters but I doubt it'll happen based on his demands. He wants to be paid as one of the top LTs in the game. Despite making the Pro Bowl two seasons in a row, he isn't. He is a great athlete. But he isn't one of the five best at his position; close, but not quite there. If he lowers his asking price, and the Bills lower theirs, a trade could happen.
  

NFL Update - 3/19/2009

QUICK HITS

• The Buccaneers - devoid of talent at OLB after the roster purge - may move SS Jermaine Phillips to the position. Phillips is open to the experience but has never played LB at any level of play.
• Cardinlas QB Kurt Warner underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left hip this week to repair a torn labrum and clean up any loose fragments. He hopes to be ready for the start of Arizona's voluntary offseason program, which begins May 19th.
• After finalizing a contract with CB/KR Chirs Carr, the Ravens finally ended their relationship with veteran CB Samari Rolle. The Rolle release had been speculated and anticipated for weeks. Carr will be the primary kick returner and will most likely be the teams nickel or dime back.
• The Bengals are in need of a new OT and may take one with the 6th overall pick in the 2009 draft. However, according to reports, the rookie wouldn't be filling in at RT. He would step in at LT. The current LT, Levi Jones, may be on his way out of Cincinnati. If an OT is taken early in the draft, Jones is expected to be traded or released.
• The Ravens continue to kick the wheels of old, past-their-prime OTs. After signing Willie Anderson last year, Baltimore has now looked into signing former Steelers OT Marvel Smith and recently released Rams OT Orlando Pace.
• Speaking of Smith, he is visiting with the 49ers today.
  
• The Saints have signed TE Darnell Dinkins and safety Darren Sharper. Dinkins was with the Browns and Sharper was with the Vikings in 2008.

• The Dolphins continue their search for competent CBs. They had former Texan DeMarcus Faggins in for a visit yesterday.
• The Dolphins have been present at a wide range of Pro Day's including Western Illinois' to meet with LB Jason Williams, Nebraska's for OT Lyndon Murtha, Maryland's for CB Kevin Barnes, and Penn State's for DE/OLB Aaron Maybin.
• My Two Cents: Little going on right now for not just Miami but for the entire NFL. We're past the combine and through the big part of free agency. Now we wait for the draft and get to sift through smokescreens. The Dolphins desperately need CB help but I'm not sure Faggins is the answer. They probably will sign another vet. and draft at least one prospect in April. At least, they should.
  

• The Jets are showing a lot of interest in Kansas State QB Josh Freeman and have schedule at least one private workout and meeting with him.
• New York matched Cleveland's offer to restricted free agent safety Abram Elam retaining his services for the 2009 season.
• RB Thomas Jones has been a no-show thus far at Jets voluntary workouts and is seeking a new contract. He's entering the third year of a four year deal he signed prior to the 2007 season when he was traded from Chicago to New York.
• My Two Cents: I hate when athletes don't want to honor a contract they have signed and agreed to... especially after it netted them over $13 million during the first two years of their deal! Come on, Jones, see the big picture. Take your $900,000 this year - plus bonuses - and shut up. The Jets owe you nothing more.

• The Steelers resigned veteran CB Fernando Braynt to a 1-year deal. He will be asked to step up with Bryant McFadden in Arizona.
• OT Trai Essex has signed a new 2-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh. Recently Essex was drawing interest from Tennessee. Essex resigning means that the Steelers will have a chance to trot out the same starting o-line as they did at the end of the year, plus utilizing the same backups. The only OL that is gone is Marvel Smith.
• The Steelers remain very interested in former Penn State OC A.Q. Shipley.
  
• My Two Cents: Resigning Bryant is a good start but the Steelers need some young help at CB. They could be looking at taking a CB with their first round pick. Someone like Alphonso Smith, Sean Smith, or Darius Butler would like good in black and gold.
  

• Ummm.... pretty much nothing of importance coming out of Dallas.
• Roy Williams (the safety) is visiting the Bengals.
• Oh, and CB Terrence Newman ripped on Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson. Newman says Romo's relationship with Simpson leaves the QB unfocused and distracted.
• My Two Cents: Jessica Simpson can be my distraction any day. And just for the heck of it...

• Former Eagles TE L.J. Smith - who was franchised by Philadelphia in 2008 - has signed with the Ravens. He had been entertaining offers from Atlanta and Detroit, too.
• RB Correll Buckhalter has been implicated in a lawsuit against a former drug deal. Buckhalter signed with the Broncos this offseason after spending the first eight years of his career in Philly. Of course, he only saw the field in five of those seasons. He missed all of the 2002, 2004, and 2005 seasons with injuries.
• The Eagles are also interested in CB Kevin Barnes from Maryland. They were present at the Terrapins Pro Day last week and held a private meeting with him.
• My Two Cents: The Eagles still need another OT and they seem set on finding him in the draft. However it may be fruitful for them to sign another vet. to throw off teams drafting behind them in the draft. If Philly relies too much on taking an OT with one of their 1st round picks, a team could snipe them and leave the Eagles scrambling.
  

NFL Update - 3/12/2009

QUICK HITS

• LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers have restructured the RBs contract, allowing him to stay with the team for at least one more season. It had been widely speculated that Tomlinson would be released before the end of the month if he did not renegotiate his current contract, which had three years remaining.
• What is going on with Jay Cutler and the Broncos? The Denver QB has been vocal about his displeasure with the trade rumors and proposals. However things seem to be getting worse. A conference call between the two parties was held earlier this week and, according to a source in the meeting, things may have gotten worse. The team maintains that it only breached the subject of trading Cutler because they were approached by a team (like the Buccaneers or Lions); they didn't initiate talks. They also say that Cutler has asked for a trade. Cutker and his agent deny asking for a trade but are upset that talks have occurred. This one could get interesting, folks.
• The Cleveland Browns continue to alienate the fan base and show their true colors. The team has cut veteran WR Joe Jurevicious, a Cleveland native and seen somewhat as a prodigal son. Though Jurevicious didn't play a down in 2008 due to a staph infection, he was on track to return this season. Jurevicious says he will play one more season in the NFL before retiring. He has been a part of three Super Bowls (Giants - XXXV, Buccaneers - XXXVI, and Seahawks - XL).
• Former Utah QB Alex Smith has reworked his contract to stay with the 49ers for at least another season. The #1 pick in the 2005 draft has been a complete buts thus far, starting only 30 games in four years and throwing for 19 TDs and 31 INTs.
• Terrell Owens found a new home this week, signing a 1-year, $6.5 million deal with Buffalo. He is now trying to finagle the only number he has ever worn in the NFL, 81, from second year player James Hardy.
• St. Louis terminated the contract of former LT icon Orlando Pace. Up next could be WR Torry Holt. The Rams have also added former Giants SS James Butler and Saints FB Mike Karney.
• The Minnesota Vikings resigned DT Jimmy Kennedy. Kennedy, a former Penn State standout, was a first round pick of the Rams in 2003. He has since shuffled around the league before landing with the Vikings for the final two regular season games in 2008. He was a free agent starting February 27th but has now inked a new deal with Minnesota. Kennedy is the top backup for the "Williams Wall", Pat and Kevin.
• Despite having few bodies to fill out an offensive line, the Bears released seven year veteran OG Terrence Metcalf. The former third round pick had been with the Bears for the last seven seasons. They did add a new safety, signing Josh Bullocks to a 1-year deal. Bullocks was not resigned by the Saints after four years with the team.
  
• The Panthers have dropped CB Ken Lucas. Lucas was signed as a free agent prior to the 2005 season. He was halfway through his 6-year deal.
• The Patriots have added another veteran CB to their roster. Leigh Bodden, once deemed the most physical corner in the game by Bengals WR Chad Johnson, has signed a 1-year deal for $2.25 million. Bodden had a dismal year in the Lions zone scheme but excelled in the Browns man-to-man scheme that is similar to the Patriots defense.
• For some reason, Saints TE Jeremy Shockey thought he deserved a new contract. Shockey is scheduled to earn $2.725 million this season. The Saints have denied his request.
• The Packers signed former Steelers safety Anthony "Guarantee" Smith.
• The Redskins resigned safety Reed Doughty.

• There is actually very little news out of Miami of late. They have been looking at CBs and had Eric Green in for a workout but a contract was not offered to him. They were one of four teams in the running for the services of Bryant McFadden, who ultimately signed with the Cardinals. UPDATE: According to the Dolphins website, the team has signed CB Eric Green.
  
• My Two Cents: The Dolphins have been relatively quiet during free agency. After resigning the core trio of Channing Crowder, Vernon Carey, and Yeremiah Bell, the team added Gibril Wilson, Joe Berger, and Jake Grove. That's pretty much it. They didn't go hard after Shawn Springs or Leigh Bodden and both ended up in New England, much to the chagrin of Dolfans. A minimum of two CBs are needed and all signs point to Miami drafting at least one and signing a veteran free agent or two in the next few weeks. The team has no solid starter opposite Will Allen. With Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Terrell Owens, and Lee Evans in the division, the secondary is a bit of a concern.

• Veteran DE Marques Douglas - who has played for the 49ers, Buccaneers, and Ravens - is drawing interest from the Jets, as well as Broncos and 49ers. New York had him in for a visit this week and would be a nice addition to a defense getting better and better.
• The Jets, who are still searching for the right veteran QB, will workout and interview USC QB Mark Sanchez. Sanchez may be available with the Jets first round pick (#17).
• The Jets - in desperate need of bodies at WR - will not be players for Torry Holt if he is cut by the Rams.
• Former Jets head coach Eric Mangini is grabbing former Jets left and right. Mangini has signed four of his former players to the Browns roster since the start of Free Agency. NT C.J. Mosley, CB Hank Poteat, OLB David Bowens, and safety Abram Elam have been signed to contracts by Cleveland. Elam is a RFA so the Jets have some time to match the offer. A fifth former Jets player could be bound for the Browns - LB Eric Barton has been meeting with Cleveland personnel.
• The Jets signed veteran special teams ace Larry Izzo this week. Izzo played the last eight season with New England, winning three Super Bowls with the team. He also spent the first five seasons of his career with the Dolphins. Perhaps he'll be in Buffalo in 2010?
• To fill the void created by the departure of backup NT C.J. Mosley, the Jets have signed former Seahawks DT Howard Green. Green is expected to back up Kris Jenkins.
• My Two Cents: The Jets search for a QB continues. Without a doubt they'll check out Matt Stafford and Sanchez. It is curious and raises some eyebrows that they weren't player for Kurt Warner or Kerry Collins, nor have they gone after Rex Grossman, Jeff Garcia, or Byron Leftwich. This could be a smokescreen. They may want a veteran and are waiting until prices fall. Or they truly like what they have. Or they want one of the soon-to-be rookies. It's a mystery. Once thing I know for sure, the defense is going to be good next year.

• The Steelers were unable to resign CB Bryant McFadden, losing him to Super Bowl opponent Arizona.
• After losing Nate Washington to Tennessee, the Steelers are kicking the tires on veteran WR Joey Galloway, released by Tampa Bay earlier this month.
• OT Willie Colon has signed his restricted free agent tender and will be back with the team in 2009.
• To ease some of the pain of losing McFadden, Pittsburgh may attempt to sign CB Chris Carr. Carr played for Tennessee last season and was a Raider from 2005 through 2007. Carr has mediocre coverage skills but is an explosive return man.
• My Two Cents: Quiet as usual. In the coming weeks talks will heat up with veteran wideouts and cornerbacks, two of the bigger areas of need for the defending Super Bowl champions. They seem to be content with the o-line they have, though depth is an issue. The team will still try to resign Byron Leftwich, too.

• Terrell Owens is a goner. He has signed with Buffalo and is taking his reality TV show with him.
• The departure of Chris Canty hurt the depth and talent along the Dallas d-line. Rectifying that situation is the free agent addition of former Chargers DE Igor Olshansky. The former Oregon DT has played in a 3-4 his entire professional career and will compete with Marcus Spears and Jay Ratliff - if he is shifted from NT to DE - for a starting DE spot. In other Cowboys/Chargers news, San Diego signed Cowboys reserve LB Kevin Burnett.
• Dallas has a vacancy at the SS position after Roy Williams was cut and Keith Davis wasn't resigned. Ken Hamlin, currently starting at FS, could be moved down to fill the role. However this creates a void at FS. With the trade of Anthony Henry - long thought as the heir to the FS role - to Detroit for Jon Kitna no one could take Hamlin's place. Until now. Dallas has signed former Jaguars FS Gerald Sensabaugh.
• My Two Cents: Olshansky and Canty are comparable players so Dallas should not see much of a drop, if any, along the line. The secondary becomes more of a concern each week. CB Terrence Newman has struggled to stay healthy and, in my opinion, is a tad overrated. Henry is now gone meaning second year men Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick are the new second starter and nickelback. Perhaps Dallas should consider drafting a CB and safety in rounds two and four. You can never have too many defensive backs.
  

• The Eagles filled the departure of Brian Dawkins with former Browns safety Sean Jones. Jones is seen as a big hitter, kind of like former Cowboys SS Roy Williams, but with better coverage skills. He should replace Dawkins nicely... at least on the field.
• The Eagles were expected to make an attempt to resign OT Tra Thomas. Well, Thomas is now a Jaguar. So much for that. Philadelphia has shown no interest in resigning their other free agent OT, Jon Runyan. Stacy Andrews fills one spot - most likely RT - but who protects Donovan's blind side? Interesting.
• The Eagles are closing in on a deal with former Seahawks FB Leonard Weaver. The fullback position was the home of many roster battles last season, with the Eagles trying many options. It was never really settled. Weaver would be a great answer.
  
• To help with the departure of Dawkins and Sean Considine, the Eagles have signed another safety. This time the man is Rashad Baker, previously of the Raiders. Baker won't be considered for a starting spot but will provide depth and some special teams expertise. Baker inked a 1-year deal.
• The Eagles are not interested in Orlando Pace but may look into signing WR Torry Holt should he be cut by St. Louis.
• My Two Cents: The Eagles continue to look for help at CB. After trading Lito Sheppard there is little available after Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel. Joselio Hanson was resigned but is more of a dimeback and special teams ace. Someone for the nickel role is a necessity. The Eagles sniffed around Shawn Springs and Jabari Greer but didn't land either of them. With the safety position filled through free agency, OT and CB are the two biggest needs with WR and RB right behind them. Unless the Eagles add another OT, one of their first round picks will be a tackle. The other could be used to fill any of the aforementioned positions. Late in the first there will be a run on WRs and RBs. Look for Philly to grab one then.