NFL

Dolphins and Wake Agree to Extension

The Miami Dolphins and linebacker Cameron Wakehave agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $49 million, including $20 million guaranteed, a source with knowledge of the situation said Sunday.

The Dolphins later confirmed the deal via their official Twitter feed and said the extension runs the 2016 season, but they didn’t reveal financial terms.

“So far, so good,” Wake said about the direction of the team under new head coach Joe Philbin. “Just trying to make it a first-class organization from top to bottom, and making sure we have everything we need to be successful. We are taking big strides to make sure that 2012 will be a good season for everybody.”

Wake, who had been off Twitter for the past month, sent his followers a message Sunday morning, hinting at something of interest before the deal was announced.

2012 NFL Draft: Potential Sleepers and Late Round Steals

Everybody knows that the first round picks in every Draft are the most talked about and get the most attention, but there are hundreds of examples of late round picks that have been very good, Pro Bowlers, or Hall of Fame NFL Players ( Tom Brady Round 6, Matt Birk Round 6, Shannon Sharpe Round 7 and Donald Driver Round 7) Just to name a few.

Every year it seems that there is a few sleeper picks that become good to great players and here are some players that I think can be next.

Bradie Ewing FB Wisconsin: Bradie Ewing comes out of a scheme that uses several types of blocking concepts, ranging from gap to man and pulling, which comes as an advantage for Ewing in transitioning to the next level. One of the negatives in Ewing’s game is his lack of great agility. He’s a straight-line athlete that does not open his hips up and runs well, which is visible when he’s running routes in space.The final characteristic of Ewing’s game I want to touch on is his power. Ewing’s power is visible when engaging with defenders as he displays strong hands and good “pop,” which is very important for a blocker. He will probable be a 5th or 6th Round pick but as the ability and the tools to be a consistent Pro Bowler.

Devier Posey Wide Receiver Ohio State: Devier Posey was a non factor for the Buckeyes this past season having missed 10 games due to suspension after being overpaid for work he did in the summer. When Posey was on the field, he was limited by inexperience and a coaching staff that seemed ready to pull him at any time, which would make it hard for any player to get going. Posey didn’t follow that up well with a strong pre-draft performance in the Senior Bowl or combine, but he does have the size and hands to be a good NFL receiver. With good coaching and the right situation Devier Posey can be a very good starter in the NFL.

Nate Potter OT Boise State: Nate Potter has been One of the best O-linemen in College Football the last couple of years. Potter was a second-team AP All-America in 2011. He had another excellent season protecting quarterback Kellen Moore. Throughout the season, Potter put a string of dominant games together keeping Moore free of pass pressure. Potter is extremely light on his feet and is able to get back in his drop quickly. He mirrors pass-rushers well and is quick shuffling his feet. Needs to Improve run blocking.there is talk that a few teams are interested in Potter and he should be available in the 3rd round or later.

Tank Carder ILB TCU:Tall but short arms which may hurt when trying to tackle bigger backs,pretty good speed and moves really well. Really sound in coverage. Team leader on the defense and has some play calling responsibilities solid form tackler. Non-stop motor and hustle. Good short area quickness. Attacks the line of scrimmage well. Needs to get stronger and improver pass rushing. Tank Carder was a very good college line backer but that doesnt always translate but think he can be a good starter in the right system.

Kourtnei Brown DE Clemson: Brown is big at 6’5” and 256 pounds, strong with 26 reps of the 225-pound bench press and quick with 4.47 and 7.44 times in the shuttle and cone drills. He’s also extremely quick around the edge and creates solid pressure on the quarterback. Brown does have a nose for the football when it’s out and has been an impact player for Clemson for four years despite only starting for one. He’s a high character guy and won’t create problems off the field and is a hard worker. Brown will probably go undrafted because of lack of production but with A LOT of time and coaching I feel he can be very solid DE.

These are my Five players that I feel can be sleepers and turn into good if not great NFL Players.

Coby Fleener 1st Rounder?

For My 1st Post back with nfldraftmock I will be looking at One of My favorite Prospects in this years class Coby Fleener.

Coby Fleener is one of the more intriguing prospects to me in this years draft. He is a big athletic play making tight end that will be an asset to any passing team. Runs great routes and has great hands, Show the ability to make the difficult catch. not afraid to go across the middle and take some contact.Looks like a 2nd round pick but a team  might fall in love with his playmaking ability and take him in the 1st round.

Some teams that I think could be Draft him are:

San Francisco- The 49ers already have a Pro Bowl Tight End in Vernon Davis But Head Coach Jim Harbaugh loves too use two tight ends, He knows how to get the best out of Fleener from the four seasons that Jim Harbaugh was His Head coach at Stanford and will be able to design plays that will get Fleener open.Plus he will give Alex Smith another playmaking target which he needs if the 49ers want to win a Super Bowl.

New York Giants- The Giants need a Tightend pretty bad but they also have other needs and probable wont take him in the 1st round  and dont pick again until 63 so they wont get him unless they trade up in the 2nd round which is always a possibility.

Indianapolis- Colts are another possibility they got rid of a lot of their roster and Tight end is a need but they have so many holes that they might not pull the trigger on Fleener but he might do great if the take him and put him back with Luck could make a great QB-TE combo

Denver-  Broncos need a Tightend but at 25 it may be a little early for Fleener but I think he would be a good pick here.Manning does have a history with good pass catching Tightend's so this makes sense.

The Lions and Browns both could be landing spots but both teams have bigger needs and  22 or 23 could be too early to pick Fleener but you never know.

I think Coby Fleener is a late 1st round prospect on his pass catching alone. But he is also a solid run blocker and can get better if he bulks up a little bit. So in my opinion Coby Fleener is a 1st round round pick but we will see on Thursday if an NFL team Agrees with me.

2012 NFL Draft Mock

The NFL Draft is now just a couple days away, we are going to release one of our final mock drafts as we inch ever closer to the most exciting day of the NFL offseason.

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford -

Analysis: The Colts have already announced that Luck will be the pick, so no drama before the first pick this year. If Luck is as good as we all believe him to be, the Colts should be contending for the playoffs again within a few short years.

2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor -

Analysis: Similarly to the Colts and Luck, it’s well known that the Redskins will be selecting RG3 after surrendering four premium draft picks to move up from #6 to #2 in order to acquire his services. RG3 should bring explosiveness back to Washington and gives a young franchise quarterback to build around for the first time in a long time.

3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, LT, USC -

Analysis: For some reason, the Vikings always have to make things so difficult on draft day. The team is reportedly considering Kalil, Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne, yet what they really want to do is trade down, however it’s unlikely to happen. Therefore, I still believe in the end, Kalil will be the pick.

4. Cleveland Browns, Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland -

Analysis: The Browns have been a little coy with their interest in Richardson. Reports claimed the Browns were split on Blackmon and Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, however, Richardson is the best player on the  board here and is one of the few elite prospects in the draft and the Browns simply cannot afford to pass on an elite offensive player, especially when it fills the glaring need the team has at running back.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU -

If they were given a choice the Bucs would love to get their hands on Richardson, yet it seems unlikely. As long as Claiborne is still there the team will be happy, if he’s not, things are going to get very interesting.

6. St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St -

Analysis: The 2012 Draft could not have gone better for the Rams, first they move down and pick up two extra first round picks and a high second round pick this year, giving them three of the first 39 selections. St. Louis is blessed to already have selected it’s franchise quarterback with the first pick of the 2010 Draft in Sam Bradford so quarterback, so the team had no interest in RG3. Now they complete the perfect Draft by adding the playmaking wide receiver this offense has lacked since the departure of Torry Holt. Blackmon and Bradford will fit perfectly together and don’t be shocked if Blackmon catches 80 passes this year and clears 1,000 yards.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Quenton Coples, DE, North Carolina -

Analysis: The Jaguars should strongly consider Michael Floyd here, yet with the addition of receiver Laurent Robinson in free agent, the Jags will try to hold off until round two to find a quality wideout in a fairly deep draft. Coples is easily the most talented  pass rusher in the draft but has some character concerns. Yet, the Jags need a dominant edge rusher to take their defense to the next level and Coples has the talent to do exactly that for them.

8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M -

Analysis: Even with the no.8 pick, Tannehill feels like a bit of a reach, however he has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback with a little development. The Dolphins will have a unique insight on him, as their current offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was Tannehill’s head coach, so his adjustment to a pro offense will be much easier than expected if he goes to Miami. This pick just makes too much sense not to happen. The Dolphins need to take a risk and hope it pays off. They will not win anything with guys like Matt Moore and David Garrard starting at quarterback.

9. Carolina Panthers – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State -

Analysis: Cox has been flying up the draft boards and some even have him going as early as no.6 to the Rams, however when he’s available with this pick, the Panthers literally sprint to hand in their card with Cox’s name on it. He is an absolute beast who is an elite interior rusher and solid against the run, he also has position versatility and will drastically improve the Panthers weak defensive line.

10. Buffalo Bills – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Analysis: The Bills have been putting off adding an elite left tackle for years but Reiff is too good to pass up at this point. The Bills strongly consider Michael Floyd at this point but go the big man instead.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina -

Analysis: Some scouts think Ingram is the top pass rusher in the draft and he certainly is one of the impact defenders that will be available. The Chiefs make a ton of sense for him as he can play opposite of pro bowler Tamba Hali, giving the Chiefs an outstanding pass rush duo.

12. Seattle Seahawks – Luck Kuechly, LB, Boston College -

Analysis: Seattle Head Coach Pete Carrol loves linebackers and there is not another middle linebacker in this draft quite like Kuechly, he will be a starter from day one with the Seahawks and may even win defensive rookie of the year.

13. Arizona Cardinals – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame -

Analysis: The Cardinals have to be excited that Floyd falls to them in this spot. They finally get their replacement for Anquan Boldin and get some hopeful for quarterback Kevin Kolb.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Mark Barron, S, Alabama -

Analysis: The Cowboys have needed some safety help for quite some time and Barron is by far the best safety in this class. Barron is the best player available at this point and adding him along with free agent corner Brandon Carr from KC should give the Cowboys an enormous upgrade in the secondary. This pick also breaks the heart of the Philadelphia Eagles.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis -

Analysis: The Eagles were hoping for Barron but will settle for Poe, a big athletic defensive tackle that oozes potential.

16. New York Jets – Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Syracuse -

Analysis: The Jets really wanted to nab Poe, however Jones will be a great addition to their defense. They have a big need at outside linebacker opposite Calvin Pace as the Jets struggled to pressure the quarterback last season. Jones was considered a late-first round pick at one point, but has been moving up lately and is a perfect fit for the Jets scheme.

17. Cincinnati Bengals, David DeCastro, OG, Stanford -

Analysis: DeCastro does not fill a glaring need for the Bengals but he is the best player available, so the pick is easily justified. The Bengals will be getting one of the few sure things in this draft and if guard were a position of value, DeCastro would easily be a top-10 pick. Yet, guard is not a premium position, so he falls to the Bengals at no.17, who get a guy who will be a pro bowl type player for the next decade.

18. San Diego Chargers – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU -

Analysis: Even though the Chargers did just re-sign Luis Castillo, they have a big need on their defensive front. They do not have a dominant player along their defensive line and Brockers would fit great in San Diego cause of his size and versatility.

19. Chicago Bears, Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois -

Analysis: The Bears defense is built on speed and pressuring the quarterback. Defensive end Julius Peppers is one the best in the league at getting after the quarterback, yet the Bears lack another premium edge rusher, so they reach into their own backyard and nab Mercilus, who posted 16 sacks last season in the Big Ten, which routinely produces some top notch NFL offensive lineman.

20. Tennessee Titans, Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina -

Analysis: Gilmore has the talent to come off the board much earlier, so the Titans are very fortunate for him to fall in their lap, he can help the fill the huge void left at corner by the departure of pro bowler Cortland Finnegan.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Dre Kirkpatrtick, CB, Alabama -

Analysis: The run on corners begins here as the Bengals add a talented cover man in Kirkpatrick. The Bengals already have solid veterans to play opposite of Leon Hall in Nate Clements and Terrance Newman, however they find a long-term solution in Kirkpatrick.

22. Cleveland Browns – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech -

Analysis: The Browns continue to add offensive playmakers in an effort to upgrade their offense. They consider taking Brandon Weeden here, but since they hold the 37th pick, they elect to gamble and hope he falls to them there. If not, there are other quarterbacks worth drafting and developing in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Hill is an amazing talent and will give the Browns the big play threat they have been lacking in the passing game.

23. Detroit Lions – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford -

Analysis: The Lions were hoping a cover corner would fall to them, yet they also need a long-term replacement for left tackle Jeff Backus and Martin is the ideal fit. He is a great value in this spot and the Lions would be fortunate  if he falls into their lap on Draft day.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama -

Analysis: Following the release of long-time starter at inside linebacker James Farrior, the Steelers find his replacement in Hightower, who will be the rare Steeler draft pick that gets on the field relatively quickly.

25. Denver Broncos –  Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State -

Analysis: The Broncos are in desperate need of help along the interior of their defensive line and Worthy can provide it for them. He is stout against the run, can play multiple positions and has some interior pass rush skills.

26. Houston Texans – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor -

Analysis: For years the Texans have failed to add a complementary no.2 wide receiver to relieve some of the pressure off of Andre Johnson, so they finally take the plunge here with Wright, who is a very talented receiver, who is tremendous in yards after the catch.

27. New England Patriots – Shea McClellin, DE/OLB, Boise State -

Analysis: Patriots fans will rejoice if Head Coach Bill Belichick decides to pull the trigger on McClellin, who is a versatile defender in the mold of Mike Vrabel, who will finally give the Pats the edge rusher, they have desperately need for so long.

28. Green Bay Packers – Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC -

Analysis: The last time the Packers selected an outside linebacker out of USC (Clay Matthews), it worked out pretty well, so why not give it another shot with Perry, who is a gifted athlete with the ability to pressure the quarterback of the edge. He will take some pressure off Matthews and help upgrade a pass rush that was dismal in 2011.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Courtney Upshaw – DE, Alabama -

Analysis: The Ravens always do well in the Draft because they take the best player available and in this spot it’s Upshaw, who is not the greatest athlete but is a tough, hard-nosed football player, who would fit beautifully in Baltimore.

30. San Francisco  49ers – Reuben Randle, WR, LSU -

Analysis: Even though the team added wide receivers Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, they still need to get better at the position, however Hill and Wright are gone, so the 49ers turn their attention to Randle, a solid receiver who will add a young talented wideout to the 49ers receiving core.

31. New England Patriots – Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame -

Analysis: The Pats continue to fill big needs defensively, as they take the second-best safety in the draft here, hoping they can plug him in right away next to Patrick Chung, in an effort to upgrade a porous pass defense.

32. New York Giants – Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State -

Analysis: The Giants need a right tackle to replace former starter Kareem McKenzie and Adams has all the tools to be a successful right tackle right away, yet has the potential to become a starting left tackle in the future.

Legedu Naanee Now A Miami Dolphin.

Miami Dolpin fans are currently among the most dissatisfied fans in the National Football League, following an offseason of disappointment in which the team was hoping to sign star quarterback Peyton Manning, yet failed miserably. The team also was unable to attract free agent quarterback Matt Flynn, who was the backup quarterback in Green Bay.

As if striking out on the two best quarterback options in the free agent market wasn’t enough, the Dolphins also traded Brandon Marshall due to disciplinary issues, so while some Dolphin fans were certainly dreaming of  a Manning-Marshall connection, it looks like they may have to settle on the dynamic due of Matt Moore and the newly added Legedu Naanee, who according to a published report by Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, signed a one-year deal to join the team Tuesday morning.

The 28-year old wide receiver is a physically gifted player, who was drafted in the fifth-round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. At 6-2 225 pounds, the former quarterback turned receiver, has 107 career receptions for 1, 213 yards and four touchdowns. Naanee, (career stats found here http://pfref.com/pi/share/DEc9B), signed with Carolina last offseason following four years in San Diego and posted career-highs with 44 catches for 467 yards and one touchdown in his only season with the Panthers.

Even with Naanee in the fold, the Dolphins are still ultra thin at receiver, Brian Hartline and Davone Bess are the only other players with veteran experience and neither of them are considered more than a no.3 receivers, therefore the position will need to be addressed early on in the draft.

Naanee is a talented enough to be an average starter at receiver but he is no replacement for Brandon Marshall and any comparison suggesting so is ridiculous, hence the Dolphins have some big shoes to fill at receiver, in addition to trying to find a franchise quarterback.

Miami has the no.8 in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft next thursday, meaning they will have plenty of options at their disposal. Currently, the team isrumored to have a strong interested in Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who scouts believe has the talent to eventually become a franchise quarterback with a little seasoning. However, the Browns also appear to have their eye on him at no.4, so there it’s entirely possible that the Dolphins will miss out on him just as they did Flynn and Manning.

If that were to happen, one would think the Dolphins would seriously consider drafting Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd with their pick. Floyd is a dynamic receiver, who caught 271 passes for 3,686 yards and 37 career touchdowns in four season in South Bend. Floyd may be considered a reach at no.8, yet the Dolphins are in desperate need of skill players on offense and Floyd has no.1 receiver potential.

Fantasy Take: Naanee could end up being the Dolphins no.2 wide receiver this season and if so should get plenty of targets. Now who will be throwing him the ball? Tannehill, Moore or David Garrard? None of those options excite from a fantasy perspective, therefore, Naanee will likely be no better than a fourth or fifth fantasy receiver. Strictly a depth option. Should not be drafted.

Redskins sign Tanard Jackson

Jackson is looking to get his career back on track in Washington.

It was a surprise earlier in the week when the Tampa Bay Bucs cut once promising safety Tanard Jackson, yet it was not a surprise when Jackson resurfaced only days later, on a new team with a familiar face on the coaching staff, as it was announced today that he signed on with the Washington Redskins, reuniting him with former Bucs head coach Raheem Morris, who is now the secondary coach in the nation’s capital.

Jackson, who has played five season in the National Football League, all of them with the Bucs, has had an up and down career to this point, will look to get back on track with Washington. He has started a total of 56 games in his career and following the 2009 season when he intercepted five passes, the future seemed bright.

However, Jackson has repeatedly run into trouble off the field, as he was suspended on two different occasions for the violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. On top of that, he has struggled with injuries and failed a physical recently with Tampa Bay, which was cited as the reason for his release.

Last season, Jackson played in 10 games, registering 35 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and three passes defensed. For his career Jackson has 10 interceptions and 11 forced or recovered fumbles to go along with 27 pass breakups, so at one time he was a productive player.

Analysis: This is a low-risk move for Washington, Jackson is a talented player, who has encountered some off the field problems, yet the potential for him to develop into a regular starter at safety still exists and surely, the Redskins hope that having Morris on staff to oversee Jackson as his position coach, will greatly assist in the regeneration of Jackson’s once promising career.

Packers, Collins ponder future.

It only took one hit, one sudden moment for the life and career of Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins to change forever. In week 2 of the 2011 NFL season, in a game against the Carolina Panthers, Collins went to make an ordinary  tackle,  like he’s done a thousand times, yet  this time, Collins neck collided awkwardly with Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart and suddenly Collins was being carted off the field and now faces the possibility of never playing again.

The injury Collins suffered due to the collision was a herniated disk, which was repaired successfully through neck fusion surgery, which is similar to procedures Peyton Manning has undergone, yet it is still unknown if Collins will be cleared to return to the field, as Manning will.

By all accounts Collins recovery from the surgery has gone well and according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, who reported on Monday in the post found here: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/collins-hopes-to-return-to-football-after-fusion-surgery-mo4u26m-146925665.html, that Collins wants to play, it’s just a matter of getting approval from the doctors and the team.

This is a statement Collins made to Journal Sentinel reporters in December, “If everything’s good, then we’re going. If (doctors) say there’s a slight chance of something, then that’s it.”

Silverstein then quoted Wellington Hsu an assistant professor of spine surgery at Northwestern University, who according to the article, performed a 20-year study on NFL players who suffered similar injuries to the one Collins did.  Hsu was quoted in the article as saying, “A lot of people think neck surgery, you’ll never be able to play again. That was the thought among many spine surgeons. In fact, no, you can get back to playing, and you can play at a high level.”

Medical technology has come along way that last few decades and it has really affected the way the National Football League deals with injuries, a torn ACL used to be a career ending injury, it’s not anymore. Therefore, Collins has rested his hopes on of returning on the evolution of medical science, when it comes to these kinds of injuries.

Manning is getting ready to resume playing following four surgeries, while Collins on the other hand, may not get the go ahead after one, which shows how fragile neck injuries can be and how each case should be looked at individually.

The difference between Manning and Collins according to Silverstein’s article is that the disks affected by the injuries are in different locations. Collins injury is between the c3 and c4 disks, which impacts the spinal cord, while Manning’s injury is between disks c5 and c6, causing nerve roots leading to the arms and shoulders to be affected.

At this point the results from the test are not known to the public. I’m sure that Collins and his people, who are supposed to meet with General Manager Ted Thompson, Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the medical staff of the Packers to determine his future, know the results, they are just waiting for the Packers to review the material and make their conclusion.

There is no doubt that the Packers dearly missed Collins after he went out for the last season. Before being injured, Collins was easily the best safety in the NFC and among the top safeties in the league with Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.

From 2008-10, Collins was named to the Pro Bowl three times, intercepted 17 passes, forced five fumbles, broke up 40 passes and scored three defensive touchdowns. He also helped lead Green Bay win a Super Bowl Championship by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super XLV.

Late in the first quarter of that game, Collins had his defining moment as a pro football player, intercepting a pass from Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and returning it 37-yards for a touchdown,  to give the Packers a 14-0 lead.

It was a classic Nick Collins play, he made an incredible break on the ball, secured it and ran it back for a touchdown. It dealt a blow that Steelers never recovered from and Green Bay held on for what ended up being a 31-25 victory. It was easily, Collins finest hour on the football field.

Unfortunately, we may never see Collins again in Packer uniform. He sounds optimistic, yet it sounds like the decision will not be up to him alone, according to reports, the Packer’s doctors, Thompson, Herman and Collins all have to be in agreement that playing is the best thing for him and it sounds like convincing the Packer brass he is 100% healthy, is going to be a tough sell.

It’s not that the Packers don’t want him back. If he was healthy and faced no further risk by playing, the team would certainly welcome him back with open arms, because without him, they were abysmal on defense. Now, he’s not a miracle worker, but getting back one of the top ball hawking safeties to patrol the deep middle wouldn’t hurt.

Yet, sometimes there are more important things than football. Collins is still a young man at just 28 years old, is married and has children. Meaning,  there is plenty more at stake here, than winning football games, which is why, when it comes down to it, I believe we have seen Collins take the field for the last time.

As badly as He wants to play, I just do not foresee any scenario under which Thompson, McCarthy, Herman and the Packer’s doctors allow him to risk it. McCarthy even told Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com, “If Nick were my son, I would not let him play.”

McCarthy also said that if Collins were to take the field, essentially there needs to be no doubt, telling Wilde, ”Dr. Pat McKenzie and our medical staff, they’re conservative by nature. We’re not going to put him in harm’s way. If he’s on the field, he’ll be cleared, he’ll be 100 percent, everybody will be comfortable.”

Albeit, getting their pro bowl safety back on the field would help their defensive makeover tremendously, the Packers are about more than just winning football games and sometimes football needs to take a back to seat. There are something that are simply more important. Unfortunately, for all the Packer fans who have enjoyed watching Collins play, this appears to be one of those times. Despite the fact that Collins wants to play again so badly.

Herman, Collin’s agent told this to Silverstein:

“I’ve told him, why come back? You’ve got more money than you can spend. But I don’t think it’s any different with Nick Collins than it is with Peyton Manning. That’s why Peyton Manning has come back from a neck injury. They like to compete. They’re willing to accept the risk.”

Bengals Land Former Cowboy CB Terence Newman

Breaking News! According to Adam Schefter’s official twitter page, “Former Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman has officially agreed to terms with the Bengals.” Newman, who was selected fifth by the Dallas in the 2003 NFL Draft, was released this offseason due to a decline in his play.

However, the Cowboys loss is the Bengals gain, as Newman has found a new home in Cincinnati, where he will be reunited with former Dallas defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Although, Newman may not be the pro bowl corner that he once was, he still has a nose for the football, intercepting four passes last season and also recovering a fumble, to go along with 53 tackles and eight passes defensed.

In nine season with Dallas, Newman was named to the pro bowl twice, following the 2007 and 2009 seasons and ranks eighth all-time in franchise history with 32 career interceptions. However, Newman’s play started to drop off in recent years and after Dallas brought in high priced free agent cornerback Brandon Carr from Kansas City, his days were numbered.

On the bright side,  Newman should fit in well in Cincinnati. He’s familiar with the defensive system due to his previous experience with Zimmer and joins a solid group of cornerbacks, including fellow pro bowlers Leon Hall and Nate Clements, as well as Adam Jones in the Bengals secondary.

Plus the Bengals seem to be headed in the right direction after qualifying for the playoffs last season with a 9-7 record behind a solid defense, and the better than expected play from rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, so Newman goes from one contending team to another.

There is no question that Newman is not the same player he onces was, yet he has still found a way to intercept nine passes over the last two seasons, so his ball skills are intact. At age 34, the athleticism that once made him a shutdown corner is gone but with his skills and veteran savvy, he should be able to contribute as a third corner.

The Bengals, who have two first-round picks had been rumored to have interest in cornerbacks such as Stephen Gilmore of South Carolina, Janoris Jenkins of North Alabama and Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama. However, the Newman signing means the team has four  solid, veteran corners, lessening the need there and potentially opening up other possibilities with their two first-round selections.

One possibility at a position of need for the Bengals would be Alabama safety Mark Barron, who is the no.1 safety in this year’s draft class. Cincinnati has been mentioned as a potential landing spot for him, yet the Eagles, who are two spots ahead of the Benglas at no.15,  are starting to show a strong interest in Barron as well and are in desperate need of help at in the secondary, so if Cincinnati truly wants him, they may have to package some picks and move up to make it happen.

Keys to Super Bowl XLVI

With less than a week till Super Bowl XLVI, it’s time we take a look at the keys to the game for both the Patriots and the Giants.

Gronk’s Health – This has been the biggest story for the last week and a half, and will continue to be the leading story until we see Gronkowski play on Sunday. With the recent report coming from his dad that he has a high ankle sprain, this is a major issue for the Patriots. Gronkowski has become the focal point of the offense, allowing others like Welker and Hernandez more room to run. If Gronk is unable to be effective during the game, the Giants won’t have to double him and can concentrate on taking away Brady’s other targets. If this is the reality, Deon Branch could be the key to the Patriots passing game. If Gronk is able to be effective, than the pressure is on the Giants’ mediocre core of linebackers to handle two stud TEs.

Giants Pass Rush – In Super Bowl XLII the Giants’ pass rush shocked the New England offensive line and overwhelmed Brady. The Patriots were to inept to handle the rush, or make game time adjustments to slow down Giants. However, the Giants don’t have the same type of D they had in ’07. While their front 4 are the best in the game, their linebackers are weak, and can’t be left alone in 1on1 pass coverage all game. The Patriots O-Line handled the Ravens front 7 and if they do the same to the Giants, Brady will carve their weak (but not as pathetic as the Patriots) secondary.

Turnover Battle – While this is a no brainer key to the game, the events in both the AFC and NFC Championship games, makes this even more important. In the AFC Championship, Brady and the Patriots almost blew their chance to be in the Super Bowl with turnover after turnover. Brady was surprisingly bad, throwing three INTs including an awful decision to take a shot down field after a Brandon Spikes‘ interception that could have sealed the game. After the Patriot escaped elimination after numerous turnovers, the Giants got their berth to the Super Bowl capitalizing on turnovers. Kyle Williams inability to hold onto the football, and the fact he thought he could fool the 700 angles of instant replay, allowed the Giants to sneak into the Super Bowl. The Patriots had similar issues with Danny WoodHead fumbling on a kickoff return. If the Giants are able to force multiple turnovers, this game could get out of hand. Look for the giants to try and fluster Brady and force him to make bad decisions.

Goodell Gets Extension

Like it or not, Roger Goodell will be the commissioner of the NFL through 2018. After taking of for Paul Tagliabue in 2006, Goodell has been instrumental in the success of the NFL. Over the last decade, the NFL has grown astronomically and is above all others when it comes to fan base, and ratings. However, we are going to start off with some of the ways Goodell might ruin in the game in the next 6 years.

Since taking office, Goodell has suspended over 7 players and handed out more fines than I think we’ve ever seen in the sport. While people are more intrigued with the with the sport and the fan base is growing rapidly in all demographics. While there is a lot of attention being given to the game, the media has clearly paid more attention to the fines and suspensions. We have no one but Goodell to thank for this with the rule changes he has laid down over the last 5 years. There is a fine line of protecting the players, and controlling the game that he may have crossed. The most disappointing rule change is clearly the fact that he moved up the kickoff. Not only does it take one of the most exciting plays out of the game, but he also may have cost some players a job and a shot to live out their dream. Goodell also crossed the line with some of the rules that favor the offense. While it is exciting to see points on the board, it’s not as exciting to see them do it with 15yrd penalty after 15yrd penalty. While the main issue is that there isn’t parody from referee crew to referee crew, it is Goodell’s job to make sure that they are all on the same page.

That being sad, nothing can be taken away from Goodell for what he did during the lock out. Not only did he respectively reduce his salary to $1, but he saved a sport we all love. In the last year, he negotiated a 4 1/2 month locate, extended and negotiated long-term tv contracts that will bring in more revenue for the next 10 years, and saw the NFL have one of its most successful seasons ever. So while we may criticize ”The Man” for trying to change the game too much, we can all be glad Goodell is here to stay.