NFL Draft Review

This years NFL Draft was definitely exciting to watch. As expected, many of the high profile players were taken in the first round. This was the first time that the draft took place during prime time. I like the fact that it lasted three days. This gave many people including myself a chance to watch as much of the draft as possible. When it lasted two days, I couldn't see most of it because I had to do other things. It is very likely that they will use the same three day format next year.

As expected, Sam Bradford was taken in the first round. It made perfect sense for the Rams to draft him since they were in desperate need of a quarterback. The pick that surprised me the most was Tim Tebow going to the Broncos. Many reports projected him as either a second or third round pick. Also, the Broncos already have two decent quarterbacks on their roster in Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn. Josh McDaniels is taking a big risk by drafting Tebow. If Tebow doesn't excel at the next level, many people are going to be even more critical of Josh McDaniels than they are now.

The team that did well in this years draft was the Baltimore Ravens. They definitely upgraded their offense and defense with the rookies that they're bringing in. On offense, they drafted two great tight ends in Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta. The Ravens on defense added defensive tackle Terrence Cody and linebacker Sergio Kindle. These rookie additions will certainly help the Ravens become legitimate contenders in the AFC North.

Overall, this years NFL Draft was a success. A lot of talented players got drafted. My early prediction for rookie of the year will be Ryan Matthews. Matthews was the running back taken in the first round by the San Diego Chargers. There was a big void in the Chargers backfield after LaDainian Tomlinson was released. The team is now looking for Matthews to fill that void. He will certainly get the opportunity to run the ball for the Chargers. I like the three day format as well. It gave me as well as others to watch more of the draft. When the draft took place on two days, it took a large part of the day to watch. I believe they should stick with the three day format. This years draft was loaded with talent all across the board. I look forward to seeing what these players do once they get on the field.

McNabb Wants T.O. to join him in Washington

Donovan McNabb is making headlines again by requesting for Terrell Owens to join him in Washington. These two clashed as teammates in Philadelphia. I understand that Donovan is a very forgiving man who wants to win. The thing is, T.O .apparently has a history of causing problems with every team he joins. I don't think Redskins coach Mike Shanahan wants to deal with a player like Owens. Owens is still a player that can produce on the field. The concern will be how he interacts with teammates and the front office. If Owens does join the Redskins, he needs to make sure he's on his best behavior. The Redskins roster looks good so far. I trust that whatever decisions Mike Shanahan and the Redskins management make will benefit the team.

McNabb Goes to the Redskins

In a stunning turn of events, the Eagles have traded away their franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Redskins. Many people, including myself, thought that if the Eagles were going to trade McNabb, it would be to the Raiders. To trade a quarterback to a rival is a very bold step. McNabb can still play the game at a high level. The Eagles may regret letting him go. He took this team to multiple NFC Championships and also to one Superbowl. The Redskins got a great player in McNabb. I look forward to seeing what he does this season for the team.

Raiders Appear to Be in the Lead to acquire McNabb

The Raiders appear to be the front runner for obtaining Donovan McNabb. The Eagles apparently want a high draft pick in exchange for him. McNabb has repeatedly stated that he wants to stay in Philadelphia. He currently has one year left on his deal. The team claims they might trade him away, but only for the right price.

I believe trading Donovan away would be a mistake for the Eagles. McNabb is a proven winner. He has done a lot for this team. He has lead them to the playoffs multiple times. He's broken many Eagles passing records and he's played in a couple of NFC Championship games. At age 33, there's no doubt that Donovan can still be an effective quarterback for the next couple of years. For most of his career, he's had to play with an average supporting cast. Now that the Eagles have finally brought in some talent, they're thinking about trading him. This is rather unfortunate.

If the Eagles do decide to trade him, whoever replaces him would be expected to win right away. McNabb has set the bar really high with all that he's accomplished. The person most likely to replace McNabb if he's traded is Kevin Kolb. Kolb is a good player. He has shown some potential while on the field. The question is how effective Kolb would be while playing a full season. I doubt that at this stage in his career if he is as good as McNabb. Kolb would be under a lot of pressure to produce right away. The Eagles would probably be better served to keep McNabb.

Roger Godell wants to meet with Ben Roethlisberger

NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell wants to meet with Ben Roethlisberger about the recent charges the quarterback is facing. If found guilty, the commissioner could suspend Roethlisberger for a few games. This is the second time that Ben has been accused of having an inappropriate sexual exchange with a woman. I hope that the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback learns from this situation. He has to understand that putting himself in these situations will only create more problems. Not only does his decisions impact him, but they impact his friends, family and teammates. Hopefully, everything will work out for all the people involved with this matter.

NFL Combine

Every year invited college players from all over the country participate in this event called the NFL combine. The combine allows these players to showcase some of their athletic skills. Some of the tests include a 40 yard dash and a vertical jumping test. The tests are very important because many NFL teams use them in determining the draft status of these players. It's always good to physically evaluate players that teams are planning on drafting. Whenever money and jobs are on the line, it is always important to make sure that teams look at as much of a player as possible.

Even though the combine is good in many ways, there are some concerns. First, I think that many teams put too much into the combine. One of the best ways to judge a player is by seeing what the player did while on the field. If a player can dominate on the collegiate level, then they have a chance to succeed in the NFL. It's okay to evaluate the players in Indianapolis as long as the players are being evaluated in pads and helmets as well. Another concern I have is that some of these scouts are asking questions that have nothing to do with football. Asking players about things such as their sex life or what type of women they like should be prohibited. This has nothing to do with football and has no place anywhere in a professional setting like the Combine.


Overall, the Combine is good for potential prospects. It gives NFL prospects a chance to show what they can do in certain drills. These drills can help a player rise in the draft. As long as what these athletes did on the field is viewed with just as much importance as the drills, I don't have any problem with this. Anyone asking these players questions should be professional. No player should be asked anything that will make them feel uncomfortable. As long as these players and scouts want the combine to continue, then it should keep taking place.

The Eagles Released Brian Westbrook.

The Eagles today decided to release Brian Westbrook. Apparently, Westbrook was due about $7 million next month. Just like with LaDainian Tomlinson, it looks like the Eagles did this to save some money. I also think the concussions Westbrook had contributed to them releasing him. Andy Reid said that concussions had nothing to do with their decision, but I believe it did. When running backs get older, get injured and have a less than productive year, their teams tend to release them. Westbrook is a good player that can still bring it on the field.

LaDainian Tomlinson Apprarently No Longer a Charger

According to reports, the Chargers have released LaDainian Tomlinson. This wasn't really a surprise to many because of Tomlinson's refusal to restructure his contract. It's just unfortunate that a good productive player like him is now looking for work. He's given so much of his heart and dedication to the team. This is why NFL players should have guarunteed contracts. He will lose some money by being released. Apparently, Tomlinson was due $2 million by March. It looks on the surface like the Chargers released him before the next month to save money. Tomlinson is still a good running back. He's 8th in NFL history with 12,490 rushing yards. The next team that takes him will be getting a good player both on and off the court. Tomlinson has a few more productive years left in the NFL. The team that signs him will be getting a player that can still perform on the field for the next couple of years.

Bill Romanowski Could Join the Redskins

Retired NFL player Bill Romanowksi is apparently interviewing to become the strength and conditioning coach for the Redskins. The fact that the Redskins are even considering bringing him in is causing some concerns among many of the Washington fans. His past behavior has raised many questions to say the least. He's done things like spit on a player and punch a teammate. Later in his career, he took steroids which of course is banned in the NFL. My hope is that if the Redskins do hire him, he does his job without creating any problems. As we know, this franchise has enough problems as it is. Now it's time for this team to create solutions.

My Super bowl XLIV Prediction

Let me start of by saying that both teams are very good. Both teams can easily score at will. Each team almost had an undefeated season and these two teams have top-notch coaches. With all that being said, I believe the Colts will win the Super bowl. The main reason why I feel the Colts will win is because they have Peyton Manning as their quarterback. Peyton Manning has seen every type of defense that exists in the NFL. He figures out what defense scheme the other team is trying to employ and then he starts creating ways to score on them.

I mean no disrespect to the Saints by choosing the Colts. The Saints are definitely a good team. They've made it this far by making big plays when needed. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints defeated the Colts. The problem is the Saints are playing against a Colts team that is on a roll. Also, the Saints almost lost to the Vikings last week. If is wasn't for Favre throwing an interception late in the game, it is quite possible that the Vikings would have been playing in Miami instead of the Saints.

The Saints defense also gave up over 400 yards to the Vikings. If the Saints can give up 400 plus yards against the Vikings, one can only imagine what Peyton Manning will do against them. I'll give the Saints defense credit for putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and generating turnovers. They have been one of the reasons why the Saints have made it this far. Their blitzes have caused problems for many of the the teams they've played against. I could see Manning initially having some trouble dealing with these blitzes, but I think he will figure out how to handle it as the game progresses.

In order for the Saints to win, they will probably have to outscore the Colts. Drew Brees has to have a great game. He must get the ball into the hands of his play makers and hope that they score frequently. Also, the Saints cannot turnover the ball over. If they do, the Colts will most certainly turn those turnovers into points. Defensively, the Saints must put pressure on Manning and try to limit the big plays the Colts typically make on offense. Any turnovers that the Saints can get against the Colts will be beneficial to Drew Brees and the offense. The Saints specials teams can also make a difference. Reggie Bush has the ability to return a punt for a touchdown if given the opportunity.

In the end, I think the Colts offense and defense will play well enough to win in tomorrow's game. Offensively, I see Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon having great games. The Saints are probably going to have a couple of defenders on Dallas Clark. Because Clark could be covered by two or more defenders, I don't see him being a big contributor for his team. Defensively, the Colts will put pressure on Drew Brees regardless of whether Dwight Freeney plays or not. Freeney's back up, Raheem Brock, is more than capable of putting pressure on Brees.

I anticipate this game being a high-scoring affair. It could be one of those games where the team that has the ball last wins. The Colts overall are playing better in the playoffs than the Saints. They thoroughly defeated both the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets in the playoffs. The Saints did blowout the Cardinals, but struggled against the Vikings. As long as Manning is playing in the game, and the Colts continue to play well, they will more than likely win. I predict the score to be 35-27 in favor of Indianapolis. This will definitely be an exciting game. I can't wait to watch it.

Dwight Freeney is Probably Going to Play

My prediction is that Dwight Freeney will play in Super bowl XLIV tomorrow. Even though he has a severely sprained ankle, I think he's going to try and give it a go. The Super bowl is the biggest professional football game out there. For him to make it this far and not play in the game would be a travesty. One thing that does concern me is that he hasn't practiced this week. His lack of practice will probably make him a little rusty if he decides to go out there and play.

Another concern is the effectiveness of Freeney. It's hard for anyone to play on one leg especially linemen. Dwight Freeney is known for his speed and spin pass rush moves. He relies heavily on his feet and ankles to make these moves. With his ankle giving him problems, I'm not quite sure that Freeney will be the same. Don't get me wrong, he's still good enough to cause the Saints to game plan for him. I just don't think we will see the same Freeney that we saw prior to his injury.

If Dwight Freeny doesn't play, then the person taking his place needs to step up. If Freeney can't go in tomorrow's game, then the Colts will probably have Raheem Brock fill in for him. Brock is more than capable of having a big game against the Saints. He may not be as productive as a healthy Dwight Freeney, but he's definitely good enough to make plays if needed. He has stepped in and done a great job when called upon.

Lets not forget that the Colts have lost players all year and still found a way to win. They've lost key players like Bob Sanders, Anthony Gonzalez and Marlin Jackson. The thing is, the Colts just plug in another player to replace that injured player, with the end result being good. The Colts just find a way to keep winning no matter who they have on the field. This is why they are such an elite team. Regardless of whether Freeney plays or not, I believe the Colts will play a great game.

Reggie Wayne Causes a Scare During Practice

Reggie Wayne, the star wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, suffered a knee injury during Friday's practice. The good news that he's doing okay and is expected to play this Sunday. He is with no doubt, one of the key players in Sunday's game. He has the ability to beat any Saints defender that tries to cover him. Reggie runs great routes and he knows how to get open. If the Colts wants to defeat the Saints, then Reggie Wayne probably needs to have a big game. I'm quite sure that he's excited about playing in the Super bowl and I anticipate him playing well.

USC Coach Lane Kiffin Recruits 13-Year-Old

The USC football coach Lane Kiffin is making headlines again. This time it' s for recruiting a 13-year-old kid. I don't think this is a good idea. This child is not even in high school yet. He is way too young to be making such an important decision like this. It looks like Lane Kiffin is doing this merely for publicity. He was able to get a verbal commitment from this kid. There should be no college recruiters contacting this teenager until he's at least in his junior year of high school. I'm not against Lane Kiffin or any other coach trying to get this kid into their program. My thing is that these people shouldn't contact this child until he is in his third year of high school.

Why The Pro Bowl Should Be Played a Week After The Super Bowl

The Pro Bowl should be played after the Super Bowl. By having the Pro Bowl played before the Super Bowl, we didn't get a chance to see some of the Super Bowl participants such as Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne or Drew Brees play. No disrespect to the players that replaced these guys, but I would have enjoyed watching Peyton Manning or Dallas Clark play in Miami. Even though many of the selected players like Tom Brady or Philip Rivers didn't play, the game was still entertaining to watch. I also liked that the fact that a player such as London Fletcher finally got a chance to play in his first Pro Bowl. He's been a great player for so many years and never got a chance to play in this game until now. Both the AFC and NFC scored a ton of points which made the game worth watching. It was a fourth down conversion late in the fourth quarter that won the game for the AFC. They defeated the NFC 41-34. I hope next year that the NFL will have the Pro Bowl played after the Super Bowl.

Saints vs Colts My Pre-Super Bowl Thoughts

Next week, the New Orleans Saints will play against the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl and quite frankly, I'm very excited. These are two evenly matched teams that will most likely put on a great show for us. Both of these teams have dynamic offenses that can score at will. I anticipate this game becoming a high-scoring affair. It could be one of those games where the last team with the ball wins.

In the NFC Championship game, the Saints defeated the Vikings in overtime. From beginning to end, both teams went back and forth trading points. It was a costly interception by Favre that gave the Saints a chance in overtime. Saints kicker Garrett Hartley, kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime and now the Saints march on playing in the Superbowl.

For the Saints to win, they have to play well on offense, defense and special teams. Offensively, they have to score a lot of points. Drew must distribute the ball to his play makers. These play makers must put the ball in the end zone whenever they get the opportunity. The running backs for the Saints must run the ball effectively. By running the ball effectively, they can keep the Colts offense off the field. By controlling the clock, the Saints will limit the number of chances the Colts will have to score.

Defensively, the Saints must put constant pressure on Peyton Manning whenever he goes back to pass. They must also contain the Colts wide receivers and tight end. Last week, the Saints defense allowed over 400 yards against the Vikings. If they want to win, I don't think they can allow this many yards against the Colts. Even though the Saints defense gave up a lot of yards to the Vikings, they did create turnovers which gave their offense the ball back. This defense must also generate turnovers against the Colts if they want to win.

The Saints special teams can also help their team by adding points as well. If the Colts decide to punt the ball to Reggie Bush, he definitely has the ability to return at least one of those punts for a touchdown.

In order for the Colts to win, they must continue to score. Peyton Manning must be given enough time in the pocket to distribute the ball to his play makers. The Colts must run the ball as well. By running the ball, they will keep the Saints defense honest. Defensively, the Colts must put pressure on Drew Brees. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have to play great. They've been playing well throughout the playoffs and must continue in the Superbowl.

Based upon what I've seen so far, I think this will be a great game. Both teams know how to score and play defense. My prediction is that the Colts win will the game. Peyton Manning and the defense are playing very well. The Saints struggled against the Vikings at home. It took a turnover by Favre late in the game and the win of a coin toss to beat the Vikings. Also, the Colts have only lost two games in the regular season and in both of those games, they rested many of their key players. In the playoffs, the Colts are soundly defeating their opponents. I'm looking forward to watching both of these teams play.