Playbook Picks: Steelers are unanimous choice

Published: January 19th, 2011 | Tags: NFL Playbook picks, Brian Baldinger, Brian Billick, Conference Championships, Joe Theismann, NFL Playbook

It’s prediction time again for “Playbook” analysts Brian Baldinger, Joe Theismann and Brian Billick.

Although the Jets have won playoff road games against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in consecutive weeks, the crew doesn’t see it happening a third time against Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers in Pittsburgh. All three are taking the Steelers at home.

The crew is split on the Bears/Packers, who split their two meetings this season. Baldinger, who is alone on taking the home Bears, sees how they can have success against the explosive Packers.

“The Bears are set up to contain Aaron Rodgers,” Baldinger said. “They really don’t have to do a lot. They win with their front four. Speed at linebacker to take care of underneath (coverage) and chase Rodgers when he does break the pocket. The safeties generally play deep to take away the deep throws. The cornerbacks really redirect and re-route the receivers. That’s what they did in the first game, they limited the big plays and tackled very well. Really, I give the Packers credit because they stayed pretty patient (in the second) game even though they turned it over a couple of times. The defense kept it close and they won it in the fourth quarter.

“That’s the challenge, but I believe the Bears think that their defense is in place to be able to slow this offense down.”

Here are the picks for the conference championship games:

Packers at Bears 
Baldinger: Bears
Theismann: Packers
Billick: Packers

Jets at Steelers
Baldinger: Steelers
Theismann: Steelers
Billick: Steelers

Posted in: NFL Network  

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Best of Championship Wednesday’s podium talk

Published: January 19th, 2011 | Tags: Championship Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Jay Cutler, Lance Briggs, Mark Sanchez, Mike Tomlin, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Rex Ryan, Santonio Holmes, Tramon Williams

Here’s a quick look at the best of the best from the podiums in Chicago, Green Bay, New Jersey and Pittsburgh on Championship Wednesday:

Bears LB Lance Briggs had perhaps the line of the day when asked if there’s a sense of urgency due to the age of the Bears defense: “No, no, I’m 30. I’m not dead. I don’t see it that way.”Not that he needs any help any extra promotion, but Jets coach Rex Ryan summoned his inner Don King when he called the matchup against the Steelers “a triple chinstrap game.” On the possibility of beating the Colts, Patriots and Steelers on the road in three consecutive weeks to reach the Super Bowl, Ryan said “Clearly, we have a ton of work to do to pull this off. But we think we’re the men for the job. We’re going to find out Sunday.”Jay Cutler isn’t afraid of going after red-hot Packers CB Tramon Williams: “We’re not staying away from him. He’s a good player, really good player. He’s had a lot of one-on-one matchups that he’s won. Teams are kind of shying away from Charles (Woodson) and those other guys and attack him. He’s responded.”Ben Roethlisberger said the reputation of Jets CB Darrelle Revis “absolutely” keeps quarterbacks from throwing to his side of the field, even when receivers might be open. When told by one reporter Jets CB Antonio Cromartie said that he loved him, Roethlisberger said this: “I love him too. I have a lot of respect for those guys. Every single one of them on defense because they’re so good. They really are. I could sit here and talk good about them all day. All I have to do is say they went to Indy and to New England and beat the two best quarterbacks in the game. Enough said in my opinion.”A jovial Mike Tomlin got philosophical about his latest Super Bowl journey: “I don’t think this journey has been different than any of the other ones. Some of the specifics are different, but every year you’re presented with adversity. … We all fall short of perfect. But I always enjoy the journey, particularly with this group of men. It’s been a fun one. Adversity is as much a part of the game as blocking and tackling.”Facing his former team isn’t personal for Santonio Holmes right now: “I don’t care about the Steelers right now. … If we win the Super Bowl, then everything is personal. That’s a slap back in those guys’ face for trading me. But, right now, it’s not even a focus of mine, and it shouldn’t be the focus of any of my teammates or anyone in this organization.”Mark Sanchez got very specific about his game day routine on the road: “It sounds so cheesy like it’s the first day of school and you just lay out your stuff, but that’s really the way it is.”Aaron Rodgers had this to say about the Packers’ rivalry with the Bears: “Jay and I are buddies, but we’re not going to text this week. Charles (Tillman) and I are probably not going to talk this week. … It’s about getting to the Super Bowl this week. There’s not going to be a whole lot of friendship out there until after the game.”

Check out all of Wednesday’s news conferences here.

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Palmer Wants Out of Cincinnati; Will They Let Him Go?

Well, I was holding out small hopes that this whole “Carson wants to be traded” thing was either overblown or an out-and-out fabrication.  No dice. Unfortunately, both Mike Brown and Palmer’s agent David Dunn have seperately confirmed it. Brown stated that he and Palmer had met last week and that number 9 had requested a trade, but Brown turned him down flat.

Brown:

“He’s key to our plans. He’s central to us. He was told that. We count on him going forward. He was told we were in no position to trade him. It would not be something we would consider doing … we are not looking for offers.”

Once that news broke, Dunn was quick to issue a polite but unambiguous statement on behalf of his client.

Dunn:

“Carson met with Bengals owner Mike Brown recently. They both expressed profound disappointment in how the team fared last season, and in how it has generally performed during Carson’s tenure with the team. Because of the lack of success that Carson and the Bengals have experienced together, Carson strongly feels that a separation between him and the Bengals would be in the best interest of both parties. Carson could not respect the Brown family any more than he does or be more appreciative of what the Browns have done for him and his wife Shaelyn and his family.”

The Bengals need Palmer to come back, and appear willing to discuss concessions that might make staying a viable option for the former Heisman Trophy winner.  ”We’ll reach out to him, try to understand what’s in his craw,” Brown said. “Maybe there are things that we can do that will appeal to him. We’ll certainly try to do that. We’ll see whether we can get it fit back together again in the future.”

Judging by Dunn’s statement, it looks like Carson has no desire to do so.  There’s plenty of time between now and when anything is final, and the uncertainty of the CBA only complicates matters for both sides to make a seperation happen.  Nonetheless, this looks like its getting ugly fast.

Cam Newton anyone?

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Get ready for a busy week in Mobile

Mobile, Ala. — The NFL’s influence on Mobile this week is readily apparent before you even arrive.

My short connecting flight from Memphis was filled to capacity, with nary an inch of space in the small overhead compartments. The woman sitting next to me and her two business associates were clearly flummoxed by this development, until she was approached by another passenger who asked whether she had a son playing in the Senior Bowl.

It sunk in at that moment: She was wearing a Nebraska sweatshirt. She didn’t even know what the Senior Bowl was prior to that, only that it was making travel a lot more hectic.

The NFL was in town.

The natives do appear ready. In the line for car rentals, one friendly employee said she’d been handing keys to NFL and team employees all day. She then told a story that goes to the heart of how much the Senior Bowl is woven into the fabric of this quaint Southern town.

She proclaimed how she had been wanting to go to the game for ages, but the one time she actually got a ticket — 25 years ago — her opportunity was regrettably thwarted. She made clear she still wasn’t over it. Why did she have to miss the game you ask? Well, only because she was in labor with her son.

Yes, Senior Bowl means that much to Mobile. Much as it does to the prospects, scouts, coaches, agents, journalists and fans here this week.

We will have daily video and blog updates, photos, columns and more from practice through Thursday, updating you on all the action. Stay tuned for more.

Posted in: Draft  

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Senior Bowl: Breaking down North QBs

Published: January 24th, 2011 | Tags: 2011 Senior Bowl, Charles Davis, Colin Kaepernick, Jake Locker, Mike Mayock, Ricky Stanzi

NFL Network analysts Charles Davis and Mike Mayock discuss North squad quarterbacks Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick and Ricky Stanzi from the Senior Bowl.

Posted in: Draft  

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Oklahoma State hires running backs coach

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Cardinals DT Dockett named to Pro Bowl

Published: January 22nd, 2011 | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Darnell Dockett, Kevin Williams

Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has been named to the Pro Bowl to replace injured Minnesota defensive lineman Kevin Williams.

The Cardinals made the announcement Saturday.

Dockett, also named to the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009, registered 52 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble in 15 games this season.

Dockett, 29, is a seven-year veteran whose played his entire career with the Cardinals. Arizona signed Dockett to a four-year contract extension in September. He had two years left on his previous contract, so the new deal runs through the 2015 season.

A third-round draft pick out of Florida State in 2004, Dockett has developed into one of the best at his position entering his seventh NFL season as the high-spirited leader of Arizona’s defense.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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SportsGabNetwork’s “Road to the Big Game” with Chrysler – Chicago

Getting out of the Limo

The Limo we took to the Game

Bears Fans out in Full Force

Heading to the Stadium

Our seats at the NFC Title Game

Sunday the Sports Gab Network crew was in Chicago for the huge showdown with the Packers and Bears for the NFC Title game. We were shuttled to the game in a sweet stretch limo, got a Class A tailgate with all the fixings, and then walked to historic Soldier Field for the matchup among the throngs of Packers and Bears fans.

The game of course didn’t go the way of the home team, as Chicago simply didn’t play up to the standards that got them to the NFC Title game. Of course the Packers and the play of Aaron Rodgers and Dom Capers’ defense had something to do with that.

In the end, we had a blast in Chicago, enjoying the game, the atmosphere, and being able to travel in an excellent vehicle in the Chrysler 200. For more info on the Blogger Game On Road Trip that will end in Dallas with Super Bowl XLV in two weeks, check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chrysler.

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines, I am disclosing that my time, travel and accommodations have been compensated by Chrysler Corp. for my participation in the Blogger Game on Road Trip campaign. Although I have a material connection to Chrysler Corp., any publicy stated opinions of Chrysler Corp. and their products remain my own.

The NFL is not sponsoring or affiliated with me, my trip or my postings.

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ESPN.com's 2010 All-Senior Big Ten team

As we gear up for the Senior Bowl, I wanted to piggyback off of an excellent post by colleague Chris Low from last week.

It's time to identify an All-Big Ten team comprised only of seniors. There were easy picks like Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi and Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones, but several positions created some tough choices.

Reminder: This team includes only fourth-year or fifth-year seniors, not redshirt juniors.

Bowl performance is included in this rundown, if applicable.

In case you forgot, my All-Big Ten team included only 12 seniors, all of whom will appear below. I also selected 14 underclassmen.

Without further ado ...

OFFENSE

QB: Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin
RB: Evan Royster, Penn State
RB: Dan Dierking, Purdue
WR: Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State
WR: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa
TE: Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
C: Bill Nagy, Wisconsin
T: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
T: D.J. Young, Michigan State
G: John Moffitt, Wisconsin
G: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State

DEFENSE

DL: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
DL: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
[+] Enlarge Leon Halip/Getty ImagesEric Gordon narrowly edged out Ross Homan for a spot on the All-Senior Big Ten team.DL: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
DL: Karl Klug, Iowa
LB: Greg Jones, Michigan State
LB: Brian Rolle, Ohio State
LB: Eric Gordon, Michigan State
CB: Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
CB: Chris L. Rucker, Michigan State
S: Jermale Hines, Ohio State
S: Brett Greenwood, Iowa

SPECIALISTS

K: Collin Wagner, Penn State
P: Aaron Bates, Michigan State
Returns: David Gilreath, Wisconsin

Some thoughts:

Selections by team: Wisconsin (6), Ohio State (5), Michigan State (5), Iowa (4), Penn State (3), Purdue (2)Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

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Four Downs: Big Ben a nightmare to defend

Here’s a championship weekend edition of Four Downs, starting with a look at why Ben Roethlisberger is so difficult to defend.

1. In my mind, Roethlisberger is tougher to defend than both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. The Jets have beaten both, but neither plays like Roethlisberger. They don’t get out of the pocket, extend plays or break down defenses the way Roethlisberger does, which can be frustrating and irritating for a defense. Roethlisberger plays with no conscience. He will throw the ball 65-yards downfield on a third-and-19. He doesn’t care. If he doesn’t make the throw, the Steelers punt and put the defense back out on the field. It’s true that you can hit Brady and Manning early and frustrate them by getting them off of their spot. I’ve seen Roethlisberger go through every situation imaginable, and nothing phases him. He just comes back on the next play.

Really, no one in the league outside of Michael Vick has more to prove to his city, his fans or his own teammates than Roethlisberger. He let them down the first quarter of the season and put the proudest organization in the league through a bad offseason. Even though he’s won two Super Bowls, no one deep down needs this more than Roethlisberger to erase the stain he put on the organization. I think he deep down feels like he owes everyone something. No one scares you more at the end of a game. This all makes Roethlisberger very dangerous.

2. How the Jets choose to defend the Steelers could limit the effectiveness of Darrelle Revis. The Jets will likely put Antonio Cromartie on Mike Wallace, the Steelers’ most dangerous receiver, like they did in the last matchup. That means for much of the game Revis is on Hines Ward, which isn’t using him to his strengths. Ward doesn’t beat any corner in the league in man-to-man — it’s just not what he does best — making it a misuse of Revis. But if you match up Revis on Antonio Brown or Emmanuel Sanders, the Steelers don’t go to them that often. So how does Revis take a receiver out of the game? If you put him on Wallace, it leaves Cromartie in situations where I’ve seen him get lost against certain formations or when things aren’t simple for him. I think the more the Steelers use bunch formations and three-by-one sets, the more it marginalizes the effectiveness of Revis, because he can’t effectively take out the Steelers’ most important receiver. Watch how Revis and Cromartie are used and the chess match with Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Ariens.

3. Look for the Packers to come out and feature a nickel defense against the Bears. I expect them to use two defensive tackles, four linebackers and five defensive backs. The nickel back will be Charles Woodson, who will line up all over the field and be largely unaccounted for. The only way to get the Packers out of the nickel will be to run the ball, which the Bears did well in Week 17. As soon as you hurt the Packers with the run, defensive coordinator Dom Capers puts three defensive linemen on the field. That takes Woodson and puts him back where he belongs on the outside, farther away from opportunities, giving you a much better chance of operating your offense. If you let Woodson play in the middle of the field, he’s capable of making every tackle and being the most disruptive player. I don’t know if there is a better tackler in the league than Woodson.

4. If Chicago wins, the one player who will have had a big game is Matt Forte. The Bears decided to put the ball in his hands and make him the workhorse after their bye in Week 9, and I think Forte is very underrated. He can play receiver, in the slot and catch screens out of the backfield. I think he can also win the one-on-one matchups with inside linebackers A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop. Keep an eye on Forte, he’ll touch the ball a lot in this game. He had 25 touches last week and 23 against the Packers in Week 17. I see offensive coordinator Mike Martz leaning on Forte in this game like he used to with Marshall Faulk.

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Top non-AQ players, offense

Wanted to give you a quick rundown of the top non-AQ players in the final NCAA statistics for offense. Many of these players will be back for 2011, but many will be gone.

First let us take a look at rushing. Four non-AQ players finished in the Top 10 in yards per game:

No. 3 Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky (137.4)

No. 6 Lance Dunbar, North Texas (129.4)

No. 7 Vai Taua, Nevada (123.85)

No. 10 Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State (117.9)

Taua is the only player who does not return next season. Hillman was a true freshman and many expect him to have an even better season. Rainey and Dunbar will both be seniors and vying once again to be the best running back in the Sun Belt. With Dunbar, it will be interesting to see how he fairs under new coach Dan McCarney, though offensive coordinator Mike Canales remains onboard. Rainey carried the ball a nation-leading 340 times last season. Can he handle another strenuous workload in 2011?

At quarterback, seven of the top 11 players in total passing yards were non-AQ players:

No. 1 Bryant Moniz, Hawaii, 5,040 yards

No. 4. Dominique Davis, East Carolina, 3,967

No. 6 Kellen Moore, Boise State, 3,845

No. 7 Ryan Lindley, San Diego State, 3,830

No. 8 Kyle Padron, SMU, 3,828

t. No. 9 Corey Robinson, Troy, 3,726

No. 11. G.J. Kinne, Tulsa, 3,650

I stretched this list all the way to 11 to show the depth of quality quarterbacks among the non-AQs. Although big-name players like Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick are gone, every player on this list returns to school next season, which means non-AQ quarterbacks will definitely be ones to watch again. But what is interesting is their receiver situation. Everybody but Kinne is losing his leading receiver. In the case of Moore, he loses two in Austin Pettis and Titus Young. Moniz loses Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares, and Lindley loses DeMarco Sampson and Vincent Brown.

At receiver, seven of the top 100 players in total yards also came from non-AQ schools:

No. 1 Salas, 1,889 yards

No. 5 Jordan White, Western Michigan, 1,378

No. 6 Brown, 1,352

No. 7 Pilares, 1,306

No. 8 Aldrick Robinson, SMU, 1,301

10. Sampson, 1,220

11. Young, 1,215

Ssix of these players are definitely done with their college careers. The one up in the air is White, who is petitioning the NCAA for a medical hardship waiver and sixth season of eligibility. White had serious injuries to both his knees and sat out 2006 and 2008, so it seems likely his waiver will be granted. He set the school record for receiving yards in 2010.

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Mayock: Keep an eye on QBs Locker, Dalton

Published: January 20th, 2011 | Tags: 2011 NFL Draft, Andy Dalton, Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Mike Mayock, Ryan Mallett

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock discusses the quarterbacks of the 2011 draft class, including why to keep an eye on seniors Jake Locker and Andy Dalton.

Posted in: Draft  

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Christina Aguilera to sing National Anthem

Chritina Aguilera will sing the National Anthem before Super Bowl XLV. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Five-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera will sing the National Anthem as part of Super Bowl XLV pregame festivities at Cowboys Stadium in North Texas on Sunday, Feb. 6, the NFL and FOX announced Monday. The performance will be televised live on FOX prior to kickoff.

More than 153 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year’s Super Bowl, the most-watched television program in history. The pregame show and Super Bowl XLV will be broadcast worldwide.

“I have been performing the Anthem since I was seven years old and I must say the Super Bowl is a dream come true,” Aguilera said. “I am really excited to be part of such an iconic event.”

Aguilera returns to the Super Bowl, having performed during halftime of Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta. She is among many great performers who have been honored with singing the Super Bowl National Anthem, including: Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick, Jr., Garth Brooks, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Jewel, Cher, Faith Hill, the Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyoncé Knowles and many more. (See below for a complete list of National Anthem performers from past Super Bowls.)

The NFL previously announced that The Black Eyed Peas will perform in the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show.

The pregame and halftime shows are an NFL Network Production and will be executive produced by Ricky Kirshner.

Check out the complete list here of previous Super Bowl entertainment.

Posted in: Super Bowl  

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Broncos Bring Aboard Dennis Allen as New Defensive Coordinator

The Broncos have a new defensive coordinator, as new head coach John Fox have has hired Saints defensive backs coach Dennis Allen as the teams new DC. Allen reportedly interviewed with the Eagles for their defensive coordinator vacancy last week.

Allen began his NFL career with Atlanta in 2002 assisting with defensive backs before taking over as defensive assistant/quality control. He joined the Saints as a defensive line coach in 2006 and was promoted to secondary coach in 2008.

The Broncos have employed a 3-4 defense in recent seasons, but it is unknown whether Fox will stay with that type of defense as he takes over the club in 2011. One thing is for sure, if the Broncos are going to compete with teams in the AFC West, they are going to have to be heads and tails better on D in 2011.

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Aggies shouldn't run from new UT network

Texas A&M's summer fling with the SEC ended with both parties going back to business as usual in the fall.

Now, Texas' recent partnership with ESPN has caused some trouble at home, and Aggies fans' eyes have drifted east once again, longing to recapture what they once had: a reported offer to join the SEC, the nation's premier conference on the football field.

Athletic director Bill Byrne made the right call in keeping the Aggies in the Big 12 over the summer. We discussed the issue briefly in a mailbag on Friday, but Byrne would be well-served to keep the Aggies in the Big 12 as long as the Longhorns do the same.

[+] Enlarge Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesTexas A&M is 25-35 against the SEC, including a 41-24 loss to LSU in this season's Cotton Bowl.The Longhorns need the Big 12 for rivalries and scheduling, but not for money. Now that the TV network is established and Texas can hang on to its TV network, the risk of the school going independent is overstated. There's not enough to gain and too much risk.

The majority of the fan base supported a move to the SEC. I posed a question on Twitter on Friday, but nobody presented any new arguments for why Texas A&M leaving the Big 12 would be a good thing.

I understand the basic arguments. There's an attraction to "escaping Texas shadow" and going out on their own. There's some value in offering recruits a chance to play in the SEC, something Texas wouldn't be able do.

My point is simple: Any of those peripheral advantages are completely negated if you don't win. Good luck recruiting if you can't win consistently. And good luck winning recruiting battles against Texas or SEC programs if both are winning more. The best recruits headed to the SEC don't want to play there. They want to win there. Proving you can do it is the easiest way to do it.

Texas A&M has historically been an underachieving program relative to its fan base and resources. The Aggies have no 10-win seasons in the Big 12 since 1998, the same year of the program's last conference title. That's their only title since 1993, the last of three consecutive Southwest Conference titles under R.C. Slocum.

The facts are this: Texas A&M would win less in the SEC than it already has in the Big 12.

The Aggies are 25-35 against the SEC, and 0-6 since a win over LSU in 1995. That doesn't inspire confidence.

Arkansas has experienced financial windfall since joining the league in 1991. What they haven't experienced? Winning.

The Hogs won at least two Southwest Conference titles in every decade from 1954-1989. They haven't won the SEC since the move two decades ago.

Want to get away from Texas and Oklahoma?

Fine. Meet Auburn, Alabama, Florida and LSU. Together, they've won the past five national titles since Texas snagged its last one in 2005. You guys have fun with that.

Texas A&M? Can anyone outside Texas, who doesn't own an Aggie ring, name a player on the Aggies' 1939 championship squad?

Winning is what fuels successful programs. The money isn't there if the wins don't precede them. Yearly conference handouts aren't enough to build a big-time program.

If you value winning, the Big 12 is the place to stay.

Texas' new network should be a big boon to its checkbooks and recruiting classes, but really, how much more help can they get? The Longhorns routinely get the pick of the litter throughout the state. Having their own TV network doesn't mean they get to sign 100 players every February. Texas has the best facilities in the Big 12. More money doesn't mean Texas will figure out how to teach their players to fly.

It helps Texas, sure. But it doesn't hurt Texas A&M enough to make a rash decision to leave the Big 12.

Preach conference prestige and recruiting until you're hoarse. It won't matter. All that matters in college football is winning. If the Aggies are OK with doing less of it, then fine, book your bus ticket east and hope the SEC opens its arms once again like it did this summer.

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Gates, Reed ruled out for Pro Bowl

Published: January 19th, 2011 | Tags: 2011 Pro Bowl, Antonio Gates, Ed Reed, Michael Griffin, Zach Miller

Injured players Antonio Gates and Ed Reed, both voted as starters for the AFC, will not play in this year’s Pro Bowl.

Gates, who was put on injured reserve by the Chargers in December because of a foot injury, needed to be medically cleared by Tuesday to play in the game set for Jan. 30 in Honolulu.

Raiders tight end Zach Miller will take Gates’ place. Miller had 60 catches for 685 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games last season. This will be his first Pro Bowl appearance.

As for Ravens safety Reed’s replacement, the Titans’ Michael Griffin has been promoted to the AFC roster. Griffin was Tennessee’s 2007 first-round draft pick out of Texas and led the team this season with four interceptions. This will be his second Pro Bowl appearance. He also represented the AFC in 2008 after coming up with seven interceptions.

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Titus Young stands out at Senior Bowl

We will bring you updates of non-AQ players at the Senior Bowl all week, thanks to the Scouts Inc. crew of Todd McShay, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl.

After Day 1, several players stood out. You need an Insider subscription to read all their thoughts on the Senior Bowl blog , but I can give you a few snippets. The one player who seemed to catch their attention was Boise State receiver Titus Young. Here is what they had to say about him:

Boise State's Titus Young was great in and out of his breaks. He can drop his weight without having to gear down and is a savvy route runner. In fact, he's a confident route runner -- he knows what he's doing. He was very streaky catching the ball today, but we are going to keep a close eye on him on how he handles adversity and how he carries himself. There are times when he looks like he's the most confident player on the field and has a swagger, but then the second he dropped one pass, it seemed like he went into a shell.

They also had an early evaluation of Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick:

He showed adequate arm strength and really good touch on throws that required touch. He just throws a nice catchable ball. But the biggest thing watching him live, he's trying to hide the fact he has a long delivery. It's like he has a hitch in his throwing motion and it takes too long and it's something that defenders can really pick up on.

At least one other outlet was also impressed with Kaepernick.

One more thing to check out: Here is an interview that NFL Network correspondent Stacey Dales did with TCU quarterback Andy Dalton.

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Collins replaces injured Cutler for Bears

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie, Chicago Bears, Jay Cutler, NFC Championship Game, Todd Collins

UPDATE: Collins’ stint at QB didn’t last long because he was ineffective. Caleb Hanie, the No. 3 QB, took over with 57 seconds remaining in the third quarter, meaning Cutler and Collins can’t return.

Any hope of a Bears comeback against the Packers now rests on the right arm of Todd Collins.

Collins replaced starting QB Jay Cutler on Chicago’s second possession of the second half Sunday. The Bears later announced that Cutler was questionable to return because of a knee injury.

According to various reports from the game, Cutler was late coming out of the locker room at halftime and at one point rode a stationary bike on the sideline. He was on the field for the Bears’ first possession of the half, but he missed on his only pass attempt.

It stands to reason that Cutler was injured during the first half and tried to play with the injury but just isn’t able to go. If Cutler is injured seriously enough to be on the sideline during an NFC Championship Game, it appears doubtful we’ll see him again.

Cutler was 6-of-13 passing for 80 yards with an interception.

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Bengals’ Lewis backs bus over Ochocinco

Published: January 20th, 2011 | Tags: Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Lewis

Like many divorces, the situation between Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and Chad Ochocinco seems to be getting messy. Perhaps the only thing that’s left is to make it official.

The speculation has been building for weeks that it’s the end of the line in Cincinnati for Ochocinco, who is under contract for $6 million (all in base salary) next season. When Lewis was officially brought back with a two-year extension, Ochocinco said he wasn’t sure he could ever play for Lewis again.

Meanwhile, Ochocinco has been openly flirting via Twitter with the idea of playing for the Patriots … and the Raiders. He suggested a coded Tweet to Ian R. Rapoport of The Boston Herald it would be “epic” to play for Bill Belichick. Jerry McDonald recounts several Tweets in which Ochocinco praises Raiders coach Hue Jackson, who he calls “the greatest coach I ever had.”

Well, if Ochocinco felt that he was thrown under the bus when he was called “mopey,” then Lewis verbally backed up the same bus over him again on Thursday with a second shot.

“Nobody was talking about him. He didn’t stand that,” Lewis said regarding the tweet about the Patriots, per Bengals.com. “You want them to talk about you, win football games.”

Ouch.

We’re patiently awaiting a response on that from @ochocinco.

It stands to reason an exit out of Cincinnati won’t be a quick exit. If the Bengals want to explore a trade for Ochocinco, that can’t happen until an agreement over a new agreement on the CBA is reached. So stay tuned for more of the above.

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Trust Factor a Big Key in Steelers Final Drive to Victory

The crowd at Heinz Field was on pins and needles with 2:56 remaining in the AFC Title game. The Steelers had built a 24-0 lead with what seemed like ease, but now were hanging on for dear life leading just 24-19.

All the momentum was with the Jets. Not only had they outscored the Steelers 19-0 in the last minute of the first half and to that point in the second half, but they had made enough adjustments to that point to shut down the Steelers offense.

It was an offense that had been red hot in the first half, putting up 231 yards to just 50 for the Jets, but also they had held the ball for 21:04 of the first 30 minutes.

So when Ben Roethlisberger and company took the field, even the most biggest optimist had to be nervous. Fail to get a first down, and your kicking the ball back to New York. Get a couple first downs – the game and conference title belongs to the Steelers.

The drive started with a good kick return by rookie Antonio Brown, who weaved his way to the 41 after taking the short kick at his own 14-yard line.

The first play was a harmless run to Rashard Mendenhall, who had been a beast all day. The run, with the Jets loading the box, was for just a yard.

Then came surprise number one. Instead of running and having the Jets use another critical timeout, the Steelers went to throw. Roethlisberger fired a pass for tight end Heath Miller, who came up with the grab after a 14-yard gain to the Jets 44.

Two minute warning.

The Jets were down to one timeout, and another first down and the title would belong to the Steelers. The next play was another run, this time it netted two yards for Mendenhall. 2nd and 8, and another run to try and eat up clock. Again, a two-yard game, setting up 3rd-and-6 from Jets 40 at the two-minute warning.

It was time for Mike Tomlin and the team to make a decision. Do you go for the win, trying to break the hearts of the Jets all at once, or do you do the safe thing, which is to run the ball, and likely have to punt with about 1:10 left?

The Steelers decided to go for the win, and boy did it ever pay off. Roethlisberger scrambled, and eventually found young rookie Antonio Brown streaking from the other side of the field for a 14-yard gain that in the end, was the clincher.

Brown was part of a three WR set to Ben’s left, while Heath Miller and Hines Ward were on his right. Brown was matched up on a linebacker, and broke free after getting stopped to make the play and clinch the win.

“I always feel blessed to have my number called,” Brown said. “But Ben made the play.”

And he’s right. Roethlisberger right away after seeing Miller and Ward covered decided to run, but instead of doing the safe thing and either running or just going down to keep the clock running, he chucked it to Brown, who made another memorable play.

Tomlin said it best when he said the team simply wasn’t playing the safe mode on the final series, or on the 3rd and 6 that in the end decided the game.

“We weren’t going to play not to lose,” Tomlin said. “That’s pretty funny isn’t it? A third-and-6 to win the game for a rookie from Central Michigan.”

And the trust that has become so evident between the coaches, the players, and a QB who had to sit and watch the first four games grows ever stronger. One more win, and that bond will be super glued forever with another piece of hardware.

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Jets’ Ellis, Smith active for AFC title game

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: Aaron Smith, AFC Championship game inactives, Brad Smith, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Shaun Ellis

Jets coach Rex Ryan said Friday that those starters listed as questionable on the injury report would be ready to go against the Steelers. He was true to his word.

Jets CB Drew Coleman (knee), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), safety James Ihedigbo (knee, ankle) and WR/KR Brad Smith (groin), all deemed questionable Friday, will be active for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.

Smith, the Jets’ dynamic kick returner, sat out last Sunday’s 28-21 divisional playoff victory over the Patriots.

For the second consecutive week, FB John Conner and DE Vernon Gholston were kept off New York’s active roster.

As expected, Steelers DE Aaron Smith was inactive as he continue to recover from a triceps injury.

Full inactives list:

Jets
Kellen Clemens (No. 3 QB)
FB John Conner
DE Vernon Gholston
DT Jarron Gilbert
TE Matthew Mulligan
TE Jeff Cumberland
WR Patrick Turner
DE Marcus Dixon

Steelers
Charlie Batch (No. 3 QB)
S Will Allen
RB Jonathan Dwyer
CB Crezdon Butler
OT Chris Scott
OT Tony Hills
DE Steve McLendon
DE Aaron Smith

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Jets detour jet for fly-by

Published: January 19th, 2011 | Tags: New York Jets, Mike Tannenbaum, Rex Ryan

Empire State Building lit in Jets' colors. (credit: Mirsasha/flickr.com)

Closing in on Newark Airport Sunday night after dismantling the Patriots, a giddy Rex Ryan thought it would be fun to buzz Manhattan’s most famous tower –the Empire State Building — which was lit up in gang green and white to honor the return of New York’s finest.

And instead of a “negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full” as one might expect in a town a tad wary of low flying planes, Newark’s air traffic controllers managed to find the pilots a clear lane to take in the view even in LaGuardia’s airspace, according to the New York Post.

“For the Empire State Building to be lit green and white was already special,” Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum told the paper.

“Then for everyone involved to allow us to have a view on our way back was a great ending for our trip and something the team will always remember.”

The landmark building is slated to retain the color scheme through at least Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Steelers.

As for the controllers who cleared the path, the captain conveyed a message from an appreciative Ryan saying, “You guys are awesome.”

And then they got a snack.

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QB speculation alive and well in Minnesota

Published: January 20th, 2011 | Tags: Vince Young, Craig Johnson, Joe Webb, Minnesota Vikings, Tarvaris Jackson

The news that the Vikings have hired Craig Johnson to coach their quarterbacks is sure to be followed by plenty of speculation of just who he will coach in 2011.

As in … Vince Young?

Johnson has first-hand experience with Young after spending nine years coaching quarterbacks for the Titans before moving to running backs coach last season. Young has his sights set on being a starter, but I have to agree with NFL Network information man Michael Lombardi,who wrote recently that he’d be shocked if any team gave Young a starting job, or a starting contract to match. Great insight in that piece by Lombardi on some of the issues that have been following Young around since he entered the league.

Fortunately for Young, there are a handful of teams with unsettled quarterback situations where he could get that chance to compete. And, you guessed it, the Vikings are one of them. They were among the short list of teams compiled a couple of weeks back when we looked at where Young could land next season.

It’s an intriguing possibility. Much of it will depend on the direction taken by new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, who has strong ties to the West Coast offense but isn’t tied to one system. Leslie Frazier has cited the need for a franchise quarterback, and his cupboard is nearly bare. Pending free agent Tarvaris Jackson expects to leave. Patrick Ramsey and Rhett Bomar ended the season as the backups to raw but versatile Joe Webb.

It likely puts (or maybe forces is the better term) the Vikings in a position to draft a quarterback and possibly bring in a veteran name who gets cut (Donovan McNabb, Kyle Orton) or via trade (Kevin Kolb) to bridge the gap. Frazier strongly supported the first of those two options Thursday in saying it will be a focus of the team’s draft strategy to find a player for Musgrave to develop, and didn’t rule out the latter.

If the price is right, maybe Young is a fit. Then again, maybe the fact that Johnson did coach Young will be the same reason he doesn’t end up in Minnesota.

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Top non-AQ players, defense

Earlier today I did a post with the top non-AQ offensive players, according to the final NCAA stats. Now let us take a look at the top NCAA defensive players from the non-AQs.

We start with tackles. Seven of the top 10 leaders in tackles per game came from non-AQ teams:

No. 3 Jamon Hughes, Memphis, 12.25

No. 4 Mario Harvey, Marshall, 11.92

No. 5 Archie Donald, Toledo, 11.23

No. 6 Dwayne Woods Jr., Bowling Green, 11.17

t. No. 7 Bobby Wagner, Utah State, 11.08

t. No. 7 Craig Robertson, North Texas, 11.08

No. 10 Dan Molls, Toledo, 11

Only three of these players return for next season -- Woods, Wagner and Molls. Donald and Molls formed one of the best linebacker duos in the nation if you want to look at their numbers alone. Donald finished with 146 total tackles, while Molls had 143. The only other school with two tacklers in the top 30 was Akron with Brian Wagner (130) and Mike Thomas (113).

Next up: sacks. Five of the top 10 in the NCAA stats are from non-AQ schools.

No. 4 Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy, 13.5 (1.04 pg)

No. 5 Vinny Curry, Marshall, 12 (1.0 pg)

No. 7 Jamari Lattimore, Middle Tennessee, 11.5 (0.88 per game)

No. 8 Mario Addison, Troy, 10.5 (0.88 per game)

No. 9 Chris Carter, Fresno State, 11 (0.88 per game)

Just missing the list is Kent State true freshman Roosevelt Nix, who will most definitely be a player to watch for 2011. Nix had 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his debut season, en route to winning MAC defensive player of the year honors. Troy will lose one member of its sack duo -- Addison just finished his senior season. So did Lattimore and Carter. Massaquoi is an early candidate for Sun Belt defensive player of the year. The honors went to Lattimore this past season.

Finally, we take a look at interceptions. Many non-AQ players made the list here if you want to count total interceptions:

No. 3 Mana Silva, Hawaii, 8 (0.57 pg)

t. No. 5 Dexter McCoil, Tulsa, 6 (0.5 pg)

t. No. 5 Sean Baker, Ball State

t. No. 5 Domonic Cook, Buffalo

t. No. 10 Marco Nelson, Tulsa (.046 pg)

t. No. 13 Evan Harris, Miami (Ohio), (0.43 pg)

t. No. 13 Dayonne Nunley, Miami (0.43 pg)

Everybody on the list but Silva had six interceptions this past season. Impressive to see duos from Tulsa and Miami on the list. Each of those players returns for 2011. There were only three seniors on this list -- Baker, Cook and Silva.

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Halftime notes: Packers-Bears

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: NFC Championship Game, Aaron Rodgers, Brandon Jackson, Brian Urlacher, Cullen Jenkins, James Starks, Julius Peppers, Matt Forte, Mike Martz, Sam Shields, T.J. Lang, Tim Masthay

A look at some halftime numbers, and a few observations, at halftime of the NFC Championship Game at Solider Field:

Aaron Rodgers is showing no signs of cooling off. Rodgers went 4-for-4 on the Packers first drive, capping it off with this 1-yard touchdown run. Rodgers has four completions of more than 20 yards, and the Bears have done little to disrupt his rhythm.A fantastic play on the ball by Sam Shields on his interception late in the half, the first play following Brian Urlacher’s interception. It immediately killed any momentum for the Bears.The Packers are staying committed to the run, and having success, against the Bears No. 2-ranked run defense. James Starks has 12 rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Solid play by the interior of the Green Bay offensive line. Rodgers has scrambles of 12 and 25 yards, and the Packers have 104 yards rushing.Forte Factor: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is relying heavily on Matt Forte. Forte was involved in nine of the first 11 offensive plays and has 12 total touches for 28 yards rushing and 44 yards receiving.Jay Cutler has been throwing off of his back foot all game. He’s 6-of-13 for 80 yards and the interception.Packers DE Cullen Jenkins is playing like a difference-maker. Bears DE Julius Peppers, matched up on Packers backup tackle T.J. Lang for much of the half, so far has not.Greg Olsen was a big part of Martz’s game plan against the Seahawks last week with three receptions for 113 yards and a TD in the first half. Olsen has been targeted twice against the Packers, with no catches.Wow, Urlacher. You got shook by Brandon Jackson.First downs in the first half: Packers 17, Bears 6.Field position has had a huge impact in the half. The Bears average starting field position on their first five drives was the 20-yard line, and three have started drives inside the 17. Tim Masthay has been a factor for the Packers. The Bears elected to punt instead of attempting field goals from about 52 and 48 yards.Posted in: News  

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Lombardi: Bengals won’t trade Palmer

Published: January 24th, 2011 | Tags: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals, Michael Lombardi, Mike Brown, NFL Total Access

Carson Palmer wants out of Cincinnati. Bengals owner Mike Brown says he won’t make a trade.

So will Brown budge? NFL Network information man Michael Lombardi doesn’t see it happening.

“I stress this strongly: Mike Brown is a man of his word,” Lombardi said. “When he says he’s not going to do something, he won’t do it.”

But let’s just suppose … if Palmer did leave, where could he end up? Lombardi suggests the 49ers, who have several members of the front office represented by agent David Dunn, who also represents Palmer.

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Steelers-Packers Pro Bowl replacements named

?With Pittsburgh and Green Bay set to face off in Super Bowl XLV, a long list of NFL players have been named as Pro Bowl replacements for their Steelers and Packers counterparts in this Sunday’s Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu:

??» Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali and rookie safety Eric Berry were added Sunday after the Super Bowl teams were decided. Hali, who led the AFC with 14.5 sacks this season, will replace Steelers linebacker James Harrison. Hali also had 50 tackles, 19 quarterback pressures and four forced fumbles this season. Berry, who replaces Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, was the Chiefs’ top pick in last year’s draft and had four interceptions and 126 total tackles in 2010. He’s the first Chiefs rookie to reach the Pro Bowl since Derrick Thomas after the 1989 season.

» Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, the Star Tribune reported Sunday. Winfield will either replace cornerback Charles Woodson or Tramon Williams, both from the Green Bay Packers. Winfield joins teammate Adrian Peterson on the NFC roster. Defensive tackle Kevin Williams was picked as an injury replacement but won’t participate because his wife is expecting a baby. Winfield was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008 and 2009 but did not go last season because of a foot injury. He had 91 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions this season.

» Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. After initially being selected as an alternate, Fitzgerald will replace Packers receiver Greg Jennings. This will be the fifth career Pro Bowl appearance for Fitzgerald.

» Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali and safety Eric Berry. The duo will make their initial Pro Bowl appearance, joining wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, quarterback Matt Cassel, running back Jamaal Charles and guard Brian Waters on the AFC squad. Hali started all 16 games in 2010, setting a career high with 14.5 sacks to lead the AFC and rank second in the NFL. Berry becomes the first Chiefs rookie to earn Pro Bowl honors since Derrick Thomas in 1989.

» Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher will replace injured Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher and Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo will replace Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. The Redskins announced the news Monday. This will be Fletcher’s second trip to the Pro Bowl. Orakpo led the team with 8.5 sacks. Coupled with the 11 sacks he had in 2009, Orakpo is the first Redskins defender since Ken Harvey (1996-97) to register at least eight sacks in consecutive seasons.

» Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Donald Penn will replace Packers offensive tackle Chad Clifton, according to the Bucs on Monday. Penn started all 16 games this season and served as the anchor for the Tampa Bay offensive line, which had to overcome several key injuries and featured eight different starting lineups.

» Atlanta Falcons announced Monday that cornerback Brent Grimes will replace Packers cornerback Charles Woodson. With the addition of Grimes, the Falcons have nine players selected to the Pro Bowl, which is a league-high and a franchise record.

» Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason has replaced injured Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, the Panthers confirmed Monday. Beason has started every game for Carolina since being drafted in the first round in 2007 and his 64-consecutive game-starting streak is fourth longest in team history. He has led the Panthers in tackles for four straight seasons.

» Cleveland center Alex Mack will replaces New York Jets center Nick Mangold, who was injured in the Jets’ AFC Championship Game loss, the Browns announced Monday. Mack started every game for the Browns this season.

» Colts center Jeff Saturday has been chosen to this year’s Pro Bowl as a replacement for injured Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. It will be Saturday’s first Pro Bowl appearance since 2007. He was voted to the AFC team in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009, but didn’t play last year when the Colts won the AFC title.

The annual contest of the AFC and NFC’s best will take place Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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By the numbers: Packers-Bears

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: Green Bay Packers, B.J. Raji, Caleb Hanie, Chicago Bears, James Starks, Matt Forte, NFC Championship Game, Sam Shields, Tom Waddle

The crew on the NFL Network research desk has sent out its notes from the Packers’ 21-14 win over the Bears in the NFC Championship game, and it’s headlined by this nugget: The Packers are the 10th different NFC champion in last 10 seasons.

That’s a pretty amazing fact.

Here are some other interesting numbers:

The Packers are the second No. 6 seed in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl, joining the 2005 Steelers. They’re also the fourth team in NFL history to win three road games in a single postseason, joining that same Steelers team, the 1985 Patriots and the 2007 Giants.B.J. Raji’s 18-yard interception return TD was the third by a defensive tackle in NFL playoff history. The others were a 61-yard return TD by Michael Carter of the 49ers against the Redskins in the 1990 divisional round, and a 10-yard return by Darryl Grant of the Redskins against the Cowboys in the 1982 NFC Championship.The Packers improved to 28-16 all-time in playoffs, and their .636 winning percentage is highest in NFL playoff history.Here’s a look at the value of James Starks and the balance of the of the Packers offense: They outrushed the Bears 120-83 Sunday and have outrushed opponents 354-209 in the 2010 playoffs.Sam Shields had a sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions after having two interceptions during the entire regular season.The Bears are the only team since 1970 to have three QBs with a pass attempt in a conference championship. Third-stringer Caleb Hanie was 13 of 20 passing for 153 yards, with a TD and two INTs. Prior to Sunday, Hanie had attempted 14 passes in four career games, including two this season.Matt Forte finished with 17 rushes for 70 yards and 10 receptions for 90 yards. His 10 receptions sets a franchise playoff record, breaking the mark held by NFL Network’s Tom Waddle (nine receptions in 1991 Wild Card vs. Cowboys).

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Let’s Go Primetime: Championship Sunday

Published: January 24th, 2011 | Tags: Let's Go Primetime, B.J. Radji, Deion Sanders, Greg Jennings, NFL GameDay Final, rashard mendenhall, Sam Shields, Steel Curtain

Deion Sanders breaks out an abbreviated “Let’s Go Primetime” for Championship Sunday, listing his top five performances. Greg Jennings, B.J. Raji, Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers defense and Sam Shields all made the list of Primetimers.

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Bears’ Harris active for NFC title game vs. Packers

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: Chicago Bears, Chris Harris, Desmond Clark, Devin Aromashodu, Green Bay Packers, NFC Championship Game

Bears safety Chris Harris vowed all week that he would play in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game despite a hip injury. That appears to be true since he’s active against the Packers after being limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable.

Harris, who’s tied for the team lead with five interceptions, hurt his hip during last week’s divisional playoff victory over the Seahawks.

The Bears also activated TE Desmond Clark, possibly to help protect QB Jay Cutler, and deactivated WR Devin Aromashodu. Clark tweeted Saturday that he would play, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, and it will be just his third game since Oct. 3.

Aromashodu played in the previous 13 games but had just five receptions.

Full inactives list:

Packers
Graham Harrell (No. 3 QB)
DB Pat Lee
RB Dimitri Nance
DB Josh Gordy
LB Frank Zombo
C Evan Dietrich-Smith
G Nick McDonald
DE Jarius Wynn

Bears
Caleb Hanie (No. 3 QB)
WR Devin Aromashodu
DB Joshua Moore
DB Craig Steltz
RB Khalil Bell
OT Herman Johnson
G Edwin Williams
DT Marcus Harrison

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Marvin Lewis: Belichick too smart to add Ochocinco

Published: January 24th, 2011 | Tags: Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Lewis

And now for the latest cannon-shot from Marvin Lewis over Chad Ochocinco’s bow.

If things weren’t already personal, they feel that way now. We’ve been hearing some pretty sweet jabs from Lewis in recent weeks. It’s almost as if he knows Ochocinco won’t be back, and he’s finally letting out everything he’s been holding back for so long. Errrrr, wait. That would seem to be exactly the case.

Lewis, coaching the North team at the Senior Bowl this week, was asked by Ian R. Rapoport of The Boston Herald about what type of fit Ochocinco would be with the Patriots.

“Belichick’s smarter than that,” Lewis replied, laughing.

Boom!

In case you’ve been distracted by whatever you consider more important and aren’t up on the storyline, Ochocinco has openly Twitter-flirted with the idea of playing for the Patriots and Raiders. Oh, and now the Jets, too (along with Terrell Owens).

Makes sense. The Jets could stand to use an upgrade in outspoken receivers in case Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes leave.

Ochocinco did get wind of Lewis’ latest shot, and of course challenged him to a cage match. Seems like a pretty logical solution.

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Who do you got: Bears or Packers?

The Bears and Packers have the longest and perhaps most storied rivalry in the NFL. The two teams have squared off 181 times, but Sunday will mark their first playoff meeting since 1941.

The teams not only share a proud lineage, they both also won Super Bowls with Jim McMahon (though the punky QB was merely a backup for Brett Favre in Super Bowl XXXI).

With all due respect to the Steelers and Jets, you have to believe this is the game that America is looking forward to Sunday. Which begs the question — who do you got?

Let’s break this down scientifically:

Tough-guy linebacker

The Bears’ Dick Butkus and Packers’ Ray Nitschke personified the word “linebacker.” Butkus had eight Pro Bowl appearances, Ntschke was a member of those famed Packers teams that won five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls. This one is too close to call, so we will settle this by acting career. Butkus played a strict yet fair principal on Hang Time, but Nitschke was in the original The Longest Yard.
Advantage: Nitschke, because I think he broke his (expletive) neck. (Packers 1-0)

Famous adaptations

Any man over the age of 40 fondly recalls James Caan‘s performance as terminally ill Bears RB Brian Piccolo in Brian’s Song. Not to mention, a young future Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) as Gale Sayers. And while I am sure that Tom Brady loved the performance of Lombardi on Broadway, I’m sure he didn’t cry at the end.
Advantage: Brian’s Song (Tied 1-1)

Stadium

The Packers have the famed frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field. The stadium could be considered football’s Mecca, and is likely on many football “bucket lists.” The Bears have a dirt field painted green, and any charm of the original Soldier Field as been stripped because of the renovation. In fact, it looks like one of those alien space ships from Independence Day landed on the old Soldier Field. Poor show, Bears.
Advantage: Lambeau Field (Packers 2-1)

Nickname

The Steelers have won the most Super Bowl titles, but did you know the Packers have more NFL championships? Yes, much to Dave Dameshek‘s chagrin, the NFL did exist prior to the Super Bowl era. So it’s fitting that Green Bay is known as Title Town. The Bears are known as the Monsters of the Midway. A nicknamed lifted from the University of Chicago, the same way Vanilla Ice lifted the beat of Queen’s Under Pressure for Ice, Ice Baby. Poor form, Bears.
Advantage: Title Town (Packers 3-1)

Coaching

The Packers have had Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi. The Bears had Papa Bear George Halas and Iron Mike Ditka. Tough call, but while both teams are playing for the Halas Trophy on Sunday, the Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate goal.
Advantage: Packers (Packers 4-1)

Greatest player

Bears RB Walter Payton retired with the NFL rushing record. Packers WR Don Hutson retired with every conceivable receiving record. Payton, though, is still in the conversation for the greatest running back ever. Most people seemingly have forgotten that Hutson even played and ignorantly proclaim Jerry Rice as the greatest receiver of all-time. Still, it is hard to go against Sweetness here.
Advantage: Bears (Packers 4-2)

Beer

Miller vs. Old Style. Miller trots out different styles of its product (MGD, Miller High Life, Crystal Miller Lite) like the University of Oregon does uniforms. Meanwhile, Old Style just continues to stick with the original.You have to respect that.
Advantage: Bears (Packers 4-3)

Embarrassing celebrity fan

Which career of a second fiddle inexplicably lasted the longest – former Bears backup QB Vince Evans (who might still be playing) or Jim Belushi? That’s a tough one. But how did Larry the Cable guy become known as a rabid Packers fan? Is that enough to git-r-done? Nah.
Advantage: Bears because Vince Vaughn just won’t seem to go away, either. (Tied, 4-4)

What’s in the bun?

Bratwurst or a Polish sausage? As a fat man, that is akin to choosing between your two children, though both are known to give heart attacks. There is really nothing to distinguish the two, so this one will again be settled by Hollywood. And Abe Froman, the sausage King of Chicago might be one of the greatest alias of all time.
Advantage: Bears (Bears 5-4)

Uniforms

Two classic styles here. The Packers, quite simply, have a top three uniform in the NFL. The Bears would be there if they wore their throwbacks from earlier this season.
Advantage: Packers (tied 5-5)

Again, we are knotted up. Looks like the fans are going to have to settle this in the comments section. Let us know who you got in this matchup. Well, after you first rip me for this being stupid. But after that, give us your thoughts.

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Chiefs QB Cassel added to AFC roster

Published: January 20th, 2011 | Tags: Matt Cassel, 2011 Pro Bowl, AFC roster, Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Matt Cassel will replace Tom Brady, again — this time at the Pro Bowl — the Kansas City Chiefs confirmed Thursday.

Cassel will be making his first Pro Bowl appearance after passing for 3,116 yards with 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions in 2010.

More …

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Observations in the Jets AFC Title Setback to the Steelers

Observations from yet another AFC Title game loss, this time in Pittsburgh to a Steelers team they had beaten by five just a few weeks ago.

1. Tackling – Not sure what happened, but in the first half of the loss, the team picked a bad time to forget how to tackle. They made Rashard Mendenhall look like Jim Brown in his prime. He broke tackles, and took screen passes and pushed Jets would-be tacklers aside all night. By the time the Jets defense started putting up a fight, they were down 24-0, and by then it was simply too late.

2. Wide Outs Nowhere to be found – While Santonio Holmes’ touchdown gave the Jets a shot of hope early in the third quarter, too often in the loss the combo of he and Braylon Edwards were invisible at best. Sure the Steelers pass rush had a lot to do with it, but at the same time, these are two guys that were paid to make plays, and it was tough to watch them play after play get little separation from the Steelers corners.

3. No sense of panic – Your down by two scores, you have scored just one TD all night, and your walking to the line of scrimmage wasting valuable time left in your season. Get the point? The Jets too often didn’t play with any sense of urgency, and wasted a long drive that they needed to get points on. Instead, the scene of Sanchez rushing to the sideline to get the plays was often a sight that made you want to throw a shoe though a TV. Forget about the excuse of the headset not working. Not good enough, and there’s ways around it, and the Jets didn’t play like it in the biggest game of the year.

4. All Bark, No Bite – Let’s face it, the Jets were flat. The fact the Steelers went on a drive that used up over half the first quarter showed that the team was not inspired to play Jets football. The team tried to put on a brave face, but the Steelers simply were the more physical team for the first 30 minutes, and that was enough to build a lead that was too much to overcome. Playing three games, on the road is a lot to ask of any team, and the Jets did their best to try and pretend it wasn’t a factor, but it was, and it showed with the way the Steelers played.

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