DENVER -- This is how it was supposed to be back in August, when all of us were trying to figure out which team in the AFC had the best shot of playing in Super Bowl XLIV. An 8-8 playoff club in 2008 that seemed to hit its stride in the postseason. Talented... more

A three-game losing streak says the Denver Broncos are in trouble. So does the fact their starting quarterback, Kyle Orton, is injured. So does the fact their defense, after giving up an average of 11 points per game during a 6-0 start, has since surrendered an average... more

Perhaps it was only fitting that the Indianapolis Colts' biggest victory of the season -- in the biggest game the NFL schedule has had to offer -- was decided largely by a questionable coaching decision. By all rights, the New England Patriots should have won Sunday... more

?? INDIANAPOLIS -- So many of us have put the guy on the highest of football-coaching pedestals that we didn't know quite how to react when we saw what we saw with 2:08 left on the clock. Bill the Genius is going for it? Right here? Right now? No way. On NFL... more

Bill Feig / Associated Press Saints S Darren Sharper shares the NFL lead with seven interceptions, three of which he's returned for touchdowns. It's easy to become mesmerized by all of the gaudy numbers that several quarterbacks have posted through the first... more

Paul Sakuma / Associated Press Mark Brunell, Jim Sorgi and Brian Hoyer comprise the backup plans in New Orleans, Indianapolis and New England. They know they're the NFL equivalent to emergency exit doors on an airplane. Everyone is aware of their location and... more

CINCINNATI -- We're all guilty of it. When we see Bengals, we think "Bungles." We see a team that will somehow find a way to lose, that is a perpetual accident waiting to happen, that just doesn't quite have what it takes to consistently compete... more

Jim Rogash / Getty Images The Dolphins unveiled the dynamic talents of Ronnie Brown in last season's game in Foxborough. --> A year ago, the Miami Dolphins changed the strategic landscape of the NFL when they traveled to Foxborough, Mass., and... more

It looks as if there won't be any in-season coaching changes in the NFL this year. For the many frustrated fans of the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns -- three teams that seemed most likely to fire their head coaches by now -- that's probably... more

PHILADELPHIA -- They looked up at the scoreboard. Then they looked at each other in disbelief. For several reasons, Philadelphia Eagles offensive guard Todd Herremans and center Jamaal Jackson were amazed that their team was in the process of beating the New York??Giants 40-17... more

Let's be real about this. Barring any catastrophic events, the Indianapolis Colts are going to win the AFC South. Their 6-0 record makes that hard to dispute, as does the fact Peyton Manning is in his MVP groove and everyone else on both sides of the ball is performing... more

At the same time the NFL can relish having its most unbeaten teams after seven weeks -- the 6-0 trio of Denver, Indianapolis, and New Orleans -- it can't help but feel a certain degree of embarrassment over the sizable list of clubs that are downright awful. Week 7 drove... more

PITTSBURGH -- As players from both teams milled around Heinz Field after the Pittsburgh??Steelers' 27-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Anthony Herrera had a message for James Farrior. "See y'all in the Bowl," the Minnesota guard... more

Associated Press Bill Belichick has 157 career victories (including three Super Bowls wins); Raheem Morris is still looking for his first. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are traveling across the Atlantic this week for what they had hoped would be a glorious moment in the... more

You wonder if it's time to sound the alarms. The NFL season is still fairly young, but there are some teams that should be concerned about what happened to them in Week 6. Make that very concerned. It wasn't simply that these clubs lost. It was how they lost and... more

NEW ORLEANS -- Heath Evans has seen this before. Victories driven by a big-play offense. Victories by a wide margin. Victories ... victories ... and more victories. Evans was a fullback on the New England Patriots when they finished the 2007 regular season... more

?? They pushed on. With their hearts broken and their worlds shattered, they still showed up to do a job that had become significantly less important, yet, at the same time, seemed more necessary than ever. Maybe it was the need for a diversion. Maybe it was the... more

Now that the NFL schedule has reached the quarter mark, it's time to look at some developing storylines through the remainder of the season. Here is a top five that are worth watching: 1. Coaching changes. It seems as if Dick Jauron and Jim Zorn are as close as any... more

DENVER -- The scene said everything that Josh McDaniels had refused to say all week. It was no longer necessary to keep his feelings hidden from public view. It was over. The Denver Broncos had done the improbable, if not the impossible, in beating the New England??Patriots... more

Antwan Odom insists he isn't looking to cause an injury, but he has a job to do. The Cincinnati Bengals pay him to sack the quarterback, and that, he will tell you, must be his singular focus. Beating a blocker is tough enough without having to think about whether... more

The New York Giants are 4-0 for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is that they don't miss Plaxico Burress. And the reason they don't miss Burress is that they have another wide receiver, Steve Smith, providing the same lofty production that Burress... more

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- This is a little more like it. Not machine-like, by any stretch, but good. Consistently good. These might not be the 2007 New England Patriots, who tore through their schedule with an offense that couldn't be stopped and a defense that came up big when... more

Peyton Manning isn't supposed to make it look this easy. Not after the retirement of his head coach, Tony Dungy. Not after the offseason purge of his most accomplished wide receiver, Marvin Harrison, and the loss of another starter at the position, Anthony Gonzalez, to a... more

Suddenly, the Super Bowl teams don't look so super anymore. The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a two-game skid. They even found a way to lose to the Cincinnati??Bengals, a team they'd bullied since 2001, and now face a daunting challenge trying to catch the 3-0 Baltimore... more

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- All week, Rex Ryan looked for the warning signs. A blown assignment. A half-hearted effort on a play. A stumble here. A bumble there. Anything that would indicate the slightest lack of focus on the part of his New York Jets as they... more

They've been known as chronic folders, as teams that routinely collapse in the face of adversity. Bad plays give way to worse ones. Leads vanish in the late going. Games that should be won are lost. And when they line up for the next opponent, even one that is... more

Some 2-0 records are prettier than others. You look at teams such as the New Orleans Saints, and you see a lot of points, a lot of yards, and a lot of big plays. You see the clean, unwrinkled uniforms found on a club that wins mainly with finesse. Then you look at the San... more

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- During the third quarter of their team's back-up-the-smack-talk victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday, Marques Douglas turned to fellow defensive tackle Kris Jenkins on the New York Jets' sidelines and said, "Hey, this young... more

Going 0-2 isn't necessarily a death sentence for an NFL team's season. Two years ago, the New York Giants opened their schedule that way and wound up winning Super Bowl XLII. The team they beat, New England, not only began that season 2-0, they won all of their next 16... more

The outcome will be remembered for a crazy tipped pass that Brandon Stokley -- by being in the right place at the right time -- turned into the winning touchdown. As the 2009 season progresses, it could very well end up meaning so much more. Not only did... more

CLEVELAND -- They came in search of a rock star disguised as a football player. Fans. Media. Your basic curiosity seekers. On Saturday night, they showed up at the Minnesota Vikings' hotel in larger numbers than usual. And on Sunday, at Cleveland Browns Stadium, they... more

PITTSBURGH -- Here's the good news for the rest of the NFL: The biggest blemish on the Pittsburgh Steelers' sixth Super Bowl title hasn't disappeared. Here's the bad news: The Steelers still have the answer for how to conquer it before it can conquer them. ... more

With the 2009 NFL season set to begin Thursday night in Pittsburgh, here are the top 10 storylines to follow this fall: 1. Tom Brady's knee The New England Patriots' All-Everything quarterback survived training camp and the preseason (although there was a brief scare... more

Jim Rogash / Getty Images The Raiders banked a first-round pick on the hopes that Richard??Seymour still has a lot left in the tank. The rule of thumb in NFL player-personnel circles is that it's always better to part ways with a player a year too early than a year... more

Andy Manis / Associated Press With an unstable offensive line, this could be a long season on the run for Trent??Edwards. You tell yourself that it's only preseason, that everything that happens (especially the outcome) should be given little or no credence. ... more

Ralph Wilson expects the Buffalo Bills to end their nine-year playoff drought this season. To be more precise, the Bills' owner is demanding it. That, to a large degree, explains why the Bills joined the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week in... more

After cleanly beating an offensive tackle, a defensive end or outside linebacker comes tearing around the corner to close in on the quarterback. Or a running back or tight end will miss a block, allowing a blitzing inside linebacker or safety a clear path to the pocket. ... more

Sorry, LaDainian Tomlinson, but you've got it wrong. Adrian??Peterson is, in fact, the best running back in the NFL. You're not. At one time, you held that distinction. At one time, the comparisons between you and Jim Brown, the all-time gold standard for the... more

Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press Todd Haley and Kurt Warner were on the same page when the quarterback and coordinator were together in Arizona. There is a moment that an offensive coordinator knows when he has made the long-awaited breakthrough with his quarterback... more

Duane Burleson / Associated Press Matthew??Stafford's first NFL training camp has been an encouraging one for the Lions. ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Jim Schwartz had nothing to do with 0-16. He was hired to make the Detroit Lions much better than they were in 2008. ... more

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- With all due respect to their unique community ownership arrangement, the Green Bay Packers belong to one person: Aaron Rodgers. Even with Brett Favre making new headlines by signing Tuesday with the arch-rival Minnesota??Vikings, Rodgers'... more

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Nick Barnett remembers those frustrating days of practice when he'd blow past a blocker and have a clear shot at the quarterback. His instincts told him to deliver a hit because that's what he always did under the same circumstances in a game. Brett... more

Orlin Wagner / Associated Press Todd Haley's grueling camp has at least one Chiefs player saying, "It's hard, it's hard ... it's really hard." RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- It's easy to understand why most Kansas City Chiefs players would be happy to... more

CANTON, Ohio -- The Vince Lombardi Trophy never did make it there. It teased. It flirted. It raised hopes. It became the stuff of wonderful dreams. But that glistening piece of Tiffany-crafted hardware stayed away from Buffalo, N.Y. And for the longest time, that became... more

CANTON, Ohio -??? What can be learned from two first-down-producing, but non-scoring catches? Not much. Maybe not anything. But when Terrell Owens' hands are involved, such plays are going to be discussed. The greatest significance of his 16- and... more

CANTON, Ohio -- For Jim Kelly, one of the highlights of Friday's annual luncheon for incumbent members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to welcome the newest class of inductees was seeing Ralph Wilson sitting in the room and taking it all in. The former Buffalo Bills... more

Associated Press It wasn't clear what the Cowboys were getting when they drafted Bob Hayes, but the track star turned out to be a Hall of Famer. He was fast. That much was known about the running back from Florida A&M who drew the lukewarm attention of the Dallas... more

Dvaid J. Phillip / Associated Press Rookie first-round pick Brian Cushing sports his new mohawk at Texans training camp. HOUSTON -- No one connected with or rooting for the Houston Texans wants to hear words such as promise or potential any longer. The Texans are... more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys no longer are the stage for the T.O. Show. That act has moved out of town, and has been replaced by something the Cowboys believe can be even more dynamic than what Terrell Owens provided for three seasons. By all... more

David Duprey / Associated Press Terrell Owens has made a good first impression on his teammates, coaches and fans at Bills training camp. PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- The first day of full-contact practice at the Buffalo Bills' training camp meant different things to different... more

Jim Johnson was a little bit of a contradiction. His defensive schemes reflected the kind of way-out-of-the-box thinking that one would expect from someone with the personality of a mad scientist. He was so inventive and so creative, you expected a man who carried himself in a... more

With most of the NFL's training camps opening by week's end, here are the 10 storylines that will command the greatest attention this summer: ?? How will the surgically-repaired knee of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hold up? The offseason news about... more

When the St. Louis Rams made Chris Long the second overall pick of last year's draft, they were expecting to get much more than a game-changing defensive end. They were looking for a foundational piece on the side of the ball that presumably needed the most help. The Rams... more

Don't try to tell Maurice Jones-Drew that he'll carry a heavier burden in the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive backfield next season. As far as he's concerned, all Fred Taylor's release and subsequent free-agent signing with the New England Patriots means is a... more

It took six years for the NFL spotlight to shine on Nnamdi Asomugha. When it finally did, the Oakland Raiders' cornerback discovered that "it can go a couple of different ways." One way was Asomugha playing in his first Pro Bowl last season, after which he... more

Jeff Fisher rightfully gets the bulk of credit for the Titans' successful transition from Houston to Nashville. As head coach, he had the primary responsibility of trying to keep the franchise on course despite the many distractions created by a vagabond existence. Before... more

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long knew he wasn't lifting weights enough, but he had cut back in an effort to maximize his speed and explosiveness for the NFL Scouting Combine and never adjusted after the draft. New York Jets tight end... more

Here are some dos and don'ts that 2008 rookies Chris Long, Dustin Keller, Eddie Royal and Harry Douglas shared with attendees at the NFL Rookie Symposium: Report to training camp on time In other words, don't hold out for a better contract that rarely comes because... more

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- There were multiple ways that DeMaurice Smith could have gone with his speech to the 256 drafted players at the NFL Rookie Symposium. As the new executive director of the NFL Players Association, Smith could have used his time on stage at the PGA... more

It once was easy to see the wisdom in the philosophy, made famous by George Allen, that rookies had no place in the starting lineup of an NFL team. Allen, a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, was fond of saying, "The future is now." He'd back up those words by trading away... more

Somewhere along the line, Terrell Owens' words and other activity unrelated to football became more important than everything he did on the field. The funny part is that, since entering the NFL in 1996, he has done plenty on the field. Owens' career numbers... more

Phil Coale / Associated Press Plaxico Burress, Brett Favre and Brandon Marshall will keep many from vacations this offseason. Most NFL teams enter offseason hibernation this week. They shut down non-contact workouts, meetings and other football-related activity... more

Rex Ryan is pugnacious by nature. That's the short answer for why the new coach of the New York Jets decided to launch a bizarre war of words with the rest of the AFC East and why he probably doesn't have a single regret for doing so. But it doesn't explain... more

BEREA, Ohio -- Under a slate-gray sky and a steady rain, the Cleveland Browns on Thursday went about the business of trying to put back the shattered pieces of the tremendous hope that they had on the very same practice field 12 months earlier. There's nothing pretty or... more

PITTSBURGH -- The rings aren't merely gaudy. They're outrageously gaudy. Packed with 63 diamonds and weighing 3.7 ounces, they're too large and too loud even for big, muscle-bound NFL players to feel comfortable wearing in public. "I'm probably going... more

The AFC West once offered a quarterback rivalry that was interesting because the players involved had volatile personalities -- backed up by a whole lot of talent. With the Denver Broncos having shipped Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears, the division lost his lively... more

DAVIE, Fla. -- When the Miami Dolphins held organized team activity workouts a year ago, there wasn't a hint of a quarterback controversy because there wasn't a hint of a starting quarterback. Josh McCown, John Beck, and rookie Chad Henne pretty much offered little... more

When Peyton Manning complains publicly about "pretty poor" communication within the Indianapolis Colts organization, people tend to listen. Listen and wonder. Listen and speculate ... wildly. "Is this Manning's opening salvo in an effort to get out of... more

This has been an offseason of considerable defensive change in the NFL, but it hasn't stopped with the three teams making full or partial transitions from 4-3 to 3-4 schemes -- the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. Eighteen other clubs are making... more

It's bad enough that, after playing the biggest game of your life, you have to endure walking off the field in a torrential downpour of confetti for the other team. They're first. You're forgotten. Getty Images Prior to Super Bowl XLIII, eight of... more

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The only person who didn't seem the least bit caught up in the "T.O. Mania" that swept through Buffalo was the man himself. Despite his flamboyant persona, Terrell Owens did his very best to maintain a low profile during his first on-field... more

NFL owners have plenty of reasons to think long and hard before deciding whether to add a game or two to the regular season. There are safety issues -- more games that count mean more chances for players to be injured. There are financial issues -- if there are more... more

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images Teams like the Broncos will no longer be allowed to use the wedge during kickoff returns. Special teams coaches throughout the NFL are having a particularly busy offseason. Since league owners voted in March to outlaw the use of a... more

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images Get ready for the new greatest rivalry in football if Brett Favre returns to the NFL and joins the Minnesota Vikings. It's hard to imagine a bigger NFL rivalry than anyone vs. anyone in the NFC East. Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore... more

David Duprey / Associated Press Eric Wood (right) runs a drill with Andy Levitre at the Bills' minicamp. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- When the Buffalo Bills addressed their most crying need on the offensive line, they didn't follow conventional wisdom that said it was... more

For every new arrival to an NFL roster, especially from the early rounds of the draft, there are existing members who are impacted. In some cases, incumbents go from starters to backups or first-stringers who see a significant reduction in playing time. In... more

Brett Favre's story goes well beyond mere longevity. He is far from a pathetic shell of his former self sticking around to pad his numbers. Favre is still, well, Favre. He's an exceptionally talented passer with one of the greatest arms of any current or former... more

Lou Witt / Getty images Jack Kemp led the Bills to back-to-back American Football League championships in 1964 and 1965. Jack Kemp was always the consummate quarterback. Long after he stopped wearing a helmet and cleats, long after his uniform became a suit and... more

Moments after the Washington Redskins made Brian Orakpo their first-round pick last Saturday, Jim Zorn was asked if the highly touted defensive end would play this season. "He's going to play," Zorn said without hesitation. Several NFL... more

NEW YORK -- The 2009 NFL Draft was as much about what didn't happen as it was about what actually took place. Trade rumors were flying around in the weeks and days leading up to the draft. Many seemed to have substance, particularly with some club representatives publicly... more

NEW YORK -- Escaping from the early rounds clearly will be remembered as the strategy of choice in the 2009 NFL Draft. The trend created considerable buzz throughout the league by confirming the widely held opinion among NFL talent-evaluators that this year's... more

NEW YORK -- Matthew Stafford got the No. 1 overall status and accompanying media face time at center stage of Radio City Music Hall (and, of course, all of that ridiculous guaranteed cash), but the real star of the 2009 NFL Draft was about 2,500 miles away. No problem. ... more

NFL talent evaluators don't have a consensus on the best player in the draft. The Detroit Lions might very well have zeroed in on Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford as the top overall pick, but according to several general managers around the league, they could easily... more

Stay true to your board. Let the draft come to you. Never reach. Always trust your scouting. Sound principles, to be certain. But do they always apply to the way NFL teams stock themselves from the college talent pool each year? Not necessarily. ... more

Je'Rod Cherry sat through the slide show transfixed by the haunting images on the screen. One by one, the eyes of so much pain and sorrow from a world away seemed to peer right into his very soul. Through photographs and narration, he took in horrifying stories of a little boy, on... more

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Rookie Tashard Choice (88 yards) was about the only bright spot for the Cowboys, who were held by Pittsburgh to 3-of-14 on third down. PITTSBURGH -- This is what you can do when you have the best defense in the NFL: With 12:26 left in the... more

John Madden would be the first to dispute this, but I'm the one writing the column: He's a broadcaster who became as big as the sport he covered. Maybe even bigger. That isn't easy to say when you're talking about the NFL, which is pretty much the... more

At least five trades could happen between now and when the NFL draft commences on April 25. Here they are, ranked from the most to least probable, according to various sources in the league: 1. Braylon Edwards from the Cleveland Browns to the New York Giants (or somewhere else):... more

Here are 10 intriguing matchups to circle on your calendar when the 2009 NFL schedule is released at 7 p.m. ET today: 1. Patriots at Colts (Nov. 15) If you just stopped at the matchup of the league's two best quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Peyton... more

This is how much the addition of a star quarterback impacts your team's profile: The Chicago Bears -- who were pretty much a non-descript, non-playoff team after the 2008 season -- will potentially make an NFL-leading five appearances on prime-time television during the 2009... more

Talent isn't the question. Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman -- the presumptive top three quarterbacks of this year's draft -- have plenty of talent. What they don't have is a whole lot of big-time football experience. Entering the NFL as... more

Another draft and another round of hype about tight ends being selected in the first round is upon us. Please make it stop. No matter the year, no matter the college production, tight ends are not smart choices in the opening round. Jeff Gross / Getty... more

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images The first pick in the draft is never a lock, just ask the Texans and QB David Carr, who went No. 1 in 2002. It was never supposed to be this way. The top overall pick of the NFL draft was intended to serve as a figurative life... more

If Jay Cutler was a bad fit in the Denver Broncos' new offense, he might very well be a perfect fit in a scheme the Chicago Bears have been running for years. Taking sides NFL.com's Vic Carucci and Steve Wyche debate which team got the best of the trade that sends... more

When breaking down potential landing spots for Jay Cutler, you begin with the obvious. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers don't have a clear-cut starting quarterback. The Cleveland Browns aren't sure what they have under center, which is... more

It would be a gross exaggeration to say that Rex Ryan doesn't care who quarterbacks the New York Jets in the 2009 season. He obviously cares. QB quandaries around the league Nearly a third of the teams have unsettled situations at QB. Steve Wyche... more

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Let's talk about quality. That's a word NFL commissioner Roger Goodell frequently tossed around when discussing the possibility (or shall we say likelihood?) of the NFL adding one or two regular-season games by 2011. Few would argue that... more

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Bring it on, Martin Mayhew will say without hesitation. The pressure. The scrutiny. The second-guessing. He insists he can handle every bit of it. "I'm excited about having the pick," the Detroit Lions' general manager said about... more

DANA POINT, Calif. -- One playoff game in two years is hardly what Jerry Jones had in mind when he hired Wade Phillips to coach his Dallas Cowboys and invested millions upon millions of dollars to build a roster that could deliver the first Super Bowl run since 1995. ... more

DANA POINT, Calif. -- The NFL is going to be ready. Although no specific timetable has been set for the start of negotiations between the league and the NFL Players Association for a new collective bargaining agreement, commissioner Roger Goodell and club owners are... more

The NFL's overtime procedures are expected to stay the same, but new rules designed to enhance player safety likely will be put in place for the 2009 season. Those are among the highlights of what will be addressed -- along with big-picture items such as negotiations for a... more

There is no way for Jay Cutler to reconcile his differences with the Denver Broncos. The damage to his relationship with the team is beyond repair. He knows it. Josh McDaniels, his main protagonist, knows it. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and other members of the team's... more

The trade that sent Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs appears to be only the first phase of some major wheeling and dealing by the New England Patriots this offseason. The second phase, NFL sources say, is likely to involve a trade that would send Carolina... more

Some people have tried to characterize the friction between Josh McDaniels and Jay Cutler as a battle of wills. That's being way too generous -- to Cutler. Cutler can threaten to stay away from the Denver Broncos' non-mandatory offseason conditioning program,... more

LaDainian Tomlinson doesn't have a bigger fan in the San Diego Chargers' organization than team president and CEO Dean Spanos. That is why, despite the questions that once surfaced about the running back's future in San Diego, the Chargers and Tomlinson were able... more

We've heard from the man, himself. We've heard from his agent. We've heard from the owner. We've heard from the chief operating officer. We've heard from the quarterback. All of the key characters in the story that rocked the NFL last weekend -- Terrell... more

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- I find myself a little bit torn over the Buffalo Bills' signing of Terrell Owens. Most of me emphatically believes that this is a horrible idea. Owens is not going to suddenly become a team player after never having been one throughout his... more

  Terrell Owens wanted us to believe that he was misunderstood, that the path of destruction left by the tornado of disharmony he created at every stop in his NFL career was not necessarily as it seemed. Owens wanted us to believe that he was the victim, not the... more

The Arizona Cardinals' re-signing of Kurt Warner was important on two fronts. One, it eliminated any lingering doubt that the Cardinals, fresh off of a shocking run to the Super Bowl, know how to do things right. Keeping Warner was vital to the difficult... more

These are extremely uncertain times for Denver Broncos players who once called Mike Shanahan their coach. And the trade talk surrounding quarterback Jay Cutler is only the tip of the iceberg that arrived in the Mile High City from New England in the form of new coach Josh... more

Some of what has transpired since the NFL's free-agency period began three days ago makes perfect sense. Bart Scott to the New York Jets comes to mind. He's the most critical piece to Rex Ryan's Raven-ization of the Jets' defense. Ryan expects to win as head... more

If you're seeking a bargain, the NFL free-agent market would figure to be one of the very last places to look. We've come to expect it as a haven for teams to wildly spend millions of dollars in hopes of snatching up quick fixes before someone else does. But in... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- Desperate for a quarterback? Then this probably isn't the draft for you. The buzz at the position begins and ends with two names: Matthew Stafford of Georgia and Mark Sanchez of USC. One of them could very well end up as the top overall pick, because... more

?? Wyche: NFC free-agency primer Free agency starts Friday morning at 12:01 ET. While clubs finalize their approach for this signing frenzy, we take a look at every club in the AFC, their areas of strength, weakness and their plan. We also list their potential key free agents,... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- Maybe this says it all about the cornerbacks in this year's draft: Malcolm Jenkins, widely regarded as the best prospect at the position, is getting equal attention as a possible safety. "Wherever that came from, it's definitely snow-balled,"... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- The first time Ozzie Newsome looked at the list of running backs available in this year's draft, he was far from impressed. "There was a void there," the Baltimore Ravens' general manager recalled. "Then all the junior running backs came... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- The trick in assessing the defensive linemen in this year's draft is determining the category in which they fall. No, not the position. Ends are ends. Tackles are tackles. Target numbers Gil Brandt has "target numbers" -- based on past... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- Michael Crabtree won't do the one thing league talent-evaluators want to see him do at the NFL Scouting Combine -- run the 40-yard dash. The fact the former Texas Tech star is saving that for an individual workout might, for the time... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- It might not have the first-round dominance of a year ago, but the current draft crop of offensive linemen -- and especially the tackles -- is considered every bit as strong. In 2008, eight offensive linemen, all tackles, were selected in Round 1. This... more

Need often dictates which players are selected and where in the NFL draft. It isn't necessarily an indication of those with the most talent. If the Detroit Lions use the top overall pick on a quarterback, that doesn't automatically make the player they select... more

Doug Benc / Getty Images Matt Cassel figures to cash in on one solid season as the starting quarterback in New England. The New England Patriots haven't mismanaged a whole lot in the past eight years, during which they have appeared in four Super Bowls. Will... more

Question: I have seen the Lions draft Chuck Long, Andre Ware and Joey Harrington. They were all flops. How much better than any of those quarterbacks is Matt Stafford of Georgia? Rather than take him with the top overall choice, I think the Lions should draft a left offensive tackle.... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Kerry Collins is appearing in only the second Pro Bowl of his 14-year career as an NFL quarterback. The Tennessee Titans' quarterback got here because Brett Favre pulled out of the game. However, for Collins, that doesn't taint the... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- There have been more star-studded dynasties, if that's what the Pittsburgh Steelers can be called after winning their second Super Bowl title in the last four seasons. And the label might be a bit of a stretch, even to some of the Steelers' own... more

HONOLULU -- A Pro Bowl media custom is for MVP ballots to be distributed to writers in the Aloha Stadium press box during the second half, when the identity of one or more candidates for the award begins to take shape. I received one. Writers for FOXSports.com, Yahoo! Sports,... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- For many reasons, Tony Gonzalez will never forget his first Pro Bowl, which followed his third season as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. What has stuck with Gonzalez in the nine years since was looking across the AFC locker room and seeing Tennessee... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Football's best-known brothers don't have a whole lot of time to simply hang out together because work always seems to get in the way. During the season, they're preparing for games and playing in them -- Peyton Manning with the Indianapolis... more

Ben Liebenberg / NFL.com All-time sack leader Bruce Smith and his former boss, Bills owner Ralph Wilson, both had reason to smile Saturday. TAMPA, Fla. -- As I watched Bruce Smith stand behind the microphone on stage at a news conference introducing the Pro Football... more

TAMPA, Fla. -- Ben Roethlisberger held the football with both hands, occasionally spinning it in his lap as he sat and answered questions from reporters packed five deep in front of him in the postgame interview area of Raymond James Stadium. "That's the ball I took a... more

Getty Images Chargers QB Philip Rivers will watch the Pro Bowl from San Diego, joining teammate LaDainian Tomlinson. He has the numbers. Boy, does he ever have the numbers. Philip Rivers leads the NFL with a 101.4 passer rating and also shares the league lead in... more

Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press Willie??Parker learned a lot from his time with Jerome Bettis and hopes to apply the lessons in Super Bowl XLIII. TAMPA, Fla. -- Willie Parker misses Jerome Bettis. Misses him providing the muscle of the Steelers' running... more

TAMPA, Fla. -- You want to see the best matchups in the biggest games -- strength against strength, the pitting of immense talent and accomplishment on both sides of the ball. And for a Super Bowl, it doesn't get much better than this: the explosive passing game of the... more

TAMPA, Fla. -- When you consider what carried the Pittsburgh Steelers to their second Super Bowl in four seasons and the seventh in their history, it's impossible not make the obvious comparison. There was the Steel Curtain of the 1970s. Now, there is Steel Curtain II ...... more

TAMPA, Fla. -- Go ahead, Arizona Cardinals. Pick your pass-rushing poison from the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to focus on stopping James Harrison, fine. You've just given LaMarr Woodley a clearer path to the quarterback. Perhaps it would make more sense to pay... more

TAMPA, Fla. -- Somehow, Ben Roethlisberger missed the gigantic photograph of him plastered on the outside of Raymond James Stadium -- the one so large that it can be seen from blocks away, if not from outer space. Or so he says. The suspicion here is that it's just... more

TAMPA, Fla. -- The AFC Championship Game had just ended, and Mike Tomlin stood in his usual spot, at the top of the tunnel, just a few feet outside the doors to the Pittsburgh Steelers' dressing room at Heinz Field. He had a hug or a pat on the back for every Steelers player who... more

?? TAMPA, Fla. -- Let's ease up on the talk about the Arizona Cardinals being at a disadvantage in Super Bowl XLIII because of their dearth of players with Super Bowl experience. I'm as guilty as anyone for citing it as a key factor in why the Pittsburgh... more

Getty Images Mike Tomlin (left) and Lovie Smith (right) both benefited from time spent learning from Tony Dungy. TAMPA, Fla. -- Lovie Smith refers to Mike Tomlin as a "cousin" from the same NFL coaching tree. They never actually worked together, but they... more

Al Bello / Getty Images Steelers owner Dan Rooney, 76, preaches continuity and practices it in how he runs the team. Dan Rooney carries himself in such an inconspicuous manner that, because of who he is and what he does, it's actually conspicuous. Most owners of NFL... more

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Eli Manning's great escape helped the Giants pull off a monumental upset. Note: The following story can be found in the Super Bowl XLIII official game program. Eli Manning and Joe Namath conjure dramatically different images. One is... more

Wade Payne/AP Darren McFadden was Arkansas' Mr. Everything, rushing for 4,589 yards in three seasons, as well as throwing for seven touchdowns, accounting for 50 total scores. INDIANAPOLIS -- For a moment, let's put aside team needs. Let's focus, solely, on... more

HONOLULU -- This wasn't a case of a young guy who simply didn't know better. Rookie rewind Adrian Peterson became the first rookie since Marshall Faulk to win Player of the Game honors after finishing with the second-most rushing yards in Pro Bowl history. Faulk had the... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Osi Umenyiora's eyes welled with tears as he watched television in his hotel room here on Tuesday. This was no sad movie that had the New York Giants' defensive end feeling melancholy. It was live coverage of the tickertape parade in Manhattan... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Pro Bowl teams don't have nicknames, but it would be hard to argue with calling this year's NFC squad the "Honolulu Cowboys." That's because the NFC roster includes 13 Dallas players, the most one team has ever sent to a Pro Bowl. ... more

  John Harbaugh is right. The Baltimore Ravens should view their AFC Championship Game loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers as a beginning rather than an ending. They should see it as something upon which they can build rather than lament about a lost opportunity. ... more

» Five reasons why Cardinals can win Five reasons why the Steelers can win Super Bowl XLIII: 1. They don't give up big offensive plays The Steelers' defense has played up to its No. 1 ranking in the league for most of the season. And the AFC... more

PITTSBURGH -- Ryan Clark wasn't certain if he had been knocked unconscious from his vicious hit on Willis McGahee -- which probably was a pretty good indication that he was -- but he did have a vivid recollection of what he and his Steelers teammates discussed before... more

There's a lot you can question about the Baltimore Ravens' quest to reach a second Super Bowl in eight years. You can point to the long, hard road they are traveling as a No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs. You can point to the inexperience of their first-year coach, John... more

  PITTSBURGH -- Running the ball effectively is supposed to be second nature for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Slam the door on defense. Plow it open on offense. That's what the Steelers do. Except this season. While the Steelers' defense occupied its... more

Joe Flacco doesn't qualify as a rookie anymore. He already passed two major postseason tests with zero turnovers, but now he'll face his greatest challenge as a pro. Flacco took his lumps in both regular-season losses to the Steelers. Now, blitz-happy defensive... more

?? Following some sage advice he had received years earlier from then-Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy, then-Bills general manager Bill Polian wasn't only studying players during a Penn State practice in the early 1990s. "As Marv always said, 'Scout the coaches... more

PITTSBURGH -- Here are five questions and answers for the AFC Championship Game: 1. Can the Ravens have success on the ground against the Steelers' defense? Championship Sunday preview The Steelers don't like the Ravens, and the feeling is mutual. Still, the Steelers... more

PITTSBURGH -- This isn't something that has been manufactured for the sake of cheap publicity. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens genuinely don't like each other. Championship Sunday preview With the Ravens and Steelers set to meet next Sunday in the... more

PITTSBURGH -- This isn't something that has been manufactured for the sake of cheap publicity. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens genuinely don't like each other. And that mutual hostility, which has played itself out in their two AFC North meetings... more

?? The NFL playoffs can serve as an audition of sorts for assistant coaches who are candidates for head-coaching jobs. Two of the league's most highly regarded assistants, Rex Ryan and Jim Schwartz, will be on the same stage when the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee... more

Paul Spinelli / Getty Images A special teams coach called punter Mike??Scifres "absolutely the greatest defensive weapon the Chargers have." It made sense that one of the first congratulatory text messages Mike Scifres received last Saturday night came from a... more

Joe Flacco showed a steady, veteran-like hand in his first NFL playoff start. He's a much better quarterback than he was when he threw two interceptions in the Ravens' regular-season game against the Titans. Tennessee's secondary poses a greater challenge than the... more

Philip Rivers' prize for outdueling Peyton Manning is a crack at the league's No. 1 defense. His fearlessness mostly serves the Chargers well, but Dick LeBeau's zone-blitzing scheme will test his poise. The biggest test comes from defensive player of the year James... more

DAVIE, Fla. -- The sign, printed in bold letters on a letter-sized sheet of white paper, was still attached to the back wall of Yeremiah Bell's dressing cubicle at the Dolphins' training facility. It said: "WHY NOT US!" It wasn't meant as a rhetorical... more

MIAMI -- Go ahead. Try to pick the best defense in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. Don't use your heart. Use your head. And don't just rely on NFL rankings. Look at the talent, look at the coaching, look at the temperament. Do all that, and then... more

Getty Images Dolphins QB Chad Pennington has the experience edge over the Ravens' Joe Flacco, but they're both in the playoffs. --> They are so different yet so similar. In nine seasons, Miami's Chad Pennington has pretty much seen... more

When the defenses for the San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts take their turns on the field Saturday night at Qualcomm Stadium, they'll deal with more than the ordinary stress that goes into trying to stop an NFL offense. For the Chargers, stress will go... more

?? Peyton Manning is one of the hottest passers in the league and the primary reason the Colts closed the season with a nine-game winning streak. After struggling early while recovering from two knee operations, he has regained the form that makes him one of the greatest... more

?? Joe Flacco might be a rookie from tiny Delaware, but he has performed at a big-time level for most of the season. He has not shown any signs of being worn down, physically or mentally, as evidenced by his dominant showing against Jacksonville. He throws the ball well... more

Doug Benc / Getty Images Bill??Belichick could face an uphill battle with New England next season if the Patriots lose key personnel. ?? Suddenly, the New England Patriots don't seem quite like, well, the New England Patriots. Missing the playoffs for the first... more

Jamie Squire / Getty Images Peyton??Manning's presence makes the Colts a dangerous wild-card team. So what if the Indianapolis Colts didn't win their seventh consecutive AFC South title. So what if the Colts had a stretch early in the season when they... more

Dave Martin / Associated Press The acquisitions of coach Mike Smith and QB Matt Ryan have turned the Falcons into instant winners. If 2007 was the year of near perfection, 2008 was the year of the turnaround. The Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore... more

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Wes Welker and the Patriots have won 10 consecutive games against the Bills by a combined score of 308-96. Logan Mankins admits that he and many of his New England Patriots teammates are in unfamiliar territory. They're accustomed... more

Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images With Monte Kiffin and Pro Bowl players such as Ronde Barber, the Bucs defense has always been solid... until now. Regardless of the head coach, whether he was the one who guided them to a Super Bowl victory or whether he was the one they... more

?? This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 16: Tennessee Titans 13-2 (Previous: 6) Despite Jeff Fisher's comments to the contrary, beating the Steelers as soundly as this team did -- minus Albert Haynesworth -- was a huge statement. New York Giants ... more

Here's an early breakdown of the wild-card round: Redskins at Seahawks How the Redskins are playing now: They're one of the hotter teams in the league, winning four in a row, and one of the best stories of the postseason. Todd Collins, who spent 10 years as a backup... more

Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images QB Philip??Rivers responded to a Pro Bowl snub by leading the Chargers to another victory Sunday. A cynic might say the NFC West doesn't merit sending a team to the playoffs. However, the 8-7 Arizona Cardinals punched their postseason... more

Dave Martin / Associated Press Rookie coach Mike Smith wasn't afraid to start rookie quarterback Matt Ryan this season, and it's paid off for Atlanta. The big picture shows that three of the NFL's four rookie coaches -- Baltimore's John Harbaugh,... more

Ronald Martinez / Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo is worthy of the Pro Bowl, but the NFC has too many good quarterbacks. Due to an overwhelming response to my column on Pro Bowl omissions, I'm devoting this week's mailbag to your comments on the... more

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips was a highly successful defensive assistant for seven other NFL teams. An NFL head coach must be able to see the big picture regardless of his area of football expertise. He can't afford to work with his... more

  This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 15. Pittsburgh Steelers 11-3 (Previous: 2) A lights-out defense, an offense that makes plays when it needs to, and strong coaching are the ingredients of a team deserving of the top spot. New York Giants 11-3... more

  This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after 14 weeks. New York Giants 11-2 (Previous: 1) Maybe the Plaxico Burress distraction was larger than some of us thought it would be. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-3 (2)It's defensive history in the making, although it... more

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images As has been the case all season, the Steelers leaned on their defense, including this pick to seal a division title. BALTIMORE -- In the visitor's locker room at M&T Bank Stadium, Hines Ward and a few other Pittsburgh Steelers players... more

Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images Matt Leinart has thrown just two passes this season as Kurt Warner has the Cards in the playoffs. It wasn't supposed to be this way. Not after all of the hype. Not after all of the expectation. By now, Vince Young, Matt Leinart... more

Chuck Burton / Associated Press Daunte Culpepper has an ailing shoulder, and his Lions' chances of winning a game this season don't look promising. We've got mail: Question: Are the Lions going to win a game? -- Alan, Thunder Bay, Ontario. I... more

Getty Images Mike Singletary, Tom Cable and Dick Jauron have their teams facing spoiler roles this week. If you can't make the playoffs, the next best way to gain satisfaction in the NFL this time of year is to wreck somebody else's postseason... more

Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images Smart, efficient Chad Pennington is one big reason for the Dolphins' turnaround season. By the time the Dolphins reached Week 14 of the 2007 season, they were united on one front in a locker room otherwise lacking in unity or pretty... more

We've got mail: Question: Why is it that every sports analyst has Matt Ryan locked in for Offensive Rookie of the Year? Matt Forte is the reason Chicago is only a game behind Minnesota in the division. Compare their stats and it's not even a challenge. Forte's rushing... more

  This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after 13 week. New York Giants 11-1 (Previous: 1) It's unfortunate that most of the discussion concerning this team in the past few days hasn't been where it should be -- on the field. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-3... more

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images The Broncos are ridinig high after last Sunday's win over the Jets. Will they be able to keep it going? Go ahead. Try and make sense of the Denver Broncos. Explain how they can win at the Georgia Dome against the red-hot Falcons one... more

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Dealing for Brett Favre overshadowed all the other moves made by Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum in the offseason. Building an NFL contender, even one that shows dramatic improvement from one season to the next, doesn't happen in an... more

Winslow Townson / Associated Press The Steelers consistently put pressure on Matt Cassel, sacking him five times and picking him off twice. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It was the kind of day best spent indoors, preferably in front of a fireplace: Cold, rainy, downright... more

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images Eil Manning has made all the right calls for the Giants this season. We've got mail: Question: Why is Eli Manning being overlooked as an MVP candidate? All he does is win the big games and keeps his mouth shut. He doesn't go... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 12: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. New York Giants 10-1 2 They've long made the argument to be on top, and... more

Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press Adam Vinatieri's 51-yard boot set up the Colts for a late-season march toward the playoffs. Once again, the Colts force us to pay attention to them. And not the same way we did when they were 3-4 and seemingly headed nowhere. ... more

Doug Benc / Getty Images Matt Cassel is making the most of his opportunity to start for the Patriots. MIAMI -- If the New England Patriots' season wasn't over on opening day, it ended, theoretically, several times since. Matt Cassel? Please. What in the... more

We've got mail: Question: I want to let you know that I think regular-season overtime is a waste of time. I would rather accept a draw than lose an overtime game. The Patriots-Jets and Bengals-Eagles overtime games show people why you don't need overtime. The Patriots were... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 11: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Tennessee Titans 10-0 1 With no one breathing down their collective necks,... more

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images Jack Del Rio's grip on his team will be something to watch closely as the season closes. You would think that going from a presumptive Super Bowl contender to being stripped of virtually all hope of making the playoffs would be enough... more

Phil Coale / Associated Press Kerry??Collins made up for a lackluster first half with three second-half touchdown passes. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- With six weeks left in the regular season, the Tennessee Titans find themselves atop such a ridiculously comfortable cushion,... more

Ronald Martinez / Getty Images "If you can play football, you can play football," said Ravens rookie Joe Flacco, who is backing up his words. OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Adam Terry was just having a little fun with his rookie teammate who didn't exactly enter the... more

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images A strong running game behind DeAngelo??Williams is a big key to Carolina's Super Bowl chances. We've got mail: Question: What do you think of the Panthers' chances for playoffs and beyond? Do they have what it takes to win... more

Jonathan Ferrey / Getty Images Kerry??Collins engineered a big win for the unbeaten Titans in a hostile environment. Finally, the cynics have their answer: The Tennessee Titans can win a game on the strength of Kerry Collins' passing arm. In Sunday's ... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 10: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Tennessee Titans 9-0 1 Go ahead, dare them to throw. The Titans can win that... more

Rick Stewart / Getty Images The Colts' ability to force Ben??Roethlisberger into three interceptions helped them earn a road win. PITTSBURGH -- The role doesn't fit. No matter how hard you try and wrap it around the Colts, it still has the look of an overcoat... more

Matt Sullivan / Getty Images Despite a loss in his debut as an NFL starter, Browns QB Brady Quinn played with confidence and poise. CLEVELAND -- Everything was set up for this to be a magical night, perhaps even a turning point in a season that had promised so much yet... more

Jamie Squire / Getty Images Which AFC team has what it takes to hang with teams from the NFC East? How about the 8-0 Titans? We've got mail: Question: The NFC East is so strong this year (except for the Cowboys). What team in the AFC can compete with any of... more

How the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 9: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Tennessee Titans 8-0 1 Finding a way to win the close ones is mark of a champion --... more

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images Ronnie??Brown is just one a number of difference-making weapons in Miami's offense. After winning at Denver on Sunday, Dolphins players and coaches went to a place that an organization headed by the master of... more

Don Heupel / Associated Press The Jets made the Bills work for anything on the ground, limiting Buffalo to 30 yards rushing. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- For the first time in 18 NFL seasons, Brett Favre played a game here that felt a lot like the ones he used to play in... more

Joe Murphy/Getty Images The Redskins are making sure they have backup plans for specialists like long-snapper Ethan??Albright. The mistake only hurt one team, yet coaches and players throughout the NFL could feel the pain. Some watched as it happened live on... more

Nick Laham / Getty Images Vincent??Jackson gets behind the Saints' secondary for a touchdown in London. We've got mail: Question: Why can't the Saints' defense get it together? Other than Jonathan Vilma and maybe Roman Harper, the rest are running... more

Andy LYons / Getty Images Tennessee's Chris Hope, flanked by Michael Griffin, returns one of his two interceptions Monday night. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The torch has been passed. Actually, the Titans yanked it right out of the Colts' hands. Yet that is only... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 8: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Tennessee Titans 7-0 1 The best just keeps getting better. 2. New York... more

Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images Pierre??Thomas and the Saints must go on a serious run if they hope to reach the postseason. The critics -- and there are quite a few out there when it comes to this particular topic -- were ready to tee off again on the NFL's... more

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Troy Polamalu talks a tough game and, like the rest of his teammates, backs it up with his play on the field. PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers' tradition is defined by Jack Lambert's menacing glare and missing teeth. It's defined by... more

Al Bello/Getty Images The current economic condition could prevent future NFL games from being held at Wembley Stadium. We've got mail: Question: LaDainian Tomlinson pondered who the crowd at Wembley on Sunday will be supporting. He was right: Football. I am... more

Tom Hevezi / Associated Press Chargers LB Antwan Applewhite works out in England with weights that were shipped from team headquarters. The challenge facing the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints this week is to maintain normalcy, which is always precious in a... more

Chris??Graythen / Getty Images Quarterback Drew??Brees has lived up to the six-year, $60 million contract the Saints gave him in 2006. Drew Brees' story is so improbable that even he can't resist poking a little fun at certain parts of it. Take, for instance,... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 7: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Tennessee Titans 6-0 1 In every way, the Titans are playing like the best team... more

Rick Stewart / Getty Images Bills fans have embraced quarterback Trent??Edwards, who has first-place Buffalo out to a 5-1 record. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Trent Edwards' game isn't defined by a particularly great throwing arm or by particularly nimble feet. ... more

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images Rookie running back Chris??Johnson is making an immediate impact with the undefeated Titans. We've got mail: Question: After Vince Young failed to live up to his hype at the beginning of the season, I heard a lot of people... more

Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press Adam??Jones finds himself in an familiar position after being suspended again by the NFL. I wanted to be wrong about Adam Jones. I really did. I wanted the Dallas Cowboys to be right for their decision to acquire him. I wanted... more

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images The Browns steamrolled through the Giants on Monday night and handed the defending champions their first loss. Monday night proved to be a logical conclusion to an NFL weekend that was anything but logical. It also is the perfect... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 6: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Tennessee Titans 5-0 2 After a week off, the Titans should add another one in... more

Jim Rogash/Getty Images First-year head coach Tony Sparano demands that his players be tough, smart and disciplined. So far, it is paying off. DAVIE, Fla. -- Vonnie Holliday knows very well that in the NFL, October is no time for celebration. As an 11-year pro, he... more

Reinhold Matay / Associated Press Jeff Garcia (7) jogs off the field with punter Josh Bidwell after a victory that put Tampa Bay into a tie for first place. TAMPA, Fla. -- You don't own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' starting quarterback job so much as you borrow... more

We've got mail (and all of the contents in this week's mailbag deal with reaction to my piece about the NFL getting tough on dirty play): Question: I just want to voice out my frustration over this whole safety issue the NFL is mulling over and also ask a question about it.... more

Steve Dykes / Getty Images Matt??Ryan feels the pass rush and eventually the helmet of Carolina DE Julius??Peppers in a Week 4 collision. Hits on the Falcons rookie this year have cost Peppers $10,000 and Tampa Bay's Elbert Mack a one-game suspension. This is... more

Paul Sancya/Associated Press Chicago quarterback Kyle??Orton threw for a career-high 334 yards in the Bears' win over the Lions. This is the sort of thing that leads you to believe that Kyle Orton's success is no fluke, why you're willing to at least... more

Doug Benc / Getty Images The Dolphins tripped up LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers for their second consecutive upset win. The competitive terrain of the NFL just keeps getting flatter and flatter. In a trend that established itself from the opening weekend of... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 5: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. New York Giants 4-0 1 The resounding win over Seattle made a resounding... more

Andy Lyons/Getty Images Vince??Young has talent, but does he have the passion to excel in the NFL? We've got mail: Question: After watching Vince Young play in the NFL and actually rooting for him and predicting that he would be a huge star, given his recent... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 4: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. New York Giants 3-0 2 You know you're good -- or maybe the competition is... more

What do you say? What can you possibly tell a father intending to go back to work after returning from a funeral for his infant son? What words can adequately address a circumstance that mixes feelings of incredible sorrow with tremendous admiration? Jon Gruden came up with seven. ... more

Jamie Squire / Getty Images The previously winless Chiefs shut down running back Andre Hall and the high-scoring Broncos. Once again, what we thought we knew about the location of the NFL's power base was wrong. In the NFC, it's apparently not in... more

Greg Fiume/Getty Images Off to an 0-3 start, Romeo Crennel and the Browns are dealing with a lot of frustration. BEREA, Ohio -- In the locker room of a winless team, faces often say more than words. Romeo Crennel doesn't need to tell you how well he... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 3: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Dallas Cowboys 3-0 1 Explosive offense, strong defense, solid special teams,... more

Mike Roemer/Associated Press Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff celebrates after sacking Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. GREEN BAY, Wis. -- For now, the debate is settled. Best team in the NFC? Dallas. Best team in the NFL? Dallas. To be the best,... more

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images Brett Favre and the Jets had no answers for Philip Rivers and the Chargers in Monday night's loss. Maybe Brett Favre in a New York Jets uniform is turning out exactly as some of us thought it might last August -- a lot of hype followed by... more

Tom Hauck/Getty Images The Cowboys' fast start has fans of "America's Team" feeling very optimistic about the team's chances. We've got mail: Question: If the Cowboys are the best team in the NFL, I'm Santa Claus. You guys are nothing... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 2: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv. Comment 1. Dallas Cowboys 2-0 1 With another major test awaiting them in Green Bay, the... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 1: In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Comment 1. Dallas Cowboys 1-0 It didn't figure to be quite so easy in Cleveland, but... more

Jeff Gross/Getty Images Peyton Manning has struggled behind an injury-ravaged offensive line, and it won't get any easier against the Jaguars. INDIANAPOLIS -- You can't miss the sign. It stares down from the top of the wall to your right as you enter the locker... more

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images The San Diego Chargers will have to put last week's controversial ending behind them as quickly as possible. A large part of being successful in the NFL is having the ability to forget. Forget the good plays. Forget the bad plays.... more

We've got mail: Question: If Norv Turner and the Chargers think they lost to the Broncos because of a bad call, it's pathetic. They lost because they couldn't defend. You can't blame the ref for the loss; the Chargers played horrible defense. You watch the Cowboys'... more

Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press Jay Cutler looked terrific for Denver Monday night, but how much of that was the competition? Aaron Rodgers really had no choice. Neither did the Green Bay Packers' hierarchy (mainly general manager Ted Thompson). Either... more

Andy Lyons/Getty Images Peyton Manning and the Colts are looking to rebound in Week 2 and avoid an 0-2 start. We've got mail: Question: Can you please help to analyze what went wrong for Colts in the first week? Because when I watched this game, Peyton... more

Rick Havner/Associated Press Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart scored two touchdowns in the Panthers' win over the Bears. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Muhsin Muhammad had something he needed to say to his Carolina Panthers teammates on the eve of Sunday's game against the... more

David Duprey/AP Photo Buffalo's Roscoe Parrish electrified the crowd last week with a 63-yard punt return score in 34-10 rout of Seattle. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- What if there had been no scream heard around the NFL? What if Tom Brady's knee had not taken the... more

Getty Images One New England-sized injury may have given hope to teams like the Steelers, Bills and Jets in the AFC. In only one day the NFL that we thought we knew at the end of the 2007 season suddenly seems a lot less recognizable. All it took was an apparent... more

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Dot's all, folks: The green dot means that Chargers linebacker Matt Wilhelm has a radio receiver in his helmet. New technology always has a way of presenting new challenges. Bugs must be eliminated. Comfort levels must be found.... more

David J. Phillip/Associated Press Texans owner Bob McNair on Mario??Williams: "How often do you see a physical specimen like him?" Fundamental football logic tells you a behemoth tackle controlling the middle of the line is important to a defense. ... more

Getty Images Hybrid defensive players - like DeMarcus Ware, Terrell Suggs, Shawne Merriman, and Mike Vrabel - excel in being able to fill a number of different roles. It used to be that when an NFL scout or coach described a defensive prospect as a "tweener,"... more

Andy King/Associated Press The Vikings believe their hefty investment in defensive end Jared Allen (left) will pay big dividends. As NFL trends go, this one doesn't require a whole lot of brain power to comprehend. After watching the ninth team in the last 12... more

Matt Ludtke/Associated Press Rookies Brian Brohm (left) and Matt Flynn are in a tight competition for the No. 2 quarterback job in Green Bay. » Thompson sticks with plan | Video: Camp report GREEN BAY, Wis. -- With 20 of 22 starters returning from last... more

Kevin Terrell/Getty Images The quarterback situation in Arizona is just one of many preseason battles to keep an eye on. Wouldn't it be nice if, with the regular season less than three weeks away, every club in the NFL had the same quarterback situation as the one... more

When I last saw Gene Upshaw, on June 29 at the annual NFL Rookie Symposium in Carlsbad, Calif., I had no idea he was ill. I did think he looked a bit thinner than at any time I had seen him in recent years, but no real alarms sounded about the health of the man I had known since I... more

Mike Roemer/Associated Press Ted Thompson has a plan for the Packers, and has followed it even through the toughest times. » Five observations from Packers camp | Video: Camp report GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Ted Thompson had white hair long before he became general... more

Charles Rex/Associated Press Rookie running back Jamaal Charles has looked good this summer, and could be the Chiefs' new No. 2. » Young Chiefs look energetic, eager to learn | Video: Camp report RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- With so much youth (highlighted by 27... more

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press Veteran Torry Holt has provided leadership and tutelage this summer for an otherwise young receiving corps. » Jackson holdout, injuries cast a shadow on camp | Video: Camp report MEQUON, Wis. -- Some key position battles have been... more

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Entering his third season as Chiefs head coach, Herman Edwards is presiding over a young team in rebuilding mode. » Key position battles | Video: Camp report RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- There are two ways to look at the fact the Kansas City... more

Doug Benc/Getty Images Scott Linehan hasn't had much to smile about this summer as he embarks on his third season as the Rams' coach. » Five observations from Rams camp | Video: Camp report MEQUON, Wis. -- This hasn't been the easiest summer for the... more

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images Jim Sorgi working with the first-team offense is a strange sight for many Colts. » Observations from Colts camp | Video: Camp report TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Nothing is quite the same. Not the practices. Not the meetings. Not any aspect... more

Scott Boehm/Getty Images With Gus Frerotte (right) set as Minnesota's No. 2 QB, Brooks Bollinger (left) and rookie John David Booty (center) will battle for the third-string job. » Jackson progressing under tough circumstances | Video: Camp report MANKATO,... more

Harry How/Getty Images While Tarvaris Jackson is fortunate to have running back Adrian Peterson to turn to, the QB is looking to make a statement of his own in 2008. » Key backup jobs still up for grabs | Video: Camp report MANKATO, Minn. -- Tarvaris Jackson has... more

Tony Gutierrez/AP Tackling dummies aren't the only thing rattling Greg Ellis at the Cowboys' California camp. » Pair of Cowboys putting trouble in past | Video: Camp report OXNARD, Calif. -- Here are five topics from the Dallas Cowboys' training camp worth a... more

Doug Benc/Getty Images Anthony Weaver is in a tight competition with Earl Cochran for the No. 2 defensive end spot for the Texans. » Can healthy Green lead Texans to playoffs? | Video: Camp report HOUSTON -- As the Texans prepare to open their preseason Saturday night... more

Tony Gutierrez/AP Two of the Cowboys' most galvanizing personalities -- Terrell??Owens and Adam??Jones -- compete at camp. ?? Five observations from Cowboys camp | Video: Camp report OXNARD, Calif. -- Adam Jones and Tank Johnson are doing the right things on... more

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Brett Favre has come a long way since his emotional retirement press conference in March. After everything that has happened since March -- after all of the tears, all of the vacillating, all of the, well, insanity of a story that... more

Ben Liebenberg/NFL.com Jim Zorn made his head-coaching debut as the Redskins defeated the Colts in the 2008 Hall of Fame game. CANTON, Ohio -- As coaching debuts go, Jim Zorn's was fairly solid. You don't expect a whole lot from preseason-openers, and... more

Ben Liebenberg / NFL.com Rookies at the symposium listened to Money Magazine editor Sheryl Tucker talk about staying on top of finances. Presumably, Matt Ryan and Jake Long won't have any financial problems for the rest of their natural-born lives. It's a... more

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Gary Zimmerman is a member of two NFL All-Decade Teams. CANTON, Ohio -- Here's the thing about the gatekeepers of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: They work in the media and interviewing players is pretty much a staple of their job. ... more

Getty Images Emmitt Thomas addresses the crowd during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony. CANTON, Ohio -- They celebrated Emmitt Thomas, the player, Saturday night. Celebrated his 13 seasons as a cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Celebrated his... more

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images The Chargers are looking to build off a strong finish in 2007 that ended with a loss in the AFC title game. » Five observations from Chargers camp | Video: Camp report SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers have no starting jobs to fill,... more

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images Place-kicker Nate Kaeding appears ready to improve on a solid 2007 season. » Chargers open camp with few questions | Video: Camp report SAN DIEGO -- Here are five topics from the San Diego Chargers' training camp worth a closer... more

Ben Liebenberg/NFL.com Aaron Rodgers didn't seem to be too caught up in the Brett Favre rumors as he signed autographs Wednesday at The American Century Championship Golf Tournament in Stateline, Nev. STATELINE, Nev. -- With a breathtaking backdrop of mostly... more

Win McNamee / Getty Images Jim Zorn is one of three new head coaches that will be in the spotlight as he runs through his first training camp with the Redskins. With NFL training camps set to open soon, here are 10 things to look for as teams begin to prepare in earnest... more

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Jeff Fisher was on stage, doing what comes naturally. He was coaching. With a large group of football players gathered in front of him, Fisher was very much in his element. He offered references to "A gaps" and "strong-side" running and... more

Eliot J. Schecter/Getty Images "At the end of the day, when it's time to play ball -- when the time is right for me to go play ball -- I'll be there, I'll be playing ball," Taylor said. STATELINE, Nev. -- For the longest time, the... more

Ben Liebenberg / NFL.com Diabetes hasn't slowed down Jay Cutler, who is participating in the American Century Championship this week. STATELINE, Nev. -- For Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, this has been an offseason of experimentation. No, he is not... more

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Two nasty, six-inch, purple scars tell the story of the nightmare that was Paul Posluszny's rookie season in the NFL. They run vertically along the top and bottom of his left arm, extending from just below the elbow to just above the wrist. They are reminders... more

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images Trent Edwards started nine games for the Bills last season. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- He strode down the tunnel and onto the field, just as he had countless times before. There was a little less hair on his head, a little more of a bulge in his... more

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images Derrick Brooks and the rest of the Buccaneers' defense returned to their dominant ways in 2007. Now they're hoping that carries into 2008. TAMPA, Fla. -- Defensive excellence has long been synonymous with the Tampa Bay... more

Chris O'Meara/AP Jeff Garcia helped lead the Buccaneers' worst-to-first resurgence last season. TAMPA, Fla. -- He's supposed to be a quarterback's best friend. He speaks their language. He understands the way they think. He makes it his mission to... more

It wasn't an act. It wasn't any sort of shtick or gimmick or even the remotest attempt to attach himself to something that would make him look, sound, or seem more genuine than the rest of those who inhabited his working world of national politics. Tim Russert truly loved the... more

Al Bello/Getty Images Ronnie Brown had four consecutive 100-yard games before a Week 7 injury against the Patriots ruined his season. DAVIE, Fla. -- If the Miami Dolphins have a prayer of improving one of the NFL's worst offenses -- not to mention the team with its... more

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Pacman Jones can make plays on the field. His actions off the field, however, have been a different story. I have a long way to go before I can feel comfortable about Adam Jones returning to play in the NFL. That doesn't exactly put... more

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images Michael Turner was a valuable change-of-pace back for the Chargers behind LaDainian Tomlinson. ATLANTA -- Matt Ryan's $72-million contract grabbed headlines a week ago, but the deal likely to have the strongest immediate impact on the... more

Chris Graythen / Getty Images After selling insurance for a year, Chris Redman started his first NFL game in five seasons in 2007. ATLANTA -- It is a story of persistence and patience, of fulfillment and frustration, of good breaks and bad. We all have something... more

Jamie Squire/Getty Images The NFL is looking to improve the in-stadium experience for its fans. ATLANTA -- It has been a long time since I sat in the stands for an NFL game. When I attend one, I am working and my workspace is in the press box, an area that pretty much... more

ATLANTA -- It's supposed to serve as sort of a spring cleanup, a chance to resolve some unfinished business from the previous gathering of NFL owners before everyone disperses for the rest of the offseason. A Super Bowl site will be selected. A playing rule and a couple of other... more

I set out to write a column answering reader e-mails that would address a wide range of NFL topics. However, when I opened my mail box today, I found an overwhelming number of letter-writers were interested in only one subject: My piece on Senator Arlen Specter's call for an... more

Alex Wong / Getty Images Matt Walsh and Sen. Arlen Specter met on Tuesday in Specter's Capitol Hill office. The NFL did not become the gold standard of professional sports by playing fast and loose with its integrity. Throughout its existence, the league has... more

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images Willis McGahee is looking to carry more of a load for the Ravens in 2008. OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens might not know the identity of their starting quarterback, but they do know who they expect to carry the bulk of their... more

Rob Carr / Associated Press Kyle Boller (left), Troy Smith (middle) and Joe Flacco will compete for the Ravens' starting quarterback job. OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ray Lewis had some advice for the rookie teammate who would command the greatest amount of attention during... more

Ben Liebenberg/NFL.com John David Booty's transition from USC to the NFL could be seamless. We've got mail: Question: Who do you see as the Vikings' quarterbacks when they break training camp? Also, can John David Booty beat out Brooks Bollinger for... more

An NFL team rarely fills all of its holes in one draft. Yet, depending on the number of players selected and retained, a single draft has the potential to provide a club with an extreme makeover. Eight teams emerged from the 2008 draft in such a position. As the only... more

NEW YORK -- When it comes to quarterbacks, this year's college crop is supposed to be closer to ordinary than extraordinary. There is Matt Ryan ? and there is everyone else. The NFL draft pretty much reflected that common refrain. After the Atlanta Falcons selected Ryan at No. 3,... more

Ben Liebenberg / NFL.com Matt Ryan will become the face of a franchise desperately seeking a new identity. NEW YORK -- As NFL messes go, this one was about as big as it gets. Your quarterback, the face of your franchise, is in jail. The circumstances that led him... more

Winslow Townson / Associated Press The scouting is almost over for Herm Edwards (far right) and the Chiefs, who own NFL-high 13 picks in the draft. One way or another, seven teams have a chance to make this one of the more interesting NFL drafts in years. At the... more

Chris Graythen/Getty Images Darren McFadden may be the most talented player in this year's draft but he may still have to wait a little while on Saturday to find out where he'll begin his NFL career. NEW YORK -- Best player in the draft. That's what a... more

Chris Trotman and Chris McGrath / Getty Images Aaron Rodgers (2005) and Brady Quinn (2007) had long waits on draft day. Will Boston College's Matt Ryan be next? NEW YORK -- Invariably, it happens. No one plans it that way. Lord knows no one wants it to... more

We've got mail: Question: I don't understand the hype surrounding Matt Ryan and Darren McFadden. The quarterback class is scarce in talent and numbers, to say the least. The hype is around Ryan, but I really like Chad Henne in this class. In my opinion, none of... more

Now, the pressure's on. It's on Jake Long. It's on Bill Parcells. It's on Jeff Ireland. It's on Tony Sparano. It's on the Miami Dolphins as a whole. Mostly, though, it's on Long. When you wear the tag of No. 1 overall draft pick,... more

Donald Miralle / Getty Images Shawne Merriman was lights out from the moment the Chargers drafted him with the 12th overall pick in 2005. Talk about a safe investment. You want to use a first-round draft pick on a player who will have an immediate impact on your... more

Greg Fiume/Getty Images The NFL season kicks off with the renewal of one its most intense rivalries. On the journey to Super Bowl XLIII, in Tampa, Fla., here are 43 games that, for various reasons, merit more than a passing glance when perusing the 2008 NFL... more

Andrew Shurtleff/AP Chris Long has the sort of athleticism to be utilized in a number of ways. The basic questions never change. Can he rush the passer? Can he stop the run? Can he drop into coverage? Does he have the right combination of size, speed, and... more

Arkansas running back Felix Jones might be the biggest winner from the injury that has Oregon's Jonathan Stewart out of action for four to six months. Jones moves up 12 spots in the most recent edition of my mock draft. Other changes this week include the Carolina Panthers taking... more

David J. Phillip/AP Tom Coughlin loosened up a little bit in 2007, which helped turned the Giants into Super Bowl champions. Tom Coughlin is still riding high on the crest of a congratulatory wave. "The amount of mail, the amount of e-mail, the amount of... more

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Lane Kiffin and Al Davis haven't always seen eye to eye since Kiffin took over as head coach of the Raiders last year, but their relationship continues to develop. PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Coaching the Oakland Raiders comes with challenges... more

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- No, it isn't the easiest of subjects for Robert Kraft to discuss. His eyes tell you as much. So does his voice. Yet, Kraft understands. He understands that what his team, the New England Patriots, did in September sparked a controversy that... more

On the docket A closer look at some of the rules proposals owners will consider during their annual spring meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., starting Sunday: » Implementation of coach-to-defensive player communication system: The quarterback's helmet has long been outfitted with an... more

The St. Louis Rams are in a tricky spot. With the second overall pick of the draft, they aren't under quite as much scrutiny as the Miami Dolphins, who own the top choice. Photos ... Last 20 No. 2 picks » More photos But it's extremely close. ... more

Let's be clear from the start. Free agency remains alive and well in the National Football League. General managers still dial up player agents the moment the clock strikes midnight on the first day of the free-agent period. Armored vehicles, packed to the roof with cash,... more

Saying the New England Patriots won't feel the loss of Asante Samuel would be an exaggeration. But saying they will be devastated by Samuel's free-agent signing with the Philadelphia Eagles would be another overstatement. Samuel is a dynamic playmaker. No team,... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- Quarterbacks usually dominate the conversation at the NFL Scouting Combine. A year ago, the majority of the buzz was about JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn. Go back to 1998, and virtually every media and NFL player-personnel type was fixated on Peyton Manning... more

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Chris Long is often compared to his father, Hall of Famer Howie Long. INDIANAPOLIS -- In the NFL, we're conditioned to assume that a "high-effort" player comes up a little bit short on talent. We believe that he tries harder... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- The benchmark has been set. Jake Long knows it. He is inspired by it. Joe Thomas was the last offensive tackle to command as much favorable attention as Long is receiving at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. Thomas, a former Wisconsin standout, went on to... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- They're all here. The prospects. The coaches. The general managers. The scouts. The media -- especially the media. The 2008 NFL Scouting Combine has everything one would expect to find at the epicenter of professional football, which the RCA Dome becomes... more

We've got mail: Question: Do you think the Pats can come back with another perfect regular season, or even make it to the Super Bowl next year? -- Mark B. Yes and yes. Despite their crushing loss in Super Bowl XLII, the Patriots remain an excellent team. Tom... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- The pain doesn't go away. No amount of sun, sand, or surf will change that. The six New England Patriots here for the Pro Bowl have plenty to distract them from their loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII -- the one that kept them from a record-breaking... more

You love them. You hate them. Either way, you care. You care very deeply. Television ratings say so. So does Internet traffic, my e-mail inbox, talk radio, and any other forum where sports fans can vent. Even Time magazine and the Times of London recently devoted space to... more

Harry How / Getty Images Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning is congratulated by Michael Strahan after the Giants' shocking victory. GLENDALE, Ariz. -- It took 39 seasons, but New York has a new miracle-worker. His name is Eli Manning. His team is the Giants. ... more

PHOENIX -- I admire a good underdog story as much as the next guy, and the one featuring the New York Giants is extremely compelling. They've also written a pretty nice comeback story, turning red-hot at the absolute right time -- the beginning of the postseason. I like Eli... more

David Duprey/AP In the playoffs, Eli Manning has kept his cool despite intense conditions. PHOENIX -- Tom Coughlin still remembers that first minicamp, the one in which then-rookie quarterback Eli Manning -- with all of an hour's worth of exposure to the playbook --... more

David Stluka/Getty Images Brandon Jacobs' ability to move the chains can keep the Patriots' score-a-minute offense off the field. PHOENIX, Ariz. -- When you do the math, the vulnerability is easy to see. Thirty-nine. Thirty-four. Thirty-two. Thirty. Add... more

Al Bello/Getty Images Giants pass rushers such as Michael Strahan are determined to get their mitts on Tom Brady. PHOENIX -- Tom Brady broke it all down simply and succinctly. The No. 1 key to the New England Patriots' ability to beat the New York Giants in... more

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The ultra-talented arm got him here, got him three Super Bowl rings, got him two Super Bowl MVPs, got him a league MVP award, got him prominent space in the NFL record book. Yet, it's the cool, the poise, the incredible composure under the highest stress... more

Chris McGrath / Getty Images Safety James Butler and the Giants secondary will have to improve their play to prevent Randy Moss from taking over like he did when these teams met in Week 17. Moss finished that game with six catches for 100 yards and two TDs. PHOENIX --... more

PHOENIX -- He is, always, the consummate defensive guy. Give up nothing. Take anything you can from the enemy. That's Bill Belichick. So many people spend so much time trying to figure out what makes the enigmatic coach of the New England Patriots tick. But it... more

We tend to think of NFL head coaches as creatures of habit -- unwavering, unbending, unwilling to change who they are and what they're about. Generally speaking, they got their jobs because of their ability to convince others to do things their way. Generally speaking,... more

The game will always be best remembered for a fateful blunder -- a missed field-goal attempt in the final seconds that simultaneously brought permanent heartbreak to the Buffalo Bills and endless celebration to the New York Giants. Yet Scott Norwood's errant kick, while decisive,... more

Evan Pinkus / Getty Images The Week 17 matchup between the Patriots and Giants ended with a New England victory, but it earned New York the momentum it needed for three straight road playoff wins and a Super Bowl XLII berth. When the New England Patriots and New York... more

Elsa / Getty Images Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel battles Chargers wide receiver Chris Chambers for the ball and eventually pulls it in for an interception. The second-quarter pick led to a Patriots touchdown and a 14-6 New England lead. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Through... more

Among the many letters that appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune after the Chargers' stunning playoff victory over Indianapolis last week was one from a reader in La Jolla, Calif., that began like this: "Where does the line form to apologize to Norv Turner for (criticizing him... more

At what point do we give Eli Manning his due? At what point do we say he has shed the burden of having a last name that also belongs to one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history? At what point do we conclude, once and for all, that he has finally arrived as the big-time... more

We've got mail: Question: With the Super Bowl picture becoming clearer, which team do you think would have a better shot at taking down the mighty Patriots, the New York Giants or the Green Bay Packers? I'm a huge Giants fan and would love to hear your explanation as to why my... more

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images Laurence??Maroney had one touchdown and 122 yards rushing as the Patriots advanced to the AFC title game. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It is games such as Saturday night's at Gillette Stadium that truly make the New England Patriots frightening. ... more

IRVING, Texas -- All week long, a sign hung in the players' meeting room at the New York Giants' headquarters in East Rutherford, N.J. It said: "Warriors 9-1." Giants' Toomer on a roll With Plaxico Burress hobbled by a sprained ankle, Giants veteran... more

Paul Spinelli/Getty Images Is there any doubt Bill Belichick is the top coach in the NFL's elite eight? If one only goes by postseason coaching experience, the Green Bay Packers shouldn't have a prayer in their divisional-round playoff game Saturday against the... more

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images Pint-sized Maurice??Jones-Drew is one-half of the Jaguars' potent running back tandem. The perceived weakness of the New England Patriots -- and it can only be perceived on an unbeaten team -- is their aging defense. Specifically,... more

Layne Murdoch/Getty Images Tony Romo threw eight of his franchise-record 36 touchdown passes against the Giants. Something isn't quite right with this picture. In Dallas, the head coach is answering questions about his job security. Yes, the same guy who in... more

The teacher is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He got there by establishing himself as one of the greatest middle linebackers in NFL history. The student is a mere four games into his NFL career. His No. 1 professional goal is to one day join his teacher in the Hall. ... more

PITTSBURGH -- So, which are the "real" Jacksonville Jaguars? Are they the team that dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers for three quarters of Saturday night's wild-card playoff game? Or, are they the team that came perilously close to suffering one of the worst... more

Andy Lyons/Getty Images Acquiring veteran QB Jeff Garcia turned out to be a winning move for Jon Gruden. The bar was immediately set high. Probably too high. One season as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one Super Bowl victory. Where was Jon Gruden... more

My 2007 All-Vic team follows: Offense Quarterback Tom Brady New England Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Wide Receiver Randy Moss New England ... more

As writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL, we constantly judge whether players can "walk the walk" with their performance on the field. But in our business, it is only natural to also evaluate how well they "talk the talk" between games. Talking the... more

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The conversation continues, but it isn't over. Greatest team ever. Greatest season ever. Both apply to the New England Patriots, but only for the regular season. Commemorate the Patriots' 16-0 perfect season. Check out the collection of... more

Eli Manning, Vince Young, and Philip Rivers bring the best quarterbacking pedigree to the wild-card round of the playoffs. They also arguably bring the largest question marks of the eight starting signal-callers this weekend. If the New York Giants are to beat the Tampa... more

Jim Rogash/Getty Images Could the Patriots continue to win if Tom??Brady were to get hurt? We've got mail: Question: The Patriots are very good, but they played this year in a weak division, which made it easier to go undefeated and inflate their stats. I... more

The comparisons are inevitable. If the New England Patriots do finish the regular season with a 16-0 record, it's only natural to wonder just how good they are??next to the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the last team to go unbeaten and untied in the regular season. A fairly... more

When it comes to finishing their regular-season schedule, coaches whose teams have already secured a playoff spot and can't significantly improve their postseason status should have only one concern: To give their squad the best possible chance of winning the Super Bowl. If that... more

The final two weeks of the regular season carry varying degrees of importance for teams that have clinched a postseason berth or, at the very least, are still in the playoff picture. For some, such as Tampa Bay and Seattle, there was nothing on the line Sunday. Other than the very... more

The Philadelphia Eagles have won only six games this season, far fewer than most NFL pundits expected. Their defense, on the other hand, has come up big in the "blueprint" department with two wins. That's "blueprint," as in an effective plan to deal with the... more

We've got mail: Question: I believe the reason why the Jaguars beat the Steelers is not because the Steelers played sloppy. It is because the Jaguars dominated in the trenches and just were the better team. When people say the Steelers are falling off, that takes all of the credit... more

At one time, the AFC provided a fairly clear picture of its elite teams. You had New England, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh. By virtue of their perfect record, the Patriots have occupied a spot well above the entire NFL all season. The Colts have been less consistent -- even... more

For the most part, the Pro Bowl selectors got it right. Players, coaches, and the fans who voted on NFL.com did a solid job of selecting the AFC and NFC representatives for the league's Feb. 10 all-star game in Honolulu. There were no outrageous choices, nor outrageous... more

I still like the Minnesota Vikings' chances of reaching the postseason and perhaps even making it past the wild-card round. But I'd like them more if I didn't see Tarvaris Jackson look as sloppy as he did with the football on Monday night. I am willing to cut him... more

CLEVELAND -- This is how bad the conditions were at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday. Early in the second quarter, with the field blanketed with snow from a blizzard, the officials initially had problems locating one of the yard lines. It wasn't exactly an obscure one for which... more

I'm a little uneasy making this comparison, mainly because we're talking about a playoff game versus a regular-season game. To be certain, some regular-season games can have a playoff-like feel, particularly if the stakes are such that a win gets a team into the postseason or... more

We've got mail: Question: Do you think the Cowboys are back to the legendary status they were with Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith? And can they win the Super Bowl this year? With deadly accuracy and a gift for throwing on the run, Tony Romo's proven he's... more

Bobby Petrino's sudden resignation from the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday to return to the college ranks marked the official first spin of the NFL coaching carousel. But don't expect the spinning to resemble what we've seen over the past two years. We certainly... more

With three weeks left in the regular season, this is what we still know about the NFL: The New England Patriots are great enough to go 16-0 Anthony Smith's prediction of a Pittsburgh Steelers win was silly, offering unnecessary fuel for the most powerful machine in football. But I... more

They are quarterbacks at a crossroads. Through erratic play, Eli Manning has raised all sorts of questions about where he and the New York Giants are headed. Through inconsistency and an inability to stay healthy, Donovan McNabb has done the same for himself and the direction... more

We've got mail: Question: I'm writing to you in response to your recent article in which you refer to the Ravens' players, unhappy with the officiating, telling reporters after the game that they believe the NFL is orchestrating a conspiracy to make certain that the... more

OPENING DRIVE The NFL is loaded with teams hanging just above or just below .500. Of those in the just-above category (7-5), only the San Diego Chargers can feel reasonably secure about their postseason chances because their record is good enough to put them in a commanding position... more

In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv Comment 1. New England Patriots 12-0 1 Yes, they're lucky, too. 2. Dallas Cowboys 11-1 2 Tony Romo and an explosive offense allow the Cowboys to... more

Entering the final quarter of the season, the time has come when statements are made in the NFL. Week 13 offered a variety of them. They follow: "We're still best in our division and second-best in the AFC!" The Indianapolis Colts said that with their 28-25... more

There are some events in life and in football that defy explanation. Sure, we know how Sean Taylor was killed. The safety for the Washington Redskins was shot during an invasion of his home. Sure, we know how Kevin Everett suffered a spinal-cord injury that initially was... more

IRVING, Texas -- The temptation is to put an asterisk next to the final score, something to signify that one of the greatest players in NFL history wasn't on the field for most of the game. I'm going to resist it. I'm going to take the Dallas Cowboys' 37-27... more

The similarities between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers go beyond the fact that each has a 10-1 record, a prolific passer, and a solid defense. Another likeness they share is the underwhelming persona of their coaches. Silver hair notwithstanding, no one will... more

Much has been made about the so-called "blueprint" the Philadelphia Eagles have provided future opponents of the New England Patriots. Maybe a little too much. To be certain, the Eagles' strategy on both sides of the ball did plenty to disrupt the Patriots... more

If the NFL truly is a quarterback's league -- and there is little evidence to the contrary -- late November is when those who play the position usually demonstrate why. This is a time of year when some quarterbacks step up while others don't, and the difference often shows... more

The Nov. 29 clash between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers is as much about NFL superiority as it is about determining the best team in the NFC. In fact, when the final gun sounds, the bigger question than "Which team is better?" is "Which team has a better chance... more

My recent column listing five reasons why the New England Patriots' dominance is a good thing for the NFL elicited a great deal of reader response. Good for the game Some might think the Patriots' dominance is a bad thing. Vic Carucci has five reasons why the Pats'... more

Someone recently asked if I thought the New England Patriots' dominance was bad for the NFL. The questioner said it was, pointing out that the likelihood of the Patriots cruising to a fourth Super Bowl crown left fans of 31 teams with nothing to look forward to between now and... more

This is what an elite team is supposed to do: Win decisively against a banged-up, inferior opponent. This is what an elite team, or at least one on the fringes of elite, cannot afford to do: Lose against a bottom-dwelling club playing for next year. That was the difference... more

When it comes to projecting quarterback success, NFL teams have had some colossal misses. They missed on Tom Brady, who went from sixth-round draft choice to two-time Super Bowl MVP. They missed on Kurt Warner, who went from undrafted free agent to two-time NFL MVP and one-time Super... more

We've got mail: Question: Where do you get off brushing the Packers aside? You call the Dallas win over the Giants "impressive," but if you recall, the Pack laid a much mightier whooping down on New York in Week 2. It's not like the Giants were struggling early either,... more

Eight NFL teams qualify as major or at least notable disappointments so far. They are, in alphabetical order: the Baltimore Ravens (4-5), Carolina Panthers (4-5), Chicago Bears (4-5), Cincinnati Bengals (3-6), Denver Broncos (4-5), New Orleans Saints (4-5), New York Jets (1-8), and... more

Finally, we have some clarity in the NFC. The Dallas Cowboys own the conference. They might even be the league's new "second-best" team, after the unbeaten New England Patriots, but let's talk NFC first. Some pundits had argued that, after rebounding from a 0-2... more

Jeff Fisher appreciates how rare it is to be in his 13th full season as coach of the same NFL franchise, the Tennessee Titans. Given that 18 of the league's 32 coaches are in their first, second or third year, Fisher is quick to acknowledge how fortunate he is to work for an... more

With the NFL having reached the midpoint of the season, it is time to sort out what we have learned, what we still don't know, and some new questions that have surfaced through the first nine weeks: What we've learned ?? The New England Patriots are playing in a different... more

We've got mail: Question: What can you tell us about rookies we don't hear that much about? We've heard plenty about Adrian Peterson, Dwayne Bowe and Patrick Willis, who are making quite an impact on their respective teams. My question mostly focuses on less-talked-about... more

Every year we see teams rise and fall as the season rolls on. Sometimes that's due to injuries or lineup changes. Sometimes it's a matter of improved execution, or even team chemistry. But sometimes it's a simple matter of who you play. Here's a look at how the second-half... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- The bullies got bloodied. For much of this heavyweight match that lived up to every inch of its incredible hype, they took many more punches than they delivered. They caught a couple of shots that left them a little dazed and staggered and looking anything like the... more

They traveled different roads to the same destination, and there was a time when that mattered a whole lot more than it does today. We've become so used to viewing Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history that we no longer consider it a big deal... more

We've got mail: Question: Is it time to install a "Mercy Rule" into the NFL to stop all these whiners about the Patriots' running up the score? Are they playing in the little league or the pros? It's hard to tell ... unless you check their salaries. -- Ron F. ... more

In the hunt Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. Rank Team Record Prv Comment 1. New England Patriots 8-0 1 Hey, why don't you pick on someone your own size? Oh, wait, you're going to this weekend. 2. Indianapolis... more

MONDAY NIGHT TAKES Midseason Superlatives Offensive MVP » Tom Brady, QB, New England. No explanation required. » Honorable mention: Brett Favre, QB, Green Bay; Randy Moss, WR, New England; Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis; Tony Romo, QB, Dallas. (Choice at the quarter pole:... more

The heavyweights threw their weight around with a vengeance. In the process, the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts have set the stage for one of the most highly anticipated regular-season games in NFL history. Was there really ever any doubt that these teams... more

Jon Kitna has a simple way to explain his transformation from one-time caretaker/bench-warming quarterback to prominent starter. He feels free. Free to trust his throwing arm and overall quarterbacking skills. Free to trust his instincts and make what he believes is the right... more

OPENING DRIVE Wes Welker said it best about Randy Moss when he told reporters after the New England Patriots' 49-28 victory over the Miami Dolphins, "He is a freak. He can just do things other receivers can't do." Roadblocks to Pats going 16-0: Week Date Opponent... more

We pretty much could start this column off each week with a discussion about the excellence of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. We won't do that this time, even if Brady and the Pats continue to outdo themselves on a weekly basis. No, for a change, we'll talk... more

The meeting was called, first, to give everyone an opportunity to do some much-needed venting. After that, the goal was to heal and move forward. This players-only session happened a little more than a week before the Jacksonville Jaguars were to begin the 2007 regular season. It... more

Opening drive For the most part, the AFC has sorted itself out. The New England Patriots are the gold standard of the conference (and the league, for that matter). The Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers are at the next level, capable of dominating in multiple phases of the... more

So what is the New England Patriots' biggest worry? That the Indianapolis Colts have had an extra week to get healthy and could be at full strength when they face the Pats on Nov. 4? I know. It's a reach. But that's what it has come to with the... more

I'm expecting the "Game of the Year" to live up to every inch of its hype. I'm expecting a close, competitive, down-to-the-wire battle between the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys. I'm expecting impressive displays of offense (where the Cowboys and Patriots... more

We've got mail: Question: Is it just me or did Buffalo really not manage that drive well in the fourth quarter against Dallas on Monday night when they were intercepted? With a rookie quarterback and a good running back, why didn't they just run it and get a field goal? At the... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 5: IN THE HUNT (Teams, listed with record and previous week's ranking, that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers but not based on conference) 1. New England (5-0; 1): The schedule finally gives the... more

With each week, the upper-tier of the NFL becomes better defined. It isn't simply these teams' ability to stay unbeaten that's so impressive. It's the convincing way they do it, beginning with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. (Is it time to consider... more

We've spent the majority of the first quarter of the NFL season focusing on the four teams with perfect records. Let's get off of the New England-Indianapolis-Dallas-Green Bay bandwagon for a moment and take a closer look at the four teams residing a notch below: The members... more

We've got mail: Question: I don't get it. You call Tom Brady the MVP because of Randy Moss? Shouldn't that be the exact reason he is not the MVP? There's one thing in having a good offensive line, but a top receiving corps should actually make him less valuable to the... more

Opening drive One man's superlatives after a quarter of the 2007 season: Offensive MVP Tom Brady, quarterback, New England. Is there really another choice? Randy Moss, one of Brady's new targets, received serious consideration for going from someone who only performed his... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 4: In the hunt (Teams, listed with record and previous week's ranking, that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference): 1. New England (4-0; 1): Tom Brady and Randy Moss make... more

Call Week 4 of the NFL season "Turn-the-Corner Sunday." That is what it was for at least three teams -- the Cleveland Browns, the Arizona Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. After the first three weeks of the season, no one would have figured these clubs to have... more

Five NFL teams are winless, which also happens to be the same number of teams with a perfect record as we approach the quarter pole of the season. Some of the 3-0 clubs will no doubt stumble, even if only for a brief stretch. Some could flat-out collapse. As an executive for one of... more

If anything reinforces the notion that this is a pass-first league, it is this: The four active members from the NFL's top-five rushing list in 2006 have been all but invisible through the first three weeks of the season. In fact, Tiki Barber has been far more noticeable in... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 3: IN THE HUNT Teams, listed with record and previous week's ranking, that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers but not based on conference. 1. New England (3-0; 1): The Patriots can score, and win, at... more

Get ready. The real San Diego Chargers are about to make their 2007 regular-season debut. The team we've watched for the past two weeks is not the one that will show up at Lambeau Field in Week 3. These Chargers will run the ball effectively. They will throw it with... more

We've got mail: Question: I have been a Bucs' fans since the orange and white days. I always think my Bucs have a chance. Given the flip-flop pattern of the NFC South and the new life we have (from Jeff Garcia), what are the odds of a playoff berth? --Walt I'm not... more

A year ago, the New Orleans Saints were the NFL's surprise team with the surprise offense. One season later ... well, nothing has really changed. At 0-2, the Saints have surprised any number of league observers who considered them the cream of a not-so-impressive... more

Opening drive Assorted observations from the Washington Redskins' 20-12 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football: » Donovan McNabb isn't making excuses, which is commendable. Yet in refusing to blame any possible rust accumulated while recovering... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 2: IN THE HUNT Teams, listed with record and previous week's ranking, that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference: 1. New England (2-0; 2): Can we dispense with the silly... more

This is not a defense of Bill Belichick's NFL crime. He broke a rule. He deserved and received stiff punishment. He has brought an onslaught of ridicule from all directions, in and out of the league, to himself and the entire New England Patriots' organization. Week 2... more

Welcome back, real football. After a turbulent offseason that involved far too many stories about police investigations and plea deals, you've never looked so good. The last time we saw an NFL game that counted, a steady rain soaked everyone and everything inside Dolphin... more

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 1: IN THE HUNT (Teams, listed with record, that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers; not based on conference) 1. Indianapolis (1-0): Scary thought: Peyton Manning's receivers might be better than... more

OPENING DRIVE Assorted observations from the Cincinnati Bengals' 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers' 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football: » The best part of the Bengals' performance was their defense coming up with... more

The 2007 NFL season began in earnest and in grand fashion with an opening Sunday that offered a little bit of everything. There were upsets, such as the Tennessee Titans' 13-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Green Bay Packers' 16-13 triumph over the Philadelphia... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- Has the debate ended before it even began? Has Peyton Manning removed even the tiniest doubt that anyone might have that he is the very best quarterback in the NFL? After watching him throw for 288 yards and three touchdowns in his first game of the season,... more

One man's predictions for the 2007 season: AFC Champion: New England. Although the early-season absences of defensive end Richard Seymour (knee, six games) and safety Rodney Harrison (suspension, four games) will pose some challenges, they shouldn't be enough to derail the... more

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Super Bowl champions still have it. They still have the NFL's best quarterback. They still have the league's most dangerous group of receivers. They still have a highly effective running game, even if it has only one primary back. And, yes, they can... more

With the NFL regular season about to begin, it is time to sort out what we have learned, what we still don't know, and some new questions that surfaced during the preseason. What we've learned -- The Indianapolis Colts look more than capable of successfully defending their... more

Cam Cameron was talking about Samson Satele, but he could have just as easily been discussing Joe Thomas or Joe Staley or Levi Brown or Tony Ugoh or Justin Blalock or Aaron Sears or Jacob Bender. "Like some young guys, he gets overly aggressive sometimes," the Miami... more

We've got mail: Pats' D getting too old? Question: Even with the recent re-addition of Asante Samuel into a secondary that needed some help, the Patriots still have an aging defense in the linebackers/safety area. No doubt newcomers Brandon Meriweather and Adalius Thomas can... more

Donovan McNabb is more than the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a symbol, representing the best and worst of what his team potentially has in store for the 2007 season. On one hand, McNabb remains the most talented player on a club with enough talent to be a... more

As we approach the fourth full week of preseason games, here are some quick observations from this NFL summer: Where's the D? That was a woeful display of tackling by Buffalo's defense in the Bills' Aug. 24 preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. It was... more

As we approach the third full week of preseason games, here are some quick observations from this NFL summer: Photos ... Best of the preseason » More photos Serious concern about Grossman I think the Chicago Bears should be worried about Rex Grossman. I think they... more

  Football coaches figured out long ago that while the sideline might provide an ideal place to lead, it doesn't necessarily offer the best place to watch. They needed another set of eyes, located high above the field, to see how opponents aligned and adjusted on both sides... more

We've got mail: Weren't you impressed with the way Tarvaris Jackson played in the Minnesota Vikings' preseason opener against St. Louis? He was poised in the pocket and he ran well. Do you think he is getting better? Do you think Jackson and the receivers will come... more

Michael??Vick timeline April 25: Local authorities raid a property Vick owned in Surry County, Va., reportedly finding 66 dogs (mostly pit bulls), a dogfighting pit, bloodstained carpets and equipment associated with dogfighting. May 27: Informant tells ESPN Vick is "one of... more

?? With the NFL preseason getting into full swing this week, it is time to ponder exactly where all 32 teams are headed. Super Bowl or bust? Those are the only destination points, plain and simple. Sure, for some clubs reaching the playoffs is a hefty... more

Raider fans have waited a long time for a player like JaMarcus Russell to become a pivotal part of the team's poor offense. (But) we don't need another Randy Moss. Russell's greed is far overshadowing his potential skill in the NFL and fans are growing weary of him. Maybe he can... more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (July 26, 2007) -- Wade Phillips hadn't even coached his first practice of his first training camp with the Dallas Cowboys when his boss, Jerry Jones, cranked up the heat. Jones didn't go anywhere near the thermostat controls of the Alamodome, the... more

KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Vince Young doesn't carry himself as someone who should feel fortunate to be here. Quite the contrary. The dynamic rookie quarterback for the Tennessee Titans "always" believed that he had a chance to make it to the Pro Bowl. "Because I... more

It won't do anything to erase Carson Palmer's disappointment over the Cincinnati Bengals' failure to reach the playoffs after a late-season collapse. That will likely linger through the offseason and only disappear if the Bengals are able to bounce back with a postseason... more

NEW YORK -- This was a slam-dunk. This was a no-brainer. This was the sensible decision once all of the nonsensical speculation finally stopped. The Oakland Raiders could not pass on a quarterback. Not after saying no to Matt Leinart a year ago. Not while lacking a legitimate starting... more

NEW YORK -- One man's very preliminary view of the draft's four biggest winners: Carolina Panthers: After a mostly quiet offseason, the Panthers made a fairly noticeable splash in the draft. They worked out a deal with the New York Jets to trade down from the 14th to 25th... more

  Put aside the numbers. They made a rock-solid case for Thurman Thomas' induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but they are not the starting point for a discussion about what made him an ultra-special player. The starting point is his attitude. Thomas... more

MIAMI (Feb. 4, 2007) -- Nothing was going to stop Peyton Manning fromfinishing this climb. Not the sudden jolt of Devin Hester returning the opening kickoff for atouchdown, a Super Bowl first. Not a steady downpour, another Super Bowl first, that made for tricky handlingof a soggy... more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- As Tony Romo worked his way around the perimeter of the Alamodome -- hurriedly signing autographs for scores of beaming men, women, and children jammed into the bottom section of seats -- the chant became almost deafening. Ro-mo! Ro-mo! Ro... more

(July 3, 2007) -- Soon, we will be looking for signs.   Signs that certain teams have the stuff to continue to compete for a championship or move into such territory. Signs that certain players are ready to take their performance to a higher level in order for those clubs to... more

  You could judge this book by its cover. You could trust that what you saw was what you would get.   The silver head of hair, which was rarely out of place. The immaculate cardigan sweaters. The folded arms, with the right hand tucked under the left elbow and le... more

The thrill is just sinking in.   It was only five days ago, on the eve of Super Bowl XLI, that Michael Irvin,Thurman Thomas, Bruce Matthews, Charlie Sanders, Roger Wehrli and GeneHickerson learned of their selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.   Before th... more

In the wake of overwhelming reader response to my July 18 column on the MichaelVick indictment, I have decided to share some of the hundreds of e-mails thathave arrived in my "Ask Vic" mailbag within the last 24 hours:   Thank you, Vic, for your article on Michael V... more

Carolina Panthers: After a mostly quiet offseason, thePanthers made a fairly noticeable splash in the draft. They worked out a dealwith the New York Jets to trade down from the 14th to 25th overall spot and gotformer University of Miami linebacker Jon Beason, who at the very least is anice... more