Gerhart, Rolle overcoming stereotypes to make it in the NFL

SI
March 28, 2010


Stereotypes are prevalent in our society, and the NFL is no different. I know. I was one of the few Ivy League graduates trying to make a living as a professional football player when I signed with the Washington Redskins in 2001 as an undrafted rookie free agent. For the next seven years, not a single day went by in which I didn't feel as if I had to overcome the stereotypes that players, coaches and management had about me as a Princeton guy playing in the NFL.

read more

NFL changes overtime for playoff games

By Barry Wilner
March 23, 2010


Orlando, FL — The league on Tuesday changed its overtime rules for postseason games. Starting next season, if a team wins the coin toss and then kicks a field goal, the other team gets the ball. If that next series ends with another field goal, play will continue under the current sudden-death rules.

read more

Tomlinson agrees to deal with Jets

By Jim Trotter
March 14, 2010


LaDainian Tomlinson reportedly had to choose between the Vikings and Jets
The Jets have a more secure QB status (Sanchez) than the Vikings (Brett Favre)
LT's familiarity with Brian Schottenheimer also played a role in the signing<

read more

Tomlinson agrees to deal with Jets

By Jim Trotter
March 14, 2010


LaDainian Tomlinson reportedly had to choose between the Vikings and Jets
The Jets have a more secure QB status (Sanchez) than the Vikings (Brett Favre)
LT's familiarity with Brian Schottenheimer also played a role in the signing

read more

Projecting the first round of the NFL draft

By Sam Farmer
March 10, 2010


It has been 30 years since a University of Oklahoma player was selected first in the NFL draft — Detroit made running back Billy Sims the top pick in 1980 — but in 2010 a Sooner will go soonest.

read more

Steelers QB accused of sexual assault in Georgia

By Kate Brumback
March 5, 2010


Milledgeville, GA — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is being investigated in an allegation of sexual assault at a Georgia nightclub, police said Friday.

read more

Step-by-step guide to drafting a QB

By Jason Cole
Febreary 23, 2010


San Francisco 49ers owner and team president Jed York summed it up in early February as he looked back at the selection of quarterback Alex Smith with the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2005.

read more

Smith, Rice lead 7 new football Hall of Famers

By Barry Wilner
February 6, 2010


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — All-time greats Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith led a class of seven into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The NFL’s career receiving and rushing leaders were joined in the Hall by John Randle, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau. Little and LeBeau were elected as senior committee nominees.

learn more

AFC East Final Word: Jets at Colts

By Tim Graham
January 23, 2010


1. Rex Ryan doesn't have a favorable history against Peyton Manning. Ryan established his reputation as a defensive genius during his decade with the Baltimore Ravens, and despite overseeing some of the greatest units of this generation, he has been unsuccessful in trying to solve Manning.

learn more

Vikings throw late TD in blowout, Brooking goes after Favre

By Chris Chase
January 18, 2010


Did the Minnesota Vikings run up the score on the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday's NFC divisional playoff? Keith Brooking thinks so. A late Brett Favre touchdown pass infuriated the Dallas linebacker, who charged over to the Vikings' sideline to voice his displeasure. And in his postgame press conference he didn't back down.

learn more

Edwards goes from problem child to playoffs

By Jason Cole
January 7, 2010


FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – As wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery ran into the end zone Sunday night during the New York Jets’ 37-0 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Braylon Edwards was right there enjoying the most exuberant moment of his five-year career.

learn more

Favre owns countless records, but only one number seems to matter

By Andy Staples
December 29, 2009

He broke the Mississippi state record for career touchdown passes. By 40. He accounted for 81 touchdowns (63 throwing, 18 rushing) as a senior. In the Class 4A state title game earlier this month, he led his team to victory by passing for 369 yards and three touchdowns as a quarterback and recording 16 tackles and one interception as a safety.

learn more

Eagles' McCoy might make you forget Po James

By Rich Hofmann
December 5, 2009


THE YEAR WAS 1972. The Eagles would finish the season 3-11-1. A rookie running back from Western Pennsylvania, by way of New Mexico State, carried the ball 182 times for that team. It was a franchise record for rookies that still stands. The back in question was named Ronald "Po" James.

LeSean McCoy probably knows nothing about this. He is, after all, somewhat busy these days.

learn more

‘Tis the season to run teams into the ground

By Michael Silver
November 8, 2009


On Tuesday at Cleveland Browns headquarters in Berea, Ohio, owner Randy Lerner welcomed two men into his office who go by the handles Dawgpound Mike and Mobile Dawg and spent two hours discussing the decrepit state of his organization.

Lerner initiated the meeting in response to the fan protest the two men are organizing for the Browns’ Nov. 16 home game against the Baltimore Ravens – a boycott of the opening kickoff which, even after Tuesday’s conversation, is still a go. According to Dawgpound Mike (a.k.a. Mike Randall of Massillon), Lerner “listened to everything we had to say. He asked our opinions on a number of things.”

learn more

NFL capsules

By Toronto Globe and Mail
November 1, 2009


Rams 17, Lions 10

At Detroit, As expected of two teams that combined for one win entering Sunday, the St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions played an awful football game.

St. Louis, though, loved the outcome — for the first time all season.

Steven Jackson's 25-yard touchdown run with 1:38 left lifted the Rams to a 17-10 win over Detroit, snapping their 17-game losing streak.

learn more

Coordinators not always worthy of another lead gig

By Michael Silver
October 6, 2009


It’s as inevitable as a Terrell Owens swipe at his quarterback, a tawdry reality-TV scandal, or a booth of broadcasters competing with one another to gush over Brett Favre’s greatness – and, I would argue, it’s equally annoying.

I call it the Coordinator Cleansing Phenomenon, and here’s how it works: A hot NFL assistant, usually in charge a successful team’s offense or defense, gets hired as a head coach. A few years later he is dismissed, having failed to win enough games and to make the tricky transition from brainy play-caller to big-picture overseer.

learn more

Pete's Picks: Ravens will take down Chargers

By Pete O'Brien, USA Today
September 17, 2009


Thanks for welcoming me back with your kind comments last week, and my apologies for the stupid Panthers pick. I was rusty and got too eager to pick a home underdog.

I have to say though, I was little bummed no one called me out. Hopefully, the seven underdogs I'm going with this week will make you question my sanity. You can prove you're superior by playing the Pigskin Pool (weekly prizes people,  join anytime).

On to the picks. As always, my picks are real but reality and fantasy get a little fuzzy for me when it comes to the comments.

learn more

The NFL's Most Underrated And Overrated Players — These gridiron stars may defy expectations, good and bad.

By Zack O'Malley Greenburg
August 30, 2009


Brett Favre made headlines this month by un-retiring--again--and signing with the Minnesota Vikings. Judging by the number of fans rushing to buy purple No. 4 jerseys, one might think the Vikings had already won the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately for residents of the Twin Cities, it's not a great move. That's because Favre is the most overrated quarterback in the NFL, according to our panel of experts. Favre piloted the Jets to a 1-4 record last December, a month that saw him throw nine of his league-leading 22 interceptions. Nevertheless, Favre garnered his 10th Pro Bowl selection--and raked in $12 million, more than twice as much as any other Jet--making him an easy choice for our overrated list.

learn more

Honeymoon under way for Owens, Bills

By Dan Wetzel
July 25, 2009


PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Jeff Garcia went to three Pro Bowls from 2000-02 with San Francisco, then was on five different teams in five seasons.

Donovan McNabb threw 31 touchdowns and was in a Super Bowl after the 2004 season. By 2007 he was dealing with rumors Philadelphia would trade him. Tony Romo became a crossover superstar and a two-time Pro Bowler in Dallas. He now opens the season with questions about whether he’s indeed an elite quarterback.

learn more

NFL mock draft 2010: Big 12 makes big early splash -- Half-dozen Oklahoma standouts litter this version of Round 1

June 30, 2009


The 2009 college football season is still a couple months away, so what better time to check in on the nation's top NFL draft prospects for 2010? As you would expect, the initial set of 32 has plenty of flavors, from offense to defense, seniors to juniors and former Heisman winners to just darn good players.

Before you dive in to the early pick projections, here are few things you'll probably notice:

The Sooners lead a Big 12 boom. Starting with one of those Heisman winners, QB Sam Bradford going to Seattle, there are a half-dozen Oklahoma standouts in this version of Round 1. Not to be forgotten, the intrastate rival Oklahoma State Cowboys are represented twice. In total, it's Big 12 dominance, going 11 for 32, including a Cornhusker defensive star at first overall.

learn more

Fresh faces in 2009 playoffs? Here are five

By Dennis Dillon
June 9, 2009


The days of the same cast of characters every year in the NFL playoffs have become as passe as the pooch punt. Lately, there's been an upstart -- or two, or three -- that quickly jells and improbably turns itself around while burning the boys in Vegas.

Last season, it was the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. In '07, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins played that role. The Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints made 180-degree turns and went to the postseason in '06.

Which teams will surprise us in '09? Here are five candidates:

learn more

Madden "NFL Football" Game to Live On After Broadcaster Retires

Curtis Eichelberger
April 17, 2009


Bloomberg) -- John Madden’s video game may remain a top seller even after the Hall of Fame football coach and broadcaster of National Football League games announced his retirement yesterday.

Electronic Arts Inc. should continue selling 6 million copies of its “Madden NFL” video game each year, said Michael Pachter, who covers the video game industry for Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. in Los Angeles.

The 73-year-old Madden, who sprinkled his color commentary with words like “Boom!” and “Doink,” will remain relevant as an endorser for several more years, Pachter said.

learn more

Owens forces Cowboys into internal struggle over WR's future in Dallas

By Don Banks
February 13, 2009


The great debate in Dallas in these earliest days of the NFL offseason surrounds Terrell Owens' fate, and to some degree, I'm learning that reality depends on who you talk to.

One side holds that owner Jerry Jones now knows what he must do, and for the good of the team's badly damaged locker-room chemistry, he will bite the bullet and acknowledge T.O. and his high-maintenance ways are the epicenter of the problem, making him an ex-Cowboy before a $3.1 million roster bonus is due in early June.

learn more

NFL: Super Bowl security to be tight in Tampa

By MITCH STACY
January 27, 2009


TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — At least 20 federal agencies will help local police secure Raymond James Stadium for Sunday's Super Bowl, with duties ranging from protecting airspace and the port to arresting peddlers of counterfeit souvenirs, officials said Monday.

Because of the massive security effort, the stadium "is one of the safest locations you can possibly be on Super Bowl Sunday in the United States of America," said Milton E. Ahlerich, the NFL's vice president for security.

The heavy security will be typical of every Super Bowl since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Ahlerich said at a news conference. There is no evidence of any nefarious plans by terrorists, he said, but the high profile of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals makes it "an attractive target."

learn more

NFL Giants and Jets rivalry gets new life

By Tom Ferda
November 30, 2008


Step aside Mets and Yankees, it’s NFL football season and it appears your rivalry, as intense as it may be, may be sitting on the back burner until after the New Year.
 
The intercity rivalry between the first-place New York Giants (10-1) and, this is NOT a typo, first-place New York Jets (8-3) has found new life since Brett Favre jumped into the fray, joining the Jets after their underachieving season last year.
 
While the Jets struggled last season, the Giants were putting together a win streak that took them all the way to their Super Bowl upset victory over the undefeated New England Patriots.

learn more

Can the Broncos repeat as Super Bowl Champs,
or will there be a new AFC Champion?


AFC North


Cincinnati Bengals

Head Coach: Marvin Lewis

Starting QB: Carson Palmer
Starting HB: Rudi Johnson

Outlook: Having been on the wrong end of a three-way tie for the final two playoff spots, the Bengals had no major defections or additions to their squad, and will hope they can get over the Pittsburgh hump and take home an AFC North Title.

Prediction: 10-6


Cleveland Browns

Head Coach: Jason Garrett

Starting QB: Brady Quinn
Starting HB: Kevin Jones

Outlook: After struggling to a 7-9 mark in 2008, the Browns decided to let Romeo Crennel go, having never made the playoffs during his five years. Cleveland wasted no time in snatching up the hot coordinator as they brought in Jason Garrett to be their new Head Coach. Growing pains with a new coach & system combined with a lack of consistency in the running game will probably keep the Browns in the middle of the pack.

learn more

•  NFL News Archive Index:
2010
•  NFL Tickets

Around the NFL: Nothing can stop Brees, but Saints are another story

By Tom Pelissero
October 17, 2008


If he keeps up his pace, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees would shatter longstanding NFL records for single-season completion percentage and passing yards.

If the Saints keep up their pace, they'll finish 8-8.

That's the duality in New Orleans, where the NFL's second-ranked offense, a dangerous return game starring Reggie Bush and a serviceable defense (19th in yards, 18th in scoring) have added up only to a 3-3 start — putting the Saints last in the competitive NFC South Division.

learn more

High hopes: Young QB leading new offense has Bills thinking playoffs

By Don Banks
July 30, 2008


PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Despite owning the AFC's longest active playoff drought -- eight long years and counting -- the Buffalo Bills have some legitimate buzz surrounding them this preseason.

I'm not the only NFL pundit tabbing Buffalo as the surprise team in the AFC, but the most important thing I discovered at Bills training camp is Dick Jauron's young team isn't afraid of the big talk.

learn more

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to fine teams for player misbehaviour

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tue May 20, 2008


ATLANTA - The NFL put more teeth in its personal conduct policy on Tuesday when commissioner Roger Goodell announced he would fine teams whose players were suspended for disciplinary reasons.

"We want to continue to emphasize personal conduct and personal responsibility," he said at the end of a one-day league meeting. "One way to do it is to hold teams responsible for the conduct of their players.

learn more

Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre retires after 17 seasons, says he’s ‘tired’

By CHRIS JENKINS, AP Sports Writer
March 4, 2008


GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—After flirting with retirement for years, Brett Favre means it this time. The Green Bay Packers quarterback quit a 17-season career in which he dazzled fans with his grit, heart and rocket of an arm.

“I know I can still play, but it’s like I told my wife, I’m just tired mentally. I’m just tired,” Favre told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen in a voice mail message.

Tuesday’s surprise move comes just months since the 38-year-old three-time MVP set several league records, including most career touchdown passes, in one of his most successful seasons.

learn more

Pro Bowl recap

February 11, 2008 2:22 p.m.


This past Sunday was the NFL's All-star game, the Pro Bowl. Many people seem to forget about this game for two reasons: It's after the Super Bowl and it's the most meaningless game of the season.

Sure, you get to see the NFL's best from each conference go at each other, but they're holding back. It's more about having fun. Last year Sean Taylor had a huge hit against a punter who attempted to get a first down. It was the highlight of the 2007 game.
Taylor again was the highlight of this year's game. His three Redskin teammates wore his jersey as they were being introduced. Taylor for those who don't know was shot in his Florida home and later died from the wound.

learn more

NY Giants 23, Green Bay 20, OT

By BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer
January 21, 2008


GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Oh, brother!

Eli, the baby of the Manning quarterback clan, finally has arrived.

And he's taking the New York Giants on yet another road trip -- to Glendale, Ariz., site of the Super Bowl.

Manning repeatedly put the Giants in position to win the NFC championship Sunday, and when Lawrence Tynes came through at last with a 47-yard field goal in overtime, New York had itself an improbable 23-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers at frostbitten Lambeau Field.

Now comes Mission Impossible: beating the undefeated New England Patriots in two weeks in a Super Bowl matchup hardly anyone saw coming.

learn more

Terrell Owens back at practice, appears on track for playoff game

By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer



IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Terrell Owens ran routes and caught passes in his return to practice Thursday, showing only a slight limp at times. The All-Pro receiver seems on track to play in the Dallas Cowboys' playoff game against the New York Giants.

Owens, recovering from a sprained left ankle, didn't go against any defenders during the short period of practice open to the media. But he took part in some team drills after that.

learn more

NFL Preview - Cincinnati (5-8) at San Francisco (3-10)

By Scott Garbarini, Sports Network
The Sports Network

The 2007 season hasn't gone the way the Cincinnati Bengals have hoped, but at least they've got an opportunity to finish strong. The team will aim for its third victory in four games when it visits the lowly San Francisco 49ers this Saturday at Monster Park.
At 5-8, the Bengals are eliminated from postseason consideration and in danger of recording their first losing campaign in head coach Marvin Lewis' five-year tenure. And while the season has been an overall disappointment for a club that came in with playoff aspirations, the last few weeks have produced better results.

learn more