Terrell Owens becoming a Cincinnati Bengal, how does that fit and sound? The controversial receiver would pair up with another controversial receiver in Chad Ochocinco. Could these receivers team up together to make the Bengal passing attack that much better?
Would Terrell Owens fit in as a Bengal?
It seems that on the surface that Ochocinco and head coach Marvin Lewis are on board for the acquisition of Owens. This is like I said on the surface as we know that Owens wore out his welcome as both a Cowboy and Eagle. These two dynamic receivers would have to show the maturity to get along with each other and not disrupt team chemistry which T. O. has done in recent history.
Owens is coming off a lackluster season in Buffalo but you cannot blame it all on Owens. The Bills had a non existed running game all season long and that meant more defenses concentrating on the pass. Owens still caught 55 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns. That is fair production from Owens playing on a team with no running game and a mediocre quarterback at best.
If he became a Bengal, he would be on a lot better offensive team for sure. He would not only team up with Ochocinco but woul have Carson Palmer to get the ball to him. The double threat at the receiving core in addition to the rushing game of Cedric Benson-1251 yards rushing -would make Owens a much more effective threat as a receiver. I think that Owens could have a bit of rebirth. Being a Bengal would not only bring out the best in him, but it would do the same for Ochocinco. They would feed off each other ,and I think that is what they both need. Chad knows that and I think T.O. knows that too.
To answer this question, I think T.O. would fit in great as a Bengal. It would make him a more motivated and happier receiver. I think he will leave his ego at the door and use his experiences, maturity and age to put team first.
With a looming lockout and potential uncapped season lying in front of the NFL and its players, the 2010 NFL free agency signing period will be one of the most unique in years. Teams will be unsure of who to go after and what type of contract they should offer. Players will be concerned with what looms in their future if a resolution between the players and league cannot be reached.
Owens Back On The Market
But one for thing is for sure, Jerry Jones is loving the jambalaya stew he’s cooked up with his greedy thirst to purchase his next Lombardi Trophy.
Here are some of the interesting highlights during this signing period:
Jason Campbell, QB Washington Redskins
The Redskins have a new coach and another new offensive system. Mike Shanahan knows how to develop a quarterback, so Jason Campbell could finally be in good hands. As a restricted free agent, it is likely that the Skins will tender him because there are no better options in the open market. Campbell has improved significantly over the last two years, although it has been overshadowed by poor coaching and personnel decisions. Expect the Skins to re-sign Campbell to a short-term agreement and draft Sam Bradford in the upcoming draft.
Chester Taylor, RB Minnesota Vikings
Here’s a guy your heart bleeds for. He was the Vikings’ big free agent signing in 2006, ran for a solid 1,216 yards and proved his worth. They go and draft Adrian Peterson and the rest is history. Taylor is probably the best running back in the NFL not starting or splitting duties at the RB position. At age 30, he likely has little left in the tank, but you really want to pull for this guy to get a nice contract which he deservedly earned. Hopefully he’ll get a chance for a few more carries in his next stop.
Terrell Owens, WR Buffalo Bills
Surprise, Surprise. T.O. is a free agent again. After one very underperforming season, the Buffalo Bills said adieu to everyone’s favorite malcontent. But don’t cry for T.O., there is a sucker born every minute and it appears that its John Harbaugh’s time to assume the position of village idiot. Expect T.O. to land in Baltimore very quickly.
Bobbie Williams, OL Cincinnati Bengals
This is the last guy Carson Palmer wants to see leave, but he might as well pack the bags for the guy who protects his hide. The Bengals proved this past season that if Palmer is healthy they are a team to be reckoned with. But given Williams’ perceived value in the open market, it is unlikely that Cincy will be able to afford to bring him back.
Julius Peppers, DL Carolina Panthers
It is very unlikely that the Panthers will franchise Peppers for another season and pay him an exhorbitant one-year salary. And the rest of the league knows it. Already, Peppers is the top name in the free agency rumors mills. It is already swirling that the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles are interested. As good as Peppers has been, he is moving to the wrong side of thirty and it is unlikely that he can live up to the contract he will likely sign. His raw talent will make teams look past his inconsistency on the field and he’ll get one last big contract because a DL that can sack a QB is priceless.
Karlos Dansby, LB Arizona Cardinals
I realize Dansby has definitely started to slide back, but he is still under 30 and is the most high-profile LB at the position. And it doesn’t hurt that almost every other LB that is a free agent is restricted. Dansby’s unrestricted status will make him extremely appealing to teams not interested in having to give up a draft pick for simply signing him. It is unlikely Dansby will be back in Arizona as they re-tool their defense. Expect to see Dansby come East and land either with the New York Giants or Philadelphia Eagles.
Dunta Robinson, DB Houston Texans
Here’s one sure bet, Dunta Robinson wishes he could go back and reconsider his decision to sidestep training camp in a contract dispute like he did last season. Playing in a contract year, Robinson put up the worst stats of his career and became a liability on defense for the Texans. There no chance at all the Texans will franchise him, so he is jumping out of a plane without a parachute. Expect Robinson to languish on the free agency wire and be begging for a job.
Darren Sharper, DB New Orleans Saints
After being dumped by the Minnesota Vikings due to a poor 2008 season, the Saints took a chance on an aging safety with hopes that he had one more season left in him. What a signing! Not only did he have a season left in him, he single-handedly led the Saints defense to a Super Bowl championship, setting a record for interception yards in a season along the way. Unfortunately, the Saints have a lot a players to re-sign and Sharper will likely be the odd man out. Expect to see Sharper playing elsewhere in 2010.
Shayne Graham, K Cincinnati Bengals
Typically one of the most trustworthy kickers in the league, Graham hit rock bottom in his contract year. Early in the season, they cut his long-time long snapper Brad St. Louis after Graham went into a funk. Things improved and then came the playoffs. With his team in comeback mode, Graham missed a 28-yard field goal that took the wind out of the sails of his team and sent the fans heading to the gates. Kickers rarely survive after missing such a critical easy chip shot, so don’t expect Graham to be back in Cincy next year.
The Big Easy will host the NFC Championship game today in a game that should produce offensive fireworks all night long. Both teams are lead by their quarterbacks that can make big plays with the wealth of offensive arsenal at their disposal.
Drew Brees Will Have The Big Easy Rockin'
The Vikings are coming of a 34-3 domination of the Dallas Cowboys last week. Brett Favre was more than stellar throwing for four playoff touchdowns, a career best. Favre tossed three of those scores to emerging wide receiver Sidney Rice.
Rice caught six passes for 141 yards to go along with the three scores. Along with Rice, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe also caught a touchdown pass. Shiancoe caught eleven touchdowns in the regular season. Favre threw for 33 touchdowns this year.
You can see that Favre has a couple of imposing threats in the receiving core. Adding to the offensive threat is Adrian Peterson. Peterson rushed for eighteen touchdowns and is a homerun threat every time he touches the ball. As you can see, the Vikings have more than enough offensive weapons to light up the scoreboard.
With all this said, it might come down to the Vikings defense to get stops. Minnesota is lead by sack leader Jared Allen who had 14 1/2 this season. Minnesota pressured Tony Romo all day long and will need that same pressure on Drew Brees or else he will pick them apart all night long.
The Saints are coming off their own impressive 31 point victory last week. They totally dominated the defending NFC Champions Arizona Cardinals 45-14.
Drew Brees threw for three touchdowns and 247 yards. Brees threw for 34 touchdowns this year and like Favre has a number of weapons at his disposal. Brees hooked up with Robert Meachem and Marques Colston for nine touchdowns each. The Saints have a couple of running backs to add to these receivers.
Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are versatile and have the speed to hit the endzone form anywhere on the field. Bush is healthy now ,and he showed it last week. Bush had a 46 yard touchdown run and a 83 yard punt return for another score. A healthy Bush will mean more trouble for the Minnesota defense.
Speaking of defense, New Orleans only ranked 25th in the league this year. They will need to step up like last week, when they held the vaunted Arizona Cardinals to only 14 points. They must use that momentum.
This game will come down to you wants it more. Favre will use his experience an leadership to have the Vikes ready. The defense can use the great play of last week as momentum against the Saints great offense. The Saints started out 13-0 and had the city of New Orleans in a state of jubilation all year long.
Brees was tremendous all year long and with a healthy Reggie Bush will be hard to stop for even one possession. I think with the home field rocking, and the fact thst the Saints have never made the Super Bowl, it will be their day.
I have to weigh in on Jerry Jones decision to give head coach Wade Phillips a two year contract extension.Jones bypassed the option and signed him thru the 2011 season. The deal became official yesterday and should leave Dallas fans scratching their head if Phillips has what it takes as a head coach to get the Cowboys to the promise land. The question is whether Phillips makes it thru this contract. He better hope Dallas makes the Super Bowl in order to fill out this contract. . This will put a lot more added pressure on him to produce in a already pressure situation. How will he handle it?
Jerry Jones gave Wade Phillips a 2 year deal.
Phillips has lead the Cowboys to win two out of three NFC East division titles.He has a 34-17 career record. That is pretty good regular season success ,but Dallas failed miserably in the playoffs last week in Minnesota. With high expectations after their first round playoff win over the Eagles, Dallas looked listless in their 34-3 defeat to the Vikings. I will not blame Wade totally but his call on a fourth and one to go for a field goal early in the game did not show the confidence in the offense to win a playoff football game on the road. Dallas missed the field goal from a kicker they only had for a few weeks, and the Vikings never looked back. A head coach with a handle on his offense goes for it everytime.
This leads me to the thinking that Phillips would be better suited to concentrate on being the Defensive Coordinator. I think he is better in a support role instead of being the head coach. Dallas did give up the fewest points in the NFC and Philips was a intrical factor in achieving that.You can’t take that away from him but offensively I think someone else should call the plays. I think if Jones looked elsewhere for a head coach and kept Wade on as DEF coordinator they would be better off. Phillips is 62 and he has only won one playoff game in is career as head coach. I do not see Dallas winning a Super Bowl title as long as he is head coach. That is just the way I see it.
By all indications it looks like Wade Phillips will be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys next season. Owner Jerry Jones has hinted to the players that same sentiment. I have to wonder how this decision will sit with Dallas fans..
Phillips has a career record of 34-17 and has won the NFC East division in two of the last three seasons. That is pretty decent success but not to the expectations of both Jones and the Dallas fans.
Wade Phiilips will be back next season.
Dallas fans expect to win the Super Bowl every year. Those are unreal expectations, but it has been a while since a they have won a Bowl. Phillips is not totally to blame ,but he definitely is a factor in the way Dallas has ended their season the last two years.
Dallas season ended Sunday with a embarrassing playoff lost to the Vikings 34-3. Dallas seemed unresponsive to early mistakes and got steam rolled as the game went on. Quarterback Tony Romo’s play did not help as he lost two critical fumbles early in the contest.
Phillips decision to go for a field goal instead of going for it on fourth down and one showed no confidence in the offensive and Romo.Dallas missed the field goal, Minnesota grabbed the momentum and the ball. Minnesota went down the field and scored a touchdown to make it 14-0.
For all intensive purposes, the game was over.
I am not saying that is the total reason they lost, but it was a factor. Romo seemed irritated and it did not help his play the rest of the day.You have to have the confidence to go for it. Phiilips made the wrong decision, any Dallas fan will tell you that.
Last year the Eagles ended Dallas chances of a playoff birth with a even more embarrassing 44-6 loss to the Eagles. Two loses like this to end your season does not reelect well on your head coach.
My conclusion on this possible decsision is that it would be a mistake. I just do no think that Dallas players both respond well or have confidence in Wade Phillips. I have to think the majority of Dallas fans would have to conquer. I would like to know how the often opinionated Dallas fans think.
Brett Favre showed yesterday that he still has some air in his forty year old tires. He outplayed fellow counterpart Tony Romo in the Vikings total domination over the Cowboys 34-3. What a story book finish it would be if Favre could win next week in the Big Easy and bring the Vikes to the Super Bowl. Don’t bet against him…
Favre showed poise and confidence all day long. He stepped up form any Dallas pressure, made adjustments,and most importantly made no mistakes. Favre was 15-24 for 234 yards and had four touchdowns. He found his favorite target and emerging star Sidney Rice with three of these scores.. This combination has been in synce all year long. This makes the Vikings a dangerous team offensively. Tony Romo came into the game with confidence and a swagger, Favre left with it. Favre played with a youthful exuberance that became infectious to both his teammates and the Vikings crowd.He became the first forty year old to win a playoff game.This was also the first time in his illustrious career that he passed for four touchdowns in a playoff game.
Bret Favre was all smiles after his play yesterday against the Cowboys.
He has had one of the best years of his career and this game followed that to a tee.
Favre will bring his act to New Orleans next week. He will have another chance to out play another young quarterback Drew Brees. He can use the motivation as the elder to his advantage.The Saints also won in domination fashion over the defending NFC champions Arizona Cardinals. This time Favre will be in enemy territory, and this will be a bigger task because of that. It will be very interesting to see how well he handles and plays in hostile grounds. Doe Favre have one more trick to pull out of his hat?Next week in New Orleans will answer that more than intriguing question.
Dallas Cowboys fans thought the demons had been exorcised from Tony Romo’s body after their back-to-back victories. Unfortunately, they were just taking a vacation in Minneapolis, awaiting Romo upon his visit to the Metrodome. Romo was downright awful once again, as the Minnesota Vikings blew the Dallas Cowboys off the field 34-3, bringing an end to their season.
Romo Chokes Again
Many will continue to make excuses for Romo, but at some point reality needs to be faced. Yes, he was under constant pressure. Yes, his offensive line was like swiss cheese. And yes, he did get sacked 6 times yesterday.
But great quarterbacks can make a adjustments. They can do a three-step drop backs and release quicker. They can move into shotgun formation. They can do a better job reading the blitz at the line and call a hot route. Lots of options here.
Romo didn’t adjust. He got sacked constantly while holding onto the ball too long because he was scared of throwing interceptions. He fumbled the ball three times, losing two of them. He threw an interception deep in his own end. These are all on him.
What happened out there is that Romo’s anxiety once again got the best of him. The Cowboys offense was moving the ball and not registering points on the scoreboard. On the first three drives, they racked up 134 yards on 29 plays and all they had to show was three points for their effort.
Romo then plunged downward, losing confidence in himself. Then his teammates lost confidence in him.
Defend him all day, it doesn’t resolve the problem that Romo was more worried about making a mistake than making a big play. Romo hesitated to throw downfield the entire game. He resorted to dink and dunk passes that were more likely to not end up as interceptions. He was playing to not make the loss not look like his fault.
This was personified by his 5.6 yards per attempt during the game. That number, when compared to NFL regular season stats rates 30th out of 32 starting quarterbacks, just ahead of JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn. That’s how bad he played.
Its time for the Cowboys to be contemplating the future at quarterback. You can’t really pin the loss on Wade Phillips this time. Phillips did perhaps his best coaching of his career this season. The moved the ball very well early and the game plan looked great. Romo just folded like an accordion once again.
The Cowboys should be looking at drafting a quarterback that can learn the position under Jason Garrett and replace Romo once his contract expires. Jimmy Clausen just might be around come the Cowboys pick in the NFL Draft.
The playoff matchup between the Cowboys and the Vikings will come down to what quarterback plays better and wants it more. Will it be the young and upcoming Tony Romo or the grizzled veteran Brett Favre who grabs the spoils of victory? That intriguing question will be answered on a Sunday afternoon in Minnesota.
Tony Romo is playing with confidence and a swagger.
Dallas could not be on a better high than they are now. They have won four in a row including last weeks domination of the Philadelphia Eagles 34-14. Romo has played brilliantly during the streak and seems hungry and composed to take the Boys to the promise land.
He has used the plethora of offensive weapons to move the chains that has ended up in touchdowns. Dallas fans have been waiting for Romo to come up big, and he may just deliver this time.
Dallas uses a three attack backfield that is both talented and versatile. Marion Barber can get the tough yards while Felix Jones and Tashard Choice have speed to burn. Dallas also has a trio of receivers that include deep threat Miles Austin. Austin has come into his own this year and is flanked by fellow speedster Patrick Crayton. Tight End Jason Witten is a possession receiver that can also move the chains.
As you can see, Dallas has a number of options on offense.
To add to this recent offensive success, Dallas defense is also on a roll only giving up 31 points during this streak. Dallas is a confident team that is on a roll.
Minnesota has had a good season also that gave them a first round bye ,and the second seed in the NFC. Brett Favre was brillant most of the season and is motivated by the chance that this might be his last real shot at a Super Bowl title. He still has what it takes to get the job done and will have the Vikings ready.
Minnesota has a great running back in Adrian Peterson. Peterson will have to have a big rushing day in order for the Vikings to get the victory. This will make the passing game more effective and set it up for their emerging playmaker Sydney Rice to come up with the big pass play. The Vikings will need to move the chains and keep Romo and the Boys offense off the field.
When I analyze this game, I see the young gun out slinging the veteran. Romo has that certain confidence and swagger right now. He is also motivated by his recent disappointments in recent years. Dallas is playing well on all cylinders and just will be too much for the Vikings to handle. Favre will play his heart out, but it will not be enough. This could be his last playoff game ever, I think it will be.Dallas moves on to the NFC Championship.
The Dallas Cowboys are on a roll and seem to be gaining confidence each and every week. The Boys are winners of four in a row including last weeks domination of their fierce division rival the Eagles. This streak started with a signature victory over previously unbeaten New Orleans. This is the kind of victory that makes teams look back and say that this was the win the catapulted them to a Super Bowl win.
Tony Romo has the Cowboys on a roll.
The Cowboys are lead by their quarterback Tony Romo. Romo has been playing great during this streak with a 100% passer rating. Romo got the monkey off his back last week and has tasted what a playoff wins feels like. Romo and Dallas fans expect to go all the way and anything other than that would be a disappointment.Romo has a bunch of viable options at his disposal. It is these weapons in combination that make his job easier and defensive jobs a lot harder.
Dallas has three running backs that are capable of beating you on any play. Marion Barber has been hampered in recent weeks. Dallas just plugged in Felix Jones and Tashard Choice and did not miss a beat. They also have three receivers in the stable. Their main threat is Miles Austin, but when he is double covered Patrick Crayton or Tight End Jason Witten can come up big with a reception. During this four game win steak, Dallas has scored 12 touchdowns, five by receivers and three by runningbacks. This is the type of offensive sharing that is the definition of team work. Oh ya, don’t just rest your hat on the offense, the defense has been coming up big as well. Dallas has outscored their opponents 99-31 during this streak. Dallas is a complete football team right know.
Dallas will face Brett Favre and the Vikings on Sunday. This could be Favre’s las shot at a Super Bowl ,and he will play motivated football. But I think the hungrier quarterback, Romo, will play with more incentive and drive to get the victory in this NFC Divisional Playoff and move on. From there, Dallas would meet the winner of the Cardinals and Saints. The Boys match up well with both of these teams and have already knocked off the Saints. I think Dallas is just a more complete team of the four left in the NFC. If Dallas is fortunate to get the Bowl, they will be a tough team to beat. It has been a while since they won one, and if they get there watch out.
As a Eagle fan this hurts me to say, but I have to be objective. Dallas rates a pretty good shot to win the Super Bowl.
I see that the Eagles coach Andy Reid has given his endorsement for Donovan McNabb to be his starting quarterback next year. As a pro football fan and Eagles fan, I disagree with this decision and think the Eagles should look into another direction for their starting quarterback next season…
Donovan McNabb should not be the Eagles starter next season.
McNabb will be entering his 12th season next year. He is coming off a good regular season but faltered when the Eagles needed him most in his their las two games, two defeats at the hands of divisional rival, Dallas. McNabb was mediocre at best in these two games. In the last regular seson game ,and the NFC East Division on the line, McNabb missed receivers early that changed the complexion of the game. The Eagles were both shutout on the scoreboard and out of that elusive first round bye in the playtoffs. He then followed up that perfotmance with a awful game the next week . He went 19-37 for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception. These stats are inflated as they came well after Dallas had the game in hand.The Eagles would have faired better with another quarterback.
McNabb has had a habit at not playing at his best when it counts most.He is only 1-4 in NFC Championships games. He lost his only Superbowl performance against the Patriots when he was picked off three times. If he played to his potential, he would have a Superbowl ring on his finger. Eagle fans are sick and tired of seeing him play stiff in the games that count most It is time for a change.
Enter Kevin Kolb. The Eagles took a chance on drafting him in the first round. It is time for him to fly for the Eagles. Kolb started two games this year and passed for over 300 yards in each game. He is the only quarterback ever to accomplish that feat in NFL history. He has the tools and confidence to be the starter, Reid also agrees.He will be in the final season of his contract. If Kolb does not start next year, he will probably fly the Eagle coupe. There are other teams that will call on for his services.I vote for Kevin to be the starter next season.
