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Bengal Bites: Palmer Does Not Need Surgery & Other Notes

By Chris Maier | January 7, 2009 | The Bengal Blitz

Bengals fans can breathe a sigh of relief today as Bengals.com announced Carson Palmer would not be undergoing off-season surgery on his elbow today. While nothing is certain and he may only be a hit or throw away from re-injuring the elbow it is one of the first signs for cautious optimism for next season. In other news, the team remains mum on whether their will be any changes to the offensive coaching staff which likely means nothing is changing but it could be the team is waiting for a certain candidate to be eliminated from the playoffs before gauging interest. Who might the mystery candidate be? It could be former WR coach Hue Jackson (currently on the Ravens coaching staff). He was popular with the players esp. Chad and TJ and it is hard to imagine an African American coach being denied the chance to be an offensive coordinator in...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Bengals, Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, Chad Ocho Cinco, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL

Bengal Bites: Palmer Does Not Need Surgery & Other Notes

By Chris Maier | January 7, 2009 | The Bengal Blitz

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Bengals, Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, Chad Ocho Cinco, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL

NFL Top Ten: Best 2009 Teams not in the 2008 Playoffs

By Greg Trippiedi | January 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

There will be a bunch of teams in the tournament next year that aren't right now. Seven teams in the 2008 playoffs were not there in 2007. Which non-playoff teams have the best chance of making it next year? MVN's NFL Top Ten investigates:10. Dallas CowboysDallas has a lot of problems that will prevent them from significantly improving in the offseason, but you have to look at the roster right now as one that can compete for a playoff spot. Who knows whether they can improve on offense in 2009? The offensive line and the protection schemes have serious issues, and it's possible the two best receivers on the team don't even start, but Tony Romo is going to continue to be Tony Romo, and the team will have a three headed rushing attack it can lean on next year. The defense can be the type of defense it showed...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, NFL, Washington Redskins

The Blitz: NFL Wild Card Weekend

By Chris Maier | January 1, 2009 | The Blitz

NFLDRAFT101.com's Chris Maier and Dan Wernery ring in the New Year with the Wildcard Weekend edition of the Blitz. This week we take a look back at the week 17 stumbles of the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and discuss coaching changes in Detroit, NY Jets, Denver and Cleveland. We also being talking about the NFL Draft as Dan talks about his Pre-New Year's Bowl standouts and gives his for NFL Mock Draft of the New Year (1st 10 picks). We wrap up the show with previews of this weekends wildcard matchups and make our picks for the Super Bowl....

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, audio, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Podcast, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers

Happy Same Year

By Chris Maier | January 1, 2009 | The Bengal Blitz

As 2008 goes through its final hours, I would like to wish Bengal fans "Happy Same Year" as the Bengals via Geoff Hobson and Bengals.com quietly leaked the likely return of the 2008 coaching staff intact in an article today. Using the opportunity to coach the Senior Bowl as a reason not to change is extremely disappointing and shortsighted. The offense's struggles is a large problem and is much bigger than and existed prior to Carson Palmer's injury. Of course, Hobson has been laying the ground work for this all week with mentions of things like "the team may have extended coaches last season". How can the team expect the coaches to hold the players accountable when the coaches are not held accountable themselves. Start Printing the "Fire Bratkowski" T-shirts and maybe this year add "And Alexander Too". I am writing this now (in 2008) such that i don't start my 2009 on...

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Offseason begins: Oakland Raiders news, rumors, 2009 opponents and more

By Patrick Patterson | December 29, 2008 | Thoughts from the Dark Side

Today is the first official day of the offseason for the majority of the teams in the NFL. It is the day that many coaches are fired, and the rumor mill starts to heat up. There are already rumor swirling around Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins are in the playoffs after a dismal 2007. Tom Cable is not on the chopping block because his interim tag has expired, so Al Davis must comply with the "Rooney Rule" and interview at least one minority candidate before making his decision. A story circulated on ESPN.com last night that Bill Parcells could get out of his contract in Miami due to the sale of the team. Oakland was listed as one of his possible destinations. Al Davis stepping back at letting the Tuna run the show in the front office would be a dream situation for many in the Raider Nation. Not...

Read more | 10 Comments | Tags: Al Davis, Baltimore Ravens, Bengals, Bill Parcells, Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys, Dolphins, Eagles, Giants, Houston Texans, JaMarcus Russell, Jets, Kevin Gilbride, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Oakland Raiders News, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Raiders, Raiders News, Randy Moss, Ravens, Redskins, Rob Ryan, Steelers, Texans, Tom Cable, Washington Redskins

Chief 2009 Questions on the Eve of the Bengals 2008 Finale

By Chris Maier | December 27, 2008 | The Bengal Blitz

As the Bengals enter the season finale the discussion is about everything but this week's game against the Chiefs. With this known, expect Tyler Thigpen to throw everything and the kitchen sink into this week's game in one last effort to prove to the Chiefs front office that he is the quarterback of the future. Also expect this effort to lead to at least 20 points leaving outcome at the mercy of the Bengals offense's ability to put up points against a terrible Kansas City defense. No with the preview aside here are five questions that will begin to be answered after the game as the Bengals prepare for 2009. 1. Is a GM really in the Bengals future? Prior to PFT's rumor last week, I never would have bothered to asked this question despite the need for direction on the personnel front because I did not think the team...

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Travis LaBoy/Antwan Odom: The Titans hardly miss ya!

By Drexel Perry | December 23, 2008 | Total Titans

Do the names Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom ring a bell? It was just last March when the former Tennessee Titan defensive ends decided that the grass (and the money) was greener in other NFL cities. LaBoy packed his bags for the Arizona desert while Odom was signed to be the centerpiece of an underwhelming Cincinnati defensive line. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans lost two players who accounted for 14 sacks in 2007 and were faced with the prospect of replacing them with a combination of youngsters, journeymen and a player formerly known as the Freak. We're near the conclusion of the 2008 season and it's pretty clear that the Titans got the proverbial better end of this bargain....

Read more | 7 Comments | Tags: AFC, Antwan Odom, Arizona Cardinals, Bengals, Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, David Ball, Jacob Ford, Jason Jones, Jevon Kearse, NFL, Tennessee Titans, Titans, Travis LaBoy, William Hayes

NFL Top Ten: Best 2009 Teams not in the 2008 Playoffs

By Greg Trippiedi | January 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Pennsylvania teams eventually rise to top

By Greg Trippiedi | December 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

1. Tennessee Titans (12-2) The Titans hold the top spot at least one more week through the loss, but they will have to beat Pittsburgh at home without Albert Haynesworth and Kyle VandenBosch to hold it any further. Good luck guys.2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1)The Eagles jump up to number two this week behind the strength of a third consecutive win, and the Steelers knocking off the Ravens, who beat the Eagles back when this was a team in turmoil. 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) Do the Steelers have the greatest defense of all time? Only a championship would validate this. The offense apparently isn't going to assist them until the final two minutes of every game.4. Baltimore Ravens (9-5) The Ravens aren't going to fall too far, falling victim to the "Tuck Rule curse". They should have taken care of business in Pittsburgh, and then it wouldn't have come down to...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power poll, Tennessee Titans

News and notes from around the NFL

By Andrew Strickert | December 5, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Six players have been suspended for four games, the remainder of the regular season, for violating the league's steroid policy. Hardest hit are the Vikings, who lost defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, two keys for the Vikes' playoff hopes. Minnesota has a one-game lead in the NFC North and will struggle to keep it without the Williams Wall to stop the run. The Williamses obtained a temporary restraining order Wednesday which allows them to practice but does not guarantee they will play on Sunday. The judge in the case is awaiting legal briefs by both sides before making a final ruling. Meanwhile, the Vikings have signed Jimmy Kennedy as an insurance policy. The Saints lost three players, running back Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, but New Orleans is in last place in their division with no realistic playoff hopes. The sixth player is Texans long snapper Bryan...Read more

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Race for the top draft pick

By Patrick Patterson | December 4, 2008 | MVN Outsider

There is great excitement all over the NFL as the playoff races come into clearer focus. However, for the teams at the bottom of the NFL, there is another race going on. They are treading the thin line between playing for pride and knowing that each loss gives them a better chance at a blue chip player in the 2009 draft. Here is how the top 5 should shake up.1. Detroit Lions: Right about now the Lions would lose to a division II NCAA team. There is no doubt that they will be the team on the clock the moment the season ends. Projected finish 1-15. (0-16 just isn't possible, is it?)2. Seattle Seahawks: This draft position actually hinges on their game with the St Louis Rams. This is not how a great coach like Mike Holmgren should go out, but with his retirement already a done deal it will...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, NFL, NFL Draft, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks

News and notes from around the NFL

By Andrew Strickert | November 25, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Jamal Lewis is complaining because he only got ten carries on Sunday. His complaint looks mild in comparison to LenDale White's beef. White was only on the field for three plays, with one carry for minus one yard and a short pass, which he dropped. New England LT Matt Light may face a suspension for his role in a fight with Miami LB Channing Crowder. Light punched the helmetless Crowder several times in the exchange and both players were ejected. One of Light's teammates said he got in some good shots. One more incident and he's gone? Cowboys coach Wade Phillips believes this is Pacman Jones' last chance to play football. Jones has been allowed to return to the team and will be eligible to play again December 7. Arizona attempted a 68-yard free kick for a field goal after a fair catch on Sunday. I don't know why more people aren't aware that a free kick...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans

Which current NFL players will be in the Hall of Fame?

By Andrew Strickert | November 20, 2008 | MVN Outsider

I'll be fortunate to tell my grandchildren one day that I saw most of the future Hall of Famers listed below. Not on TV, but in person, watching them in games with my binoculars focused on them and observing their actions. Whenever any of them are playing in the NFL stadium closest to you, I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to go see them. The primary criteria I used in selecting these players is not how their stats compare to others already in the Hall, but how they compare to their contemporaries. The players who were the best in their era are the most deserving to be inducted one day. This is measured best, in my opinion, by the number of Pro Bowl appearances and first-team All-Pro honors garnered. Please also note that I am measuring these players by their entire body of work. If a player's career ends today, would he be...Read more

Read more | 11 Comments | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Jets, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL Power Rankings, Week Twelve

By Andrew Strickert | November 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

1. New York Giants (9-1) The G-men ran all over the Ravens last week in a very impressive performance, which helps to make them early favorites in postseason play. 2. Tennessee Titans (10-0) Just like Ol' Man River, Kerry Collins and the Titans keep rolling on. Their average margin of victory is eleven points per game. 3. Carolina Panthers (8-2) The Panthers are very quietly having a great season. They should continue to be a force as the schedule continues heading into the postseason. 4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) The Steelers defense is playing tough. If Ben Roethlisberger and Willie Parker get healthy, watch out. 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) Can Jon Gruden take the Bucs to the promised land again? They're playing better than their talent says they should. 6. Washington Redskins (7-3) They've dropped a few spots after losing to the Cowboys but they still have the hosses to...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

Quote the Ravens Nevermore

By Nicolas A. Lewis | November 16, 2008 | MVN Outsider

That is my request to all of the talking heads that cover the NFL. Just shut the hell up about Baltimore and how awesome Joe Flacco has been as a rookie. There's been so much praise thrown his way, it's amazing it hasn't gone to his head yet. Granted, this was going to be the usual year for Baltimore no matter who their quarterback was. Neither Kyle Boller nor Troy Smith had been exactly stunning coming into this season. Smith was the better of the two, and he's kind of a poor man's Vince Young - which isn't much, given where Vince Young is right now. I have a hard time agreeing with the praise that gets heaped on a player, especially when that player's primary job description is "don't screw it up." Yes, when your defense is as good as Baltimore's, all you really need is an offense that...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Joe Flacco, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

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