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Time for the NFL's Rooney Rule to be rescended

By Patrick Patterson | January 7, 2009 | Thoughts from the Dark Side

Willie Brown and Rob Ryan are both assistant coaches for the Raiders. Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

Once again, it is the offseason for the majority of the NFL. Since it is early in the offseason, the coaching carousel is spinning. Coaches have been fired, and teams are looking for replacements. The usual names are flying around as to who is going to go where. However, before a team can hire the coach they are targeting, they have to be sure to interview a "minority" candidate so they don't violate the "Rooney Rule" which results in a fine, lost draft pick, and a tongue lashing from Jesse Jackson.It was Al Davis and the Raiders that broke the "color barrier" by hiring Art Shell as their head coach in 1989. Since then, there has been a proliferation of black coaches, with some having great success like Tony Dungy with the Indianapolis Colts and others failing miserably. At this point in time, NFL owners want winners. They want the...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: 49ers, Al Davis, Arizona Cardinals, Art Shell, Bears, Browns, Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Colts, Dan Rooney, Dough Williams, Herman Edwards, Indianapolis Colts, Jets, Jim Haslett, Kansas City Chiefs, Ken Wizenhunt, Lovie Smith, Mike Singletary, Mike Tomlin, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Raiders, Rams, Rooney Rule, Saints, San Francisco 49ers, St Louis Rams, Steelers, Tom Flores, Tony Dungy, Warren Moon

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

Fantasy Football: Looking Ahead to 2009-Third-Year WRs

By Brad Berreman | December 30, 2008 | MVN Outsider

A common theory in fantasy football is that wide receivers tend to emerge in their third NFL season. Some recent examples include Cleveland's Braylon Edwards (2007) and Denver's Brandon Marshall (2008). With that in mind, here's a look at some notable WRs that will be in their third NFL season in 2009. 1. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions- Despite the disfunction in Detroit, Johnson had a terrific 2008 season. He had 78 receptions for 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns. Imagine what he could do if he had consistent QB play. The potential upside is huge. 2. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs- Bowe followed up a solid rookie season with 86 catches for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008. If the Chiefs can find a competent QB of the future, he should continue to post nice numbers for years to come. 3. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts- Gonzalez had a somewhat...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Anthony Gonzalez, Arizona Cardinals, Calvin Johson, Detroit Lions, Dwayne Bowe, Fantasy, Fantasy Football, Fantasy Outsider, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders

Cable guy impresses, but is it enough? Only Al knows

By Rob Calonge | December 29, 2008 | Thoughts from the Dark Side

Rumors swirl about big Al's next move, but the fact remains that even HE may not know what it is yet. (Photo by Candy Padilla)

At first glance, a 4-8 record as head coach of the Raiders, wouldn't seem to be enough for Tom Cable to get the 'interim' label removed from his official title. In fact, in this space we've done our share of discounting him as a viable candidate in the official Oakland Raiders coaching search. I would've named it the 'annual' coaching search, but it's more a bi-annual event than anything else. Coach Cable was quick to point out, when asked about his status, the team played .500 football over the last six games. Armed with that and the fact that he led the team for 12 games, that would mean that the team went 1-5 his first six games. This begs the question, if Cable is named the head man, what team will show up on game day?

Read more | 7 Comments | Tags: AFC, AFC West, Al Davis, Andrew Walter, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Bill Callahan, Broncos, Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Chargers, Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Dolphins, Falcons, Houston Texans, JaMarcus Russell, Jets, Jim Fassel, Jon Gruden, Justin Fargas, Kansas City Chiefs, Kevin Gilbride, Kirk Morrison, LaMont Jordan, Marques Tuiasosopo, Miami Dolphins, Mike Shanahan, Mike White, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Panthers, Patriots, Raider Nation, Raiders, Randy Moss, Ravens, Rob Ryan, Robert Gallery, Saints, San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Texans, Tom Cable

John Kasay Kicks Carolina to NFC South Championship

By Richie Fender | December 29, 2008 | Carolina Sports Pulse

The Cardiac Cats were in full force against the New Orleans Saints at the Super Dome. John Kasay came through in the end with a field goal that would give Carolin the NFC South Division title and a first round bye. This would also give the Panthers a playoff game on their home field, where they were the only team in the NFL to remain unbeaten. FUN FACT: The Carolina Panthers receive their third division title in franchise history and first since 2003 when they advanced to Super Bowl XXXVIII. John Kasay commented, "You guys dubbed us the Cardiac Cats a few years ago, right? Well, I think you can pull out the old hats and t-shirts and get ready for the ride. By God's grace, this one went in. Any time you don't capitalize by scoring points on offense, it can quickly bite you. They're not easy. None...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Carolina Panthers, Drew Brees, Jake Delhomme, John Fox, John Kasay, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, NFL

Anatomy of an Upset: How the (NFC) South will be won

By Greg Trippiedi | December 26, 2008 | MVN Outsider

At about ten o clock on the east coast Sunday night, it looked like the Panthers were well on their way to homefield advantage in the NFC. Just one collapse of the run defense later, and I'm going to tell you why the Panthers will not win the NFC South.The Atlanta Falcons are a stone cold lock to beat the St. Louis Rams this Sunday, and finish 11-5. They might as well not even play the game. If the Rams' charter gets lost on the way to Atlanta, no one will notice. Not the least of which, the Carolina Panthers themselves. They know they are playing for the division title against the New Orleans Saints, but they are also playing against multiple historical trends. And one of those opponents figures to overwhelm the Panthers.No visitor in the NFC South has won a divisional gameThe Panthers will travel to New Orleans...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Upsets

New Orleans Saints @ Detroit Lions: 4th quarter - Only 5 quarters from immortality!

By Big Al | December 21, 2008 | The Wayne Fontes Experience

The Saints convert a 3rd and short with ANOTHER Brees completion. The Saints have scored a TD on EVERY possession so far. 6 for God damn 6. The Lions are finding all kinds of ways to set history...Thomas up the gut...1st down and more...he's hit...BALL! Bodden recovers! The Lions GET A STOP! Their first stop all fucking game. I've never seen a team go so far into a game before finally stopping the opposition. Them's our Lions!Lions' ball at their 29, Drew Stanton is now under center, Dan O is done for the day.. Looks like Johnson is done for the day as well.3rd and 6, Stanton rolls left...1st down to Colbert at the 46. woo.Stanton rolls out, runs 10 yards backwards before turning upfield, makes it back to the line of scrimmage. WHAT A PLAY! Smith gets 2 on a 2nd down handoff. Stanton with the QB draw on...

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Detroit, Detroit Lions, live blog, New Orleans Saints, NFL

New Orleans Saints @ Detroit Lions: 3rd quarter - History is almost upon us

By Big Al | December 21, 2008 | The Wayne Fontes Experience

A quick comment from Wolverlion in TWFE's peanut gallery... I figured they would mail it in next week, sorta thought the Saints would be bummed over being out of the playoffs. But I guess the are earning the Moniker, the Detroit Lie Downs.You said it. But when you don't have the talent, and the Lions have damn near NIL, no matter how hard you may, or may not, play, it won't make any difference in the result. Boonfarmer has only one word for us...Brutal.I have 2. Fuckng A'.A few quick stats:Brees: 16-23-156-1 TD-0 INT-88.3 QB rating.Dan-O: 5-13-78-0 TD-2 INT-19.6 QB rating.I think the flu is badly affecting Orlovsky...or he just plain sucks. Kevin Smith is having a solid game, though: 13-56-1 TD-4.3 YPC. Before the game, Dan-O said he wanted to get Johnson double digit touches. He's going have plenty of work to do, as CJ is not seeing the...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Detroit, Detroit Lions, live blog, New Orleans Saints, NFL

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

By Greg Trippiedi | January 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Fantasy Football: Looking Ahead to 2009-Third-Year WRs

By Brad Berreman | December 30, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Anatomy of an Upset: How the (NFC) South will be won

By Greg Trippiedi | December 26, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Upsets

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

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins

News and notes from around the NFL

By Andrew Strickert | November 28, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Roy Williams has more to be thankful for than most in the NFL. A month ago, before he was traded to Dallas, he was stuck in the purgatory known as Detroit. On Thanksgiving, Williams' former team, the 0-12 Lions, was shellacked by the Titans 47-10. His current team, the 8-4 Cowboys, remains in playoff contention after a 34-9 trouncing of the Seahawks. Jim Haslett's bank account will be $20,000 lighter for cussing during a disputed play. Fined for cussing, are you kidding me? Cussing is a part of football, from Pop Warner all the way through to the NFL. The league claimed Haslett was cussing at an official; Haslett claimed he wasn't cussing the official, that he simply yelled, "get off the @#$%^&* ball." The league also fined Patriots T Matt Light and Dolphins LB Channing Crowder $15,000 each for fighting. I'm surprised they received equal punishment since Light seemed to be the...Read more

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins

Presenting your 2008 NFL Turkeys of the Year...

By Anthony Hall | November 26, 2008 | MVN Outsider

It's that time of year. Time to honor the Thanksgiving holiday by singling out the screw-ups in the NFL, those who have fallen flat on their face within the last year -- in other words, those who deserve to be named one of our "2008 NFL Turkeys of the Year." Anthony Brown and Greg Trippiedi of MVN Outsider have each selected their top three turkeys in the NFL, and we've also asked a group of bloggers to give us their picks for the league's top turkey.Anthony Brown's three turkeys:NFL Thanksgiving Day TV Line-UpWhat a turkey the NFL is serving on Thursday -- the 10-1 Tennessee Titans at the 0-11 Detroit Lions, the 2-9 Seattle Seahawks at the 7-4 Dallas Cowboys, and the 7-4 Arizona Cardinals at the 5-5-1 Philadelphia Eagles. Tennessee (-11) and Dallas (-12.5) are prohibitive favorites to win their games. Philadelphia is allowed home field advantage (-3) over...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, NFL

NFL Stock Market Week 13:

By Greg Trippiedi | November 25, 2008 | MVN Outsider

No draft prospects on the NFL stock market this Thanksgiving weekend. With bowl (overreaction) season on the horizon, NFL draft stock is too volatile to track. Instead, we'll throw in an NFL coach whose moving up or down on the NFL stock market this week instead.RisersPlayers: QB Drew Brees, New Orleans SaintsIn a last ditch effort to save the season, Brees threw for 321 yards against the Packers and 4 touchdowns, including a pair of 70 yard TD passes. He even got Marques Colston involved. When this offense gets Reggie Bush back, it could definately make a playoff push, and Brees is right back in the conversation for league MVP.Team: Dallas CowboysTerrell Owens is still in the middle of a rough year, but he proved that his old legs can still take him deep. Owens was the biggest factor in the Cowboys win over the 49ers, a win that...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

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