LTSBlog's 2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 (11-15)

Contuing on our 2011 NFL Mock Draft of the first round from a couple days ago (you can see picks 1-10 here), here is our mock draft with picks 11-20. Please note these picks are not factoring in any possible trades:

11. Houston Texans 6-10 (team needs: CB, WR, DE, DT) - Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
The Texans most glaring need is at cornerback where they were repeatedly shredded last season and they are praying that one of the top 3 DBs falls to them here. But in this scenario are 3 are off the board, leaving Houston to address it's next biggest need which is their defensive line. Dareus has excellent size and speed and can play on the end if needed and he's an excellent pass rusher to compliment Mario Williams.

12. Minnesota Vikings 6-10 (team needs: QB, DE, WR) - J.J. Watt, DE Wiscounsin
As the Brett Favre experience has finally come to an end (we think) the Vikings top need is a quarterback to keep defenses honest instead of stacking the line of scrimmage to stop Adrian Peterson, but none of the QBs left are worth this high of a pick. Best option would be to get a pass rusher to compliment Jared Allen and Watt fits the bill perfectly.

13. Detroit Lions 6-10 (team needs: S, OL, WR) - Nate Solder, OT Colorado
Biggest need for the Lions is in the secondary but no one on the board is a top-15 pick in my opinion. They have a solid nucleus offensively with Matthew Stafford, Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson so picking Solder to fill in at LT and protect Stafford would definitely serve Detroit well. Solder has legit size and excellent athleticism for the position. Good safe, value pick for a much improved Lions squad.

14. St. Louis Rams 7-9 (teams needs: WR, CB, LB) - Julio Jones, WR Alabama
The Rams hit the jackpot with Sam Bradford last season and the rookie was able to have a nice season with limited weapons in the passing game. St. Louis would be well served to take Jones at this spot and give Bradford a legit #1 receiving option. Jones is a beast of a wide receiver with excellent size and above average speed. Jones and 2nd year receiver Denario Alexander could form a great WR combo for years to come.

15. Miami Dolphins 7-9 (team needs: WR, RB, QB, DE) - Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
The best option here would be to draft a QB for the future since Chad Henne has been up & down so far in his young career. Some would opt for Cam Newton here but I think Henne should get one more season to prove himself. Clayborn is a very good defensive end that is good at rushing the passer and also solid in run defense.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars 8-8 (team needs: QB, CB, WR, DE) - Cam Newton, QB Auburn
David Garrard is aging and inconsistent so Jacksonville would be wise to draft Newton and allow him a season to develop. They could use another pass rusher with Aaron Kampman getting up there in age but I don't think any of the remaining DEs are a better fit than Newton, and he would be a great pick for PR purposes and keep fans excited about the future. That's if the Jaguars remain in Jacksonville.

17. New England Patriots 14-2 (teams needs: WR, CB, DE, DT) - Aldon Smith, DE/LB Missouri
New England is coming off of a league-best 14-2 season but they could stand to get younger along their defensive line. The Patriots are masters at getting max value out of their draft picks and Aldon Smith can play some linebacker and defensive end in their scheme. He is also a good character player, which is valued by New England's staff.

18. San Diego Chargers 9-7 (team needs: WR, DE, S) - Rahim Moore, S UCLA
The Chargers were more of a complete team than their 9-7 record indicates. As with most teams in the NFL you can never have enough pass rushers, but I feel that Moore will be a lot better pro than most are giving him credit for. He's slightly undersized for safety but has the frame to add more strength. Call this my sleeper pick for the first round.

19. New York Giants 10-6 (team needs: RB, OL, DT) - Tyron Smith, OT USC
The Giants need to invest in keeping Eli Manning upright and Tyron Smith has the tools to develop into an upper class left tackle. He can learn the ropes in his first season while David Diehl holds down the spot. The Giants can go in a number of directions here and Smith presents good value.

20. Tampa Bay Bucaneers 10-6 (team needs: DE, S, LT) - Cameron Jordan, DE California
Tampa Bay needs better pass rushing as they only generated 26 sacks last season. Cameron Jordan has a ton of talent but also comes with some character red flags, but Bucs coach Raheem Morris may be able to get through to him just as he did with LeGarrette Blount. This high risk, high reward pick could pay great dividends for a Bucs team that will be in contention for many years to come.

Check Back Monday for picks 21-32.

-ALR

LTSBlog Exclusive: Q&A W/ LFL Star and Playboy Model Stephanie Noel

Sports and beautiful women go together like peanut butter and jelly or Los Angeles and traffic. So what happens when you combine the two? You get the Lingerie Football League, where teams all-women teams play 7-7 full contact competitive football. Yes, in lingerie. Got your attention right? Right.

The LFL was created in 2009 and currently has 10 teams across the nation. But if you think these ladies don't take the sport seriously think again (click here for the 2010 season trailer that aired on MTV2 this past fall/winter). These women are serious. They're also pretty sexy. You can see for yourself as some of the ladies will be featured in the next issue of Playboy Magazine which hits newstands January 21st (cover shot on the left).

LTSBlog caught up with the gorgeous Stephanie Noel Psick, who plays running back and center for the defending champion Los Angeles Temptation and modeled for the Playboy shoot. We were able to pick her brain about football, the LFL, her picks for the Super Bowl (and of course posing nude for Playboy).

LTSBlog: Who are your biggest competitors, on the field and off?

SNP: My biggest competition would be my own teammates. They are the strongest and most athletic girls I have gone up against. They hit the hardest too! There is so much talent on our team that your starting position never comes easy and is never guaranteed. That’s why we win championships!!!

LTSBlog: What are your hopes for the Lingerie Football League?

SNP: My hope for LFL is that it continues to grow and be successful like is has been. More teams would be great because then we would have more games and more young women have an opportunity to play in this amazing league.

LTSBlog: Where you a football fan before the LFL, or did your interest peak after signing w/ the L.A. Temptation? Did you have a favorite team/player?

SNP: I grew up loving football and wishing that girls could play too! Now we can! My favorite team is the Niners!

LTSBlog: What was it like posing for Playboy? Were you nervous? Is it something you would do again?

SNP: Posing for Playboy was an incredible experience. I was a little nervous at first but everyone was super nice and professional. It is definitely something I would do again. (we approve - Ed.)

LTSBlog: What would you like to be known for more: the greatest LFL champion ever, or the sexiest Playboy centerfold in the magazine's history?
SNP: Both! Being a champion is super sexy! But if I had to choose one, which is tough, it would be to be a champion because being a champion is an incredible feeling and is something I take so much pride in and I’m hoping for a repeat this season!

LTSBlog: Who are you picking for the Super Bowl?
SNP: Steelers vs Packers but I want the Steelers to win.

LTSBlog: What are your plans for the future?
SNP: I plan on playing in the LFL until I collapse and am unable to play. Then have some babies and travel.

Hot, athletic, and loves sports? We're sold. You can catch Stephanie and her L.A. Temptation teammates play the Chicago Bliss for a berth in the Lingerie Bowl Jan. 29th on MTV2 at 8p ET (5p Pacific). Also go pick up the Playboy issue for a closer look at some of the ladies of the LFL.

In the meantiime, here's a few SFW pictures of Stephanie to hold you over. Don't say we never gave you anything.

-ALR

Video: Brett Favre "What Should I Do" Commercial Spoof

Now this right here is funny. Watch and laugh a little...



Brett Favre >>>> Chuck Norris.

-ALR

Jim Harbaugh Expected To Accept 5-Year Deal With 49ers

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to sign a 5-year $25 million deal to become the San Franscisco 49ers next head coach. Harbaugh's name has been red hot for numerous coaching positions including Denver, Miami and Michigan. He will be leaving Stanford a 12-1 season and an impressive Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.

Harbaugh began his coaching career as an unpaid assistant under his father at Western Kentucky while still playing in the NFL before becoming an assistant coach for the Raiders in 2002-2003. He then moved on to become head coach at San Diego U. from 2004-2007 and led the team to a 29-6 record. His coaching record with the Cardinals is 29-21 and he has a career coaching record of 58-27, all in the college ranks.

Coaching the 49ers will not be an easy task, as the team will be looking for a quarterback next season and they drastically need to upgrade their secondary. With that being said the 49ers still have a solid nucleus of young talent on both sides of the ball and have a chance to be much improved very soon. IF they can find a quarterback. Stanford red shirt sophomore Andrew Luck will be returning to school so you can go ahead and forget that scenario playing out.

I'll update with details as they become available.

-ALR

End Of An Era: Brett Favre To Miss First Game in Over 18 Years

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Per this tweet from the Minnesota Vikings, an injury to his throwing shoulder will keep Brett Favre from starting or playing in tonight's game against the NY Giants, marking the first game Favre will not be under center after 297 straight starts. That is equivalent to 18 1/12 full NFL seasons.

Here is a picture of the official inactive list:

This season has been a tough one for the 41-yr-old Favre, who has had to endure struggles on the field as well as scandal off of it (namely the nude pics that were allegedly sent to a Jets employee the lone season Favre was there).

Nonetheless, Favre has been one of the greatest quaterbacks in NFL history and holds many career records. I chose the picture of Favre in a Green Bay jersey as his years with the Packers represent the best years of his well decorated career. Favre is the only player in NFL history to win the MVP award 3 consecutive years and holds records for most touchdown passes, passing yards, and completions, as well as most career interceptions.

Favre may be put on injury reserve soon which will most definitely end his career. If so the NFL will be saying farewell to a true warrior on the football field and on of the greatest to ever do it.

-ALR

Albert Haynesworth Suspended Final Four Games By Redskins

You had to know something was bad bound to happen with this marriage... multiple sources have reported that Washington Redskins high paid DT Albert Haynesworth has been suspended without pay for the final four games of this season by the team.

According to the sources, Haynesworth was informed of the decision this morning by GM Bruce Allen. Quote head coach Mike Shanahan in a statement:

Shanahan in a statement: "Despite the club's numerous attempts to persuade Albert Haynesworth to abide by the terms of his contract."


"He has repeatedly refused to cooperate with our coaching staff in a variety of ways over an extended period of time."

Sounds like something you would expect on a Pop Warner squad and not from a professional million dollar athlete. Some of the offenses include. refusing to play in base 3-4, or 1st and 2nd-down nickel pkgs & refusal to follow instructions during practice or games. Also, according to the team's news release, Haynesworth told Allen Monday that he refused to talk to Shanahan.

So basically in Haynesworth's time with the Redskins, has pocketed about $32 mil to play in 20 of a possible 32 games and only racked up 53 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Not much bang for your buck if you ask me. The Redskins got hosed.

Also, accoridng to this story on Deadspin, Haynesworth was spotted at a DC bar Thursday night, the day before he was late to practice and claiming he was "sick". Sure you were Al, sure you were.

I think it's safe to say we'll be seeing Fat Albert in a different uni next season.

-ALR

Denver Broncos Josh McDaniels No Longer Head Coach

Breaking News: Per the Denver Broncos official twitter feed, head coach Josh McDaniels has been relieved of his head coaching duties. After jumping out to a 6-0 start, the 34-year old McDaniels is only 5-17 since then.

McDaniels was a former assistant coach for the New Englad Patriots before being hired by the Broncos in 2009. His coaching tenure with the Broncos has been marred with controversy and questionable decisions, from his handling and subsequent trading of QB Jay Cutler and RB Peyton Hillis, the drafting of Tim Tebow and recently facing accusations of cheating where he was fined $50,000 by the NFL.

More on this as it becomes available.

-ALR

Springsteen Band Member Disturbed By Praise Of Mike Vick

Nils Lofgren, solo artist and former member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, recently sent this open letter to "to the men and women of the sports reporting community" via ESPN. It was a pretty passionate letter explaining how he is disturbed by the attention Philadelphia Eagles QB Micheal Vick is getting for his spectacular performance this season. Here is one glaring quote from the letter than struck a nerve with me:

“When you do what Vick did, a second chance should never include the rare gift of an NFL career and the potential bounty it offers.”

First off, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I can't dispute that. And at the same time it is my right to disagree with said opinion. Which in this case, I disagree.

True be told, what Vick was convicted for was cruel and insensitive. He committed his crime with little regard for the consequence or without considering how it may be viewed. But the fact of the matter is that Vick has served his court appointed debt to society. He did his time. And to say that Vick shouldn't be in the NFL because his crime was against animals is preposterous.

Saying that he should not be allow "the rare gift of an NFL career" is a little off based to me. I think because of the high profile of the National Football League, most of the general public forget that an NFL position is, an essence, a job. They get paid a salary just like any other working class individual. If you want to point the finger at anyone for Vick's NFL career, than it should be pointed at the owners who are profiting hand over fist from anything he produces on the field.

Michael Vick is a professional football player. He makes his living between those sidelines. Saying that he shouldn't be allowed to play in the NFL is basically saying his should not be allowed to make a living in the career of his choice. Proclaiming that Vick should not be considered for the MVP award for his on the field performance is basically in line with saying an ex-con should never be considered for an Employee Of The Year merit, which is technically what the MVP is.

Many may disagree with my point of view on this, and I can accept that. But correct me if I am wrong, but isn't our correctional facility and judicial system in place to rehabilitate an individual to become a better member of our society? And in Vick's case, does that not appear to be what has transpired?

But as I said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

-ALR

Brad Childress On Vikings "What a difference 365 days can make"

Recently canned Minesota Vikings ex-coach Brad Childress finally spoke to the media, over a week after being sent packing after an embarrassing 31-3 loss to the Packers (no pun intended). In this interview with Minnesota's Pioneer Press Childress speaks on his firing from the Vikings, his support in the locker room and also the failed Randy Moss experiment. here are some quotes from the interview:

"What a difference 365 days can make," Childress told the Pioneer Press by phone today from his beach home in Bonita Springs, Fla. "You pull yourself into your work the best way you can each and every week, and you never expect something like this to happen. You go into every week thinking you'll win."

"It was never a week-to-week expectation with the Wilfs," Childress said. "They never told me win or else. It was just us trying to get back into what was a close game (against Green Bay) until the turnovers, and it all unfolded that day. I just said, '(Expletive).' We were just all more disappointed in what we put out there."

On his firing from the Vikings:

"I don't know if it's shocking," said Childress of the firing. "All you have to do is look around the league to know this happens. I didn't do everything perfectly, but I felt I coached my way. I left that job in a lot better shape than we were in (in 2006)."

Childress also touched on the reported tension from players in the locker room:

"If you pull a couple of quotes from a locker room, it all gets exacerbated a bit," Childress said. "By and large, I know the support I had. It's a good group of guys in that locker room."

On the sudden trade of  Randy Moss:

"Some players came up to me afterward and said, 'Coach, we would have been disappointed if you didn't do something,' " Childress said.

reading into the interview I gather that Childress at least is being somewhat realistic about his situation that led to his demise. He also spoke highly of interim head coach Leslie Frazier, saying "he is as good as any."

This is the first time in 32 years Bad Brad has been without a football position of some kind. Childress is owed $5 mil a year until 2012 by the Vikings, which would be reduced if he found another head coaching position prior (which I doubt will happen anytime soon). You can see more of the interview and the Pioneer Press' view here.

Wish I could get canned for a shoddy performance and still get chipped off $5 mil per. We should all be so lucky, right?

-ALR

Kurt Warner Reaches Out To Steve Johnson Via Twitter

Nice post here that I spotted over at http://susanshan.com/... Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson took a lot of heat for dropping a potential game-winning pass Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, then took to twitter with this tweet where it was assumed he was blaming God for the drop shortly after the game:

@StevieJohnson13: I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO…

If you recall this is the same Steve Johnson who hauled in 3 touchdown passes the previous week and has been enjoying a strong season so far. The next day, Johnson followed with a series of tweets explaining the previous one:

@StevieJohnson13: I learned A lot Within 24hrs. Saw Both Sides.(Ups&Dwns) I AM HAPPY & THANKFUL 4 YESTERDAY! w/out Sunday iWldnt have grew closer w/The Lord!!



@StevieJohnson13: And No I Did Not Blame God People! Seriously??!? CMon! I Simply Cried Out And Asked Why? Jus Like yal did wen sumthin went wrong n ur life!


@StevieJohnson13: So Before Yall..well I’m pretty sure you’ve awready judged me. I hope you guys look n the mirror. I dnt blame u 4 being mad @ my gm I WAS 2!


@StevieJohnson13: Spoke To Friends Fam Teammates and Most Importantly I Spoke With My Wife. I Honestly Believe Evrything Happens For A Reason! Everything!


@StevieJohnson13: S/O To My Real Friends And Fanollowers! Also Major S/O To Them Bills Fans! I Don’t Play For Myself and AnyOne who know ME knows That!


@StevieJohnson13: I PLAY W/PASSION AND EMOTION! I HURT WEN I DNT MAKE A PLAY BKUZ iKNO THAT’S WHA MY TEAM,FAM,N MY CITIES WANT TO SEE! N THAS A WINs N PLAYS!


@StevieJohnson13: I can continue but ill leave it at that! N THANKS AGAIN! Oh Yea And S/O To the Bills Fans That Bash Bills Players! Real Talk Its Still Luv!!


@StevieJohnson13: GMorning World.. (slowly walks in n looks around out the corners of my eyes) Nah Wutup World #LetsPutASmileOnThatFace New Day We ALL Blessed

After seeing this, recently retired NFL great Kurt Warner reached out to Johnson with these tweets:

@kurt13warner: @StevieJohnson13 Hey, man, we all have those moments! I had way too many of them… Keep ur head up, U will b on other side next time!



@kurt13warner: @StevieJohnson13 I asked same thing when released in STL & benched 3 times, But then God did his thing… Be ready! Enjoy watching you play!


@kurt13warner: @StevieJohnson13 Last thing… Keep representing the ‘Lucky 13′!

Nice gesture here from the classy Warner. People should take note of this and try to offer some support instead of constantly focusing on the negative. I personally didn't think Johnson was blaming God for the drop. Maybe I bought into the whole "Why So Serious" thing from his touchdown celebration on 11/20 (see here for more on that). The third year receiver has had a very good year so far and drops, mental lapses, etc happen sometimes. Either way, kind words often go a lot further than negative.

Nicely done, Mr. Warner.

-ALR

Derek Anderson Blows A Fuss At Press Conference

During last's night embarrasing Monday Night Football loss to the San Fransisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals QB Derek Anderson was caught on camera sharing a small laugh with a fellow teammate Deuce Lutui. In the post game press conference, when a reporter posed Anderson with a question about why he was laughing Anderson blew up like he was accused of a felony and didn't have a proper alibi. Here's video of the melt down:



Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the question had anything to do with Anderson's practices during the week, how hard he studies, etc. All he had to do was simply answer the question like a professional (but this is the NFL, where "professional" is optional). I understand that the question about the laugh may have caught Anderson off guard, but that is no excuse. Maybe he should have had a Twix or froze time like that chick from that 80's TV show "Out Of This World". Either way, all he did was embarass himself even more.

The Cardinals QB position has been a joke this season since the release of former first rounder Matt Leinart and Anderson statistically has been one of the worst quarterbacks in recent memory (yes, even worse than Alex Smith). Get it together, Mr. Anderson.

Brad Childress Finally Fired By Minnesota Vikings... Frazier In As Interim

Per this tweet from Fox Sports Jay Glazer, Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress has been fired this morning. No official announcement has been made, but I'm sure one will be released at some point today. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will be named interim head coach.

The Vikings are a dissapointing 3-7 this season after being considered a Super Bowl favorite in the NFC. Brett Favre was "talked" into returning for one more season with the Vikings during the preseason, but the 40-yea-old has been hampered by injuries and ineffective more times than not.

The Vikings season has been something of a soap opera, with Favre, Percy Harvin and other players expressing displeasure with Childress in the media, and Childress doing the same at times.

Will this head coaching change have a big effect on the season? I think it won't, as they Vikings still have an aging QB at the helm and are 3rd in their division. Frazier has been a favorite for head coaching jobs in recent seasons and he may do a solid job.

More info on this as it becomes available.

-ALR

Ron Artest Wants To Try Football After NBA Days Are Done

You gotta love Ron-Ron. Per this story seen over at cbssports.com, Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest wants to take a shot at an NFL tryout when his contract with the Lake Show is up. Here are some of his quotes from the story:

“God willing, after my NBA career, God willing I’m still athletic enough – which I’m trying to take care of my body as best as possible and be prepared for this day, for this tryout of an NFL team,” Artest said. “... It’s a fantasy of mine. It’s an opportunity because I’m athletic. So if that fantasy can be fulfilled, and if it’s something that can really be reached as far as a goal, I’m going for it.”

The 31-yr-old Artest won an championship with the Lakers last season and his contract is up after the 2013-2014 NBA season. Artest is already built like a defensive end and he keeps himself in good shape, so maybe he can pull it off. He has good footwork on the court and is a pretty tough character. Artest wouldn't be the first basketball player to turn to football, as San Diego Chargers start tight end Antonio Gates played forward for Kent State before successfully giving football a try.

We'll have to wait and see.

-ALR

Correction! McNabb Extension With Redskins Only $3.5 Guaranteed

Per ESPN's Michael Smith, QB Donovan McNabb and the Redskins agreed to a 5-yr extension with the Redskins worth reported $78 mil, with $40 mil in garauntees. Per this new ESPN report by Adam Schefter the true guarantee is only $3.5 million and the deal has clauses galore that would need to be reached for McNabb to see the full extent of the deal. Here are the details:

One of the contract's most significant points is a payment due this offseason, when the Redskins must decide whether or not to pay McNabb a $10 million option bonus. If they do, it would trigger the rest of the contract and make Washington liable for McNabb's $2.5 million base salary in 2011.



So in essence, the Redskins paid McNabb $3.75 million in 2010 for the right to pay him $12.5 million in 2011 and control his rights. If the Redskins cut him after this season or trade him, they are only on the hook for the $3.75 million.
Boiled down, the deal's real guarantee is $3.5 million, though if McNabb suffered a catastrophic injury this season and never played again, he would receive $25 more million.


This is following the bye Redskins bye week, after coach Mike Shanahan pulled McNabb late in the game due to poor conditioning (McNabb has been nursing injuries all season.

McNabb is in his 12th year in the NFL and first with the Redskins. So far this season he has completed 57% of his passes., with 7 touchdowns, 8 interceptions and a QB rating of 76.

-ALR

Braylon Edwards Claims Comments "Taken Out Of Context"

Yesterday, it was reported that New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards said that quarterback Mark Sanchez hasn't earned the right to criticize yet (see here for the story).

Well today, per this report over at nj.com Edwards and a Jets spokesman say that his comments were taken out of context. Here are the comments:

"The quote was taken out of context, I just spoke to the (spokesperson) about it" Edwards said.


"He was referring to quarterbacks in general, not to Mark Sanchez," the spokesperson said. "Those comments were not made specifically toward Mark they were made toward just playing the quarterback position."

Hey Braylon; "We Don't Believe You." Funny that once some of these off the wall comments players make go public how quickly they try to clean them up.

Just another example of wide receivers being divas. Despite his lofty draft status (he went 3rd overall back in 2005) Edwards has only had one good season and has been surrounded by off the field controversy. Criticizing your young QB when you are barely a top 30 receiver might not have been the best idea. Why not try thinking before you speak? Got thing the Jets have good PR.

Braylon Edwards please do better.

-ALR (@a_ramsey on twitter)

LTSB's NFL Mid-Season Awards "Good, Bad, & The Ugly"

Everyone likes recognition. I'm sure even the most modest and successful people have some type of trophy case or portfolio of their awards. And now that we are just about at the halfway through the 2010 NFL season, now is a good time to reflect on the first half and see who has been the most valuable as well as least valuable...

Offensive MVP

Tom Brady, Patriots

All he does is win, win, win no matter what. Brady has been dissed by Justin Bieber, stripped of his best downfield threat (Randy Moss) and been behind a shaky O-line, but the brash Mr. Brady has responded by remaining in the top 10 in passer rating and his Patriots have the best record in the NFL. Not too shabby for a former 6th round pick. Runner Up: Peyton Manning.

Defensive MVP

Osi Umenyiora, Giants

Umenyiora has been a vital piece on one of the NFL's top defenses. The Giants lead the league in fewest yards allowed, and Osi is second in sacks. He's also forced a ridiculous seven fumbles in only 7 games. His value the the Giants pass rush is irreplaceable this season. Runner Up: Clay Matthews

Offensive ROY

Sam Bradford, Rams

Bradford's numbers may not blow you away, but the rookie QB has played very solid so far while leading the Rams to a .500 record when not too many predicted they would win 4 games all season. Bradford has more touchdowns (11) then interceptions (8) and has looked very commanding and calm on the field. The Rams currently sit 1/2 a game behind Seattle for the division and have a chance to make the playoffs. Maybe he's worth that huge contract after all. Runner Up: Jahvid Best

Defensive ROY

Eric Berry, Chiefs

The fifth overall pick in last summer's draft has been all over the field for the upstart Chiefs who are 5-2 this season and scrap to find ways to win. Berry always seems to be around the football and has picked up his first two interceptions in the last couple of games so he seems to still be adjusting to the NFL game speed. His 10 total tackles and big plays in the fourth quarter Sunday was a key factor in KC pulling out the win in overtime. This kid has a very bright present and even brighter future ahead of him. Runner Up: Ndamukong Suh

Coach of the Year

Todd Haley, Chiefs

Haley has done a great job with the Chiefs so far this season. With their record standing at 5-2 Kansas City is poised to take the AFC West after finishing dead last in the division in 2009. The fact that this team is always in close games and finds ways to win shows that Haley has this young bunch on the same page. They haven't played a particularly strong schedule but we wont penalize Haley for that. Runner Up: Raheem Morris, Bucaneers

Worst Coach of the Year

Brad Childress, Vikings

This was a tough call between Childress and Wade Phillips, but Childress takes the crown for allowing Brett Favre and his games started streak to basically dictate and derail the Vikings season. Today's news of the Randy Moss fiasco (see here) is another sign that Childress may be clueless and at the end of his head coaching tenure. At least he would be going out with a bang, right?

-ALR

NFL Trimester Report: AFC South "Contender or Pretender"

Many experts (and some the 'not quite' experts) proclaimed the AFC South to be the most competitive division in the NFL, and that prediction has somewhat held true as the division has a combined 15 victories to date. Loaded with play makers on every team, any game played within this division has potential to be a great one. On paper, that is. Now on to the review of the division so far...

Tennessee (5-2)
The Tennessee Titans have been able to simply get the job done so far. They feature arguably the NFL's most electric player in running back Chris Johnson who can break a huge run at any moment. The most significant difference this season has been the play of QB Vince Young who is among the league leaders in passing efficiency. Kenny Britt is beginning to look like a legit no. 1 receiver. One glaring weakness in the pass defense, but if they can continue to limit turnovers and keep opposing teams out of the end zone, the Titans should be in good shape for the rest of the season. They still have to face Indy a coupe times late in the season which could determine who takes the division. Contender

Houston (4-2)
The Houston Texans can score points. Period. QB Matt Schaub is showing that his big season last year was no fluke. Wide receiver Andre Johnson is, well, Andre Johnson. The biggest surprise has been running back Arian Foster, who has been outstanding this season after closing out '09 on a high note. Offense is clearly not an issue. The Texans troubles lie with their defense. They are dead last in defending the pass and 31st in total yards allowed. And in this division that is definitely not going to get it done. Pretender

Indianapolis (4-2)
As long as Peyton Manning is their quarterback, the Indianapolis Colts will always be ranked among the best teams in the league. The man is an absolute surgeon out on the field. It's amazing what the offense accomplishes with such a poor running game. RB Joseph Addai may be on pace for over 1,000 yards but the Colts still rank in the bottom 5 in rushing. Add in a season-ending injury to TE Dallas Clark, and the pressure is definitely on Manning to find ways to get spread the ball to Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. The Colts defense is shaky and gives up a ton of yards on the ground, doesn't force many turnovers and hasn't really generated a strong pass rush. They also have lost their first two division games. But in the end, you really can't feel safe betting against Manning. Contender

Jacksonville (3-4)
So who are the Jaguars exactly? Are they the team who beat the Colts on a 59-yard field goal, or the team that has lost their last two games by a combined score of 52-23? The latter gets my vote. The only facet of the game the Jags have been consistent in is inconsistency (let that marinate for a second). QB David Garrard is as erratic as they come and self-proclaimed fantasy football star RB Maurice Jones-Drew has been anything but. And the defense? The only defensive unit worse in the NFL are the winless Buffalo Bills. Yikes. Pretender

-ALR

NFL Trimester Report: AFC North "Contender or Pretender"

So what makes a team a "contender"? It takes more than a collection of big names and a lot of so-called talent. While those factors do help, having the ability to pull together as a team and finding ways to win in the face of adversity is the key quality of a "contender". With that said, let's get into the profiles of the AFC North...

Pittsburgh (4-1)
It was difficult to predict how the Steelers would look going into the season as their franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first four games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The Steelers managed to jump out to a nice start by utilizing a ball control offense behind RB Rashard Mendenhall and a stingy defense. The defense is only giving up an amazingly low 63 rushing yards per game, rank fourth in total defense and allow the fewest points in the NFL (12 per game). The Steel Curtain is legit. With Roethlisberger back under center (he looked very good in his first game back) this gives the Steelers offense that big play element that could possibly put them over the top. Here's one for you Steelers fans w/ the terrible towels (Pittsburgh representer Wiz Khalifa's "Black & Yellow") Contender

Baltimore (4-2)
The Ravens have already notched a couple of nice victories so far, having issued to serious contenders their only losses early in the season (beating the Jets 10-9 in the season opener and and a 17-14 victory over the Steelers sans Roethlisberger). Joe Flacco seems to have already developed nice chemistry with Anquan Boldin as the two look like they have been playing together for years. The offense is still waiting for RB Ray Rice to get going but they still are able to move the ball. The defense,still led by intense LB Ray Lewis, has been excellent against the pass early on as well, and will be getting S Ed Reed back this week. The Ravens are definitely a team to be reckoned with the rest of the season. Contender

Cincinnatti (2-3)
2010 was supposed to be the season that the Bengals turned the page and became one of the best teams in the league but something seems to be lacking. QB Carson Palmer has been erratic so far which has limited the play making ability of boistrous wide receiver tandom Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco (both who appear to be more concerned with their off the field personas instead of on the grid iron). We won't even talk about their show together. Their remaining schedule looks pretty tough, so it may be time for the aging Bengals to start rebuilding for the future as their window is quickly closing. Pretender

Cleveland (1-5)
The Browns went into this season in full rebuild mode afer drafting Colt McCoy to be their eventual starter and signing vet Jake Delhomme to hold down the spot until McCoy was ready. We all know Delhomme is not very good. At all. Injuries to Delhomme and back up Seneca Wallace forced the Browns to go to McCoy a little earlier than expected so fans are getting a glimpse of the future right now. The Browns won't win many games this year, but given the right weapons and McCoy might finally be the quarterback they have been looking for. If they can keep him upright, of course. Pretender

-ALR

NFL Trimester Report: AFC East "Contender or Pretender"

I like to jokingly refer to this as the "Hollywood" division, thanks to HBO's popular "Hard Knocks" series that featured Rex Ryan and the Jets (sounds like a 70's cover band, but that's just me. Moving along...) Throw in Tom Brady and his Justin Beiber haircut, Brandon Marshall and his inability to get in the end zone and the NFL floor mat that is currently the Buffalo Bills and voila, you have the 2010 AFC East. So without any further delay let's get into it, shall we?

New York Jets (5-1)
Going into the season many people were on the fence about the Jets Super Bowl potential, and rightfully so. They brought in a slew of new veteran faces and QB Mark Sanchez was coming off a sub par rookie season, though he did flash signs in the playoffs. But so far, the Jets have validated head coach Rex Ryan's confidence. Sanchez has limited turnovers and gotten the offense in the end zone, RB Ladanian Tomlinson looks rejuvenated, and the defense has looked almost as good as advertised (with or without Darrelle Revis and his shaky hamstring). The Jets are 3-0 on the road, and their only loss so far was by 1 point to Baltimore in the opener. Looks like Rex knew was he was talking about. And Antonio Cromartie still has a LOT of  kids. Contender

New England (4-1)
This '10 version of the Patriots is a far cry from the '07 version that was lighting up the scoreboard like a game of Madden, but they are still competitive. Yes, they traded Randy Moss to the Vikings for a 3rd round pick and a box of pop tarts, but he only had 9 receptions and a few touchdowns at the time. Still, there is no substitute for that kind of talent. They replaced him by trading the pop tarts to the Seahawks and reuniting Brady with Deion Branch who in one game already has as many receptions as Moss had with the Pats. While the move was a but of a downgrade talent-wise, you can bet that the Pats will get max value out of Branch. They feature a running back by committee format that has actually been productive. Rookie hybrid TE/WR Aaron Hernandez has been surprisingly effective and Wes Welker is back and healthy. The Patriots biggest issue is they have no pass rush and they give up almost 275 passing yards a game, and even let the Bills hang 30 on them. That ain't gonna cut it. Pretender

Miami (3-2)
So far, the Dolphins look like the definition of an "average" team. Chad Henne is your average NFL starting quarterback. Not really good or bad, just average. Big off season acquisition Brandon Marshall only has one touchdown reception so far and how are the rest of the receivers? Average. Their running game with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams? Average. Defensively they rank in the middle of the pack. What's that spell boys and girls? Gold star for you if you guessed average. Know what average gets you at the end of the season? 8-8 if you're lucky. Pretender

Buffalo (0-5)
The season for the Bills resembles something like a car accident, just not the kind you have any interest in watching. They are not very good at all and there really isn't anything for fans to look forward to. Maybe the development of rookie speedster RB C.J. Spiller with bring a glimmer of hope now that Marshawn Lynch has been shipped off to be be Pete Carroll's headache in Seattle. But that is doubtful. Remember when the Bills went to four straight (and lost all four) Super Bowls? Yeah, neither do the fans. Move along people, there isn't much to see here. Pretender

-ALR

The Mentality and Personality of a Wide Receiver

Over the years, quarterback and wide receiver have become the most heavily scrutinized positions in football. Maybe its because one can't ultimately be successful without the other? Maybe its because they tend to be the most outspoken players in locker rooms? Maybe both.

This piece is about the guys on the receiving end. Often the second most identifiable position in the game. You have the ones known for being flashy and outspoken like Terrell Owens, Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco, Randy Moss, Chris Carter and Keyshawn Johnson, and then you have your more workman-type receivers, Jerry Rice (pictured above), Marvin Harrison, Miles Austin, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson, to name a few.

So the question is, which type makes for a better receiver? Its a damned good one too.

The mentality of a wide receiver is an interesting one. Johnson summed this up best with the title of his 1996 bestseller, Just Give Me the Damn Ball. While brash, you have to admire his confidence. Who wants a receiver that doesn't want the ball thrown to him? All of the great ones demanded the ball be thrown their way in pressure situations. When the "demanding" gets quotable, we have the difference between diva and workman.

The most glaring issue with an outspoken/diva receiver is the distraction factor. For some reason wide receivers more than any other position player have a way of attracting attention to themselves, for better or (most often) for worse.

A perfect example is Terrell Owens. Statistically, Owens is one of the greatest receivers in history and is a beast on the field, but his legacy is tainted by numerous controversies stemming from his untimely outspokenness to the media, and his cocky on-field persona. We have no problem with the cocky on the field antics, but publicly bad mouthing your quarterbacks and coaching staff is a no-no. In that same regard, you can have a Randy Moss or Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco type, receivers that have reputations as great locker room presences but are very flashy and demonstrative on the field. I think that's a fair trade for their production. Chris Carter and Hall of Famer Michael Irvin were very much the same way (just don't forget about that magic dust, ahem).

Then you have the less flashy, but just as productive wide receiver personalities, such as Rice, Tim Brown and in today's NFL, Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and the Houston Texans Andre Johnson. These are the type that go about their business week in and week out without creating waves, or headlines. I'd venture the average fan couldn't pick Johnson out of a lineup. (Fitzgerald is fairly recognizable. More plainly, he resembles Mr. Ed with dreadlocks.)

Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Harrison was epitome of the "quiet/workman" group during his playing career. He scored 128 receiving TDs without a single memorable celebration. He was often praised for his quiet demeanor and workman-like approach to the game, and then... well...

Marvin had some legal trouble that shed light to a side of Harrison not consistent with being a workman. (Translation: He may or may not have shot a guy, and then may or may not have had him killed to prevent him from testifying. Allegedly.)

Back to the original question, what is the right mentality a receiver should have? When push comes to shove, which do you want on your side?

The NFL definitely has an opinion on the matter. They don't like the diva, no matter how talented or productive they may be. One of the most important ethos projected by the league is solidarity, and an unhappy wide receiver complaining about touches doesn't fit. Organizations have been willing to look past a number of character flaws, but insubordination isn't one of them.

Case in point, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall has been arrested for domestic violence, assaulting an officer, disorderly conduct, an driving under the influence. He's also caught 307 passes and scored 23 TDs from 2007-09 as a member of the Denver Broncos. Naturally, he signed a 4 year, $47 million ($24 million guaranteed) deal this off season.

Meanwhile, Owens, someone who has never been arrested or even accused of a crime, and is third all-time in receiving TDs, is playing on a one year, $2 million ($1 million guaranteed) deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. He didn't even have a contract until the last week of July.

Aside from the ten year age difference (Owens is 36, Marshall 26), there isn't a substantial reason Marshall should be making $23 million more in guaranteed money. Look at their 2010 production:


Marshall 2010 - 5 games, 37 catches, 467 yards, 1 TD

Owens 2010 - 5 games, 31 catches, 476 yards, 2 TD

Do you see a $23 million difference?

Yet, his detractors will say Owens is being paid more than enough money. They'll point out that for all his accomplishments, he's never won the Super Bowl. He's been called a team cancer for every team he's played for other than the Buffalo Bills. His touchdown celebrations are infamous. Plus he has the reality show ('The T.O. Show") that subsequently spawned another wide receiver centered show, "The Flavor of Ochocinco", err "Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch".

No one receiver should have all that power.

And that's really what it's about; power. There is only so much to go around on the football field, and it won't be going to the wide receiver any time soon.

That doesn't mean these guys don't know their self worth. Randy Moss publicly quit on two organizations (Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders) and may have privately quit on a third (New England Patriots) was able to have a trade orchestrated to bring him back to an organization (Vikings) he had already quit on. Moss caught Brett Favre's 300th career TD pass in his first game back with the Vikings. He set the single season TD record (23) by catching Tom Brady's 50th TD of the 2007 season. He, not Brady, was the key reason the 2007 New England Patriots became the first NFL team since the 1972 Dolphins to win 16 regular season games. He scored 47 TDs in the last three seasons alone. Moss does not have a contract for next season.

But Dallas Cowboys wideout Miles Austin does. Austin was an undrafted rookie out of Monmouth University in 2006. He stayed on the roster by playing special teams in Bill Parcells last season coaching the team. When Owens was released, he rose to the spotlight, outplaying his counterpart, Roy E. Williams, and earning an All-Pro nod this past season, his fourth in the league. He signed a 6 year, $54 million extension this offseason. $20 million guaranteed. Still, he's only scored 16 TDs in his entire career.

See what a little solidarity gets you?