Cleveland Browns: What's more exciting? Free Agency or the Draft? Let's focus on the offense today... posted by Edward Stefanyak

Let's face it; if you're a Browns' fan, you already know that we have many needs. Our new GM, Tom Heckert likes to build through the draft, and we have 11 picks but is that enough? Probably not. We need some free agents to fill some holes, or we could also trade for players.

Offense:

After reading Amari Harris' blog, he's right. We need a solid QB. Keep in mind; I love DA's strong arm, and I want Brady Quinn to succeed but I'm not convinced that either one is the answer. But, what options do we have? We could look to free agency, but did you see that list of free agent QBs? The list includes Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, Mike Vick, and Chad Pennington. Good luck with all that. Another option is to trade for a QB, but who is available? One option could be Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia. GM Heckert has ties to Philly, so maybe this could be an option....for a steep price of course. Kolb has a nice arm, and he has some experience running a WCO. Now, according to Harris' blog, he likes Sam Bradford...later in the draft, but I'm not so sure. I like Tony Pike from Cincy, Jevan Snead from Ole Miss, and Dan LeFevour from Central Michigan. All three QBs have had some success with less talent around them. Other QBs like Bradford, Tebow, and Clausen were surrounded by talent, and talent should win you games. Winning games equals success; success equals ESPN falling in love with you. 

If we re-sign Jerome Harrison, we will have three nice RBs: Harrison, Chris Jennings, and James Davis. If you are not happy with those players, there are some interesting FAs. FA RBs include LenDale White of the Titans, Mike Bell of the Saints, Darren Sproles of the Chargers, and Cadillac Williams of the Bucs. Other RBs appear to be up in age, part-time players, or restricted FAs. Also, the draft offers some interesting talent, such as CJ Spiller of Clemson, Jahvid Best of California, or Toby Gerhart of Stanford. Truthfully, the draft is loaded with great RBs. I just arbitrarily picked these three.

Exercising the Demons posted by Amari Harris

The Cowboys have a huge match-up this week against the #2 seed Minnesota Vikings.  But, I don’t think that will keep any Cowboys fan from relishing in what has transpired over the last month.  Over these last 4 weeks the Cowboys have exercised all of their “demons” and now simply have to go into the Metrodome and take on the 12-4 Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre to advance to the NFC championsip.  Piece of cake, right?  Well before we stuff ourselves, let’s digest the last month of the season and see what the Cowboys were able to stomach (pun intended). 

Demon #1:  DECEMBER

It all started in New Orleans when the Cowboys took on the undefeated New Orleans Saints.  They were coming off back to back losses to the Chargers and Giants and the December monster continued to loom.  Most experts predicted that the Cowboys would not only lose Saturday night in New Orleans , but that they could possibly free fall out of the playoffs with more late-season losses.  The Cowboys went on to man handle the Saints for the majority of the game and DeMarcus Ware added a signature performance  to his growing legacy. 

After handing New Orleans its first  loss of the season, the Cowboys took on a semi-surging Washington Redskins team that wanted to show what they had to new GM Bruce Allen.  Result:  17-0 shut-out, courtesy of Wade Phillips and his suddenly vaunted defense.  The Cowboys had punched their ticket to the playoffs but I have to admit that there were

First Playoff Win in 14 Years For 'Boys posted by Nicholas Schwartz

The Dallas Cowboys have pulled off their first playoff win in years.  Tony Romo is now 1-2 in the playoffs, and Wade Phillips finally has won one himself.  Phillips and Romo had been known as "choke artists" in the past years, Romo fumbling a kicker hold against the Seattle Seahawks and throwing an interception late against the New York Giants.

However,  not only did they win, but they won in convincing fashion against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Holding one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL to 14 points in two games, the defense is playing inspired football.  With the front 7 applying pressure on the running game and the quarterback, the secondary locks down on big name receivers.   Next week is a favorable match up against the Minnesota Vikings offensive line.  They continue to allow Favre to be sacked, and Adrian Peterson is unable to have his explosive speed contribute when he can barely get to the line of scrimmage.  

Romo continues to play the best football of his career with 2 touchdowns and 244 yards.  This is far from the Romo of December and January's past; he has truly learned how to hold onto the ball and avoid turnovers while still being a big play threat.   Miles Austin is his deep threat, but Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton continue to be huge 3rd down targets.  Even Roy Williams is looking in sync with Romo, catching a bullet pass that was way over his head.

The Vikings had a great regular season, but were beginning to see a bit of slump towards the end.  The defense was unable to harass opposing quarterbacks and the offense was stagnant at times.  As Favre is pressured more and becomes frustrated, he makes far more errant passes.  The lone exception to this was the beat down the Vikes put on the Giants in the final game of the regular season.  They began to combine everything they had put together early in the season and were able to rebuild some confidence.  Still, with a bye week they could be sluggish.  Only time will tell how this match up will end, but you have to like the Cowboys chances. 

Cowboys send Eagles home with a 34-14 rout in Big D posted by Joe Anello

Proving that their shut-out win last week was no fluke, the Dallas Cowboys picked up right where they left off with a 34-14 blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday night. In a flag-filled contest (actually setting a playoff record for most penalty yards), only Dallas overcame their mistakes. Philly never stood a chance. 

Dallas may have racked up over 400 yards of offense, but their balance was integral to the victory. With 35 passes and 34 runs, the Cowboys' play-calling was near perfect. They exploded in the first half with Tony Romo endzone passes to John Philips and Miles Austin, a Tashard Choice TD run and two Suisham field goals. A well-rested Felix Jones broke off a 73 yard run in the third quarter to put the game out of reach at 34-7. Marion Barber came into the game injured and only carried the ball 3 times for 4 yards, then chilled on the sidelines because of the insurmountable lead and Felix Jones' success. That rest could pay dividends next week. Corner Mike Jenkins played a phenomenal game, supported by a solid secondary.

Andy Reid's Eagles found a few big plays, but not nearly enough to make up for their lack of any running game or consistent passing attack, not to mention their five turnovers. McNabb's throws were off all night and he was under immense pressure from the Dallas front line. After not blitzing enough last week, the Philly defense paid for its aggressiveness on Saturday, being taken advantage of by Dallas receiver screens and draw plays. It wasn't pretty.

Vick's TD Pass Means More to Him Than to Eagles posted by Frederick Barry

Every now and then one play can define a career in the NFL.  This was, indeed, the case for Michael Vick in the 2009 Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys. One pass in one playoff game may have secured one player's career in the NFL.

 With the Eagles down a touchdown in the 2009 Wild Card showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, it was up to the Eagles offense to make something happen. It was at that moment that Michael Vick, standing in shotgun formation, took a snap and passed to Jeremy Maclin for a 76 yard touchdown reception to tie the game at 7-7. 

The Eagles obviously needed this reception, having already lost twice to the Cowboys in the regular season and having amassed only one touchdown between both games.  However, it may be the case that Michael Vick, coming off the dog fighting controversy and subsequent prison sentence, needed it more.

Vick is only signed on for one season (with a second year option) as the Eagles back-up quarterback - a risky deal the team made despite criticism from animal rights groups and pressure from media outlets.  After this season, the largely unproven Vick is a free agent who had only this season to prove himself as a legitimate NFL quarterback.  Despite the second NFL chance, Vick had only provided mediocre statistics for a quarterback, leaving many wondering what was next for the felon superstar.

 Until this game, Mike Vick threw for a total of 86 yards on the season.  He played primarily as a back-up with a wildcat upside due to his breakaway speed and rushing ability; both characteristics he had displayed from 2001-2006 as an Atlanta Falcon.  As a rusher Vick ran 24 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns with the Eagles this season, proving his abilities as a ball carrier post prison.

Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Saturday posted by Joe Anello

Playoffs? Yep, they're here! After another 17 week regular season, the Wild-Card round begins this afternoon with the rematch between NY Jets and Cincinnati Bengals, followed by what could be the game of the weekend. Philadelphia travels to Dallas for the third meeting this season between these NFC East rivals. Time for analysis and predictions! It's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Saturday!

(9-7) New York Jets at (10-6) Cincinnati Bengals
4:30PM ET NBC

For the J-E-T-S, they've been playing playoff games for weeks. With help from a resting Colts squad and a half-hearted Bengals effort last week, the Jets find themselves in the playoffs behind a rookie quarterback who has thrown a hearty 20 interceptions. Rex Ryan has brought a swagger to the team, leading to their having the highest-rated defense and running game in the NFL. 

After getting shut-out last week on the road 37-0 by these same Jets, the Bengals return home hoping to avoid a similar result. After so many years featuring a dynamic and explosive offense, Marvin Lewis has focused on a smash-mouth style running game behind Cedric Benson. Receiver Chad Ochocinco is Carson Palmer's only legitimate outside weapon, but he's not the deep threat he once was. Cincy's D was rated fourth overall during the regular season, holding teams to an average of 300 yards a game. Their starting corners Joseph and Hall are vastly under-appreciated. 

Analysis: Had this been the Bengals from a few years ago, I would have given this match-up to Cincy's high-powered offense. Now? The Jets seem to be tailor-made to go on the road and get a cold-weather win. All-Pro corner Darelle Revis will have no trouble shutting down Ochocinco, leaving the rest of the defense to pressure Palmer and keeping Benson under wraps. New York's offensive success hinges on the play (or lack thereof) of Mark Sanchez. If he has to throw the ball more than 20-22 times, the Jets are going to lose. He puts too many throws up for grabs, throws the Bengals will intercept. Cincy needs to shut down Thomas Jones and the NY running game to force Sanchez into obvious passing downs. 

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16 posted by Joe Anello

Happy Holidays everyone! After watching the San Diego Chargers take hold of the number two seed in the AFC by knocking off the Titans Christmas evening, I'm ready for a great Sunday in the NFL. Even though the NFC playoff picture is pretty clear, the AFC is still wide open. Let's get to the Opening Drive of week 16! 

(8-6) Baltimore Ravens at (7-7) Pittsburgh Steelers

After a string of poor losses, the Steelers are back and in command of their playoff lives. Beating the Ravens would pull them back into the mix while simultaneously putting the Ravens on the outs. Without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers must rely on another big game from Big Ben Roethlisberger. With their week twelve meeting ending with an overtime field goal, this rematch is up for grabs. On Heinz Field, I'll give a slight edge to Pittsburgh.

(7-7) Houston Texans at (7-7) Miami Dolphins

With six 7-7 teams hoping to get a shot at two wildcard slots, this contest will definitely crush one team's playoff dreams. Houston hasn't had a winning season in their short franchise history, much less a playoff berth. Needless to say, the Texans have plenty to play for. (As does their coach, who will likely not return if one of those two goals are not met.) Miami won't catch New England to repeat as AFC East champs, but they could make noise in the playoffs if they can claw their way in. Chad Henne gives them hope for the future as well as the present. I have an urge to take the Texans for the win.

Joe's Final Drive: Week 14 posted by Joe Anello

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

(13-0) New Orleans Saints 26
(6-7) Atlanta Falcons 23

A Chris Redman-led Falcons mounted a valiant comeback, but Drew Brees and the Saints pulled out a thriller to clinch the NFC South. With a Saturday night game against Dallas coming up, the unbeaten New Orleans is proving they are the true team to beat in the NFC, winning in a variety of ways. 

(7-6) Miami Dolphins 14
(7-6) Jacksonville Jaguars 10

Jacksonville had control of their playoff destiny. That is, until Miami won in a squeaker. Now the last AFC wildcard spot is up for grabs in a free-for-all. Sorry Jaguars, you had you chance. Chad Henne continues to impress and Ricky Williams continues to shoulder the load without Ronnie Brown. 

(13-0) Indianapolis Colts 28
(8-5) Denver Broncos 16

Even when he throws three interceptions, Peyton Manning finds a way to crush your dreams. Josh McDaniels' defense looked lost at times and could never get anything substantial going on offense. I could care less about Brandon Marshall's NFL record 21 receptions. It happened in a loss where the Broncos were forced to pass all the time. Color me not impressed.

Big Test Coming for Big D posted by Nicholas Schwartz

The Dallas Cowboys have entered their December swoon, and yet I'm not worried.  The defense couldn't contain the pass.  The offense couldn't punch it in from the one yard line.  And off we go to New Orleans, a team that will pass all over you, that will stuff you at the line.

 But the Cowboys have a great opportunity.  If they can beat the Saints, they keep their playoff hopes alive and stay one game ahead of the Giants.  If they can beat the Saints, some of the doubts in December will go away.  They face their toughest test on Saturday.

 Tony Romo hasn't looked horrible this December: far from it.  He hasn't thrown perfectly on every pass, but he's completing the passes he needs to and avoiding turning the ball over.  Normally he is part of the problem in December.  This time, he could be the solution.  Against the Giants he threw for 392 yards, 3 touchdowns and set new records for attempts and completions.  Against the Chargers he was less stellar, but still threw for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. Over the past three games his lowest QB rating was 111.7.

 This game is essentially a must win for the Cowboys.  They still stand a chance if they lose, but the Giants would have to lose at least one and the Cowboys would have to win their last two.  The Cowboys have to know that their season is slipping away, and must follow the examples set by the Redskins and the Falcons taking the Saints down to the wire.  They must come out strong and keep the Saints defense on their hills.  On defense, the pass rush must get to Brees and force him into errant passes.  The secondary has given up too many homeruns over the past few games and need to step up now.

Going Forward: Can the Dallas Cowboys conquer their December Woes/Foes? posted by Amari Harris

To this point of the season the Cowboys have taken care of business, for the most part.  The Cowboys could very easily be 9-1 had they just maintained their composure against the likes of the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.  But instead of dwelling on what could have been, the ‘Boys did a good job of moving on as they went on to win 6 of their next 7 games and claim 1st place in the NFC east.  Unfortunately, none of that matters now.  The Cowboys are 8-3 with the Philadelphia Eagles in a close trail at 7-4, and the Giants still kicking at 6-5.  And being that the final five games of this season are in the dreaded month of December, the phrase “anything can happen” is an understatement. 

In the last 3 seasons the Cowboys have gone 5-8 in the month of December.  Their December woes are well documented so I don’t have to go too far into detail to paint the picture.  They have been battered and bruised in this month and they always seem to lose the big game.   Tony Romo has taken a large share of the blame for these losses as he has QB rating of 71.9 in the month of December while posting a 93.0 QB rating during the other months of the season.  So any Cowboys fan knows that December is looming and this will be the biggest test yet for this team.

The Cowboys final 5 games is a brutal stretch that includes 3 road games and 2 home games against the red hot San Diego Chargers and revenge minded Philadelphia Eagles in the final game of the season ( sound familiar).  They have 3 tough division games along with 2 tougher non-division games against the aforementioned Chargers and the best team in the leaguer right now, the New Orleans Saints.  The last time the

Eagles hire Jauron as assistant coach

A person familiar with the negotiations said former Bills headcoach Dick Jauron has been hired by the Philadelphia Eagles assecondary coach. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Eagles hire Jauron as secondary coach (AP)

Dick Jauron is back in the NFL. The former Bills head coach was hired Wednesday by the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior assistant/defensive backs coach. "Long before he became a defensive coordinator and head coach in this league, Dick Jauron was considered to be one of, if not the best defensive backs coaches in the game," Eagles head coach Andy Reid said. [read full article]

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Eagles sign P Brooks to 2-year deal (AP)

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Eagles legend Brookshier dies at 78

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Tom Brookshier has died at 78. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Leinart aims to fill void left by Warner (AP)

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