Bleacher Report - Articles by Daniel Brommer

NFL Draft 2010: How The Draft Might Shape Up

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:19:38 -0500

So here we are five months ahead of time, without a single bowl game decided, without the conference championships even being played and of course without the playoffs even decided, but it's never to early to predict the new faces that the NFL will be welcoming in April.

I will be basing the draft order off of what the current records are in the NFL right now, which could or could not be the way the draft shapes up, but again this is just a prediction.

1. St. Louis Rams —Jake Locker, QB —Washington. Locker has been flying up the draft charts as of late and the real need for the Rams is the quarterback position. Obviously any team that has the number one overall pick has more than just one need, but they will need a new face of the franchise and Locker could be just that. With the ability to move in the pocket and to scramble if needed, he's the perfect pick for the Rams over guys like Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy.

2. Cleveland Browns —Jonathan Dwyer, RB —Georgia Tech. Many draft experts are thinking that Jahvid Best will be the first running back taken off the board, but Best isn't big enough to be an every down back. Dwyer had his coming out party last season and he picked up right where he left off this season. He has led his team to the ACC Championship and a potential BCS birth. With Jamal Lewis getting older and having injury problems, it's time for some fresh legs in the backfield.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers —Dez Bryant, WR —Oklahoma State. With all the money put into Josh Freeman last year and the money in the backfield, it's time for a go to receiver and who better than Dez Bryant. The best receiver coming out of college and although he lied to the NCAA about having conversations with Deion Sanders, the NFL won't hold that against him. He has no real character issues and is a dominant receiver.

4. Detroit Lions —Ndamukong Suh, DT —Nebraska. Suh is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive front and he will thrive at the next level. He's a dominant player that never takes plays off. The Lions have plenty of positions they need to address, but with Jim Schwartz being a defensive minded guy, it would be hard for him to pass on the best defensive player in the country.

5. Oakland Raiders —Russel Okung, LT —Oklahoma State. This pick is a stretch, mainly because we never really know what player Al Davis is looking for. He already has an offensive nucleus in Russel, McFadden and Heyward-Bay. That being said, there could always be the fastest guy at the combine and the fact that Robert Gallery is such a bust, they might not want to go with an offensive lineman. They do need a big left tackle to protect the blindside and Okung would be perfect.

6. Buffallo Bills —Rolando McClain, LB —Alabama. Let's just pretend that the Bills want to stick with Trent Edwards at quarterback, they have offensive weapons, but the defense isn't there. McClain is the best linebacker in college football today and he brings a lot of passion to the field. He would be a perfect fit for the Bills and a safe pick for whoever the new coach is.

7. Washington Redskins —Taylor Mays, S —Southern California. Mays would be a good fit for the Redskins and on top of that, he could be a great addition to the secondary and shows a close resemblance to the departed Sean Taylor, R.I.P. Mays and LaRon Landry would make a great safety combination and he has star potential right away.

8. Kansas City Chiefs —Eric Berry, S —Tennessee. The Chiefs are going to be looking for a running back, but they could possibly pick one up in the later rounds. Berry is just too good to pass up here and the Cheifs need a defensive star in the secondary. Berry would be a huge addition and would provide big play right away.

9. Seattle Seahawks —Adam Ulatowski, T —Texas. Walter Jones has been the anchor to the offensive line for years, but the health just isn't there anymore and they need to find a rightful replacement. Ulatowki is a monster at tackle and has great athletic ability. The Seahawks went with defense last year and they still need a running back, but Ulatowski is the safe pick here.

10. Carolina Panthers- Sam Bradford, QB-Oklahoma. Jake Delhomme just isn't cutting it anymore. Throwing almost more interceptions than touchdowns, so why not take a pure passer? Bradford is NFL ready and although is shoulder injury will linger with the scouts, he's a big time quarterback with a big time arm.

11. Chicago Bears —Brandon LaFell, WR —Louisiana State. They got Cutler through the trade with Denver, now they need a go to receiver for him. LaFell is a big receiver with big play ability. In a run happy offense he still has the numbers for LSU and would be a huge addition to the Bears offense. The Bears are going to have to start looking for a middle linebacker to eventually replace Brian Urlacher, but they need offense first.

12. New York Jets —Damian Williams, WR —Southern California. This sets up perfect for the Jets. Reuniting Mark Sanchez with his go-to receiver in college. Williams has the size to be an elite receiver in this league and he's quick in his routes. He already has great chemistry with Sanchez, and Sanchez needs a receiver that can actually catch the ball.

13. Tennessee Titans —Brandon Spikes, LB —Florida. Chances are that the Titans will be lower in the draft judging by how well they are playing right now, but I have to go by the current records right now. The Titans have a lot of offense, but they need someone in the middle to direct this defense. Spikes could fill that gap. He's an emotional player and a winner. He is ready for the grind of the an NFL schedule and could be a force in the middle.

14. San Fransisco 49ers —Joe Haden, CB —Florida. With the recent benching of Nate Clements and the inconsistent play of Dre Bly, Haden would be a great fit for the 49ers defense. They might want to go with a quarterback, but the way Alex Smith is playing, they might just stick with the former number one overall pick.

15. Baltimore Ravens —Jermaine Gresham, TE —Oklahoma. The Ravens will look for a wide receiver and with the emergence of Ray Rice, running back isn't an immediate need. Gresham is the best receiver still on the board and he is a huge target for Joe Flacco. Gresham does have a surgically repaired knee, but with plenty of time to heal he should be NFL ready.

16. Houston Texans —Bryan Bulaga, T —Iowa. Bulaga is huge and has been an anchor for Iowa's offensive line for the past three seasons. He is a very athletic tackle and that play will transition nice into the pro game. The Texans need a force on the line and Bulaga fits the bill.

17. Miami Dolphins —Gerald McCoy, DT —Oklahoma. Parcells will make the safe choice here and will address defensive needs. McCoy is the safest bet here. McCoy returned for his senior season and performed well all season long. Even with Oklahoma's woes, McCoy stood out as the defensive star.

18. Atlanta Falcons —Terrance Cody, DT —Alabama. Cody is abnormally large and plugs up holes like few others can. Atlanta needs a dominant defensive tackle not only to apply pressure to the quarterback, but also to free up space for the linebackers. Cody is huge and fills that need.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars —Sean Weatherspoon, LB —Missouri. Weatherspoon is a versatile linebacker with great athleticism and speed on the outside. He possesses the skill set to be a dominant linebacker in this league.

20. New York Giants —Eric Norwood, LB —South Carolina. Norwood has a knack for making huge plays on defense and is just what the Giants need. They could look to a defensive back, but with no real stand out at linebacker besides Antonio Pierce, Norwood could mesh great with this defense.

21. Green Bay Packers —Mike Johnson, OL —Alabama. The Packers need to get some protection if they want Aaron Rogers to last more than a few years. He's been sacked far too many times already this season and they desperately need some protection up front. Johnson has been solid for the Crimson Tide and would be a great pick up.

22. Denver Broncos —Deunta Williams, S —North Carolina. Williams is a big play type of guy and is a ball hawk on defense. He is a sure tackler and has the ability to cause turnovers. The Broncos hit it big signing Brian Dawkins, but Dawkins is aging and Williams could learn from a couple years under him.

23. Philadelphia Eagles —Javier Arenas, DB —Alabama. Arenas is a small defensive back, but his ability to make big plays outweighs his size. He is a shut down defensive back and also adds amazing return abilities on special teams.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers —Charles Brown, OL —Southern California. Brown is a versatile offensive lineman and Big Ben still needs more protection. Especially given the fact that he suffered yet another concussion this past week, protection up front is priority number one in this year's draft.

25. Cincinnati Bengals —Derrick Morgan, DE —Georgia Tech. Morgan would be a safe bet here. Highly regarded as the best defensive end in football this year, Morgan would be the guy to apply pressure to the quarterback, in other words just what this defense needs.

26. San Diego Chargers —Carlos Dunlap, DE —Florida. Dunlap is a freak coming off the edge and while the Chargers may look to draft a running back here, they need to find a pass rusher off the edge and Dunlap is perfect for any defensive scheme.

27. Arizona Cardinals —Greg Jones, LB —Michigan State. The Cardinals have the offense and they have drafted primarily offense for the past few seasons. They need to start keying on their defense. Jones is a tackling machine and can fit in on any team. While his play has been overrated at times, he's a ball hawk and reads offenses well.

28. Dallas Cowboys —Navarro Bowman, LB —Penn State. Bowman has literally exploded onto the scene after his past two seasons have been outstanding. The Cowboys have a solid linebacker unit, but with the aging Keith Brooking they need to start thinking young. They may want to go offense with this pick, but defense is the safe bet.

29. New England Patriots —Jerry Hughes, LB/DE —Texas Christian. Hughes just fits here. He's a sack master, but he's also very athletic. He's small for a defensive end, but he has the athleticism to play linebacker in the NFL.

30. Minnesota Vikings —Dan LeFavour, QB —Central Michigan. Favre isn't going to be around forever and something tells me that Childress isn't exactly content with Tavaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels. LeFavour can add some youth to the position and could learn plenty from Favre is he decides to stick around for another year.

31. New Orleans Saints —Dekota Watson, LB —Florida State. Watson has been a bright spot for the Seminoles this season and is very athletic at the linebacker position. He plays hard on every down and plays hurt when needed. He's an emotional leader and would be a safe pick.

32. Indianapolis Colts —Jordan Shipley, WR —Texas. Shipley fits just perfect right here. The perfect slot receiver for the Peyton Manning led offense, Shipley could be even better than what Brandon Stokely used to be for the Colts.

Again this is just a preview of how things could shape up. Obviously come April the team needs will be a little bit more clear cut, but hey it's always fun to predict. Let me know what you guys think as I'm sure there will be plenty of disagreements and opinions on this one.

Mickey Andrews Contemplating Retirement: An End of an Era

Daniel Brommer — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:58:14 -0400

The ACC media day is usually a lax environment. Occasionally, there's a few new faces in the coaching ranks, but sometimes there's those unexpected surprises. This year's surprise came in the form of one of the conference's most legendary coaches, and the catch is that he's not even a head coach.

Mickey Andrews has been Bobby Bowden's right hand man for 26 years and may be closing the door on a Hall-of-Fame caliber career. Andrews has been one of the premier defensive coordinators in the country for many, many years. He has coached the likes of Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, LeRoy Butler, Terrell Buckley, Marvin Jones, Peter Boulware among others.

He's responsible for 80 defensive players being drafted to the NFL, 18 of which were first rounders.

Stating that he owes his wife and family some much needed time and devotion that has been lacking for the duration of his coaching tenure, Andrews hinted that this may be his final season.

"It may very well be." Andrews said during FSU's media day. "I said one year last year, and this is the one year. I've got some things I've got to get done with my family that I haven't been able to do coaching."

Andrews has a young squad returning, but if this is to be his last year, there's plenty of potential for him to go out with a bang.

While Coach Bowden's tenure is winding down, an FSU fan will soon have to ask a question that they have been dreading.

What will it be like watching a Florida State game with no Coach Bowden and no Coach Andrews?

Quote provided by Warchant.com

Memo To Anquan Boldin: Shut Up and Play

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:28:26 -0400

For starters, I'm one of the biggest Anquan Boldin fans out there, ever since his playing days at Florida State. He's a role model too, as he has performed on and off the field with various charities and not fitting the professional athlete mold of being a thug or having off the field controversies.

Now with saying that here is my current status on the contract situation. Shut up and play. There's absolutely no reason for this to have gone on this long. The solution is simple too, which no other NFL team seems to grasp. Don't play him.

If he's going to make a mockery of the front office in public, why pay him and why play him. He's only going to be losing money. The organization doesn't have to pay him. By the time his contract is up, no team will want to pay a player that will be out of football shape and will be disgruntled from past contract experiences.

The situation has gotten really sad. Everyone pointed the finger at former agent Drew Rosenhaus, but he wasn't the problem at all. All fingers are now pointed at Boldin. Why does he deserve that huge contract?

Yes, he did sacrifice his body and career this season with his passionate play and unselfishness, but is that why he deserves to get paid? He is in fact in the back seat of the Fitzgerald caravan, he's not even the number one target on the team, but he believes he should be paid as if he was the main event?

It gets even better. Fitzgerald and Warner both said they were willing to re-structure their contracts in order for Boldin to get his lucrative contract he so desperatly seaks. And he's calling the organization selfish? I've never seen a more selfish individual in my life.

What's even funnier about the current situation is this, fellow wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (formerly Chad Johnson) has lowered his arms and has returned to sanity. Embracing his quarterback that he initially threw under the bus and coming to terms with the fact that he's not bigger than the team, and that he's just a number in the crowd.

Ochocinco finally ended his trade demands and is now boasting a "We're winning it all this year" slogan. Something that Boldin needs to take notes from.

This pains me to say, but Boldin is disrespecting the game of football and is turning more and more fans against him. He's an incredible talent, a true warrior on the field. He needs to put his "selfishness" aside and just play the game.

The Cardinals should stand their ground and not trade him, but at the same time they can't give in. They have other needs to address first and they should go along with that. One person doesn't make a team, especially in the ultimate team sport. Why should Boldin be treated like a King when he's acting like the girly Prince?

SEC Preview 2009

Daniel Brommer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:38:14 -0400

The last stop on my BCS conference previews, and I saved the best for last. The Southeastern Conference has been the best conference for some time now, and they don't look like slowing down any time soon. Another huge recruiting class for Florida, Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss has this conference looking secure for years to come. The conference took a tiny step back last season, and they weren't as dominant as they have been, but the National Championship was sealed by a Florida victory and the conference sat on top for yet another year. This year won't be any different. Florida lost Percy Harvin and a couple of other players, but had a giant recruiting class and looks to sweep through their schedule right back to the National Championship. There are no immediate threats to the Florida program right now, but the SEC is always a surprise. Last year they were upset by Ole Miss, who happens to be a team on the rise. LSU reloaded and Les Miles has another great team on the horizon, while Alabama has Nick Saban and although his personality is questionable, the guy is an amazing coach. The conference will be as competitive as ever and will be some "must watch television" on Saturdays.

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Big 12 Football Preview, 2009

Daniel Brommer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:59:27 -0400

Next up on the BCS conferences, the Big 12, or the arial assault conference. Take a look at the progression of the Big 12 in even the past three seasons, everything is a form of the spread offense now. Quarterbacks are posing playstation like numbers. While the running games are still there, didn't this used to be the smashmouth conference. I'm referencing the days of Ricky Williams and the Nebraska style option. Those days seem like decades ago, not like the passing game isn't exciting. Why wouldn't I want to see Oklahoma average 51.1 points a game while Sam Bradford through for 50 touchdowns and 4720 yards. The great thing about the Big 12 is this, without a doubt their guaranteed to send someone to the National Championship this year. Whether it be Oklahoma or Texas, or maybe, just maybe Oklahoma State puts everything together and makes a run at it. Either way the Big 12 looks to be one of, if not thee, most competitive conference in the country this year.

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2009 Pac-10 Football Review

Daniel Brommer — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:37:11 -0400

The next conference I will be predicting is the Pac 10 conference, or USC's conference just for short. USC has literally owned the conference since Pete Carroll took over. Just to put it in perspective USC has either won or shared the conference title since 2002. That's an impressive run of conference championships. This year will be a little different though, or so according to my prediction. This may even be the year that the mighty Trojans of USC are dethroned? Could it be? USC is, and as long as Pete Carroll is at the helm, will always be considered a miniature NFL team, possibly even an NFL developmental team. Every year he sends a new batch of amazing athletes to the NFL and every year he brings in a new group of athletes to be prepped for the NFL. He is without a doubt the best coach in the entire country, I know that Urban Meyer has a strong case, but Carroll's off years are the ones where he loses one game, not three or four. Standing in USC's way this year are the Oregon Ducks and they will be a very large road block for the Trojans. The conference is getting better, Arizona is finally starting to come around under coach Mike Stoops and the new face of the Pac 10 Rick Neuheisel for UCLA. The Pac 10 also introduces Steve Sarkisian, kind of. Sarkisian was USC's offensive coordinator and he now takes over for the worst program statistaclly in the conference, Washington. The conference will be competetive, aside from USC and Oregon. They look like the bull dozers that will plow over the rest of the conference.

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Big 10 Conference Preview For 2009

Daniel Brommer — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:06:41 -0400

Last season turned out to be a solid year for the Big 10. Ohio State and Penn State shared the championship and both teams went to BCS bowls. Unfortunetly both teams also lost their bowl games still keeping the Big 10 in their BCS slump. Hopefully this year will put an end to that. Ohio State looks like the early favorite to win the conference, but Penn State will be a tough team again. Each teams did great in the recruiting field. Iowa could always be a pleasant surprise as Coach Ferentz usually has some tricks up his sleeve. The conference does hold some key match ups starting with Ohio State hosting USC on September 12 and the annual matchup between Illinois and Missouri to kick off the season. The conference will be competetive as usual and will be very entertaining to watch. The main questions will be who will run away with the conference? Will Ron Zook finally be able to put a complete season together? How will Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines fair this season?

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Big East Outlook For 2009

Daniel Brommer — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:28:08 -0400

Is it just me or is the Big East turning into the Big Ten? The only reason I ask is because year in and year out these teams constantly beat up on one another. It's so hard to predict a clear cut favorite in the Big East. Last season Cincinnati took home the title, but West Virginia was the pre-season favorite followed by South Florida. This season looks to be a little more unpredictable. Some of the stars of the Big East have moved onto to showcase their talents. The conference is still left with plenty of talent, and plenty of storylines. Will this finally be the year that South Florida takes the conference. Their seniors think so. Dave Wasstedt finally showed his ability to coach last season and has Pittsburgh thinking about a conference championship. West Virginia has some talent back and will also be competetive, but Cincinnati looks to take home the hardware again this season.

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ACC Outlook for 2009

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:28:21 -0400

It's almost here, only a few more months and College Football be a part of our everyday lives once again. Saturdays will have meaning. The arguments over pizza and beer will start all over again. Already predictions are pouring in like the Niagara Falls. Top 25 lists are coming out left and right and everyone is going with the popular trend of selecting Florida as the eventual repeat National Champion. Not so fast though. We can't crown a champion just yet it's only June! I'm starting with the ACC conferance and I will be giving analysis of every BCS conferance(sorry to all the non-BCS conferances). Although Florida is the natural selection, there might be a sleeper pick living in the ACC. Who knows how the season will shape up, but we'll take a deeper look at the ACC, the conferance that hopes to match its hype years ago and should do just that this season.

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Behold the Power of Blogging and the Written Word

Daniel Brommer — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:01:08 -0400

Before I get into this article, I want to make it very clear that I respect the ideas and opinions of every sports columnist, writer, and blogger. I'm writing this in response to the recent allegations that a Philadelphia-based blogger made against Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez regarding steroids.

For starters, I don't agree with the allegations, and as seen on Outside The Lines today, the blogger wasn't accusing Ibanez either. It's just a simple observation of a player progressing in his later years, and unfortunately in this day and age when a player starts performing well, fans start to speculate as to where the credit is really due.

We have to address this, not only as the mainstream media, but also us as bloggers and columnists. Ken Rosenthal stated today that the written word is very powerful, which it is indeed.

What he fails to see, though, is that we live in a country with freedom of speech. Yes, it's wrong to falsely accuse someone of something; that is called libel. Yes, it is wrong to write false statements, but is it wrong to speculate?

Raul Ibanez is 37 years old and has hit 20 home runs this season. In every season previous to this he has hit an average of 22 home runs per year. Does that mean he's on steroids? Of course not, but can we blame anyone for speculating? Absolutely not.

I've read and respected Ken Rosenthal for a long time now, but I have to say that I was very much on this blogger's side today while watching OTL. Rosenthal stated that everyone has a voice and that we can't just go around making false accusations about every sporting event that occurs.

He does have a great point. The power of the written word is unbelievable. It controls so much and dictates so much. Look at it this way: There are two Super Bowl winning coaches that are currently out of a coaching job at this very moment because of the power of the written word.

At the end of the day, though, that's all media is: speculation. We predict who will win the Super Bowl or the World Series every year. It never fails. We predict who will win the batting title or even the triple crown. We predict which records will be broken and so on.

So is it a crime to predict who is on steroids or not?

Let's flip the question, though. Wouldn't it be a crime not to predict that? The players in baseball have tainted the game forever. That's not our fault as the media or as fans. When a player finally does have a good year, it's almost routine to speculate that they are on steroids. Those are the brutal facts.

That doesn't mean one should come out and proclaim that these athletes are on steroids. Maybe Rosenthal is right and these thoughts and opinions should be kept to ourselves.

At the same time, though (and again, I'm not saying this as a fact) what if Raul Ibanez confesses after this season that he was a steroid user? Then what happens? Do we continue to condemn this blogger for his innocent speculation?

I hope and pray that Ibanez is indeed clean, but I'm just making my own speculations as well.

At the end of the day we have a couple things to learn from this episode of OTL.

1. The written word is more powerful than even we know. This blogger was just writing a simple column just like we here at Bleacher Report do every day. The next thing he knows, he's on ESPN battling his opinion with Ken Rosenthal.

2. Keep things in perspective. Raul Ibanez came out publicly stating how disgusting this comment was. We as the media must be case sensitive in a way in which we don't offend anyone, most importantly athletes.

3. How do we go about doing that? It's hard not to ruffle any feathers. We all have opinions and we are entitled to that, but we can't go around speculating that everyone is on steroids because of the year they're having. That is wrong.

Bottome line: Rosenthal is right. We wouldn't have jobs without these athletes and we must respect them in every aspect.

Bryant McFadden Lands with Arizona Cardinals

Daniel Brommer — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:52:30 -0400

Where would the NFL be without free agency? It probably would have self-destructed years ago.

With all of the contract disputes, trade demands, and holdouts, free agency has been the NFL's best friend and worst enemy all wrapped up into one.

In Arizona's case, free agency has been both. They have had some casualties to free agency (Calvin Pace), but they have also won in that aspect.

One of their prizes came this past offseason. They signed former Pittsburgh Steeler cornerback Bryant McFadden, addressing an immediate need to a young secondary.

McFadden brings everything you could possibly want in a free agent. Experience? Check. Winning tradition? Check. Super Bowl championships? CHECK!

McFadden brings stability to the corner position, something Roderick Hood could not provide this past season. He's not a star, not by any means, but he's an up and coming shutdown corner. McFadden has been used primarily in Nickel and Dime packages, but he's also been in the starting rotation.

He started eight games in 2008 and performed well, racking up 41 tackles, 37 of which were solo, and two interceptions with eight passes deflected.

What will be asked of McFadden upon his arrival to the Cardinals? A lot more. He will be dealt a whole new deck of cards full of new responsibilities.

He's still young enough to be a shutdown corner in this league, but he's at that age where he can be a mentor. He will be asked to help in the progression of young and talented second year cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

At the same time he will be asked to embrace a starting role, something he has been longing for ever since he entered this league five years ago.

McFadden should pair up nicely with Rodgers-Cromartie to form a solid cornerback duo.

The Cardinals waited only 10 days into the free agency period to ink McFadden to a two-year contract. They are looking towards right now instead of at the future.

They have shown they want to continue the winning trend. With the signing of McFadden and the great rookie class, the Cards' are poised for a big year.

Florida State Addresses Wide Receiver Issues

Daniel Brommer — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:04:24 -0400

The climb back to the top has been grueling, painful, embarrassing at times and even heart-wrenching for the Florida State Seminoles.

In fact, we might as well characterize this climb as climbing Mt. Everest—it seems nearly impossible, but there is still hope.

Once a perennial powerhouse in all of College Football, Bobby Bowden was seen as a God. He held the reigns to the best defenses, the best offenses—the best everything.

With an attitude of we will play you anytime and anywhere they were a team of Goliaths going against teams full of Davids every week.

But that was another time.

It seems like it was centuries ago that we saw the Garnet and Gold of Florida State raising ACC Conference Titles and appearing in a National Championship every other year.

Isn't time supposed to heal the open wounds?

Florida State is in the midst of an embarrassing scandal, losing 14 wins and almost tarnishing the legacy of Bowden forever. I know that seems a little drastic, but his past eight seasons have shown so many signs of regression.

The old coach almost looks like a ghost on the sidelines of games today.

With a re-haul of offensive and defensive coaches two seasons ago, the 'Noles have no where to go but up, and that's what they've been doing.

The big question this offseason has been at the wide receiver position.

Last years top two receivers are gone. Greg Carr moved onto the NFL and Preston Parker was dismissed for disciplinary reasons.

So who will fill the shoes?

Right now the depth chart appears to have Bert Reed and Richard Goodman as the two starters with Rod Owens and Jarmon Forston as the backups.

It's an easy prediction to say that these aren't the only four that will see playing time. Their big time receiver is Taiwan Easterling, but he suffered a ruptured Achilles in spring ball.

So who will step up to be the big time receiver?

Florida State did a nice job of addressing these needs in their recruiting process. They brought in some capable, not to mention tall, receivers.

Avis Commack—The sophomore receiver saw limited action last season as a true freshman but will be asked to take on a larger role. The 6'4" 195 pound target should become a go to guy for the second year starting quarterback Christian Ponder.

Cameron Wade—He's very tall and lean, much like Greg Car. He's 6'6" 209 pounds. Wade saw some action in the final games of the season last year, but could easily be a red zone target this year.

Willie Haulstead—The incoming freshman looks to make an immediate impact, and the coaches are expecting that also. He's got great size at 6'3" 210 pounds. He's not short on confidence, stating that he expects to be the go to receiver this season.

Rodney Smith—Another big target the 'Noles brought in. Smith is 6'6" 202 pounds, almost a carbon copy of Greg Carr, but more of a polished route runner. Smith looks to get a lot of playing time as a true freshman.

Willie Downs—Whether the coaches decide on him playing offense or defense, or both, Downs will be called upon early this season. Great size to play safety or receiver at 6'2" 192, Downs possesses great ball skills on both sides.

He could be a slash player that would be effective in all aspects of the game. The coaching staff for Florida State are looking forward to having this dynamic weapon on the squad come August.

Ponder will have plenty of targets to throw too, the only question really is who is going to step up and fill the much needed void for a go to receiver? Florida State will need one of these candidates to perform early and often to have the success they have been seeking.

The cards are on the table for the 'Noles and a 10 or 11 win season is in sight.

Barring injury this young squad could be one of the best in the nation come seasons end.

Ken Griffey, Jr.:The Best Baseball Player Ever, Period!

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:41:12 -0400

I am already predicting the debates and the arguments I'll receive for writing this, but that's to be expected. It always is when you label someone "the best" at their profession.

I'm prepared to name Ken Griffey Jr. just that.

Now I know there are the legends: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Frank Robinson. We could go on and on, but those guys all had long and healthy careers, aside from Lou Gehrig, who unfortunately had to retire from the game he so passionately loved because of the disease named after him.

Then we have the modern players (even though it's hard to really say who's honest). Every single player that has shown the signs of being the best have either tested positive for steroids or have fallen completely off the deep end.

To even begin an argument like this is so hard to do because of the dishonesty taking place in baseball.

It would be fair to compare the MLB to an all-nighter full of telemarketers. It's just pointless.

One name stands above all of them though, and that's Junior.

Where do I start though? I could mention all the numbers and accolades, and that would be suiting. Or I could mention his character and how he seemed to be the bright young and old face of the MLB for 10 straight years.

Here's something for you to ponder: what about the injuries? He missed 260 out of 486 games from 2002 through 2004. And a lot more between 2004 and 2007. It's sad really. Torn hamstrings, pulled muscles.

There was a small—and I mean very small speculation—that Griffey was a user. That lasted probably five minutes.

He's never been publicly blamed for any form of performance enhancing. Truth be told it's due to his reckless and daring outfield play that those injuries even occurred. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason, but that's as good as guess as any.

Looking at the numbers though, that's where the argument really comes into play.

Unfortunately, when we judge the best players ever, home runs always seem to be the main basis for discussion. Although Hank Aaron was the previous record holder, he was never really considered the best.

Griffey started his first 10 seasons in Seattle as an All-Star. He had 10 straight gold gloves. Ten! A 13-time All-Star, he also had seven silver slugger awards and won an MVP in 1997.

Those numbers don't tell the whole story, though. He boasts a career batting average of .287. He's hit 617 home runs, drove in 1,787 runs, had 2,710 hits and scored 1,628 runs. That's a career to gawk at, but we have to include those missing games.

In total, he missed about three seasons due to his injuries. Those three seasons towards the end of his prime where he was averaging 35 home runs a year. Now I'm not going to automatically throw 105 more homers onto his 617, but wouldn't that be the right thing to do?

It seemed that when Griffey left for Cincinnati, his career took a turn for the worse. The injuries were reoccurring. It was sad to see. For the longest time, Griffey Jr. was the face of baseball.

He has the sweetest swing baseball has ever seen, and many have tried manipulating. He was a trend setter with his cool style. Wearing the hat backwards at every home run derby, he was a fan favorite.

There was no fan of baseball in the entire country that could say a bad thing about him.

So then what's my reasoning for considering him the best baseball player ever? Well it's everything I just mentioned above. Griffey had too many setbacks to not be considered the best.

Imagine a healthy Griffey for an entire 19 seasons. The numbers would be out of this world, we would be praising him at this very moment instead of dreading the fact that a juiced up Barry Bonds is the owner of the record.

I would love to hear some arguments against this, I know there is plenty out there.

In my opinion, Griffey is the best baseball player ever, period!

If We're Talking Safeties, I'm Putting My Money On Adrian Wilson

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:30:27 -0400

When thinking about safeties, it's a reasonable bet that the first names that come to mind are Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed. That's perfectly understandable, in fact if those weren't the first names to pop up than the conversation is probably heading for a disastrous dead end.

That's just being realistic.

But, there's one guy that sparks a whole new debate, and I think he deserves to be in the conversation.

I'm of course talking about Adrian Wilson. Wilson is the starting strong safety for the Arizona Cardinals and he has manned that same position since his rookie year in 2002. While in his first season, he did show the signs of the safety he would later turn out to be.

Wilson is a tackling machine. He registered back-to-back 100 tackle seasons in '04 and '05. That's unheard of at the strong safety position. That may be due to the way the Cardinals use him as well, and due to poor linebacker play, but the result still stands.

We also have to play in the fact that Wilson is a genetic freak. He stands at 6'3 and weighing 230. That's a very large strong safety with perfect height to defend the pass and solid enough to take on the run, which is one of Wilson's specialties.

Take a look at his production. In his seven seasons as a starter, Wilson has averaged 82 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions yearly. Those are outstanding numbers. Complete flexibility. Everything you could possibly want in a strong safety and then some.

Wilson was finally recognized for his long overdue production by receiving his first Pro Bowl nod in 2006. Wilson has continued to perform at a high level his entire career and should be getting a very large contract in the near future.

Wilson holds some remarkable statistics in terms of NFL records. In 2006 he returned both a fumble and an interception for touchdowns at 99 yards a piece. In 2005 he recorded eight sacks in a single season, setting the record for defensive backs in a season.

As for athleticism, there are few that compare. Just look him up on youtube and witness his 66 inch vertical lead. Amazing. There are no other words to describe it.

Now before we throw Wilson in with Reed and Polamalu, in their defense we should take a look at their numbers.

Reed has started every game of his career dating back to 2002 where he was a first round pick by the Ravens. He's been named the Defensive Player of the Year, and has had countless Pro Bowl appearances.

Did I also mention that Bill Belicik has a man crush on him, if that tells you anything.

Absolutely no holes in his game. A power hitter and yet a finese defender. A true ball hawk, his numbers are outstanding. He averages 59 tackles, .7 sacks, and six interceptions per year. Those are hall of fame numbers where Reed already has a reservation.

As for Polamalu, what else is to be said. A first rounder out of Southern California, Polamalu hit the ground running. An instant fan sensation for his long hair and ruthless play. Not a dirty player by any mean, Polamalu fits the profile of a head hunter. Easily the hardest hitter of any defensive back.

Polamalu has also been a regular on the AFC Pro Bowl roster for the past couple of years and he's also a two time Super Bowl Champion. He's the heart and soul of the Steeler defense and was recently rewarded the largest contract in Steeler history for a defensive player.

Now to the number. Polamalu averages 72 tackles, 1.1 sacks, and 2.8 interceptions a year. Very impressive stats.

So after evaluating all of this information and dissecting the numbers, how can Wilson not be mentioned in the argument for best safeties in the league.

We have to look at the big picture. Reed has Ray Lewis and some amazing surrounding players as well as Polamalu. Both of these safeties are fit into a perfect cast on some of the top defenses in the league.

Wilson is on one of the worst defenses in the league. Is that why his numbers are so good? Is it because he's the only line of defense?

Of course not, each player has a role and Wilson's is the captain. The leader. Wilson means just as much to his team, if not more than any other safety in the league.

He has exceeded all expectations. Being a third round pick out of North Carolina State, the Cardinal organization could have only dreamed of the production they were about to receive after selecting him.

All bets aside, if I'm going to pick a strong safety for my defense I'm taking Wilson every time.

Pat Tillman: The Heart of a Lion, the Heart of a Champion

Daniel Brommer — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:43:03 -0400

The lasting image of a young and enthusiastic Cardinal safety running onto the field with his long brunette locks flowing in the wind and a face of ultimate determination and sacrifice will live on in the hearts and minds of Arizona Cardinal fans everywhere.

That was the image of a true hero, and a true champion: Pat Tillman.

Pat Tillman was always a soldier, he just didn't know it yet. He sacrificed his body on every hit and treated every game as if it were a covert mission in the desert of Afghanistan.

Pat Tillman was the NFL's ranger, the silent guardian you might say. Not knowing where his decision to leave the NFL and millions of dollars behind would lead him, Tillman never once second guessed his choice.

It has been five years since his death. Five short years, and the lasting image of No. 40 running onto the field has been captured by the statue that now stands tall outside of the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Tillman was the poster child of loyalty, having turned down a five-year, $9 million contract offer from the St. Louis Rams, just so he could stay with the team that drafted him.

When it came to his country, he was still loyal, having given up a three-year, $3.6 million contract extension with the Cardinals and enlisting in the Army to serve his country.

So why bring all of this up now, you may be asking? It's simple.

The players of today should be ashamed of themselves. I'm of course referring to Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett.

These players make millions of dollars to play a game—a game! They don't go out and work 9:00-5:00 jobs just so they can put food on the table.

They don't have to wake up at grueling hours in the morning just so their kids might have an enjoyable life, so they can have clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads.

No, these players have literally slapped the legacy of Pat Tillman in the face. Call me pessimistic or even unruly, but how do these guys get away with this? It's a business yes, but at the heart and soul of it, it's still a game.

A game we grew up playing in parks and backyards. A game where we first got cut on the arm and were proud of the scar it left.

Or that same game where we lost our first tooth from being hit so hard. Our first broken finger.

The first time we ever experienced joy from a victory. It was a great game. The game that must have been invented by God.

Now it's a so-called "business." When did we lose sight of the fun of the game, the love of the game?

It's just like in Kevin Costner's movie For the Love of the Game. He retires from the game that he loves, the game that his entire life was forged from, the game that gave him life back. He retired so he wouldn't have to put up with the new management because they wanted to make it more business-like.

In a society where money rules over everything, including our sports, wouldn't it be even more necessary to get back to the love of it? The joy?

Don't get me wrong; the atmosphere is still littered with happiness and smiles. Ask anyone that goes to a baseball game and they will tell you it was one of the best moments of their life. The lights, the crack of the bat, the whole bucket.

Ask anyone that goes to a football game and they will say the same thing. The premise is still there. The heart is still beating—it hasn't flat-lined yet.

Which brings me back to Pat Tillman—the heart that was beating ever so rapidly, and was stopped so viciously and abruptly. We can continue his legacy by playing for the right reasons.

No more of these contract disputes. No more seeking what is rightfully deserved.

That was what made Tillman a champion. Although he played in the darkest of days for the Cardinals, not once did we hear this young man complain.

Not once did we hear about a trade demand. Not once did we hear a contract dispute.

Tillman rested on the idea that he was privileged enough to play in this wonderful league and privileged to fight and die for his country.

He truly had the heart of a lion that we should all strive to have. The heart of a champion that had the beating sound even in the darkest alleys.

Tillman is still an inspiration to us all. His statue looks over the Cardinal Stadium and will be a constant reminder to its fans and its players that this game is beautiful and was made beautiful by players like him.

Players that practiced selflessness on a daily basis. Players that poured their heart into every down just for the chance to say that they played on the biggest stage and performed at the highest level.

This story will never die, and Tillman's legend grows with each passing day. Although he is gone, it's the lasting memories of him that make Cardinal fans such as myself proud to support this team. To support this game.

Pat Tillman will forever be the heart that beats in the desert of Arizona.

The Arizona Cardinals That Should Have Been

Daniel Brommer — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:18:35 -0400

Arizona has made some great draft picks and some questionable ones. Of course there's those others that leave you wondering, "What were they thinking?" I've put together a "dream" team that the Cardinals could be playing with today dating all the way back to the year 2000. This is just for fun so don't take it too seriously, the Cardinals have some key players at some key positions that have helped them turn the franchise around. Imagine though, what the team would be like with these mega superstars that they passed on. Oh what could have been!

Begin Slideshow

A Fresh Start: Anquan Boldin Fires Agent Rosenhaus

Daniel Brommer — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:22:27 -0400

The talk of the offseason for the Arizona Cardinals has been the on going contract disputes between the front office and star wide out Anquan Boldin.

That battle may have taken a wicked turn; for the better.

Boldin announced today that he intends to fire long time agent Drew Rosenhaus.

I know what the verdict might be, that Boldin will now have a down spiriling career with no big time contract to show for.

What if this is exactly what Boldin needed? What if this is exactly what the Cardinals needed?

Although Drew Rosenhaus is a great agent, he's also been called the evil empire of the NFL. Countless times his clients have threatened holdouts, demanded new contracts, and expressed publicly that they need to be paid more.

Want to know who cracked that list...?

Here's a few:

Darnell Dockett, London Fletcher-Baker, Frank Gore, Tommie Harris, Edgerrin James, Chad Ochocinco, Thomas Jones, Willis McGahee, Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey, and of course, Terrell Owens.

That seems like some good company. Although these are all great players in their own right, but honestly; aren't these guys the football version of the New York Yankees? They have solid contract years, then run off to free agency to get the big bucks, only to be veteran busts.

I'm not saying each of his clients are a bust, but the majority have their hearts set on money, that when they finally get that big pay day their hunger to finally get it is lost. They have no real motive to play anymore, aside from winning of course.

The business aspect has taken over football, money has become more important then winning, and unfortunately agents like Rosenhaus are to blame for that.

Doesn't it seem like Rosenhaus rubs off on his players the wrong way? Demanding more money all the time.

It seems like every offseason we're going through the same thing, which Rosenhaus client is going to get the next big contract?

It's ludicrous really, nobody is above the game, and no agent should be able to dictate any organization.

Rosenhaus does deserve a lot of respect though, he is one of those top notch agents that throws his entire livelihood and reputation just for the benefit of his clients. How many other agents can you say do that?

It's his tactics that leave you questioning his character. He has literally disrupted the heart of a lot of teams. No team wants their star players to be in the middle of contract negotiations during an offseason.

On top of that, no organization wants their star players to be encouraged by their agent to holdout due to contract disputes.

This brings me back to Boldin. Doesn't it look better now for the Cardinals and for Boldin?

There's no crazy agent trying to corner the Cardinals into surrendering a huge contract to Boldin and throwing their reputation to the curb, knowing full well that the team has more immediate needs. Such as signing Karlos Dansby and Adrian Wilson to long term deals after this season.

Maybe, just maybe this was a key victory for the Cardinals, and they didn't have to do anything. This could be the best move of the offseason.

Think of it this way, when you have a guy constantly in your ear talking about getting a bigger contract and holding your team prisoner by the throat. That has to get old doesn't it.

And don't think Boldin isn't a team player, this guy broke his FACE during this past season, and three games back he's back in midseason form. This guy is one of the ultimate team players. He's said from day one that he will not put his contract before the team.

He's also said from day one that Fitzgerald deserved every penny of that contract extension.

Maybe Boldin is turning over a new leaf. Maybe he realizes that the Cardinals really do want him, and that huge contract he's seeking is just a few years away. Nobody has ever said Boldin hasn't produced because he clearly has, but the Cards have dying needs that are ahead of Boldin.

Boldin firing his agent proves that he's more of a team player than anyone thinks, I hope I'm not jumping the gun on this, but this shows me he's more about playing football then counting dollars.

Sometimes people need a fresh start, the Cardinals and more importantly, Anquan Boldin, just got theirs.

Kurt Warner's Rise Out of the Ashes

Daniel Brommer — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:49:08 -0400

A hundred years from now, the names of today will be a long lost memory against the modern day fans of then.

I won't be here for that, but I can imagine what the talks will be like.

Possibly about how Joe Montana was the best quarterback ever, but by that time the debate will probably be between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning or whoever comes after them.

The Favre's and the Elway's will be long forgotten. Johnny Unitas will be a very distant memory, almost as if he never existed. The likes of Dan Marino and Troy Aikman will be like old stories—bedtime stories if you will.

Where will Kurt Warner's name be? Will it be lost amongst the mist?

In our world of sports athletes come and go, some are remembered for the play and some are remembered for their heroics.

But every once in a while, a huge surprise comes along that nobody expected, and they fill one of the holes that was left by a prior great before them.

That is the way Kurt Warner shall be remembered.

It all started when......

Warner was just a kid with a desire to play the game of football. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, playing for Regis High School.

He would go on to play for the University of Northern Iowa. He had a successful college career, but not one that would get him drafted.

After working out for the Green Bay Packers in 1994, he was signed, then released by the team.

With no hope left, he returned to Iowa to be a shelf stocker at the Hy-Vee store in Cedar Falls.

Somehow he got noticed by a local Arena Football team: The Iowa Barnstormers.

Warner would lead the Barnstormers to back-to-back appearances in the Arena Bowl.

He was picked up by the St. Louis Rams in 1997 shortly after his stint with the Barnstormers.

He played in the NFL Europe for the Amsterdam Admirals.

It wasn't until the beginning of the 1999-2000 season that Warner would get his shot. Then-starter Trent Green went down in the preseason leaving the quarterback duties to the backup, Warner.

Warner didn't disappoint. He threw 41 touchdown passes that season, leading the Rams to the Super Bowl and coming out with a win. He won the league MVP that year and captured the Super Bowl MVP.

Not only did he capture those awards, but he also captivated a world of sports and captured the hearts of every fan in America.

Who was this guy? Where did he come from?

He was the most known unknown in the league. Now with the spotlight on him, Warner was revealed as the person that inspires. The great leader.

Warner said everything right, and was an immediate fan favorite.

He led by an example that rivaled other quarterbacks in the league. He was playing his dream, and doing a fine job at that.

Warner led the Rams back to the Super Bowl only to suffer a heart wrenching loss to the New England Patriots.

The following years would show the start of his slide from excellence. Nagging injuries caused Warner to be less productive, and the critics jumped all over him.

They called his career a fluke—a miracle of God even.

His run couldn't last this long. His fun was over.

Warner would eventually be cut by the Rams in 2003.

He signed on with the New York Giants and after a lackluster season in which he started, but was replaced by the rookie phenom Eli Manning and again released of his duties.

The Resurrection

It was after this season that Warner was signed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

During the 2005 season, Warner was the starter off and on, suffering yet another injury plagued season that ended with a torn MCL in week 15.

He started out the 2006 season hotter than ever and looking like the player of old, but after only four games, he was replaced by another rookie phenom, Matt Leinart.

It was during the 2007 season that Warner started to turn heads. He was named the backup before the season began, but it was Leinart's crumble under pressure that made Warner step up to the challenge.

Warner would relieve Leinart of his duties on many occasions bringing the Cardinals back from defeat and into the hands of victory.

After Leinart broke his collarbone, Warner was named the starter the rest of the season.

The result was an 8-8 record, the first non-losing record the Cardinals have seen in a very long time.

Last season was truly magical for Warner. He beat out the incumbent Leinart for the starting job.

Warner took up the reigns and led his team to and NFC West Championship, and NFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance.

He then signed a two year extension in the offseason to return to the Cardinals.

But we all knew these great statistics, the facts of his rise up from the ashes, but it's his character that will live on forever.

His undying loyalty to his charities, his leadership capabilities.

Warner has never been shy to express his faith.

"Looking at the big picture, I know my role in this is to help share my faith, and to share my relationship with the Lord in this capacity. The funny thing is my wife, when I tell her about some interviews that I've done, she's always asking me, 'Don't talk about the Lord in every answer that you give.' I come back and tell her, 'Hey, they try to cut out as much of those (religious comments) as they can. So if I don't give it in every answer, then it's never going to be there, because they're not going to use those quotes,'"

That quote sums up his faith. He's not in it to make millions of dollars, or even to be recognized by thousands. He's in it to be a witness for God.

That is where he separates himself from the rest, where the conversation as to who is the best quarterback ever takes a sharp turn.

Warner is a walking movie, a tale nobody sees ending. We don't know where this book will end, or what the conclusion is.

Warner sees everything in reality. Maybe this is just a game and he's just another piece in it, but when his playing days are over, he should be remembered as having some of the best seasons and having the best leadership skills ever seen.

Warner should be remembered forever for his heart more than for his play—how he carried his teammates and never shunned them out.

Or how he still to this day is encouraging Leinart to step up and take over this team, knowing that would cost him his starting job.

Warner cares more about his teams success than his own success.

Isn't that what it's all about? Playing for the guys next to you, going through the battles and conquering together?

This is the ultimate team sport, and Warner is it's ultimate leader.

His name is already etched into the history books, but his legacy has really just begun.

A Wizard Is Never Late.

Daniel Brommer — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:31:47 -0400

The Beginning

Two years ago, the Arizona Cardinals were in the same familiar position as they had been the previous......well forever. They had never experienced a real victory, a title of any sort.

They had always been the laughing stock of the NFL. Players came and gone, so called potential stars never reached their potential.

This franchise has no real story. They aren't like the Steelers or the Cowboys.

Have they experienced success? Possibly.

But it wasn't until two years ago that they started to finally see that little light shining in the darkness. The light at the end of the tunnel.

We must go back before that day though. Way back........

Kenneth Moore Whisenhunt was born on February 28, 1962 in Atlanta, Georgia. He played for Georgia Tech in college as a tight-end. He was an Honorable Mention All-American his senior season, and was First Team All-ACC in his final two seasons.

Whisenhunt played his first four years for the Atlanta Falcons where he was drafted to in the 12th round. He would go on to play for the Washington Redskins and the New York Jets.

Whisenhunt was never a star player in the NFL, he was mainly just a blocking back. That never took away his desire for the game or his passion for it.

He got his start with coaching at Vanderbilt in 1995 where he coached special teams, tight ends and H-backs.

After a two year stint, he moved back to the NFL where he was hired as the tight ends coach for the Baltimore Ravens. From there he would resume the same coaching position for the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets in the two seasons after his stint with the Ravens.

It wasn't until 2001 where he would land his first real home, with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you haven't heard of the Rooneys, the love to keep it a family like atmosphere, coaches included. Whisenhunt started out at the tight ends coach before being promoted to the offensive coordinator in 2004.

This was where he made his name known throughout the NFL world. His mastery and trickery were attractive to almost every team needing a head coach.

Once Whisenhunt helped lead Bill Cowher and the Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl Championship in 2006, he was a hot commodity.

The Beautiful Letdown

After the 2006 campaign failed to see the Steelers repeat, their long and beloved coach Bill Cowher announced his retirement.

Immediately, Steeler fans expected Whisenhunt to be his predecessor. Even Whisenhunt expected this, there was no better candidate, aside from his friend and fellow coach Russ Grimm.

It was a shock when the Rooneys announced that Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, would fill the vacancy left by Cowher.

Resentment didn't take long to set in. How could they hire an outsider when the Steelers always seemed to hire from within?

Whisenhunt strapped on the large chip that the Steelers had left for him to fasten onto his shoulder. The weight of the world. What would he do now?

Always the professional, Whisenhunt refused to make an issue of the subject.

"Why would I have hard feelings?" he asked. "They still had a week or so to go with interviews before they were going to make a decision. I had to make a decision of waiting to see if I could get that job or having the one here. Once I accepted the offer here, I didn't have any thoughts about the Steelers except gratitude for giving me the opportunity."

The Arrival

It was then that Whisenhunt interviewed for the least coveted job: The Arizona Cardinals. He saw plenty of potential though, and when he was hired he brought along a friend: Russ Grimm.

The two began reshaping the face of the franchise without an identity, a franchise that had nothing. They had plenty in the cupboard to work with, but it would take the right people to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

It didn't take long for Whisenhunt to get his point across. He ran the team like a platoon leader would run his troops, shaping them into a team with a face instead of a team with a history of being forgotten.

Whisenhunt coached with a chip on his shoulder. Proving right away that wasn't out to be another number in the long line of unsuccessful coaches in Arizona's brief history.

He slayed the giants, winning against Pittsburgh 21-14. Thus solidifying his ever growing legacy. The fearless leader.

It wasn't just a game.

It was his own way of saying, "You should've hired me. That's my team."

Of course he downplayed the game stating it was just another game. Or was it? Shortly after, stories surfaced of his relationship with Ben Roethlisburger, mainly the fact that Big Ben never respected his old coach.

" I thought his play calling was too conservative."

The feud had begun, once again Whisenhunt downplayed the comment stating his relationship with Ben was a good one and that he felt privileged to have a quarterback like him.

The Turnaround

In 2006, the Arizona Cardinals went 5-11, big surprise.

The expectations weren't even there for Whisenhunt. All fans knew was that the guy just won a Super Bowl for Pittsburgh and he was the new head coach of the Cardinals.

Of course there were some expectations, maybe two more wins, possibly fighting for a spot in the division.

Nobody saw 8-8 coming. Nobody.

They finished second behind the Seahawks for the division and barely missing the playoffs. Things were finally falling into place.

Then came last season. Expectations were high. Playoffs were almost demanded.

Whisenhunt benched then starter Matt "Hollywood" Leinart for the veteran Kurt Warner, and the rest is history. Warner led the Cardinals to a 9-7 regular season record while winning the division, but it was under the watchful eye of Ken the Wizard.

Is there any real question that this guy was the right hire?

The Playoffs

It was in the playoffs that the Wizard showed his true colors. Leading the Cardinals past the Atlanta Falcons, the then favorite Carolina Panthers and the scorching hot Philadelphia Eagles.

Then the unthinkable, and the stuff that movies are made out of. The Arizona Cardinals against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Movie writers couldn't come up with a better script.

All the while Whisenhunt kept his composure stating that there was no other way, it had to be Pittsburgh.

The game has been over for months now, and everyone knows the outcome. The Steelers captured their sixth Super Bowl Championship.

But it was the way the fire burned in Whisenhunts eyes after the game. That look of defeat that seemed to boil for eternity. The look of hunger; the look of a return very, very soon.

The Future

While the Cardinals have been absolutely horrible in past seasons, a Wizard is never late.

Coach Whisenhunt has this team going in the right direction. He's handled every kind of obstacle that's been thrown at him. Contract disputes, disgruntled players, defeat and victory.

Like I said before, movie writers couldn't write a better script. And this script is far from finished.

Yankees Resurgence: the Return of A-Rod

Daniel Brommer — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:22:39 -0400

Eight to two. That's the record since the return of the Yankees' controversial third baseman...the same guy who admitted to using performance enhancing drugs not two months ago...that same guy who everyone loves to hate in the world's greatest city.

Alex Rodriguez began his journey back to the Yankee squad over a month ago, after having hip surgery.

Many believed that A-Rod would have a rocky start, possibly even a bad start. It's not common for athletes to come back after only two months from surgery. Ask Alex Gordon, the third baseman for the Kansas City Royals; he's sitting out the rest of this season after having the same procedure.

A-Rod came back early, not to disappoint anyone, especially himself. And did he come back in dramatic fashion, hitting a three-run homer on his first at bat back.

It's what he's done since then that's surprised everyone, though.

So far he's hitting .188...not impressive, but he's also hit five home runs, four home runs in four games in a row. He's added 10 RBIs and five runs.

Those are pretty good numbers, aside from the average, in only ten games. If you would like to compare, David Ortiz has zero homers and 15 RBIs in 35 games; that's quite a drop off.

Since A-Rod's return, Mark Teixeira has been on fire. Hitting .341 with six home runs, 15 RBIs, and 11 runs. That's more home runs than he's hit all season, and he matched his season total in RBIs. Do you think Mark Teixeira is happy to see A-Rod back?

Did any of us really see this coming?

It's a shame really, that the hero of the Yankees was the loneliest player in all of baseball two months ago, the most hated athlete in all of sports.

His legacy is forever tainted, no matter what he does, he will never be remembered as the same player he was before the evidence somehow leaked out.

That doesn't matter right now. What matters is that he's back. The Yankees are finally playing to their potential, and A-Rod hasm't even warmed up yet. There's still a lot of the season left.

A-Rod is finally back, and soon enough, he'll be in midseason form. Watch out for the Yankees to make their run...they're well over due.

Anquan Boldin for Julius Peppers? A Trade for the Ages

Daniel Brommer — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:22:45 -0400

Before I start this article, just for clarification, this trade did not happen!

Imagine if it did, though.

Think of it this way: is there a bad end of the deal? Each team gets exactly what they want, and the players get exactly what they want.

Anquan Boldin has been demanding a trade for four months now, as has Julius Peppers.

Boldin wants to be a number one receiver, which I would still find it hard for him to do so in Carolina, but he would have a better chance being a number one there then he would with his current team.

Boldin wants a large contract, Arizona isn't ready to give it to him. Does he have more to prove? Or has he reached his peak?

Boldin wants the best chance to win and to win now. What's all the fuss for? Didn't he just get done playing in the Super Bowl?

On the other hand, we have Julius Peppers, the dominant defensive end for the Carolina Panthers.

Peppers began his trade demands right after the season was over, stating that he no longer wanted to be a Panther. He believes that the Panthers have disrespected him by not giving him a long term deal.

Peppers went through many trade talks, including with his dream destination, the New England Patriots, but the Panthers just weren't ready to give him up.

Carolina doesn't expect Peppers to show up until they open their mini-camps in July.

I know this may sound crazy, but this trade is for the best. The Cardinals run a 3-4 defense, and that's what Peppers wants to go to. Could you imagine Peppers as a rush outside linebacker?

Boldin wants to go somewhere to be a number one receiver and to win. Carolina had a great season last year, although its dreams were shattered by none other than the Cardinals.

This would ultimately be the best move by both teams. They would rid themselves of the cancer that is the distraction of contract talks. No team wants to enter a season with contract disputes amongst their best players.

A trade straight up, no draft picks or cash, between these two teams would shape the faces of their franchises.

Arizona would finally have their defensive stud.

Carolina would have that extra weapon to compliment Steve Smith and to get them to the top.

This trade will never happen, but if it did, it would be the smartest move for both teams.

Et Tu Darnell? Darnell Dockett Pleads His Case For More Money

Daniel Brommer — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:18:36 -0400

As if the Arizona Cardinals didn't have enough salt in their open wounds from the Anquan Boldin debacle, Darnell Dockett decided he wants a hand in the offseason drama action as well.

Dockett, the high profile defensive tackle for the NFC Champs decided his contract wasn't good enough either.

Now I know this is old news for some, but let's take a look at his case.

Obviously Anquan Boldin has a case, or at least he thinks he has a case. Boldin has produced time and time again, and he risked his life and his safety this season by coming back early from a horrendous hit.

Boldin has a case to plead, he's a great receiver, and he put the team first even though it didn't appear so this past season.

Does he deserve a new contract? Some might have to agree with that, but that's neither here nor there.

Back to Dockett.

Darnell Dockett has played his entire career in Arizona. He's a fan favorite and he's a hard worker.

He's entering his sixth season with the Cardinals, and he's been a productive player his entire career.

He was relatively quiet his first three seasons until his breakout season in 2007 when he recorded nine sacks to go along with 58 tackles.

This past season Dockett regressed recording only four sacks and 49 tackles, but it was his Super Bowl performance that made him a household name. He sacked Big Ben three times, tying Reggie White's record for most sacks in the Super Bowl.

After this performance, it's easy to see where Dockett is coming from.

He's a high motor guy with plenty of good years ahead of him.

But didn't he just sign an extension?

That's right, he just signed a five year, $22.01 million dollar extension that goes through the 2011 season.

Granted, Dockett performed great last season, maybe not as high as the Cardinal coaches expected, but his playoff performance and more notably his Super Bowl performance has to count for something.

In an age where defense is thriving (see Albert Haynesworth and his $100 million dollar contract), wouldn't it be smart for Dockett to perform at a higher level in the next three years, and then go after the money?

It's an argument. Maybe Dockett isn't in the same conversation as Haynesworth, but he certainly means just as much to the Cardinals as Haynesworth means to his new team, the Washington Redskins.

This argument can go on and on, and there probably isn't a right answer here, but the bottom line is this; Dockett needs to get in camp, show the team that the team comes first, and then worry about his so called "money problems" later.

The Cardinals need Dockett, and Dockett needs he Cardinals.

Since the Cardinals said they will address the needs of current players Adrian Wilson and Karlos Dansby first, whose contracts are about to expire, they have been forced to put Dockett and Boldin on the back-burner for now.

It's hard to see a way for them to satisfy all of them, Wilson and Dansby are in a position to demand big bucks in the free agent market.

If Boldin and Dockett are going to leave, the Cardinals would like to get something out of them.

Both players are represented by agent Drew Rosenhous, who recently has said that most teams would surrender a first round draft pick for the services of Dockett.

While this shapes up to be the talk of the offseason for the Cardinals, it doesn't look like this soap opera is ready to go off the air just yet.

Derrick Brooks Would Look Perfect in Cardinal Red

Daniel Brommer — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:21:39 -0400

The Arizona Cardinals are lacking. Isn't that a strange way to describe the defending NFC Champions?

Let's face it Cards fans, Arizona needs all the help they can get.

At what position you ask?

A Captain. A leader. An emotional force that will get them through the ups and the downs.

I'm, of course, talking about Derrick Brooks.

Many of you say, that's kind of crazy. He's lost a step. He was released, for God's sake, so something has to be wrong with him!

The reality of it is this: all those years the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were having success, he was the fuel behind—him and the likes of Warren Sapp, of course.

Brooks has been heralded as one of the premier linebackers in the game for many, many years.

What makes Brooks great?

Is it the fact that he revolutionized the position, much like Lawrence Taylor.

Whoa! That's a bold statement. What Taylor did for the position, Brooks critiqued. Taylor was all about sacks, where Brooks is all about finesse. Reading plays, stopping them before they start. He's a defensive genius.

So why not sign him?

He would be a perfect fit for a defense that's trying to find its true identity. Much of last season had it's share of surprises for the Cardinal defense, but there was no clear cut leader.

Brooks could be that leader.

Has he lost a step or two? Yes of course, but what he brings to the table is experience, a winning attitude, and of course, a Super Bowl ring.

Brooks could be that guy that puts the Cardinals over the top. He won't be an every-down starter, but he would be in the rotation guaranteed.

If the Cardinals are truly looking to get back to the big show, and maybe prove they weren't a one-year wonder, they need to make the necessary steps.

Signing Derrick Brooks would be a franchise move, and the right move.

Treading The Defensive Waters: Arizona Cardinals Upgrade on Defense

Daniel Brommer — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:41:59 -0400

If the Cardinals showed anything in this years annual draft, it was that they desperately want to get back to the Super Bowl. The made all the right picks to bolster their defense, and they had Chris "Beanie" Wells fall into their laps.

The draft has come on gone and consisted of it's usual suspense and surprises, but after all of the press conferences, the interviews, the pictures and the professional cuts, it's time to get back on the field.

Offensively Arizona capitalized on the right opportunity to act, but it's the group of defenders the Cardinals brought in that will define whether or not they are heading in the right direction and whether or not these prospects will make an immediate impact, or if they will be works in progress.

For starters, the second round pick out of Connecticut, Cody Brown. Brown played four years at defensive end, but will try his turn at playing linebacker in the NFL. The Cardinals run a 3-4 defense and are anticipating Brown to make the transition to a rush linebacker nicely.

Brown displayed quick feet and the ability to change direction at the Senior Bowl. He stands in at 6'2 244. He ran a 4.84 at the Combine which isn't exactly ideal speed for a rush linebacker, but the Cardinals are optimistic.

Brown has shown throughout his career a toughness and unwillingness to quit. He should be in the linebacker rotation as a rookie and could surprise a lot of people.

The Cardinals then selected Rashad Johnson out of Alabama. The physical safety fell in the charts, but should perform right away for the Cardinals. He's big, 5"11 203 pounds. He's got speed, but it's not great running a 4.53 in the 40 yard dash.

What Johnson lacks in speed he makes up for in intangibles, such as ball hawking skills. He recorded 6 picks his Senior season and 5 in his Junior campaign.

He's no slouch when it comes to tackling either, having recorded 98 tackles in his final season and 89 in the junior year. Johnson is a well spoken player, with leadership skills and has shown maturity throughout his draft process. He should contribute immediately to the Cardinals nickel and dime packages.

Arizona's fourth round pick was quite a surprise. They selected Greg Toler out of St. Pauls. Toler is a corner from a small school, but displayed a rare combination of size and speed. He's 5"11 weighing around 190, but the Cardnials thought he displayed the same skill set as their first rounder a year ago, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Toler is an effective playmaker recording 14 picks, 36 pass breakups and 50 passes defended in his college career. He will be called upon almost immediately due to the recent release of veteran corner-back Rod Hood.

Arizona's final defensive selection was Will Davis out of Illinois in the sixth round of the draft. Davis had impressive workouts during the draft process, but still didn't stand out enough to be a first day pick. He has displayed great ball skills and has shown great athleticism, but he didn't perform up to expectations in his Senior season.

Davis could be a steal if his new organization can get him to work, he has no real character issues, but he's been known to slack off in the weight room. He doesn't have the overall strength to play defensive end, but the Cardinals see potential.

Arizona responded well to their defensive needs in this years draft, and have high hopes for their selections.

These picks should be able to perform immediately, but we'll have to wait a couple more months to be sure.

On the outside looking in, it appears the Cardnials are preparing for another surprising season, and a hopeful return to the Super Bowl.

A Feature Interview with Larry Fitzgerald

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:40:40 -0400

I started thinking about my favorite team, the Arizona Cardinals. Then I started thinking about all of their off-season woes.

Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett not showing up for OTA's, citing hamstring issues. Then come to find out, they are still not satisfied with their contracts. Surprise, surprise.

Then I started thinking about their star player: Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has been a light shining down on the darkness that is the Arizona Cardinals. Let's face it, before his arrival, the Cards weren't exactly the talk of the NFL.

I wonder what questions I would ask him if I were to sit down and interview. I imagine it would go a little something like this.

Larry, what is it like to be part of a franchise that went from the very bottom, to seconds away from the top?

What is your take on the off-season issues concerning your teammates Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett?

You have often been called the modern-day Jerry Rice, what's your take on that, and do you believe you are deserving of that title?

What's your biggest accomplishment, and if you have not achieved it yet, what's your biggest goal left to achieve?

What are your predictions for this upcoming season?

When it is all said and done and your career is over, what would you want the fans to think about when they see old footage of you?

A lot of fans consider you to be the best college receiver in the history of college football, do you agree with this and if not who do you consider to be a better receiver than you?

You recently said that you would take a decrease in your contract in order to give Boldin the contract he desired. In an era where it seems as if money rules everything, what keeps you grounded enough to be that guy, the ultimate teammate?

Honestly, it would be a dream come true to interview Larry Fitzgerald. The questions I have listed here are all opinion questions obviously, but there is so much truth to them.

The only problem is that he's not an opinionated person, he is not a "me first" kind of guy. He's the ultimate teammate.

Hopefully I get a chance to interview this amazing player, and I know that if I ever do get that chance, I will receive nothing but humble answers.

Why the 1996 Green Bay Packers Are My Favorite Team Of All Time

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:46:59 -0400

1996: A magical season for the Green Bay Packers.

The year Brett Favre finally got over the hump and the year Reggie White fulfilled his promise to bring the Lombardi trophy back to Green Bay.

The season started with so much anticipation. Favre was entering his prime, he was gaining his reputation as a gunslinger and as the iron man of football. White was still in his dominance.

Favre was always seen as one of the early elite quarterbacks in the league, but he was still inconsistent. He needed to put everything together, and that's exactly what he accomplished in the 1995 season leading up to the Super Bowl.

Favre passed for 3,899 yards to go along with 39 touchdowns. He won the regular season MVP. He had an arsenal of targets to throw to, and although there wasn't a clear cut star wide out, the cast played an important role in the championship run.

They were led by Antonio Freeman, accompanied by Andre Rison, Desmond Howard, and Don Beebe.

The ground game was led by Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens. They weren't asked to do a whole lot, but when they were called upon, they delivered.

It was the defense that was really great, led by the minister of defense, White. This defense piled up 37 sacks and 26 interceptions. LeRoy Butler was the slash player on the defense contributing 6.5 sacks and five interceptions.

The regular season ended with the Packers owning a 13-3 record with their only losses being away games against Minnesota, Kansas City, and Dallas.

They dominated the playoffs, starting by knocking off their rival, San Fransisco 49ers. They proceeded to finish off the Carolina Panthers, who at the time were an up and coming team. They topped it off by winning the Super Bowl against the Parcells-led New England Patriots.

The game was like a dream. Everything went their way and Favre ran around like a boy playing in his first varsity game. You could see how much he loved this great game, and it's easy to see now why it's so hard for him to walk away.

This team resembled his love for the game and Favre is without a doubt the leader of this team. He finally provided the city of Green Bay with their long awaited championship. He finally reached the peak of invincibility. He was from that moment immortal, along with the rest of his teammates.

This team is my favorite team of all time, mostly because of Favre. He's the reason I started watching football. His youthfulness, and the way he embraced the game, it's like nothing I had ever seen before. He captured the hearts of so many fans, and I'm sure there were millions of kids just like me at the time that started watching football because of Favre.

Arizona Cardinals: Can They Get Back To The Super Bowl In 2010?

Daniel Brommer — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:41:47 -0400

The impossible season happened in 2008. The New England Patriots were expected to make a run at the Super Bowl, and many picked them to win the whole thing!

Then, the unthinkable happens. Tom Brady goes down in the first quarter of the first game.

The next team in line that many thought would be good were the eventual Super Bowl champions—The Pittsburgh Steelers. Many identified with their team concept and their team-first attitude.

The NFC honestly was a toss up, as many thought the Cowboys would make a run. Others thought the New York Giants would make it back, as they looked guaranteed for a long time to be back.

Nobody saw last season coming. Nobody!

The Arizona Cardinals were the laughing stock of the NFC West and, to be honest, the entire league. I'm sure a lot of you will argue with me about Oakland owning that title, but they have at least had some glory. In fact, not just some, but a lot.

The Cardinals have never even made the NFC Championship game in the modern Super Bowl era. They have been losers, they have been accustomed to losing. Losing was in their genetic code.

But the pieces just seemed to come together last year.

Their defense was still suspect, but they have without a doubt the best receiver in the world! Larry Fitzgerald was putting on a clinic every single playoff game. He was on fire—on another level.

Boldin wasn't no slouch either. He was injured yes, but he did provide a spark at times in the Super Bowl.

The defense stepped up by the play of Darnell Dockett. Warner looked like the player who won the Super Bowl MVP while playing for the St. Louis Rams. Things just seemed to click.

The question is: How do they carry over that success to next season?

A lot has to happen. For starters, whill Anquan Boldin put his personal feelings aside and be the team player he was last year?

Honestly, I truly believe the entire season rests on that verdict. Steven Breaston stepped up huge in the absence of Boldin in the four games that Boldin sat out. Breaston had a solid season, going for over 1,000 yards receiving.

Without the help from Boldin, this team could have a huge reality slap in the face. Sure they have Fitzgerald, who is out of this world, but these receivers compliment each other.

Whenever Fitzgerald is double-teamed, that obviously leaves Boldin open or in single coverage, and vice versa. These two are dynamic in their single respects, but together, they are unstoppable.

Then comes the running game. The Cardinals made a great decision and franchise upgrade by drafting Chris Wells, a clear cut steal in the draft. But was it really what they needed? We'll address that later. Wells will be a huge impact, even though the offense is pass happy, but can you really blame them?

Wells will breathe life into this running game. Hightower is not an every down back, and I see him as being more effective out of the backfield and not necessarily as a runner. He's talented and only had one year of experience, but with the release of Edgerrin James, he will be asked to be the veteran even though he may not be ready to take on that role.

The offensive line should be solid. Notice how I said, "should." These guys really aren't the best group of guys you can find.

That being said, they are at least a good unit when it comes to pass blocking. They are under average when it comes to opening up running lanes, and let's face it, up to this point Levi Brown has been a bust.

The defensive line is a solid unit led by Darnell Dockett. We're still waiting for Calais Campbell to emerge, and Alan Branch is going to have to start showing signs of the dominance he displayed while at Michigan. Bertrand Berry is a rock, but he's not getting any younger.

The linebackers are led by Karlos Dansby. He's their leader and a good player, but the others remain to be seen.

Gerald Hayes, Chike Okeafor, Monty Beisel, and Victor Hobson. I'm willing to bet that a lot of you readers have never heard of these guys. This is where the Cardinals needed to make a move, but it's not too late.

I love the draft of Chris Wells, but I really would've loved to see Ray Mauluga in a Cardinals uniform. He's ferocious, he's instinctive, he's still a little raw, but he's the spark this defense needed.

The secondary needs some work, but they aren't far off. They have one of the best safeties in all of football: Adrian Wilson. They have one of the best young talents in the game in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Antrel Rolle is making a nice transition to the safety position and they have some decent depth. But these guys need to start making plays.

With all of that being said, the reality is this.

The Cardinals must have adopted the luckiest lephrechaun. They had all the luck on their side. They played up to their potential in the playoffs and, had it not been for one drive in the Super Bowl, they would be world champions.

Is it possible to get back to the Super Bowl?

Anything is possible in the NFL. Arizona will have to be relentless and play up to their own level instead of the level that everyone is expecting them to play at.

They certainly don't have an easy road. They have home games against San Fransisco, Indianapolis, Houston, Carolina, Seattle, Minnesota, St. Louis and Green Bay.

They go on the road against Jacksonville, Seattle, New York Giants, Chicago, St. Louis, Tennessee, San Fransisco and Detroit.

The road back to the Super Bowl will be hard. Everyone will be keying on Fitzgerald this year. It's up to their offensive line to protect him. It's up to the defense to make big plays. They can still make some big moves.

I would recommend them signing a veteran defensive player such as Derrick Brooks. It might not be a stretch to check out left tackle Levi Jones or possibly right tackle Jon Runyan, but the Cardinals aren't known for spending money.

We'll have to wait and see how the season turns out, but it's not impossible for the Cardinals to make a nice run at the Super Bowl. They shouldn't go back to their losing ways, and Kurt Warner is out to prove that the big contract he signed for two years isn't going to go to waste.

Sorry, Matt Leinart. You'll be riding the bench and holding the clipboard for another couple of years.

Impact Players to Watch for in 2009

Daniel Brommer — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:21:48 -0400

College football is right around the corner and will be here before we know it. So it's that time when he as fans start looking for the upcoming impact players for the season. Guys that could have breakout seasons, or have huge improvements from last year. These players look to have huge years and could be responsible for how their teams end up. We all know who the regular impact players will be, but these players are the ones to watch in the future. Since freshman and sophmores are asked to make immediate impacts, these guys will be called upon to carry their teams.

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NFL Draft Recap: The Biggest Questions From Draft Day 1

Daniel Brommer — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:33:20 -0400

The 2009 NFL Draft started with a huge bang! Matthew Stafford signs a six-year deal worth up to $78 million! With $40 million of that guaranteed. Are you kidding me?! How can these rookies be getting payed this much? Ultimately, that was a great pick by the Lions. A solid first choice and a great character guy.

Then the draft took some twists and turns.

The first surprise came at pick No. 3, the Kansas City Chiefs. To my surprise they selected Tyson Jackson out of LSU. Here's my question: Why say you want a pass rusher, then select the complete opposite? Especially when you have someone like Aaron Curry sitting there waiting to be drafted. Weird.

Then there was the Jets trading up to select Mark Sanchez. Without a doubt the best move of the whole day. A franchise quarterback, this guy is going to be the next broadway Joe. Write that down.

Now, the Oakland Raiders are notorious for making horrible draft picks, signing overpriced free agents, and to be blunt: having a terrible franchise. (sorry Raider fans) The Raiders select, Michael Crabtree. Yeah Right! They select Darius Heyward-Bey from Maryland. Unbelievable! Sure he's fast, he recorded the fastest time at the combine this year, but he doesn't run great routes, he's an average receiver. But the bottom line is that Michael Crabtree was just passed up!

Which brings me to No. 16 the San Diego Chargers. They drafted Larry English from Northern Illinois. A very puzzling pick in my mind considering the best linebacker in this entire draft was still waiting for his name to be called, and somehow it wasn't even called in the first round. I'll get to that in a little bit. English is a solid player, but he wasn't on my list of first-round caliber guys.

The Colts surprised me with picking Donald Brown, the running back out of UConn, I wasn't mad about the pick, I just figured they would want to get someone to replace Marvin Harrison. Personally I think they should have selected Hakeem Nicks.

The first round ended with Arizona taking Chris Wells. A great pick. The sleeper pick of the draft. Wells will be a great compliment to Hightower for the Cardinals. They didn't have a great running game last year, Wells is the big powerful back they needed to hopefully put them over the top.

Then there was the champions. The Steelers take Ziggy Hood. Although Hood is a proven player, is he first-round caliber? Absolutely not. They needed an offensive lineman, and they should have selected Eben Britton out of Arizona, but they probably know more than I do. I hope so anyway.

Now to my final point. Why in the world did Rey Maualuga and Everette Brown get drafted in the second round? In my opinion, these guys were the best at their positions in the entire draft class.

There is great arguments for this also, but Maualuga should have gone 16th to the Chargers, and Brown should have gone 21st to Cleveland. I think these two are going to be great pros for years to come. Both great character guys, both ferocious defenders. Only time will tell, but I honestly think that a number of teams made a huge mistake in not d

Why the New England Patriots Will Win the 2010 Super Bowl

Daniel Brommer — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:46:56 -0400

This has to be deja vu: another year the Pats are predicted to win the Super Bowl. This has to be getting old, isn't it? I'll start out by saying this: I'm not even a New England fan. I actually hate everything about Boston, but I appreciate the fact that someone still knows how to run a football team.

Here is my one and only reason why I think, scratch that, I know that Pats are winning the Super Bowl: FREE AGENCY. That's right, free agency. New England had by far the best free agent signings. I know what you're thinking, and yes, it is amusing. Who did they sign, exactly? There weren't any huge free agents added to their roster, just those guys that fit the mold...you know, Belichick guys.

For starters, they signed Fred Taylor. Most of you are thinking, he's old and past his prime, which are arguable points, but don't be too fast to judge. He's actually going to get to play behind a good line, and he's not the main guy. Plus, he's a beast; nobody works harder than this guy. He's the perfect fit for the Pats, a great complement to Maroney.

Then they signed Joey Galloway, another one of those over-the-hill guys, but I guarantee he still runs faster than most number one receivers in the league. This guy is a great fit, perfect to go with Welker and Moss.

Add in Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, two veteran defensive backs that again are Belichick guys. They fit the mold of New England's defense, they both add that savvy that is needed. With the loss of Asante Samuel a year ago, these two should fill the gap, maybe not as well, but they will do.

They also got Chris Baker, who may not seem like a big sign, but with Brady throwing the ball to him, this one is a no-brainer.

Add along the fact that they still have Moss, Welker, and oh yeah, TOM BRADY. New England is poised for another title run. The team's defense is getting old, and Adalius Thomas needs to step up to his contract. The team did lose its defensive leader in Mike Vrabel, but the core is still in place. Jerod Mayo had an incredible rookie season and looks to build on that. These guys have to be the favorite going into this season, so mark your calenders.