FSH: DAVID'S FOOTBALL DIARY

February 20th, 2008 11:30pm PST



Friday's Football Diary


Dear Diary...

This has been quite an exciting past couple of weeks following the Super Bowl. With the Scouting combine well under a lot of the focus and direction has been turned to the NFL Draft. This weekend in Indianapolis is the usual showcase of collegiate talent for both scouts and coaches to evaluate. While the workouts are only beginning, there's a buzz of anticipation for something big in the air and already there has been big news with the absence of Michael Crabtree (foot injury).

And while the combine is less one notable participant, there are still over 300 players to watch that should still put on an entertaining weekend of skill and talent. The Players that will catch my eye and hold my attention will be USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Macklin, USC linebacker Clay Matthews, North Carolina wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin, Ohio State running back Chris Wells, Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew, and USC linebacker Brian Cushing.

Coverage of the combine started today on the NFL Network and I will be watching.

Just What I'm thinking.....

The combine is only one ongoing story this week in the NFL. With the Feb. 19 franchise/transition tag deadline the other big headlines grabber will be NFL free agency which is set to open this Thursday (Fe. 27). Right now there is a feeding frenzy in the NFL pool of free agents as teams try to lock up players before they opt to hit the free market.

Teams like Arizona, Tennessee, and Cincinnati have begun or will be in the process of negotiating deals with key players that will figure into their 2009 plans. These signings or lack there of will have a direct impact on the teams offseason plans that will include the draft.


Only one place for Warner...
It is certainly sounding more and more like Kurt Warner will be back and from statements made following the team's Super Bowl loss to the Steelers, there's little doubt he'll end up in the desert. The two sides have begun negotiations and it really shouldn't take too long for a deal to be struck. According to ESPN's John Clayton, Warner and the Cardinals are far apart on the numbers, but there' definitely appears to be plenty of middle ground to get this done.

Youth movement at tight end has begun...
The tight end has never been one of the more glamorous positions on offense or in fantasy football and last season was pretty evident of that factor. Only one tight end surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 2008 and there were only two among the top 30 receivers all last season. With such production deficiencies at the position, more teams are making a move to younger talent; Celek in Philly, and Keller in New York (Jets). The Ravens have also expressed the need to upgrade at the tight end position this offseason and could go searching in the draft.

The T.O. and Roy Show...
If the Cowboys can manage to keep Terrell Owens on the roster heading into the 2009 season, at least on paper the offense has the look of something special. There's little doubt about the talent of wide receiver's Roy Williams and T.O., but many experts may question their character. Roy came over from the Lions in the middle of last season in a trade, but did not make much of an impact once he arrived. Both receiver's have proven talent and in the past have put up big numbers. If these two can get in sync with their quarterback. 2009 could be big for the Cowboys.

Titans are still in the running...
All signs point towards the Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth becoming a free agent and while so experts are estimating he'll be looking for a six-year deal $100 million deal, Tennessee may still have a shot. With the economy hitting all aspects of today's cultures, it would not be surprising to see some initial offers come in far below the century mark. No question Haynesworth is a tremendous talent, but with his recent off-the-field legal issues he comes with a lot of baggage. You have to wonder what teams are going to be willing to risk the big dollars.

What's Spinning round the "Rumor Mill"....

Most Casual football fans think that there's only something to talk about during the season. Let me tell you, there's so much going on now, what is there not to talk about. Free Agency is getting ready to heat up, NFL prospects are on showcase, and the NFL draft will be the next great debate, so today we'll just take a look at what's stirring in the pot.


What's the latest:

Denver interested in Ward...
The Denver Post is reporting that the team could have interest in potential free agent running back Derek Ward. Certainly the position was a weak spot in the offense last season with an unusual amount of injuries, but with a lot of questions to answer and holes to fill on defense, I can't see this team getting into a bidding war for the services of Ward. The Broncos will have other fish to fry and still have a full stable of ponies to consider at the running back position, not to mention the draft. I would be surprised to see the team make a serious push to sign the former Giant.

Ocho Cinco "on the block"...
This has been a continuing saga since the season ended. There has been a lot of speculation that the team could entertain offers, then a report indicating that Johnson would likely be with the team in the 2009 season. And of course we can all believe the notorious player's agent Drew Rosenhaus, when he sends out a memo to all 32 NFL teams that his client is available for trade.

Kitna trade is non-sense...
Apparently the recent rumors of the Lions trading quarterback Jon Kitna to the Jets are not just false, but there seems to be no validity to the story. The word is the Jets have no interest in Kitna even if he becomes a free agent. The fact is even if this were not a rumor, it would be non-sense or just plain ridiculous for the Jets to be considering this move.

Suspension is looming for Lynch...
The Bills running back Marshawn Lynch may have been able to avoid felony charges and serious jail time related to his gun possession arrest, but it is not likely he'll be out of the woods with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. This latest incident was not Lynch's first off-the-field incident and could land him a possible four game suspension to start the 2009 season.

Jets eyeing Lewis?...
According to the New York Daily News, the Jets have a big hole to fill on the defensive side and the speculation is they will be targeting an inside linebacker. It's no secret that Lewis has a great relationship and is very familiar with the Jets new head coach Rex Ryan. It would only make sense that the Jets would give him a look, but the question is will the Ravens make Lewis an offer he can't refuse?

My Fantasy Notes.....

A lot of the success I had in 2008 was a result of selecting some solid, talented receivers such Anquan Boldin and Roddy White. These were two players that played big and finished well in 2008. When you take a look at the numbers from last season, it was another big "Year of the Receiver" with 22 players finishing with more than 1,000-yards receiving.


Looking back at 2008:

My Top 10 Wide Receivers...

1. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)...the Cardinal's receiver emerged as the class of the NFL wideouts with 96 pass receptions for 1,434-yards receiving and 12 touchdowns in 2008.

2. Andre Johnson (Hou)...the Texan's receiver hand a number of big games throughout the 2008 NFL season and finished off the year with 115 receptions, 1,575-yards receiving, and eight touchdowns.

3. Calvin Johnson (Det)...the Lion's tremendous talent at the receiver position emerged from the shadows of the Roy Williams with a breakout season. Johnson grabbed 78 balls for 1,331-yards and 12 touchdowns.

4. Steve Smith (Car)...the Panther's speedy big playmaking wideout missed two games in 2008, but still managed to finish amongst the best with 78 receptions, for 1,417-yards, and six touchdowns.

5. Anquan Boldin (Ari)...the Cardinal's other receiver in his own right proved his worthiness as one of the leagues best, finishing the 2008 season with 89 receptions, 1,038-yards, and 11 touchdowns, in just 14 games.

6. Greg Jennings (GB)...the Packer's wide receiver had his breakout season in 2008 finishing with 80 receptions, for 1,292-yards receiving, and nine touchdowns.

7. Roddy White (Atl)...the Falcon's wide receiver emerged as one of the leagues top-flight elite, finishing his 2008 campaign with 88 pass receptions, for 1,382-yards receiving, and seven touchdowns.

8. Brandon Marshall (Den)...the Bronco's wide receiver followed up his strong sophomore campaign with another solid performance in 2008. Marshall caught 104 passes (not 140) for 1,265-yards, and six touchdowns to complete his first Pro Bowl year.

9. Antonio Bryant (TB)...the Buccaneers found a superstar in their maverick receiver who finished his first season with the team with 83 receptions, for 1,248-yards, and seven touchdowns. This after being out of football for all of 2007.

10. Randy Moss (NE)...the Patriot's wideout saw his numbers dip with the loss of his normal quarterback, but still finished the 2008 campaign strong. Moss caught a total of 69 passes for 1,008-yards and 11 touchdowns.



By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 20th, 2008 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[of football]

The Scouting Combine is now underway and free agency is just days away. With the Feb. 19 deadline for NLF clubs to designate franchise and transition players there was more moves made this week by teams to secure certain big names. Some of the moves made come as a surprise, while others were expected with the market set to open Feb. 27.

This week's stories...

PEPPERS GETS FRANCHISED
It didn't come as a surprise hearing the Panthers had placed the franchise tag on defensive lineman Julius Peppers, but what could come as a surprise is seeing him in a Cowboys uniform by the 2009 kickoff. It had been leaked earlier this week that the Cowboys were one of four teams Peppers would agree to a trade with. Although the Panther's defensive end will remain in uniform for the moment, there is some speculation the team could receive some offers to trade for him.

TITANS LOCK UP TIGHT END WITH TAG
Tennessee applied the franchise tag to its tight end Bo Scaife only hours before the deadline. The tight end receives a one-year tender for $4.46 million from the Titans. It was reported that the two sides were no where close in negotiations, so Scaife had planned to test the market. With the tag now, any offers made by other teams would require two first-round picks to go to the Titans. It's not likely any team is going to step up and make that offer, so if Scaife is looking for a long term deal it's going to come from Tennessee.

BRYANT TO STAY IN TAMPA?
The team made the move to franchise Antonio Bryant, but it's not certain that he will accept and sign the one-year tender. It figures that the team will likely sit down with Bryant to negotiate a long term deal, but his agent did express his client's displeasure with the team's move. Bryant had a breakout year last season and was looking for a long term deal. The move to tag Bryant may have just come to enable both sides plenty of time to negotiate a deal.

CULPEPPER COULD START FOR DETROIT
The Lions and quarterback Daunte Culpepper have restructured his deal keeping him in a Lions uniform for next season and putting him right in the mix for the starting job in 2009. Culpepper is clearly not the long-term solution, but you would have to wonder if the Lions might pass over one of the top quarterbacks in this year's draft class to address other team needs?

BOLDIN SAYS "SHOW ME THE MONEY"
Just like a character from "Jerry Maguire" Boldin says show me the money!" The NFL Network is reporting that Boldin's agent Drew Rosenhaus has contacted the team to let them know he client may be willing to deal, for a price. Last month Boldin stated he would not resign and that this was not about money. This was about principle. I guess very soon the world will learn just how much Boldin's principles are worth.

BACK WHERE HE BELONGS?
Sources are reporting that the Raiders could be interested in resigning wide receiver Jerry Porter. The former Jaguar had a falling out in Oakland in 2007 before leaving for Jacksonville. Unfortunately for the Jags, Porter's short tenure in Jacksonville was a great disappointment and nothing short of a "bust." Porter was released earlier this month and appears to be heading back to where he came from, but at a significant discount.

RAMS MAKE MOVE TO TAG ATOGWE
The Rams placed their franchise tag on defensive back O.J. Atogwe, but are expected to try and work out a multi-year deal that could be more cap-friendly. The Rams playmaking defensive back is expected to receive a tender in the area of $6.32 million. Atogwe has never expressed any interest to be traded or play anywhere else, but that won't mean he'll resign a new deal for less money.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411....

FSH: WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

February 19th, 2009 11:45pm PST

WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

The Combine is underway...

Over 300 NFL prospects have descended upon Indianapolis and in just days they all will begin their quest to make it to the Big Show. Beginning Saturday Feb. 21 all will participate in a number of various drills and tests, displaying their acute athletic abilities and talents.

With each performance these collegiate athletes could see their futures get brighter and their dreams move closer to reality. They will all be on display for scouts, coaches, and NFL executives alike to meet, observe and interview. Now is the time to shine and standout. For most this is the last step before the draft and for others, this could be just the beginning of an exciting future and it all starts Saturday.

The Scouting Combine information:

The workouts...

40-yard dash: Each player is timed at the 10-, 20- and 40-yard increments.

Bench press: Each participant raises the 225-bar as many times as they possibly can.

Vertical jump: Each player stands in front of a pole that has flags at the top of it and tries to hit as many as they can.

Broad jump: Each player from the standing position will jump as far forward as they can. Their jump is measure for distance.

3-cone drill: Each player starts in a three-point stance and has to maneuver around the three cones, each 5 yards apart, which are set up in a triangle shape.

20-yard shuttle: The player starts in a three-point stance, then runs 5 yards, touches the yard line, then runs 10 yards in the other direction, touches the line and then runs back to the starting point.

60-yard shuttle: Like the 20-yard, but with a total of four directional changes and 60 yards covered.

Wonderlic Test: Each player is given 12 minutes to answer 50 questions.

The Group schedule

Saturday: Group 1 (OL, SPECIALISTS), 2 (OL), 3 (TE)

Sunday: Group 4 (QB, WR), 5 (QB, WR), 6 (RB)

Feb. 23: Group 7 (DL), 8 (DL), 9 (LB)

Feb. 24: Group 10 (DB), 11 (DB)


Coverage on the NFL Network will begin Saturday at 11am EST.


The GM Game.

Today was the deadline for teams to designate their franchise and transition players. As a result, over the past couple of days many football franchises holding the cards in the poker game of the NFL showed part of their hands by placing the franchise tags on many of their notable veterans.

Teams like Tampa Bay, Oakland, San Diego, and Carolina locked down key players that were due to hit the market as hot commodities this offseason. The initial moves keep these valuable goods in place for possible movement later or long enough to work out a long term deal. While this strategy will make sense for some teams, for others like the Detroit Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals, more work will likely be required.

Let's Play GM..

In Detroit ($26m under the cap)...
In 2008 the Detroit Lions were just flat out the worst team in the NF losing all of their games and becoming the first team in NFL history to 0-16. Looking ahead it's not like they won't have room under the cap to go spending, especially with the recent player cuts. Already on the clock, the Lions have the precarious position of holding the number selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. The last time the Lions were in this position, in 1980 the team drafted running back Billy Sims out of Oklahoma. And while running back Kevin Smith is not the next Barry Sanders or Sims, the team has too many holes to fill and it doesn't look like we have another number 20 in the draft. With the top pick however, the focus will be the best player. The team will keep Culpepper another season and while he's not the long term solution, he could fit for now. The focus will be to rebuild the defense. With Haynesworth on the market, he could be step one, "the building block." The former Titan's tackle comes with a lot of baggage, but at 28 he could be signed to a long term deal and really help get the franchise turned around. The second step will be finding him some help. The Lions have some talent at linebacker with Ernie Sims, but could look to free agency for more. Angelo Crowell (if he's healthy), Andra Davis, or James Farrior could be primary targets, if they hit the market this offseason. This will be a rebuilding process, so help in the secondary may have to come from the draft. Rome wasn't built in a day and the Lions could take a little longer.

In Cincinnati ($22m under the cap)...
What I find interesting about the Bengals is their whole situation. Last year the wheels seemed to have completely come off and the team basically imploded before our eyes. There's no question the injury to quarterback Carson Palmer had a trickling effect. Without the big arm or stable play at the quarterback position, wide receiver Chad Johnson disappeared. The lack of quality depth at the wideout position and the need for a proven durable running back was exposed. Last season's biggest surprise in Cincy was the emergence of running back Cedric Benson. While Benson will be looking for a long term deal, I say the jury is still out and waiting to make an offer will likely play out better for the team, especially holding the sixth pick in the draft. Unless the team is set on rebuilding, bringing back T.J. Houshmandzadeh should be the priority, especially if the consensus is Palmer is going to return healthy to camp this summer. Two seasons ago T.J. and Chad were a dynamite pair with Palmer throwing the rock. The offense will need a little help and the draft may provide some relief, but if this team can return their big-three (Palmer, Johnson, and T.J.) in 2009, the hope is they might find their 2007 form when the offense was ranked 7th in passing. The defense has a little further to go and a player like Albert Haynesworth will likely be out the Bengals rent district, but free agents that could be looked at the help might include; Jermaine Phillips, Sean Jones, and Corey Ivey. There won't be any quick fix in Cincinnati, the road traveled will be long, but they still have talent they can build around.


...Detroit and Cincinnati have the advantage heading into 2009 knowing they can't do much worse than 2008, so improving should be in reachable grasp. While the Lions seemingly have a long way to go in their quest to turnaround their struggling franchise, the Bengals may be a little shorter road to travel, but with free agency around the corner the future could easily change in a hurry!



Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 18th, 2008 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[of football]

With the February 19th deadline for clubs to designate franchise and transition players, many NFL teams are moving quickly to tag potential free agents that could flee their current place of business. Wednesday was definitely a big day for clubs to make lateral moves to keep certain players in place to allow their front offices to further evaluate their cap space, personnel needs, and ultimately the best move for the future.

This week's stories...

BOLTS TAG SCAT-BACK SPROLES
The Chargers decided not to let another one get away, at least not without getting something in return. The Bolts slapped the franchise tag on running back Darren Sproles, but I have to wonder if there may be a trade here? Can they really pay Sproles $6.6 million and afford the pay LT? That's a lot of coin in your backfield and that doesn't even include Rivers.

COWBOYS APPEAR ON PEPPER'S LIST
Apparently the Panther's defensive lineman Julius Peppers still wants out of Carolina. According to a person close to Peppers, there are only four teams that he is willing to be traded to and one of those teams is the Dallas Cowboys. This is just what Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones needs to hear. It is would be not unlike the extravagant owner to throw his hat in the ring and make a bid to trade for Peppers. The only problem I see is coming up with the components to offer in the deal.

CARDS TAG LINEBACKER DANSBY
As expected the Cardinals placed the franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby. Dansby is due to make $9.6 million in 2009 if the team does not re-sign him to a long term deal prior to the July 15 deadline. The Cardinal's linebacker played extremely well in 2008 leading the team in tackles with 119 total and four sacks. Now that Dansby has been tagged, I believe the team will work even more diligent to sign Warner before free agency opens.

BRADY ON SCHEDULE
All fingers point towards quarterback Tom Brady making his return in time for the 2009 season opener. According to both Brady and the Patriots his recovery remains on schedule, although it does not look like any exact timetable has been set for his return to the field. With Cassel franchised and Brady expected to return, the summer in Foxboro should be interesting to watch. Could a healthy Brady mean an early exit from the New England state for Cassel?

RAVENS MAKE SUGGS FRANCHISE
Something that was predicted by others, but not necessarily expected by Terrell Suggs, the Ravens linebacker was tagged for the second consecutive year. The team opted to use the franchise tag at this time, rather than negotiate a long term deal with the three-time Pro Bowl selection. Suggs is expected to earn $10.2 million in 2009.

HAYNESWORTH TO TEST WATERS
The Titan's defensive tackle is showing less loyalty these days and expressing more interest in testing the free agent waters, by not coming close to reaching a long term deal with the Titans. Haynesworth is a catch-22, he's a huge impact player that can make a difference, but he's coming with a lot of luggage. Is the risk worth the reward, will his impact bring a championship? Sound familiar T.O.?

CHARGERS AND LT SET TO TALK
Now that the team has secured their other running back, it appears now it's time to sit down with LaDanian Tomlinson according to general manager A.J. Smith. The hopes to meet with LT soon to renegotiate his contract. If the team chooses to hang onto Sproles, he'll be due a $6.6 million dollar payday and LT is currently expected to make around $9 million in 2009. For Charger fans, it's probably wishful thinking to hope that the team can hang onto both backs, unless LT is willing to restructure.

COLTS SHELL OUT BIG BUCKS
In need of big help in the secondary the Colts threw big dollars at defensive back Kelvin Hayden. The cornerback was inked to a five-year deal worth $43 million. Hayden played well for the Colts last season, but that's a rather steep dollar amount to spend on the 25-year old. The team's pass defense did rank 6th, but that could be more of a reflection of it's 24th ranking against the run. This was clearly a big move just before the Feb. 27 free agent deadline. Did they overpay? We won't know until late December.

HARRISON ON THE WAY OUT
With the team shelling out big dollars to resign younger talent, it's very obvious in Indy wide receiver Marvin Harrison has likely seen his last days as a Colt. Harrison is expected to make over $13 million next season, but releasing him could free up over half of those dollars. We hate to see him go, but at 36-years old Marvelous Marvin is not the same player he once was and unless he's willing to restructure his deal he's all but gone.


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411.

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 16th, 2008 9:27pm PST


Monday Morning Huddle

2009 season has already started

Sure there isn't any football on any channels at this time of year, but we still have the NFL Replay and with all the current offseason activity, there's never a dull moment. We mustn't forget Wednesday starts the scouting combine, which basically starts the countdown to kick-off for 2009. Over 300 NFL prospects will be gathering soon in Indianapolis, making ready to chase a dream to one day play in the NFL and many of us fanatics will be tuning in this weekend and taking a front seat as we watch it all unfold on the NFL Network.

While the combine will draw a lot of interest from many football scouts and NFL executives, it won't take long for before their attention will quickly turn to the free agent market. We've already seen a lot of movement by teams across the league placing the franchise tag on several high-profile players such as; RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG) and LB Karlos Dansby (Ari). Players like the Panther's defensive lineman Julius Peppers and the Charger's running back Darren Sproles could be facing the same as teams plan their offseason strategy.

With 24/7 Total Access, we are seeing NFL GM's making cuts, releasing over-priced commodities, and remaking their teams for the 2009 season. Sure this is not hard hitting action, but watching some of our gridiron heroes of yesterday say goodbye to the game or move on to new pastures is never easy. It is often considered the cold hard reality of business in the NFL.

With all this talk of reality, it's time to take a look at the fantasy.

Fantasy Fixx

The 2008 Fantasy football season, brought about many highs, moments of glory, and exciting times for many owners that rode the legs of running back DeAngelo Williams, the arm of Drew Brees, and the hands of Larry Fitzgerald. Your weeks of preparation and studying paid off and you were rewarded with best of the bunch for 2008.

But what about those less fortunate fantasy owners that were once again snake bitten by this past season's frauds. It was just another turbulent season of fantasy football casualties and misfortune. It happens to the best of us.

So what side of the fence did you fall on?

If you had any of the three players I just mentioned, you probably had a successful 2008 campaign worth reminiscing about over the coming summer. But if you found yourself with a whole different set of players, you probably bought into the hype and used a high pick to grab one of these ballers, that 2008 would show us, were very costly picks.

Bust of the Year:

While there were many qualified candidates to fit the bill, it was tough to narrow my choice to just one. In St. Louis, quarterback Marc Bulger's early struggles with just three touchdown passes in his first six games put him on the list. In Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer's elbow struggles that eventually sidelined him, made him an early favorite. After his 2007 strong showing, watching the Brown's quarterback Derek Anderson's awful play with six picks in just four games put him into serious contention.

There were others that struggled in 2008; Raven's tight end Todd Heap (just 35 receptions and three touchdowns), the Cowboys wide receiver Roy E. Williams (just two touchdowns last season), the Bengal's wide receiver Chad Johnson (played like "Ocho Stinko" in '08 with just four touchdowns), and Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens (drafted as high the number two receiver overall) who barely finished in the top ten.

But my selection for 2008 must go to the Colt's running back Joseph Addai. In 2008 Addai had an average-draft-position of just under the six position. In most cases Addai was the fifth or sixth running back selected in most fantasy leagues. Unfortunately for such a high pick, fantasy owners were not rewarded with big production.

Addai started slow this past season and was slowed down even more with lingering injuries. He barely finished inside the top 40 running backs for 2008 and just made the top 100 (99th) with his 504-yards rushing, 206-yards receiving and seven total touchdowns. This was quite a drop from his 2007 season, where he totaled over 1,400-yards and scored a total of 15 touchdowns.

(photo by Getty Images)

Joseph Addai, my 2008 Bust of the Year.

Disappointment of the Year:

Is there really any surprise here that the Chief's running back Larry Johnson was the biggest disappointment in 2008. Johnson not only disappointed countless fantasy owners last season, but he let down a franchise along with a city for his actions of the field. As a result he missed four games and had another poor showing in fantasy. Johnson finished 2008 with 874-yards and just five total touchdowns barely ranking in the top 30 of running backs

(photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Larry Johnson, my 2008 Biggest Disappointment of the Year.

Casualty of the Year:

Having played fantasy football for many years now, I can easily sympathize with those owners last season that jumped on the Tom Brady wagon early, only to see it derail in Week one. It happens to the best of us, ask owners riding the Ronnie Brown train in 2007, and the Clinton Portis disaster ride of 2006. Granted neither Portis or Brown were selected as high as Brady was likely taken in most drafts this season, but their pain is still shared. For many Brady owners (not all), their run for a championship ended just after 18 offensive plays from scrimmage.

(photo by Jim Davis / Globe Staff)

Better luck next season Tom Brady.

WHAT'S IN THE MIX
...Latest News, whispers, and tid-bits...

Gearing up for free agency...

More teams across the board are gearing up for the impending free agency shopping spree that is expected to commence as early as Feb. 27. With more cuts made over the weekend and on Monday, the league is starting to turn pink as aging veterans, busts, and cap casualties are handed their walking (pink-slips) papers.

The latest teams to empty the closet are the Denver Broncos, who cut six players on Monday including veteran defensive players, LB Jamie Winborn and Dewayne Robertson. The Saints also joined the movement by releasing veteran running back Deuce McAllister. McAllister joined wide receiver David Patten as one of the team's early casualties. With the offseason moving full speed ahead, more cuts and releases are expected around the league in the coming weeks.

Looking back at the latest to hit the cutting room floor...

Notable Players handed their Pink slips;

DB Mike Brown (Chi)
DB Chris McAlister (Bal)
RB Deuce McAllister (NO)
DB Dre Bly (Den)
TE Nate Jackson (Den)
RB Fred Taylor (Jax)
DB Corey Chavous (Stl)
DL Dewayne Robertson (Den)
DL John Engelberger (Den)
LB Jamie Winborn (Den)
WR David Patten (NO)
WR Marty Booker (Chi)
RB P.J. Pope (Den)
WR Jerry Porter (Jax)
RB Ahman Green (Hou)
LB Morlon Greenwood (Hou)
WR Mike Furrey (Det)
DB Leigh Bodden (Det)
TE Dan Campbell (Det)
LB David Barrett (NYJ)
RB Reuben Droughns (NYG)
DB Sam Madison (NYG)
DB Sammy Knight (NYG)

Expected to be released or not re-signed..

QB Jeff Garcia (TB)
QB J.P. Losman (Buf)
QB Joey Harrington (NO)
QB Rex Grossman (Chi)
QB Jon Kitna (Det)
RB Edgerrin James (Ari)
RB Lamont Jordan (NE)
WR Darrell Jackson (Den)
WR Reggie Williams (Jax)
LB Bart Scott (Bal)
LB Andra Davis (Cle)
LB Mike Peterson (Jax)



Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!