FSH: MORE FOOTBALL DIARY

February 8th, 2008 9:30am PST




More Football Diary


This Week in football...

Cassel signs tender...
The Patriots quarterback has signed a franchise tender which will guarantee him over $14 million next season. With the signing there are all signs that Cassel will return to New England for the 2009 season, unless another team makes a worthwhile offer that he and the Pats can't refuse. Two things to consider before any deal would be entertained, one the trade itself (of course) and two, the health of Brady.

Cards let go of Pendergast...
Following an impressive run by the defense in the post season, the Cardinals have decided to go in another direction by firing Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast. This move comes as a bit of a surprise, considering how well the defense defended the run throughout the playoffs, shutting down; Michael Turner (Falcons), DeAngelo Williams (Panthers), Brian Westbrook (Eagles), and Willie Parker (Steelers). It's hard to figure why this move came when it did, other than to suspect it was coming all along. It is also fair to note that Pendergast was hired by previous Cardinal's head coach Dennis Green and not Whisenhunt. With the coaching position now vacant, there have yet to be any whispers of possible names that could fill it, but I wouldn't imagine that will last long.

Haley now a Chief...
The Chiefs made an offer and former Arizona Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley accepted. It wasn't much of a surprise as there were hints before the Super Bowl that KC was interested in Haley. Now that Haley has signed a four-year deal, it's not hard to see that new GM Scott Pioli is wasting little time to rebuild the once proud franchise in Kansas City. Haley brings with him some impressive credentials that include the huge turnaround in Arizona that included a franchise record 427 points scored in 2008 and an appearance in this past Super Bowl. He'll face an uphill battle in KC with some disgruntled veteran players, but will have plenty cap space to tackle the huge task.

Raiders hire Cable...
Was there really any surprise to hear Cable named the Raider's new head coach? It seemed like the longer owner AL Davis took to consider candidates and "other" options, the more it felt like there just weren't any takers. Let's face it, this gig can't be one of the easiest to hold in the league and over the past couple of seasons, this franchise has appeared more dysfunctional than anything else. While the team announced their choice, I can not help but think they had little choice and took what they could. Considering all things, I'm sure Cable is probably the best option for the Raiders right now.

Broncos could make changes...
According to the Denver Post, the Broncos could be looking to make some big changes to the defense. With a new head coach in town, the team is expected to revert back to a 3-4 alignment that could move defensive linemen Elvis Dummerville to outside linebacker. The changes won't likely end there. Linebacker DJ Williams could be moving his position back inside as well, but it is likely that the team won't make that call until after the NFL draft. Williams has played both inside and outside linebacker, so this will give defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and his staff some flexibility with selection in the draft and movement of DJ. The team using a 3-4 defense will obviously be looking for more size on the line and more speed and athletic ability on the edges. It would not surprise to see the team audition defensive lineman Jarvis Moss at the outside linebacker position as well.

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

The 2009 offseason as expected has been anything but boring thus far and on the eve of the Pro Bowl, there are rumors abound.

What's the latest:

Marshall's growing up!...
The Bronco's 2nd year wide receiver Brandon Marshall is apparently growing up fast. While enjoying his stay in the Hawaii, Marshall has decided to take a big step towards growing up, by getting hitched. Maybe this is a smart move, who knows, but it's nice to see the kid thinking about the big picture and keeping all things in perspective. Perhaps his days of off-the-field distractions will finally be put behind him. Time will tell.

Lewis in the Big Apple?...
That seems to be the latest word on the net. Ray Lewis called the Jets "an attractive option." It certainly makes sense with Rex Ryan the new sheriff in town. Ryan was a Defensive Assistant with Baltimore from 1999-2004 before being promoted to the Defensive Coordinator in 2005. Lewis has been with him the entire time, being drafted by the team in 1996. There's no question Lewis has been the heart and soul of the Ravens defense. It would be hard to imagine Ryan not entertaining the thought of having Lewis lead his defense again.

Martz to Arizona?...
Could this be true? There are some rumblings from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that the team (Cardinals) may have inquired with the Niners about Mike Martz. The former Niner's offensive coordinator was fired just two days after the end of the regular season. There have been no further reports confirming or suggesting any validity to this rumor, but it's not too hard to imagine Martz and Warner reuniting in the desert. Warner's prolific rise to stardom started with his days in St.Louis when he ran the Mike Martz offense.

Smith to sign with Niners?...
Amazingly is appears that quarterback Alex Smith may sign a new deal with the Niners. I say amazing, because this kid has been in the league for four seasons, started 30 games and in that time has not proven or shown that he is "the guy." Last season quarterback Shaun Hill seemed to have played well for the team down the stretch, so it's surprising to see that the team is not showing confidence in him as their starter. Hill may not be a great option right now, but Smith does not seem to be the right answer either. According to the Sacramento Bee Smith is expected to ink a new contract. I would be surprised, not shocked, but surprised.

Owens out in Big D?...
Now this is a surprising rumor that has been floating around. For quite a few weeks, several sources have been playing the angle that the Cowboys could be looking to release Terrell Owens. While nothing concrete has managed to surface just yet, there are many opinions flying around weighing in on the subject. I happen to share the same opinion of NFL Network's Jaime Dukes. I can't imagine the team or owner Jerry Jones releasing T.O., taking a cap hit, and not having a suitable replacement. Owens is still a great talent and big playmaker. It just makes more sense for him to stay put.


By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S FOOTBALL DIARY

February 7th, 2008 11:30pm PST




Friday's Football Diary

Dear Diary...

It's a week later, the fun and festivities of Super Bowl XLII have now subsided, but the memories remain. What a game! This one will probably remain with me for sometime. It had all the drama of a great matchup, big plays, big hits, and game changing plays.

I was on the edge of my seat watching this one, jumping up and down with the big plays, the show-stopping grabs, and the some of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history; Fitzgerald's fantastic 64-yard slant for six and Harrison's 100-yard stumblin, bumblin pick for six.

If this wasn't the greatest Super Bowl ever played, it was close and left me wanting more. Like all things in life, it fell short of perfection, but as a football fan, you could not ask for any better. With a great finish closes the books on a great season and just as one great thing comes to an end, so starts something new.

Next up, the 2009 season...

Just What I'm thinking.....

Now that we're about a week past the NFL's climatic spectacle, it's time to start turning my attention toward another direction. With only 77 days until the 2009 NFL draft, it's time to start thinking about what teams need, what they will looking for and where they will find what they need. Teams like the Chiefs, Bengals, Seahawks, and Rams will likely be in rebuilding mode this coming season and looking toward the draft to help fill a few of their holes.

Other teams will count on finding their answers in the free agent market. This will be the other direction that I will be casting my direction. There's still plenty of time to talk about the draft, but with free agency just around the corner, there's a lot to discuss.

Boldin in Arizona...
What I am hearing and seeing at the moment, it just sounds like too many bridges have been burned in Arizona for Boldin to stay put. The kid gave his all last season for the team, but it just could be time to move on. I can only imagine somewhere in Phoenix at a local bar, there are a handful of Cardinal fans hoping that what I say is not so. The Cards may think they have the upper hand having Boldin under contract (two years left), but I wouldn't drink that kool-aid. With his agent being Drew Rosenhaus anything can happen and I really don't see a deal getting done to keep the disgruntled receiver happy in the desert.

Cassel in New England...
With so many questions surrounding Tom Brady's return, you have to wonder about this move to tag Cassel. Certainly the Pats would like insurance, but to tie up so much money at one position. You have to wonder if there's more going on than meets the eye? Is Brady going to be back at 100% in 2009? Is this move simply strategy to give the team leverage to deal Cassel? One thing is for certain at the moment, this drama is not going to end anytime soon. The Pats will play this hand all the way to river card, but does anyone really think that both Brady and Cassel will start the '09 season in New England? I don't.

Houshmandzadeh in Cincy...
Surprisingly the Bengal's wideout wants out of Cincinnati. Why I am surprised, if any receiver would be leaving it would have made sense for the team to usher Ocho Cinco out, with all of his on-field and locker room non-sense. Don't get me wrong, I like number 85, but it seemed that last season, he may have become a bit of a distraction. To see that T.J. wants out would seem to put the team in a tough spot, unless they feel they can correct the "Ocho" situation. Houshmandzadeh could become a free agent in just a few weeks and the only way Cincy can keep him put is to place the franchise tag on him, but it'll cost them close to $10 million. While there's a lot that could happen here, recent reports indicates "Who's-Your-Mamma" wants to play in the west coast offense and Philly could be a possible destination.

Warner in Arizona...
After listening to several radio interviews, I am convinced like Warner I have no idea what this guy is going to do. I know I would like to see him come back. Although I don't know, I really believe he'll play in 2009. Warner played at the highest level in 2008 and also played great in the Super Bowl. The 37-year old kid, still has too much left in the tank and a great opportunity to get back to the big dance in 2010. I expect to see the Cards offer the kid at least a two year deal and I would really be surprised to see Warner walk away right now.

Lewis in Baltimore...
What I have read lately and what seems to be a good possibility, is Lewis in the "Big Apple." With Rex Ryan the head honcho in the "city that never sleeps" bringing Lewis to an already veteran defense could make a lot of sense. The Jets defense a year ago was very good at times. Lewis could add more physical attitude and having played for Ryan would be able to step in and lead. Lewis has been in Baltimore his entire career and it would make sense for him to finish his career there, but it could come down to what team makes the best offer, the Ravens or someone else like the Jets.

McNabb in Philly...
Following what I have to call an impressive run in the second half of the 2008 regular season and an appearance in the NFC Championship, if I am Eagles management I sit down with McNabb and give him the extension he's looking for and deserves. McNabb has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL with five NFC appearances, but of course he has not won many of those appearances. McNabb has stated he'd like to finish his career an Eagle, but if the team is going to reinvest in their future with D-Mac's arm they better get him some help. Donovan is under contract through 2010 according the Philadelphia Inquirer, so while the team will likely meet with their quarterback during this offseason to discuss a deal, one may not happen right away. If I'm a gambling man, I would expect to see McNabb get his extension along with a new weapon on offense.

My Fantasy Notes.....

The 2008 Fantasy season wasn't very kind to me in many ways, but being a football addict and fantasy freak, I greatly enjoyed the past year just the same. One of the reasons I had so much fun with fantasy football this past season was I drafted two of the top three quarterbacks.

I fell short of my championship run, but it was fun owning Brees and Warner; it seemed neither one was ever a bad play. Here are my top 10 quarterbacks from the 2008 season that were solid plays more times than not.

Looking back at 2008:

My Top 10 Quarterbacks...

1. Drew Brees (NO)...the Saint's quarterback became only the 2nd quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 5,000-yards. Drew also slung 34 touchdowns (tied for NFL lead) and finished 2008 with a 96.2 passer rating.

2. Philip Rivers (SD)...the Charger's quarterback had his best season as the teams starter passing for over 4,000-yards and tossing 34 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions. Rivers finished with a 105.5 passer rating to lead the league.

3. Kurt Warner (Ari)...the Cardinal's passer was spectacular this season completing over 67% of his passes and throwing for over 4,500-yards and 30 touchdowns. Warner finished the season with a 96.9 passer rating, third highest in the league.

4. Peyton Manning (Ind)...the Colt's quarterback started the 2008 season a bit sluggish, but finished strong passing for over 4,000-yards, completing nearly 67% of his passes and finishing the season with a 95.0 passer rating.

5. Aaron Rodgers (GB)...the Packer's quarterback in his first full season as the teams starter completed 63.6% of his passes, tossed 28 touchdowns, and threw for over 4,000-yards. His 93.8 passer rating ranked sixth in the league.

6. Jay Cutler (Den)...the Bronco's third year quarterback had a breakout season passing for over 4,500-yards and throwing 25 touchdowns. His 18 interceptions were second most in the league, but he also passed the ball over 600 times in 2008.

7. Donovan McNabb (Phi)...the Eagle's offensive leader was impressive in '08 completing 60% of his passes, passing for 3,900-yards and throwing 23 touchdowns. McNabb was also elusive scampering for 147-yards with two rushing touchdowns.

8. Tony Romo (Dal)...the Cowboy's passer was solid in just 13 starts. Romo completed over 61% of his passes, threw for 3,400-yards (265-yds/game) and tossed 26 touchdowns. His 91.4 passer rating ranked 8th in the NFL.

9. Tyler Thigpen (KC)...the Chief's 2nd year quarterback started only 11 games this past season, but still finished with over 2,600-yards passing and 18 touchdowns. Thigpen showed his mobility running for 386-yards and adding three rushing scores.

10. Matt Cassel (NE)...the Patriot's quarterback in his first year as a starter was impressive. Cassel replaced the injured Tom Brady by completing 63% of his passes, throwing 21 touchdowns, and passing for almost 3,700-yards.


By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (FOOTBALL 411)

February 5th, 2008 11:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[of football]

The Super Bowl may have just ended, but that doesn't mean the excitement has to stop. With all 32 NFL teams now focusing their attention to their offseason needs, fans are going to see a lot more action on the sidelines and in the locker room. With the 2008 season now in the books, it's time to start looking ahead to 2009 and see what teams will be doing.

This week's stories...

HALEY OFFERED TOP SPOT IN KC

Not only is FoxSports Jay Glazer reporting that the Chiefs have offered their head coaching position to Arizona Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, the Kansas City Star has reported that the team will be announcing the hire. This is really not a new story, as many rumors prior to the Super Bowl indicated the Chiefs had their eyes on the Cardinals offensive mind. Haley appears to be another one of those young up and coming very smart offensive minds. Once he gets settled in KC, it is expected that he will likely start over and rebuild the team. Veteran players like LJ and Tony G could be considered expendable or possible trade options as Haley works to put his new team together.

CASSEL GETS TAGGED BY PATS

As expected the Patriots placed the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel. It only made sense for the team to do this. Cassel was set to become a free agent and if the team didn't act they could get caught up in a bidding war. The tag will allow the Pats more time to work out a sign and trade deal. Right now Cassel's stock has to be at an all-time high, so the Pats could be looking at making some kind of deal to fill some of their offseason needs. Keeping Cassel could also be an unlikely option, even with a damaged Brady in the wings.

REEVES NOT RETURNING TO DALLAS

There were several reports out that the Cowboys and former Falcons head coach Dan Reeves were in negotiations regarding bringing in Reeves as some kind of consultant. Reeve's association with the franchise goes back to his playing days as a Cowboy and his relationship with Phillips. Current head coach Wade Phillips served on Reeves staff as an assistant, so it was no surprise to see that the team reached out to him. A recent report from ESPN indicated that the deal had seemed all but done, until some language in the contracts changed that ultimately changed Reeves' mind. There were elements in the deal that were important to owner Jerry Jones that did not make sense to Reeves, so the two were basically at an impasse and going forward no longer made sense. Perhaps the biggest news coming out of this whole ordeal, was the tiny glimpse and perspective that Reeves has been able to share with the football world, "they have a lot of decisions to make and that's (Owens) one of them." Does the drama ever end in Big D?

LEWIS NOT EXPECTED TO BE TAGGED

The Ravens are not expected to place a franchise tag on veteran linebacker Ray Lewis. According to team owner Steve Busciotti, the team is hoping they can resign Lewis to a lesser contract. Busciotti is hoping that Lewis will put finishing his career in Baltimore ahead of getting paid. While most of today's athlete's are more of the "show me the money" type it seems, Lewis is cut from more of the old-school, "I play with my heart." It will be interesting to see how this plays out. At 33 years of age, Lewis doesn't figure to have a whole lot left in the tank, but may opt to test the water. One will have to wonder what teams will come calling and what kind of offers they will make (if any). Depending on what kind of money is on the table, the Ravens will likely consider matching any reasonable offer, but don't expect Busciotti to overspend on his good friend, Mr. Lewis.

WARNER WILL TAKE HIS TIME DECIDING

With all the excitement of this past weekends festivities, it's back to reality and tough decisions. The Cardinal's Super Bowl quarterback Kurt Warner has indicated to all he's going to take his time to figure out what his next step will be. At 37-years of age, Warner has to face the reality that his playing career is at its' tail-end and retirement now becomes a real possibility. In a recent interview on a local LA-radio station Warner was very candid about not really knowing at this time what he'll decide and that he would take whatever time he needed to decide his future. While his decision remains in the air for now, it is certain the Cards will make a serious play to keep the free agent in Arizona. There are all indications if Warner decides to continue playing that he'll sign with the Cards. Only time will tell.

LJ MAY NOT BE THE ONLY ONE WANTING OUT

There are several rumors floating now that the Chiefs All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez wants out of Kansas City. Should anyone really be shocked to hear this? This is not a knock on Gonzo at all. He's a great player who deserves to play with a contender and it is very likely with a new head coach coming in, the Chiefs will start over. If the team does clean house and move into rebuilding mode, it could be several seasons before they are legitimate contenders. Hopefully the team will honor Tony G's service to the organization and give him an opportunity to play with a legitimate playoff contending franchise.

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

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

February 4th, 2009 10:15pm PST

"THE WATERCOOLER"

The GM Game.

Now the off-season begins...

Now that the excitement of perhaps one of the greatest games, let alone Super Bowls has subsided a bit, it's back to work for many of the NFLs General Managers. With the off season pretty much in full swing many of the NFL's 32 franchises will now be addressing many of their TDLs (To-do-lists) in preparation for the 2009 season.

For many of the GMs their focus will be re-signing some of their big names, as well as targeting some of the big free agents that could hit the market this offseason. Some of those notable big fish to watch in the off season would include; DL Albert Haynesworth, WR Roy Williams, DL Julius Peppers, RB Brandon Jacobs, WR TJ Houshmandzadeh, QB Kurt Warner, and QB Matt Cassel.

With so many names potentially on the market, this offseason will be interesting to watch and see where some faces may land and where others may stay.

Let's Play GM..

Sure without the related stress and pressure that comes with a high-priced executive position with any NFL franchise, it's easy to sit here, second guess, and offer my two cents.

Not that any NFL team is going to come knocking on my door and ask me for any advice, but if I were sitting in on one of their team meetings and the question was posed to me "where should we start?" depending on who's asking, here's what I would have to offer to some of the teams with the most cash to spend:

In Denver (est $34m under the cap)...
Now that you've thrown caution to the wind and decided to take a big gamble with a young and unproven head coach, it's time to make some big moves concerning personnel. The defense was an embarrassment in 2008 and improvement is greatly needed. At the top of my list for free agents targets is DT Albert Haynesworth (can dominate the inside line). Denver has the cap space to sign this big free agent and make him one of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL. His acquisition and arrival could have an immediate and tremendous impact. Making a run after and signing Haynesworth should be priority number one. Priority two will be to get him some help on the edges and names that could present the most interest to a franchise in need of a huge over-haul include; DL Julius Peppers (tremendous athletic ability) and DL Rocky Bernard (another tank in the middle).

In Arizona (est $41m under the cap)...
Now that you have completed your magical season and watched the clock strike twelve at midnight ending your happily-ever-after, it's time to get back to reality. The team had a fine 2008, but one of it's biggest reasons was the play of quarterback Kurt Warner. He's considering retirement of all things, and that just doesn't fit into our 2009 plans. Priority number one will be bringing Warner back for two more season, so you can make another run in 09. The two year deal will also enable the franchise to go in another direction for the future, if Leinart is no on board with holding a clip board just a little longer. For the Cards, almost as important as bringing back Warner, will be finding some quality depth at running back. There will be several veteran options available in the offseason, perhaps some names that should top your list; Derrick Ward (runs strong between the tackles, good speed), Darren Sproles (great scat back, big play ability, tremendous speed), and Fred Jackson (versatile back with good hands, good speed).

In Tampa Bay (est $42m under the cap)...
Thank you for hosting the Super Bowl, but now it's time to clear town and get to brass tactics. The Bucs fell apart at the end of last season with four straight losses. It's time for some major repairs. Griese and Garcia don't figure in the fix, so this franchise will go shopping for a strong arm in the offseason. With so many players nearing social security (for the NFL), the Bucs can't afford to leverage their future for one player and it looks like the Matt Cassel lottery could get costly, if the Pats don't tag him. Another name sleeping under some rocks could be the incumbent back-up in Arizona. With the Cards likely to resign Warner, Leinart may not be a happy camper in the desert and may look to be traded. There's really not much on Leinart as an NFL starter, because he's had limited opportunities, but he's a young quarterback that still has some promise left. But before the Bucs can go shopping for their next arm, they should make every effort to lock up the pair of good hands belonging to wide receiver Antonio Bryant. With Galloway pretty much done in Tampa, another receiver to compliment Bryant would be high on the list, as well as adding depth to the running back position via the draft or free agency.

In Kansas City (est $33m under the cap)...
The league's youngest club a year ago will have money to spend and players to move in the offseason, starting with running back Larry Johnson. That will be priority number one for this franchise. Unfortunately LJ has worn out his welcome in KC and it's time to part ways. The Chiefs won't likely release him LJ, but could tender a few offers if there are any takers. Johnson is carrying a huge contract, but he is clearly a misfit in an offsense that is designed to spread the field. If the team signs Arizona's offensive coordinator Todd Haley, it's not likely the new offense coming in would be in the same mold and not a great fit for Johnson. With a young team, a rebuild mode may be in full swing, so players like Gonzo and LJ could be expendable. Quarterback Tyler Thigpen showed some flashes and a lot of promise last season, so priority number one could be dealing LJ and Gonzales (for draft picks) and focus on finding younger talent in the draft to replace both. Free agent players the Chiefs should eye to help with Thigpen's growth and development would include; WR Malcolm Floyd (great deep threat), Devery Henderson (more outside speed to compliment Bowe), and Correll Buckhalter (versatile back, could offer stability at the position). LJ will be the hard sell, but releasing him would be a costly last option. There could be a market for Tony G with teams like the Cardinals, Ravens, Panthers, or the Eagles.

While I might not be tendering any big offers anytime soon from any of the 32 NFL franchises to fill their GM openings, playing GM can be fun and will be something that I'll continue to do as the NFL offseason gets into full swing.

As I have done here, in the coming days and weeks I'll continue to evaluate more team's current situations and developments as we move closer to the 2009 NFL draft.

So stay tuned.



Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL

February 3rd, 2008 10:27pm PST


THE 2008 SEASON IN REVIEW
My Highlights

To be honest I would hardly call this an actual season in review, but more a reflection of the past NFL season, from the eyes, ears, nose, and throat of a true football-a-holic. Seriously, it's not like I don't try to watch every game, three to four TVs on Sunday, just as many computer monitors tracking as many games as I can possibly fathom, and thank goodness for DirecTV with NFL Short-cuts. A full game in less than 30-minutes. Seriously, rehab may not be enough to cure this lost soul.

I was so excited when the NFL season began back in September, like many football fans around this great big pigskin. And just like many fantasy football gamers around this great big gridiron, nothing brings about more excitement on a Sunday, than a full slate of NFL games. The morning was always the best with so many games, so many TVs, and so much football action.

Like any NFL season, anticipation is at a high when things get started. This past season was no different and watching the Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass for 343-yards with three touchdowns and wide receiver Andre Johnson catch 10 passes for 112-yards in Week one, was enough to tell me this season was going to be something special.

Sure this season didn't set many records by season's end, but by season's end there was plenty to remember.

In Week 2, the Bronco's Brandon Marshall reminded the fantasy world why we should all take notice with 18 catches for 166-yards. Not to be outdone two weeks later the Chiefs running back Larry Johnson broke loose for 198-yards rushing and two touchdowns against the same Bronco's.

In Week 5 a rising star in Atlanta, Roddy White erupted for his second 100-yard receiving game of the 2008 NFL season. White would finish Sunday with eight catches for 132-yards and a touchdown on his way to 99 receptions and 1,466-yards with eight touchdowns. By Week 8, the Redskins running back Clinton Portis had rushed for over 100-yards in five consecutive games while scoring four touchdowns.

While there were great performances highlighting this season, how could I forget the incredible run Tennessee was on winning 10 straight games to start their 2008 season. Equally as impressive were the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, starting their title defense with eleven wins in their first twelve contests.

Watching some teams never get out of first gear drew some interest of surprise, like the Seahawks (losing five of their first six) and the Bengals (losing their first eight). Of course I can not forget some the unforgettable collapses; the Bronco's lose three straight to miss the playoffs, the Bills start 5-1 and lose four of their last five, the Redskins start 6-2 to lose six of their last eight, and the Jets losing four of their last five to miss the playoffs.

Probably the biggest highlights or inspirations of the 2008 NFL season, were two teams, the 2007 1-15 Miami Dolphins (11-5) whose complete turnaround in 08 will forever be remembered as one of the most complete reversals in NFL history. The other team, was the Atlanta Falcons. A team that truly rose from the ashes to an 11-5 record and wildcard playoff bid.

Everyone loves a winner and for 2008, the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles were winners. Neither team finished the season quite the way each had hoped, but for these two franchises there was plenty to be proud of. The Giants, Titans, and Ravens all reached the post season in 2008 only to see their football dreams come crashing down with losses.

And while we love a winner, it's always difficult to turn away from a train wreck that is the Dallas Cowboys.

The Chargers four game winning streak earned them a division title and a home game in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately they had to take their post season run on the road where it would stop in the Steel City. The Eagles would meet the same fortune as San Diego watching their flight land in Arizona.

As the season that was came to a climatic finish with the Cards and the Steelers meeting in the 43rd Super Bowl, it only seemed appropriate that such an exciting and fun-filled season should finish with two outstanding teams battling for NFL supremacy. Two days ago the football world witnessed perhaps one of the best, if not the greatest Super Bowl ever played between the Cardinals and Steelers.

If this wasn't the best game you ever watched, I'm not sure you'll be able to find another close to it on such a grand NFL stage. It will definitely rank as one of my favorites and will likely be one that I will remember for quite some time.

The season may have ended, but football never dies. Long live football and bring on the 2009 season!


Check back tomorrow for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis.

~The Prodigy