06/11/2009

Patriots hope to stake claim as NFL's all-time best

AP

Quarterback Tom Brady, the NFL MVP in 2007, is back under center for the Pats after missing last season with a knee injury suffered on opening day.

With three Lombardi Trophies in the 2000s, New England has staked a claim as the NFL's team of the decade. A fourth Super Bowl and 12 regular-season wins in 2009 would allow the Patriots to stake their claim as the team for all decades, writes Rick Gosselin.
Gosselin's off-season rankings
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04/28/2009

Gansz made impression on young reporter
When I was a young beat reporter for The Kansas City Star covering the Chiefs in the early 1980s and trying to learn as much about the NFL game as I could, I would go sit in the office of assistant coach Frank Gansz mornings during football season.

NFL draft could get prime-time TV slot in 2010

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The NFL draft would remain on ESPN and the NFL Network, says Roger Goodell.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday the league was investigating the possibility of staging the first round of the 2010 draft on a Thursday night, then conducting the second and third rounds Friday evening and the final four rounds Saturday, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.
Gosselin's grades
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04/26/2009

Non-combine players make their mark in draft

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Second-round selection Mike Mitchell (34) of Ohio is the highest drafted non-combine player of the decade.

NFL teams spends millions of dollars annually scouring the nation to find the best draft-eligible college football players, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. The top 330 prospects are invited to the NFL scouting combine to be timed and tested, probed and prodded. A whopping 42 players who were not invited to the combine were drafted Saturday and Sunday.
 Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | NFL

Rick Gosselin's NFL draft analysis

AP

The Philadelphia Eagles took standout wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in the first round of the NFL draft.

The 2009 NFL draft is in the books. Which team had the best weekend? Who didn't earn a passing grade? Pro football columnist Rick Gosselin breaks it down in his annual draft analysis.
Cowboys' draft picks
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04/25/2009

Unexpected drops highlight first day of NFL draft

AP

Carter product Michael Crabtree was the No. 10 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFL invited Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford of Highland Park, Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith of W.T. White and Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree of Carter to New York for the draft. The most talented of those three Dallas players (Crabtree) had the longest wait Saturday before his selection, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.
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04/24/2009

Stafford looks like perfect fit for Lions with No. 1 overall pick
The Detroit Lions have not won an NFL championship since 1957. Not so coincidentally, the Lions have not had a franchise quarterback since 1957.

Rick Gosselin's final NFL mock draft

Baylor athletics

Rick Gosselin has Baylor tackle Jason Smith going to the St. Louis Rams with the second pick.

Here's the final word from the Goose. Rick Gosselin's third mock draft has quarterback Matthew Stafford going No. 1 to Detroit and Michael Crabtree as the first receiver drafted, by Cleveland at No. 5. The Dallas Cowboys, Goose predicts, will take ...
Draft tracker
Stafford, Lions a good match
Gosselin's Top 100
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04/23/2009

NFL draft: Rick Gosselin's Top 100

AP

Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree is No. 2 in Rick Gosselin's Top 100.

Who's the No. 1 player in the NFL draft? There doesn't appear to be a consensus at this point. But that didn't stop Rick Gosselin from ranking the prospects in his annual Top 100.
Mock draft contest
Mock drafts: 4/10 | 4/17 | Final version coming 4/24
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04/17/2009

Rick Gosselin's second NFL mock draft

AP

Linebacker Aaron Curry would help the Detroit Lions' ailing defense.

In the second of his NFL mock drafts, Rick Gosselin focuses on team need. For the Detroit Lions, the need is defense. And that means they should take linebacker Aaron Curry with the No. 1 pick.
 First mock draft
 Beat the Goose draft contest
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04/15/2009

Ex-QBs change position for better chance to play

AP

Pat White won 34 of his 42 starts at West Virginia and is the only quarterback in NCAA history to win four bowl games.

Pat White (6-0, 197) doesn't fit the NFL's quarterback prototype. He's seen as a potential Wildcat quarterback, or a slot receiver/kick returner. This is not enlightened thinking by the NFL, writes Rick Gosselin. Position changes have been part of the college game for years.
 Beat the Goose draft contest
Rick's mock draft
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04/10/2009

Rick Gosselin's first NFL mock draft

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Georgia's Matthew Stafford attended the same high school (Highland Park) as Detroit Lions Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne.

Here's the first of three mock draft offerings from The Dallas Morning News this month. When it comes to quarterbacks, if you don't have one in the NFL, you don't stand a chance. Georgia's Matthew Stafford is the top-rated quarterback in the 2009 NFL draft, and the Detroit Lions have the first overall selection. So pencil in Stafford to the Lions at the top of this draft board.
 Stafford's stats
 Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | NFL
 NFL draft: Beat the Goose contest

04/12/2009

NFL draft preview: Wide receivers

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Jeremy Maclin has been a touchdown-maker at Missouri, scoring 13 in 2008.

In 2008, for the first time in 18 Aprils, no wide receiver was selected in the first round of the NFL draft. There will not be a repeat in 2009. As many as six wideouts could go in the first. It's the deepest position in this draft.
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04/04/2009

USC's defense aims for an opening salvo

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Rey Maualuga (58), a three-year starter, was a first-team All-Pac-10 selections last season.

There have been better college football teams than the 2008 Southern California Trojans. But there has never been a better set of linebackers on a college team, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga, Kaluka Maiava and Clay Matthews gave Southern California a quartet second to none last football season.
 NFL draft: Beat the Goose contest
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04/01/2009

Cutler puts Broncos in a bad position

AP

Jay Cutler (above) became upset with the Broncos when his name was rumored in a trade involving New England quarterback Matt Cassel.

Because the Broncos are going to want a quality quarterback in return for trading disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler, Denver's options are going to be limited, Rick Gosselin writes.
Cutler's stats
NFL draft: Beat the Goose contest
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03/05/2009

Former Dallas Cowboy Terrell Owens running a fade route

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Terrell Owens had 69 catches in 2008, his fewest in a full season this decade.

Terrell Owens will be back in the NFL in 2009. That's because he's still a marquee name. But T.O., who turns 36 next season, is no longer a marquee talent, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.
• T.O. no lock for Hall
Video: Reaction | Cowboys report
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Terrell Owens is no lock for Hall of Fame
Terrell Owens has the statistics to gain enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But at his position, the numbers are no longer the ticket, writes Rick Gosselin.

02/28/2009

Once a draft power, Miami takes turn for worse

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Miami's Bruce Johnson had one interception in 2008.

Miami has had a first-round pick in a record 14 consecutive drafts, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. The Hurricanes kept the streak alive in 2008 when safety Kenny Phillips was the 31st and final player chosen in the first round, going to the New York Giants. If Miami is to extend that streak, cornerback Bruce Johnson, the only Hurricane invited to the NFL scouting combine last week, must carry the flag – and he doesn't project as a first-day pick.
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Too-short QB White sizes up as a Wildcat
Ronnie Brown appeared to be the ideal fit for the Wildcat offense of the Miami Dolphins.

NFL scouting combine review – Top 10
Rick Gosselin ranks the top 10 players on the draft board coming out of the scouting combine.

NFL scouting combine review – Going up
Four on the rise coming out of the combine.

NFL scouting combine review – Going down
Four on the decline coming out of the combine.

02/27/2009

Snyder's payouts aren't paying off for Washington Redskins

AP

The Washington Redskins gave free-agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (right) more than $40 million in guaranteed money.

The Washington Redskins captured another NFL offseason championship Friday, spending big money to sign Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and veteran Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall. But you can't buy a championship in football, writes Rick Gosselin. There are too many moving parts.
Free-agent tracker (from nfl.com)
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02/21/2009

NFL takes a dim view of some college stars
There aren't 50 players in this draft with better college numbers than Oregon's Nick Reed. As a football "player," he ranks with the biggest names in the Class of 2009, writes Rick Gosselin. But the draft is not about college productivity – it's about pro potential. Which means a player must hit the specific height, weight and speed measurements to get a look from the NFL.

02/15/2009

Draft pickings could be slim for Dallas Cowboys

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Wide receivers such as Percy Harvin of Florida figure to be available with the 20th pick of the draft, where the Dallas Cowboys would have selected if they had not traded the choice to Detroit for Roy Williams.

Jerry Jones will lead a contingent of Dallas Cowboys scouts and coaches to the annual NFL scouting combine this week for their first official viewing of the draft class of 2009, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. The NFL has invited 332 top college prospects to Indianapolis for a week of testing, timing and interviewing by its teams. The first round appears loaded, having been pumped up by a sterling junior class.
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02/08/2009

Rick Gosselin's NFL special teams rankings

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Leodis McKelvin was one of three Bills to score touchdowns on special teams this season.

The Buffalo Bills are the only AFC team without a playoff appearance this decade. Don't blame their special teams. The 7-9 Bills finished 25th in the NFL in offense and 14th in defense this season but first in special teams, according to rankings compiled annually by The Dallas Morning News. It was the third time in the last five years the Bills have fielded the NFL's best special teams.

02/03/2009

For Pittsburgh's Big Ben, his time in Hall will come

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Ben Roethlisberger (7) has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to two Super Bowl wins.

I was bombarded with the same question, writes Rick Gosselin. Is Kurt Warner a Hall of Famer? Turns out for two weeks we were talking about the wrong quarterback in the Super Bowl.
Photos: Super Bowl
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02/01/2009

Pittsburgh takes away sixth title from Super Bowl XLIII

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Pittsburgh's James Harrison rests on the ground after his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The Pittsburgh Steelers proved themselves to be great closers on defense Sunday night in a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, writes Rick Gosselin.
Cowlishaw | Taylor
Horn | Notebook
Photos: Super Bowl
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01/31/2009

Hall of Fame committee usually gets it right, and it finally did with ex-Dallas Cowboy Hayes
The system comes under annual criticism this time of year. But those of us on the inside have learned to trust that system.

02/01/2009

Super Bowl history says Steelers' defense will dominate

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Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu (left) scored on an interception in the AFC title game against Baltimore.

The Pittsburgh Steelers bring the No. 1-ranked defense to the Super Bowl Sunday (5:25 p.m., Ch. 5) against Arizona. Don't bet against the Steelers, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.
• Cowlishaw: Cardinals have right weapons
• Breaking down the Super Bowl
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01/30/2009

Steelers' LeBeau deserves spot in Hall of Fame
The NFL has a place for a 71-year-old defensive coordinator. The Pro Football Hall of Fame should, too.

01/28/2009

Undrafted players will play important roles in Super Bowl XLIII
Good NFL scouts find good players – sometimes even when they aren't looking for them.

01/26/2009

Pittsburgh pair have outside chance at Super Bowl glory

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James Harrison (92) is congratulated by LaMarr Woodley during the Pittsburgh Steelers' game with San Diego on Nov. 16.

It's been 38 years since an outside linebacker has affected the Super Bowl the way Chuck Howley did in 1971, writes Rick Gosselin. Howley may finally get some company in 2009 with Pittsburgh's James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.
Notebook
 Tell Us: Prediction?
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01/25/2009

Arizona Cardinals' Kurt Warner back in control

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Quarterback Kurt Warner threw 147 more passes for Arizona than he did in 2007 but three fewer interceptions (14).

Arizona Cardinals' coach Ken Whisenhunt staged an open competition in training camp between Warner and former first-round draft pick Matt Leinart.
Warner's HOF chances
 Tell Us: Prediction?
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Arizona Cardinals' Kurt Warner has Hall of Fame look
Historically, if you win two Super Bowls you can book passage to Canton. Only two quarterbacks who have won multi-Super Bowls are not enshrined – Tom Brady, who is not yet eligible, and Jim Plunkett. Kurt Warner could join that group of multi-Super Bowl winners Sunday, writes Rick Gosselin.

01/18/2009

Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals reach Super Bowl XLIII

AP | Getty

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin (left) and Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt will meet in Super Bowl XLIII.

The Pittsburgh Steelers share the NFL record with five Lombardi Trophies. The Arizona Cardinals have a 61-year championship drought, writes Rick Gosselin. Each earned spots Sunday in Super Bowl XLIII, to be played Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla.
 Tell Us: Prediction?

Crunch time for Ravens, Steelers

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Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle went airborne to bring down Santonio Holmes during the Steelers' 13-9 win last month. Today's game will be the fourth playoff matchup between the NFL's top two defenses in the last 30 years.

The two best defenses in the NFL square off in the AFC Championship Game today, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Brace for a disappointing afternoon. Either the top-ranked Pittsburgh Steelers or second-ranked Baltimore Ravens can be expected to have an off day.
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01/14/2009

Staying at OU will help Bradford's NFL future

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Sam Bradford may not be a richer quarterback for staying at OU, but he may become a better quarterback, writes Rick Gosselin.

Sam Bradford's decision to return to Oklahoma rather than turn pro will benefit the Heisman Trophy winner twofold - mentally and physically - as a quarterback, Rick Gosselin writes.
Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Colleges
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01/13/2009

With ramped up defense, run game, title could be in Cards

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With a rejuvenated run game featuring Edgerrin James (above) and Tim Hightower, it's not a stretch to see Arizona winning it all, Rick Gosselin writes.

The 2008 Arizona Cardinals are the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. That's why they have a shot to win it all, writes Rick Gosselin. The '06 Colts, a great passing team, struggled to run and stop the run in the regular season but became proficient in both areas in the playoffs. Arizona is following a similar path.
Matchup: Cardinals-Eagles
Team pages: Ariz. | Phil.
Inside the NFL
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01/12/2009

Son helps Dungy rediscover love of football

AP

Tony Dungy won seven division titles in his 13 seasons in charge of the Indianapolis Colts.

Tony Dungy is retiring from the Indianapolis Colts at the still young age of 53 as one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. The irony is Dungy has lost none of his passion for the sport, writes columnist Rick Gosselin. He'll just shift that passion from the sideline to the stands.

01/11/2009

Pittsburgh returns sanity to NFL playoffs, beating San Diego

AP

Steelers running back Willie Parker rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers.

Of the four teams that earned those coveted first-round byes and second-round home games, writes columnist Rick Gosselin, the Steelers were the only one to survive the weekend, pummeling the San Diego Chargers, 35-24. The Giants, Titans and Panthers were all one and done.
• Playoff schedule
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01/10/2009

2-14 Chiefs see better days ahead
When coach Herman Edwards looks at his 2008 Kansas City Chiefs, he doesn't see a 2-14 team.

Rick Gosselin's team-by-team draft review

Six big plays make difference for Ravens
The Tennessee Titans made all the little plays in their AFC semifinal game Saturday, controlling the ball, the clock and the vaunted Baltimore Ravens defense.

01/08/2009

Giants, Titans best of the bunch in NFL playoffs

AP

The New York Giants' running game features a three-player attack led by 1,000-yard rusher Brandon Jacobs.

No NFC team has won consecutive Super Bowls since the Dallas Cowboys in the 1992 and '93 seasons – but the 2008 New York Giants have the talent to become the first, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Tennessee stands the best chance of coming out of the AFC, according to the DMN's annual power poll.
 Playoff schedule

01/06/2009

Ex-Dallas Cowboy Haley falls short in bid for Hall of Fame again
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Charles Haley will not be a member of the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2009, Rick Gosselin writes. For the fourth time in five years, Haley was eliminated in the cut to 15 finalists.

Injury-riddled Ravens have no need for lame excuses

AP

Ravens nose tackle Kelly Gregg (right), pictured here in 2004, did not play this season after injuring a knee in training camp.

The Baltimore Ravens led the NFL in interceptions and takeaways and finished second in defense this season. The Ravens, writes Rick Gosselin, achieved their defensive excellence despite losing 46 games by starters because of injury. No defense in the NFL lost more games by starters.
Inside the NFL | Quick Take
Playoff schedule
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