11/07/2009

Redskins just appear, well ... lost

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No team faces the pressure to win today like the Washington Redskins, writes Rick Gosselin. Washington owner Dan Snyder apologized to the fans last week for the horrendous play of his team. Snyder's players better share his sense of urgency. They better start winning. Now.

Blog: NFL

Schedule: Week 9

Deja view
The Cowboys were the best and most popular team in the NFL in the 1990s, winning three Super Bowls and appearing on national television a league-high 41 times.

11/06/2009

Reid and weep: Philadelphia coach's team has been been hard on Dallas Cowboys this decade
With Andy Reid coaching throughout this decade, the Philadelphia Eagles have finished ahead of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East in seven of the nine seasons, writes Rick Gosselin.

11/03/2009

Scouting the Eagles: DeSean Jackson will be a handful
In the third week of the season against Carolina, the Cowboys assigned cornerback Terence Newman man-to-man coverage of Steve Smith all over the field. In a battle of Pro Bowlers, Newman limited Smith to four catches for a harmless 38 yards, and the Cowboys won easily.

11/01/2009

Fullback foils Giants in Eagles' 40-17 rout

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Fullback Leonard Weaver ran the ball four times the first six games for the Philadelphia Eagles. But it was the rushing skills of Weaver on Sunday that propelled the Eagles to a 40-17 triumph over the Giants, writes Rick Gosselin.

Blog: NFL

Results: Week 8

Vince Young dodges errors in Titans' 30-13 win over Jaguars
It's not what Vince Young did Sunday that helped the Tennessee Titans win their first game after six defeats. It's what he didn't do – turn the ball over, writes Rick Gosselin

10/31/2009

Losses add up for Ravens' defense

AP

Rick Gosselin writes that linebacker Bart Scott might be the highest-impact defender in the NFL - not necessarily for what his arrival has meant to the New York Jets, but for how his departure has weakened the Baltimore Ravens' defense.

Blog: NFL

Results: Week 8

Ex factor
The NFL has been abuzz for the last week with talk of Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Favre returns today to the town where he became the NFL's all-time leading passer – but he'll return as the opponent.

10/29/2009

Young quarterbacks have NFL coaches throwing out old beliefs

AP

NFL coaches long feared the prospect of a rookie quarterback taking the snaps. Go with a rookie and you're going to lose. But not lately. Since 2003 there have been 11 rookie quarterbacks who have been primary starters. Seven have posted winning records, writes Rick Gosselin.

Blog: NFL

10/25/2009

Linebackers key Steelers' victory over Vikings

AP

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long built their defense around their linebackers. And those linebackers didn't let the team down in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, writes Rick Gosselin.

Blog: NFL

10/26/2009

Michael Crabtree catches on quickly with 49ers
Had the San Francisco 49ers gone to Crabtree earlier (he didn't see a pass until the third series) and more often, they may have averted a 24-21 loss to the Houston Texans. Crabtree is way ahead of the learning curve for San Francisco receivers, writes Rick Gosselin.

10/24/2009

Henne's past presents Dolphins with a solid future at QB spot

AP

Rick Gosselin writes that he likes quarterback Chad Henne's future with the Miami Dolphins because of Henne's past. Henne played four years at a major college - Michigan. And the Dolphins didn't rush Henne. Their decision to let him watch and learn is paying off now that he's starting.

Blog: NFL

Scoreboard: Week 7

Far gone
When the NFL assigned the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to play the annual overseas game in London, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones breathed a sigh of relief.

10/20/2009

Protection vital to Falcons QB Ryan
There's a reason the Atlanta Falcons traded up in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft to claim Southern Cal offensive tackle Sam Baker.

10/18/2009

Giants no match for Brees and Saints in 48-27 loss

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Drew Brees put on a passing clinic Sunday against the NFL's top-rated pass defense to propel the Saints to a 48-27 rout of the New York Giants in a battle of NFC unbeatens, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.

Blog: NFL

10/17/2009

Tomlinson must hand off to Rivers

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For the first time in a long time, LaDainian Tomlinson will not be the offensive focal point for the San Diego Chargers when they host the Denver Broncos on Monday, writes Rick Gosselin. It's time for Tomlinson, who turned 30 this year, to hand that role off to quarterback Philip Rivers.

Blog: NFL

Schedule: Week 6

Peterson must protect the ball to rank among the greats
Adrian Peterson has left an indelible impression on the NFL in a short period of time. He has mastered the art of the big play, the big game and the big season for the Minnesota Vikings.

10/12/2009

Texans stopped at goal line in loss to Cardinals, 28-21

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The Houston Texans were on Arizona's doorstep in the closing minute with a chance to force overtime. But like the Cowboys last week in Denver, the Texans failed to score on both third and fourth down and wound up losing, 28-21, writes Rick Gosselin.

Blog: NFL

10/10/2009

Nothing throws off Colts' Manning

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The Indianapolis Colts have been blessed to have Peyton Manning taking their snaps these last 12 seasons, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Manning is off to the best start of his brilliant career, having passed for 300 yards in a franchise-record four consecutive games. He is completing almost 71 percent of his passes and is averaging a staggering 9.8 yards per attempt. The Colts lead the NFL in passing and sit atop the AFC South with a 4-0 record.

Blog: NFL

Week 5 scoreboard

Wide receivers taken 10th have history of dropping the ball
Forget Jerry Rice. The San Francisco 49ers are hoping Michael Crabtree can be the next Herman Moore ... but live in fear that he could be the next J.J. Stokes.

Around the NFL
The story line in the NFC East this week is quarterbacks. Eli Manning of the New York Giants is hurting and Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles is not.

10/08/2009

Today's Kansas City Chiefs look like 1989 Dallas Cowboys

AP

Remember the 1989 Cowboys? All the pain and suffering in the stands? All the losses on the field? There's an encore performance in Kansas City this fall, writes Rick Gosselin

Blog: NFL

Contest: NFL picks

10/07/2009

Crabtree has a difficult transition ahead

AP

Being an impact rookie wide receiver is already a difficult task, and it will be much more difficult for Michael Crabtree, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.

Taylor: Crabtree's ego getting in his way

49ers agree to 6-year deal

10/04/2009

Giants road warriors again in 27-16 win over Chiefs

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There is no better road team in the NFL than the Giants. They proved that again Sunday with a 27-16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, which gave the Giants a rare sweep of a three-game road trip, writes Rick Gosselin.

Blog: NFL

Contest: NFL picks

10/03/2009

Winless Titans aren't that far gone

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The breaks that went Tennessee's way in 2008 are going against the Titans, writes Rick Gosselin. Now the Titans will attempt to do what only five teams in history have done: open a season 0-3 and still qualify for the playoffs.

Blog: NFL

Schedule: Week 4

Contest: NFL picks

Holding fast
Pittsburgh's Hines Ward has been held to a single catch in nine NFL games this decade. Twice he had to wait as late as the fourth quarter for his first reception.

09/29/2009

Dallas Cowboys scouting report: Denver Broncos
Stop the run and you stop the Broncos.

Lions coach Schwartz bringing a good vibe to Motown

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The Detroit Lions have been the worst team in the NFL this decade under coaches Bobby Ross, Marty Mornhinweg, Steve Mariucci and Rod Marinelli before hiring Jim Schwartz. They finally found the right guy, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in this week's Inside the NFL newsletter.

09/28/2009

Stafford helps Lions taste victory over Redskins

AP

It's the arm that separated Matthew Stafford from Mark Sanchez in the 2009 draft. It's also the arm that snapped Detroit's franchise-long 19-game losing streak, writes Rick Gosselin.

Scoreboard: Week 3

09/26/2009

For some NFL teams, being young bodes well for the future
The Houston Texans looked very young in a stunning 24-7 opening-day home loss to the New York Jets. Then they looked very talented in an equally stunning 34-31 road upset of the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.

Ryan has the 2-0 New York Jets walking on air

AP

The New York Jets needed defense to compete for NFL championships. That's why they hired Rex Ryan, writes Rick Gosselin. And defense is why the Jets are the talk of the NFL after two weeks.

Blog: NFL

Schedule: Week 3

Contest: NFL picks

Buy: NFL gear

09/23/2009

Montana: Spread can keep QBs from passing muster in NFL

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Joe Montana was in town to speak at the SMU Athletic Forum luncheon on Wednesday.

As a Hall of Fame quarterback and a football fan, Joe Montana can appreciate the spread offense. But Montana knows where to draw the line, writes Rick Gosselin. "It's a fun offense to play in as a quarterback," said Montana. "But it really doesn't help the guys going to the next (NFL) level."
Video: Montana at SMU Athletic Forum
Contest: NFL picks
Schedule: Week 3
Blog: NFL
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09/20/2009

Jay Cutler shines in Chicago Bears' 17-14 home win

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Jay Cutler (right) looked strong in the fourth quarter for Chicago againts Pittsburgh.

Chicago Bears fans were eager to boo Jay Cutler in his home debut, writes . But Cutler led the Bears to 10 fourth-quarter points with near perfect execution to power Chicago to a 17-14 upset of Pittsburgh.
Blog: NFL

09/22/2009

Scouting report: Carolina Panthers
Patrick Crayton has it in him. So does Terence Newman. Sunday would be an opportune time for the Cowboys to see it.

09/19/2009

Want a new coach? Not a problem

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Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has won two Super Bowls and ranks 15th all-time with 146 victories.

Rick Gosselin writes that there are six coaches with Super Bowl rings out of work. If you're an NFL owner wanting to make a change, do you wait for the bidding war at the end of the season? Or do you make your move in October or November?
Contest: NFL picks
Schedule: Week 2
Newsletter: Get it
Blog: NFL
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Young cats
Coach Jack Del Rio watched as his Jacksonville Jaguars endured a season of underachievement in 2008, finishing 5-11 with the sixth-oldest starting lineup in the NFL.

09/16/2009

Sweet nothings: Shutouts have been a rare NFL treat

AP

Seattle fans taunt St. Louis' Quinton Culberson after the Seahawks opened the season with a 28-0 win over the Rams.

The 1960s Detroit Lions had slam-the-door-shut talent on defense. But from 1959-72, Detroit managed just 11 shutouts. "There weren't a whole lot of zeroes back then," said Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, a cornerback on those Lions teams. Rick Gosselin writes that there aren't many zeroes in today's NFL, either.
Contest: NFL picks
Schedule: Week 2
Newsletter: Get it
Blog: NFL
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09/15/2009

Dallas Cowboys scouting report: New York Giants
The defending NFC East champion New York Giants have the deepest, most talented defensive line in the NFC, headlined by Pro Bowlers Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora.

09/14/2009

New York Giants' small receivers play big in 23-17 win

AP

Despite the loss of Plaxico Burress, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning found plenty of targets Sunday.

Washington couldn't contain New York's one big receiver in 2008. In 2009, the Redskins couldn't corral New York's squadron of small receivers in a 16-7 victory for the Giants on Sunday, writes Rick Gosselin.
Scoreboard: Week 1
Blog: NFL

09/12/2009

History suggests Stafford's NFL debut could be rocky
As the first overall pick of an NFL draft, Matthew Stafford has aspirations to be the next John Elway or Troy Aikman – quarterbacks who validated their lofty selections with Hall of Fame careers.

Speed trap: Aikman knows Lions' Stafford is in faster company now

AP

Detroit has named former Highland Park star Matthew Stafford, the NFL's No. 1 draft pick, as their starting quarterback.

Troy Aikman now lives in Highland Park. Matthew Stafford grew up there. Rick Gosselin writes that Aikman sent Stafford a text message last week after the Detroit Lions named the former Georgia star their starter - a word of caution and some advice about the speed of the game in the NFL.
NFL preview
Schedule: Week 1
Contest: NFL picks
Blogs: NFL | Cowboys

09/09/2009

Tom Brady is back, and so are the New England Patriots

AP

QB Tom Brady is one of the few New England Patriots left with three Super Bowl rings.

A healthy Tom Brady is back taking the snaps again in 2009, and the New England Patriots are once again the team as the NFL season kicks off Thursday night, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.
Cowboys/NFL preview
Schedule: Week 1
Contest: NFL picks
Blogs: NFL | Cowboys

09/05/2009

Will new Eagle measure up?

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LeSean McCoy had three 1,000-yard seasons at Pitt but didn't impress scouts.

With running back Brian Westbrook at 30 and approaching the mythical wall as a runner, the Philadelphia Eagles realized they needed to find another back. They found one. Luckily for the Eagles, Rick Gosselin writes, the rest of the league didn't seem to like LeSean McCoy as much.
Contest: NFL picks
Blog: NFL
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Right to the roots: Texas' young talents prove worthy pros
The high school football season is under way and college recruiters will be flocking to stadiums across Texas every Friday night.

Rick Gosselin's NFL rankings

09/04/2009

These days, preseason is open season for coordinators

AP

Former Cowboys head coach Chan Gailey is one of three offensive coordinators to be fired in the preseason.

NFL owners are going to hold head coaches accountable in January. It appears those head coaches are now going to start holding their coordinators accountable in September, writes Rick Gosselin. The new mantra for assistants is win now - even in August.
Contest: NFL picks
Blog: NFL
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09/02/2009

'Overnight' fix: Houston Texans turning lemons into lemonade

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QB Matt Schaub (8) and RB Steve Slaton are just two of the pieces that have helped make the Houston Texans a contender this season.

The St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens were classic beneficiaries of the NFL draft in the 1990s. And now, Rick Gosselin writes, there could be another such franchise – the Houston Texans. Having yet to post a winning season, the Texans suddenly have the glow of a contender.
Contest: NFL picks
Blog: NFL
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09/01/2009

Championships aid Hall of Fame candidacy

AP

The Green Bay Packers of the 1960s, who won five titles in a seven-year span from 1961-67, are the NFL's top dynasty, writes Rick Gosselin.

What is a championship worth to a player's Hall of Fame candidacy? Is there a way to quantify it? Rick Gosselin examines the questions in this week's Inside the NFL newsletter.
Contest: NFL picks
Blog: NFL
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08/29/2009

Daniel chasing a dream with Redskins

AP

Chase Daniel was 6-of-8 with 2 TDs in one preseason game for the Redskins.

As an undrafted college free agent, Chase Daniel is the longest of longshots to make an NFL roster in 2009, writes Rick Gosselin. The Southlake Carroll-ex is one of four quarterbacks in camp with the Washington Redskins. He sits fourth on the depth chart behind incumbent starter Jason Campbell, incumbent backup Todd Collins and 2008 sixth-round draft pick Colt Brennan.
 Blog: NFL

Saluting the great pass rushers of the past
The NFL did not recognize sacks as an official statistic until 1982. So even though Hall of Fame defensive end David "Deacon" Jones is credited with coining the term "sack" in the 1960s for his own pass-rushing prowess, officially the NFL credits him with zero career sacks.

Around the NFL
Antwaan Randle El is Washington's incumbent starter at wide receiver opposite Santana Moss. But the Redskins are giving second-year wideouts Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly every chance to beat him out.

NFL rankings: Greatest Green Bay Packers
Rick Gosselin ranks the best players in Green Bay Packers history.

08/24/2009

Orakpo's position swap plays to Redskins' strengths

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Brian Orakpo won the Lombardi Award as the nation's top lineman last season with the Texas Longhorns.

Brian Orakpo, who made a name for himself terrorizing quarterbacks as a defensive end with the Texas Longhorns, now must do the same thing as a linebacker for the Washington Redskins. He'll get plenty of chances, Rick Gosselin writes, as the position switch will allow the rookie to see plenty of playing time.
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08/22/2009

Hobbs is latest Patriots casualty

AP

Ellis Hobbs was traded by the Patriots to the Eagles in April.

At 26, Ellis Hobbs still has quality NFL seasons ahead of him, but he'll be spending them in Philadelphia, writes Rick Gosselin. The New England Patriots traded the DeSoto product to the Eagles in April for a pair of fifth-round draft picks. "I was more disappointed than surprised," Hobbs said. "I had given so much [to the Patriots] and battled through a lot of adversity. But that's how they do business."
 Blog: NFL
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The other side of Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis has built a reputation as a perennial Pro Bowl middle linebacker because of his ability as a run stuffer. But few linebackers in history have played the pass as well as Lewis, either.

Around the NFL
If Redskins middle linebacker London Fletcher is ever going to make a Pro Bowl, this is the year.

NFL rankings: Third-round draft picks
Rick Gosselin ranks the best players who were third-round draft picks.

08/19/2009

Philadelphia Eagles plan to make Vick a nightmare for defenses

AP

What Michael Vick (above) does best is make plays on the move, and Eagles coach Andy Reid will give him a chance to move, writes Rick Gosselin.

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, who spends countless hours trying to devise plays to cause problems for defenses, can't wait to inject a talent like Michael Vick into his playbook, writes Rick Gosselin.
NFL team pages
Blog: Cowboys
Newsletter: Inside the NFL
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08/18/2009

Favre, almost 40, isn't who you think he is
The Minnesota Vikings have signed Brett Favre. But they have not acquired the quarterback who won three consecutive NFL MVP awards. They acquired a 39-year-old passer whose best days are behind him, writes Rick Gosselin.

NY Giants putting faith in young receivers

AP

Giants quarterback Eli Manning (right) talks to receiver Hakeem Nicks, the team's first-round draft choice.

Eli Manning will take home $9.4 million this season as the quarterback of the New York Giants. He may have to earn every penny of it. With veteran receivers Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer gone, it will be up to Manning to make his receivers, writes Rick Gosselin.
NFL team pages
Blog: Cowboys
Newsletter: Inside the NFL
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08/15/2009

Mangini brings passion back to Cleveland

Getty Images

Eric Mangini is in his first year as Cleveland's head coach.

New coach Eric Mangini was anxious to get his Cleveland Browns out of training camp mode and into the stadium for a scrimmage last weekend in front of the largest crowd in training camp, more than 14,000 fans, writes Rick Gosselin. Mangini said he wanted his players "to appreciate what it means to play here." The overwhelming majority of his team has no such appreciation.
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Cutler finally gives Bears a No. 1 QB
The Chicago Bears paid a steep price for a quarterback who has started only 37 games and lost 20 of them. But when you don't have a quarterback – and the Bears haven't had one for decades – is any price too steep for a Pro Bowl passer?

NFL rankings – The outside LBs
Rick Gosselin ranks the NFL's best outside linebackers.

Around the NFL
The Detroit Lions are finding increasing value in Anthony Henry, whom they acquired from the Dallas Cowboys in a trade for Jon Kitna.

08/13/2009

Where Eagles dare: Vick signing more reason to fear Philly

Getty Images

Michael Vick (right) won't be scrambling to get away from the Philadelphia Eagles anymore. He is an Eagle.

Because the Philadelphia Eagles do not fear controversy, their rivals in the NFC East have something else to fear from the Eagles, writes Rick Gosselin. Philadelphia signed Michael Vick, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback still in his prime, to a two-year contract Thursday.
Eagles sign Vick
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/09/2009

Big day comes for Hayes as his teammates kept the faith

AP

Bob Hayes Jr. (left) and presenter, Hall of Fame quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys Roger Staubach, stand with the bust of Bob Hayes Sr.

Bob Hayes was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday – 35 years after playing his final NFL game. He spent 25 years as a modern-era candidate but never was a finalist. That's a long time to be overlooked, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.
Hayes commemorative area
Hayes' stats
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

The waiting's over for Pittsburgh's Timmons

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Lawrence Timmons (94) takes over for Larry Foote at Pittsburgh.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers released inside linebacker Larry Foote in May, his departure had less to do with what lay ahead of him as a player than what loomed behind him on the depth chart, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. The time had come for Lawrence Timmons to play. Timmons will line up alongside Pro Bowler James Farrior in the middle of the NFL's best defense in 2009.
 Timmons' stats
 Blog: NFL

Expect Bills' Owens, Evans to form combination that's deadly to DBs
Terrell Owens has been "The Man" on his NFL team since 2000.

Around the NFL
A week into NFL training camps and the bumps, bruises and sore muscles are starting to add up.

NFL rankings

08/05/2009

Don't dismiss Steelers' chances for another curtain call

Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers return 20 starters in their quest to win a seventh Super Bowl.

Only eight franchises in the 43-year history of the Super Bowl have repeated as champions. But don't count Pittsburgh out, writes Rick Gosselin. The Steelers have several reasons to feel both optimistic and confident about the 2009 season.
NFL team pages
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08/04/2009

Hayes' speed changed NFL in more ways than one

FILE PHOTO

Bob Hayes averaged 21.8 yards with his 46 catches and scored 12 touchdowns as a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys.

Bob Hayes not only changed the way the game is played with his speed - he changed the way the game is drafted, writes Rick Gosselin. His overall impact on the NFL will finally be rewarded Saturday with his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Hayes' stats
Classic Cowboys
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08/03/2009

Reception in Buffalo pleases Terrell Owens

AP

New Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens is entering his 14th NFL season with his fourth team after a stint with the Dallas Cowboys.

If you stacked the 32 teams in the NFL and ranked them where Terrell Owens would best fit, Buffalo would be No. 32. But that’s where Owens will play, writes Rick Gosselin. “This city has embraced me,” Owens said.
Link: Owens' stats (NFL.com)

07/28/2009

Hall of Fame shouldn't ignore Jim Johnson

AP

Jim Johnson (right) died Tuesday at the age of 68 after a year-long battle with cancer.

Assistant coaches do not garner any consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But Rick Gosselin writes that Canton should examine the credentials of Jim Johnson, who spent 22 seasons as an NFL assistant, including the last 10 as defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/20/2009

Michael Vick would appeal to teams without a franchise QB
What's the value of a Pro Bowl quarterback in his prime? If it's Jay Cutler, it's first- and third-round draft choices plus your starting quarterback. That's what the Chicago Bears paid for Cutler in April. But if it's Mike Vick, it's a whole lot less, writes Rick Gosselin.

07/18/2009

Route to Super Bowl doesn't require star receiver

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Roy Williams is the latest big-name acquisition to play receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.

As the Dallas Cowboys head to training camp, the story lines will focus on Tony Romo and Roy Williams. But come January, if the Cowboys are contending for a Super Bowl, the story lines will be the running game, the pass rush and defense, writes Rick Gosselin.
Blog: Cowboys

07/09/2009

Ellis never grasped his chance to be a leader for Dallas Cowboys

DMN FILE PHOTO 2008

Greg Ellis had grumbled about his diminishing role with the Dallas Cowboys in recent seasons.

When Greg Ellis retires, he'll inevitably want to sign a one-day contract with Dallas so he can retire as a Cowboy. When Ellis calls, Jerry Jones ought to hang up, writes Rick Gosselin.
Ware responds to Ellis' claim
Ellis' stats (from nfl.com)
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07/07/2009

There's strength in returning numbers for young Packers

FILE

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is one of 21 returning starters for the Green Bay Packers.

Four NFL teams return 21 of their 22 starters, but the Green Packers may be on to something, writes Rick Gosselin in this month's Inside the NFL. The Packers now boast a season of experience and maturity for a roster that was the NFL's youngest with an average age of 25.5.
NFL team pages
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07/09/2009

NFL off-season: Changes for the better

Getty Images

Franchise quarterbacks are harder to find than Super Bowl coaches. Chicago traded for one in Jay Cutler, writes Rick Gosselin.

Jay Cutler, traded by Denver to Chicago, is one of about a dozen NFL quarterbacks with the arm, charisma and willpower to carry a team to the Super Bowl. He's No. 1 on Rick Gosselin's list of the NFL's top 10 intriguing off-season moves.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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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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