http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2596 Recent articles about Byron Leftwich en-us Today begins a five-part series where we identify the 20 most-agonizing defeats in Jaguars history. Check back every day this week as we revisit 4 heartbreaking losses per day. Be sure to leave us comments about what you remember about those games. Don't worry: we promise to cheer you up next week during the series "Amazing Victories In Jaguars History." Enjoy!) #20 | 12/3/01 vs. Green Bay Packers / 28-21: The Jaguars and Packers clashed on Monday Night Football in only the second meeting between the two teams. The Jaguars held a 21-7 lead about four minutes into the 3rd quarter. But the legendary QB Brett Favre showed why he is the undisputed King of Monday Night Football. He led the Packers to 21 unanswered points, including a 6-yard touchdown run with 1:30 left in the game to defeat the Jaguars 28-21. #19 | 12/2/07 vs. Indianapolis Colts / 28-25: The Colts had a 21-7 lead at halftime and seemed to be on their way to an easy victory. But the Jaguars battled back to make the score 21-17 shortly into the 4th quarter. The Colts managed to get a fourth passing touchdown from QB Peyton Manning to go up 28-17 with 8:30 to go in the game. QB David Garrard put the Jaguars on his shoulders and began orchestrating a thrilling comeback. But he threw his first interception of the season that killed one important 4th quarter drive. The Jaguars did manage to get one more touchdown and a two-point conversion to pull to within 28-25. But the defense allowed the Colts to convert a 3rd-and-1 for a first down late in the game, and Manning simply kneeled during the last two plays to seal the victory. The win gave the Colts a commanding lead in the AFC South, eventually winning the division. #18 | 12/20/98 vs. Minnesota Vikings / 50-10: Jaguars starting QB Mark Brunell did not start the game due to injury, and backup QB Jonathan Quinn was thrust into the spotlight. Too bad he only threw for 88 yards on this day. The game was fairly close at halftime as the Vikings were only up 12-3. But then all hell broke loose as the Vikings scored 38 unanswered points on their way to a 50-10 shellacking of the Jaguars. The 50 points put up by the Vikings is the most the Jaguars have ever given up in one game. #17 | 9/9/07 vs. Tennessee Titans / 13-10: The Jaguars opened the 2007 campaign with some degree of uncertainty against their biggest division rival: the Tennessee Titans. Just nine days before the start of the 2007 season, head coach Jack Del Rio made the bold decision to release QB Byron Leftwich and promote backup QB David Garrard as the starter. Jacksonville had lost the last three games of the 2006 season, and Garrard's poor play was a key component to the Jaguars missing the playoffs. But Garrard was not the issue during the 2007 Week 1 matchup with the Titans: it was the run defense. Tennessee blistered the Jaguars for 282 yards on the ground, the worst performance ever allowed by a Jacksonville defense. The Jaguars only managed 72 yards rushing on offense. The Titans took a page out of the Jaguars' playbook by running the ball well and stopping the run en route to a 13-10 win. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287586 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287586 Today is the finale in a five-part series where we identify the 20 most-agonizing defeats in Jaguars history. Be sure to leave us comments about what you remember about those games. Don't worry: we promise to cheer you up next week during the series "Amazing Victories In Jaguars History." #4 | 12/8/02 vs. Cleveland Browns / 21-20: The Jaguars had taken a 20-14 lead with :56 left in the game against the Cleveland Browns. Coach Tom Coughlin decided to have K Danny Boyd squib the ball, which backfired as Cleveland was able to return the ball to midfield. Three plays later with no time left on the clock, QB Tim Couch tossed a 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to WR Quincy Morgan. The extra point was good, and the Browns escaped with an improbable 21-20 victory. #3 | 1/12/97 vs. New England Patriots (AFC Championship Game) / 20-6: The Jaguars had done the unthinkable in only their second year in the NFL by winning their last five regular season games and two difficult road playoff games to reach the AFC Championship Game. But the Jaguars did not put up much of a fight, and the legendary '96 run came to a disappointing end as the New England Patriots won 20-6. #2 | 12/26/04 vs. Houston Texans / 21-0: The Jaguars were riding high after a huge December road win in Green Bay the previous week, and playoff fever was starting to spread among the Jacksonville faithful. But on a cold, blustery December day in Jacksonville that kept many fans away, it really was for their own good as the Jaguars were embarrassed 21-0 by the pesky Houston Texans. QB Byron Leftwich, suffering from a mild concussion sustained late in the 1st quarter, only had 35 yards passing for the game before getting yanked late in favor of backup QB David Garrard. The Jaguars managed franchise lows with just six first downs and 126 net yards gained, and the loss was instrumental in keeping the Jaguars out of the playoffs again. The 21-0 loss was only the second time the Jaguars had ever been shut out. #1 | 1/23/00 vs. Tennessee Titans (AFC Championship Game) / 33-14: The Jaguars only had 3 losses during the entire season, and they all were at the hands of the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars took a slim 14-10 lead into halftime of the AFC Championship Game. However, the Titans forced four turnovers and scored 23 unanswered points en route to a 33-14 victory. The loss not only kept the Jaguars out of the Super Bowl but also was the beginning of a 5-year playoff drought. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287581 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287581 Today we continue with our fourth in a five-part series where we identify the 20 most-agonizing defeats in Jaguars history. Check back every day this week as we continue to revisit 4 heartbreaking losses per day. Be sure to leave us comments about what you remember about those games. Don't worry: we promise to cheer you up next week during the series "Amazing Victories In Jaguars History." #8 | 9/28/03 vs. Houston Texans / 24-20: The Jaguars had a 20-17 lead with about 2:56 left in the game against the Houston Texans until QB Byron Leftwich fumbled the ball away. The Texans marched down the field to get to within inches of the goal line with :02 left in the game. The Texans could have kicked a game-tying field goal, but head coach Dom Capers decided to go for the win. QB David Carr leaped in the air on the next play, breaking the plane before fumbling the ball. The Jaguars pleaded their case about the fumble. But the referees upheld the touchdown call, giving the Texans a 24-20 victory over Jacksonville. #7 | 12/17/06 vs. Tennessee Titans / 24-17: The Jaguars were 8-5 and seemed to be on their way to a second-straight playoff berth with only three games remaining. But Jacksonville found themselves in an episode of "The Twilight Zone" in Week 15 vs. the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars outgained the Titans in total yardage (396-98), total first downs (23-5), time of possession (44:22-15:38), and 3rd down conversions (10-0)…and still lost 24-17. QB David Garrard had a terrible game, throwing three interceptions and losing one fumble. The Titans used two interception returns for a touchdown and a fumble return for a touchdown to generate points in the improbable win over the Jaguars. For the Jaguars, it was the beginning of a three-game freefall that would keep them out of the playoffs. #6 | 9/7/03 vs. Carolina Panthers / 24-23: The start of the Jaguars' New Era under first-time head coach Jack Del Rio was on the road against the Carolina Panthers, and things were positive through the first 2.5 quarters. Jacksonville had jumped out to a commanding 17-0 lead. But the joy was short-lived as the Panthers stormed back to take an 18-17 lead midway through the 4th quarter. The Jaguars battled back to take a 23-18 lead. But QB Jake Delhomme tossed a fourth down, 12-yard TD pass to WR Ricky Proehl with :16 left to give the Panthers a stunning 24-23 victory. #5 | 11/25/01 vs. Baltimore Ravens / 24-21: The Jaguars had taken a 21-17 lead with 1:32 left in the game against the Baltimore Ravens. But Jaguars defensive coordinator Gary Moeller called for a prevent defense on the Ravens' next offensive series, and it backfired miserably. With :09 left in the game, Ravens QB Elvis Grbac found TE Shannon Sharpe for a 3-yard TD pass. Baltimore beat Jacksonville 24-21. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287582 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287582 Today continues our five-part series where we identify the 20 most-agonizing defeats in Jaguars history. Check back every day this week as we revisit 4 heartbreaking losses per day. Be sure to leave us comments about what you remember about those games. Don't worry: we promise to cheer you up next week during the series "Amazing Victories In Jaguars History." #16 | 11/23/03 vs. New York Jets / 13-10: It was dubbed "The Battle of Marshall Quarterbacks" as former Thundering Herd quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Chad Pennington squared off against each other. The game was a huge snoozer through three quarters as each team managed only three points. The 4th quarter was a different story. After the Jets took a 6-3 lead from K Doug Brien's 35-yard field goal with 12:49 left in the game, Leftwich and the Jaguars orchestrated a drive that lasted almost eight minutes. RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala rumbled into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown score to give the Jaguars a 10-6 lead. After two drives died quickly for both teams, the Jets took over on their own 6-yard line with 3:00 left in the game. Pennington threw on twelve straight pass plays as he moved the Jets down the field, eventually finding WR Santana Moss for a 3-yard touchdown score with :33 left in the game. The Jaguars' ensuing drive stalled inside their own territory, and the Jets won an ugly game 13-10. #15 | 12/1/02 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers / 25-23: The Jaguars were trailing 22-10 with about 12 minutes left in the game, but they clawed their way back to within 5 points when QB Mark Brunell found TE Kyle Brady on a 42-yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh would tack on another field goal with about 4:30 left in the game to go up 25-17. Brunell marched the Jaguars down the field, eventually hooking up with WR Jimmy Smith for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:19 left in the game. But the ensuing two-point conversion failed, and Pittsburgh held on to edge Jacksonville 25-23. #14 | 10/1/06 vs. Washington Redskins / 36-30: The Jaguars were coming off a tough road loss the week before to Indianapolis, and they were off to Washington to face their former field general: QB Mark Brunell. The thrilling game went back and forth as each team traded barbs well into the 4th quarter. With :06 left in the game, K Josh Scobee booted a 41-yard field goal to tie the game 30-30 and send it into overtime. The Jacksonville joy would be short-lived just 1:49 into the overtime period, as Brunell hit WR Santana Moss for a 68-yard touchdown pass. Washington outlasted Jacksonville 36-30, and it gave Brunell some minor satisfaction against the team that gave up on him just three years before. #13 | 12/17/95 vs. Detroit Lions / 44-0: The Jaguars' inaugural season was not a successful one in terms of wins. By the time Week 16 rolled around, the Jaguars were long since eliminated from the playoff hunt. However, nobody saw the thrashing that was coming courtesy of the Detroit Lions. Led by QB Scott Mitchell and RB Barry Sanders, they contributed four of the five Lions' touchdowns in the lopsided 44-0 win over Jacksonville. It was the first time the Jaguars were shut out, and it remains the biggest margin of defeat in Jacksonville history. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287584 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287584 Today continues our five-part series where we identify the 20 most-agonizing defeats in Jaguars history. Check back every day this week as we revisit 4 heartbreaking losses per day. Be sure to leave us comments about what you remember about those games. Don't worry: we promise to cheer you up next week during the series "Amazing Victories In Jaguars History." #16 | 11/23/03 vs. New York Jets / 13-10: It was dubbed "The Battle of Marshall Quarterbacks" as former Thundering Herd quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Chad Pennington squared off against each other. The game was a huge snoozer through three quarters as each team managed only three points. The 4th quarter was a different story. After the Jets took a 6-3 lead from K Doug Brien's 35-yard field goal with 12:49 left in the game, Leftwich and the Jaguars orchestrated a drive that lasted almost eight minutes. RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala rumbled into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown score to give the Jaguars a 10-6 lead. After two drives died quickly for both teams, the Jets took over on their own 6-yard line with 3:00 left in the game. Pennington threw on twelve straight pass plays as he moved the Jets down the field, eventually finding WR Santana Moss for a 3-yard touchdown score with :33 left in the game. The Jaguars' ensuing drive stalled inside their own territory, and the Jets won an ugly game 13-10. #15 | 12/1/02 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers / 25-23: The Jaguars were trailing 22-10 with about 12 minutes left in the game, but they clawed their way back to within 5 points when QB Mark Brunell found TE Kyle Brady on a 42-yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh would tack on another field goal with about 4:30 left in the game to go up 25-17. Brunell marched the Jaguars down the field, eventually hooking up with WR Jimmy Smith for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:19 left in the game. But the ensuing two-point conversion failed, and Pittsburgh held on to edge Jacksonville 25-23. #14 | 10/1/06 vs. Washington Redskins / 36-30: The Jaguars were coming off a tough road loss the week before to Indianapolis, and they were off to Washington to face their former field general: QB Mark Brunell. The thrilling game went back and forth as each team traded barbs well into the 4th quarter. With :06 left in the game, K Josh Scobee booted a 41-yard field goal to tie the game 30-30 and send it into overtime. The Jacksonville joy would be short-lived just 1:49 into the overtime period, as Brunell hit WR Santana Moss for a 68-yard touchdown pass. Washington outlasted Jacksonville 36-30, and it gave Brunell some minor satisfaction against the team that gave up on him just three years before. #13 | 12/17/95 vs. Detroit Lions / 44-0: The Jaguars' inaugural season was not a successful one in terms of wins. By the time Week 16 rolled around, the Jaguars were long since eliminated from the playoff hunt. However, nobody saw the thrashing that was coming courtesy of the Detroit Lions. Led by QB Scott Mitchell and RB Barry Sanders, they contributed four of the five Lions' touchdowns in the lopsided 44-0 win over Jacksonville. It was the first time the Jaguars were shut out, and it remains the biggest margin of defeat in Jacksonville history. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287584 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287584 Today we continue with our five-part series where we identify the 20 most thrilling wins in Jaguars history. Check back every day this week as we revisit 4 amazing victories per day. Be sure to leave us comments about what you remember about those games. Enjoy! #16 | 11/9/03 vs. Indianapolis Colts / 28-23: The Jaguars were 1-7 heading into this Week 10 game in Coach Jack Del Rio's inaugural season, and he was fed up at halftime when the Jaguars were down 20-7 to the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts. He had a raging meltdown where he lit into his team and smashed a glass in the locker room to get their attention. It worked brilliantly. Not to mention that RB Fred Taylor had his own motivation for playing the Colts on this day. Rookie S Mike Doss disrespected Taylor during the September 2003 matchup between these two foes by pushing Taylor's head into the ground unnecessarily. Taylor promised to punish Doss, and he did that and more. With 1:14 left in the game, Taylor ran 32 yards of his 152 yards on one play, flattening Doss en route to the game-winning touchdown score. The Jaguars held on 28-23 for the win. It was the first time the Jaguars had won a game against Indianapolis. #15 | 9/18/06 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers / 9-0: There are three constants in life: death, taxes, and Jaguars-Steelers slugfests. Rewind to Week 14 of the 2004 season when the Steelers and the Terrible Towels of the Pittsburgh faithful invaded Alltel Stadium and escaped with a narrow 17-16 win. That loss, as painful as it was, energized the Jaguars fan base into taking back our house. When Week 2 of the 2006 rolled around, the Monday night football atmosphere was electric. That sea of yellow from 2004 turned into a sea of teal jerseys and white wiggle sticks as the Jaguars fans celebrated a hard-fought 9-0 victory over the Steelers. Pittsburgh only managed 9 first downs and 26 rushing yards, the lowest rushing total ever during the Bill Cowher tenure. #14 | 10/28/07 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers / 24-23: The Jaguars were coming off an extremely disappointing Monday night football loss the week before to the Indianapolis Colts in which several key players were injured. Backup players such as QB Quinn Gray, RB LaBrandon Toefield, and CB Aaron Glenn were asked to shoulder the load in the short week leading up to the game versus the Buccaneers. The Jaguars were facing the ageless veteran QB Jeff Garcia, who had resurrected his career in Tampa Bay and had not thrown a single interception through Week 7. The Jaguars took a 17-13 lead into halftime, even with Gray only throwing two passes the entire first half. Tampa Bay would answer with 10 points in the 3rd quarter as their defense stiffened and helped the Buccaneers take a 23-17 lead. But with 11:37 left in the 4th quarter, Gray found WR Matt Jones on a fade route that resulted in an 8-yard touchdown score. The score was 24-23. Garcia and the Buccaneers had their chances late in the game, but an easy touchdown pass to WR Ike Hilliard was overthrown and a late interception (Garcia's third of the day) sealed the improbable win for Jacksonville 24-23. It was the first time a quarterback making his first start had beaten a Monte Kiffin defense. Gray only threw 7 passes the entire day, tying a Jaguars franchise record. #13 | 9/12/04 vs. Buffalo Bills / 13-10: The Jaguars traveled to Buffalo to face the Bills in Week 1. Jacksonville was hoping to jumpstart a lifeless offense that had many fans grumbling in the preseason. The woes continued as the Jaguars only managed 3 points by halftime, but they continued to claw their way back as the game progressed. Trailing 10-6 with 1:18 left in the game and facing a 4th and 14 situation at the Jacksonville 34-yard line, QB Byron Leftwich found WR Jimmy Smith on a 45-yard bomb that moved the Jaguars into Buffalo territory. But the Bills would force another 4th down situation. With :33 left and facing 4th and 2, Leftwich took the snap in the shotgun and found WR Troy Edwards for a 6-yard gain to the Bills' 7-yard line. After three straight incomplete passes, the Jaguars were facing their third 4th down conversion situation on the drive. With :04 left, Leftwich took the snap, threw the ball toward the back of the end zone, and rookie WR Ernest Wilford came down with the ball. The referees reviewed the play and determined that Wilford was forced out. Touchdown, Jacksonville! The Jaguars escaped with a thrilling 13-10 come-from-behind victory. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287579 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287579 Today begins a five-part series where we identify the 20 most thrilling wins in Jaguars history. Check back every day this week as we revisit 4 amazing victories per day. Be sure to leave us comments about what you remember about those games. Enjoy! #20 | 10/1/95 vs. Houston Oilers / 17-16: Win #1 out of 113 franchise wins so far. The Jaguars had lost their inaugural regular season home game in Jacksonville to the Oilers back in Week 1, and were 0-4 heading into the rematch in Houston. The Jaguars took a 10-6 lead into halftime, but found themselves down 16-10 in the 4th quarter. The tides would turn in the Jaguars' favor as QB Mark Brunell hit WR Desmond Howard for a 15-yard TD strike that won the game 17-16. #19 | 9/19/04 vs. Denver Broncos / 7-6: From the beginning of the 2004 preseason, the Jaguars' offense was a sputtering disaster. This game was no different as the Jaguars only managed 8 first downs, 176 passing yards, and 67 rushing yards. The Jaguars held a slim 7-6 lead at halftime, and the majority of the second half was nothing more than a punter's paradise. Toward the end of the 3rd quarter, Denver K Jason Elam missed a 51-yard field goal that would've given the Broncos the lead. But Denver got another chance. With 2:20 in the game, QB Jake Plummer led the Broncos down the field from their 11-yard line to Jaguars 23-yard line. Facing a 3rd and 9 with :37 left, the Broncos could have tried an easy field goal. But Coach Mike Shanahan elected to run one more play. It would backfire as RB Quentin Griffin fumbled the ball, and the Jaguars recovered to seal the ugly yet improbable victory 7-6. #18 | 12/16/07 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers / 29-22: The first of five classic Jaguars-Steelers games in this countdown. The Jaguars traveled to chilly Pittsburgh to face the Steelers with playoff fever in the wintry air. Jacksonville mauled Pittsburgh in the trenches, and took a commanding 22-7 lead heading into the 4th quarter. But a short pass from QB David Garrard intended for RB Greg Jones was tipped and intercepted by the Steelers. It sparked a 15-point turnaround by Pittsburgh, and the game was tied 22-22. Jacksonville used their double-shot RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to pound the Steelers run defense, running time off the clock in the process. With 2:02 left in the game, Taylor burst through the Steelers defense for a 12-yard touchdown score to give the Jaguars a 29-22 lead. Pittsburgh attempted one more comeback, but the drive stalled at the Jaguars' 45-yard line, giving Jacksonville a big AFC road win and inching them closer to a Wild Card rematch with the Steelers only weeks later. RB Fred Taylor also set a Heinz Field rushing record with 147 yards on this day. #17 | 9/25/05 vs. New York Jets / 26-20: The Jaguars were smarting from a tough loss the week before in Indianapolis, and they were looking to rebound against the New York Jets in Week 3. The Jaguars took a 10-7 lead at halftime thanks in part to RB Fred Taylor's franchise-record 37 rushing attempts for the game. But Jacksonville started off the 3rd quarter miserably as QB Byron Leftwich's fumble was returned 33 yards for a Jets touchdown score. The Jaguars would retake the lead 20-17 into the 4th quarter, and seemed to be heading for a victory with 3:17 in the game. But a costly fumble by WR Reggie Williams gave New York new life. With 1:24 left to play, Pennington threw what appeared to be a game-clinching touchdown pass. But the play was overturned, and the Jets had to settle for a field goal to tie the game at 20-20. The two teams took the brawl into overtime, and the football gods chose Jacksonville on this day. On 3rd and 12, Leftwich called an audible and threw a beautiful ball to a streaking WR Jimmy Smith for a 36-yard touchdown score. The Jaguars won the overtime thriller 26-20. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287580 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287580 (listening pleasure: Timebomb - Beck) Pacman Jones TNA memorabilia is going fast… get it while you still can! Rep The Namesake! - Mondesi's House The Baltimore Ravens have started flirting with Byron Leftwich a little. - Baltimore Sun Leftwich is also "euphoric" that Jack Del Rio Shooter McGavin handed him his walking papers. Is he euphoric about losing [...] Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:41:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283394 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283394 Quarterbacks This isn't a great need for the Falcons but a good choice for a backup. 1. Quinn Gray, Texans. Age: 29. 2. Daunte Culpepper, Raiders. Age: 31. 3. Byron Leftwich, Falcons. Age: 28. 4. Craig Nall, Packers. Age: 29. 5. Tim Hasselback, Cardinals. Age: 30. Running Backs This might be a need for a change - of - pace back. 1. Ryan Grant [...] Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:18:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281984 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281984 Almost daily, I read comments from the Raider Nation contemplating, proposing, and even campaigning for free agents that they'd like to see the Oakland Raiders sign. Until June 1st, it's unlikely the Raiders will sign many, if any free agents. According to Fox Sports, the Raiders are sitting at $106,555,076, while the cap is $116 million. That leaves only $9,444,924, roughly a little less that Nnamdi Asomugha is due when he signs his tender for being the Raiders franchise player. Since the Raiders somehow always find a way to fit everyone under the cap, it's not out of the realm of possibility that they may find a way to sign a few of these free agents still available. Tue, 27 May 2008 14:12:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/271445 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/271445 Just because the vast majority of big name free agents are off the board doesn't mean the talent pool has emptied. Screaming Sports' Serena Hays takes a look at several remaining free agents and the impact they could have both on the field and in the fantasy world... Sat, 24 May 2008 08:08:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/270540 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/270540 LOL! someone made a 10 list of players that should retire & NOW lol!!!!! some i agree with & some i don't!!! THOUGHTS?? 1. Jason Taylor, DE, Miami Dolphins: By skipping a big chunk of the offseason workout program so he could cut a rug in a dancing competition aimed at reviving the careers of has beens or kick-starting the show business runs of wannabes, Taylor is making it known that his passion for football has waned. Unless, of course, he can't parlay his twice-per-week exposure on national television into something that pays better. He still has the physical tools to play in the NFL, but football isn't really a priority for him anymore. If it were, he'd save the Fred Astaire routine for later. 2. Zach Thomas, ILB, Dallas Cowboys: I'm not a neurologist (and have not played one on television or stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night, or ever). The fact that being in a fender-bender caused Thomas to develop post-concussion syndrome tells me he has had his brain box busted a few times too many. Maybe he should be the one Dancing with the Stars -- it's a better outcome than regularly seeing them. (New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Dan Morgan and St. Louis Rams quarterback Trent Green fall into this category as well, but without the fender-bender. It would have been easy to make them No. 3 and No. 4 on the list with "See Zach Thomas" as the explanation, but I get paid by the word. Yes. I do. By the word. Punctuation. Too.) 3. Michael Strahan, DE, New York Giants: Last year, Strahan wanted more money. When he didn't get it, he stayed away from training camp as he "contemplated retirement," which most folks interpreted to mean, "hoped for more money or a trade to a contender." The irony is he ended up playing for a legitimate contender and landing an unlikely Super Bowl trophy. Strahan's best move would be to get out while he's still reasonably healthy and parlay that title into a media career that would instantly eclipse the well-engineered (but poorly executed) post-football endeavors of former teammate/nemesis Tiki Barber. 4. Brad Johnson, QB, Dallas Cowboys: With Vinny Testaverde finally packing it in, Johnson now is the official over-the-hill quarterback with the arm strength of a Tyrannosaurus. Johnson was dreadful in his final season as a starter with the Minnesota Vikings; if Tony Romo ever gets hurt, the team facing the Cowboys can confidently replace its safeties with nose tackles. 5. Byron Leftwich, QB, free agent: I actually feel bad for Leftwich. After four NFL seasons, Leftwich was abruptly dumped by the Jacksonville Jaguars in favor of a career backup who now has pocketed a big-money contract. Leftwich, meanwhile, was deemed to be not good enough for the quarterback-starved Atlanta Falcons and still is waiting for the phone to ring. He should exercise what little remaining control he has over his life by ripping the phone out of the wall. Permanently. 6. Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens: Ogden is another guy who should quit talking about retirement and just do it. For the future Hall of Famer, however, it's not about whether he loves the game. It's about whether he can continue to use a constantly injured toe to push off his 345-pound frame. (Then again, it's likely the toe is constantly injured from all those years of doing just that.) 7. Orlando Pace, OT, Rams: Although the first overall pick in the 1997 draft hasn't mused about calling it quits, he should. As the cornerstone of St. Louis' offensive line, Pace has been too injured far too often. The Rams can no longer rely on him, and Pace can no longer rely on his body. The team might give him a nudge in a few weeks by drafting Michigan's Jake Long. If Pace doesn't take the hint, the smarter move might be to move him to right tackle and treat any game in which he's actually able to play like a $20 bill found in an old pair of stone-washed jeans. 8. Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals: In a misguided effort to get out of town, the Bengals' No. 1 wideout has been threatening to retire. Coach Marvin Lewis has called his bluff. Johnson should call Marvin's bluff and pack it in. Not because it's in Johnson's best long-term interests to do so, but because the football-following world is sick of listening to his routine. The only problem is someone would likely hire Johnson to talk about football on television. So maybe it's better if he doesn't retire. Ever. 9. Troy Brown, WR, free agent: Brown is a legend in New England, but the Patriots aren't interested in bringing him back for another year. Arguably, however, Brown has been on scholarship for several seasons; he has started only 12 games in four years. Last month, Brown visited the Jets. Sure, he's free to go where he wants, but why taint his legacy in Boston to spend another season riding the pine? He has as much of a claim to the launch of the Pats' dynasty as does Tom Brady or Adam Vinatieri. If Brown finishes his career in another helmet, the memory of Pats fans regarding this specific point could fade a bit. 10. Matt Jones, WR, Jaguars: Three years ago, Jones created a huge buzz in the days leading up to the draft. Chris Mortensen of ESPN sang Jones' praises, predicting he'd qualify for more Pro Bowls than pretty much any of the rest of the skill-position players taken in Round 1. But in his third year -- the one in which receivers are supposed to break out -- Jones had a career low in catches (24) and yards (317). Although he still has the physical tools to remain in the NFL for several more years, the reality is that Jones, by all appearances, doesn't care. And if he doesn't care, he should quit. There are too many guys with less natural ability, but loads more desire and heart. Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a frequent contributor to Sporting News. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:10:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231977 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231977 Leftwich led his team to the playoffs in 2006 and appeared to be a franchise quarterback. Two years later, he's been dropped by two teams and it seems as if no NFL team wants him at all. Is there anything else aside from frequent injuries that would keep you from picking up Leftwich? Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:46:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/209122 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/209122 The first wave of free agency is essentially over. However, teams looking for help on the offensive line can still find quality starters. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper Byron Leftwich Quinn Gray Gus Frerotte Tim Rattay Kelly Holcomb Trent Dilfer Craig Nall Marques Tuiasosopo Running Back Kevin Jones Ron Dayne Michael Pittman Musa Smith Mike Anderson Anthony Thomas Verron Haynes Fullback Lorenzo Neal Dan Kreider Cecil Sapp Jim Finn Wide Receiver D.J. Hackett Bryant Johnson Eddie Kennison David Givens Eric Moulds Samie Parker Reche Caldwell Peerless Price Robert Ferguson Keenan McCardell Tim Carter Jerheme Urban Troy Walters Aaron Moorehead Tim Dwight Troy Brown Bryan Gilmore Tight End L.J. Smith (franchise player) Bubba Franks Kris Wilson Marcus Pollard Dwayne Blakley Jason Dunn Stephen Alexander Jerramy Stevens Ryan Krause Christian Fauria Aaron Walker Offensive Tackle Stacy Andrews (franchise player) Fred Miller Max Starks (transition player) Shane Olivea Barry Sims Anthony Clement L.J. Shelton Oliver Ross Jason Fabini Wayne Gandy Mike Rosenthal Nat Dorsey Barry Stokes Stockar McDougle Guard Chris Naeole Jake Scott Fred Weary Floyd Womack John Welbourn Tutan Reyes Ruben Brown Matt Lehr (C) Seth McKinney Todd Steussie Milford Brown Center Justin Hartwig Mike Flynn Casey Wiegmann Mike Flanagan Jeremy Newberry Brett Romberg Kicker Jason Elam Olindo Mare Morten Andersen Aaron Elling Punter Mitch Berger Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:43:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/203042 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/203042 funny headline i know but that was just my way to get you to read my QB power rankings. i will adjust it if your comments convince me. 1.PEYTON MANNING-possible best ever 2.TOM BRADY-he knocked up 2 supermodels-at the same time! 3.MATT HASSELBECK-great leadership, complete package 4.BRETT FAVRE-so reliable 5.DONAVAN MCNABB-deservers alot better rep. 6.CARSON PALMER-great talent 7.ELI MANNING-he won a superbowl 8.DREW BREES-great vision and good accuracy 9.TONY ROMO-never stops suprising me 10.BEN ROETHLISBERGER-my brothers and i couldnt tackle this guy 11.JEFF GARCIA-does well in west coast offence 12.MARC BULGER-accurate and calm 13.DAVID GARRARD-playmaker 14.JON KITNA-he won the world bowl 15.VINCE YOUNG-all he does is win games 16.DEREK ANDERSON-keeping quinn on the bench 17.JAY CUTLER-i really havnt been impressed 18.PHILIP RIVERS-ryan leaf jr. 19.CHAD PENNINGTON-not a horrible player 20.TRENT EDWARDS-almost made the playoffs with the bills 21.JASON CAMPBELL-zorn will help him out 22.MATT SCHAUB-maybe will clark will loan you his toupee 23.TAVARIS JACKSON-athletic mofo 24.KYLE BOLLER-i think he is on the move up with mcnair on the way out 25.MATT LEINART/KURT WARNER-...................................... 26.ALEX SMITH-too bad that he lost norv 27.JAKE DELHOME-he is lucky that he has steve smith 28.JOEY HARRINGTON-never had a good team 29.TRENT GREEN-anybody else think he's got a hot wife? 30.DAMON HUARD-it's tough when your team sucks 31.DAUNTE CULPEPPER-his hands are smaller than a midgets, no wonder he fumbles 32.REX GROSSMAN-grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrross I am not sure about the bears but it looks to me that they can do better. i would spend more time on this but my girlfriend is rushing me to go to bed and as david carr found out in houston: things dont come out so well when your rushed. Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:11:56 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/162108 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/162108