http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/51 Recent articles about the Dallas Cowboys en-us As if using taxpayer money to fund the new Cowboys stadium isn’t enough, the franchise is now selling concrete pavers to their fans. The slabs of stone will be placed along “Legacy Walk” with the price being determined by the size of the paver. Purchasers of the pieces of Cowboy history will be able to [...] Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:07:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287810 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287810 Determined to reclaim the starting quarterback position with authority after backup Jeff Garcia led the Philadelphia Eagles to a playoff berth in 2006, Donovan McNabb started the season in solid fashion. The sports hernia injury he suffered that paved the way for Jeff Garcia two years ago was healed and McNabb proved he still had it in him as he played in 14 games – the most since 2004 – and threw for 3,324 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 61.5 percent of his passes. Unfortunately, the Eagles did not have the playmakers necessary for the rest of the offense to succeed as the team fizzled its way to an 8-8 record. Make sure to read more of what Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff writer Cory Steger has to say about the Philadelphia Eagles and their fantasy football worthy players heading into the 2008 season by clicking below... Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:59:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287801 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287801 Don Imus is at it again.The controversial shock jock was fired last year for referring to the Rutgers women's basketball players as "nappy-headed hos." Last week, Imus effectively immersed himself in hot water again as a result of what some are calling a racist interchange. In a discussion of the legal misfortunes of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, Imus asked on air, "What color is he?" When sports announcer Warner Wolf responded that Jones was "African-American," Imus replied, "Well, there you go. Now we know." Imus later denied that his question was intended to be disparaging. He insisted that he was referring to the fact that blacks in this country are arrested for no reason. But given his previous comments, many observers, the Rev. Al Sharpton among them, were reluctant to cut him any slack. Fortunately for Imus, WABC, his new employer, stood by the embattled talk guru. And no wonder. Imus' ratings on WABC are higher than they were on WFAN, his former employer. For now, Imus' job seems safe, even as criticism of his comments continues. Imus isn't the only media personality who has managed to cram both feet in his mouth, nor is he likely to be the last. The same week that Imus tripped over his tongue, NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller was forced to issue an apology for comments he made about Rocco Mediate, the golfer who lost to Tiger Woods in a playoff for the U.S. Open title. Miller said that Mediate "looks like the guy who cleans Tiger's swimming pool." Miller later said he was trying to convey his "affection and admiration for Rocco's everyman qualities and (my comments) had absolutely nothing to do with (Rocco's) ethnicity." Mediate is of Italian heritage. Miller, like Imus, got off with neither a reprimand nor a suspension. But not every talking head who talks before using their head is as fortunate. Earlier this year, another golf analyst, Kelly Tilghman of the Golf Channel, was reprimanded and suspended for two weeks after suggesting that the only way Tiger's competitors could beat him was to "lynch (Woods) in a back alley." Woods, class act that he is, dismissed Tilghman's remarks as a "non-issue," knowing full well that, while her comments were insensitive and inappropriate, they were made in jest and weren't intended to be malicious or mean-spirited. The recent spat of on-air "political incorrectness" brings to mind Rush Limbaugh's brief tenure as an NFL commentator on ESPN's football show in 2003. Limbaugh suggested that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was "coddled" by the media because he was black. Fearing a media and fan backlash, ESPN quickly severed ties with Limbaugh. But the "World Wide Leader" could hardly plead innocent in the affair. Limbaugh was hired specifically to stir controversy and to increase ratings, both of which he did. Even though ESPN got what it bargained for, it couldn't take the heat and turned on the delivery person. Perhaps the most politically incorrect commentator working today is Charles Barkley, the former NBA star and long time basketball analyst for TNT. Barkley has uttered comments that could be interpreted as racist and insensitive by virtually every sex, color and ethnic group in the universe. Examples include, "People have a right to be gay, but after seeing Beyonce, why would you want to be?" Barkley, who is black, also referred to the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson as "race-baiters," conservatives as "fake Christians," and once responded to a reporter's question by commenting, "This is why I hate white people." Yet Barkley not only remains employed, but almost universally loved and respected. Why? Perhaps it's because Barkley is an equal-opportunity offender. Maybe it's because he doesn't take himself too seriously. Or maybe it's because he refuses to blame others for his own faults and accepts the blame for his short-comings, as he did recently in admitting that an unpaid gambling debt at a Las Vegas casino was solely his responsibility. Whatever the reason, Barkley appears to be insulated from the political correctness standards to which other media personalities are held. Whether that's good or bad is an open question.OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK Black and Latin Red Sox Players Threatened - The Biz of Baseball FInal AL All-Star Game Voting Update has Tight Races - The Biz of Baseball DC and Virginia Lotteries Team with Nationals For Scratch-It - The Biz of Baseball Aw, Tapioca! Kozy Shack the Official Pudding of the Mets - The Biz of Baseball MLB.com Releases 3-D Enhancements to Gameday - The Biz of Baseball Take in an Orioles Game, Win $50,000 or $100,000 - The Biz of Baseball Deadline Pushed Back to July 31st for Cubs/Wrigley Field Sale - The Biz of Baseball Dunkin?' Donuts Promo Features Joba Chamberlain and Jonathan Papelbon - The Biz of Baseball Ducks owner Henry Samueli Suspended by NHL - The Biz of Hockey NHL 2K9, First Officially Licensed Game by NHL and NHLPA for Wii, Coming this Fall - The Biz of Hockey Dion Phaneuf Selected for Cover of EA Sports "NHL 09" - The Biz of Hockey NBC Reports 6.8 Million Viewers for Game 6. Up 111% from 2006 - The Biz of Hockey 15,000 General Admission Tickets for London NFL Game Sell Out in 30 min. - The Biz of Football Papa Replaces Gumbel as NFL Network's Play-by-Play Announcer - The Biz of Football NFL Network May Partner Up With ESPN - The Biz of Football NFL Players Help Hometown Tornado Victims - The Biz of Football Recently Retired Strahan Joins Fox NFL Pregame Show - The Biz of Football Anheuser-Busch to Sponsor New Meadowlands Stadium - The Biz of Football TNT Lands Full Slate of Sponsors For "Wide Open Coverage" Telecasts - Maury Brown's Biz of SportsCommentary and Interviews from NASCAR on TNT Live: Lenox Industrial Tools 301 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Maury Brown's Biz of SportsJordan Kobritz is a regular contributor to the Business of Sports Network. He is a former attorney, CPA, and Minor League Baseball team owner. He is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Eastern New Mexico University, teaches the Business of Sports at the University of Wyoming, and is a contributing author to the Business of Sports Network. Jordan can be reached at jkobritz@mindspring.com. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:30:11 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287728 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287728 This is the final article of our very controversial series of three. Once again I want to repeat that we do not think the "sleepers" we have listed will finish in the top 10 but every year 2 WRs ranked outside the top 30 finish in the top 10 and we believe these players are the most likely to do it this year. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:15:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287402 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287402 this article comes from espn.com's scouts inc........ 1. San Diego Chargers Even though San Diego did not finish the 2007 season with the No. 1 run offense, the Chargers take the top spot in the running back rankings. They don't have the deepest running back unit, but they do have LaDainian Tomlinson, the best running back in the game. He was the 2007 MVP, has won back-to-back rushing titles and is the most feared running back in the game because of his versatility. He can align in multiple spots and create numerous mismatches for defensive coordinators as a runner and as a receiver. The overall unit took a bit of a hit with the loss of Michael Turner via free agency to Atlanta, but new backup Darren Sproles has made plays when given the opportunity. 2. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings had the No. 1 run offense in the NFL in 2007, and had RB Adrian Peterson not missed two games due to injury, he would have won the rushing title as a rookie. Although you could make an argument for Peterson being the best back in the game today, he does not possess Tomlinson's versatility. This also is not to take away from Peterson, but he has the good fortune of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL -- a line backup RB Chester Taylor gained 1,216 yards running behind in 2006. Peterson is going to be a superstar and eventually take the throne from LT, but as of this moment, the 1-2 punch of Peterson and Taylor is still just No. 2. 3. Jacksonville Jaguars Starting RB Fred Taylor seems to get better with age. He reached the 10,000-yard plateau for his career in 2007, which has him in line to see his name enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Taylor has been the opposite of what you normally see from the RB position. He often was injured early in his career, and he has improved since turning 30. The Jaguars also have solid depth with third-year runner Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 22 rushing touchdowns and a 5.1 yards-per-attempt average for his career. With Taylor, who has been Mr. Consistency, and Jones-Drew, who is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, expect the Jaguars' run game to once again be in the top three in the NFL. 4. Pittsburgh Steelers Even though Pittsburgh's running game was expected to drop off in 2007 after the retirement of Jerome Bettis and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arian's emphasis on throwing the ball, the Steelers remained one of the most consistent running teams in the NFL. That won't change this year. Former undrafted free agent RB Willie Parker has totaled 4,198 yards in his career, proving that he can be a feature back despite his lack of size. Pittsburgh's biggest issue had been creating consistent depth behind Parker. The Steelers fixed that problem when RB Rashard Mendenhall fell into their laps at the bottom of the first round. Mendenhall, a physical inside runner, should be a nice complement to Parker, who has great speed and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. 5. Dallas Cowboys When Dallas opted not to re-sign starting RB Julius Jones, it got better. Even though Jones was the starter, he split carries with backup RB Marion Barber, who is the more effective runner and receiver. With Barber now thrust into the starting role, the Cowboys are a more physical team that can control the line of scrimmage. Dallas also created solid depth at the position by drafting RB Felix Jones with its second pick in the first round. Jones is a speedster who can turn the corner, catch the ball and create mismatches. The Cowboys' rushing numbers might not be as big as those of other teams because offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leans more on the passing game, but this is a great 1-2 punch. 6. St. Louis Rams The Rams' 25th-ranked run offense in 2007 was no indication of how good Steven Jackson is. He has the ability to be a top-three running back in the NFL, and in terms of versatility, he ranks right behind Tomlinson. Jackson has excellent hands and creates a lot of mismatches. His production was down last season because he was not healthy and the Rams had injuries on the offensive line. If everyone stays healthy, Jackson is good enough to compete for a rushing title. Brian Leonard provides solid backup depth, and even though he showed in Jackson's absence that he can't be counted on to carry the load, his versatility is a plus. 7. Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook is one of the most unappreciated running backs in the NFL. He basically was the Eagles' offense in 2007 with 278 carries and 90 receptions. Although he never has played a full season, he has avoided major injury and pretty much put aside questions about his size and his ability to carry the load. Westbrook is one of the tougher backs in the NFL, will produce and will play at less than 100 percent. It should come as no surprise that, as with the majority of backs in this top 10, versatility is a major factor for Westbrook, because he often aligns all over the field in multiple looks and formations. Correll Buckhalter missed the 2002, 2004 and 2005 season with injuries but has been solid when healthy, and the Eagles have a lot of untested, young depth with Ryan Moats, Tony Hunt and Lorenzo Booker. 8. Indianapolis Colts Some might feel this is a little low for Colts RB Joseph Addai, but his production might stem more from the offensive system than from his own skills, although he is a very talented back. Addai benefits from one of the best offensive schemes in the NFL, a passing attack that prevents a defense from jamming eight defenders into the box, an excellent zone-blocking scheme and an offensive line coached by one of the best in the business, Howard Mudd. Addai is an excellent one-cut runner who has great vision and patience. However, he does not run with great power and doesn't have home run speed. His versatility to make plays in the passing game is a great asset in the Colts' offense. This season, the backfield will be as deep as it has been in years, with veteran Dominic Rhodes competing with rookie Mike Hart for the backup spot. 9. Kansas City Chiefs Two years ago, you could have made the argument that Larry Johnson was the second-best RB in the NFL. A lot has been made of the offensive line play in Kansas City being responsible for his lack of production, and while that is partly true, he has not been the same type of player since signing his long-term deal. Even though he is only 28, he is starting to show some wear and tear from carrying the ball 752 times over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Johnson is a direct runner who hits the hole hard but needs a run lane. He is neither elusive nor fast and can be limited in terms of his production when forced to run wide. The Chiefs added quality depth in the draft when they picked up rookie Jamaal Charles, a speedster who can turn the corner. 10. San Francisco 49ers Even though the 49ers were awful on offense in 2007, it's hard to deny the talent of RB Frank Gore. With better play at quarterback, better play up front and better play calling, he can be an elite back. Gore's lack of production last season was not due to a lack of commitment to running the football. The effort was there, but the 49ers often fell behind and Gore became more useful in the passing game. With new offensive coordinator Mike Martz running the show, Gore will be the featured player on offense. Martz is known more for the pass than for the run, so look for Gore to build on his 53 receptions from last season. The 49ers' lack of depth at running back has been an issue in the past, but it will be better in 2008 with the addition of veteran DeShaun Foster. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:12:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287399 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287399 Over the next several days we will take a look at the outlook of the 32 NFL Teams. They will be informative for both the fan of football and also some have information for you fantasy football buffs too. Give us your feedback by leaving your comments. Thank you and have a great season... 2008 Team Outlook: Dallas As per Ben Standig, The Cowboys were among the elite teams last season, scoring at will with Tony Romo running the offense and there is no reason to think that will not happen again. However, despite the superior passing attack with Romo hitting Terrell Owens and Jason Witten early and often, the Cowboys came up short again in the playoffs. That passing combo -- along with Patrick Crayton -- put the sizzle in a Cowboys attack that took them to the top spot in NFC playoffs and they hope Terry Glenn can return following an injury plagued campaign. Marion Barber provided a rugged presence on the ground and now takes over the starting role in the backfield with first round pick Felix Jones in the mix as well. Speed rusher DeMarcus Ware and CB Terrence Newman lead a solid defense that should improve with a full year of DT Tank Johnson clogging up the middle. MLB Zach Thomas could provide leadership if he can stay on the field while former Titans CB Pacman Jones has yet to be reinstated by the NFL to even get on the field. With the potential addition of Jones, who would join fellow suspended player Johnson and noted trash talker Owens on the roster, owner Jerry Jones is playing that oh-so dangerous game of talent vs chemistry. The talent is there to take the NFC crown and a 12-4 record would not be surprising, but adding Pacman to the mix might simply be one combustible move too many. The pressure mounts for head coach Wade Philiips to get the Boys to the Super Bowl, but considering they have not won a single playoff game in a decade, maybe the bar /hype should be lowered just a bit. QB Tony Romo, DAL (QB - #3) - Stud (low risk) Now that his dating exploits have become weekly fodder for US Weekly and other tabloids, one almost forgets how stellar Tony Romo was as a fantasy quarterback last season. In his first full season as a starter, Romo was arguably the best QB this side of Tom Brady, tossing 36 touchdowns and throwing for 4,211 yards. He threw multiple touchdown passes in 12 of the opening 13 games (though a dismal one in the final three contests) and led the Cowboys to the top seed in the NFC Playoffs. While there are concerns about him getting it done in the playoffs, Romo is a near lock to be a fantasy stud once again in '08. With Terrell Owens and Jason Witten, Romo has two targets that are at or near the top at their respective positions. Add in an improving Patrick Crayton, the likely return of Terry Glenn and the versatile Marion Barber in the backfield and Romo should have a a great chance to match his '07 numbers. His off the field options are not so bad either. RB Marion Barber, DAL (RB - #10) - Solid/Safe Pick Following two years of being the more productive part of a time share backfield with Julius Jones, Marion Barber will get a chance to show what he can do as a full time starter. Well... almost. Barber has been the ultimate "backup" for the Cowboys, coming off the bench to rack up 12 total touchdowns and over 1,200 yards from scrimmage. Always churning for the extra yard, Barber has averaged a stellar 4.8 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons and an equally impressive 17.6 yards per reception while hauling in 44 catches. Now that Jones has moved on, Barbe,( the recipient of a fat new contract) will show us if he can carry the full workload. First round pick Felix Jones will likely work as a change of pace back and could limit Barber's upside and knock his draft rank outside of the top 10 backs. Overall, Barber should handle the rock plenty and have a 1,200-yard season on the ground alone while using his nose for the goal line to score touchdowns many times over. RB Felix Jones, DAL (RB - #37) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential) The Cowboys' owner could not resist grabbing this speedy Razorback to take over for the departed Julius Jones, but despite being selected in the first round, Felix Jones is not likely to be more than a deep reserve in fantasy leagues this year. The speedy Jones will add a breakaway element out of the backfield that the Cowboys have been lacking and should contribute on third downs and kickoff returns. With Barber in front of him, Jones' immediate upside is limited and is not worth more than a late round pick as a handcuff or deep keeper option. WR Patrick Crayton, DAL (WR - #34) - Gamble (high risk) Patrick Crayton was solid in his role as the deep threat opposite Terrell Owens -- hauling in seven touchdowns -- but he was a tough player to count on for fantasy owners. The 5th year receiver posted career-high numbers across the board with 50 receptions and 697 yards, though his average of 13.9 yards per catch was a three-year low. While explosive at times - he twice scored two touchdowns in a game - he only once went over 75 yards in a game and had more than his share of drops during the season. In the right matchup, Crayton can be a solid WR3 option and the Cowboys have few options behind him, but do not expect Crayton to make a statistical leap. WR Terry Glenn, DAL - Over the Hill (decreased production) Following back-to-back 1,000 yards seasons, Terry Glenn essentially missed the entire 2007 campaign with a knee injury, but the Cowboys remain optimistic that the 34-year old can return this season. Historically a burner, the 12-year vet would likely return as a third receiver and may need to turn into a possession receiver as he will likely lack the speed to beat many corners. At this moment Glenn is not worth even a late round pick, but if he can get on the field and produce in pre-season, he could be worth a late round flyer playing in this high-powered offense. WR Terrell Owens, DAL (WR - #4) - Stud (low risk) One can argue that Terrell Owens' antics are ultimately detrimental to team chemistry -- many have -- but there should be no argument that "T.O." is a flat out baller. Owens had arguably his best year in 2007, posting career-highs in touchdowns (15) and yards per catch (16.7) as he flew by defensive backs all season. He finished with 81 grabs for 1,355 yards, the eighth 1,000 yard season of his career. At 34, age starts to become an issue and Owens had to deal with nagging injuries last year, but he certainly has more than enough left in the tank to bang out another top notch campaign. TE Jason Witten, DAL (TE - #2) - Stud (low risk) After a down campaign in 2006 -- only one touchdown -- Witten rebounded with a dominant season and established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the league. Establishing a rapport with Tony Romo early on, Witten hauled in a career-high 96 receptions for his first 1,000 yard season (1,145) and seven touchdowns. With Terrell Owens the primary focus of defenses on the outside, Witten continually carved out space in the middle of the field and racked up six or more grabs in 10 games. Witten twice posted double digit receptions including an astonishing 15 catches against the Lions and while he is unlikely to reach the same overall heights this season, there may not be a safer TE option on the board. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:40:56 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287386 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287386 Truth is I never really liked Shaun, thier is something self righteous about him that rubbed me the wrong way, that he flexed his Christianity as if he was privy to some type of secret that others were not. He was always almost too pure in a sort of goody two shoes way, he lived such an exemplary life off the field with his work in the community it almost seemed fake. But quotes like these: The prevailing opinion was that Alexander is too 'soft' to play in the NFL. "He doesn't have anything left," an NFC general manager told Judge. "People are always talking about the numbers, but the numbers don't tell the story. There's the injury factor. And the hands factor. And a desire and competitiveness that don't seem to be there. He's never been known as a very tough player, and there have always been questions about his attitude. I'm not saying that because he's out there (unsigned) now. I would have told you the same thing four or five years ago. Basically, I don't like him (as a back), and I don't trust him." So Nfl Gm's don't believe in production? they must not believe in God? what do they believe in Hype? Even for me, someone who doesn't like Shaun these quotes are a joke, too soft? the man has a 100 td's in a 8 year career thats 12 plus avg per season, that average includes a rookie season where he only touched the ball 64 times and only started once. Last time I checked opposing defenses weren't all soft and cuddly in their redzone. You don't trust his desire or competitiveness, I remember the image of Shaun dropping to one knee with QB Matt Hasselback, choking on tears watching the Steelers celebrate their Super Bowl victory, just in case you forgot, he rushed for 95 yards in that game on 20 carries thats 4.75 per, against the leagues top defense that year, in the biggest game. People in Seattle actually questioned his performance then too, the real story of the game was our defense which let Wille Parker run wild. There's the injury factor yes, Shaun has missed 9 games in last 2 years for a whopping total of 9 games in eight years that he hasn't dressed, 4 of those years he carried the ball over 300 times. The Numbers don't tell the story, my personal favorite when potential employers stop looking at past production as a gauge of wether or not too employ you… Wow Here is Shaun's employment history 8 years on the job, 2176 carries avg of 272 per year, which doesn't account for the fact he only started one game as a rookie, and carried the ball 64 times. 9429 yds thats 1178 per season, avg 4.3 per carry, 100 td's total, avgs to 12.5 tds per season, 214 receptions 26.75 avg for another 12 td's an avg of 1.5 a year. Somehow this isn't believeable? Numbers don't lie, and the only other back with comparable numbers over the same period is Ladanian Tomlinson, nobody else is close. Fans, Gms, quit believing the hype Shaun Alexander is not soft, he's just not very likeable but that doesn't mean he can't play. In Seattle and around the league the signing of Julius Jones was applauded as it would help are ailing running game right?, Julius Jones carried the ball 164 times for 588 yds and 2 tds, started all 16 games on a team with one of the best O-lines in football, Shaun Alexander carried the ball 207 times for 716 yds and 4 td's on a team with O-line issues, in 13 games. On a team that all but had to telegraph every run as they were most effective passing in three or four reciever sets, add to that he played hurt, but still managed to avg the same per carry as Julius Jones. It amazes me that in the NFL world of super villans, with the likes of, Michael Vick, Pacman Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Ocho Cinco, Chris Henry among many others Shaun Alexander is quickly emerging as the least respected player in the sport, another article I found suggest he might be blackballed in part because of his Christian beliefs, "This principle is partly what makes Alexander a pillar in his community and a pariah to some NFL general managers," the Herald item states. "Football is not Alexander's first love." Enough is enough, you don't have to respect his religion, hell you don't even have to like him, but to question his numbers, that statistical history is somehow different when viewed through general dislike for the man, and to question the heart and desire, of the one of the greatest TD makers of all time? You have to respect the man's game, maybe for not what is now, but certainly for what is was.. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:38:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287382 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287382 Over the next several days we will take a look at the outlook of the 32 NFL Teams. They will be informative for both the fan of football and also some have information for you fantasy football buffs too. Give us your feedback by leaving your comments. Thank you and have a great season... 2008 Team Outlook: Cleveland As per Joel Welser, Now that the quarterback situation settled itself out, Derek Anderson looks to build on his 3,787 passing yards and 29 touchdowns of a year ago. The Cleveland Browns will look to the air quite a bit and that will boost Anderson's numbers and make him one of the more attractive fantasy quarterbacks. He is also a little risky due to his high amount of interceptions and the fact that if things get bad, Browns fans will be screaming for Brady Quinn. With Donte' Stallworth joining the team, Anderson will have a whole lot of targets. Braylon Edwards caught 80 passes for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns and will once again be the big play threat for Cleveland. Joe Jurevicius is getting up there in age, but he is still a smart receiver who will compliment Edwards quite well. Stallworth is joining his fourth team in as many years, but he has been relatively consistent throughout his career. Tight end Kellen Winslow caught a team high 82 passes last year and will be Anderson's favorite check down target. With the addition of Stallworth, the rest of the receivers might see their numbers decrease a little bit. However, Edwards will still make all the big catches and Winslow will get plenty of opportunities. Stallworth will not tally a large number of receptions, but he is a big play receiver. After rushing for over 1,300 yards last year, Jamal Lewis hopes to repeat that performance. Heading into the season last year it looked like Lewis would be the main offensive threat, but then Anderson made the passing attack very effective and Lewis was not needed to do as much. However, Lewis did have four of his five 100 yard games during the last six games of the season and if he can stay healthy and strong for the entire season, Lewis will be a great second back on any fantasy team. The defense is not horrible, but they are not a good fantasy defense. The Browns do not create a lot of turnovers or force a lot of sacks. Only the Bills and the Lions gave up more yards per game than the Browns. The bend but not break defense will work on the field for the most part, but it will not give owners many fantasy points. QB Derek Anderson, CLE (QB - #5) - Stud (low risk) Derek Anderson had a superb year last season. The line gave him plenty of time to throw and he took advantage of an under appreciated group of receivers. To make things even better, he now has Donte' Stallworth joining Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Joe Jurevicius as his receivers. With that group to throw to and a year getting comfortable with the passing game, Anderson could be in for a huge, huge year. But there is the lingering question that neither Anderson, nor the Browns, can keep such a productive offense clicking consistently. When the weather got cold in December, Anderson started to struggle throwing seven touchdowns and eight interceptions in those five games. He also had three of his five under 200 yard passing games during that span. RB Jamal Lewis, CLE (RB - #20) - Solid/Safe Pick There were questions about how productive an aging Jamal Lewis would be behind a questionable line in Cleveland. But Lewis, and the line, put those concerns to rest last year when he rushed for 1,304 yards and nine touchdowns and added 30 receptions and a couple more trips to the endzone. Those are not bad numbers for a second fantasy running back, but the Browns could look to the air a little more this year than they did last year. Anderson is now a relatively proven quarterback and the team added Donte' Stallworth to an already decent group of receivers. RB Jason Wright, CLE (RB - #73) - Fantasy Handcuff Even if Jamal Lewis were to get hurt, does Jason Wright have the ability to be the team's full-time back? Wright had his best season of his career last year when he rushed for 277 yards on 60 carries and a touchdown. As the Browns figured out last year, he is a decent receiver out of the backfield and caught 24 passes for 233 yards. But even if Wright ended up starting due to an injury to Lewis, the Browns have Jerome Harrison and Lawrence Vickers who would likely help cover the carries. At best, Wright is a handcuff just in case Lewis gets hurt, but that will not even be necessary in most leagues unless there happens to be room on the roster. WR Braylon Edwards, CLE (WR - #3) - Stud (low risk) Whoever said wide receivers have a breakout year during their third season in the league has another example to add to their list. Braylon Edwards nearly doubled his touchdown output from his first two seasons in the league and nearly eclipsed the 1,300 yard receiving plateau. He might not reach the endzone 16 times again, but Edwards has proven to be one of the top five fantasy receivers in the NFL. Any fantasy owner who believes the Browns and quarterback Derek Anderson are in for a big year has to have Edwards high on their list of receivers. But Anderson has yet to prove that he is a consistent signal caller at this level and a bad year for him means an average year for Edwards. WR Joe Jurevicius, CLE (WR - #64) - Bye Week Fill-in Nobody's numbers will take a hit due to the addition of Donte' Stallworth more than Joe Jurevicius'. In most leagues, the 34-year-old Jurevicius was a bye week fill-in at best last season. A year older and a year slower, the Browns are preparing for life without the savvy veteran and so should fantasy owners. Jurevicius has not caught a touchdown pass since September and through most of the rest of the season quarterback Derek Anderson was putting up great numbers. Those passes were mostly going to Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. There is potential for the occasional big game, but Edwards, Stallworth and Winslow will be Anderson's first, second and third targets. WR Donte' Stallworth, CLE (WR - #54) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential) After moving around to four different teams in as many years, Cleveland Browns fans hope Donte' Stallworth has finally found a home. The former first round selection is a big play receiver and averages over 15 yards per catch on his career. The same can be expected in Cleveland this year. It will be interesting to see how quarterback Derek Anderson adapts to Stallworth's style of play and if the two can find a connection down the field. Stallworth probably will not be a favorite target in the endzone for Anderson, but he should still get to the promise land a few times due to his big play capabilities. TE Kellen Winslow, CLE (TE - #3) - Solid/Safe Pick Kellen Winslow has stayed healthy for two straight seasons, so we can put that concern to bed. And in those two years he has led the team in receptions, catching 89 passes in 2006 and 82 in 2007. The touchdown numbers are not as great as a fantasy owner would hope from their 6-4 tight end, but he did go up to five touchdown receptions last year after only three the previous season. Quarterback Derek Anderson will certainly look Winslow's way many times, but the addition of Donte' Stallworth to the receiving corps could take away a few catches here and there. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:21:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287376 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287376 The Kansas City Chiefs.  Does any other team name scream as much ineptitude (besides maybe [and that's maybe] the Oakland Raiders)?  Well those same Chiefs are at their inept ways again, this time considering bringing Brett Favre in, instead of giving mop-topped third-year man Brodie Croyle a shot.  I guess because Elvis Grbac and Trent Green didn't work out, so the Chiefs can just bring in another old quarterback who can't take a helmet-to-helmet collision.  Yeah, people, the Chiefs haven't won a playoff game since 1993.  Ouch.  That sounds almost like the Dallas Cowboys. So the Chiefs are willing to pilfer other rosters for their quarterbacks.  With good reason, too.  Just look at the last five quarterbacks they've drafted: 2006, R3P85: Brodie Croyle 1997, R4P110: Pat Barnes 1995, R4P114: Steve Stenstrom 1994, R7P199: Steve Matthews 1992, R2P40: Matt Blundin Yeah.  No superstars there.  Carl Peterson just feels the need to steal his quarterbacks because he's too inept (I'm really hitting hard on this word) to draft them.  And what would even pull Favre to Kansas City?  Sure, there's Larry Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, and Tony Gonzalez, but is there an offensive line?  Favre isn't 32 anymore, when he could take those hits.  Sorry, KC, not happening.  Try to do this thing called developing young quarterbacks.  I hear it pays off in the long run.  Not this: Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:27:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287273 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287273 The NFL announced Monday that Commissioner Roger Goodell, joined by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and New York Giants defensive end Osi Mumenyiora, will soon leave on a seven-day, three-country summer USO tour led by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. It will be the first time that the commissioner of a sports league visits U.S. troops overseas as part of a USO tour, according to the USO. At the request of Commissioner Goodell, Brees and Umenyiora will join the tour along with other participants invited by Admiral Mullen, including two members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. "It is a great honor to have been asked to join Admiral Mullen on this USO tour," said Commissioner Goodell.  "I anticipate that it will be a very humbling and memorable experience.  I am inspired by the many NFL representatives that, over the decades, have volunteered to visit our troops overseas and have talked about it being a life-changing experience.  I want to do my part and emphasize that the entire NFL appreciates and supports the work that our military does to protect our country." The NFL has partnered with the USO for more than 40 years. According to the NFL the league "was the first sports organization to send players to visit troops in Vietnam when future Pro Football Hall of Famers Wille Davis, Frank Gifford, Sam Huff and Johnny Unitas went there and to other parts of the Far East in 1966.  Earlier this year, three NFL players – defensive linemen Luis Castillo of San Diego , Tommie Harris of Chicago and Mike Rucker of Carolina – took a week-long NFL-USO tour to Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to support the soldiers." For the two NFL players accompanying Commissioner Goodell, this will be their second time overseas this offseason on goodwill trips. Brees, the co-winner of the 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award who has produced the first two 4,000-yard passing seasons in Saints history, visited Okinawa on a USO tour this spring.  While on those Pacific beaches, Brees talked by phone to his grandfather, who had landed as a U.S. Marine on those same beaches more than 60 years ago and participated in some of the heaviest fighting in World War II. Umenyiora, who led the Giants in sacks (13.0) last season while helping the club to its Super Bowl XLII title, joined four other NFL players – Ahman Green (Houston), Isreal Idondie (Chicago), Adewale Ogunleye (Chicago) and Amobi Okoye (Houston) -- this spring on a humanitarian mission to Nigeria to help set up college scholarships at 10 universities, distribute HIV testing kits to clinics, dig water wells in villages, and outfit a youth soccer team.  Source: National Football LeagueOTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK Linkin Park, MLB Properties Hook-up For 3rd Year - The Biz of Baseball Wrigley Field It Is: NHL Outdoor Classic in Chicago Jan. 1 - The Biz of Baseball Passing Gas? Rays, Hess to Give Away $5 Cards on July 18 - The Biz of Baseball All-Star Game Starters, Reserves, and Pitchers Announced - The Biz of Baseball 214.7 Million Votes Cast Online for All-Star Game - The Biz of Baseball Is the Ed Wade/Shawn Chacon Altercation a First? - The Biz of BaseballYou Really Like Me! Rays See Highest TV Ratings Ever - The Biz of Baseball Cellphone to Throw Away at the All-Star Game - The Biz of Baseball Six GMs on the Hot Seat - The Biz of Baseball Chicago's Wrigley Field to Host Next Outdoor Classic on New Years Day - The Biz of Hockey Jaromir Jagr First Major NHL Player to Crossover to Continental Hockey League - The Biz of Hockey Free Agent Signings - July 1, 2008 - The Biz of Hockey NHL Free Agent Listing As of July 1, 2008 - The Biz of Hockey Ducks owner Henry Samueli Suspended by NHL - The Biz of Hockey NHL 2K9, First Officially Licensed Game by NHL and NHLPA for Wii, Coming this Fall - The Biz of Hockey Dion Phaneuf Selected for Cover of EA Sports "NHL 09" - The Biz of Hockey Bryan Perez Named Senior VP and General Manager of NBA Digital - The Biz of Basketball Narcissist Alert: Former NBAer Doug Christie and Wife Jackie Announce They'll Get Married for 13th Time - The Biz of Basketball A Drop in the Bucket: Why the Settlement between the Sonics and Seattle will See Bennett Making $$$ - The Biz of Basketball NBA Opening Stores in China Next Month. Using Olympics to Boost Interest - The Biz of Basketball TNT Lands Full Slate of Sponsors For "Wide Open Coverage" Telecasts - Maury Brown's Biz of Sports Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.  Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:13:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287240 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287240 The ESPN experts are predicting that the Dallas Cowboys, not the other 3 NFC East teams, are on the hot seat in the NFC East. Lack of depth ar WR, no impact rookies, too many players of questionable character and way too many non-football distractions could add up to a tumultuous season in big D..... Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:09:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287235 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287235 Multiple sources have said the Cowboys are looking for someone else to play immediately behind Tony Romo this season. The name that continues to float around Valley Ranch is former Texas star Chris Simms. Simms, 26, is under contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and has told friends he would definitely be interested in signing with the Cowboys. The Cowboys might wait and see if Simms is released before the end of the preseason to pick him up. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:24:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287172 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287172 Charles Haley played 12 seasons in the NFL, beginning his career with the 49ers in 1986. Haley is the only player in NFL history to have been on five Super Bowl-winning teams. No player in the modern history of the NFL can make such a claim. Haley's accomplishments make him worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:16:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287143 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287143 Looks like the Browns week 1 opponent, the Dallas Cowboys, shouldn't be thinking Super Bowl just yet. It seems that Rich Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News has the Browns as early favorites to be the AFC Champs, along with the New York Giants winning the NFC. A few weeks ago we reported that Phil Savage, said that the Browns would not purse the likes of CB Ty Law, due to the fact that he would probably want too much money. Well we, like everyone else. may have jumped the gun on that one. Seems as though Law is suddenly saying that it is not all about the money at this point in his career and he is waiting for the best opportunity. Law has recently had conversations with both Romeo Crennel and Bill Belichick. Braylon Edwards is going Hollywood! Well not quite yet but he has been looking at getting into the 'biz' after his NFL career is over. Braylon has already made a number of TV appearances on ESPN's NFL Live, Best Damn Sports Show, and Costas Now. I just hope that it turns out better for him than it did for Jim Brown. Cleveland's other pro football team the Cleveland Gladiators won today, and are now moving onto the National Conference Championship game against Bon Jovi's Philidelphia Soul on July 12, these games are actually pretty fun to attend and watch so I know what I'll be doing this Saturday. Congrats to them and hopefully they can pull out a victory. Note: look for part two of our AFC North preview in the next day or two (I know it's long overdue, I have been having problems with both my computer and internet, my apologies). Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:25:40 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287093 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287093 In the final series, we saved the best for last. I truly dislike the Washington Redskins more than any other team in the NFL, with the Eagles a close second. I dislike the Redskins even more because I live in an area loaded with Redskins fans and it is nauseating. Don't give me this "hate is [...] Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:05:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287075 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287075