http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/55 Recent articles about the New Orleans Saints en-us Just to let you guys know its starts at 10:00pm on Sunday. He talks the usual, Donovan, the Lito situation and his sons and he talks about which Wr he'd like to add to our arsenal. I wonder what rumors this will generate Fri, 16 May 2008 17:20:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267770 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267770 This in depth analysis of the offensive line includes the projected starters for the upcoming season, statistics and injuries from the past season, an overview of players on the line and an outlook for the 2008 season. Thu, 15 May 2008 16:43:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267410 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267410 Miami running back and weed lover Ricky Williams wished he was on Cedric Benson's boat because he felt he would have been a "calming influence" upon the situation. Yea he would've been, he would've been high as hell that's why he would be so damn calm. What does this guy think he's doing by opening his mouth about someone else's legal troubles, when he's got plenty of his own. Ricky, get back to being an NFL running back before you start passing moral judgment upon the rest of the hooligans in the NFL. Thu, 15 May 2008 14:06:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267340 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267340 Breaking down the matchups of fantasy Running backs against the Run D's they will face. Buyer beware at the bottom of the list? Thu, 15 May 2008 06:22:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267169 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267169 As legend has it, sports broadcaster extraordinaire Al Michaels once proclaimed as to the prospects of working at ESPN that he won't be working for a four-letter network. Apparently, that vow still applies. Per a media source, Michaels has turned down an opportunity to serve as the play-by-play man for NFLN's regular-season slate of pro football games. Michaels was pursued by the league-owned network to replace Bryant Gumbel, the big name with small talent who handled the duties for the first two years of the NFLN effort. Michaels currently provides the play-by-play call for NBC's weekly Sunday night coverage. It's unclear where the NFL will go from here. Others who have been linked to the job include Tom Hammond, Brad Nessler, Marv Albert, and Pat Summerall. Other possibilities, in our view, would be Mike Patrick and Brent Musberger. We also are intrigued by one or more outside-the-box possibilities, such as our pal Dan Patrick, whose weekday radio show streams live on SI.com — and who from time to time allows us to pollute his air waves. Another possibility would be to hire both Albert and our other pal Boomer Esiason (who currently team up for a national radio broadcast of the Monday night games), and make it a three-man crew, with the incumbent Cris Collinsworth, a former teammate of Esiason's. Wed, 14 May 2008 21:43:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267100 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267100 These 10 stars are guaranteed to rack you up plenty of fantasy points next season...well, unless a few of them get injured (knock on wood)... Wed, 14 May 2008 20:10:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267085 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267085 With the rash of recruiting scandals involving Reggie Bush and OJ Mayo at the forefront of the national consciousness, it is time for us again to revisit why we make some aspiring NFL players jump through the hoops at the college level. Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams both found out the hard way that the NFL is as tough in the courtroom as they are in between the white lines, but should the fresh Commish take a fresh look at this situation? Tue, 13 May 2008 20:30:21 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266657 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266657 I find it humorous to listen to the national media complain about how dumb it is to grade drafts or pick winners and losers before the players have even played a down in the league. The reason they have jobs is because fans crave this type of instant analysis from the experts. Sure it's a bit of a crapshoot but it is about providing your opinion of the players and how they project to their new team. Fans don't need experts to grade their drafts after the player's have played three years. With that said, read these winners and losers. Mon, 12 May 2008 21:03:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266268 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266268 The staff at NFLDraft101.com averaged their grades for the 2008 NFL Draft for objectivity and these are the results. Arizona eeks out the only A albeit an A-, while Atlanta brings up the rear with a D+. Where does your team rate? Mon, 12 May 2008 20:57:22 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266266 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266266 Kim Kardashian decided to do something special for her sweetie, Reggie Bush. So she made a calendar for him featuring herself in a variety of sexy & seductive poses. And we have the pics to prove it. Mon, 12 May 2008 15:38:50 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266144 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266144 1 Patriots 16-0-0 A healthy Tom Brady and a happy Randy Moss make the Patriots championship contenders this season and for years to come. 2 Colts 13-3-0 They haven't had a lot of offseason turnover and they already were very good. Continuity means a lot. 3 Chargers 11-5-0 If the Chargers can get over their injury issues, they could be in the Super Bowl mix all the way to Tampa. 4 Cowboys 13-3-0 Felix Jones should help the running game immediately. But who will emerge as the No. 2 receiver? Patrick Crayton wasn't up to the task in late '07. 5 Jaguars 11-5-0 They sometimes get overshadowed by division rival Indianapolis, but the Jaguars have an elite roster and an coach in Jack Del Rio. 6 Giants 10-6-0 Teams other than the Patriots aren't supposed to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Will Michael Strahan retire? Can they compensate for free-agent losses at LB? 7 Steelers 10-6-0 A very strong draft catapults the Steelers into Super Bowl contenders. RBs Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall should be one of the best 1-2 punches. 8 Seahawks 10-6-0 New O-line coach Mike Solari stands out as the Seahawks' top offseason acquisition, perhaps allowing them to keep their edge in the NFC West. 9 Browns 10-6-0 The 2007 darlings face high expectations. The offense will score. Can the D, anchored by additions Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams, hold up its end? 10 Packers 13-3-0 This is an unpredictable team in the wake of the retirement of Brett Favre. Who will step up and make the big plays this year? 11 Saints 7-9-0 The offense already was very good. Defensive improvements will make the Saints one of this year's biggest turnarounds. 12 Vikings 8-8-0 If they settle on a QB, the Vikes could become a playoff team. RB Adrian Peterson is at the top of the list for MVP candidates. 13 Eagles 8-8-0 Last season, they hit their stride when it was too late. With a fully healed Donovan McNabb and an improved secondary, the Eagles could be dangerous. 14 Redskins 9-7-0 Too many questions: a new coach, young QB and a pair of rookie WRs. Hard to get a good read. 15 Buccaneers 9-7-0 They didn't make any splash offseason moves. But RB Warrick Dunn's return is going to help more than many recognize. 16 Titans 10-6-0 They didn't get as much help from QB Vince Young as they should have. But he's going to become good enough to carry the offense. 17 Cardinals 8-8-0 Ken Whisenhunt and staff changed the culture in Arizona. Kurt Warner provides top-notch insurance at QB. Depth along the O-line and on defense in general remain the question. 18 Panthers 7-9-0 The return of QB Jake Delhomme might be enough to get them to the playoffs. But there are no guarantees with Tommy John surgery. 19 Bills 7-9-0 Marcus Stroud turns 30 this summer and his starts have declined over three seasons. Will he be healthy enough to help the Bills in December? 20 Texans 8-8-0 They reached respectability in 2007. Improving will be difficult because their division is so tough. 21 Jets 4-12-0 An offseason spending spree upgraded the roster without answering the Jets' most pressing question: Do they have the right QB? 22 Ravens 5-11-0 Are the 2008 Ravens more like the 13-3 team in 2006, or the 5-11 unit last season? This is certain: QB play is key. 23 Broncos 7-9-0 This is the second-best team in the AFC West. That is an indictment of the division, not a pat on the back for this team, which has many holes. 24 Bears 7-9-0 Seems like ages ago the Bears were NFC champs. For better or worse, fans will have to endure another season of good Rex Grossman and bad Rex Grossman. 25 Bengals 7-9-0 If WR Chad Johnson sits out, the Bengals will suffer. If Johnson shows, he's a distraction. Neither situation is good. 26 Raiders 4-12-0 The Raiders' offense won't make people sick anymore, but their defense might. 27 49ers 5-11-0 New offensive coordinator Mike Martz provides credibility on offense, but head coach Mike Nolan still must prove he can manage the team more smoothly. 28 Rams 3-13-0 Quietly, Jim Haslett has turned the defense into a respectable unit. The Rams could contend for a playoff spot if their offensive line can keep Marc Bulger healthy. 29 Lions 7-9-0 QB Jon Kitna says it will be a disappointment if the Lions don't win 10 games this season. Perhaps he doesn't realize Detroit hasn't won 10 games since 1995. 30 Chiefs 4-12-0 The Chiefs' rebuilding project has begun, but it's unrealistic to believe they will become contenders anytime soon. 31 Dolphins 1-15-0 A rookie head coach and an unsettled QB situation add up to growing pains, even though the Dolphins have upgraded their talent base. 32 Falcons 4-12-0 New coach Mike Smith is the right guy to turn this team around, but it's going to take a few years. Mon, 12 May 2008 06:52:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265930 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265930 PHILADELPHIA -- When the Eagles cut ties with Jevon Kearse in February, many assumed fellow defensive lineman Darren Howard was next on the chopping block. And when the Eagles signed defensive end Chris Clemons, it seemed to be just a matter of time before Howard got the pink slip. Then, the Eagles added two more defensive linemen in the draft -- including McNeese State defensive end Bryan White -- and it appeared coach Andy Reid had officially rendered Howard expendable. Yet, when the Eagles wrapped up their first minicamp Monday, Howard was still there, dressing in the same locker stall he's occupied since being signed in 2006. Only this wasn't the Howard of the past two seasons, the one signed to a six-year, $30.5 million deal and expected to wreak havoc opposite Kearse in the Eagles pass rush. This wasn't the frustrated Howard, who never came close to fulfilling that contract, lost his starting job and eventually faded into the shadows of the NovaCare Complex. This Howard had trimmed down by 10 pounds, expressed optimism about 2008 and had accepted his role on the team. Hey, he still has one right now. "My whole career, I've always been one of the guys, if not the guy, on the defensive line," Howard said after the minicamp, recalling double-digit sack seasons with New Orleans. "I talked to [defensive line coach] Pete Jenkins before the camp and I talked about my role, and I understand that and I accept that. ... For the last two years, I didn't really understand what my role was going to be because it wasn't always clear. Now that I know where it is, I know where I fit with this team and I know where I can contribute." Right now, Howard believes he's still an important piece of the team's nickel and goal-line packages at defensive tackle and a formidable backup to Pro Bowl right defensive end Trent Cole. Howard disappeared last season after he lost his starting job to Cole. The big-play ability he showed for six season in The Big Easy was all but gone. When he did make an impact, it came during goal-line situations here and there -- certainly not what the Eagles originally broke the bank for. Howard, who averaged 40 to 50 tackles and about eight sacks per season with New Orleans, had one sack last season and just eight total tackles. The decline left Howard unhappy about himself and his situation in Philadelphia. But after much contemplation during the offseason and some discussions with coaches that cleared up his place on the team, Howard said he came to accept the role he can serve this season. "It was different, something that you got to adjust to it," he said. "I think every player comes into that time of their career. As long as it's clear between players and coaches and staff -- which it wasn't always -- when it's clear, it's a lot easier to accept." Now that he's trimmed some fat, Howard plans to add more muscle between now and training camp, which starts early this summer -- July 21 at Lehigh University. He likes the weapons Reid added to the defensive line and is comfortable backing up Cole, even though the left defensive end job is open, with incumbent Juqua Parker, second-year pro Victor Abiamiri, Clemons and White, a third-round pick, in the battle. Howard, a career right end, tried to play the left side when Kearse missed most of 2006 due to a knee injury but never felt comfortable and doesn't consider himself a candidate for the starting job. He believes he can still start -- just not here. "Not with the situation the way it is now," he said. "You got a young guy in Trent Cole playing. He's making a thousand plays. This is my ninth year. I'm 31 years old. That's not going to keep me from trying to get better, but you got to look at the situation realistically." Mon, 12 May 2008 06:23:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265928 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265928 Kenny Phillips never played football with Sean Taylor. And even though they were both safeties at the University of Miami, they'd never met. Yet there was a bond between them. And when Taylor was murdered last November, Phillips felt a loss. "It touched all of us," Phillips said. "We are a big family down there at the University of Miami. He was our brother and when we lost someone we were really sad." That's why when Phillips, the Giants' first-round draft pick, took the field for the Giants' rookie mini-camp this weekend, he was wearing No. 21. That may have been Tiki Barber's old number with the Giants, but it was also the number Taylor wore with the Washington Redskins. The 21-year-old Phillips said he's wearing it "out of respect" to him. "He was a guy who my whole career, even in high school, I had pictures of him in my locker," Phillips said. "I wanted to get a chance to meet him, and I never did. I watch him on film and he was just an exceptional athlete. The plays he made were crazy. I just wanted to pay my respects by having his number and trying to live up to that." Of course, as a Miami safety, Phillips has a lot of expectations to live up to. Taylor was just 24 when he was shot on Nov. 27 and was only just beginning to come into his own as an NFL player. Ed Reed, another Miami safety, became a Pro Bowler in Baltimore. And Brandon Meriweather, yet another Miami safety, was a first-round draft pick last year. Miami has been a pipeline to the NFL for years. When the Giants took Phillips with the last pick of the first round in April, it marked the 14th straight year at least one Hurricane had been taken in Round 1. The safeties have been particularly good in recent years. They've set the bar pretty high for Phillips. "Of course anytime you think of the safeties from Miami you think about the late Sean Taylor, Ed Reed, Benny Blades, and Brandon Meriwether, and of course you want to live up to that tradition," Phillips said. "They all have been doing well and they did well in college and went to the league. I don't want to say there is any pressure because in the end I can only be myself." The Giants expect Phillips to compete for a starting job quickly, especially since they lost Gibril Wilson to free agency in March. One safety spot seems to have been secured by the signing of veteran Sammy Knight. The other is currently held by James Butler, a third-year pro who was up and down last season. And the only other safety in the picture is Michael Johnson, a seventh-round pick from last year. That would seem to leave a door open for Phillips, especially if he's as good as Miami safeties usually are. "With (Wilson) leaving they are definitely looking to fill a void," Phillips said. "There are already a few guys on the team that are capable of doing that so I am just trying to come in and compete and hopefully I can win a starting job." If he did, he'd prove to be a worthy heir to the Hurricane alumni sprinkled throughout the NFL. Those ex-'Canes, though, warned him not to worry too much about that legacy. They all have a healthy respect for their tradition, but they advised Phillips to just go out and do what he does best. "They were just basically telling me that I already know how to play football, so don't worry about it," he said. "It's not going to be much faster or much different. You can play ball so just come in and be yourself and it will work out for you." Mon, 12 May 2008 06:19:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265927 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265927 Archie Manning admits it. He's getting greedy. The patriarch of America's reigning first family of football wants sons Peyton and Eli to keep going back to the Super Bowl. Just not at the same time. The Manning family celebrated Peyton's first NFL championship when the Indianapolis Colts won the 2007 Super Bowl. Then came an encore when Eli guided the upstart New York Giants to this year's title. What's more, each was the game's MVP in this remarkable brother act. Sat, 10 May 2008 08:48:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265433 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265433 Bill Williamson: What happened to the rumored big draft weekend trades that never developed involving Jason Taylor, Jeremy Shockey, Chad Johnson and Lito Sheppard? The great no-trade letdown was another reminder that players do not run the NFL. While these four players might want to be traded, it isn't that simple. Teams are not in the habit of letting go of valuable talent just to appease an unhappy player. Hurt feelings can be fixed. Pro Bowl players can't always be replaced. In the case of Taylor, Shockey and Sheppard, their respective teams did not pull the trigger on trades because they did not like the offers that were coming in. So Taylor, Shockey and Sheppard stayed put. As for Johnson, the Bengals have made it very clear they are not interested in dealing for him and didn't listen to trade offers. Don't expect any major fireworks prior to training camp on any of these players. Offers on draft weekend were light and they will not suddenly get better. Sheppard was considered the most likely of the four who could get his wish. But he was a surprising participant in the Eagles' minicamp this weekend and there is a chance the team restructures his deal. If that's the case, he'll likely join Taylor, Shockey and Johnson as players who originally wanted to be traded but won't be. CLICK it 4 the full read!!! Fri, 09 May 2008 05:23:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265114 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265114