Around The NFL (UPDATED)

The Saints locked up Darren Sproles. Great Move, he is basically Reggie Bush without the media attention. There will be hardly any setback in the offensive production from the Saints with Sproles taking over.

Roy Williams is going to the Bears. Now they will have an underachieving QB and an underachieving WR. Also both just had some marital problems so it's a good fit.

CB Jonathan Joseph went to Houston. Huge upgrade and does this mean they are out of the Awesome-hua mania. Still a nice piece.

The Falcons released wide receiver Michael Jenkins and defensive end Jamaal Anderson. It's about time, Jenkins sucked and with my boy Julio Jones there, he is no longer needed. Jamaal Anderson is just another bust defensive player.

Looks like Matt Light is coming back to the Patriots. Nice move figuring Solder will need some grooming.

***UPDATE***

- Ray Edwards has agreed to a five-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

- Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with former Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore.

- Vince Young has signed with the Eagles.

- Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran offensive tackle Flozell Adams.

With The 11th Pick In The NFL Draft The Houston Texans Select....

DP Pick:
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

This guy has top 10 talent and with the Texans letting up Madden numbers every game, this pick would help alleviate some of the bleeding. He's not as good as Peterson but he's a notch below, and the Texans can plug him in and expect him to play right away. They also could go with a DE here to help out Cushing, but Prince has too much talent to turn down.

BMack Pick:
Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

The Texans add a hell of a pass rusher to a defensive line that already has Mario Williams. The Texans biggest need is at CB, and they do get burned deep, but they used a 1st round pick on a CB last year, and one of the ways you can stop the deep ball is by taking away the time to throw it. Quinn has top 5 talent, and I just don't see the Texans letting him slip any further. The only reason he falls this far is because he wasn't able to play last year after getting suspended by the NCAA for lying to investigators about receiving travel accommodations and jewelry. So there are some character questions, but once again his talent forces the Texans to make this pick.

TOP 25 UNDER 25 - #19 Arian Foster

ARIAN FOSTER - Running Back, Houston Texans

If your name isn't Matthew Berry or you are not an avid reader of his fantasy football columns then chances are you probably hadn't heard of Arian Foster heading into this past NFL season. Credit to Matthew Berry though - he was all aboard the Adrian Foster train from the get go, writing about him as a sleeper impact running back in his pre-season columns. Those that listened to The Talented Mr. Roto received dividends in a big way this season to the tune of one of the top players in all of fantasy.

Foster wasn't just good for the fantasy nerds though, he was pretty damn good for his real team as well. Given an opportunity to take the starting RB gig when Steve Slaton struggled at the end of '09, Foster hit the ground running and never slowed down. In fact in his first game as a starter he ran all over Indianapolis for 231 yards. His total that game trails only O.J. Simpson for the most rushing yards on Opening Day.

Prior to his burst on the scene September 12, Foster was a bit of an enigma. He was always seen as a talented back even in his days at Tennessee. He has always had an "NFL body" according to scouts. But due to some off the field issues culminating with an arrest in 2006, and a lack of productivity as an upper classman he was not drafted in 2009. Not only was he undrafted, but after signing on with the Texans following the draft he was later cut and resigned to the practice squad. Eventually, he made his way onto the Texans' roster by November 2009.

Apparently, Head Coach Gary Kubiak must have seen enough of Foster in limited appearances to want to feature him as the full-time back and he was rewarded for making that move. Foster was terrific in the lead role and was the NFL's leading rusher with 1,616 yards - almost 150 yards more than Jamaal Charles who was 2nd. He scored 18 touchdowns which also paced the NFL (for non QBs). Foster also broke Priest Holmes' record for most yards from scrimmage by an undrafted free-agent. For his efforts in 2010 he was named a member of the All-Pro team and competed in the Pro Bowl, his first. The next step will be leading the Texans to their long awaited first playoff game.

At 24 Foster is one of the elder statesmen on this list, and some worry that he may be a one hit wonder. However, if he can avoid injury I think he has the goods to be a great running back for at least a few seasons in the NFL. (Which is an eternity for a running back these days). Fans in Houston are certainly hoping that's the case - and also that Matthew Berry doesn't pick him as a 2011 fantasy bust.

On top of being a top notch Running Back in the NFL, Arian Foster also fancies himself quite the poet. Here is just a sampling of his poetic prowess...

I miss you like the sun rise
by Arian Foster

I miss you like the sun rise
Winter nights became reality's home,
Snow men stand here like soldiers of Rome,
My tears freeze before they kiss the wind,
I think of warmth and miss you then,
Since when when did rose petals crack While pondering love,
Dressed in pitch black with this sombering sun,
I sit an fish, out of the river Styx,
Catching cold souls with their quivered lips,
They whisper sweet like lemons drip,
And gaze my eyes like Medusa's gift,
My bait is smiles.
Unhook me, look me not into dusk,
Ease my cuts, and release my lust,
Inhale my words, and breathe my wants,
Let the light marry my eyes,
And let the same inherit the skies.
I miss you like the sun rise.

Texans Hire Wade Phillips

"The Houston Texans hired Wade Phillips as their new defensive coordinator Wednesday, hoping the fired head coach of the Cowboys can turn around a unit that sank toward the bottom of the league last season (ESPN)."

The Texans need to fix this defense, because their offense is playoff ready, but it's been that defense that can never seem to get over the hump. Is Wade Phillips the answer? I'm not so sure, but this does add a lot of pressure on Gary Kubiak, because he is already on the hot seat and how had a guy behind him with a lot of head coaching experience. There is really no excuse that this team isn't in the playoffs with all the weapons they have (Andre Johnson, Mario Willaims, Matt Shuab, Arian Foster, Brian Cushing, ect).

2010 NFL Preview: AFC South

Another division is done, here is how we see it playing out...

1.Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
2.Houston Texans: 9-7
3. Tennessee Titans: 9-7
4. Jacksonville Jaguars:5-11

NFL Breakdowns: Houston Texans

KEY ADDITIONS
Player, Pos., 2009 Team
John David Booty, QB, Minnesota
Danny Clark, LB, N.Y. Giants
Derek Fine, TE, Buffalo
Justin Griffith, FB, Seattle
Neil Rackers, K, Arizona
Wade Smith, G, Kansas City
KEY LOSSES
Player, Pos., 2010 Team
Rex Grossman, QB, Washington
Ryan Moats, RB, Minnesota
Chester Pitts, G, Free agent
Dunta Robinson, CB, Atlanta

HOUSTON IN THE DRAFT
Rd., Player, Pos., Ht., Wt., College
1. Kareem Jackson, CB, 5-11, 192, Alabama
2. Ben Tate, RB, 5-11, 218, Auburn
3. Earl Mitchell, DT, 6-2, 295, Arizona
4. Darryl Sharpton, LB, 6-0, 235, Miami
4. Garrett Graham, TE, 6-3, 250, Wisconsin
5. Sherrick McManis, CB, 6-1, 190, Northwestern
6. Shelley Smith, G, 6-4, 300, Colorado State
6. Trindon Holliday, WR, 5-5, 159, LSU
7. Dorin Dickerson, WR, 6-2, 230, Pittsburgh

Offense:
I like Matt Schaub, I still don't know if he's good or not, but I like him. He had 29 TDs and 15 Ints last year it which seemed like his first healthy season. I don't put him in the level of your Brees, Manning, Brady, Roethlisburger's but I do group him in with other stat machines like Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutlers. Obviously Schaub's best weapon is the silent Andre Johnson. Andre Johnson was double covered all last year and still had his 3rd 100 receptions in 4 years. He's amazing, no one can do anything about it. They also have Jacoby Jones, Andre Davis and pass catching tight end Owen Daniels coming off an ACL Injury. Their most inconsistent position is their RBs, who knows whats going on with Steve Slaton, their second round pick Ben tate is most likely done for their season and I don't have too much faith in Arian Foster. If their is one weakness in this offense, it's RB.

Defense:
The departure of Dunta Robinson and suspension of Matt Cushing is going to cripple this defense for at least 4 weeks, but they did add Kareem Jackson to take Robinsons place. Jackson may be a rookie, but he played in a pro style defense last year in Alabama, he should be well on his way to be a solid playmaker by the end of the year. Mario Williams is still the anchor for the defensive line and when teamed up with Amobi Okoye they are good but should be better than they are. The defense won't match the offense capability and that could be an issue.

Overall:
I like the Texans and I would to say they are going to win the division, but they always end up finishing 8-8 or 9-7. Maybe a wildcard could be in their future, but they are definitely not overthrowing the Colts.

2010 Record: 9-7

Aaron Schobel Retires

Defensive end Aaron Schobel has decided to retire. There were many team interested in his services, but the 2 most likely destinations were the Patriots and Texans. Aaron Schobel 78 sacks over a nine-year career (all with the Bills). I really hoped the Patriots would be able to sign him, but most rumors suggested that the Texans were far more likely since he lives in Texas. I am really surprised that he is walking away, but at least it is one less guy I can be angry about the Patriots not signing.

Cushing: No Steroids Just Overtrained

The Houston Texans asked the NFL to reduce or rescind the four-game suspension given to star linebacker Brian Cushing on Monday, saying he has a unique medical condition stemming from something called overtrained athlete syndrome. Cushing described the condition after Monday morning's practice. He said the syndrome can trigger hormonal spikes after breaks in training, explaining why he would have tested positive for a fertility drug last September -- a drug he said he never took.

"I think that's the final diagnosis we came up with," he said, "and a lot of doctors have supported why this has happened (CBS)."

I have a hard time believing this, because I really don't think that can happen that dramatically, but then again I'm no doctor. I actually think that this is going to somewhat work. The suspension will not be rescinded, but I think they will reduce it. I think the owner sticking up for him will put a lot of weight behind this, but I'm really interested to know if this is what actually happened. We will probably never know, which is too bad.

Aaron Schobel Deciding Between 3 Teams

I reported last week that the Bills cut Patriots killer Aaron Schobel last week. I right off the bat said the Patriots should make a run at this guy, and according to ESPN it seems that is exactly what they are going to do.

ESPN states that there are 3 teams fighting for his services (Houston Texans, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks). The Patriots obviously make the most sense. They have been looking for a strong pass rusher for years now, and although Schobel is getting older, he still had 10 sacks last year.

Problem is the Texans are rumored to be out in front, and most reports seem to think he'll end up there. The Patriots (as always) don't want to spend the money. I still don't understand why, since it is an uncapped year and we are one of the riches franchises. I hope I'm wrong, but everything I'm reading suggests Houston will be his new home soon.

Leigh Bodden Leaves Texas Without A Contract

There had been reports that Bodden was down in Houston working on a deal. If that was true it must have fallen through, because he left there without a contract, and most rumors seem to indicate the the Patriots are getting closer to hammering out a contract (some rumors say the deal may already be done).

Pittsburgh Steelers, and Seattle Seahawks are the two other teams that are rumored to have interest. I really hope the Patriots are able to bring this guy back. He might not be a shutdown corner, but he is serviceable, and there isn't much out there in terms of free agents, so I don't see any harm in bringing him back for the right price.

Texans 34, Patriots 27

The Pats lost 34-27 to the Texans, which would normally be a cause for concern, were it not for the safely stowed AFC East crown in the Pats' pockets. Also, it's difficult to worry about a 2nd rate effort falling short when a Pro Bowl receiver, and team MVP candidate goes down with a knee injury.

I'll preempt Belichick's second-guessers out there. Had this injury occurred in the 4th quarter, you'd have a case. Maybe even the 3rd quarter too. But this was the first drive of the 1st quarter that saw Welker go down. I don't recall any sane person out there putting forth the argument that guys like Welker shouldn't even dress for this Week 17 game.



Injuries happen. It's part of football. The anti-Belichick nabobs in and outside of New England can gleam with their reactionary Monday Morning QBing. But a quick scan across the NFL on Sunday saw numerous playoff bound stars play deep into games. Donovan McNabb, for instance, was in at the very end, despite the 24-0 deficit he and the Eagles were facing.

Anyway, some reports are spreading that Welker tore his ACL. In which case, well, it's bad. He may miss the rest of the playoffs. And the Patriots without Welker are a racecar with no brakes, a golfer with no wedges, Barry Bonds without steroids. Welker caught about 1/3 of the Patriots total receptions.



Edelman had a nice game filling in for Welker, but Houston's defense is hardly an adequate litmus test. And it's not the production of Welker's replacement I'm concerned with. It's the production of the other receivers on the field.



Oh, and there's also a rumor/report/leak (what's the difference these days anyway?) that Tom Brady has some broken ribs, and has had them since the second Miami game.

But Laurence Maroney and Adalius Thomas remain healthy.

Patriots vs. Ravens sometime next weekend.

-The Commodore

Steve Slaton's Year Is Over

"We've been keeping track of Steve Slaton's previously undisclosed -- until last Friday -- shoulder injury. You know, the one where he feels numbness in his shoulder and fingers because of an injury to his spine. Fun stuff. Well, the news got worse for the Houston Texans -- and Slaton's fantasy owners -- on Wednesday: NFL Insider Adam Schefter is reporting via Twitter that Slaton will be placed on IR due to the injury (ESPN)."

Slaton was much a disappointment after a great year last year. He was benched earlier in the year, and now he is out for the rest of the season. There is no word on how long it will take to get him healthy again, but Moats and Chris Brown will take his place. It really doesn't matter, as once again, the Texans will not be in the playoffs.

Owen Daniels Lost For The Season

HOUSTON -- Houston tight end Owen Daniels has a torn knee ligament and will have season-ending surgery to repair the injury.

Daniels, who injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, was hurt on Houston's second possession in Sunday's win at Buffalo when he caught his foot in the turf. Coach Gary Kubiak said he'll have surgery in about two weeks after swelling in the knee has gone down.ESPN

This sucks for the Texans because he has been extremely productive. He has 40 receptions for 519 yards and 5 TDs. The Texans seem to be falling apart with Steve Slaton being benched, Andre Johnson being hurt, and now with Daniels being out for the season Matt Schaub is running out of options. The Texans are still a tricky team to figure out because I think they should be good.

Texans Bench Slaton

"The Houston Chronicle has word of a pending depth chart controversy that is sending tidal waves throughout the fantasy football community; namely, Steve Slaton could be the one riding the pine behind Ryan Moats indefinitely. Following another fumble -- Slaton has five this season after just two all of his rookie campaign -- Moats took to the field, and dashed for 126 yards and three fourth quarter touchdowns. Asked after the game if the switch would be permanent, Texans coach Gary Kubiak played it close to the vest, "We'll go to next week. We'll see (ESPN)."

Not a big believer in Slaton, but I think he'll get another shot. He has to stop putting the ball on the ground though. If you have him in fantasy obviously bench him for a week or 2, and pick up Moats. Slaton is very explosive, but I see him being nothing but a glorified 3rd down back (kind of like Bush).

Andre Johnson To Play This Week

"The Texans team site reports WR Andre Johnson was able to return to practice on Thursday a day after missing practice with a lung contusion suffered against the 49ers in Week 7. "(I'm) very encouraged," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "He took probably pretty close to almost all the reps he normally takes and didn't seem to have any problems. We'll see how he feels (Sportsline)."

Sounds like he is good to go. In my eyes this is the best WR in the league. Anyways, it is safe to put him back in your fantasy lineup, and I would recommend starting Matt Schaub since the Texans are going against the Bills this week.

AFC South Preview

The Colts didn't win the division last year and lost their playoff game to the Chargers but I like their chances to get healthy and return to their 12-win level.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Prediction: 10-6

This is the year they break through. Finally. A perfect storm in which Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton and a HEALTHY Matt Schaub are in sync and weapons Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels all contribute to a very good offense. Mario Williams is obviously the stud of the defense but in order for the Texas to reach the next level they need Dunta Robinson to return to his rookie form of 2004 in which he had 6 interceptions.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Prediction: 6-10

Frankly, not a very good team and things look bleak after a 5-11 season in 2008. Maurice Jones-Drew has the offense on his shoulders and the Jags are hoping for a Torry Holt renaissance. The defense doesn't look much improved from the one that finished 17th in total defense at over 330 yards per game last year. It's been said before but Jacksonville fans won't be missing much with the TV blackouts this year.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Prediction: 12-4

Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai are both healthy again and Anthony Gonzalez is ready to make the jump to 75+ catches as Manning's No. 2 man now. A defense that was solid with 18.6 allowed per game last year comes back with Dwight Freeney and Gary Brackett leading the squad. If Bob Sanders returns healthy, this team is a Super Bowl contender once again.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Prediction: 9-7

They're obviously weaker without Haynesworth but I really think Kerry Collins will no longer be able to get by as a game manager who relies on his defense to win. He will need to get the ball down field and limit his turnovers, neither of which I think he do. Chris Johnson and Lendale White will keep them in games but if the defense falters the Titans will not have the ability to catch up. Keith Bullock no longer creates turnovers and has become the Tennessee version of Teddy Bruschi.

Top 25 Under 25: #11 Mario Williams

Born: January 31, 1985

Mario Williams had it rough when he was drafted. People thought the Texans should have taken Reggie Bush or Vince Young. In his first year he struggled, and people were already calling him a bust. Boy were they wrong. In 2007 Williams had 14 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. In 2008 when teams started to notice that he was the real deal, and put two men on him he still put up 12 sacks. He is now one of the premiere DEs in the game, while Vince Young has lost his job, and Reggie Bush has moments of greatness, but has endless injury problems. Fort his efforts in the 2008 season Mario Williams was selected to the Pro Bowl.

He continues to grow as a player, and he seems like he could be starting a Hall of Fame career, which is only helped by the fact that he hasn't missed a game in his 3 year career. At only 24 years old Williams is already a top 5 DE in the NFL. Not too many people can say that have accomplished that at such a young age...

Smith Latches On With Texans

Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Antonio Smith cashed in on his team's trip to the Super Bowl by landing one of the top defensive end contracts in the past couple of years.

Smith, according to a source, agreed to a five-year, $35 million contract with the Houston Texans on Saturday that will pay him $24 million over the first three years of the contract.

Antonio Smith is a very good veteran to work opposite of Mario Williams. The Texans may have the best defensive line in the NFL, and if they can build around the defensive line and re-sign guys like Dunta Robinson for the secondary and get a some linebackers they could be a very respectful defense. If only the offense can get some consistency behind it this team could be scary in a couple of years.

Sage Rosenfels To Vikings?

"The Texans and Vikings are close to a trade that would send quarterback Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota, possibly for a fourth-round draft pick, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday (ESPN)."

We all know that the Vikings need a QB, but there is no way that Sage Rosenfels is the answer. In Sage's limited playing time he has shown a tendency to turn the ball over, and has never really shown me anything that would make me think he can be a starter for any NFL team. The Vikings need someone that can control the game, because their team is based around their defense and running game. Sage is not the answer, and if the Vikings are smart they will keep their 4th round pick, and look elsewhere.

NFL Steroid Suspensions

The NFL suspended 6 players; "running back Deuce McAllister and defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith of New Orleans; defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams of Minnesota; and long snapper Bryan Pittman of Houston (ESPN)."

All I can say is it is about damn time! This has been dragged out so long, and there is really no reason for it. The NFL goes after Wilfork, and Ward before the beginning of practice the following week, yet it takes this long to suspend players for using steroids? Seems crazy to me. Anyways, this is really going to kill the Vikings, who are only 1 game up on the Bears for 1st place in the NFC North. Obviously, this hurts the Saints too, but I think it is going to be really tough for the Saints to make the playoffs, yet if they are going to it will all be on Drew Brees' shoulders anyways.

-BMack