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.

Around The NFL (4 UPDATES)

The New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms of a trade that would send former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush to Miami, according to FoxSports.com.

With the Saints gaining Mark Ingram and having pretty decent back ups (Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas). Miami has a few questions surrounding the RB situation Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown may not be back, so having a good receiving option can help alleviate some pressures.

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a five-year, $41 million contract with wide receiver Sidney Rice, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

A 6-4 WR never would hurt whoever is playing QB for Seattle.

***UPDATE***

We will do the same thing we did yesterday and just keep updating this post with all the moves made around the NFL...

- SF have told Nate Clements that he will released after not being able to work out a contract. Could be a nice fall back option for whoever loses out on Asomugha.

- Cardinals continue to try to rebuild that offense line scooping up fomer Packers offensive lineman Daryn Colledge for 5 years 27.5 million.

- Most people seem to think the Viking will heavily go after Braylon Edwards now that they lost Sidney Rice to the Seahawks.

- Steve Smith will no longer asked to be traded out of Carolina, which I think is a huge mistake on his part. Even with their draft and resignings by the time they are good he will be all washed up.


***UPDATE 2***

- Redskins have reached an agreement with former Cowboys DE Stephen Bowen (5 years $27.5 million $12.5 signing bonus). This could mean Cullen Jenkins could be making his way back to the Packers.

- Arizona Cardinals have asked Joey Porter to take a pay cut from his $5.75 milliion salary. If he declines, he'll be released.

***UPDATE 3***

- Kevin Kolb is about to traded to the Cardinals for Rodgers-Cromartie and a draft choice (rumored to be a 2nd round pick).

- Saints have signed IT Jermon Bushrod to a 2 year deal.


***UPDATE 4***

- Bills have signed WE Brad Smith to a 4 year $15 million deal.

- Kolb is getting a 5 year deal from the Cardinals worth $63.5 million, $21 guaranteed.

Cry me a river why don't you

"Everybody complaining about the lockout! Shoot I'm making the most of it! Vacation, rest, relaxing, appearances here and there! I'm good!" he wrote. "Right about now we would be slaving in 100 degree heat, practicing twice a day, while putting our bodies at risk for nothing."
Then he wrote

"FYI last tweet was a joke! Relax people damn it's called sense of humor! Cry me a river why don't you..."

Anyone who's upset at Reggie Bush's tweets and are reading deeper into it, needs to fucking chill. Our whole world needs to discuss and try to find a deeper meaning in every tweet, word and everything that people say that they take things out of context. Reggie Bush's sarcasm was just that. It wasn't anything about his work ethic or his mentality, it's a shitty situation, why shouldn't he be able to laugh at it.

Also, I hate that people go after him for using the word slaving. When he said that I'm sure his intention wasn't meant to belittle slavery. If you have ever been down south and specifically New Orleans it fucking sucks in the summer. It's a million degrees and the humidity matches it. Thinking about 2 a day practices in that type of environment makes me sweat.

If I were the Saints this would have zero influence on me. He will have an unbelievable year with Mark Ingram being the featured back. People need to chill out and lay off people some times. At least he's not trying to get all political (I'm looking in your direction Rashard)

Day 1 Winners and Losers

Winners:
New Orleans Saints:
Filthy draft. First the pick up DE from Cal Cameron Jordan and then they got a gift from the Patriots and selected the best RB in the draft in Mark Ingram from Alabama. They fill two holes in their roster. They strengthen their D Line and then will have a lot to work with at rb with Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram.

Carolina Panthers:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
I was hesitant to like this pick, but I completely flip flopped on this. I think this kid is the real deal and will win this team some ball games. He's big, athletic and has a cannon. He's not your typical athletic QB who looks to run before pass, he passes pretty well. The Panthers have a lot of holes, but their future looks brighter with Newton behind center.

Baltimore Ravens:
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The only reason he fell was due to off field issues, but this kid is 1A to Patrick Peterson. He's big at 6'2 and just as athletic as Peterson. The Ravens needed some defensive backfield help and got a big time player in Smith. I was really hoping he would fall to the Steelers.

Losers:
New England Patriots:
They had 2 picks to fill pretty glaring needs. I like Nate Solder the OL out of Colorado. He is huge and could be really good. Plus with Logan Mankins drama coming up and Matt Light retiring (maybe) but he's a project. Anthony Costonzo out of BC and Danny Watkins from Baylor have higher ceilings than Solder. I understand the position they pick, just not the player. I think they will really regret trading that second pick for New Orleans 2nd pick and next years 1st. They had 2 players they could have drafted that would have filled huge holes in Mark Ingram or Muhammed Wilkerson the DE from Temple. This was a big swing and miss for the Patriots and they will be haunted about this for years.

Minnesota Vikings:
With the 12th pick they select Christian Ponder. Yea.... really? I know the Vikings needed a QB but this is a reach of epic proportions. If I were to reach on a QB I would have taken Andy Dalton, Ryan Mallet and even Colin Kaepernick over Ponder. I don't get it, they could have drafted Robert Quinn the DE from UNC or Mike Pouncey the G from Florida.

San Fransisco 49ers:
I think Aldon Smith was a little high. Cam Jordan, Nick Fairley or even JJ Watt would have better selections.

Fuck the Whole Pick By Pick, The Draft Is Tomorrow

DP's Picks:
24. NO: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
25. Sea: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
26. Balt: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
27. Atl: Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
28. NE: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
29. Chi: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt
30. NYJ: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
31. Pitt: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
32. GB: Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU

BMack's Picks:
24. NO: Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
Fills the need at DE for the Saints, and adds a good pass rusher to a team that really needs one.

25. Sea: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
I like Mallet a lot, but with all the questions surrounding being a booze bag and what not I think Seattle takes a pass. I also like Locker a lot and if Seattle can bring back Matt Hasselbeck for one more year I think he could be real good.

26. Balt: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Ravens need to improve thier defensive backfield, and Smith could end up being the 2nd best CB in this draft.

27. Atl: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Was projected to be a top 15 pick last year, but dropped in this years rankings (nerve damage/5 less sack then 2010), could be a steal this late in the first round.

28. NE: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Dude is huge (6-foot-8 319 pounds), and the Patriots could be very thin on the OL depending on what happens with the CBA/free agency.

29. Chi: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
The Bears have to find a way to protect Cutler, this is a good start,

30. NYJ: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Big, strong pass rusher is exactly what the Jets need, but what makes him special is he is great against the run.

31. Pitt: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Not a sexy pick, but lets be honest the Steelers have to find a way to protect Big Ben.

32. GB: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
Gives the Packers another OLB pass rushing option other then just Matthews. Houston is also versitle, and could eventually be a DE, another need for the Packers.

Drew Brees Wins SI Sportsman Of The Year

Drew Brees was honored as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year for his championship on the field and his charity off it. I really can't come up with someone who deserves it more. He finally got the Saints a championship, he has worked nonstop to help that community ( his foundation has worked with nearly 50 New Orleans schools and organizations to aid in recovery), and overall is just a good guy. So, good for him, the city obviously needed this team to lift their spirits after Katrina, and though it solved very little it at the very least let them forget their troubles for a little while.

Drew Brees is an example of what a professional athlete should be.

Reggie Bush Finally Back?

It has been a long time since we have seen Reggie Bush on the field for the Saints, but it seems he will be back this week...

"As recently as Nov. 10, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush was still hedging on his status for Week 11, although this was the target date. Wednesday morning, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that some of that uncertainty is gone, and Bush plans on playing Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks (ESPN)."

I think we have seen this year that the Saints need Reggie Bush on the field. I will admit I kind of thought he was just a nice luxury for the Saints to have, but after watching their games this year it is obvious he is a big part of their game plan even when he isn't putting up stats, much like "Randy Moss" supposedly does.

Reggie Bush Out Again This Week

There had been a lot of speculation that Reggie Bush could be back this week, but the reports coming out today suggest that it isn't very likely. Bush ran on his own yesterday, but has yet to be cleared to practice with the rest of his team.

The Saints have a huge game Sunday Night vs. the Steelers, and it would've been a great boost to get Bush back on the field. The Saints are a better passing team when Bush is an option, but without him the Saints have struggled. I'm not saying it's the only reason, but I think we have found out just how important Bush is to this team.

Don't count the Saints out though. This is a very tough game this weekend, but right now they are only 1 game back of Atlanta for the division (1/2 game behind Jacksonville). With the way the NFC is playing out this year, no one is out and I think you are going to see some 8-8 teams in the playoffs.

And look at their schedule:
vs Pittsburgh
@ Carolina
bye
vs Seattle
@ Dallas
@ Cincinnati
vs St. Louis
@ Baltimore
@ Atlanta
vs Tampa Bay

I figure the Saints SHOULD be able to beat Carolina, Seattle, Cincy, Dallas, St. Louis, and Tampa...that would put them at 10 wins.

Reggie Bush Injury Update

There is word coming from the Saints that Reggie Bush could be back week 6 or 7 (though it is looking for like week 7). The Saints could really use the help. Their offense hasn't looked anywhere near as good as they were last season, and Bush could be the spark plug this offense needs.

Even with Bush on his way back the Saints went out and signed Julius Jones, and released DeShawn Wynn. The big reason for this is that the Saints can't run the ball near the goal line. Jones could help with this, but Reggie Bush is the real key.

People usually think of Bush as a "role player", but there has been a noticeable drop off since he has been out. Plus, Bush actually was a guy they used in goal line situation, so getting him back on the field ASAP is really important for this offense's effectiveness

Saints' Tracy Porter Out 3-4 Weeks

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton clarified cornerback Tracy Porter's knee injury on Wednesday. It's a torn lateral meniscus, and will cost him the next 3-4 weeks. If you can rememeber Tracy Porter was the hero for the Saints during the SuperBowl against the Colts last year, so this is a big blow.

Still, I don't see this being that big of a deal. During the time that he will be out the Saints play the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, and he could be back by the time they play the Steelers. The other 3 teams they play are a joke, so the Saints should be just fine.

Reggie Bush Has Broken Leg?

The New Orleans Saints have initally diagnosed running back Reggie Bush with a fractured fibula in his right leg, a team source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. ESPN

This sucks for the Saints because even though his role has somewhat diminished over the years, he still needed to be accounted for while on the field. Reggie has the unique ability to spread a defense out with his ability to run and catch (that's probably why USC bought him a house) and with him not playing that puts a lot more pressure on the Saints Pierre Thomas to be a do everything back.

2010 NFL Preview: NFC South

We have finished the NFC South, and here is how we see it playing out...

New Orleans Saints: 12-4
Atlanta Falcons: 9-7
Carolina Panthers: 5-11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5-11

2010 NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints

2009 Record: 13-3

KEY ADDITIONS:
Alex Brown, DE, Chicago
Clint Ingram, LB, Jacksonville
Jason McKie, FB, Chicago
Jimmy Wilkerson, DE, Tampa Bay

KEY LOSSES:
Mike Bell, RB, Philadelphia
Jammal Brown, OT, Washington
Scott Fujita, LB, Cleveland
Charles Grant, DE, Free agent

Offense:
It doesn't get any better then the Saints offense. They were 1st in the NFL in total offense last year, and have basically everyone coming back. Drew Brees is the leader, and he is one of the best in the league. Not just his physical skills, but he is also clutch and the Saints (and the city of New Orleans) would die for this guy. Their running backs might not be going to be the Pro Bowl anytime soon, but they do their job. Pierre Thomas is their "true" RB, he rushes between the tackles, and when the Saints want to run out the clock this is the guy who'll be on the field. Reggie Bush is all flash. He'll make the big play, make SportsCenter, and although he is truly overrated he is still one of the most explosive players in the NFL. While the running game is solid for the Saints it's really about their passing game. The Saints have one of the most deep sets of WRs in the NFL. Marques Colston is the clear go-to guy, while Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem are the deep threats. What great is everyone on the Saints knows their role, and does it well.

Defense:
The Saints don't have any big names on their defensive line, but they are solid enough to get the job done, and have a ton of speed. Jonathan Vilma is the leader of their LB core, but other then him there are a lot of question marks. Scott Shanle is solid in coverage, but is basically useless when blitzing. Former Jaguar starter Clint Ingram, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Troy Evans, Jonathan Casillas and Stanley Arnoux will have first crack at the starting strong-side job vacated by Scott Fujita. All of those guys are kind of small, and I have some questions about how the Saints are going to do against the run. Their defensive backfield is very good. They cause turnovers, and even though Darren Sharper might miss the first 6 weeks, he is still a ballhawk, and game changer. The Saints were only in the mid-20's in total defense last year, but the turnovers they caused made all the difference. That will once again be the key, and that could end up being a problem.

Overall:
The Saints will have the best offense in the league again this year. There is no doubt about that, and Bress will be an MVP candidate. I am a little worried about their defense though. Shaper is hurt, and is getting up their in age. They lived off the turnovers last year, and that is something that can go away quickly (ask the Bears from a couple years ago). Still, this team is too good, and this division is too much of a joke for the Saints to do poorly.

2010 Record: 12-4

Fun at My Part Time Job

For those who don't know, I work security/customer service down at Gillette Stadium, as well as Boston College. And I write about the more interesting experiences I have in this job. Recently, I wrote about working at Patriots' training camp, as well as the first Pats' preseason game against the Saints.

You can read the full post here.

Some highlights:
The Saints practice with the Patriots
Tom Brady nearly kills me
I "guard" Belichick and Sean Payton
Tom Brady "steals" my pen

-The Commodore

What We Learned About The Patriots Last Night

So the first exhibition game has come and gone. So, what have we learned about the 2010 New England Patriots?

1. New Offensive identity - Ok maybe it hasn;t completely changed, but the Patriots did run the ball a lot more last night, and used a lot of formations that had 2-3 TEs on the field. Brady was using much more play action, which is something they had gotten away from with their "spread" offense. I have been saying they needed to put Brady under center the last 2 years. He was one of the best play action QBs in the league back when they were winning Super Bowls and I think it's important they get back to the kind of offense that can control a game rather then just trying to blow the doors off everyone. Before we go to far though, the Patriots did this last preseason and then ended up running their spread offense for most of the regular season.

2. Welker - I knew he wouldn't play. I wouldn't read into this much, I mean did you really think they would risk him in the first preseason game?

3. Julian Edelman - What a great game last night (six receptions for 90 yards and returned a punt 40 yards). Even if Welker isn't 100% I feel a lot better now that Edelman is turning into a very reliable receiver. I was hoping that we would see Tate get more touches, but his 1 catch was an important 20 yard catch. Still is going to need to show more then that if he wants a starting job.

4. Defense - When the starters were out their they looked pretty good. The Saints punted four times on their five first-half possessions and managed just a field goal on their last four of the game. It's just a preseason game, but at least it has to give the Patriots some confidence, since they were going against arguably the best offense in the league.

5. Running backs - They played well last night. Laurence Maroney had 2 TDs, but I wasn't overly impressed with the way he ran. I have just been fooled by him too many times. Still, he (along with rest of the running backs) should be improved this year, especially if the Patriots are going to starting basing their offense a lot more on play action, and 2/3 TE sets.

6. Brandon Spikes - You can tell Belichick really believes in this kid. He got the chance to start with Guyton hurt, and he looked comfortable. On top of that after the first team left Spikes stayed out there, and looked as if he was running the huddle for the defense. Pretty impressive for a rookie in a Belichick defense.

Overall it was a good first preseason game for the Patriots, and they have plenty to build off of.

What To Watch For During Patriots Game Tonight

First preseason games aren't usually much fun, but if you're a harcore fan there are always some things you can watch for...

1) CBs - Leigh Bodden was solid for the Patriots last year, and should be more comfortable in his 2nd year. His best years were under Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, and Belichick obviously runs a very similar systems. After him is what I'm really watching for though. Second-year corner Darius Butler will likely start opposite Bodden, and I want to see him back a big improvement from last year. After those two someone needs to step up and be the nickleback, that'll be the fight between Jonathan Wilhite, first-round pick Devin McCourty, and Terrence Wheatley. Wheatley has been a bust so far, and only played in 5 games last year. I've been reading good things about him in camp, but it is time for this guy to step up or get cut. I think Wilhite sucks, so I really hope this kid Devin McCourty was worth a first round pick.

2) Welker - Does he play? If so how much? Has he lost a step? I don't think he will play tonight, that's my guess, but if he does he will obviously be the biggest story line.

3) #2 WR - I know what you're thinking. Welker is obviously the #2, but I don't count him as that since he is really a slot receiver, which I call the #3. Julian Edelman filled in nicely for Welker last year, but really is a Welker replacement more then someone who will lineup opposite of Moss every play. Who I really want to watch is Torry Holt, second-year pro Brandon Tate and rookie Taylor Price. I don't think Holt has anything left in the tank, so basically I just want to see if he is going to get cut, but maybe he'll prove me wrong. The best reviews I have been reading from camp are about Brandon Tate, if he is going to finally make a name for himself it should be this year. Price has the speed and might do well in a Donte Stallworth kind of way...spreading the field with his speed. He might not show up in the stat sheet a lot, but that doesn't mean he isn't an asset.

4) Offensive line: How will they protect Brady with Kazur hurt, and Mankins holding out. If Brady can't get protection this season is over before it even started, because they did nothing to improve their running game.

5) Brandon Spikes - I think he could be the key to this defense. If he can fit into the Patriots system quickly it could go a long way to fixing a defense that hasn't been all that great the past couple seasons. Plus it'll be exciting if he is really good, because that would give the Patriots Mayo and Spikes at LB for many years to come.

Most people won't want past the first couple of mins, but those are the things I'll have my eye out for tonight.

Darren Sharper Returns To Saints

Darren Sharper and the New Orleans Saints agreed to a one year deal, which means I'm on a Darren Sharper Saints jersey watch. The Ball Hawking safety was a keep contributor to the Saints success last year, seemingly picking off a ball every game and returning half for touchdowns. He's beloved by the city and is just a great football player. What was delaying him returning is that he had micro fracture surgery on his knee which is much more sever then the arthroscopic surgery in which most thought he had. That could take a little bit of time for him to get back on the field.

But who cares about that, this is giant news for Who Dat Nation!!1

Brees Lobbying For LT?

On Tuesday, Brees tweeted the following...

"I would love to get LT in the black and gold. Crazier things have happened."

This has started a lot of talk about whether or not the Saints would be interested in bringing in LT. Personally, I think this is fucking retarded. They have Bush, who is a pass catching RB with speed, and 2 other solid RBs in Thomas, and Bell. Why mess any of that up by bringing this piece of shit to your team? Sorry, that was a little overboard, but the Saints have a good thing going, why mess up that chemistry on offense?

LT should go to a team where he could be a nice complement to a solid runner. He has stated that he will only play for a contender, and as much as I hate to say it wouldn't the Packers make sense? They have been looking for a #2 to go along with Grant, and LT could give them a nice passing option out of the backfield. Just a thought, but I think it makes sense.

Yesterday's Reaction

Yesterday, I never got a chance to boast about the Saints because I was too busy being a bodyguard for a giant shipment of urinal cakes. So here I go:

First of all I want to just say whoever is rooting for teams should jump on my bandwagon. Whether it be the Steelers, Saints, Alabama, Celtics, or Sox I have had a team win a major sporting event the past 4 years.

But on to the Saints, I'm so happy for the City, the people I know who live there, all the Saints fans out there, and most importantly Devery Henderson. That game was awesome, and like I said from the beginning the Saints have a better team up and down the board all the Colts had was the Peyton Manning factor and that the Saints shouldn't rely on it but they tend to get turnovers in crucial times ala Sharper, Vilma or Tracy Porter. I'm not going to be humble when I say that I hit those statements out of the park. (I also predicted preseason the Saints were going to the Superbowl)

But enough about how great I am. Peyton Manning is still "The Greatest QB to ever live" or going to be regardless of the outcome of that game. His stats, awards, ring and superbowl appearances are enough. I mean if it was any other qb and I told you the stats were 31-45 for 333 yards and 1 TD and 1 Pick, you would say that would be a pretty good game. I don't care about the pick either, sure it may have been Peyton's fault, but Tracy Porter said that in film they like to run that play so he jumped the route and scampered in for a 74 yard return. The Saints outmatched the Colts and won the game. Peyton Manning can't win it by himself in the biggest team sport out of the 4 major sports. (sorry captain and scan, I know you'll argue for Hockey, but you're wrong) It was funny though see a couple of my friends who are pink hat Patriot fans get caught up in the moment and overreact when Peyton threw that pick though.

But Congrats New Orleans. Who DAT?!?!?!?!

Drew Brees Already A Hall of Famer?

This has been on my mind all morning. Is Drew Brees already a Hall of Famer. My answer in short is no, but he will be.

So far in Brees career he has had 31,450 yards 213 TDs 112 INTs (including playoffs). He holds basically every major single season records for the Saints, and has even set some NFL records...

- Most completions for a season - 440 (2007 Season)
- Highest Completion percentage for a season - 70.62 (2009 Season)
- Most completions for a Super Bowl game (tied) - 32 (Super Bowl XLIV)

Pretty impressive for someone who is only 31 years old. There is no doubt in my mind that Drew Brees will be a Hall of Famer, because I believe that this young, high powered offense is going to be able to help him keep putting up amazing stats for at least the next 2-3 year, which will be enough to raise his numbers to the point that there is no question that he is a Hall of Famer. I've always been a big Drew Brees fan and I am glad that he has found a home where is will be treated like the great QB that he is. A couple more years of this and I think he enters the Manning, and Brady class.