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STEELERS VS. CARDINALS
KEYS TO THE GAME
ROSTERS
DEPTH CHARTS
STATISTICS
PREDICTIONS
SUPER BOWL HISTORY
PFW SUPER 50: THE NFLS BEST PLAYERS OF 2008
ALSO INSIDE
2009 MOCK DRAFT
WAYWE HEAR IT
STEELERS VS. CARDINALS
KEYS TO THE GAME
ROSTERS
DEPTH CHARTS
STATISTICS
PREDICTIONS
SUPER BOWL HISTORY
ALSO INSIDE
2009 MOCK DRAFT
WAYWE HEAR IT
Wake Forests Aaron Curry is tops in a strong LB class.
CREATORS & FOUNDERS
Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski and Joel Buchsbaum
ADMINISTRATION
Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush
General manager Mike Waters
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
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Mike Wilkening
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COLUMNISTS
Ron Borges, Barry Jackson, Jerry Magee
AFC REPORTERS
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Buffalo Bills Chuck Pollock
Cincinnati Bengals Mark Curnutte
Cleveland Browns Tony Grossi
Denver Broncos Frank Schwab
Houston Texans Megan Manfull
Indianapolis Colts Tom James
Jacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino
Kansas City Chiefs Rick Dean
Miami Dolphins Harvey Fialkov
New England Patriots John Tomase
New York Jets Mark Cannizzaro
Oakland Raiders Michael Wagaman
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Tennessee Titans Jim Wyatt
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New York Giants Paul Schwartz
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32
CONTENTS
2 Pro Football Weekly February 1, 2009
SUPER BOWL XLIII PREVIEW 24
Our breakdown of the big game offers in-depth analysis and tells you
which key matchups to focus on.
SUPER 50 14
With input from coaches, scouts, personnel men and executives
throughout the league, we rank the top 50 players of 2008.
NO-SHOW SUPER BOWL TEAM 16
Find out who made the cut at each position on our team of the great-
est players never to play in a Super Bowl.
RAIDING TAMPA 18
The first Super Bowl played in Tampa featured a dominant defensive
effort by the Raiders, as they shut down the high-scoring Redskins.
THE WAYWE SEE IT..................3
THE WAYWE HEAR IT ..............4
PUBLISHERS COMMENTARY....12
OPINION: Editorial, letters,
Ron Borges column ..................20
COLUMNISTS:
Eric Edholm, Dan Arkushs
A-bombs ..................................21
HANDICAPPERS CORNER:
Editors Super Bowl predictions,
Stephen Nover column ..........22
SUPER BOWL TEAMS
SEASON-IN-REVIEW ..............26
SUPER BOWL TEAM STATISTICS ..28
SUPER BOWL HISTORY............29
GRIDDYAWARDS......................30
NEWCOACHING HIRES ............31
2009 MOCK DRAFT..................32
NFL TRANSACTIONS ............34
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
GAME COVERAGE ..................34
AUDIBLES................................35
NFList: Who are the most
promising young CBs?............35
ONLYAT PROFOOTBALLWEEKLY.COM
SUPER BOWL BLOG Let our writers be your eyes and ears on the
ground in Tampa, as we report all the news and notes leading up to the
NFL championship game.
SENIOR BOWL COVERAGE Well be in Mobile, Ala., all week, watching
the top pro prospects work out in front of NFL coaches and scouts.
Cover photo by AP
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Kurt Warner is leading his second different franchise to the Super Bowl, lifting the Cardinals to their first title-game berth in 61 years.
2009 FANTASY
PLAYER RANKINGS
The 2008 NFL season may be coming to
an end, but preparation for the next fantasy
campaign is just getting under way. To get
you ready, here is an early look at the top 30
overall players (regardless of position) for
2009.
RANK THE SKINNY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
RB Adrian Peterson / Vikings
Favorite to repeat as rushing champ in 09.
RB Michael Turner / Falcons
Became elite fantasy RB in first year starting.
RB DeAngelo Williams / Panthers
Biggest fantasy shock of 08, scoring 20 TDs.
RB Matt Fort / Bears
Dominant dual threat as just a rookie.
RB Brian Westbrook / Eagles
Posted big stats even though often injured.
WR Larry Fitzgerald / Cardinals
Best yards/TD combo of any WR in the NFL.
RB Maurice Jones-Drew / Jaguars
Should be fantasy monster as Jags No. 1 RB.
QB Drew Brees / Saints
Insane numbers make him most coveted QB.
WR Randy Moss / Patriots
Will love seeing Tom Brady back under center.
WR Andre Johnson / Texans
More catches, yards than any WR in 2008.
RB Clinton Portis / Redskins
Huge start, but workload caught up to him late.
QB Tony Romo / Cowboys
Prolific TD tosser always a good bet for points.
QB Tom Brady / Patriots
Knee questions loom; the best when healthy.
RB Thomas Jones / Jets
Rebounded in 08 with shocking 15-TD effort.
WR Steve Smith / Panthers
Only WR to average more than 100 yards.
RB Steven Jackson / Rams
Injuries nagged, but still a productive year.
RB Frank Gore / 49ers
Should benefit from Mike Martz leaving town.
RB Brandon Jacobs / Giants
Would be higher if he ever could stay healthy.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson / Chargers
At a crossroads: Where will he play in 09?
QB Jay Cutler / Broncos
NFLs best young QB should keep improving.
RB Chris Johnson / Titans
Just a rookie, but as dynamic as any RB today.
WR Greg Jennings / Packers
Rapport with QB Rodgers only will get better.
WR Brandon Marshall / Broncos
Candidate to catch 10 passes every time out.
RB Steve Slaton / Texans
Amazing Year One; led AFC in scrimmage yards.
QB Peyton Manning / Colts
Another season, another 4,000 yards for MVP.
RB Marion Barber / Cowboys
Super first half, but health became major issue.
QB Kurt Warner / Cardinals
Back among the fantasy elite after huge 08.
WR Roddy White / Falcons
He and Ryan already a top WR-QB tandem.
WR Calvin Johnson / Lions
QB questions only thing holding him back.
RB Marshawn Lynch / Bills
Took a step backward, but still a top RB talent.
Even if he is unable to run his postseason record to 9-2 on Super
Sunday in Tampa, how can you not consider Kurt Warner, the third-
oldest quarterback to play in the Super Bowl, worthy of Hall of Fame
status?
Warners brilliant four-TD effort in the Cardinals gut-wrenching
come-from-behind 32-25 victory over the Eagles in the NFC cham-
pionship game was just the latest chapter in the twilight of a sto-
rybook career for one of the games most prolific passers on the field,
as well as one of the games classiest persons ever off the field.
I realize having a great story rising from the ashes both early
and late in his career and being a great guy arent really legiti-
mate criteria for Canton.
But after establishing himself as one of the greatest Rams play-
ers ever on the strength of his two league MVP awards and two Su-
per Bowl trips as the quarterback for the Greatest Show on Turf,
Warner also has become a lock to go down in history as one of the
greatest Cardinals players ever after setting franchise records in 2008
for TD passes, completions, attempts, passer rating and completion
percentage, in addition to leading Arizona to its first Super Bowl.
One more thing: You also can mark down Cardinals WR Larry
Fitzgerald, who has had quite the postseason coming-out party, as
a future first-ballot Hall of Famer right now. Dan Arkush
Warner deserves consideration for Canton
HALL OF FAME WORTHY
Stewart becomes fall guy
for Cowboys defense
Someone had to take the blame for the
Cowboys defensive problems, and former
coordinator Brian Stewart was the one
who was thrown under the bus. It wasnt all
his fault, but there were serious communi-
cation problems on that side of the ball
and way too much talent not to perform
better. Stewart was brought in without a
lot of experience or a great rsum in re-
cent years, but when he failed to team
Wade Phillips 3-4 defense properly, it was
pretty clear that he was not the guy to run
the unit, especially when the defense ap-
peared to play better when Phillips started
taking a bigger hand in the calls. We hear
that Stewart tried to be too nice a guy and
mentor the players when all they really
needed was someone to make the calls.
Eric Edholm
TOO NICE
Our weekly take on the hottest
topics from around the NFL.
THE WAY WE SEE IT
A
P
Panthers should franchise
Peppers, work on trade
Regardless of Julius Peppers plea to be
set free, the Panthers cant give him up
without a fight. It starts with an attempt to
convince him to stick around and recon-
sider his announcement that hed like to
play elsewhere next season. If the soon-to-
be free agent cant be convinced to return,
Carolina should put the franchise tag on
him and start discussions with interested
parties on a potential trade, using the
Jared Allen deal from last year, which net-
ted the Chiefs a first-rounder and two
third-round picks from the Vikings, as the
absolute minimum theyll accept in return
for Peppers. Compiling draft picks wont
make up for the loss of Peppers in the
short term, but it can help Carolina find a
young quarterback and rebuild a defense
that struggled late in the year. Dan Parr
DONT GIVE IN
Two-week break before the
Super Bowl a major blunder
Yeah, the Super Bowls a big deal. Were
talking the biggest deal in American
sports, big. But big enough to warrant an
extra week buffer between it and the con-
ference championship games? The NFL
thinks so. The excitement-crushing monot-
ony of matchup analysis, melodramatic
back stories and any other football filler
that occupies the newspapers, TVstations
and airwaves during the two-week hype
fest suggest it isnt. The bye week during
the regular season has a very tangible and
justifiable place in the NFL calendar, allow-
ing teams a mini-hiatus from the grind of
the gauntlet season. But the pre-Super
Bowl bye doesnt offer the luxury of other
games filling the void (the 2010 Pro Bowl
wont count). The league ought to revert to
the seven-day separation. Matt Sohn
NOT BYE-ING IT
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC EASTBy Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
If looking for an
early candidate to
burst onto the na-
tional scene in 2009,
keep a close eye on
Dolphins DE Kendall
Langford. The
small-school (Hamp-
ton) product played
surprisingly well in
his rookie season de-
spite the common
belief that he was
going to take some
years to develop at
the NFL level. Given
the improvement
most players espe-
cially defensive line-
men make from
their first to second
seasons, Langford
has serious potential.
It wasnt exactly a
sophomore slump,
but Jets ILB David
Harris didnt display
nearly the number of
highlight-reel plays in
2008 as he did in his
remarkable 07
rookie campaign.
Still, if the new
coaching staff can
light a fire in him,
theres a feeling he
could burgeon into
one of the leagues
elite middle men.
For as much as the
Bills value the contri-
butions of gritty CB
Jabari Greer, they
may well be waving
farewell to the free-
agent-to-be. Leodis
McKelvins impres-
sive strides made
during the second
half of his rookie sea-
son convinced team
brass that it has a
lockdown presence
opposite Terrence
McGee. Fellow CB
Reggie Corner also
impressed in Year
One.
Free-agent WR
Jabar Gaffney, who
wants to remain a Pa-
triot, may have had
his cause aided by
the promotion of
Nick Caserio to VP
of player personnel.
Caserio served as Pa-
triots WR coach in
2007 when Gaffney
enjoyed a fine season
as a regular in the Pa-
triots spread offense.
He hauled in five
touchdowns that sea-
son, three more than
his previous career
high.
Its a fate that befalls a handful of
players every year: unheralded late-
round or undrafted find proves to
be a revelation during his first few
years, yet he cant cash in on his
achievement during free agency
because of his clubs exclusive
rights. Thats precisely the situation
facing Bills RB Fred Jackson. By
most measures, the 27-year-old
Coe College product has been a
tremendous asset for Buffalo the
last two years. The consummate
teammate and citizen, he was at his
best in 08, running for 571 yards
and adding 317 yards on receptions
as a no-nonsense complement and
injury-replacement to Marshawn
Lynch. Although the Bills recognize
his long-term value, dont expect
them to do anything but tender him
the league minimum for 09, which
hell have to accept if he wishes to
continue in the NFL. Buffalo has
too many deficiencies to address to
afford sinking luxury money into a
player it can retain cheaply.
The fact that its taken so long
for the Dolphins to work out a deal
for free-agent SS Yeremiah Bell
has come as somewhat of a sur-
prise. Talks were swirling around
South Florida even before midsea-
son that the club was looking to
lock down the enforcer in its sec-
ondary, yet the amount of time its
taken lends itself to the theory that
the Dolphins havent convinced
themselves that Bells worthy of a
big-money deal. Consequently,
Bell, whose profile within the
league has risen dramatically cour-
tesy of his team-leading 120-tackle
campaign, may wish to wait and
see what type of contract hell be
offered in the open market even if
the Fins pony up the cash soon.
The Dolphins ambivalence about
him isnt without merit. Bell missed
15 games in 2007 with a torn
Achilles tendon, and his difficulty
latching on to interceptions does-
nt jibe with a club that stresses
winning the turnover battle.
Since Bill Belichick assumed
the reins of the franchise as head
coach in 2000, the Patriots have
stood as one of the lasting bastions
of stability in the fickle world of the
NFL. But the question now turns to
whether the defections of VP of
player personnel Scott Pioli to
Kansas City and offensive coordina-
tor Josh McDaniels to Denver
threaten the Patriots perch near
the top of the leagues hierarchy.
Naturally, the answer wont be de-
cided for some time, but the pre-
vailing feeling is that the loss of Pioli
looms larger. While numerous coor-
dinators have left in recent years
with no debilitating effects suffered
by the Pats, Belichicks kinship with
Pioli allowed the coach to devote
more time to the Xs and Os, know-
ing that the personnel department
would provide him with the players
to achieve success on the field.
Piolis replacement, Nick Caserio,
has much to accomplish before
earning the same level of trust.
Among the reasons Rex Ryan
has surged to the forefront of the
Jets coaching search is his adher-
ence to the 3-4 defense, which the
Jets have spent the past three sea-
sons trying to adjust their person-
nel to fit. When Eric Mangini
arrived in 2006, he inherited a club
teeming with 4-3 stalwarts, and the
slow, steady progress he and gen-
eral manager Mike Tannenbaum
made in reshaping the defensive
roster accordingly would have
been for naught if they now re-
verted to the 4-3.
But thats not to suggest that all
is right in the front seven. For as
much blame as Brett Favre ab-
sorbed for the Jets inability to
surge into the postseason, the de-
fensive demise the club experi-
enced down the stretch cant be
absolved of too much finger-point-
ing, either. Highlighted by a Week
12 stonewalling of the undefeated
Titans, the Jets had been stout vs.
the run most of the season, only to
see them deteriorate following
their effort in Nashville. Likewise,
the Jets sack production dropped
off precipitously down the stretch
after coming out like gangbusters
during the first half of the season.
Regardless of whether the team
brass believes it was the coaching
or player personnel that con-
tributed to the downfall, this much
is clear: The Jets cant afford to for-
tify their front seven too much. Lit-
erally. The premonitions last
offseason that the Jets were hand-
cuffing themselves to their ultra-ex-
pensive 08 newcomers are proving
correct. Without much salary-cap
wiggle room, the Jets need to hope
that the incoming coaching regime
can coax the best out of the players
who were last seen fading away
when it mattered most.
With the exception of ILB Eric
Barton, the entire starting front
seven remain under contract. Many
of them, such as NT Kris Jenkins
and OLB Calvin Pace, are entering
just the second season of lucrative
multiyear deals. Also entering his
second season with the Jets and
of his career is OLB Vernon
Gholston, who was a major disap-
pointment as a rookie.
Because most of the high-priced
3-4 players ooze talent, the Jets
are hardly facing a doomsday situ-
ation. But theyre nevertheless
married to the decisions of last
year, and now its up to the incom-
ing coaches to bail Tannenbaum
out of a situation he and Mangini
got the Jets into.
Dolphins SS Yeremiah Bell may test the market as a free agent this spring after leading Miami in tackles.
A
P
BUFFALO
BILLS
MIAMI
DOLPHINS
NEWENGLAND
PATRIOTS
NEWYORK
JETS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC NORTHBy Mike Wilkening
WHISPERS
The Ravens acqui-
sition of DE Marques
Douglas late in the
preseason has turned
out to be a wise one,
the way we hear it.
Douglas, 31, started
32 games for the
Ravens from 2001-04
before signing with
the 49ers. After three
seasons in San Fran-
cisco, he signed with
the Buccaneers, but
he was traded before
he even played a reg-
ular-season game
with his new club.
Douglas, whos
strong vs. the run,
notched 36 tackles
for Baltimore in the
regular season. He
can play end in either
a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme,
which gives the
Ravens schematic
flexibility if needed.
How vital is Steel-
ers SS Troy Pola-
malu to the
Pittsburgh defense?
I cant imagine any-
one being any better
at safety than Troy;
thats just my opin-
ion, Steelers defen-
sive coordinator Dick
LeBeau told PFWre-
cently. According to
LeBeau, one of the
strengths of the de-
fense is that it is so
strong down the
middle, as he put it,
pointing to NT Casey
Hampton, ILBs
James Farrior and
Larry Foote and
safeties Polamalu
and Ryan Clark. Po-
lamalu clinched the
Steelers 23-14 win in
the AFC title game
with a 40-yard inter-
ception return for a
TD.
Asource close to
the Steelers believes
that QB Ben Roeth-
lisberger heard, and
responded well to,
the criticism of his
play in the regular
season leading up to
the divisional-round
win vs. San Diego.
Roethlisberger com-
pleted 17-of-26
passes for 181 yards
with one TD vs. the
Chargers. He did not
throw an intercep-
tion, and he did not
fumble. Roethlis-
berger also did not
turn the ball over in
the AFC title game.
The way we hear it, the feeling
around the Ravens is that defen-
sive coordinator Rex Ryan is likely
to land a head-coaching job in
2009. Ryan has interviewed for the
Jets head-coaching vacancy, and
multiple reports have tabbed Ryan
as one of the favorites to succeed
Eric Mangini. Ryan also inter-
viewed in St. Louis, but the Rams
hired Giants defensive coordinator
Steve Spagnuolo as head coach.
I may be biased, but I think Rex
should be the top candidate for
any job, because hes a players
coach, and guys go and play for
him, Ravens ROLB Terrell Suggs
recently told PFW. Ryan, 46, has
been the Ravens defensive coordi-
nator for the past four seasons,
and he has built a reputation for
imaginative blitzes. Baltimore
never has finished lower than sixth
in yards allowed per game in that
span. With the Ravens eliminated
from the playoffs, Ryan is free to
talk with other clubs.
The Bengals have their work cut
out for them in free agency. Two of
their best offensive players, RB
Cedric Benson and WR T.J.
Houshmandzadeh, are unre-
stricted free agents, and the club
has to decide whether to re-sign
starting ORT Stacy Andrews,
who suffered a knee injury in De-
cember. Another coveted Bengals
free agent could be PK Shayne
Graham. The 31-year-old Graham
has connected on 154-of-176 FG at-
tempts (87.5 percent) in six sea-
sons in Cincinnati. Graham is one
of several accomplished kickers
who could hit the market; Titans
PK Rob Bironas, Giants PK John
Carney, Jets PK Jay Feely, Lions
PK Jason Hanson, Jets PK Mike
Nugent and Ravens PK Matt
Stover also are slated to become
unrestricted free agents. Grahams
agent, Robert Roche, told PFW
that there have been no recent
talks with Cincinnati about a new
deal for his client.
The Steelers run defense got
gashed somewhat at least by its
standards in the final weeks of
the regular season, as opponents
rushed for an average of 110.4
yards in Pittsburghs final five
games. But any worries about the
defenses strength vs. the run were
dashed in the divisional-round win
over San Diego after the Steelers
held dynamic Chargers RB Darren
Sproles to 15 yards on 11 carries.
The Steelers then held Baltimore
to 73 yards on 25 carries in the
AFC title game. The defensive lines
play vs. the Chargers was espe-
cially eye-catching, with DRE Brett
Keisel having one of his better
games of the season and NT
Casey Hampton also playing at a
high level. Overall, the defense
looked refreshed after an extra
week of rest, something that no
doubt helped this veteran group,
one that features only one starter
(LOLB LaMarr Woodley) with
less than four years of experience.
Head coach Eric Mangini has
begun to assemble his coaching
staff, hiring Brian Daboll as offen-
sive coordinator, Rob Ryan as de-
fensive coordinator and Brad
Seely as special-teams coordina-
tor and assistant head coach.
With those hires, the biggest
hole in the clubs organizational
depth chart is at general manager.
Ravens pro personnel director
George Kokinis is the presumed
favorite for the job and is expected
to interview for a second time the
week after the AFC championship
game, according to The Cleveland
Plain Dealer. The Browns have also
reportedly interviewed former
Jaguars vice president of player
personnel James Shack Har-
ris, as well as Browns director of
player personnel T.J. McCreight.
Harris was Kokinis predecessor in
Baltimore, and McCreight also has
an eight-year stint in the Ravens
player personnel department to his
credit.
Whoever is hired as GM will work
hand-in-hand with Mangini in re-
stocking the roster with talent. The
goal, Mangini noted, is that the
general manager and I work to-
gether every single day and create
decisions that are based on con-
sensus.
One of the first major challenges
for the Browns new brain trust will
be making decisions about the
clubs 13 unrestricted free agents
(the club has no restricted free
agents). However, only three
starters ILB Andra Davis, SS
Sean Jones and OLB Willie
McGinest are eligible to test
the market. McGinest may elect to
retire. The futures of Davis and
Jones are unclear, considering the
organizational changes.
The most pressing question on
offense is whom Mangini will
choose at quarterback. Specula-
tion has centered on Brady
Quinn, who was at home in ex-Pa-
triots offensive coordinator Char-
lie Weis offense in Notre Dame,
but Mangini did not name Quinn his
starter at his introductory press
conference. QB Derek Anderson,
who began the 08 season as the
Browns starter until being benched
after eight games in favor of Quinn,
has two years left on his contract.
Seely, who was the Patriots spe-
cial-teams coach the past 10 sea-
sons, inherits a strong group led by
RS Josh Cribbs, so dangerous on
kickoff and punt returns and a
major asset on kick and punt cov-
erage, too.
Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is believed to have a good shot at landing a head-coaching gig.
A
P
BALTIMORE
RAVENS
CINCINNATI
BENGALS
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
CLEVELAND
BROWNS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC SOUTHBy Mike Wilkening and Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
The Colts saw OLB
Clint Session tran-
sition from ultra-ath-
letic rookie in 2007 to
quality starter in 08.
Theres a feeling that
DE Marcus Howard
can make a similar
jump in 09, even
though he wont be
winning a starting
job. Howards incredi-
ble speed rivals that
of fellow Colts DE
Dwight Freeney,
and if he can improve
his awareness, hell
be given more of a
green light to ply his
craft in Year Two.
It will be a surprise
if the Titans dont
look to add at least
one younger, faster
wide receiver. WR
Justin McCareins,
a free agent, is un-
likely to be re-signed,
according to a source
close to the club.
Brandon Jones,
who led all Titans
wideouts with 41
catches, is also a free
agent, but the club
could have interest in
re-signing him. I
thought Brandon
Jones improved sig-
nificantly this year,
and I reminded Bran-
don about Derrick
Masons road and
how it took Derrick
three or four years,
head coach Jeff
Fisher said at his
season-ending press
conference. Mason,
now with Baltimore,
did not become a
starter until his
fourth NFL season.
Jones, who set a ca-
reer high for catches
in 08, just completed
his fourth season.
Just because the
Jags pass-rushing
problems nixed their
intention to employ
much man coverage
in 2008 doesnt
mean they dont plan
on trying to re-estab-
lish it. The Jags cor-
ners have the
athleticism to man-
up effectively, and if
the clubs young D-
ends can apply pres-
sure off the edges,
Gregg Williams re-
placement as defen-
sive coordinator will
be given an advan-
tage the club lacked
in 08.
Adisappointing end of the 2008
season for the Titans now gives
way to an offseason of intrigue for
the AFC South champions. Starting
QB Kerry Collins heads the list of
free agents the Titans will try to re-
sign on offense, with Pro Bowl DT
Albert Haynesworth the top pri-
ority on defense. Collins has indi-
cated he will retire if hes not a
starter in 2009, and Titans head
coach Jeff Fisher has said the
team would like to bring him back
in that role. He wants to start and
rightfully so, Fisher said at his sea-
son-ending press conference. A
source close to the club tells PFW
the feeling is Collins and the Titans
should be able to get something
done. Collins completed 242-of-415
passes for 2,676 yards with 12 TDs
and seven interceptions in 08. If
Collins comes back, Vince Young
will again be the top backup. We
expect 100 percent commitment
from Vince and will accept nothing
less than that, Fisher said.
While the resignation of
James Shack Harris from his
post as Jaguars VP of player per-
sonnel wasnt all that surprising,
considering the clubs plight while
he was at the helm, subsequent fir-
ings illuminate just how badly
owner Wayne Weaver wants to
distance the organization from
Harris imprint. Two members of
the scouting department assis-
tant director of pro personnel
Larry Wright Jr. and executive
scout Art Perkins both of
whom were handpicked by Harris,
have reportedly been given their
walking papers. Additionally, Har-
ris secretary was shown the door.
The way we hear it, the decisions
to can the trio is as much a sym-
bolic act as it is practical. Weaver
was miffed when his club stumbled
to a 5-11 mark in a season that
began with Super Bowl aspirations,
and its clear that he sensed the
need to start a new era of Jaguars
football.
For as much as Tony Dungy was
revered for his persona off the field
and his stated hope that his legacy
would be winning the right way,
theres no question that his role as
co-architect along with former
Bucs defensive coordinator Monte
Kiffin of the famed Tampa-2 de-
fense will be among his lasting im-
pressions on the league. It certainly
will be with the Colts. While new
head coach and longtime QB tutor
Jim Caldwell figures to actively
collaborate with offensive coordina-
tor Tom Moore in formulating the
offensive game plan, defensive co-
ordinator Ron Meeks assumes
overarching stewardship of the de-
fense. Meeks is one of the many
Dungy disciples in the league who
subscribe to the Tampa-2 system,
and the Colts have tailored their de-
fensive personnel during the last
seven years to fit the scheme. As
Dungy said upon retirement, hell
always be a part of the organization
especially the defense.
One year ago, Texans RB Steve
Slaton was working out in Arizona
in preparation for the NFL draft.
Slaton, who left West Virginia with
one year of eligibility remaining, re-
members being excited, not wor-
ried, about the challenge ahead.
As he prepared for his profes-
sional future, draft experts won-
dered how he would fit in an NFL
offense after he starred in West Vir-
ginias spread attack.
The answer became clear early
in Slatons rookie season, when he
took the starting job after only one
game. And it was driven home in
December, when he was getting al-
most all of the carries for Houston.
No, Slaton wasnt just going to be a
change-of-pace back or someone
who was going to need a lot of time
to master the Texans offense. The
offense needed him, and he very
much looked at home in Alex
Gibbs zone-blocking scheme.
This scheme, it fits me the
best, Slaton recently told PFW. It
comes naturally to what I have to
offer athletically. It utilizes my
greatest tools.
Slaton exceeded even his own
expectations in his rookie season,
rushing for 1,282 yards and nine
touchdowns for a Texans club that
finished a franchise-record third in
total offense. Slaton, who also
caught 50 passes for 377 yards,
led the AFC in yards from scrim-
mage.
Slaton did not miss a game as a
rookie in a rookie season and
played through a chest injury late
in the season. His workload in-
creased in the final weeks. He had
at least 21 touches (combined car-
ries and receptions) in the Texans
last six games after having only
two such games in his first 10 NFL
outings.
Slaton, one of five finalists for
Vizios Top Value Performer award,
which is given to the player who
has produced the most for his club
in relation to his salary, believes
hes at his best on outside-zone
runs. Its an outside read, but you
can cut back, he said. You give
the running back a chance to use
his vision.
Slaton is best-known for running
around, and away from, tacklers.
However, the 5-9, 203-pound Sla-
ton recently told PFWhe wants to
improve his leg strength so as to
start moving more piles, as he
put it. That would be yet another
weapon for a young runner who al-
ready has a healthy repertoire of
them.
Texans RB Steve Slaton says he wants to improve his leg strength to become a more powerful runner.
A
P
TENNESSEE
TITANS
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
HOUSTON
TEXANS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC WESTBy Dan Parr and Michael Blunda
WHISPERS
Josh McDaniels
announcement that
the Broncos would
transition to a 3-4 de-
fense was welcome
news to DEs Jarvis
Moss and Tim
Crowder, who were
the teams top
draftees in 07. Both
struggled in limited
action in 08. Moss is
expected to become
a stand-up de-
fender in the new
scheme, and Crow-
der appears more
suited for a role as a
3-4 end.
Broncos C Casey
Wiegmann said he
was considering re-
tirement after Den-
vers season-ending
loss to San Diego, but
sources say the indi-
cations are he will re-
turn for another year.
Wiegmann, who is
headed to the Pro
Bowl for the first time
in his 13-year career,
showed he still has a
lot to offer this past
season, taking over
as the Broncos start-
ing center after Tom
Nalen underwent
knee surgery before
the season began.
The Chargers'
round of assistant-
coach firings follow-
ing their playoff exit
came as little sur-
prise to those close
to the team. Bill
Bradley and Kevin
Ross, both involved
with the secondary,
took the fall for the
defense finishing 31st
against the pass. O-
line coach Jack
Henry, meanwhile,
was axed after the
Bolts line appeared
to regress in 08.
Tony Gonzalez
expressed recently
that if Tyler Thig-
pen is not back as
the starting quarter-
back next season,
then he wants out of
Kansas City. Al-
though retaining
Gonzalez would ben-
efit the team in the
short run, dont ex-
pect new GM Scott
Pioli to cave in to the
All-Pros demands if
he deems another
QB to be more suit-
able to run the of-
fense.
With Mike Nolan locked in as
head coach Josh McDaniels de-
fensive coordinator, the Broncos
will shift completely to a 3-4 de-
fense next season after experi-
menting with it in a limited capacity
in 2008. Although McDaniels, the
former Patriots O-coordinator, isnt
experienced in coaching defense,
he plans to be heavily involved in
that side of things. Sources in Den-
ver say it wont be a case of Nolan
serving as a defensive head
coach while McDaniels, 32, stays
out of his way. There are some
questions about the feasibility of a
quick transition from a 4-3 to 3-4 in
Denver since a massive overhaul in
personnel usually is necessitated
by a change in schemes. In the
Broncos case, though, regardless
of scheme, sweeping changes were
necessary well before McDaniels
and Nolan came to town. Denver
was ranked 29th in defense last
season, and sources say a rebuild-
ing effort is overdue.
In his first major move since tak-
ing over the Chiefs from his father,
the late Lamar Hunt, we hear that
owner Clark Hunt scored a major
coup with his choice for general
manager. The hiring of former Patri-
ots VP of player personnel Scott
Pioli, considered one of the games
top talent evaluators, to replace
Carl Peterson has instantly rein-
vigorated a fan base that had been
souring after watching its team post
a 6-26 record the past two seasons.
Hunt needed to make an impact
with his GM selection, and signing a
bona fide winner from a respected
franchise like New England has
been met with rave reviews. While
Pioli will take over one of Petersons
roles, we hear that his other position
of president very likely will go to cur-
rent COO Denny Thum, who has
been in the Chiefs organization
since 1974. Thum is considered a
terrific salary-cap manager, so pair-
ing him with Pioli should make an
effective front-office tandem.
Remodeling the Raiders receiv-
ing corps will be a top priority for
whomever Al Davis chooses as the
teams next head coach, the way we
hear it. The chief challenge facing
the organization is making sure Ja-
Marcus Russell develops into a
quality pro quarterback. In order for
that to happen, a more complete
group of pass catchers must be as-
sembled around him. Davis tried to
help out his cannon-armed
prospect last offseason by spend-
ing big money on free-agent WR
Javon Walker, but sources familiar
with the team say Walker could be
sent packing after one bizarre, in-
jury-plagued campaign in which he
once had to be talked out of retire-
ment. Davis fired receivers coach
James Lofton, who has inter-
viewed to become the teams head
coach twice in past years, after the
receiving corps struggled through-
out the 2008 season. The teams
leading wide receiver, Johnnie Lee
Higgins, had just 22 catches.
Could the days of RB LaDainian
Tomlinson, probably the best
player in Chargers history, be num-
bered in San Diego? Incredibly,
they very well might be.
All the attention in Southern Cal-
ifornia has turned to the future of
L.T. Having just finished a cam-
paign in which he registered career
lows in both carries and rushing
yards, talk of San Diego parting
ways with the future Hall of Famer
has begun to heat up. And from
what we hear, that scenario ap-
pears likely to play out.
With Tomlinson, who has been
derailed by injuries in each of the
past two postseasons, set to count
$8.8 million against the 2009
salary cap, Chargers general man-
ager A.J. Smiths best business
move probably would be to cut ties
with the eight-year pro. Although it
wouldnt be warmly welcomed by
the teams fan base, the move
would add $6.7 million in cap
space, giving Smith ample funds to
re-sign soon-to-be free-agent RB
Darren Sproles, whose remark-
able late-season performance
helped catapult San Diego to a di-
vision title.
In order to make L.T.s departure
easier on angered Bolts support-
ers, we understand that its more
likely Smith will release the back
than trade him. Besides the fact
that he could only expect about a
fourth-round draft pick in return,
the GM would come off looking
better if he allowed Tomlinson to
choose his next team and not be
forced to play somewhere he does-
nt want to be.
Assuming the single-season TD
record holder isnt back in 09, the
Chargers likely would employ a
split backfield. We hear Smith views
running backs as a dime a dozen,
meaning he almost certainly would-
nt use his first-round pick on that
position, especially with more
pressing needs. Instead, odds are
hell retain Sproles, whom he views
as a full-time returner but only a
part-time back, and pair him with a
power rusher whom hell bring in
either through the draft or free
agency. The two would then divide
touches fairly evenly next season.
With Tomlinson turning 30 this
summer and injuries catching up
to him after years of heavy work-
loads, paying him the huge sum of
money hes owed doesnt seem to
be in the teams best interest. Un-
less he agrees to a pay cut, L.T.
likely has played his final game as a
Charger.
The Chargers could be moving on without RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who turns 30 over the summer.
A
P
DENVER
BRONCOS
KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
OAKLAND
RAIDERS
SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC EASTBy Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
The talk of the
Cowboys letting WR
Terrell Owens go is
not new, despite re-
cent reports. We hear
the team has been
pondering this deci-
sion casually since
the end of the season
but have had no for-
mal talks on the mat-
ter up until now. If the
team were to cut
Owens, it might pres-
ent an interesting op-
tion of using more
two-TE sets with
Jason Witten and
the emerging
Martellus Bennett
and also of finding
ways to get RB Felix
Jones on the field in
more of a receiving
role.
Redskins OT Jon
Jansen told PFWhe
expects head coach
Jim Zorn to make a
lot of changes in his
second season.
Jansen said: Hell
definitely need to
look at decisions he
made not neces-
sarily on game day
but in training camp
the schedule, how
long practices were,
how short they were,
when we came out of
pads, how long we
stayed in. There are
just a whole lot of
things that, when
youre the head guy,
youre the one mak-
ing the call on all
those things, and
everyone expects you
to do it. And I think
there probably will be
a big change between
last year and this
coming year.
The Eagles and QB
Donovan McNabb
likely will sit down be-
fore the start of free
agency to discuss his
future in Philadel-
phia. Despite the loss
in the NFC title game
and the citys love-
hate relationship with
their QB, McNabb is
expected to express
his desire to remain
with the team. Its be-
lieved that the Eagles
are willing to add
years and some in-
centives to McNabbs
deal, but they would
want to do so with an
eye on easing the
salary-cap hit the
next few years.
There is little debate that the of-
fensive line didnt play up to expec-
tations or that the wide receivers
underachieved in Dallas this season.
But with an eye on offseason im-
provements, it appears there is a
greater and more immediate need
to improve the defense on all
three levels. On the line, depth is a
concern, especially behind NT Jay
Ratliff, and DE Chris Canty, a free
agent, might not return. With ILB
Zach Thomas and reserve Kevin
Burnett set to hit free agency, the
team needs at least one more inside
guy, and theres a chance that both
players will walk in search of better
situations. At OLB, Greg Ellis might
be too expensive to keep in a re-
serve role. In the secondary, safety
needs immediate attention, and
even if the team moves Anthony
Henry there, that probably opens
the door for another cornerback to
be added, given that Adam Jones
is a goner and Mike Jenkins has
yet to show he can play.
Its hard to find too much criticism
for the Giants coaching staff since it
guided the team to a Super Bowl win
last season and a division title this
season, but there was evidence in
the divisional playoff game that the
coaches might have made some se-
rious missteps in the loss to the Ea-
gles. Head coach Tom Coughlin
took the blame for the second of two
failed fourth-down conversions, but
a bigger error was not using the
swirling winds to his advantage. In-
stead of deferring to start the game
(the Giants won the coin toss) and
taking the wind in the second and
fourth quarters, he opted to take the
ball. Both coordinators approach
must be called into question. Offen-
sive coordinator Kevin Gilbride
failed to adjust to the Eagles selling
out to the run, and former defensive
coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was
able to pressure Eagles QB Dono-
van McNabb seriously only once
and struggled to adapt to their pass-
ing game in the second half.
People in Philadelphia dont want
to think about the post-Brian
Dawkins era. But a new star has
emerged in the secondary who likely
will help transition to the day with-
out Dawkins, whether thats after
this season or not. Quintin Mikell
has emerged as an outstanding
player over the past few months,
and coordinator Jim Johnson has
had nothing but praise for him after
Mikell struggled to see the field his
first few seasons. I think he strug-
gled a little bit (before the 2006
season), just knowing the system,
Johnson said. The safety really has
to know a lot of the system more
than the other players, besides the
linebackers. All of a sudden, you just
saw this confidence, about two
years ago. Once he got that, he was
making plays. Hes a tough guy. He
really is a tough guy, has good
speed and good quickness. We
knew we were going to play him; we
just didnt know if he was ever going
to be a starter.
ORT Jon Jansen, like many of
his teammates from last season,
faces an uncertain future in Wash-
ington. He is due to count $4.5 mil-
lion against the salary cap next
season not an exorbitant num-
ber, by any means but he also is
due a $1 million roster bonus and is
on the back side of his career at
age 33, which he turns at the end
of January.
But Jansen says he would like to
be back next season, coming off a
year in which he was demoted to
the second string to start the sea-
son in favor of Stephon Heyer
but later regained his starting spot
and played well.
My thought is that I will be back
playing another year with the Red-
skins. And thats what I plan on
doing,Jansen told PFWfrom his
offseason home in Michigan.
Jansen said he has not received
word from the team about where
he stands in their mind, but with no
clear replacement on the roster
other than Heyer who some
people feel might never become a
quality tackle Jansen feels confi-
dent he and the team can keep
their tenure going.
Jansen considers last season to
be one of his best, all things con-
sidered.
I think any competitors going
to look back at their season and
say, I wish I had done this or that
better, he said. But overall, I was
extremely happy with how I was
able to come in, get an opportunity
and never really look back. I think I
played as good of football as I have
ever played.
That said, the way things went
down with his benching still mysti-
fies him.
Said Jansen: What happened at
the beginning of the season was,
and will always be, a question in my
mind as to why it happened. But
given the opportunity to get back
in there again, I wanted to go in and
say, I am still the guy, I am still the
right tackle and still one of the best
that there is. And I think I was able
to do that.
Still, he knows he doesnt have a
lot of time left, like many of his fel-
low offensive linemen. OLT Chris
Samuels and OLG Pete Kendall
turn 32 and 36, respectively, in
July, and ORG Randy Thomas is a
few days older than Jansen and
has had a serious injury history.
Jansen said it would be no shock if
the Redskins draft an offensive
lineman with their first-round pick
(13th overall).
Eagles SS Quintin Mikell has emerged a strong defender after struggling early in his career.
A
P
DALLAS
COWBOYS
NEWYORK
GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC NORTHBy Dan Arkush and Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
Might new Lions
head coach Jim
Schwartz raid his Ti-
tans defense for rein-
forcements? Not
likely. The Titans
dont have an abun-
dance of defensive
talent set for free
agency, other than
DT Albert
Haynesworth, and
though Haynesworth
would be exactly
what the doctor or-
dered for a D-line
that got pushed
around, we hear a
move to Detroit
would be highly un-
likely. Heres a name
to keep in mind:
Chris Carr, a free
agent who was a big
contributor to the Ti-
tans on special
teams as a kick re-
turner (28.1-yard av-
erage) and punt
returner (10.1 aver-
age) and would like
more time as a cor-
nerback on defense.
Luckily, the Lions are
needy at both spots.
Greatly overshad-
owed by the major
defensive changes
implemented by
Bears head coach
Lovie Smith was the
retention of offensive
coordinator Ron
Turner and his entire
staff, which had been
rumored to be in
trouble in some cir-
cles. Some people
questioned Turner,
said one team in-
sider. He wasnt real
creative the second
half of the season.
But you gotta give
him a full deck before
he can be evaluated
properly.
Our Packers
sources arent sure
what to make out of
the teams decision
to promote Shawn
Slocumto the spe-
cial-teams post va-
cated by the retired
Mike Stock. There
appeared to be an
impressive group of
experienced candi-
dates available to re-
place Stock, but the
team decided to go
with Slocum, whom
the local media never
talked to in his role as
Stocks assistant be-
cause Stock did all
the talking.
With the hiring of a new head
coach (Jim Schwartz) out of the
way, the Lions can now spend
more time thinking about remaking
their roster. At the top of the list,
they must consider what to do with
the first pick in the draft. Georgia
QB Matthew Stafford has de-
clared and is considered talented
enough to be taken that high, but
with Sam Bradford expected to
return to Oklahoma, theres a good
chance that the Lions might have
to consider other positions, such
as on defense or the offensive line,
with the No. 1 pick. Another option,
of course, is trading down, but with
the pay scale of top-10 picks and
no sure-fire, big-name prospect
like Reggie Bush or Mario
Williams atop the draft, would
there be a proper suitor for the
pick? This is just one of the big is-
sues the Lions face as they try to
reshape the program amid its
worst string of losing in franchise
history.
The Packers were the youngest
team in the NFL for the third
straight year. In the wake of a dra-
matic seven-game plunge in the
standings, it will be interesting to
see just how much of the teams
youth is served in the starting
lineup in 2009. The way we hear it,
three of the teams nine 08 drafted
rookies have a legitimate shot at
starting jobs next season third-
round TE Jermichael Finley,
fourth-round OG Josh Sitton and
fifth-round OT Breno Giacomini.
On the offensive line, sources say
Sitton, who has a big body, will get
a decent opportunity to start at ei-
ther guard spot, while the physical
Giacomini will be in serious con-
tention for the ORT job held down
primarily by veteran Mark
Tauscher in 08. As for Finley, who
displayed some intriguing flashes
in his rookie season, word is the
team would love to see him step up
and seriously challenge Donald
Lee for the starting TE role.
It is becoming a repeated theme
up in Minnesota. The Vikings are
not sure who their starting quar-
terback will be. For the second
straight season, head coach Brad
Childress failed to throw his com-
plete endorsement behind Tar-
varis Jackson, who had his
second straight up-and-down sea-
son. The good in 2008 was better
than the good in 07, but the bad
wasnt any better than his worst
from before. Its clear that the
team needs to bring in another
player to compete at the position,
as Gus Frerotte who has an-
other year left on his deal might
not be in the picture at age 37 and
is frustrated that he wasnt allowed
to retain his starting spot after a
back injury knocked him out for a
few weeks. The way we hear it, the
Vikings are more likely to go the
veteran route to help out than to
expect a rookie (in what appears a
weak QB draft crop) to compete
for a starting job right away.
Even with the beleaguered Bob
Babich still roaming around Halas
Hall, the consensus among team
sources is that Bears head coach
Lovie Smith is on the right track
toward fixing what ailed a disap-
pointing defense for the second
straight year.
With Smith taking much of the
blame for the defenses subpar ef-
fort in 08, his most significant
move was to announce his inten-
tion to handle the bulk of the de-
fensive play-calling next season.
That duty was previously handled
primarily by Babich, who will keep
his defensive-coordinator title but
focus mainly on coaching the
teams linebackers, which he did
exceptionally well for two seasons
as the teams LB coach before
being promoted to coordinator in
2007.
In effect, the Bears have added
three experienced and well-re-
garded position coaches to the de-
fense in Babich; new assistant
head coach/DL Rod Marinelli,
who we hear will have major input
in coordinating the run defense;
and new DB coach Jon Hoke, who
spent the last seven seasons
coaching the Texans defensive
backs and is expected to help
Smith coordinate the pass defense
more than a little.
Marinelli and Hoke add 20 years
of NFL experience to the Bears
staff. Thats a very meaningful sta-
tistic in the eyes of most close ob-
servers, but one that was
downplayed by Smith, even though
none of the three 2008 assistant
coaches who are no longer with the
team (DB coach Keith Wilks and
LB coach Lloyd Lee, who were
fired, and DL coach Brick Haley,
who left to coach at LSU) had any
previous pro experience before
joining the Bears.
From every aspect, it was the
best way to go, one team insider
said of Smiths reshuffling of duties
and personnel. Lovie keeps his
buddy Babich in the building, but
he also vows to take charge of the
defense, which is what most peo-
ple felt he needed to do.
What if the Bears defense fal-
ters for a third straight season?
Even though he has two years left
on his current contract, we hear
Smith could be in real danger of
losing his job.
Said another team insider:
Lovies got 12 months to show
something, or he will join (Mike)
Shanahan as three-and-out with
regards to no playoff appearances.
Bears head coach Lovie Smith will be assuming defensive play-calling responsibilities in 2009.
A
P
DETROIT
LIONS
GREEN BAY
PACKERS
MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
CHICAGO
BEARS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC SOUTHBy Dan Parr
WHISPERS
We hear the Fal-
cons are very likely to
move DE Jamaal
Anderson to defen-
sive tackle next sea-
son. Anderson, the
eighth overall pick in
the 2007 draft, has
just two sacks in 31
starts through his
first two seasons, and
Atlanta already has
experimented with
moving him inside on
passing downs to
open up a spot out-
side for a more effec-
tive pass rusher. As a
three-technique
tackle, he could get
some snaps backing
up Jonathan
Babineaux. Sources
say theres a chance
he may not even
make the team next
season, especially if
hes not productive in
the new role come
training camp.
Saints ORT Jon
Stinchcomb will be
a free agent, and
sources say they
wouldnt be surprised
to see the team allow
him to go elsewhere
this offseason if an-
other team tempts
him with a good offer.
New Orleans likes
three-year veteran
Zach Strief, a sev-
enth-round pick in
2006, and hes the
likely replacement in
the starting lineup
should Stinchcomb
move on.
Panthers CB Ken
Lucas expressed un-
certainty about his
future with the team
recently, but sources
say it looks as if hell
be released this off-
season. Lucas has a
large cap figure for
next season and did
not finish the season
strong. With No. 3 CB
Richard Marshall
waiting in the wings,
clearing some space
by cutting Lucas
could be helpful as
the team tries to re-
sign OT Jordan
Gross. Carolina is
likely to franchise DE
Julius Peppers,
who said hed like to
play elsewhere next
season, preferably in
a 3-4 defense. The
Panthers employ a 4-
3 scheme.
Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff
is in the process of evaluating the
teams roster as he sets his priori-
ties for free agency. Hell have to
make a decision on whether hed
like to re-up SS Lawyer Milloy,
who was voted as a defensive cap-
tain by his peers after the season.
Sources in Atlanta say the club will
entertain bringing him back if no
viable replacement is identified,
however he wont be offered more
than a one- or two-year deal. The
35-year-olds demands on contract
length and price could put him out
of the Falcons range. Milloy vowed
after the wild-card playoff loss to
the Cardinals that Dimitroff would
get the first shot at signing him.
In that loss, though, Atlantas de-
fense was exposed as aging and
slow. Milloy, who was a liability in
pass coverage last season, could
end up being left out of a move-
ment to bring younger, more ath-
letic pieces to head coach Mike
Smiths defense.
We hear Saints WR Robert
Meachemdidnt show enough in
his first full NFL season to guaran-
tee himself a roster spot for 2009.
Meachem, an 07 first-round pick
who missed his entire rookie year
because of a knee injury, showed a
knack for the big play last season,
averaging 24.1 yards per reception,
but he made only 12 catches in 14
games. Drops were a problem for
him, and he didnt make the most
of his opportunities when WRs
Marques Colston and David
Patten were out with injuries.
Sources say the team still seems
to think he has potential, but it
doesnt need to wait for him to de-
velop. Head coach Sean Payton
plugged in little-used Lance
Moore this season with outstand-
ing results (79 catches for 928
yards and 10 touchdowns), and his
appears to be the kind of passing
scheme where receivers with a
wide range of skill levels can have
success.
Bucs WLB Derrick Brooks,
who hasnt missed a game in his
14-year career, pulled out of the
Pro Bowl after struggling through
hamstring and rib injuries this
season. Sources in Tampa said his
decision to not play in the game
indicates hes dedicated to com-
ing back strong and having an-
other productive season in
Tampa. He didnt want to risk ag-
gravating any of the nagging in-
juries in the Pro Bowl. Despite his
late age and the injury concerns,
we hear the Bucs want Brooks,
who will turn 36 before next sea-
son, back. The club does, how-
ever, need to find a potential
replacement for him. Close ob-
servers of the team say Brooks
was far from his typical self when
he played through pain in 2008.
Going another year with the inex-
perienced Geno Hayes, a sixth-
round pick last April, as the
primary backup on the weak side
would be risky.
Despite his woeful performance
in the Panthers playoff loss to the
Cardinals, sources in Charlotte ex-
pect Jake Delhomme to be the
teams starter next season. Del-
homme, who threw five intercep-
tions and lost a fumble vs. Arizona,
has the backing of head coach
John Fox, and owner Jerry
Richardson has a close relation-
ship with Delhomme. The quarter-
back appears to have the support
of his teammates, too, but that
commitment will certainly be
tested after his disastrous post-
season performance.
Backups Josh McCown and
Matt Moore are under contract
for next season, but neither is
viewed as a better option than Del-
homme. In the days since the
blowout loss to the Cardinals, close
observers have gathered that the
team just isnt prepared to make a
dramatic change at quarterback
before the 2009 season.
Sources say, though, that the
club still needs to start thinking se-
riously about who will follow Del-
homme as the franchises top
quarterback. Delhomme is just
over a year removed from Tommy
John surgery, he turned 34 on Jan.
10 and he will be a free agent after
next season. The pressure to find a
young quarterback to take over for
Delhomme isnt new there were
reports before last years draft that
GM Marty Hurney was consider-
ing trading up from the 13th spot if
Matt Ryan had begun to fall down
the board but its becoming
greater.
Carolina doesnt have a first-
round pick in this years draft since
it was sent to the Eagles to acquire
the 19th overall pick, which was
spent on ORT Jeff Otah, in last
years draft, so picking a top QB
prospect this year is unlikely.
Adding a second-tier rookie might
be the Panthers best option.
Spending money on a veteran
free-agent backup for Delhomme
would make re-signing OLT Jor-
dan Gross and franchising DE
Julius Peppers, who wants to
play elsewhere next season, more
difficult. Carolina isnt expected to
be a major player in free agency
because it wont have a lot of cap
space. In fact, the Panthers might
consider signing Delhomme to an
extension just to free up cap space.
They could come to an agreement
that would reduce the team-high
$11 million cap hit he is scheduled
to carry in 09 and spread it out
over the course of a few seasons.
Falcons SS Lawyer Milloy has said hell give Atlanta a shot at re-signing him before looking elsewhere.
A
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ATLANTA
FALCONS
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
CAROLINA
PANTHERS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC WESTBy Dan Arkush
WHISPERS
While the rapid
emergence of Cardi-
nals 2008 first-round
draft pick Do-
minique Rodgers-
Cromartie was
deservedly cited as
perhaps the biggest
single reason behind
the defenses dra-
matic improvement
in the postseason,
team insiders believe
CB Ralph Browns
impressive work in
the nickel role was al-
most as big a factor.
Said one team
source: With Brown
playing the nickel so
well, it allowed
Antrel Rolle to stay
put at free safety.
With the Rams
planning on moving
LB Will Wither-
spoon from the mid-
dle to the weak side,
what happens to cur-
rent weak-side
starter Pisa
Tinoisamoa, the
Rams leading tackler
for the fourth time in
six seasons? Thats
a good question, said
one team insider.
Pisa has actually
lost weight, so I dont
know if he could play
on the strong side.
Although our Nin-
ers sources wonder
about new ILB coach
Vance Singletarys
lack of experience at
the pro level, they do
like the fact that his
hiring frees up Greg
Manusky, who was
forced to coach the
teams linebackers in
the latter part of
2008 after Mike
Singletary was pro-
moted to head coach,
in addition to being
the defensive coordi-
nator.
Our Seahawks
sources were a bit
surprised by team
president Tim
Ruskells recent dis-
closure that he was
interested in re-sign-
ing veteran WR
Bobby Engram,
who was widely be-
lieved to be as good
as gone. Said one in-
sider: I think after
what happened last
year at wide receiver,
Tim wants to stock-
pile as many bodies
as possible.
Theres no denying Larry
Fitzgerald has risen to the occa-
sion literally. Buoyed by his re-
markable natural ability to routinely
outjump coverage and snare diffi-
cult catches in traffic, the prevailing
feeling in the desert is that Fitzger-
ald has, so far, more than earned
the $40 million contract he agreed
to last March. Said one daily team
observer: Forty million (with $30
million guaranteed) is a ridiculous
amount of money for anyone, but
when you consider the team would-
nt have gone as far it did without
him, you have to say its been a
pretty good deal. In the postsea-
son, the media-shy Fitzgerald com-
pletely shredded the dreaded
Sports Illustrated cover jinx, elevat-
ing his play to new heights in wins
over the Falcons, Panthers and Ea-
gles. Word is his All-Pro work ethic
is a key factor. He has become
such an improved route runner,
the observer said. Hes turning
into a true perfectionist.
Weve been hearing for months
now that a dramatic revamping of
the Rams roster is a certainty next
season. That appears to be the case
especially with the teams offensive
line, where word is its quite possi-
ble that every one of the units
starters at the end of the season
OLT Orlando Pace, OLG Jacob
Bell, C Brett Romberg, ORG
Richie Incognito and ORT Alex
Barron could be replaced. On
the draft front, most close ob-
servers have the Rams selecting a
successor to the aging and injury-
prone Pace with the second overall
pick. Bell, who had trouble keeping
weight on and, like Pace, was ham-
pered by injuries, could possibly be
tried at right tackle. Romberg, a free
agent, is a long shot to return, with
team sources indicating the Rams
will scour the free-agent market for
a new center (perhaps Minnesotas
Matt Birk?). Both Incognito and
Barron earned subpar reviews for
their overall efforts in 2008.
Team insiders continue to pon-
der head coach Mike Singletarys
assertion shortly after the season
that the QB position was a top pri-
ority. I really dont know what he is
thinking, said one insider of Single-
tarys reluctance to name Shaun
Hill the undisputed starting QB on
merit. Maybe, he just wants every-
body on the team to be in a com-
petitive frame of mind. Its worth
noting that Hill, who performed so
impressively in the second half of
the season, is a notoriously poor
practice performer who probably
will never win a job in training
camp. Is it possible the team could
be thinking about going after a
high-profile free-agent signalcaller?
They will have the money to go
that route if they want to, the in-
sider said. But it seems like there
are bigger priorities elsewhere, es-
pecially on the offensive line. And
you have to wonder whod want to
be the quarterback behind this line
in such a run-oriented offense.
After intentionally keeping a very
low profile during Mike
Holmgrens final season as the
Seahawks head coach, Jim Mora
boisterously burst out of the wood-
work Jan. 13 in his first full-fledged
press conference as Holmgrens
successor.
He was very enthusiastic, said
a well-connected source on the
scene. But he also mapped out a
specific plan, which seemed to go
over well.
In keeping with his specialty,
Mora first tackled the subject of
Seattles defense a good place
to start considering how dramati-
cally it declined in 2008.
Mora started up front, talking
about how much he expected Dan
Quinn one of four new assistants
to improve the defensive line in
his new capacity as assistant head
coach/defensive line coach by get-
ting the unit to see the big picture
and play within the overall defense.
Mora sung the praises of both
Quinn, whom he worked alongside
in San Francisco, and new defen-
sive coordinator Casey Gus
Bradley, who he said swept him
off his feet in an all-day interview
(from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.) after hav-
ing been highly recommended by
former Buccaneers defensive coor-
dinator Monte Kiffin.
Team insiders believe everybody
being on the same page could be a
key step, considering that Mora
and former defensive coordinator
John Marshall were often at odds
over Moras desire for a more ag-
gressive approach.
Switching over to the other side
of the ball, Mora confirmed the
widely held belief that newly hired
Greg Knapp, who worked with
Mora in both San Francisco and At-
lanta, will have the most say in
what figures to be a much more
balanced, run-oriented West Coast
offense than Holmgrens 60-40
pass-run version.
Mora also talked about learning
from the mistakes he made as the
head coach in Atlanta, particularly
in terms of perhaps getting too
close to his players. He hopes to
avoid that trap after watching how
Holmgren conducted himself.
One of the things I really ad-
mired about Mike Holmgren as a
football coach, besides the Xs and
Os, was the way he could be a car-
ing and a compassionate coach
with the players and yet still remain
very much a figure of authority,
Mora said. Thats something I
learned the last two years.
Jim Mora says working under Mike Holmgren in Seattle will help him in his second stint as a head coach.
A
P
ARIZONA
CARDINALS
ST. LOUIS
RAMS
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
PUBLISHERS COMMENTARY
I
f there was an overriding theme to 2008 in America, it
had to be change. For 10 full months, Democrats and Re-
publicans alike campaigned for the presidency on a prom-
ise of Change we could believe in. In the end, the Amer-
ican people delivered on that promise, electing the first
African-American president in our history, a change of galac-
tic proportions.
Our economy is in the worst shape its been in since the
Great Depression, with no end in sight. Did any of you ever
imagine youd live to see the American auto industry on the
verge of collapse, gas prices fluctuating
between $4.50 and $1.75 a gallon in a
matter of months, our banking indus-
try shaken to its core, and more people
losing their homes than buying new
ones? Horribly unpleasant, to be sure,
but its a reshaping of this country
and our everyday lives like nothing any
of us has ever seen or imagined before.
Historically, at times like this, we look
for a place to escape, or at least relax for
a few hours with something we can
trust. You know, comfort food, a good
book or movie, or maybe our favorite sport, the National
Football League. After all, if the Super Bowls around the
corner, we know the Patriots, Colts, Chargers, Giants, Ea-
gles or Packers must be fighting it out for a trip to the big
game, dont we? Sorry, guys, but nothings what it used to
be, not even in the NFL.
Now, if you had bet that wed elect an African-American
president before the Arizona Cardinals finally made it to
a Super Bowl, you would have won. Still, who among you
can honestly claim you picked the Cards to go to this Su-
per Bowl? And how many of you had the Ravens and Fal-
cons in the playoffs at 11-5 with rookie head coaches and
quarterbacks after 5-11 and 4-12 seasons, respectively, or
how about the Dolphins going to 11-5 from 1-15 behind Tony
Sparano and Chad Pennington?
Talk about change, people, weve got Mike Shanahan and
Jon Gruden fired in the same season in which Tony Dungy
announces his retirement, leaving Tom Coughlin and Bill
Belichick as the only active head coaches in the league with
Super Bowl rings. If you go a step further, youll realize that
at least 10 teams will start the 2009 season with a differ-
ent head coach than they had at the outset of the 08 sea-
son and, as of this writing, Herm Edwards, Wade Phillips
and Jim Zorn not necessarily all that secure in their jobs.
Not since 1992, when Bobby Ross, Bill Cowher and Den-
nis Green took the Chargers, Steelers and Vikings, respec-
tively, to the playoffs, have three rookie head coaches turned
the trick as John Harbaugh, Mike Smith and Sparano did.
I cant find a trio of rookie running backs who all surpassed
1,200 yards rushing in the same season, but Chris Johnson,
Steve Slaton and Matt Fort did it this year. Cripes, guys,
the Chargers are talking about life after L.T., Tony Gonza-
les wants out of Kansas City, Julius Peppers has asked the
Panthers to set him free, fans are actually debating whether
Tom Brady should get his job back from Matt Cassel, and
call it the Wild Hog if you like, but the single wing is back!
Do you want to hear the really unsettling part of all this?
It looks like 2008 was just the tip of the iceberg. Who knows
what our game will look like just a few years down the road?
CAN THE CBA AND
THE GAME BE SAVED?
Clearly what has set the NFL apart from baseball, bas-
ketball and all the other major sports for almost two decades
now has been labor peace, its Collective Bargaining Agree-
ment and, more specifically, its hard salary cap. But, cit-
ing economic realities months before the rest of us realized
how bad things were going to get, the NFL owners voted
to opt out of the current CBA a year early, arguing the play-
ers were receiving too much
of the gross revenue. It means
the CBA will now expire after
the 2010 season unless a new
deal is struck sooner, and
2010 will be an uncapped
season. That decision has left
the NFL facing several huge
uncertainties, including one
nobody anticipated.
Preparing for the owners
move to opt out early, the
NFL Players Associations
then-executive director, the
late Gene Upshaw, told us at
the Super Bowl last year that
if the salary cap went away for
the 2010 season, the players
would never let the owners
get it back. Tragically, Upshaw passed away just prior to the
start of the 08 season, leaving a huge void in the leader-
ship of the NFL players.
Richard Berthelsen, a longtime Upshaw lieutenant, is the
interim executive director of the NFLPA. While it is safe
to assume Berthelsen will follow a very similar course to the
one Upshaw staked out, how long will the players wait be-
fore choosing a new leader? If someone is tapped prior to
the completion of these negotiations, how will that person
feel about a cap, and will he be able to work with manage-
ment as well as Upshaw did? What makes this so tricky is
the owners need the salary cap a lot more than the players
do, and asking the players to give money back while keep-
ing the cap is an awfully tough putt. Upshaw understood
the balance. Who knows what the next guy will think?
Assuming the players are less than thrilled about taking
a smaller piece of the pie while continuing to accept pay-
roll limits and franchise and transition tags, what could the
NFL look like in a few years without a salary cap? We can
enjoy the story of the Tampa Bay Rays trip to the World Se-
ries all we want, but theres no denying that the big-mon-
ey, big-market teams dominate major-league baseball, and
the same problem would develop rather quickly in the NFL
with no cap.
While the salary cap is the biggest issue in renegotiating
a CBA, it is by no means the only one. Understand that the
current CBA is what forces college players to stay in
HUB
ARKUSH
Publisher/
editor
Unexpected teams in playoffs, uncertainty over CBAhighlight 2008 season
SEASON OF FLUX
A
P
First-year head coaches Tony Sparano and John Harbaugh (right) directed their respective teams to huge turnarounds in
2008, with both teams qualifying for the playoffs.
Richard Berthelsen leads
NFLPA until a successor to
Gene Upshaw is chosen.
A
P
school for a minimum of three years and also the backbone
behind the leagues drug-testing policy and personal con-
duct code. If management and players are unable to get
something done on a new CBA in the next six to 10 months,
we are almost guaranteed a radically altered National Foot-
ball League in the next year or two.
WHERE HAVE ALL
THE COACHES GONE?
Of the eight head-coaching jobs that have been just re-
cently filled for 2009 as of this writing, only two, the Seat-
tle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns, have gone to coach-
es with previous NFL head-coaching experience. This, in
spite of the fact that of the last 10 Super Bowls, the winning
coaches in eight were in at least their second stints as NFL
head coaches.
Most likely in response to the success of Mike Tomlin in
Pittsburgh and now Harbaugh, Smith and Sparano with their
clubs this year, there appears to be a trend in the NFL to-
day to go younger and less experienced at the head-coach-
ing position. Whether its a belief that a younger coach will
relate to todays players better or that first-time head coach-
es bring less baggage and fresh ideas, theres no denying
whats happening. How else can you explain 32-year-old Josh
McDaniels in Denver and 32-year-old Raheem Morris with
the Bucs? Morris had never been more than a secondary
coach in the NFL, and yet the Bucs gave him the job with-
out even interviewing anyone else. While his career path
is eerily similar to Tomlins, the glaring difference is that Tom-
lin at least was a defensive coordinator in Minnesota be-
fore being handed his pilots license.
In what seemed like an unprecedented 2008, three teams
St. Louis, San Francisco and Oakland all fired their
coaches during the regular season. With Shanahan, Gru-
den and Cowher all on the sidelines to start 09, and Mar-
ty Schottenheimer seemingly open to one more whirl, and
quality coaches like Jim Fassel eager for one, how secure
can head coaches and head-coaching jobs be in 2009? There
is a serious void in successful head-coaching experience in
the league today that is unlikely to continue for too long.
WHERE SHOULD WE LOOK
FOR OUR QUARTERBACK?
With the successes of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco this sea-
son and the pedigrees of Peyton and Eli Manning, Dono-
van McNabb, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger, it seems
a given that the first key to winning in the NFL is to use a
very high draft choice on a cant-miss signalcaller. But a clos-
er look at the prowess of Kurt Warner on the way to his third
Super Bowl, Brady and Cassel in New England, Tony Romo
in Dallas and the late-season curiosity aroused by Tyler Thig-
pen in Kansas City, Matt Schaub in Houston and Shaun Hill
in San Francisco might argue that great quarterbacks are
nourished rather than bred.
To further complicate the question, is the single wing back
to stay for a while or just a passing fad? If its here to stay
awhile, much as Brad Smith of the Jets and Michael Robin-
son of the Niners have become valuable slash-type weapons
in the NFL after being QBs in college, perhaps every team
needs to take a hard look at a Pat White this year or per-
haps Tim Tebow next year.
By the end of 2008 the Miami Dolphins really werent
that different stylistically from anyone else in the NFL. They
won by running the football, playing solid defense and not
turning it over, at least until their first-round playoff loss.
But theres no debating that what jump-started their huge
turnaround was creativity and a willingness to be different.
Its highly unlikely the single wing or Wild Hog will become
a real staple of any clubs offense going forward, but its cer-
tain that several of these new hotshot, young first-time coach-
es will turn to it or other strategies of the past to get an up-
per hand in pointing their clubs in the right direction, with
or without a high-priced QB.
WILL SUPER BOWL XLIII
CHANGE THE NFLS
TITLE GAME FOREVER?
I have no doubt the National Football League will remain
Americas favorite sport for many years to come, and that
the Super Bowl will continue to be the biggest and most sig-
nificant annual one-day party in our society for a long time,
as well. But this Super Bowl brings us the games first $1,000
face-value tickets, with a majority priced at $800 each. How
many of us can afford to go to a football game for thousands
of dollars when we fear the loss of jobs weve had for decades,
and neighbors, friends and families are losing their homes.
If youre thinking, What is he talking about his press
pass is free, youre only half-right. With a minimum require-
ment of four nights stay in a hotel room secured for us by
the NFL, airfare or mileage and gas, and meals, it costs me
an average of at least $2,000 to send one person to the Su-
per Bowl. Over the last five to 10 years weve needed to send
at least eight people annually to meet all of our print, In-
ternet, TV and radio needs in covering the event. This year
well make do with five and are struggling to find the funds.
The media business, particularly the print side, is among
the hardest-hit businesses in this economy, and our story
is the rule, not the exception, among our peers.
Will there be the ridiculous scalpers market that has grown
in recent years, with fans offering $3,000 to $4,000 for tick-
ets? I cant imagine how. As of this writing, there were re-
ports that NBC had unsold commercial inventory for this
years broadcast, as unthinkable as thats been for a decade
or two. I have no doubt the game will still be great and the
event as cant-miss as always, but can the spectacle help but
be different? Will the commercials really matter if many of
us cant afford to buy what theyre selling?
Personally, I prefer to believe the glass is half full and that
better days are right around the corner. The Cardinals vs.
the Steelers offers limitless possibilities, and the Cardinals
presence, in particular, I believe, offers hope to us all. But
along with those brighter skies is going to come a signifi-
cantly altered NFL, just like everything else in our lives seems
to be these days. In the 30-plus years Ive been doing this,
I cant ever remember ending a season this much in flux.
It should be truly fascinating to see what lies ahead.
A
P
Kurt Warner will play in his third Super Bowl after surprising many observers by guiding the Cinderella Cardinals through
the playoffs with clutch passing to his exceptional WR tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
By MIKE WILKENING SENIOR EDITOR
With the help of coaches, scouts and personnel men from around the league, we
present our list of the top 50 players of 2008 based on their performance and their
value to their clubs.
All comments were made on condition of anonymity.
Joey Porter
FEATURE STORY
Peyton
Manning
Matt
Fort
1. QB PEYTON MANNING Indianapolis Colts You take Peyton Manning out of there, theyre not having a parade for Tony Dungy.
2. WR LARRY FITZGERALD Arizona Cardinals Hes got long arms and the strength to ward off guys. Hes got good arm strength.
3. S ED REED Baltimore Ravens He makes more plays on the ball than anyone Ive ever seen. Hes like a Willie Mays back there. Hes
got that mentality where he says, If I see it, Im going, and if Im wrong, Im wrong. But most of the time, hes right.
4. RB ADRIAN PETERSON Minnesota Vikings If he can stay healthy, he could be a great back. Wear-and-tear comes where youre
getting (hit) by the linebackers.
5. OLB JAMES HARRISON Pittsburgh Steelers Hes a little like Dwight Freeney in that both guys are not built like the classic rusher,
but hes explosive, strong and has natural leverage. He plays hard.
6. OLB DeMARCUS WARE Dallas Cowboys Dominates vs. the run and the pass.
7. DT ALBERT HAYNESWORTH Tennessee Titans Aguy who can completely take over the line of scrimmage. He takes up two guys
inside. If you single-block him, hell throw the guard into the backfield.
8. S TROY POLAMALU Pittsburgh Steelers Hes really learned how to play in deep coverage, as well as being a force near the line of
scrimmage. You see him now being much more productive in coverage in the deep half, middle of the field. I think hes realizing (that
with) the style of play he came into the league with, he wasnt going to last very long.
9. QB KURT WARNER Arizona Cardinals Understands the quick-throwing game. Hes got quality receivers. I think things are working
out for him.
10. QB DREWBREES New Orleans Saints He just gets the job done. He sees the field extremely well for his height. Hes just as produc-
tive as any QB in the league.
11. WR ANDRE JOHNSON Houston Texans As consistent as any of your elite receivers. Hes been very productive. Hes got the ability
to make the tough catches. Hes got the speed to run by you.
12. RB MICHAEL TURNER Atlanta Falcons Aforce.
13. QB PHILIP RIVERS San Diego Chargers Hes uncanny. He does a very good job of getting the ball outside.
14. RB BRIAN WESTBROOK Philadelphia Eagles Theres a million things they can do with that guy.
15. QB JAY CUTLER Denver Broncos His arm strength is what sets him apart. You have to really be disciplined in your deep zone cov-
erage (against him).
16. WR STEVE SMITH Carolina Panthers He can go up in traffic and get it, which is surprising for a guy his size.
17. QB CHAD PENNINGTON Miami Dolphins He has all the intangibles.
18. RB CHRIS JOHNSON Tennessee Titans Hes brought the big play to (Tennessee).
19. QB DONOVAN MCNABB Philadelphia Eagles He turned into the old McNabb (after being benched).
20. CB NNAMDI ASOMUGHA Oakland Raiders Hes the prototype. Hes got long arms and great speed. He tackles. Understands the
game. Has the hands. Has the ability when the balls in the air to come down with it.
21. DE DWIGHT FREENEY Indianapolis Colts He gets his, but he also opens things up for the other guys. Hes got the quickest pirou-
ette off the upfield move Ive ever seen. You blink, hes gone.
22. RB DeANGELO WILLIAMS Carolina Panthers He brings a lot to the table.
P R O F O O T B A L L W E E K L Y S
SUPER50
Larry
Fitzgerald
Andre Johnson
Ed
Reed
HONORABLE MENTION Rams S O.J. Atogwe, Broncos OT Ryan Clady, Colts TE Dallas Clark, Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby, Eagles S
Brian Dawkins, Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett, Steelers ILB James Farrior, Titans S Michael Griffin, Panthers OTJordan Gross, Giants RB
Brandon Jacobs, Packers WR Greg Jennings, Raiders P Shane Lechler, Ravens WR Derrick Mason, Eagles S Quintin Mikell, Colts DE Robert
Mathis, Patriots ILB Jerod Mayo, Patriots WR Randy Moss, Ravens DT Haloti Ngata, Jets CB Darrelle Revis, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers,
Browns NT Shaun Rogers, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, Eagles CB Asante Samuel, Chargers P Mike Scifres, Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, Jets
RB-RS Leon Washington, Colts WR Reggie Wayne, Vikings CB Antoine Winfield, Cowboys TE Jason Witten, Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley.
PHOTOS BYAP (MANNING, PORTER, FORTE, FITZGERALD, JOHNSONAND REED), ROBERT LEITER (ASOMUGHA), KEITH RANDOLPH (ALLEN)
23. QB MATT RYAN Atlanta Falcons Hes going to be very good for a long time.
24. OT MICHAEL ROOS Tennessee Titans The guy stays off the ground (and) in good position. He doesnt overextend.
25. DE JOHN ABRAHAM Atlanta Falcons Had a tremendous year.
26. DE JARED ALLEN Minnesota Vikings Hes 100 mph. Hes impacted that defense on third downs.
27. ILB RAY LEWIS Baltimore Ravens Obviously hes the heartbeat for them. He just knows how to play the position. Alot of that posi-
tion is presence, and he has that.
28. DT KEVIN WILLIAMS Minnesota Vikings Plays the run very stoutly and rushes the passer from the middle.
29. WR RODDYWHITE Atlanta Falcons Has all the qualities you look for.
30. DE MARIO WILLIAMS Houston Texans Williams is a step above. Id hate to see them add a productive pass rusher (opposite him).
31. QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER Pittsburgh Steelers He extends the play. He really gets that offense going.
32. QB MATT CASSEL New England Patriots One of the most improved players in the league.
33. RB CLINTON PORTIS Washington Redskins Hes always available on Sundays, even if hes banged up.
34. OLB JOEY PORTER Miami Dolphins Works to get his sacks.
35. DE JULIUS PEPPERS Carolina Panthers He does a lot for that team.
36. DE JUSTIN TUCK N.Y. Giants Avery good player.
37. RB MATT FORT Chicago Bears Its clearly a different team when hes not in there.
38. MLB JON BEASON Carolina Panthers Aplaymaker and a football guy. Hes an attack linebacker.
39. WR CALVIN JOHNSON Detroit Lions Basically the only thing they had.
40. RB THOMAS JONES N.Y. Jets I think hes a warrior.
41. WR WES WELKER New England Patriots His short-area quickness is unbelievable. He has a really good feel for underneath coverages.
42. MLB PATRICK WILLIS San Francisco 49ers He does a lot for that defense. He brings that playmaking ability.
43. WR BRANDON MARSHALL Denver Broncos You like his size, quickness and ability to make the tough catch.
44. QB ELI MANNING N.Y. Giants When he makes a bad play, you like that he doesnt freak out.
45. NT KRIS JENKINS N.Y. Jets Dominated the point of attack. He moved people back.
46. WR ANQUAN BOLDIN Arizona Cardinals Hes tough to bring down.
47. TE TONY GONZALEZ Kansas City Chiefs As impressive as ever. Man, he does it with double coverage.
48. OG CHRIS SNEE N.Y. Giants Once he gets his hands into position, he can control opponents.
49. CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN Tennessee Titans Hes a good little cover guy. His closing speed is very good.
50. RB STEVE SLATON Houston Texans He has been excellent.
Jared
Allen
Nnamdi Asomugha
Ray
Lewis
FEATURE STORY
I
ts easy to speculate, but one would have to guess that had Ernie
Banks been given the option of playing in the Fall Classic, but
with the knowledge that the outcome would be a four-game
sweeping defeat, the Cubs legendary shortstop would have accepted
with a handshake and a grin.
For as much that is made about how never having won a Super
Bowl has impacted the legacies of players such as Dan Marino and
Thurman Thomas, it can be argued that for those players it was bet-
ter to have played and lost in the biggest sports spectacle known to
man than to never have had the opportunity to take part.
The list of the greatest players to have never won a Super Bowl is
long, but the more heartbreaking list is that of those who never
showed up to one guys like Chargers QB Dan Fouts, whose best
shot at a Super Bowl was squashed in the frigid cold of Cincinnati,
and Earl Campbell, who left pieces of himself in every NFL city but
whose Houston Oilers clubs couldnt quite get past Pittsburgh.
None of the players listed below can be called losers, as many of
them rank among the best to ever play at their respective positions.
Instead, they represent the most unfortunate men to have never
danced on the games grandest stage.
Some of the NFLs
all-time greatest players
never set foot on the
games biggest stage
By MIKE BEACOM
Barry Sanders
OFFENSE
QB WARREN MOON
In 17 NFL seasons, Moon passed for 49,325
yards and threw 291 TD passes, yet his teams
only won 3-of-10 postseason games. Of course,
his best chance may have been with the 1992
Oilers, who had Buffalo on the ropes but
couldnt put it away.
RB GALE SAYERS
RB BARRY SANDERS
No position has as many superstar Super
Bowl no-shows, but of the available names to
choose from, these two stand out. Sayers was,
perhaps, the prettiest runner the game ever has
known, but poor Chicago teams and bad
knees limited him to just 68 career games and
no playoff appearances. Sanders rushed for
15,269 yards third-most all-time but his
Lions only got as far as the 1991 NFC champi-
onship game, where they were thwarted by QB
Mark Rypien and a loaded Washington team.
WR STEVE LARGENT
WR CRIS CARTER
Largent was one of the original expansion
Seahawks, but by 1983, coach Chuck Knox had
turned the team around and they made it as far
as the AFC title game, where they were stopped
by the Raiders. The following year Largents
finest season as a pro the 12-4 Seahawks fell
to Marino and Miami. The greatest pair of
hands the game has ever known seemed des-
tined for a Super Bowl berth in 1998, but that
one-loss season came to a bitter end against At-
lanta, leaving Minnesota and Carter deflated.
TE TONY GONZALEZ
Ozzie Newsome and Kellen Winslow Sr. both
would make good picks here, but Gonzalez is
probably in a class all to himself, as far as tight
G
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Y
I
M
A
G
E
S
NO-SHOW
SUPER BOWL TEAM
THE
NO-SHOW
SUPER BOWL TEAM
THE
ends go. His 916 career receptions will take him
to Canton someday, but so far they havent
helped to get him to a Super Sunday.
OT DAN DIERDORF
OT WILLIE ROAF
Maybe two of the best bookends ever to play
the game, and the No-Show Teams reserve
tackle, Tony Boselli, isnt a bad option, either.
Dierdorf s St. Louis Cardinals teams qualified
for postseason play twice, but they were
stopped in the first round both times. Roaf
teamed with Gonzalez to help the Chiefs to a
13-3 record in 2003, only to be nipped by In-
dianapolis in the divisional round.
OG JOE DeLAMIELLEURE
OG TOM MACK
DeLamielleure split his NFL time between
two blue-collar towns Buffalo and Cleveland
but in neither location was he able to work
his way beyond the AFC divisional round.
Macks last season for the Rams was 1978
one year before they made it to Super Bowl XIV.
C MATT BIRK
The Vikings six-time Pro Bowl center has
lived through the ups and downs of the organ-
ization over the past 11 years. For Birk, no game
probably stung as much as the 2000 NFC
championship game against the New York Gi-
ants a 41-0 blowout loss in Birks first sea-
son as a full-time starter.
DEFENSE
DE DEACON JONES
DE LEE ROY SELMON
Its difficult to calculate how many sacks Dea-
con Jones had during his 14-year career. Jones
says he knows, but who can be sure? What we
do know is that his playoff game appear-
ances (three) is a far smaller number than it
should be for someone who is arguably the
games all-time greatest pass rusher. Selmon
lived in Tampa Bay colors for his entire nine-
year career, which is to say he lived a life of NFL
misery. The teams Cinderella run of 1979 was
stopped short by the Los Angeles Rams.
DT MERLIN OLSEN
DT CORTEZ KENNEDY
By sticking around Los Angeles a little
longer than Jones, Olsen was able to enjoy the
Rams heyday of the mid-1970s, when the team
competed in three straight NFC title games
from 1974-76. Unfortunately for Olsen, none
of those three games brought the result he and
his teammates were hoping for. In his 11 sea-
sons, Kennedy got to play in just one postsea-
son game a 20-17 loss to Miami in the wild-
card round in 1999.
LB DICK BUTKUS
LB ROBERT BRAZILE
LB DERRICK THOMAS
Three very different types of linebackers, no
one would argue that these men are also
three of the finest ever to play the position.
Butkus Bears teams finished above .500 just
twice. Brazile and his Oilers teammates rode
into the AFC title game in back-to-back years,
only to be shut down both times by superior
Steelers teams. In 1993, Thomas helped push
the Chiefs into the AFC title game, where the
Bills came out on top 30-13.
CB LEM BARNEY
CB CHAMP BAILEY
Between them, Barney and Bailey have 99 ca-
reer interceptions impressive for a duo
whom opposing QBs made a habit out of avoid-
ing. Barneys Lions missed the playoffs in 10 of
his 11 seasons. Baileys Broncos made it as far
as the 2005 AFC title game but couldnt advance
a determined Pittsburgh team.
S KEN HOUSTON
S LARRYWILSON
Twice, Al Davis Oakland Raiders pelted
Houston and his Oilers teammates in playoff
games in the late 1960s. In Washington,
Houston reached the playoffs in three seasons,
never making it beyond the divisional round.
Wilsons Hall of Fame career was shaped dur-
ing his 13-year stay in St. Louis, where the Car-
dinals never reached the 10-win mark.
SPECIALISTS
PK GARYANDERSON
Andersons 2,434 career points leave him sec-
ond to Morten Andersen on the all-time list, but
its the three points he missed out on in Minneso-
tas 1998 NFC title game loss to Atlanta that for-
ever will mar an otherwise brilliant career.
P DAVE JENNINGS
In the late 1970s and early 80s, no NFL
punter was better than Jennings, who earned
four Pro Bowl trips in a five-year stretch. But
most of his time with the Giants was spent in
the pre-Bill Parcells era, and during his final
three years in the league, Jennings and his Jets
teammates failed to deliver down the stretch.
RS MEL GRAY
Most of Grays 13,003 career return yards
came in New Orleans and Detroit, so he had
no trouble qualifying for this list. Gray led the
league in punt- and kickoff-return average two
years apiece, and over 12 seasons he collected
nine returns for touchdowns.
HEAD COACH MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER
Perhaps no one is more deserving of the Su-
per Bowl lights and cameras than Schotten-
heimer, whose mid-1980s Browns teams are
still having nightmares of a grinning John El-
way. The sixth-winningest coach in NFL his-
tory boasts 11 seasons of 10-plus wins, and eight
division titles but never having coached a Su-
per Bowl team will stick to his rsum as much
as all of the splendid things he has accom-
plished.
MISSING THE
BIG DANCE
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Warren Moon
RUNNING BACKS
Barry Sanders
Gale Sayers
WIDE RECEIVERS
Cris Carter
Steve Largent
TIGHT END
Tony Gonzalez
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Dan Dierdorf
Willie Roaf
OFFENSIVE GUARDS
Joe DeLamielleure
Tom Mack
CENTER
Matt Birk
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Deacon Jones
Lee Roy Selmon
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Cortez Kennedy
Merlin Olsen
LINEBACKERS
Robert Brazile
Dick Butkus
Derrick Thomas
CORNERBACKS
Champ Bailey
Lem Barney
SAFETIES
Ken Houston
Larry Wilson
SPECIALISTS
PLACEKICKER
Gary Anderson
PUNTER
Dave Jennings
RETURN SPECIALIST
Mel Gray
HEAD COACH
Marty Schottenheimer
G
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S
G
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S
A
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Dan Dierdorf Dick Butkus Champ Bailey
FEATURE STORY
LB Jack Squireks touchdown was a signature moment for the Raiders dominant defense in Super Bowl XVIII.
Looking at the opposing QB numbers from the late stretch
of the Los Angeles Raiders 1983 season, you can almost hear
the clanging and crashing of those aerial games as they fell
to pieces: Matt Kofler (9-of-14, two interceptions) Scott
Brunner (19-of-41, three interceptions) Dan Fouts (16-
of-30, two interceptions) Cliff Stoudt (10-of-20, one in-
terception) Dave Krieg (3-of-9, three interceptions)
Jim Zorn (14-of-27, two interceptions) Joe Theismann
(16-of-35, two interceptions).
Kofler was the Buffalo game, Week 12, the chill of No-
vembers playoff drive, and for the pro football world it meant
a serious line of demarcation. Why? It was the first time that
All-Pro CB Mike Haynes suited up in a Raiders uniform.
Hed been a long holdout in New England, and the Patri-
ots finally had enough and shipped him west in a trade. The
move shook the leagues foundation. Unfair! many cried
as angry fists slammed to the table, acknowledging the ex-
tra layer of armor he would provide to an already hellacious
L.A. defense.
The Theismann stats? Well, those came on the big
stage, the Super Bowl Raiders vs. Redskins in numero
XVIII. And here was the rest of Joes day zero TD pass-
es, six sacks suffered, nine points scored. A day of anguish
and collapse for Washington, then the highest-scoring team
in NFL history. It was also the last championship won by
Al Davis and the Raiders organization a rousing 38-9
victory. And now its ancient narrative, a 25-year-old
memory.
When it came down to tactics, the injection of Haynes
into the Raiders secondary felt like a high-end shopping
spree to defensive coordinator Charlie Sumner. Haynes was
a glider. A shadow man. The TV clich used today is shut-
down corner, but to Sumner and his schemes, it meant a
big check with lots of zeros.
Pairing Mike with Lester Hayes really gave us something
at cornerback, Sumner said recently. They were the key
to us winning the championship. The Skins had the
Smurfs, those little guys who ran around and caught the ball
for them. As we were going over the game plan, I said, Oh,
boy, we could do this but then that would leave our cor-
nerbacks without any help. I made that comment several
different times. Finally, Mike and Lester came to me and
said, Charlie, well take care of those guys. You do what you
want to with the rest of (the defense). We ll handle things.
Talk about feeling enlightened. Now we could load up
the line we could blitz. We blitzed quite a bit that game.
We chased Theismann around and got him a few times.
The Redskins came out throwing that day in Tampa, with
Theismann going at Haynes early to see what was what. Its
called attacking a strength, and he went 0-for-5 passing in
that direction. It was clearly a sign of the haywire things to
come.
We werent able to get to our wide receivers in the of-
fense, Theismann said postgame. Then the wind would
grab the long stuff and took the ball where it wanted to.
I kind of figured Theismann would work on me right
away, Haynes said. No one had done it, so why not try?
He looked at the films; he saw that I hadnt been getting
much work. Maybe he thought Id be lax in my techniques.
With that sector of the defense in check, the Raiders turned
their attention to RB John Riggins and the hoofing Wash-
ington ground game. Statistically it was the leagues third-
rated attack, a between-the-tackles operation, and Sumner
realized if he could find a way to swallow up Riggins, then
the day would be his.
The Redskins would drive you crazy with all their mo-
SILVER
& SMACK
Asmothering
Raiders defense
keyed the
pounding of
the Redskins
in Super Bowl
XVIII, the first
NFLtitle game
in Tampa
By TOM DANYLUK
A
P
tion and formations, Sumner said. Theyd try to confuse
you, but really they ran the same plays all the time. They
scored the most points, so why change your ways? Riggins
definitely worried us the most. I mean, they could four-yard
you to death. That was the backbone of their attack.
Their offensive line was called The Hogs for a reason,
said LB Rod Martin, who contributed a key Raiders stop
on 4th-and-1. A big, tough group of guys there in the pit.
But our defensive line was pretty impressive, as well, some
real studs Howie Long, Reggie Kinlaw, Lyle Alzado. Kin-
law dominated the center position and controlled the mid-
dle, and that was the key to our success. Stop the run first;
the rest would fall into place.
You know why Kinlaw was so effective? Sumner asked.
Because we moved him back off the line of scrimmage a
bit. Reggie was quick, with real strong legs, but he only
weighed about 235 pounds, so we had to look out for him
against that big Redskin line. They were trying to fire out
and block him one-on-one, but he would just slide by and
get into pursuit. He made a lot of plays. The Redskins nev-
er adjusted to it. I dont know if they even had an adjust-
ment.
The games MVP, oddly, emerged from the Raiders of-
fense Marcus Allen and his 191 rushing yards, which
eclipsed the Super Bowl record set by Riggins only a year
earlier. It was the Redskins first-ever look at Allen, and he
introduced himself with a classy series of cutbacks and slash-
es and gallops, including a 74-yard TD romp in the third
quarter that added to an already swelling Raiders lead.
Despite a smothering Raiders performance, it was still
only 14-3, Los Angeles, with a few pennies on the clock be-
fore halftime Disneys Salute to Superstars of the Sil-
ver Screen waiting in queue.
And then the chaos of what happened next: the surprise
Theismann throwback, his floater to RB Joe Washington
that the Skins hoped would go long, like it did in their reg-
ular-season win over the Raiders. A cutsie play, and it broke
for 67 yards in October; this time it imploded into a five-
yard Squirek touchdown, back the other way. It still ranks
among the all-time Super Bowl highlights.
Like I said, the Redskins always ran the same plays,
Sumner said. The first time we played them, we werent
paying much attention to (Joe) Washington, and he hurt
us. Well, near halftime in the Super Bowl, I had a flash-
back. They were backed up near their own goal line, and
Joe was in the game. I said, Oh my gosh! Theyre gonna
do it again.
We were in a zone defense. (LB) Matt Millen was in there,
but he wasnt too nifty (against the pass). So, I sent Jack
Squirek in for him and told Jack, Go wherever Washing-
ton goes. Squirek came out of nowhere as Theismann was
throwing the ball, and he just grabbed it. Our guys went crazy.
They came into the locker room stomping, shouting. At that
point, I knew the game was over.
I was mad, Millen said about the switch. Id called a
blitz and I was cranked up for it, but he told Jack to play
the screen and sent him in. I guess Charlie knows what hes
doing, huh?
Much more than that. The Raiders had a read on every-
thing the Skins would do that Super Sunday. Then they gave
it the sledgehammer.
Tom Danyluk is a frequent contributor to Pro Football
Weekly and ProFootballWeekly.com
A
P
THE OTHER TAMPA
SUPER BOWLS
SUPER BOWL XXV Giants 20, Bills 19
If Super Bowls came in wooden frames, then Bills-Giants
would hang in its own wing of the Le Grande Muse, caressed
by soft, muted lights and by appointment only. Super Bowl
XXVwas a booming clash of styles the bold, vibrant strokes
of the modern Buffalo attack vs. the old-world realism of Par-
cells football objective staid conservative.
The stat of the evening emerged from the New York offense
time of possession: 40 minutes, 33 seconds. Jim Kelly and
Buffalos maniacal Red Gun attack, which had scored 44 and
then 51 points in its two playoff victories, sat pinned to the
sideline as the Giants consumed the field and a title one
yard at a time.
Super Bowl XXXV Ravens 34, Giants 7
Former New York players have shot barbs at the Jim Fas-
sel coaching staff, whacks at an allegedly weak-kneed Giants
offense how if theyd done this and that, added innovation,
well, things might have come out favorably against the cold-
blooded devils manning the 2000 Ravens defense.
Six offensive linemen may have helped. Five receivers
three lightning bolts in the backfield, running gimmicks and
trickery out of the Wildcat.Too many men to cover. Throw
in Dan Fouts and, yeah, a 15-man attack might have worked.
Because 11 ordinary souls were doing nothing against that
Stalingrad, that Valley Forge of a defense.
Ayoung, destructive Ray Lewis muscle and smarts at
all positions the speed. Yes, any version of the New York
blueprint wouldve faced an unhappy ending.
After his second Super Bowl win, Bill Parcells got car-
ried off the field by Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks.
Ray Lewis was named Super Bowl MVP after lead-
ing the Ravens to a one-sided win over the Giants.
The Raiders and DE Howie Long teed off on the Redskins and OT George Starke throughout their 38-9 victory.
OPINION
WHAT WE THINK WHAT YOU THINK
LETTERS POLICY
Sendletterstoletters@pfwmedia.com, byfaxto
(847) 940-1108or byU.S. mail toLetterstotheEditor,
ProFootball Weekly, 302SaundersRoad, Suite100,
Riverwoods, IL60015. Limit of 250words. Include
name, hometownanddaytimephonenumber
(phonefor verificationpurposesonly). Wereservethe
right toedit lettersfor content andbrevity.
I
t may have only been delayed for a year.
But the flood of underclassmen that
some expected to declare for the NFL
draft this year never materialized.
Forty-nine juniors and third-year soph-
omores declared their eligibility for the
draft by the Jan. 15 deadline. They had
until Sunday night to withdraw, and a fi-
nal tally wasnt available at presstime, but
the number of underclassmen in the draft
will be the second-lowest in the last five
years.
That number was surprisingly low be-
cause concerns about the NFLs Collective
Bargaining Agreement most notably,
talk of a rookie wage scale in 2010 had
some predicting a record number of early
entrants.
With owners exercising their right to
opt out early, the current CBA expires af-
ter the 2010 season. The league could
have imposed a wage scale for rookies in
2010, but commissioner Roger Goodell
said recently that it wouldnt happen.
However, Goodell said the league is
still committed to some kind of rookie
scale.
Change is coming in this area, Good-
ell told ESPN. We do not know exactly
when after 2010, or exactly what it will
consist of, but we are committed to a
change that will compensate top rookies
very well but will make more money
available to proven vets.
We agree with Goodell that wed like to
see underclassmen stay in school to fulfill
their college eligibility. However, we think
the current rule requiring them to be at
least three years removed from high
school to enter the draft is reasonable and
should remain.
While we believe it is in the best inter-
est of most players to stay in school to
mature both physically and emotionally,
we dont think it would be fair to restrict
their options any further. Those with de-
grees will be better-positioned for future
success, especially if theyre not high draft
picks, but it would be unrealistic to re-
quire them to stay in school for four years
especially when so many are in college
only to play football.
The NFL and NCAA need to make sure
players are counseled on the importance
of a degree and get good advice on their
draft prospects. But by the time theyre
three years out of high school, players
have a right to start making a living if
they reasonably believe that entering the
draft is their best option.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Do you think the NFL should toughen
the eligibility requirements for college
athletes to enter the draft? Send your
comments by e-mail to letters @pfwme-
dia.com, by fax to (847) 940-1108 or by
U.S. mail to Letters to the Editor, Pro
Football Weekly, 302 Saunders Road,
Suite 100, Riverwoods, IL 60015. We ll
publish some of the responses in future
editions.
Underclassmen have draft rights
Expand overtime, rosters
I believe that overtime in the NFL is a
lot like the designated hitter. It seemed
like a good idea at the time. After a few
years, I have come to the conclusion that
there is nothing wrong with a tied NFL
game (ask any Eagles fan) or in having a
pitcher bat, especially when he threw at
the team earlier in the season.
If the NFL wants its fans to sit through
an overtime play the whole quarter.
Both teams deserve a chance to have the
ball. I know people may get hurt then
expand the roster by two players. The
extra players would not suit up for the
game. However, given the NFLs physical
nature and the added potential for injury,
expanding the roster would be the least
disruptive and most fair way to allow for a
full overtime.
William Dunn, Fairfield, Conn.
Too many meaningless stats
We are now barraged with meaningless
stats, such as on Jan. 11 when CBS
showed a graphic stating that Ben Roeth-
lisberger joined Neil ODonnell and a few
other recent quarterbacks as the only
QBs to take their teams to the playoffs
four out of their first five years.
Wow, of course Unitas, Baugh,
Staubach, Montana, Bradshaw, etc.,
werent on the list. Why? Could it be be-
cause in past times we didnt have almost
40 percent of the teams make the play-
offs?
Please spare us these meaningless
stats that ignore differences from a 12-
game season and 14-team league to what
we have now.
Robert Riepe, Mediapolis, Iowa
Colts must address O-line
The Colts have some serious needs on
the offensive line.
Tony Ugoh played horribly in pass pro-
tection last year. He was dominated by
Mario Williams, and he had a lot of offside
penalties called on him. The Colts need to
move him to left guard where he can pull,
and use his speed to be a dominant run
blocker.
Jeff Saturday also needs to be re-
signed, because Jamey Richard struggled
(if you watched the Hall of Fame game,
you know what I am talking about). But
he showed some toughness.
Mike Pollack and Ryan Diem hold down
the right side, but the Colts will need to
draft a left tackle who can pass-block.
They do not want to make another mis-
take at tackle. That would be deadly.
Bryan Brackney, Boone, N.C.
SENSELESS Ron Borges
P
olitics isnt the only arena where be-
ing an incumbent is no longer a good
thing. Same is true for pro football
coaches.
At last count, nearly a third of the men
who began the 2008 season as NFL head
coaches have been fired, retired or are
waiting for the axe to fall. The total will
be standing at a remarkable 11-of-32 if
Kansas Citys Herm Edwards is given his
walking papers, as most assume will hap-
pen. It is a remarkable number that in-
cluded four former Super Bowl winners
and three with winning records this year.
Eric Mangini is symbolic of what the
job has become. In three years with the
Jets he had two winning seasons, one
playoff team and was in position to possi-
bly win the division title on the last week-
end this season. For that, he was fired
and immediately became the only candi-
date to replace Romeo Crennel in Cleve-
land.
So Mangenius, as he was once called
in New York, wasnt smart enough to
keep his job in New York but was so
smart he was the Browns only real candi-
date for the same job. Do the people mak-
ing these decisions know what theyre do-
ing, or is it just that they had a rich fa-
ther, as is the case in both places?
Along with these firings came the pre-
dictable shuffling of offensive and defen-
sive coordinators and special-teams
coaches. Not long after Jerry Jones said
hed be making no changes in Dallas, the
special-teams coach and defensive coor-
dinator left with a nudge, and offensive
coordinator Jason Garretts standing with
the team was unknown as of this writing.
So it goes in todays NFL.
This turmoil even invaded a stable ad-
dress like One Patriot Place, where Bill
Belichick lost 32-year-old offensive coor-
dinator Josh McDaniels to the Broncos,
special-teams coach Brad Seely to the
Browns, assistant head coach Dom Ca-
pers to we-know-not-where yet and VP of
player personnel Scott Pioli to the Chiefs.
Thats a lot of empty chairs for a team
that went 11-5, but at least they were leav-
ing because theyd been successful.
Those defections continue a significant
brain drain in New England, where a year
ago college personnel director Thomas
Dimitroff left to take over the Falcons. In
the past five years they will have had
three different coordinators on offense
and defense and now are without their
top two personnel men of two years ago.
How that affects New England will be
something closely watched because, as
many of the guys fired the past few weeks
proved, not everyone is cut out to handle
authority in the NFL.
Yet, while more than half of the new
head coaches have no previous experi-
ence, proven guys like Mike Shanahan,
Mike Holmgren, Jon Gruden, Marty
Schottenheimer, Mike Martz, Brian Bil-
lick and Bill Cowher sit in their living
room, looking at their Super Bowl rings.
Some are there partially by choice, but
how do you explain Tampa Bay replacing
Gruden with Raheem Morris, who two
months ago was coaching the Bucs de-
fensive backs, without talking to any of
those guys? Sources claim Joel Glazer,
whose father owns the Buccaneers, be-
lieved Morris got along better with the
players. Are they running a day-care cen-
ter?
No disrespect to Morris or McDaniels,
but if theyre the most qualified guys,
then the standards in the NFL no longer
have much to do with ones rsum. Then
again, neither did winning more than los-
ing, in some cases, so why should that be
a surprise?
Ron Borges is a columnist for the Boston
Herald.
Rsum no factor in coaching carousel
OPINION
DAUNTING UNDERTAKING Eric Edholm
Schwartz has faced rebuilding before
A-BOMBS
Ask and ye shall receive
Forgive me for having receivers on the
brain, but in addition to being treated to
the leagues most dynamic WR duo
(Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin)
on Super Sunday and wondering whether
the gimpy HInes Ward will be able to join
them, its hard to ignore the intriguing
drama overflowing at the diva position
heading into the offseason. Lets start
with Boldin, who, by all accounts, still
wants to be traded despite Arizonas
Super success. Did you catch his ani-
mated exchange on the sideline with Car-
dinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley
late in the NFC championship game?
What was that all about? Here are a few
other high-profile pass-catcher questions
worth pondering: Are reports that Terrell
Owens days in Dallas could be num-
bered greatly exaggerated? Will gun-tot-
ing Plaxico Burress, who teammate
Justin Tuck recently said was 50-50 to
be back with the Giants, go out with a
bang in the Big Apple? Will distinguished
veterans Marvin Harrison, who also
was involved in a shady incident involving
a gun, and Torry Holt swallow their pride
and be willing to finish out their illustrious
careers as serviceable slot receivers? Will
Buccaneers free agent Antonio Bryant,
who reinvented himself in Tampa Bay,
choose to stay put with Jon Gruden hav-
ing split the scene? Pretty catchy topic,
dont you think?
Rams on right track with Spags
New Rams GM Billy Devaney didnt
disappoint when he settled on longtime
buddy Steve Spagnuolo as the Rams
new head coach. Among the four finalists
for the job, Spagnuolo, who was consid-
ered a long shot early in the interviewing
process because it was widely believed he
would want more money than the Rams
would be willing to offer, registered the
highest reading on the recognition meter.
Thats a key factor for a team badly in
need of a boost at the box office from its
understandably frustrated fan base. Un-
like the defensively challenged Broncos,
who opted for apple-cheeked offensive
specialist Josh McDaniels to replace
Mike Shanahan, Devaney made the
right move selecting an accomplished de-
fensive specialist in Spagnuolo, whose
grinder work ethic should play well in the
nations heartland. As for the rumors that
the Rams bypassed Cowboys offensive
coordinator Jason Garrett because he
was deemed too rich for their blood, I
think they are much better off with Spag-
nuolo anyway, considering Garretts un-
even work with the Cowboys in 08. Rams
owner Chip Rosenbloomshould be
congratulated for getting out of the way
and trusting his new point man Devaney
to pick the best man available for the job.
I wouldnt be surprised at all if the Rams
give the Cardinals a real run for their
money in the NFC West next season.
Dan Arkush un-
leashes his latest
NFL reflections.
H
e probably still has a few dozen e-
mails, text messages and voice mails
to return, which he ll get to eventual-
ly, but Jim Schwartz also has another real-
ity setting in: Hes facing perhaps the most
daunting coaching task he, or anyone else,
ever has faced in the NFL.
The initial wave of excitement has passed
for Schwartz and Lions fans, who now turn
to the major task at hand. He ll be the first
coach ever to inherit an 0-16 team. Of
course, like Bob Dylan once said, when you
got nothing, you got nothing to lose.
Theres an old adage that you find out a
lot about people in the bad times,
Schwartz said at his introductory press
conference.
But he wasnt talking about having gone
through an 0-16 season. He was talking
about facing the tough chore of rebuilding
a Titans contender that was forced to
purge half of its roster, mostly the good
half, in the lean years of 2004
and 05, when Tennessee fin-
ished a combined 9-23.
Schwartz was defensive coor-
dinator of those teams, which
allowed nearly 27 points per
game. The Lions have al-
lowed more than 30 per game
the past two seasons.
Schwartzs career has fol-
lowed the ebb and flow thats
natural to the league, and his
early days of coaching were
perhaps his greatest lesson of
all. He spent three years as a
scout in Cleveland with then-Browns head
coach Bill Belichick, but when owner Art
Modell fired Belichick before the team
moved to Baltimore prior to the 1996 sea-
son, a difficult move became a harrowing
rebuilding project.
New coach Ted Marchibroda was
brought in, and he kept the shell of the
coaching staff, including Schwartz, then
30, the quality-control coach on defense.
Alongside him for those two seasons was
perhaps one of the more impressive
coaching staffs you ll find in recent NFL
history: Marvin Lewis, Kirk Ferentz, Pat
Hill, Ken Whisenhunt, Maxie Baughan,
Scott OBrien and Mike Sheppard, among
others. The other quality-control coach?
None other than Eric Mangini. In the
front office, there was even more future
NFL royalty: Ozzie Newsome, Scott Pioli,
Phil Savage, George Kokinis, Terry McDo-
nough, Eric DeCosta and more.
The team knew the challenge that lay
ahead. They thought of themselves as an
expansion club, making the move from
Cleveland to Baltimore with a talent-thin
roster and a hodgepodge staff of old and
new. Frankly, given the ugly exit from
Cleveland, the franchise was a mess.
It was really helter-skelter, DeCosta
told PFW earlier this season. It honestly
didnt have the feel of an NFL team.
Sound familiar, Detroit?
The Ravens struggled badly those first
two seasons, despite the coaching and
scouting prowess, going 4-12 and 6-9-1.
Schwartz was cutting up tape for Lewis
and a defense that was young, battered
and undisciplined, and perhaps no single
incident prepared Schwartz and that staff
for the not-all-is-rosy-in-football reality
than at halftime of a game against the
Bengals. The struggling Ravens actually
were leading on that cold, windy day at
old Memorial Stadium, 21-3, as both
teams coaching staffs boarded the eleva-
tor back up to the coaches boxes.
And thats when it just stopped. In be-
tween floors. As the game was starting
back up again.
Eager and undaunted and perhaps
because quality-control guys often get
stuck doing the dirty work Schwartz
was volunteered as the first man to shim-
my through the two-foot opening halfway
between the first and second floors, right
at field level.
I remember somebody pried open the
doors, and there was maybe a two-foot
space at the top. All you could see were
peoples ankles, Schwartz recalled last
August. Someone reached a hand down,
and I jumped up and grabbed it and
pulled myself through. I ran through the
crowd as fast as I could. I had to hump it
through the fans, and when I got up to the
top, my heart was racing. I was trying to
get information to the coaches (that every-
one was trapped), but I was too busy hy-
perventilating. I was so out of breath I
couldnt talk.
By the time the coaches all got free, the
big lead had evaporated and the Ravens
lost the game.
But all the coaches pointed to the hum-
bling nature of those two seasons as a ma-
jor learning experience. For Schwartz, it
was his first year in coaching in the NFL
after the three-year scouting experience,
and working with such a well-respected
staff even amid the losing proved to
be invaluable.
It was a great place to be a young
coach, Schwartz said. If youre in the
business world, you go to Harvard to get
your MBA. If youre in technology, you go
to MIT. Cleveland and Baltimore, those
were great places the people we were
surrounded with to be a young coach.
We were learning from really good people.
The experiences they had, it served us
well. It was almost like getting a Ph.D. in
football-ology.
Schwartz stuck closest to Lewis, the de-
fensive coordinator, and OBrien, the spe-
cial-teams coordinator. Lewis was in his
first year running the defense, and the re-
sults were not often pretty, but Schwartz
said he thinks those two seasons had a big
part in Lewis being able to build a defense
that eventually would win a Super Bowl
five years later.
(Losing) made Marvin tough; it made
all of us tough, Schwartz said. One of the
quotes I like to put in front of our players
all the time is, Only through adversity are
great men made. You think
of the great presidents in the
history of the United States,
theyve all been president
and overcome some sort of
major strife somewhere
along the line.
And Schwartz arrived in
Tennessee in 1999, right at
the tail end of a similar fran-
chise uprooting, when the Ti-
tans moved from Houston to
Nashville and played their
games in Memphis for a year,
with the coaches living out of
trailers stationed in an old mall.
When youre battled-scarred, you earn
those scars. You learn from them. When
you can live through that, you can coach
through it, make it through when you
can do that, it makes you so much more of
a better coach in the future for having
gone through that.
In the case of the Lions, Schwartz didnt
earn the scars he inherited them. But
that doesnt mean he wont use the bunker
mentality when it comes to coaching the
Lions. Schwartz read a book last year
about the Navy SEALs and how part of
their training Hell Week involves
days upon days of sleep deprivation and
other draconian measures in order to
make them tougher when adversity does
arrive. The Lions then can consider their
0-16 season to be Hell Year.
The reason Schwartz didnt get back to
all his well-wishers upon taking the job
was because he would be too busy making
contact with the players who lived
through 0-16. The message in a nutshell?
Our success will be so much sweeter here
because of 0-16 and because of the past.
Detroit certainly hopes so.
PFW senior editor Eric Edholm can be
reached at eedholm@pfwmedia.com.
Only through adversity are great men
made. You think of the great presidents
in the history of the United States,
theyve all been president and
overcome some sort of major strife
somewhere along the line.
JIM SCHWARTZ
HANDICAPPERS CORNER
PFW
consensus
SUPER BOWL XLIII Early pointspread as of Sunday, Jan. 18
Hub
Arkush
Publisher/
editor
Keith
Schleiden
Editor-
in-chief
Mike
Holbrook
Managing
editor
Dan
Arkush
Executive
editor
Eric
Edholm
Senior
editor
Mike
Wilkening
Senior
editor
Matt
Sohn
Associate
editor
Dan
Parr
Associate
editor
Michael
Blunda
Associate
editor
PFW STAFF
SELECTIONS
EARLY LAS VEGAS LINE Asterisk (*) denotes team will cover pointspread but lose game.
Pittsburgh -7 vs. Arizona (47) Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Arizona* Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Arizona* Arizona Pittsburgh Arizona* Pittsburgh
Last week vs. spread 0-2 1-1 0-2 2-0 0-2 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-2 0-2
Season to date vs. spread 130-130-6 122-138-6 129-131-6 129-131-6 120-140-6 132-128-6 135-125-6 136-124-6 121-139-6 130-130-6
Season to date best bets 26-24-1 23-28 23-26-2 25-24-1 25-26 27-22-2 27-22-2 26-25 26-23-2 35-31-2
Last week straight-up 1-1 1-1 0-2 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1
Season to date straight-up 173-92-1 161-104-1 167-98-1 168-97-1 163-102-1 171-94-1 171-94-1 167-98-1 164-101-1 172-93-1
SUPER BOWL XLIII OPPONENTS VS. SPREAD H home, A away, N neutral, followed by teams score; number in parentheses is number of points by
which that team was favored to win; E game was rated as even; W beat the pointspread; * team beat the pointspread in both regular-season meetings that year; T
neither beat the pointspread; P playoff game; OT overtime.
10-YEAR SERIES RECORDS
Pittsburgh vs. Arizona 1-1 () ()
Series leader is listed in CAPS with its record below. Series
leaders record at this weeks game site is listed in paren-
theses, followed by series leaders record vs. pointspread at
this weeks site. This years games not included.
MATCHUP 2008 2007 2006
Pittsburgh Have not played A-14(-6) Did not play
vs. Arizona H-21W
HUB ARKUSH
STEELERS 27, CARDINALS 17
Could they be more different? This
will be the Steelers seventh Super
Bowl appearance which trails only
the Cowboys, whove made eight
while the Cardinals participate for the
first time. At 12-4, the Steelers trailed
the Titans and Giants by just one
game for the best record in football
while the Cards are the first team
since the 1979 Rams and second in
history to get to the Super Bowl after
a 9-7 regular season. The Steelers will
try to run the ball and play defense
while Arizona fills the air with footballs,
but dont think for a minute Kurt
Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan
Boldin and Edgerrin James dont give
the Cards a chance. They do, just not
enough. Willie Parker, LaMarr Wood-
ley, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu
are the difference in a Steelers victory.
KEITH SCHLEIDEN
The Steelers have history and ex-
perience on their side, this being their
seventh overall Super Bowl appear-
ance. They went to the NFL title game
and won it just three seasons
ago. The Cardinals are entering un-
known territory, having never reached
the game with the Roman numerals.
But they do have a quarterback who
has won a Super Bowl ring, perhaps
the best wide receiver on the planet
and momentum. So how does it
shake out? The Steelers merciless
defense will confound the Cardinals
offensive line and rattle Kurt Warner
early. Warner can be prone to melt-
downs, and with much of the pressure
falling on him because no one runs on
the Steelers, he overheats and be-
comes turnover-prone at the worst
possible time.
ERIC EDHOLM
To me, the critical matchup of the
Super Bowl for the second straight
year will be how well the offensively
superior team can pass-block. Last
year, the Giants disrupted the Patri-
ots passing game. Can the Cardinals
keep the heat-seeking Steeler mis-
siles off of QB Kurt Warner? In my
opinion: no, not for four quarters. And
that run game the Cardinals have dis-
covered? I think the Steelers will take
it away. At some point Warner and WR
Larry Fitzgerald will create more
magic. They have been too hot not to
connect for at least two big plays. I
just dont think it will be enough. And
the Cardinals defense might find the
going tough against a Steelers offense
that is patient enough to run the ball,
throw short and medium and wait for
3-4 big plays. Defense prevails.
MIKE WILKENING
I have the suspicion both teams
would rather be playing someone else
in the Super Bowl. Oh, its nice to be
here, thank you very much, but I think
the Cardinals would rather not be
playing an opponent that stuffs the
run while also getting considerable
pressure off the edge and via the blitz
while playing sound coverage in the
back end. And the Steelers, deep
down, would rather not be preparing
for an opponent that knows their ten-
dencies so well and has the person-
nel to give them fits. I think the game
comes down to a mistake a muffed
punt, a blown coverage, etc. And I
think the Steelers, who return a good
number of starters from a team that
won the Super Bowl three years ago,
are less likely to make such a gaffe.
But the Cards have a fighting chance.
NEIL WARNER
The leagues best defense vs. an of-
fense featuring Kurt Warner and WRs
Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin
should produce fireworks. However,
unless Edgerrin James can continue
his late-season surge vs. the stingy
Steelers, the Cardinals will become a
one-dimensional offense, and that
would be an insurmountable obstacle
for the immobile Warner against Pitts-
burghs terrific pass rush. Of course,
the Steelers dont score a lot of
points, and the Arizona defense has
looked like a transformed unit since
the start of the playoffs. Key to the
continued success of the Cardinals
D is its ability to pressure Ben
Roethlisberger, who was sacked 46
times in the regular season. If Arizona
can bring the heat, this will be a close
game.
MICHAEL BLUNDA
This might not be a matchup for
the ages, but its a clash of two clubs
saving their best for last. Left for dead
just a month ago, Arizona has devel-
oped into a complete team during its
playoff run, giving defensive efforts
that match its up-tempo offense. The
Steelers, meanwhile, finally have dis-
covered an offense to go along with
their league-best D. While the game
should be very competitive, the differ-
ence will be Pittsburghs ability to
stuff the run, making the Cards at-
tack one-dimensional. Kurt Warner
has succeeded under adverse condi-
tions before, but without a running
game to fall back on, hell be a sitting
duck for James Harrison and Co. In
the end, Ben Roethlisberger will do
just enough for the Steelers to again
hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
MIKE HOLBROOK
There are so many great matchups
in this one Ken Whisenhunt and
Russ Grimm vs. Mike Tomlin, the
Steelers pass rush vs. Kurt Warner,
Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin
vs. the Steelers secondary. The Cardi-
nals coaches know these Steelers as
well as any AFC North coaching staff
and will know how to attack Pitts-
burgh. However, can the Cardinals
protect Warner well enough to allow
him to exploit the Steelers vulnerabil-
ity to the deep pass? Also, can the
Cardinals bring enough heat to force
Ben Roethlisberger into making mis-
takes? The Steelers won despite Big
Ben in Super Bowl XL. If Clancy Pen-
dergasts crew can put pressure on
him, I believe the Cards can stay
close. I expect a hard-fought game
that will be closer than some think.
MATT SOHN
CARDINALS 24, STEELERS 21
If this game were at Heinz Field,
chalk it up as a Steelers romp. Heck, if
this were played in any cold-weather
climate, hand Dan Rooney the Lom-
bardi Trophy, plan the parade route
through downtown Pittsburgh and
start debating whether the Lions
should go with Andre Smith or Mark
Sanchez with the drafts top pick. But
the fact that this game is in warm-
weather Tampa mitigates the Steel-
ers physical superiority and defensive
prowess. The Steelers devastating
blitz package wont have its normal ef-
fectiveness against Kurt Warner, pos-
sibly the leagues best QB at blitz
recognition. Meanwhile, the Cardinals
defensive improvements since CB Do-
minique Rodgers-Cromartie entered
the lineup will be enough to slow down
the Steelers plodding offense.
DAN ARKUSH
Ive got a confession to make. I re-
ally like the Cardinals a lot. My af-
fection for them has a lot to do with
just how much they remind me of my
favorite professional sports team, the
Chicago Cubs, who share a similar du-
bious history. Its a team that has be-
come quite lovable, I believe, with its
exciting high-octane offense and late-
blooming defense. And, like the Cubs,
Im thinking its a team that will break
my heart in pro footballs biggest
show, with the more experienced
Steelers pulling away down the
stretch. Arizonas defense displayed
some scary cracks in the second half
of the NFC championship when the
Eagles ripped down the field for three
straight scores. A similar unraveling
will be the Cards undoing on Super
Sunday.
DAN PARR
Arizona brings its vaunted aerial at-
tack, which ranks second in the
league, against the Steelers top-
ranked pass defense. Pittsburgh al-
lowed 21 points or less in 14-of-16
regular season games and 1-of-2 play-
off games. Pittsburghs ability to slow
down Arizonas offense will be the de-
ciding factor in the Super Bowl.
Theres almost no way of eliminating
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald hes
sure to do some damage. Pittsburgh
must focus on minimizing Fitzgerald
and, most importantly, shutting down
Arizona's running game, which has
improved in the playoffs. The Steelers,
who ranked second vs. the run, will
succeed in that effort and force QB
Kurt Warner into obvious passing sit-
uations, turning the game in Pitts-
burghs favor.
EDITORS SUPER BOWL PREDICTIONS
LAS VEGAS CALLING Stephen Nover
Patriots the early 09
title favorite at Vegas hotel
I
ts never too early to put out odds on what
team is going to win the Super Bowl
even if its more than a year in advance.
The Las Vegas Hilton already is taking ac-
tion on which team is going to win Super
Bowl XLIV in February 2010. The Hilton
put up these odds right after the 08 NFL
regular season finished.
The day we put this up, several people bet
it, said Ed Salmons, sports book manager
at the Hilton. People just love to bet on this.
Jay Kornegay, director of race and sports
at the Hilton, agreed, saying, So many peo-
ple visit Las Vegas, but they only might vis-
it once a year, and this gives them a chance
to bet the Super Bowl if they want. Some
people might have a quick opinion. This gives
them a chance.
The Hilton isnt bashful about putting up
betting lines well in advance. Also on their
wagering menu, for instance, are odds on
which country will capture the 2010 World
Cup. Yes, that too has drawn action.
So what team is favored to win next
years Super Bowl? Would you believe a team
that didnt even make the playoffs this sea-
son? Thats how much respect Bill Be-
lichicks New England Patriots get in Las Ve-
gas. The Patriots are 8-1. All the rest of the
teams have double-digit odds to win the Su-
per Bowl.
It shows you just how balanced the
NFL is, Salmons said.
Theres a tier of elite teams that are 10-1:
Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Dallas and the N.Y.
Giants.
Then theres a tier of clubs at 12-1. In this
group are San Diego, Philadelphia, Ten-
nessee, Baltimore and Carolina.
At 25-1 are Minnesota, Green Bay and
New Orleans. The next grouping at 30-1 con-
tains Jacksonville, Atlanta, Tampa Bay,
Arizona, Denver and the N.Y. Jets. So much
for the Cardinals drawing much respect fol-
lowing their remarkable playoff run.
There are five teams at 40-1. They are Mi-
ami, Houston, Buffalo, Washington and
Chicago. Seattle is 50-1. At 60-1 are San
Francisco, Cincinnati and Cleveland.
The highest odds are at 100-1, where
Kansas City, Oakland, St. Louis and Detroit
reside.
Gone are the days in Nevada where you
can find a team like the 1999 Super Bowl
champion St. Louis Rams, which had odds
as high as 300-1 before the season. The
Hilton actually is pretty fair with its Super
Bowl odds compared to some other Las Ve-
gas hotels.
We cant put (Super Bowl odds) up as
high as we used to, Kornegay said. Teams
can make an about-face turn quickly nowa-
days with an easy schedule, new coach, free
agents and rookie input.
We saw it this past year with rookies Joe
Flacco with Baltimore, Matt Ryan with
Atlanta and Chris Johnson with Tennessee.
These kids are so educated and well-versed
now when they enter the NFL.
It used to be you would never see a start-
ing rookie quarterback. But look at all the
success Flacco and Ryan had.
Atlanta had a 4-12 record in 2007. Balti-
more was 5-11 in 07. Both teams went 11-
5 during the 08 regular season behind
their respective rookie quarterbacks.
The Falcons looked as bad as a team could
look last season, Salmons said. Their
coach walked out on them. They lost their
quarterback (Michael Vick). And look how
they ended up this season.
The real odds on the Lions winning next
years Super Bowl might be closer to 500-
1 after they went 0-16. However, they appear
to have made a good coaching choice with
Jim Schwartz. The Lions also draw a last-
place schedule, own the No. 1 draft pick, play
in a fairly weak division, and the best part
is they no longer have Matt Millen making
personnel decisions.
Would it really be that shocking if the Li-
ons managed to make the playoffs next sea-
son? Few imagined, after all, that Atlanta and
Miami which won one game in 07
would reach the playoffs this past season. So
its understandable if Nevada bookmakers
dont want to put up huge odds on long shots.
BIG UNDERDOGS
CLEANED UP IN 08
Once again, over/unders were near even.
Out of 256 games, the under held the
slimmest of edges, 123-122-11, according to
research gathered from Dave Tuleys
ViewFromVegas.com Web site.
Favorites and underdogs were also just
about dead-even, with underdogs going
122-120-6.
The one discrepancy came with road fa-
vorites going 134-115-6 against the spread.
The San Diego-New Orleans game in Lon-
don was not included in the total. Home un-
derdogs were just 30-42-1.
But while home underdogs werent the way
to go in 2008, double-digit underdogs were
golden. Counting Arizonas playoff victory at
Carolina, teams taking 10 or more points cov-
ered 23-of-32 games (71.9 percent).
Writer, analyst and handicapper Stephen
Nover has been covering the Las Vegas
sports betting scene since 1984. He is the au-
thor of three books, Las Vegas Sportsbeat,
Sports Gamingbeat and Winning Fantasy
Football.
LEADERS FOR SEASON TO DATE
(Sept. 4 - Jan. 18)
1. Maddux Sports* (P) ..................................5,810
2. Ferdinand Sports ......................................3,780
3. All-Star Sports ..........................................3,480
4. MTI Sports Forecasting* (P) ....................2,580
5. Weekly Wizard Best ..................................2,220
WON-LOST PERCENTAGE LEADERS
1. Maddux Sports* (P) ..................26-12 ....68.4%
2. Weekly Wizard Best ..................36-26 ....58.1%
3. Ferdinand Sports ......................56-42 ....57.1%
4. All-Star Sports ..........................50-39 ....56.2%
5. Cajun Sports* ............................34-27 ....55.7%
LEADERS FOR SEASON TO DATE
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NFL EDITION
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NFL OVER / UNDERS EDITION
SUPER BOWL PREVIEW
Steelers SS Troy Polamalu had a game-
changing interception vs. the Ravens.
STEELERS
VS.
CARDINALS
A
P
THE MATCHUPS
POSITION-BY-POSITION EDGE

QB
RB
REC
OL
DL
LB
DB
ST
Coach
DATE AND SITE Sunday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
TYPE OF TURF Grass.
SEASON RECORDS Pittsburgh 14-4 (8-2 home, 6-2 away, AFC North champion); Arizona
12-7 (8-2 home, 4-5 away, NFC West champion).
SEASON RECORDS VS. SPREAD Pittsburgh 11-7; Arizona 12-7.
LAST MEETING Sept. 30, 2007, at Arizona. Arizona (+6) won 21-14.
ALL-TIME SERIES Pittsburgh leads series 32-23-3.
OVERVIEW
In Super Bowl history, few teams have
meant more than the Steelers. Few teams, un-
til now, have meant less in the Super Bowl era
than the Cardinals.
Super Bowl XLIII will be the Steelers sev-
enth big game. The Cardinals will be playing
in the first title game in franchise history since
losing the 1948 championship game when the
team was located in Chicago.
There are many other plot lines, including
the matchup of Cardinals head coach Ken
Whisenhunt, a onetime Steelers assistant,
against his old team. It also features the world-
class passing attack of Cardinals QB Kurt
Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald facing a
Steelers defense that ranked No. 1 in the reg-
ular season in yards allowed, passing yards
allowed and points allowed and which held
the Chargers and Ravens to 488 yards in the
postseason.
The Steelers were dominant in the regular
season, and many of the players who won Su-
per Bowl XL (with Whisenhunt and Cardi-
nals OL coach Russ Grimm) remain with the
team. The Cardinals have only a handful of
players who have won a Super Bowl, includ-
ing Warner with the Rams, but they have been
a different team in the playoffs than the one
that limped to the NFC West title, beating the
Falcons, Panthers and Eagles impressively to
earn their ticket to Tampa on Feb. 1.
When the Cardinals
have the ball
Warner will be playing in his third Super
Bowl after a mostly brilliant season in the Car-
dinals precision, rhythm passing attack. He
has been even better in the postseason, cut-
ting down on his mistakes and getting the ball
to WR Larry Fitzgerald despite defenses
designed to take Fitzgerald away.
There are two schools of thought on defend-
ing Warner: either blitz him and try to flush
him out of the pocket or drop seven or eight
and play coverage. Warner is great at read-
ing blitzes and getting rid of the ball quick-
ly, so the Steelers must be sure they can get
to him if they rush more than four.
Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is
never afraid to blitz, but he also is the mas-
ter of zone pressures. Expect him to rush four
but drop a lineman and rush a DB or line-
backer in order to confuse Warner. LeBeau
might not give Warner the same look twice.
Fitzgerald is on a historic run, catching 23
of Warners 61 completions the past three
games. His total of 419 receiving yards in the
playoffs has broken Jerry Rices record for the
most in one postseason. With strong hands
and world-class leaping ability, Fitzgerald
should find himself on the other end of
some Warner rainbows but also on short
routes where he can create after the catch with
his quickness and strength.
Hes too tough of a one-on-one matchup for
the Steelers ask the Eagles DBs so look
for them to use some kind of bracket cover-
age to take him out as best they can. Steelers
CB Ike Taylor often covers the opponents best
wideout and could end up shadowing Fitzger-
ald for a good part of the game.
The other wideouts have not contributed
as much in the postseason, and that in-
cludes Anquan Boldin, who suffered a ham-
string injury and looked rusty against the Ea-
gles. When healthy, hes physical and danger-
ous on crossing routes but also able to go over
the deep middle. Slot WR Steve Breaston had
1,006 yards in the regular season but has tak-
en a backseat lately; he and RB J.J. Arring-
ton are dangerous receiving options when the
Cardinals choose to spread it out.
Much of the Steelers defensive success
starts with their pass rush and the run-
stopping ability of their front seven. The sec-
ondary is no slouch, but SS Troy Polamalu is
the clear difference maker. Hes known for do-
ing his best work up near the line, but Pola-
malu has improved his deep coverage.
The Cardinals have manufactured a run
game in the postseason, running 100 times
to only 95 pass plays. During the regular sea-
son, the Cardinals often abandoned the run;
they had 658 pass plays to only 340 rushes.
Edgerrin James, Tim Hightower and Ar-
rington have found their roles in the postsea-
son. James has at least 73 yards rushing or a
TD in three playoff wins. Hightower has run
hard and scored the go-ahead TD on a 3rd-
and-goal screen in the NFC title game.
The Steelers have ideal personnel for their
3-4 scheme. DEs Aaron Smith and Brett
Keisel hold the point and defend the run well,
and NT Casey Hampton can occupy two
blockers. ILBs James Farrior and Larry
Foote are experienced and smart. The real heat
comes from OLBs James Harrison (the NFL
Defensive Player of the Year) and LaMarr
Woodley (four sacks in two playoff games),
who might be the finest pass-rushing pair in
the NFL. LeBeau mixes up who is rushing and
who is dropping, and each does both well.
The Cardinals O-line took much of the
blame for the failed run game, but it has come
together under Grimm. The same five play-
ers OLT Mike Gandy, OLG Reggie Wells,
C Lyle Sendlein, ORG Deuce Lutui and
ORT Levi Brown have started all 19
games, which has helped out the chemistry.
Brown was criticized for allowing 11 sacks and
making six false starts during the regular sea-
son, but the Cardinals have found success run-
ning behind Brown on both power and zone
plays, especially of late.
When the Steelers
have the ball
QB Ben Roethlisberger hasnt made mis-
takes in the postseason, and the Steelers are
dangerous when hes on the mark. He throws
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald has had a
record-breaking postseason.
A
P
QB
RB
REC
OL
DL
LB
DB
ST
Coach
Warners resurgence the stuff of which legends are made.
Parker edges Edge in backfield battle.
You know youre stacked when Boldins your No. 2.
Steelers line got Roethlisberger bloodied all season.
Casey Hampton anchors tough 3-4 line at nose.
Harrison, Woodley leagues scariest OLB tandem.
Polamalu, Wilson provide each team with an elite safety.
Reed, Rackers steady feet for field-goal kicking.
Tomlin, Whisenhunt both tough-minded tacticians.
GAME AT A GLANCE
very well on the run and can improvise on a
broken play as well as any quarterback.
Roethlisberger has battled injuries but has
appeared more confident the past two games.
If he can avoid the turnovers that plagued him
in the regular season (15 INTs, seven lost fum-
bles) against a Cardinals defense that has
forced 12 turnovers in three playoff games,
the Steelers could have a distinct advantage.
The offense will take a big hit if WR
Hines Ward (knee), Roethlisbergers most
trusted target, cant play. Wards status was
unknown at presstime, but hes a tough, clutch
receiver who can block and make yards af-
ter the catch. If Ward cant go, expect Nate
Washington to start and Limas Sweed to fill
the No. 3 role opposite Santonio Holmes.
With his breakaway ability, Holmes can
change a game, as he did on a 65-yard TD
catch in the first half vs. the Ravens. Wash-
ington has deep ability, but both he and Sweed
have had trouble hanging on to the ball.
Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast
runs a base under 4-3 defense but also mix-
es in 30-fronts. In this scheme, the Cardinals
will use two deep safeties often in both man
and zone coverage, but they also like to use
a cover-3 shell, which moves SS Adrian Wil-
son up closer to the line of scrimmage,
where he can be a disrupter.
Pendergast likely will have a series of run
blitzes and front changes at the ready to com-
bat Pittsburghs run game. DTs Darnell
Dockett and Bryan Robinson are good gap
penetrators, and you will see Gabe Watson
come in on heavy fronts to help stop the run
on first and second downs. MLB Gerald
Hayes is a good downhill tackler.
The Cards struggled defensively in the reg-
ular season because of poor gap discipline,
especially outside. But WLB Karlos Dansby
(23 postseason tackles) has been an active
playmaker, and DLE Antonio Smith (four
sacks in his past six games) has come on.
Smith could have a good matchup against
Steelers ORT Willie Colon, who is penalty-
prone and a suspect pass blocker.
The pass rush is crucial. If DE Travis
LaBoy (biceps) cant play, Bertrand Berry has
starting experience, and others can bring the
heat. Berry has two of the teams seven
postseason sacks, and SLB Chike Okeafor,
Dansby, Dockett and even Wilson can come
after Roethlisberger.
The Cards pass defense has been better in
the postseason with eight interceptions, two
each by CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
and Ralph Brown. But Rodgers-Cromartie,
a rookie, struggled a bit against the Eagles,
and LCB Rod Hood is a weak link. Expect the
Steelers to test Hood deep.
Another potential weakness in the defense
could be defending TE Heath Miller, who has
had a good postseason and who might play
a bigger role if Ward is out. Miller runs the
seams well and can separate from lineback-
ers. The Cardinals struggled to contain Ea-
gles TE Brent Celek (10-83-2).
The Steelers would love to establish the run
with RB Willie Parker, who ran well against
the Chargers but found few lanes against the
Ravens. With two weeks rest, Parker should
be more effective, but the Cardinals contained
the run game of all three playoff opponents.
Special teams
The Cardinals coverage has been much bet-
ter against kickoffs (25.0 average to 20.8 in
the postseason) and punts (13.1 to 10.6), but
thats still too generous on punt returns. PR
Santonio Holmes had a 67-yard TD return
in the win over the Chargers, but otherwise
the Steelers return units are nothing special.
Arizonas return groups, led by Steve
Breaston and J.J. Arrington, are mostly safe.
The Steelers have covered kicks and punts
well but have had trouble punting effective-
ly with Mitch Berger, who struggled again last
week. Steelers PK Jeff Reed is a good bad-
weather kicker and has decent length.
Cardinals PK Neil Rackers has a strong but
sometimes wayward leg. He has FG distance
out to 56 yards or more but also missed two
attempts between 30-39 yards and has
missed 3-of-4 on 50-yard attempts. P Ben
Graham took over toward the end of the sea-
son, and nine of his 15 postseason punts have
landed inside the opponents 20-yard line.
The Cardinals best special-teamer is Sean
Morey, a former Steeler, who made the Pro
Bowl as a coverage player and is considered
the quarterback of coordinator Kevin
Spencers units. His blocked punt against the
Cowboys was one of the biggest plays of the
season. The Steelers Anthony Madison had
a big game against the Ravens with three spe-
cial-teams tackle and a good block on
Holmes 25-yard punt return.
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
FITZGERALD, BOLDIN NEED
TO DOMINATE ONE-ON-ONE
With all due respect to the Patriots,
the Cardinals WR tandem of Larry
Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin is the
leagues best and strongest duo.
For the Cards O to consistently
move the sticks, Fitz and Boldin need
to play like it. The Cardinals are in-
dulging in fantasy if they expect their
O-line to wall off the Steelers
tremendous pass rush throughout
the contest, and there will be numer-
ous times when Kurt Warner is hur-
ried into throws. Fitz and Boldin must
attack the ball in such instances and
outmuscle the D for extra yards.
CARDINALS ROSTER
NO. PLAYER POS. HT. WT. EXP. COLLEGE
27 Adams, Michael CB 5-8 181 2 Louisiana-Lafayette
28 Arrington, J.J. RB 5-9 212 4 California
52 Beisel, Monty LB 6-3 244 8 Kansas State
92 Berry, Bertrand LB 6-3 260 11 Notre Dame
81 Boldin, Anquan WR 6-1 217 6 Florida State
78 Branch, Alan DT 6-5 332 2 Michigan
15 Breaston, Steve WR-RS 6-0 189 2 Michigan
61 Brown, Elton OG-OT 6-5 332 4 Virginia
75 Brown, Levi OT 6-5 322 2 Penn State
20 Brown, Ralph CB 5-10 185 9 Nebraska
93 Campbell, Calais DE 6-8 282 R Miami (Fla.)
46 Castille, Tim FB 5-11 242 2 Alabama
58 Dansby, Karlos LB 6-4 250 5 Auburn
90 Dockett, Darnell DE-DT 6-4 285 5 Florida State
80 Doucet, Early WR 6-0 211 R LSU
11 Fitzgerald, Larry WR 6-3 220 5 Pittsburgh
47 Francisco, Aaron S 6-2 207 4 BrighamYoung
69 Gandy, Mike OT 6-4 316 8 Notre Dame
5 Graham, Ben P 6-5 235 4 Deakin (Australia)
25 Green, Eric CB 5-11 196 4 Virginia Tech
54 Hayes, Gerald LB 6-1 249 6 Pittsburgh
34 Hightower, Tim RB 6-0 224 R Richmond
57 Hobson, Victor LB 6-0 252 6 Michigan
48 Hodel, Nathan LS 6-2 238 7 Illinois
26 Hood, Roderick CB 5-11 198 6 Auburn
91 Iwebema, Kenny DE 6-4 274 R Iowa
32 James, Edgerrin RB 6-0 219 10 Miami (Fla.)
72 Keith, Brandon OT 6-5 343 R Northern Iowa
55 LaBoy, Travis DE-LB 6-3 250 5 Hawaii
7 Leinart, Matt QB 6-5 232 3 USC
76 Lutui, Deuce OG 6-4 332 3 USC
87 Morey, Sean WR 5-11 193 7 Brown
56 Okeafor, Chike LB 6-5 247 10 Purdue
89 Patrick, Ben TE 6-3 260 2 Delaware
82 Pope, Leonard TE 6-8 258 3 Georgia
1 Rackers, Neil PK 6-1 202 9 Illinois
97 Robinson, Bryan DL 6-4 304 12 Fresno State
29 Rodgers-Cromartie, Dominique CB 6-2 182 R Tennessee State
21 Rolle, Antrel S 6-0 208 4 Miami (Fla.)
70 Ross, Pat C 6-3 300 1 Boston College
63 Sendlein, Lyle C 6-4 300 2 Texas
94 Smith, Antonio DE 6-4 285 5 Oklahoma State
45 Smith, Terrelle FB 6-0 250 9 Arizona State
2 St. Pierre, Brian QB 6-3 230 6 Boston College
51 Togafau, Pago LB 5-10 240 2 Idaho State
84 Tuman, Jerame TE 6-4 253 10 Michigan
85 Urban, Jerheme WR 6-3 207 5 Trinity (Tex.)
68 Vallejo, Elliot OT 6-7 312 1 Cal-Davis
22 Ware, Matt S 6-2 215 5 UCLA
13 Warner, Kurt QB 6-2 218 11 Northern Iowa
98 Watson, Gabe DT 6-3 332 3 Michigan
74 Wells, Reggie OG 6-4 308 6 Clarion (Pa.)
24 Wilson, Adrian SS 6-3 230 8 North Carolina St.
STEELERS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
SE 86 Ward / 85 Washington
OLT 78 Starks / 79 Essex / 66 Hills* / 65 Parquet
OLG 68 Kemoeatu / 79 Essex
C 62 Hartwig / 72 Stapleton
ORG 72 Stapleton / 79 Essex
ORT 74 Colon / 78 Starks / 79 Essex / 65 Parquet
TE 83 Miller / 89 Spaeth / 49 McHugh
FL 10 Holmes / 14 Sweed*
QB 7 Roethlisberger / 4 Leftwich / 2 Dixon*
RB 39 Parker / 21 Moore / 33 Russell
FB 38 Davis
DEFENSE
DLE 91 Aa. Smith / 90 Kirschke / 96 Roye
NT 98 Hampton / 76 Hoke / 71 Paxson
DRE 99 Keisel / 90 Kirschke / 93 Eason
LOLB 56 Woodley / 53 Davis* / 55 Bailey*
LILB 51 Farrior / 57 Fox
RILB 50 Foote / 94 Timmons
ROLB 92 Harrison / 54 Frazier
LCB 24 Taylor / 22 Gay / 37 Madison
RCB 20 McFadden / 26 Townsend / 31 Bryant
SS 43 Polamalu / 23 Carter
FS 25 Clark / 27 An. Smith
SPECIALISTS
P 17 Berger
PK 3 Reed
H 17 Berger
PR 10 Holmes
KR 33 Russell / 21 Moore / 38 C. Davis
LS 61 Retkofsky
* Rookie
CARDINALS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
WR 11 Fitzgerald / 85 Urban / 87 Morey
OLT 69 Gandy / 72 Keith*
OLG 74 Wells / 61 E. Brown
C 63 Sendlein / 70 Ross
ORG 76 Lutui / 61 E. Brown
ORT 75 L. Brown / 68 Vallejo
TE 82 Pope / 89 Patrick / 84 Tuman
WR 81 Boldin / 15 Breaston / 80 Doucet*
QB 13 Warner / 7 Leinart / 2 St. Pierre
RB 32 James / 34 Hightower* / 28 Arrington
FB 45 T. Smith / 46 Castille
DEFENSE
DLE 94 A. Smith / 91 Iwebema*
NT 97 B. Robinson / 98 Watson / 78 Branch
DT 90 Dockett / 93 Campbell*
DRE 55 LaBoy / 92 Berry
SLB 56 Okeafor / 57 Hobson
MLB 54 Hayes / 52 Beisel
WLB 58 Dansby / 51 Togafau
LCB 26 Hood / 20 R. Brown / 25 Green
RCB 29 Rodgers-Cromartie* / 27 Adams
SS 24 Wilson / 47 Francisco
FS 21 Rolle / 22 Ware
SPECIALISTS
P 5 Graham
PK 1 Rackers
H 5 Graham / 87 Morey
PR 15 Breaston / 21 Rolle / 26 Hood
KR 28 Arrington / 15 Breaston / 87 Morey
LS 48 Hodel / 84 Tuman
* Rookie
STEELERS ROSTER
NO. PLAYER POS. HT. WT. EXP. COLLEGE
55 Bailey, Patrick LB 6-4 235 R Duke
17 Berger, Mitch P 6-4 228 13 Colorado
31 Bryant, Fernando CB 5-10 175 10 Alabama
69 Capizzi, Jason OT 6-9 315 2 Indiana (Pa.)
23 Carter, Tyrone S 5-9 195 9 Minnesota
25 Clark, Ryan S 5-11 205 7 LSU
74 Colon, Willie OT 6-3 315 3 Hofstra
53 Davis, Bruce LB 6-3 252 R UCLA
38 Davis, Carey FB 5-10 225 2 Illinois
2 Dixon, Dennis QB 6-3 206 R Oregon
93 Eason, Nick DE 6-3 305 6 Clemson
79 Essex, Trai OT 6-4 324 4 Northwestern
51 Farrior, James LB 6-2 243 12 Virginia
50 Foote, Larry LB 6-1 239 7 Michigan
57 Fox, Keyaron LB 6-3 235 5 Georgia Tech
54 Frazier, Andre LB 6-5 255 4 Cincinnati
22 Gay, William CB 5-10 190 2 Louisville
98 Hampton, Casey NT 6-1 325 8 Texas
92 Harrison, James LB 6-0 242 5 Kent State
62 Hartwig, Justin C 6-4 312 7 Kansas
66 Hills, Tony OT 6-6 305 R Texas
76 Hoke, Chris NT 6-2 305 8 BrighamYoung
10 Holmes, Santonio WR 5-11 189 3 Ohio State
99 Keisel, Brett DE 6-5 285 7 BrighamYoung
68 Kemoeatu, Chris OG 6-3 344 4 Utah
90 Kirschke, Travis DE 6-3 298 12 UCLA
4 Leftwich, Byron QB 6-5 250 6 Marshall
37 Madison, Anthony CB 5-9 180 3 Alabama
20 McFadden, Bryant CB 6-0 190 4 Florida State
49 McHugh, Sean TE 6-5 265 3 Penn State
83 Miller, Heath TE 6-5 256 4 Virginia
21 Moore, Mewelde RB 5-11 209 5 Tulane
39 Parker, Willie RB 5-10 209 5 North Carolina
65 Parquet, Jeremy OG 6-6 321 3 Southern Mississippi
71 Paxson, Scott DT 6-4 292 1 Penn State
43 Polamalu, Troy S 5-10 207 6 USC
3 Reed, Jeff PK 5-11 225 7 North Carolina
61 Retkofsky, Jared LS 6-5 260 1 TCU
7 Roethlisberger, Ben QB 6-5 241 5 Miami (Ohio)
96 Roye, Orpheus DE 6-4 330 13 Florida State
33 Russell, Gary RB 5-11 215 2 Minnesota
91 Smith, Aaron DE 6-5 298 10 No. Colorado
27 Smith, Anthony S 5-11 192 3 Syracuse
89 Spaeth, Matt TE 6-7 270 2 Minnesota
72 Stapleton, Darnell OG 6-3 285 2 Rutgers
78 Starks, Max OT 6-8 337 5 Florida
14 Sweed, Limas WR 6-4 212 R Texas
24 Taylor, Ike CB 6-2 191 6 La.-Lafayette
94 Timmons, Lawrence LB 6-1 234 2 Florida State
26 Townsend, Deshea CB 5-10 190 11 Alabama
86 Ward, Hines WR 6-0 205 11 Georgia
85 Washington, Nate WR 6-1 185 4 Tiffin (Ohio)
56 Woodley, LaMarr LB 6-2 265 2 Michigan
95 Woods, Donovan LB 6-2 230 R Oklahoma State
1
KEEPING CONTAINMENT
CRITICAL FOR CARDINALS
Theres no quarterback in the NFL
better at throwing on the run than
Ben Roethlisberger. Although he
rarely picks up real estate with his
legs, his ability to throw darts after
escaping the pocket affords his re-
ceivers extra time downfield to shake
free of the coverage. Therefore, the
Cardinals should prioritize containing
Pittsburghs hulking quarterback
even more than focusing on bringing
him down. DLs Darnell Dockett and
Antonio Smith must fight the urge to
sell out on the pass rush and there-
fore risk overpursuing.
2
WILSON MUST LAY LUMBER
IN THE SECONDARY
Dont let the Cardinals impressive
wins over the Panthers and Eagles
fool you into thinking theyre as tough
as the boys from Pittsburgh. Theyre
not, especially on the defensive side.
But its incumbent upon the Cards to
match the physical intensity of the
Steelers, and the player who bears
the burden of responsibility for get-
ting his cohorts into the mindset is
SS Adrian Wilson. Wilsons a classic
thumper who will knock the head off
unsuspecting receivers, and he must
deliver an early blow or two that his
teammates can ride the energy of.
3
HOLMES THREATENS TO
TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE
Even though offensive coordinator
Bruce Arians has diversified Pitts-
bughs offense, it remains a ball-con-
trol system content with keeping
things simple. But Arizona wont
allow Pittsburgh to dink-and-dunk it
to death, so the Steelers must mix in
some downfield tosses or at least
routes to keep it honest and poten-
tially hit the home run. The player
best-suited for such a role is the fast-
twitching Santonio Holmes. His elite
deep speed can, at the very least,
stretch a defense vertically to clear
up congestion underneath.
4
WILL SUPER BOWL XLIII
BECOME TROYS STORY?
Kurt Warner is so prodigious in his
blitz recognition that he should know
exactly where the pressure is coming
from. But hell still have a tough time
accounting for Troy Polamalu be-
cause the superb safety lacks a de-
fined role. Hes a freelancers
freelancer with the speed, instincts
and awareness to cover ground bet-
ter than any safety in the game.
Warner and his targets peripheral vi-
sion must be fine-tuned every time
Polamalus on the field. At the same
time, Polamalu cant be victimized by
Arizonas patented trick plays.
5
SEASON-IN-REVIEW
T
here was no sophomore slump for
Mike Tomlin in his second season di-
recting the Steelers. Pittsburgh fol-
lowed its AFC North-winning 10-6
mark in Tomlins debut by stringing togeth-
er a 12-4 season in 2008, courtesy of the
leagues stingiest defense and a methodical,
efficient offense. The Steelers stomped on
their opponents pride in more than a cou-
ple of blowout victories, whereas their
Week 16 loss to the Titans was their lone de-
feat by double digits. In the playoffs, the
Steelers overwhelmed the Chargers and
held off the rival Ravens to clinch the sev-
enth Super Bowl trip in franchise history.
WEEK ONE
STEELERS 38, TEXANS 17
Willie Parker certainly knows how to make an
entrance. For the fourth consecutive season,
the darting running back eclipsed the 100-yard
rushing barrier in Week One, gashing the Tex-
ans touted front seven for 138 yards and a trio
of touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger was nearly
perfect, completing 13-of-14 passes with two
scoring strikes.

WEEK TWO
STEELERS 10, BROWNS 6
Pittsburgh continued its mastery over Cleve-
land, beating its AFC North rival for the 10th
consecutive time. With winds whipping off Lake
Erie at upward of 60 mph, defense carried the
day. Still, Roethlisberger, playing with a sepa-
rated shoulder, mustered an 11-yard TD toss to
Hines Ward for the games only touchdown.

WEEK THREE
EAGLES 15, STEELERS 6
Roethlisbergers ailments were exacerbated
by an Eagles defense that pounded him to a
pulp at Lincoln Financial Field. They sacked him
nine times, needing only minimal help from
their offense that was operating largely without
Brian Westbrook, who injured his ankle on the
first play of the second quarter.

WEEK FOUR
STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20 (OT)
For the 14th straight time, the Steelers won
under the Monday-night lights in Pittsburgh.
And they did it in dramatic fashion. Down 10
points at halftime, the Steelers forged a second-
half comeback against one of the leagues top
defenses. A46-yard field goal by Jeff Reed won
it in the extra session.

WEEK FIVE
STEELERS 26, JAGUARS 21
The Steelers stifling run defense was in top
form in Jacksonville, limiting Fred Taylor and Co.
to 38 yards on the ground. Roethlisberger,
meanwhile, shook off a Rashean Mathis inter-
ception return to the house to throw for 309
yards and three touchdowns.

WEEK SEVEN
STEELERS 38, BENGALS 10
The Steelers unleashed an all-out assault on
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, sacking Carson Palmers
replacement seven times in the Jungle. On the
other side of the ball, Mewelde Moore, thrust
into action due to injuries, rumbled for 120
yards, including two trips to paydirt.

WEEK EIGHT
GIANTS 21, STEELERS 14
In one of the more forgettable performances
of his career, Roethlisberger succumbed to the
wave of Giants defenders cascading upon him.
He was sacked five times and picked off on four
passing attempts, as four John Carney field
goals fueled the Giants triumph at Heinz Field.

WEEK NINE
STEELERS 23, REDSKINS 6
On the eve of Election Day, the Steelers top-
pled the Skins in the nations capital in even
more convincing fashion than Barack Obama
toppled John McCain the day after. Aggravat-
ing his shoulder injury, Roethlisberger yielded
to Byron Leftwich in the second half. Leftwich
responded by completing 7-of-10 passes for 129
yards and a touchdown.

WEEK 10
COLTS 24, STEELERS 20
So much for the Colts not being able to win
in adverse weather conditions. In blustery
weather at Heinz Field, the Colts rode the right
arm of Peyton Manning to a victory in which
they were outgained 326 yards to 290. While
Manning tossed three touchdowns without an
interception, Roethlisberger had an inverse stat
line of three interceptions and no touchdowns.

WEEK 11
STEELERS 11, CHARGERS 10
Although the game will go down in infamy in
Las Vegas because a Troy Polamalu touchdown
on the final play that wouldve covered the
spread was wrongly called back, the majority of
Steelers fans couldnt have cared less. Despite
the close score, which incidentally was the first
11-10 finish in NFL history, the Steelers domi-
nated the contest by outgaining the Chargers
410 yards to 218 and forcing two turnovers,
while not committing any themselves.

WEEK 12
STEELERS 27, BENGALS 10
The Steelers dominated their division rivals
almost as badly at the Big Ketchup Bottle as
they did in the Queen City, with defensive coor-
dinator Dick LeBeau limiting the club he used
to coach to 208 yards from scrimmage. Despite
swirling winds and sideways falling snow,
Roethlisberger and Fitzpatrick combined for 67
pass attempts.

WEEK 13
STEELERS 33, PATRIOTS 10
The Steelers signature zone blitz completely
flummoxed Patriots QB Matt Cassel into a dis-
mal 19-of-39, 169-yard, two-interception deba-
cle at Gillette Stadium. Making Pittsburghs
effort all the more impressive is that Cassel was
coming off consecutive 400-yard passing out-
ings, a first since Billy Volek did it for the Titans
in the decades early years.

WEEK 14
STEELERS 20, COWBOYS 13
Deshea Townsends 25-yard interception
return to paydirt with 1:40 remaining capped
the Steelers dramatic come-from-behind tri-
umph over the visiting Cowboys. Just before
the two-minute warning, Roethlisbergers six-
yard scoring toss to Heath Miller had knotted
the game at 13.

WEEK 15
STEELERS 13, RAVENS 9
Officials are still reviewing the call. No, not
really, but thats how difficult it was to judge
whether Santonio Holmes four-yard touch-
down reception with 43 seconds left shouldve
counted. After looking at every possible angle,
the ruling went in the Steelers favor, which
clinched their second straight division title.

WEEK 16
TITANS 31, STEELERS 14
The Titans put on a clinic in overcoming in-
juries in a convincing victory in Nashville, receiv-
ing stellar performances out of their unheralded
D-linemen who were filling in for Albert
Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Ten-
nessees offense was quietly efficient through
the air and on the ground, while its defense
forced four turnovers.

WEEK 17
STEELERS 31, BROWNS 0
Despite having already locked down the
AFCs No. 2 seed, Tomlin opted to play Roeth-
lisberger in what was essentially an exhibition
game. The decision almost had dire conse-
quences, as the Steelers quarterback had to be
carted away after lying motionless with a spinal
contusion in the aftermath of a brutal hit. Nev-
ertheless, the Browns were outclassed in the
regular-season finale.

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
STEELERS 35, CHARGERS 24
The Steelers pulled away in the second half
of a game that wasnt as close as the 11-point
buffer suggests. Except for a late-game 62-yard
TD reception, Chargers RB Darren Sproles, who
was playing in place of an injured LaDainian
Tomlinson, was held in check a week after an al-
most transcendental outing against the Colts.
Parker, meanwhile, exorcised some playoff
demons by rushing for 146 yards after having
struggled in the postseason most of his career.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
STEELERS 23, RAVENS 14
The Steelers broke out to a 13-0 lead but the
Ravens kept clawing back, and a one-yard Willis
McGahee TD run with 9:29 left cut the Steelers
lead to 16-14. At that point, Pittsburgh fans were
wondering if their team would lose yet another
AFC title game at home. But SS Troy Polamalu
would have none of that, intercepting QB Joe
Flacco with less than five minutes left and weav-
ing his way through traffic for the clinching
score.
STEELERS
PITTSBURGH
Mike Tomlin got the Steelers to the Super Bowl faster than Chuck Noll or Bill Cowher did.
A
P
SEASON-IN-REVIEW
T
he Cardinals made a quantum leap in
their second season under head coach
Ken Whisenhunt, earning the fran-
chises first division title in 33 years
and its first title-game berth in 61 years. The
accomplishment was tarnished somewhat
by the teams uninspired play after clinch-
ing the NFC West with three games remain-
ing.
But the Cardinals couldnt have been
more inspired on both sides of the ball once
the playoffs began, cranking out impressive
victories against NFC South heavyweights
Atlanta and Carolina with improved balance
on offense and greatly improved playmak-
ing on defense from a host of contributors.
WEEK ONE
CARDINALS 23, 49ERS 13
Making amends for their season-opening
loss to the Niners in 2007, the Cardinals pulled
away in the second half on the road, control-
ling the ball for nearly 23 minutes after the in-
termission. WR Anquan Boldin had all of his
eight catches for 82 yards in the second half.
RB Edgerrin James pitched in with 100 yards
rushing on 26 carries.

WEEK TWO
CARDINALS 31, DOLPHINS 10
The Cardinals started off a strong season on
their own turf on a high note, as QB Kurt Warner
registered a perfect 158.3 passer rating for the
third time in his career, throwing for 361 yards
and three TDs to Boldin. Boldin and Larry
Fitzgerald combined for 293 yards receiving.

WEEK THREE
REDSKINS 24, CARDINALS 17
Victimized by poor field position the entire
game, the Cardinals committed their first
turnovers of the season and ended a 10-game
streak in which they had scored 20 or more
points. The Cardinals didnt start a drive beyond
their own 42, while Redskins QB Jason Camp-
bell dink-and-dunked Arizonas defense to
death.

WEEK FOUR
JETS 56, CARDINALS 35
Allowing the Jets to set a franchise record by
scoring 34 points in the second quarter was bad
enough. Making matters much worse was
Boldins violent helmet-to-helmet collision with
Jets S Eric Smith in the endzone with 27 sec-
onds remaining. Boldin was forced to undergo
facial surgery and missed the next two games.

WEEK FIVE
CARDINALS 41, BILLS 17
The Cardinals bounced back from their
seven-turnover debacle in the Meadowlands
the previous week with a turnover-free rout of
Buffalo. With Boldin down for the count, sec-
ond-year WR Steve Breaston picked up the
slack with a team-leading 77 yards receiving.
Rookie RB Tim Hightower added a pair of
rushing scores.

WEEK SIX
CARDINALS 30, COWBOYS 24 (OT)
J.J. Arrington, who had been inactive the
first four games of the season, opened the
game with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touch-
down. Monty Beisel ended the game when he
scooped up Pro Bowl special-teamer Sean
Moreys blocked punt and ran it in from three
yards out. Dallas had scored 10 points in the
final two minutes of regulation to send the
game into overtime.

WEEK EIGHT
PANTHERS 27, CARDINALS 23
Rallying from a 17-3 deficit, Carolina over-
came Warners 381 passing yards as he was
coming off the Cardinals bye week. Arizonas
secondary had all kinds of problems stopping
Panthers WR Steve Smith, who had five
catches for 117 yards and a pair of TDs, includ-
ing the go-ahead 65-yard TD pass.

WEEK NINE
CARDINALS 34, RAMS 13
Arizona ran off 31 straight points to win for
only the second time in five road games. In his
first pro start replacing the struggling James,
Hightower rushed for 109 yards and a score.

WEEK 10
CARDINALS 29, 49ERS 24
The Cardinals stopped Niners RB Michael
Robinson up the middle from the two-yard
line, putting an end to a sloppy but exciting
Monday-nighter. Breaston led the Cardinals
receivers with 124 yards, while Boldin added a
pair of TD catches.

WEEK 11
CARDINALS 26, SEAHAWKS 20
The Cardinals hung on for a rare road victory
in Seattle. First-round rookie CB Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie sealed the victory with two
minutes left with his second interception of the
game. Seattles porous pass defense was over-
matched by Warner, who registered his fran-
chise-record fourth straight 300-yard passing
game, and the dynamic Fitzgerald-Boldin duo
(combined 23 catches for 337 yards).

WEEK 12
GIANTS 37, CARDINALS 29
The Giants snapped the Cardinals seven-
game home winning streak as an error-free Eli
Manning outplayed Warner, whose intercep-
tion and fumble both led to Giants TDs. The
Cardinals also allowed two long kickoff returns
to set up Giants scores.

WEEK 13
EAGLES 48, CARDINALS 20
Playing on Thanksgiving night with just
three days rest, the Cardinals looked awful on
a national stage, surrendering without much
of a fight to Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, who
threw four TD passes, and RB Brian West-
brook, who scored four TDs.

WEEK 14
CARDINALS 34, RAMS 10
It was a history-making day in the desert,
as the Cardinals clinched the NFC West title
and were assured of hosting a playoff game at
home for the first time since 1947. Warner ex-
tended his franchise record with a TD pass in
21 consecutive games, Hightowers 10th rush-
ing TD set a franchise record, and the defense
scored both of the teams second-half TDs.

WEEK 15
VIKINGS 35, CARDINALS 14
In what Cardinals DE-DTDarnell Dockett ad-
mitted was a lackadaisical effort, the Cardi-
nals lost at home for only the second time all
season. Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson threw four
TD passes in place of an injured Gus Frerotte,
while RB Adrian Peterson ran over, around and
through the Cardinals defense for 165 yards.

WEEK 16
PATRIOTS 47, CARDINALS 7
For the second straight week the Cardinals
hardly looked like a legitimate playoff team, lit-
erally getting snowed under by a Patriots of-
fense that racked up 514 total yards and a
Patriots defense that limited the Cardinals to
only 186 yards and Warner to only 30 yards
passing.

WEEK 17
CARDINALS 34, SEAHAWKS 21
Leave it to a division foe to grant the Cardi-
nals some badly needed momentum for the
fast-approaching playoffs. The win over Seattle
enabled Arizona to finish 6-0 against NFC West
opponents. Warner threw four TD passes, in-
cluding a pair to Fitzgerald, and a rejuvenated
James added 100 yards rushing on 14 carries.

WILD-CARD PLAYOFFS
CARDINALS 30, FALCONS 24
James set the table for Arizonas offense
with 73 yards rushing, while the Cardinals de-
fense limited Atlantas normally strong ground
game to only 60 yards. The turning point came
on the second snap of the third quarter, when
pressure from Dockett forced an aborted Matt
Ryan handoff into the hands of FS Antrel Rolle,
who returned it 27 yards for a TD that gave Ari-
zona a 21-17 lead.

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
CARDINALS 33, PANTHERS 13
Live! On Saturday night! The Cardinals
stunned the Panthers on a national stage, em-
phatically exorcising their Eastern time-zone
demon (0-5 entering the game). Fitzgerald
spearheaded the offense with 166 yards re-
ceiving and a spectacular TD catch-and-run,
while six different Arizona defenders regis-
tered six takeaways.

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
CARDINALS 32, EAGLES 25
After blowing a 24-6 halftime lead, the Car-
dinals stormed back with a game-winning 72-
yard drive in the fourth quarter culminated by
Warners fourth TD pass of the afternoon.
Fitzgerald caught three of the TDs and had
nine catches for 152 yards.
CARDINALS
ARIZONA
Coach Ken Whisenhunt celebrates Arizonas NFC championship with DT Gabe Watson.
A
P
RUSHING
REGULAR SEASON
Steelers No Yds Avg Lg TD
Parker 210 791 3.8 34 5
Moore 140 588 4.2 32 5
Roethlisberger 34 100 2.9 17 2
Russell 28 77 2.8 15 3
Mendenhall 19 58 3.1 12 0
Eight players with remaining 29 carries.
PLAYOFFS
Parker 51 193 3.8 27 2
Moore 4 19 4.8 6 0
Holmes 2 7 3.5 4 0
Russell 4 5 1.3 3 1
Roethlisberger 2 -2 -1.0 -1 0
Four players with remaining seven carries.
REGULAR SEASON
Cardinals No Yds Avg Lg TD
James 133 514 3.9 35 3
Hightower 143 399 2.8 30 10
Arrington 31 187 6.0 30 1
Boldin 9 67 7.4 30 0
Warner 18 -2 -0.1 11 0
Two players with remaining six carries.
PLAYOFFS
James 52 203 3.9 22 1
Hightower 34 132 3.9 17 1
Arrington 5 5 1.0 9 0
Warner 7 1 0.1 6 0
Two players with remaining two carries.
RECEIVING
REGULAR SEASON
Ward 81 1,043 12.9 49 7
Holmes 55 821 14.9 48 5
Miller 48 514 10.7 22 3
Washington 40 631 15.8 65 3
Moore 40 320 8.0 25 1
Spaeth 17 136 8.0 13 0
Sweed 6 64 10.7 17 0
C. Davis 5 27 5.4 14 0
McHugh 3 24 8.0 15 0
Parker 3 13 4.3 5 0
Four players with remaining five receptions.
PLAYOFFS
Ward 7 125 17.9 45 0
Miller 6 99 16.5 30 1
Washington 6 51 8.5 18 0
Holmes 4 95 23.8 65 1
C. Davis 4 27 6.8 20 0
Moore 3 21 7.0 9 0
Two players with remaining three receptions.
REGULAR SEASON
Fitzgerald 96 1,431 14.9 78 12
Boldin 89 1,038 11.7 79 11
Breaston 77 1,006 13.1 58 3
Urban 34 448 13.2 56 4
Hightower 34 237 7.0 26 0
Arrington 29 255 8.8 35 1
Doucet 14 90 6.4 12 0
James 12 85 7.1 16 0
Patrick 11 104 9.5 19 0
Pope 9 77 8.6 25 0
Seven players with remaining 13 receptions.
PLAYOFFS
Fitzgerald 23 419 18.2 62 5
Breaston 7 77 11.0 25 0
Boldin 6 106 17.7 71 1
Urban 5 30 6.0 18 0
Arrington 5 23 4.6 16 0
James 3 34 11.3 16 0
Eight players with remaining 12 receptions.
SCORING
REGULAR SEASON
Steelers TD TDR TDP TDM 2XP Pts
Ward 7 0 7 0 0 42
Moore 6 5 1 0 0 36
Parker 5 5 0 0 0 30
Holmes 5 0 5 0 0 30
Russell 3 3 0 0 0 18
Washington 3 0 3 0 0 18
Miller 3 0 3 0 0 18
Roethlisberger 2 2 0 0 0 12
Four players each with one touchdown, one with a safety.
PLAYOFFS
Steelers TD TDR TDP TDM 2XP Pts
Parker 2 2 0 0 0 12
Holmes 2 0 1 1 0 12
Three players each with one touchdown.
REGULAR SEASON
Cardinals TD TDR TDP TDM 2XP Pts
Fitzgerald 12 0 12 0 0 72
Boldin 11 0 11 0 0 66
Hightower 10 10 0 0 0 60
Urban 4 0 4 0 0 24
James 3 3 0 0 1 20
Arrington 3 1 1 1 0 18
Breaston 3 0 3 0 0 18
Five players each with one touchdown.
PLAYOFFS
Cardinals TD TDR TDP TDM 2XP Pts
Fitzgerald 5 0 5 0 0 30
Hightower 3 1 2 0 0 18
James 1 1 0 0 0 6
Boldin 1 0 1 0 0 6
Rolle 1 0 0 1 0 6
Two players each with two points.
2008-09 STATISTICS
PUNT RETURNS
REGULAR SEASON
Steelers No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
Holmes 34 7 226 6.6 35 0
Moore 6 12 21 3.5 12 0
PLAYOFFS
Steelers No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
Holmes 5 2 98 19.6 67 1
Moore 2 2 1 0.5 1 0
REGULAR SEASON
Cardinals No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
Breaston 33 10 237 7.2 25 0
PLAYOFFS
Cardinals No FC Yds Avg Lg TD
Breaston 5 1 25 5.0 11 0
Rolle 1 0 -1 -1.0 -1 0
KICKOFF RETURNS
REGULAR SEASON
Russell 16 371 23.2 43 0
Davenport 10 217 21.7 27 0
Moore 10 185 18.5 24 0
PLAYOFFS
Russell 4 78 19.5 25 0
C. Davis 2 31 15.5 19 0
REGULAR SEASON
Arrington 36 923 25.6 93 1
Breaston 33 667 20.2 38 0
PLAYOFFS
Arrington 7 148 21.1 26 0
Breaston 2 41 20.5 29 0
REGULAR SEASON
Polamalu 7 59 8.4 23 0
Carter 3 64 21.3 32 1
Townsend 2 27 13.5 25 1
McFadden 2 0 0.0 0 0
Six players each with one interception.
PLAYOFFS
Polamalu 1 40 40.0 40 1
Carter 1 5 5.0 5 0
Two additional players each with one interception.
REGULAR SEASON
Rodgers-Cromartie 4 157 39.3 99 1
Dansby 2 47 23.5 34 0
Wilson 2 37 18.5 28 0
Rolle 1 40 40.0 40 1
Four additional players each with one interception.
PLAYOFFS
Rodgers-Cromartie 2 19 9.5 19 0
R. Brown 2 3 1.5 3 0
Four players each with one interception.
PASSING
REGULAR SEASON
Comp TD Int Avg
Steelers Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Roethlisberger 469 281 59.9 3,301 17 3.6 65 15 3.2 7.04 80.1
Leftwich 36 21 58.3 303 2 5.6 50 0 0.0 8.42 104.3
Dixon 1 1 100.0 3 0 0.0 3 0 0.0 3.00 79.2
PLAYOFFS
Comp TD Int Avg
Steelers Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Roethlisberger 59 33 55.9 436 2 3.4 65 0 0.0 7.39 90.8
Leftwich 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.00 39.6
REGULAR SEASON
Comp TD Int Avg
Cardinals Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Warner 598 401 67.1 4,583 30 5.0 79 14 2.3 7.66 96.9
Leinart 29 15 51.7 264 1 3.4 78 1 3.4 9.10 80.2
PLAYOFFS
Comp TD Int Avg
Cardinals Att Comp Pct Yds TD Pct Lg Int Pct Gain Rating
Warner 92 61 66.3 770 8 8.7 71 2 2.2 8.37 112.1
INTERCEPTIONS
OFFENSE Pitt. Rank Ariz. Rank
Total yards/game 311.9 22nd 365.8 4th
Rushing yards/game 105.6 23rd 73.6 32nd
Average gain/rush 3.7 29th 3.5 31st
Passing yards/game 206.3 17th 292.1 2nd
Average gain/pass play 6.0 20th 7.1 6th
Pct. had intercepted 3.0 22nd 2.4 9th
Pct. QB sacks allowed 8.8 29th 4.3 7th
First downs/game 18.1 20th 20.5 6th
Average gain/off. play 4.9 24th 5.9 6th
Third-down efficiency 41.1 14th 41.9 11th
Punt-return average 6.0 31st 7.2 27th
Kickoff-return average 20.3 29th 21.7 25th
Gross punting average 39.8 30th 41.8 26th
Net punting average 35.7 24th 34.1 30th
Points per game 21.7 20th 26.7 3rd(t)
Extra-point kicking pct. 97.3 29th 100 1st(t)
Field-goal pct. 87.1 14th 89.3 8th
DEFENSE Pitt. Rank Ariz. Rank
Opp. yards/game 237.2 1st 331.5 19th
Opp. rushing yards/game 80.3 2nd 110.3 16th
Average gain/rush 3.3 1st 4.0 11th
Opp. passing yards/game 156.9 1st 221.3 22nd
Average gain/pass play 4.3 1st 6.5 24th
Pct. intercepted by 3.8 5th 2.5 19th
QB sack pct. 8.7 2nd 5.7 20th
Opp. first downs/game 15.0 2nd 19.5 22nd
Avg. gain/def. play 3.9 1st 5.3 17th
Third-down efficiency 31.4 1st 44.4 28th
Opp. punt-return avg. 6.0 4th 13.1 30th
Opp. kickoff-return avg. 19.1 1st 25.0 30th
Opp. gross punting avg. 42.5 6th 45.5 28th
Opp. net punting avg. 38.5 21st 40.0 31st
Opp. points per game 13.9 1st 26.6 28th
Opp. field-goal pct. 88.9 22nd 77.8 7th
MISCELLANEOUS Pitt. Rank Ariz. Rank
Point differential +124 5th +1 18th
Turnover edge +4 11th(t) 0 17th(t)
Penalty-yards edge -11 19th +35 12th
Punt-return avg. differential 0 18th -5.9 31st
Kickoff-return avg. differential +1.2 9th -3.3 28th
REGULAR-SEASON TEAM RANKINGS
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
REGULAR SEASON
Steelers XP XPA FG FGA Pts
Reed 36 37 27 31 117
PLAYOFFS
Steelers XP XPA FG FGA Pts
Reed 7 7 3 3 16
REGULAR SEASON
Cardinals XP XPA FG FGA Pts
Rackers 44 44 25 28 119
PLAYOFFS
Cardinals XP XPA FG FGA Pts
Rackers 10 10 5 7 25
KICKING
REGULAR SEASON
Steelers No Yds Avg Lg Blk
Berger 66 2,728 41.3 61 0
PLAYOFFS
Steelers No Yds Avg Lg Blk
Berger 11 456 41.5 51 0
REGULAR SEASON
Cardinals No Yds Avg Lg Blk
D. Johnson 40 1,670 41.8 59 0
Graham 20 839 42.0 59 0
PLAYOFFS
Cardinals No Yds Avg Lg Blk
Graham 15 599 39.9 53 0
PUNTING
STEELERS SCHEDULE
Pointspread Refers to Pittsburgh
DATE OPPONENT SPREAD SCORE
Sept. 7 Houston (-6.5) 38-17
Sept. 14 At Cleveland (-7) 10-6
Sept. 21 At Philadelphia (+3.5) 6-15
Sept. 29 Baltimore (-6) 23-20*
Oct. 5 At Jacksonville (+5.5) 26-21
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 At Cincinnati (-8.5) 38-10
Oct. 26 New York Giants (-2.5) 14-21
Nov. 3 At Washington (+2.5) 23-6
Nov. 9 Indianapolis (-3.5) 20-24
Nov. 16 San Diego (-4.5) 11-10
Nov. 20 Cincinnati (-12) 27-10
Nov. 30 At New England (+2) 33-10
Dec. 7 Dallas (-3.5) 20-13
Dec. 14 At Baltimore (+3) 13-9
Dec. 21 At Tennessee (-3) 14-31
Dec. 28 Cleveland (-11.5) 31-0
Jan. 11 San Diego (-6.5) 35-24
Jan. 18 Baltimore (-6) 23-14
* Overtime
CARDINALS SCHEDULE
Pointspread Refers to Arizona
DATE OPPONENT SPREAD SCORE
Sept. 7 At San Francisco (-2.5) 23-13
Sept. 14 Miami (-6.5) 31-10
Sept. 21 At Washington (+3) 17-24
Sept. 28 At New York Jets (+1) 35-56
Oct. 5 Buffalo (-2.5) 41-17
Oct. 12 Dallas (+5) 30-24*
Oct. 19 BYE
Oct. 26 At Carolina (+5) 23-27
Nov. 2 At St. Louis (-3) 34-13
Nov. 10 San Francisco (-10) 29-24
Nov. 16 At Seattle (-3) 26-20
Nov. 23 New York Giants (+3) 29-37
Nov. 27 At Philadelphia (+3) 20-48
Dec. 7 St. Louis (-15) 34-10
Dec. 14 Minnesota (-4) 14-35
Dec. 21 At New England (+8) 7-47
Dec. 28 Seattle (-7) 34-21
Jan. 3 Atlanta (-1.5) 30-24
Jan. 10 At Carolina (+10) 33-13
Jan. 18 Philadelphia (+3) 32-25
* Overtime
SUPER BOWL HISTORY
SUPER BOWL STANDINGS
Team W L Pct. PF PA
San Francisco 5 0 1.000 188 89
Baltimore Ravens 1 0 1.000 34 7
New York Jets 1 0 1.000 16 7
Tampa Bay 1 0 1.000 48 21
Pittsburgh 5 1 .833 141 110
Green Bay 3 1 .750 127 76
New York Giants 3 1 .750 83 87
Baltimore/Indy Colts 2 1 .667 52 46
Dallas 5 3 .625 221 132
Oak./L.A. Raiders 3 2 .600 132 114
Washington 3 2 .600 122 103
New England 3 3 .500 121 165
Chicago 1 1 .500 63 39
Kansas City 1 1 .500 33 42
Miami 2 3 .400 74 103
Denver 2 4 .333 115 206
St. Louis/L.A. Rams 1 2 .333 59 67
Atlanta 0 1 .000 19 34
Carolina 0 1 .000 29 32
Seattle 0 1 .000 10 21
San Diego 0 1 .000 26 49
Tennessee 0 1 .000 16 23
Cincinnati 0 2 .000 37 46
Philadelphia 0 2 .000 31 51
Buffalo 0 4 .000 73 139
Minnesota 0 4 .000 34 95
SUPER BOWL HISTORY
SB Date Winner (share) Loser (share) Score Site Attendance Game MVP / Team
XLII 2-3-08 N.Y. Giants ($78,000) New England ($40,000) 17-14 Glendale, Ariz. 71,101 QB Eli Manning / N.Y. Giants
XLI 2-4-07 Indianapolis ($73,000) Chicago ($38,000) 29-17 Miami 74,512 QB Peyton Manning / Indianapolis
XL 2-5-06 Pittsburgh ($73,000) Seattle ($38,000) 21-10 Detroit 68,206 WR Hines Ward / Pittsburgh
XXXIX 2-6-05 New England ($68,000) Philadelphia ($36,500) 24-21 Jacksonville 78,125 WR Deion Branch / New England
XXXVIII 2-1-04 New England ($68,000) Carolina ($36,500) 32-29 Houston 71,525 QB Tom Brady / New England
XXXVII 1-26-03 Tampa Bay ($63,000) Oakland ($35,000) 48-21 San Diego 67,603 FS Dexter Jackson / Tampa Bay
XXXVI 2-3-02 New England ($63,000) St. Louis ($34,500) 20-17 New Orleans 72,922 QB Tom Brady / New England
XXXV 1-28-01 Baltimore ($58,000) N.Y. Giants ($34,500) 34-7 Tampa 71,921 LB Ray Lewis / Baltimore
XXXIV 1-30-00 St. Louis ($58,000) Tennessee ($33,000) 23-16 Atlanta 72,625 QB Kurt Warner / St. Louis
XXXIII 1-31-99 Denver ($53,000) Atlanta ($32,500) 34-19 Miami 74,803 QB John Elway / Denver
XXXII 1-25-98 Denver ($48,000) Green Bay ($29,000) 31-24 San Diego 68,912 RB Terrell Davis / Denver
XXXI 1-26-97 Green Bay ($48,000) New England ($29,000) 35-21 New Orleans 72,301 WR-RS Desmond Howard / Green Bay
XXX 1-28-96 Dallas ($42,000) Pittsburgh ($27,000) 27-17 Tempe, Ariz. 76,347 CB Larry Brown / Dallas
XXIX 1-29-95 San Francisco ($42,000) San Diego ($26,000) 49-26 Miami 74,107 QB Steve Young / San Francisco
XXVIII 1-30-94 Dallas ($38,000) Buffalo ($23,500) 30-13 Atlanta 72,817 RB Emmitt Smith / Dallas
XXVII 1-31-93 Dallas ($36,000) Buffalo ($18,000) 52-17 Pasadena 98,374 QB Troy Aikman / Dallas
XXVI 1-26-92 Washington ($36,000) Buffalo ($18,000) 37-24 Minneapolis 63,130 QB Mark Rypien / Washington
XXV 1-27-91 N.Y. Giants ($36,000) Buffalo ($18,000) 20-19 Tampa 73,813 RB Ottis Anderson / N.Y. Giants
XXIV 1-28-90 San Francisco ($36,000) Denver ($18,000) 55-10 New Orleans 72,919 QB Joe Montana / San Francisco
XXIII 1-22-89 San Francisco ($36,000) Cincinnati ($18,000) 20-16 Miami 75,129 WR Jerry Rice / San Francisco
XXII 1-31-88 Washington ($36,000) Denver ($18,000) 42-10 San Diego 73,302 QB Doug Williams / Washington
XXI 1-25-87 N.Y. Giants ($36,000) Denver ($18,000) 39-20 Pasadena 101,063 QB Phil Simms / N.Y. Giants
XX 1-26-86 Chicago ($36,000) New England ($18,000) 46-10 New Orleans 73,818 DE Richard Dent / Chicago
XIX 1-20-85 San Francisco ($36,000) Miami ($18,000) 38-16 Stanford, Calif. 84,059 QB Joe Montana / San Francisco
XVIII 1-22-84 L.A. Raiders ($36,000) Washington ($18,000) 38-9 Tampa 72,920 RB Marcus Allen / L.A. Raiders
XVII 1-30-83 Washington ($36,000) Miami ($18,000) 27-17 Pasadena 103,667 RB John Riggins / Washington
XVI 1-24-82 San Francisco ($18,000) Cincinnati ($9,000) 26-21 Pontiac, Mich. 81,270 QB Joe Montana / San Francisco
XV 1-25-81 Oakland ($18,000) Philadelphia ($9,000) 27-10 New Orleans 76,135 QB Jim Plunkett / Oakland
XIV 1-20-80 Pittsburgh ($18,000) L.A. Rams ($9,000) 31-19 Pasadena 103,985 QB Terry Bradshaw / Pittsburgh
XIII 1-21-79 Pittsburgh ($18,000) Dallas ($9,000) 35-31 Miami 79,484 QB Terry Bradshaw / Pittsburgh
XII 1-15-78 Dallas ($18,000) Denver ($9,000) 27-10 New Orleans 75,583 DT Randy White, DE Harvey Martin / Dallas
XI 1-9-77 Oakland ($15,000) Minnesota ($7,500) 32-14 Pasadena 103,438 WR Fred Biletnikoff / Oakland
X 1-18-76 Pittsburgh ($15,000) Dallas ($7,500) 21-17 Miami 80,187 WR Lynn Swann / Pittsburgh
IX 1-12-75 Pittsburgh ($15,000) Minnesota ($7,500) 16-6 New Orleans 80,997 RB Franco Harris / Pittsburgh
VIII 1-13-74 Miami ($15,000) Minnesota ($7,500) 24-7 Houston 71,882 RB Larry Csonka / Miami
VII 1-14-73 Miami ($15,000) Washington ($7,500) 14-7 Los Angeles 90,182 S Jake Scott / Miami
VI 1-16-72 Dallas ($15,000) Miami ($7,500) 24-3 New Orleans 81,023 QB Roger Staubach / Dallas
V 1-17-71 Baltimore ($15,000) Dallas ($7,500) 16-13 Miami 79,204 LB Chuck Howley / Dallas
IV 1-11-70 Kansas City ($15,000) Minnesota ($7,500) 23-7 New Orleans 80,562 QB Len Dawson / Kansas City
III 1-12-69 N.Y. Jets ($15,000) Baltimore ($7,500) 16-7 Miami 75,389 QB Joe Namath / N.Y. Jets
II 1-14-68 Green Bay ($15,000) Oakland ($7,500) 33-14 Miami 75,546 QB Bart Starr / Green Bay
I 1-15-67 Green Bay ($15,000) Kansas City ($7,500) 35-10 Los Angeles 61,946 QB Bart Starr / Green Bay
Youll find our statistical coverage
in the NFL Statistics channel.
If you want
ANALYSIS
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rumors and analysis on each team.
Fantasy football advice each week of the regular season.
News throughout the day, and The PFW spin on the

most noteworthy happenings.
Team pages, with inside information, transactions, rosters, etc.
Year-round blogs.
Handicapping information, game previews, and MVP and

Rookie Meters during the season.
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Amazing statistics, current and historical, including team

rankings and fantasy football stats.
Giants WR David Tyree made an incredible catch against his hel-
met to help continue the game-winning drive in Super Bowl XLII.
A
P
T
his was a year in which Warren Sapp called Keyshawn
Johnson a (rhymes with snitch) for appearing on an
interior decorating show, then apologized; Cris Carter
said the Cowboys should put a bullet in Terrell Owens
Bam! then apologized; and Owens said Emmitt Smith
and Johnson should have their own show called Dumb
and Dumber.
T.O., alas, did not apologize.
In between all the soap-opera silliness, several announc-
ers distinguished themselves. Presenting our 17th annual Grid-
dy Awards:
STUDIO HOSTS
1. James Brown CBS and Showtime
Three of the hosts are comparable in skill and performance
Brown, Chris Berman and NBCs troika of anchors but
Brown gets the nod because he pulled double duty (CBS and
Showtime), was flawless during in-game updates, and kept
the dialogue lively on both networks by asking generally con-
cise, intelligent questions. NBCs
Bob Costas sets the gold stan-
dard, but Inside the NFL did-
nt miss a beat with Brown as-
suming the host role. And Brown
delivered a couple of eloquent
commentaries, including one
after Plaxico Burress arrest.
Brown might be the most likable
host in the history of the genre.
2. Chris Berman ESPN
Aptly anchored the most com-
prehensive pregame show on
television and would have made
a case for top honors if he still
hosted NFL PrimeTime, which
was sports televisions best studio
show before NBCs Sunday-night package forced PrimeTime
to change times.
3. Bob Costas, Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick NBC
As exceptional as Costas is, his role was too limited to war-
rant a higher ranking. Patrick and Olbermann spiced the high-
lights with recycled one-liners and pop culture references but
didnt elicit laughs quite as often as during their halcyon years
on SportsCenter. Still, the Olbermann/Patrick reunion was
a success, even though Olbermann swung and missed on some
puns.
BEST STUDIO ANALYSTS
1. Jimmy Johnson Fox
Consistently packs punch in his comments, doesnt get
thrown off course by the excessive silliness of his Fox colleagues,
and doesnt hesitate to criticize coaches. Of Mike Singletary
pulling down his pants, J.J. said, I never did anything con-
trived. I think its kind of stupid. Of the Cowboys, he said,
Theyre a mess, a sloppy team. They should have practiced
fundamentals in camp instead of being TV stars on Hard
Knocks. And he noted Cowboys owner Jerry Jones proud-
est possession is a note from George W. Bush addressing him
as Coach Jerry Jones.
2. Phil Simms and Cris Collinsworth Showtime
Whether they were disagreeing on issues or simply tweak-
ing each other, their exchanges were the most lively and en-
tertaining on any network studio show. And with Warren Sapp
raising his performance in the past two months, Showtimes
reincarnation of Inside the NFL actually produced more com-
pelling dialogue than HBOs version.
The way they playfully insult each other, its a good thing
both Simms and Collinsworth have thick skin. Hes just mad
because he doesnt have a Super Bowl ring, Simms said dur-
ing one memorable exchange. I have two. You want one?
Responded Collinsworth: Youre a jerk.
3. Boomer Esiason CBS
By a nose over Howie Long and Tom Jackson. Esiason mixed
humor (he called the Raiders the NFLs version of the Os-
bourne family), thoughtful analysis and dead-on predictions
(he was skeptical from the outset about Brett Favre thriving
with the Jets).
PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. Al Michaels NBC
Looking for slippage in his work? Not this year. Michaels
disseminates all the information quickly after plays, picks up
on time-management mistakes, offers perspective, story-telling
and relevant statistics and never makes himself bigger than
the game. As NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol noted on
HBOs Real Sports, Michaels knows the rules so well, he could
be an NFL referee.
2. Kevin Harlan CBS
Might talk excessively for some viewers liking, but Har-
lan deserves major props for identifying the defender after
every play and informing viewers of last-minute substitutions.
Warrants a higher spot than No. 4 on CBS depth chart.
3. (tie) Mike Tirico ESPN
Joe Buck Fox
Tirico might be the best at offering big-picture perspective
and can reel the broadcast in when Tony Kornheiser goes too
far off course.
Buck has become TVs most opinionated play-by-play man,
but usually his observations are dead-on. One example: He
said it was ridiculous for Dallas to waste a challenge on a
play the refs could see perfectly and Wade Phillips couldnt
see at all. And he justifiably wondered why Minnesota would
throw on second down (the pass was incomplete) when try-
ing to run out the clock late in the first half of its playoff game:
It doesnt make any sense.
Honorable mention to CBS Jim Nantz and Ian Eagle.
GAME ANALYSTS
1. Cris Collinsworth NFL Network and NBC
Produces more thats a good point I didnt think of that
moments than any analyst. One timely example: He noticed
the Jets had stopped double-covering Randy Moss and ques-
tioned it on the last drive of regulation of their Nov. 13 game.
Moss scored the game-tying touchdown seconds later.
2. John Madden NBC
Explains nuances of the game in a way unlike any of his col-
leagues. He gave an interesting dissertation of how the Colts
offense works, noting its the slot receivers and tight ends
not Peyton Manning who tell the outside receivers what
to do when the play is changed.
And Madden remains the king of quirky observations. If
there was a calf contest, David Garrard would win it, Mad-
den mused of the Jaguars quarterback. He has the biggest
calves. Thats why its so hard to bring him down.
3. (tie) Troy Aikman Fox
Phil Simms CBS
Ron Jaworski ESPN
A toss-up among those three, with each offering different
strengths. Aikman and Jaworski question play-calling and sin-
gle out underperforming players more than anybody but
Collinsworth. Aikman, for example, told viewers why Cow-
boys WR Roy Williams was to blame bad route running
for an incompletion that most viewers would have blamed
on Tony Romo. But Aikman also makes several points a game
that are obvious more so than Simms. Jaworski excels at
dissecting strategy from his years in the basement at NFL
Films.
Honorable mention to CBS Rich Gannon and Dan Dierdorf.
TOP ROOKIES
1. Brian Billick Fox
Accurately predicted plays, told viewers what plays he would
run if he were coaching, and educated viewers as if he were
giving a seminar to offensive coordinators.
2. Warren Sapp Showtime
Overcame a disappointing start and came on strong, lev-
eling criticism at Al Davis, Monte Kiffin and several others
for whom he played. Sapps bluntness is unlike any TV rook-
ie in memory. Before Donovan McNabbs playoff run, Sapp
said McNabbs legacy would be throwing up at the Super Bowl,
Rush Limbaugh and not knowing there were tie games. But
his attack on Johnson was tasteless.
3. (tie) Bob Papa NFL Network
Michael Strahan Fox
Papa was a huge upgrade over Bryant Gumbel on play-by-
play. Strahan too often leaned on clichs and generalizations,
but he displayed strong TV presence and charisma and
wasnt relucant to criticize.
GRIDDY AWARDS
James Brown earns kudos as the top studio host for
his exceptional work on two networks.
A
P
Griddys
Our annual scorecard of the years top NFL announcers By BARRYJACKSON
BEST IN SHOW
JOSH McDANIELS /
DENVER BRONCOS
BACKGROUND McDaniels spent the past
eight seasons in New England, learning
under Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
McDaniels, who played quarterback and
wide receiver collegiately at John Carroll
University, began his career as a personnel
assistant in the Patriots scouting depart-
ment in 2001, became the teams quarter-
backs coach in 04 and was promoted to
offensive coordinator in January of 06.
Hes regarded as one of the brightest
young coaches in the league, and his
crowning achievement may have been
helping QB Matt Cassel, a four-year backup
in college and an 05 seventh-round pick,
develop into a quality starter after Tom
Brady went down with a season-ending
knee injury in Week One of last season. Mc-
Daniels led a New England offense that
broke several records in 07, including most
points scored. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen
interviewed seven candidates to replace
Mike Shanahan, most of whom had much
more experience than McDaniels, but
Bowlen was too impressed by McDaniels to
deny him the opportunity.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES The first task
confronting McDaniels is getting Denvers
defense, which was 29th in the league last
season (26th vs. the pass; 27th vs. the
run), back in order. He hired Mike Nolan to
be the defensive coordinator and will move
the club from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4, over-
seeing a personnel overhaul in the process.
Having a veteran assistant like Nolan
should help, but McDaniels has little expe-
rience coaching defense, and it could take
him some time to get caught up on that
end. The Broncos need to fill holes at de-
fensive tackle, defensive end, inside line-
backer and likely will be looking for two
starting safeties. Another priority is over-
seeing the maturation of Jay Cutler. Cutler
took major strides last season under Mike
Shanahan and QB coach Jeremy Bates,
whose return is uncertain. McDaniels, who
will serve as the teams play-caller, will field
harsh criticism should Cutler take a step
back next season in a new scheme. The
club also must come up with a solution for
its problem at running back. Denver had
seven running backs end up on injured re-
serve in last season, and theres no clear
top option for 2009.
RAHEEM MORRIS /
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
BACKGROUND Hours after firing Jon Gru-
den, the Bucs introduced the 32-year-old
Morris as his replacement. Morris, who
served as the teams secondary coach for
the past two seasons, was promoted to de-
fensive coordinator on Christmas Day after
Monte Kiffin resigned to join his son Lanes
staff at the University of Tennessee. During
Morris two years at the helm of the sec-
ondary, Tampa ranked first (2007) and
fourth (08) against the pass. He served as
a defensive quality-control assistant on
Grudens staff in 02 and served as a defen-
sive assistant for three more seasons be-
fore becoming Kansas States defensive
coordinator in 06. This offseason, Morris
interviewed with the Broncos for their
head-coaching vacancy and was seriously
considered before Denver hired Josh Mc-
Daniels. In his first stint with the Bucs, Mor-
ris worked closely with Steelers head
coach Mike Tomlin, who was the Bucs de-
fensive backs coach at the time. He is often
compared to Tomlin and the two are close
friends.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES Morris is de-
scribed as a players coach, which was
among the reasons the Bucs ownership
chose him to replace Gruden. Hes ener-
getic, upbeat and enthusiastic, and while
Gruden shared those characteristics dur-
ing much of his tenure, he could come
down hard on players and they often com-
plained of unfair treatment. While Morris
has several good qualities, being experi-
enced isnt something he can lay claim to,
and he will need longtime veteran assis-
tants to help him succeed. Hell also have
to get Tampa Bays defense back on the
right track after it collapsed late last sea-
son. Morris is expected to keep Kiffins
Tampa-2 scheme in place, but hell need to
tweak the D and tinker with personnel if
its going to re-establish itself as a quality
unit. One of Morris top priorities will be
finding a pass-rushing defensive end. Its
not yet clear how Morris will handle the
Bucs offense or whether hell continue
running a version of the West Coast offense
similar to Grudens. His selection of an of-
fensive coordinator will be one of the most
important hires he makes. Tampa will be in
the market for a new starting quarterback,
unless Jeff Garcia is re-signed.
JIM SCHWARTZ /
DETROIT LIONS
BACKGROUND Schwartz, 42, played line-
backer at Georgetown and was an honors
student in economics. He served as a grad-
uate assistant at Maryland in 1989 and
Minnesota in 1990 before spending one
season as the secondary coach at North
Carolina Central. He wanted to get into the
NFL and was able to land a job with then-
Browns head coach Bill Belichick, who
hired him as a hybrid coach and scout,
working mostly in pro and college person-
nel. When the Browns moved to Baltimore
to become the Ravens, Schwartz earned a
job with new coach Ted Marchibroda as a
quality-control coach on defense. In 1999,
Titans head coach Jeff Fisher hired
Schwartz as a defensive coach, and in two
years he rose from linebackers coach to
defensive coordinator in 2001. Schwartz
held that title until his appointment with
the Lions, leading several top-10 units in
Tennessee. In 2003, the Titans finished first
in rushing yards allowed despite facing
eight of the top 13 runners that season.
This past season, the Titans ranked in the
top 10 in nearly every major defensive cate-
gory, including the one that Schwartz con-
siders the most important, points allowed.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES The 0-16 Lions
are coming off a disastrous season in
which they used five different quarterbacks
and ranked dead last defensively in yards
allowed, interceptions and points allowed.
Schwartz has a small nucleus of defensive
players on the roster he can build around,
and it appears the team will have to add at
least one QB in the offseason. Daunte
Culpepper and Jon Kitna, if theyre not re-
leased, appear to be on their last legs. Drew
Stanton might have promise, but he strug-
gled to earn playing time without others
getting hurt. Dan Orlovsky is a free agent
and might not be kept. There is some
depth on the defensive line, and the team
tied for 16th in sacks. DE Cliff Avril appears
to be a keeper, and Schwartz has coaxed
good results from some previously un-
known D-linemen in Tennessee. Ernie Sims
is a better player than what he showed last
season, but he needs major help at the
other LB spots. Two safeties, Gerald
Alexander and Daniel Bullocks, have prom-
ise, but the secondary which had only
only one INT is a major weak spot.
STEVE SPAGNUOLO /
ST. LOUIS RAMS
BACKGROUND The 49-year-old Spagn-
uolo was one of four finalists for the Rams
head-coaching vacancy along with Ravens
defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, Vikings
defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and
Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Gar-
rett. Alongtime acquaintance of new Rams
GM Billy Devaney, Spagnuolo first became
a hot head-coaching candidate after his
first season as the Giants defensive coor-
dinator in 2007, when his unit finished the
season with a flourish, limiting the Patriots
record-setting offense to 274 yards in the
Giants 17-14 upset victory in Super Bowl
XLII. His defense picked up where it left off
in 08, ranking in the top 10 in total de-
fense, run defense, pass defense and
points allowed despite the losses of star
DEs Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to
retirement and a season-ending injury, re-
spectively. Before becoming the Giants co-
ordinator, Spagnuolo cut his NFL teeth
under Eagles defensive coordinator Jim
Johnson, serving as Philadelphias DB
coach and LB coach from 1999-2006.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES The first thing
Spagnuolo needs to do is establish a posi-
tive new culture in the locker room on a
team that has won only five of 32 games
the past two seasons. The Rams players
however many are remaining on the roster
after what is expected to be a significant
revamping had a genuine affection and
respect for outgoing interim head coach
Jim Haslett, and Spagnuolo needs to win
his new troops over, the sooner the better.
It goes without saying that Spagnuolo will
have his work cut for him on both sides of
the ball. On defense, he and Devaney need
to focus on bigger, stronger players for a
unit that surrendered 29.1 points per game
in 2008, as well as a franchise-worst 2,475
yards on the ground. The need to bolster
the pass rush and take heat off the second-
ary is considerable, and it will be interest-
ing to see if the Rams investigate potential
high-profile free agents such as Carolina
DE Julius Peppers. On offense, Spagnuolo
must settle on a coordinator who can build
a balanced, ball-control attack around
workhorse RB Steven Jackson and promis-
ing young WRs Donnie Avery and Keenan
Burton with a more cohesive offensive line
in front of QB Marc Bulger.
A
P
Former Giants defensive coordinator Steve
Spagnuolo faces a giant rebuilding task.
A
P
The Broncos introduced 32-year-old Josh
McDaniels as head coach on Jan. 12.
A
P
Raheem Morris has enjoyed a meteoric
rise up the coaching ranks in Tampa.
A
P
Jim Schwartz becomes the Lions seventh
head coach in the past 10 seasons.
NEW HEAD COACHES (AS OF JAN. 18)
NFL DRAFT 2009
FIRST ROUND
1
DETROIT LIONS
QB MATTHEWSTAFFORD* GEORGIA
The odds are against one-year wonders such
as Mark Sanchez panning out in the NFL,
and Stafford clearly has more physical tools.
The key for new head coach Jim Schwartz
will be finding an offensive coaching staff
that can develop QB talent something
Mark Richt and his staff struggled to do at
Georgia.
2
ST. LOUIS RAMS
OLT EUGENE MONROE VIRGINIA
The Rams had targeted OLTJake Long in last
years draft but were forced to settle for DE
Chris Long instead, leaving a gaping hole on
an offensive line that needs to be completely
rebuilt. The Rams should have their choice of
tackles and will create another run on the
position like there was a year ago. It would
not be a surprise if Baylors Jason Smith
wound up being the Rams top-rated tackle
when the dust settles.
3
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OLB EVERETTE BROWN* FLORIDA STATE
New GM Scott Pioli is expected to put his
stamp on the organization quickly and, hav-
ing scouted for a 30-front most of his career,
is expected to make the transition sooner
than later. It may seem early for a pass
rusher, but the Buccaneers seriously dis-
cussed drafting DeMarcus Ware in the week
before the 2005 draft, when they wound up
selecting Cadillac Williams, and instead now
have a china doll in the backfield instead of
the best defensive player in football. Not
since the days of Derrick Thomas have the
Chiefs had a pass rusher as dynamic as
Brown. His character is very strong and will
give Pioli comfort if he could get past the
bust label that too many Florida State pass
rushers have earned in the NFL.
4
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
OLT JASON SMITHBAYLOR
With Walter Jones not able to finish the sea-
son as a result of injuries, GM Tim Ruskell
needs to begin thinking about securing the
edges before he thinks about upgrading the
QB position. The fast-learning Smith has the
aggressive temperament to begin his career
on the right side opposite a future Hall of
Famer and eventually slide in at left tackle.
5
CLEVELAND BROWNS
RB CHRIS BEANIE WELLS* OHIO STATE
After Vernon Gholston failed to get on the
field even on special teams, Eric Mangini
could be gun-shy about selecting another 3-
4 rush linebacker projection. Jamal Lewis is
not getting any younger, and in the black-
and-blue AFC North division, the Browns
sorely need a young bell cow to pound the
rock inside to complement Jerome Harrison.
Wells durability and practice habits could be
issues that force his stock to slide. Still,
theres a good chance the Browns wind up
with a Buckeye in the first round this year, as
Wells teammate Malcolm Jenkins would fill a
glaring need at cornerback and has the size
and emotional leadership qualities so diffi-
cult to find in a cornerback.
6
CINCINNATI BENGALS
WR MICHAEL CRABTREE* TEXAS TECH
With T.J. Houshmandzadeh hitting free
agency and Chad Ocho Cincos mood chang-
ing every time the wind blows, the Bengals
could rebuild the offense around a big-play
receiver. Some questions have begun to
emerge about Crabtrees character, but
owner Mike Brown has shown he is willing to
roll the dice on immense talent.
7
OAKLAND RAIDERS
WR JEREMY MACLIN* MISSOURI
Al Davis selected JaMarcus Russell two
years ago and must continue to find pieces
to support his growth. Darren McFadden did
not make nearly the instant impact that
Adrian Peterson made in his first season, not
surprisingly, but adding a versatile vertical
threat like Maclin would open up the offense
for Russell and McFadden and give the
Raiders a dynamic group of triplets.
8
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
OLB AARON CURRYWAKE FOREST
With GM Gene Smith making the final call,
expect the Jaguars to put a greater empha-
sis on character and recognize true value.
Currys ability to interchange at any LB spot
makes him extremely valuable for a defen-
sive-minded head coach like Jack Del Rio.
9
GREEN BAY PACKERS
CB MALCOLM JENKINSOHIO STATE
With Charles Woodson likely to be transi-
tioned to safety, as he was late this season
when injuries struck the Packers secondary,
the Packers need to bolster what was one of
the NFLs best secondaries. What better en-
vironment for a cornerback to be groomed
than under the wing of a future Hall of Famer
such as Woodson?
10
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
ILB REY MAUALUGAUSC
Maualuga may not fit Mike Singletarys char-
acter profile, but the Niners struck gold with
the selection of a linebacker at the No. 11
spot two years ago and could have the
games top inside linebacking tandem in the
league by adding this fearless striker next to
Pro Bowler Patrick Willis. What better way to
begin the Samurai era by the bay than to bol-
ster the middle of the defense?
11
BUFFALO BILLS
TE BRANDON PETTIGREWOKLAHOMAST.
The value of a complete tight end who can
dominate as a blocker will not be lost on Dick
Jauron and draft boss Tom Modrak, and
after losing Kevin Everett to injury two years
ago, the Bills need to address the TE posi-
tion.
12
DENVER BRONCOS
OLB BRIAN ORAKPOTEXAS
With new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan
likely to install his preferred 30-front in Den-
I
n the week before the NFL draft which will be held April 25-26 in New York City
many teams will go through the exercise of piecing together mock drafts to be
prepared for a number of different scenarios that could arise on Draft Day.
Piecing together a mock draft this early is greatly devalued by the fact that free
agency has yet to embark, which will drastically alter team needs, and many coaching
staffs still are undergoing change and will not be settled for another month or two.
As a result, PFW took into consideration the current needs of teams, which un-
doubtedly will change in the coming months, but placed a greater emphasis on the
value of talent.
As more details are gleaned about an underclassman class that is barely official,
with medical, psychological and intelligence tests soon to be administered, the value
of talent will fluctuate, sometimes significantly. Nonetheless, the following mock draft
takes into account considerable feedback from NFL teams.
EDITORS NOTE: Underclassmen are denoted by an asterisk (*).
The Lions need a quarterback, and the best available one heading into the evalu-
ation period for draft-eligible players is Georgias Matthew Stafford.
A
P
MOCK DRAFTBy NOLAN NAWROCKI
ver, it will be critical to have a pass-rushing
dynamo off the edges, and Orakpo knows
how to bring it.
13
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
OT-OG ANDRE SMITH* ALABAMA
Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen both are
showing signs of their age and have been un-
able to stay healthy in recent years, creating
a need to be addressed on the offensive line.
Smith could wind up being best inside and
begin his career at guard and potentially kick
outside when needed.
14
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
OLB JAMES LAURINAITISOHIO STATE
GM Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean
Payton tried trading up to draft A.J. Hawk
four years ago. Jonathan Vilma is coming off
a fine season, but he could use more help on
his flanks where Laurinaitis could be best.
Laurinaitis never will be a thumper, but he is
big, strong and fast and has all the intangi-
bles that Payton seeks to bring a presence to
the defensive side of the ball.
15
HOUSTON TEXANS
DT B.J. RAJI BOSTON COLLEGE
Gary Kubiak knows the value of a good line-
man and has made a habit of drafting in the
trenches since he took over the club. Amobi
Okoye has turned out to be the flash in a pan
that some evaluators thought he was in col-
lege, creating a pressing need inside. Raji has
the strength to hold the point and enough
quickness to create some pressure and
could bring value at either DT position.
16
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
LB BRIAN CUSHINGUSC
Cushing can play inside or outside and has
the physical, all-out playing demeanor that a
hardened, old-school GM such as A.J. Smith
tends to fall in love with. With Shawne Merri-
man entering the final year of his contract
and coming off injury, its time to beef up the
linebacking unit.
17
NEW YORK JETS
QB MARK SANCHEZ* USC
Brett Favres arm was dead at the end of the
season, and the Jets could sorely use a live
arm to throw in the strong Meadowlands
winds. GM Mike Tannenbaum is starting
fresh with a new head coach and could give
the organization a new face, as well, with the
spunky, young signalcaller.
18
CHICAGO BEARS
DE AARON MAYBIN* PENN STATE
GM Jerry Angelo will be craving another
taste of the Penn State apple after Michael
Haynes turned out to be too much of a nice
guy five years prior. Maybin has elite first-
step quickness and could bring the edge
burst that the Bears defense sorely lacked
last season. With DL specialist Rod Marinelli
now in tow, the Bears have the right man in
place to develop pass-rushing talent.
19
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
DLE TYSON JACKSONLSU
With Kevin Carter entering what may be his
final year, the Buccaneers have a mentor in
place who could help groom Jackson into the
rock they need on the left side to stop the
power 0 and improve their run defense.
Many league insiders have suggested the
Bucs could be hesitant to ever draft another
LSU defensive lineman after they had prob-
lems with Booger McFarland, but the Bucs
do a good job of maintaining their poker face
about their draft intentions.
20
DETROIT LIONS (FROMDALLAS)
CB VONTAE DAVIS* ILLINOIS
It is still highly debated what carries a bigger
premium a shutdown cornerback or an
elite pass rusher. Physically, there is no more
gifted cornerback in the draft than Davis.
The question is whether he can be managed,
and after having dealt with a loose cannon
like Albert Haynesworth for so many years in
Tennessee, heres guessing that Jim
Schwartz will think he can keep another
high-maintenance, elite talent in line.
21
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
OT EBEN BRITTON* ARIZONA
With Tra Thomas deteriorating fast and Jon
Runyan hitting free agency, Andy Reid must
address the OT position early. With two first-
round picks this year, the Eagles are a prime
player to package the picks to land their guy.
All indications are that Winston Justice is a
bust, but he could be given a chance on the
left side, while Britton could plug the hole on
the right. The demand for tackles could force
Britton to be drafted sooner than his talent
warrants similar to Sam Baker last year.
22
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
ORT MICHAEL OHERMISSISSIPPI
The Vikings most pressing need is clearly at
quarterback, but with Brad Childress clock
winding down, he will need to find a veteran
quarterback who can help immediately. With
ORT Ryan Cooks short arms giving him too
much trouble on the outside, the Vikings
could use another tackle opposite Bryant
McKinnie to clear holes for the games most
competitive runner, Adrian Peterson.
23
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
OLB CLINT SINTIMVIRGINIA
Jerod Mayo was a stallion inside in 2008,
and the Patriots need to continue finding
fresher legs for an aging group of lineback-
ers. Sintim hails from one of the few pro-
grams that runs a 30-front similar to the
Patriots, and Bill Belichick could feel com-
fortable trusting that he knows every detail
about Sintim from one of his former
coaches, Al Groh.
24
ATLANTA FALCONS
DT PERIAJERRYMISSISSIPPI
GM Thomas Dimitroff fooled many prognos-
ticators when he went against the Patriots
philosophy of drafting defensive linemen and
selected a surefire solution at the QB posi-
tion, but expect Dimitroff to get back on
course this year and plug the hole that re-
mains in the middle of his defense.
25
MIAMI DOLPHINS
OLB CLAY MATTHEWSUSC
Joey Porter proved he could still rush the
passer once he was moved to the weak side,
but he is not getting any younger, and the
Dolphins could use another spark on the
other side where Matt Roth was OK.
Matthews has the size, toughness, athletic
ability and bloodlines to command strong at-
tention from Fins grand poobah Bill Parcells.
26
BALTIMORE RAVENS
OLB LARRY ENGLISHNORTHERN ILLINOIS
With Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott
hitting free agency at the same time, the
Ravens could have a difficult time keeping
the core of their LB unit intact. The most
valuable piece of a 30-front is its edge rush-
ers, and if English can be groomed under
Suggs for a season, it could give the Ravens
options next year.
27
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
WR DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY* MARYLAND
With Marvin Harrison on his last legs, the
Colts offense was not quite as explosive last
year. Heyward-Bey has the blazing speed to
run by defenses and would be an excellent
speed complement to Reggie Wayne.
28
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (FROMCAROLINA)
CB ALPHONSO SMITHWAKE FOREST
With Lito Sheppard likely on his way out, the
Eagles could use a third cornerback. Smiths
diminutive size will scare some teams, but he
could be very efficient in Jim Johnsons de-
fense the same way Antoine Winfield has
been for Johnson protg Leslie Frazier in
the same scheme in Minnesota.
29
NEW YORK GIANTS
WR KENNY BRITT* RUTGERS
With Plaxico Burress not likely to return
amidst legal trouble, the Giants need an-
other big target for Eli Manning. GM Jerry
Reese has shown he likes big-time talent
with a swagger. Britt has never been short on
confidence.
30
TENNESSEE TITANS
QB JOSH FREEMAN* KANSAS STATE
The Titans are in position to think about the
future, and with solid receivers to be found in
coming rounds, they could take a gamble on
the only other bona fide passing prospect in
the draft with Kerry Collins hitting free
agency and not guaranteed to be back.
31
ARIZONA CARDINALS**
RB KNOWSHON MORENO* GEORGIA
Edgerrin James time has run out in Arizona,
and Tim Hightower has shown he can handle
some of the hard carries between the tack-
les. What the Cardinals could sorely use is a
dynamic complementary back, and Moreno
perfectly fits the mold of a tough Ken
Whisenhunt-type back. Morenos talent sug-
gests he should be drafted sooner, but with
few teams needing a premier runner, backs
could slide this year.
32
PITTSBURGH STEELERS**
C MAX UNGEROREGON
The Steelers most glaring hole is on the of-
fensive line. What better way to improve than
select a five-position player who can be
plugged in at any spot? Ungers versatility
could potentially bring him off the draft
board in the first round, especially once the
elite OT talent clears out early.
** Super Bowl winner picks 32nd, loser
31st.
NFL DRAFT 2009
Oregon C Max Ungers versatility will
make him attractive to many teams.
S
P
O
R
T
P
I
C
S
Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry is among
the highest-ranked players in the draft.
B
R
U
C
E
L
.
S
C
H
W
A
R
T
Z
M
A
N
Could LSU DT Tyson Jackson be the
first draft pick of the Bucs new GM?
S
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P
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GAME COVERAGE
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
CARDINALS 32,
EAGLES 25
SUMMARY Fueled by Larry Fitzgeralds
three first-half touchdowns and Kurt
Warners eight-yard TD pass to Tim High-
tower with 2:53 left, the Cardinals defeated
the Eagles for the NFC title. Philadelphia ral-
lied from an 18-point deficit to take the lead,
25-24, on Donovan McNabbs 62-yard TD
pass to DeSean Jackson with 10:45 to play.
After Hightowers score, though, the Cardi-
nals stopped the Eagles on Phillys last two
possessions to seal the win.
PLAYER OF THE GAME After reeling in
nine catches for 152 yards and three TDs,
Fitzgerald is the obvious choice. He put Ari-
zona in the drivers seat early, scoring on re-
ceptions of nine, 62 and one yard. He only
had three catches in the second half, but
two of them were for first downs and an-
other set up a 3rd-and-1, which was con-
verted for a first down on a five-yard
Hightower run.
QUOTABLE And it was appropriate we had
a bunch of different people making those
plays, and it was a great team win for us,
Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
Its been a tough number of years here in
Arizona.
TRANSACTIONS
(As reported, Jan. 12-Jan. 17)
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
BUFFALO Jan. 12: Roster addition for 2009: DE Mar-
cus Smith.
JACKSONVILLE Jan. 12: Roster addition for 2009:
OT Charles Spencer.
INDIANAPOLIS Jan. 16: Roster addition for 2009:
LB Michael Okwo.
KANSAS CITY Jan. 12: Roster addition for 2009: QB
Ingle Martin.
MIAMI Jan. 12: Practice-squad contract expired: OT
Daren Heerspink. Jan. 16: Roster addition for 2009: S Ethan
Kilmer.
SAN DIEGO Jan. 16: Roster additions for 2009: WR
Gary Banks; RB Eldra Buckley; DE Andre Coleman; S Grant
Mason; DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo; CB DeJuan Tribble.
TENNESSEE Jan. 12: Roster additions for 2009: DE
Charles Bennett; C Doug Datish; CB Tanard Davis; DE Der-
rick Jones; TE Matthew Mulligan; C Jason Murphy; C Fer-
nando Velasco. Jan. 14: Roster addition for 2009: DE Larry
Birdine.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
ARIZONA Jan. 13: Reserve/injured: TE Stephen
Spach (knee). Roster addition: TE Jerame Tuman (released
by Cardinals 12/24).
ATLANTA Jan. 12: Practice-squad contracts expired:
RB Chris Barclay; WR Noriaki Kinoshita.
CAROLINA Jan. 13: Roster additions for 2009: RB
DeCori Birmingham; DE Casper Brinkley; S Joe Fields; LB Je-
remy Leman; DTPatrick MacDonald; WR Kevin McMahan; OT
Jonathan Palmer; DTLorenzo Williams. Jan. 14: Roster addi-
tion for 2009: FB Nehemiah Broughton.
DALLAS Jan. 12: Roster additions for 2009: S
Jerome Carter; DTJunior Siavii; C Matt Spanos.
MINNESOTA Jan. 12: Practice-squad contract ex-
pired: CB Derrick Roberson.
N.Y. GIANTS Jan. 12: Roster additions for 2009: WR
Taye Biddle; OG Mike Fladell; S Travonti Dawson; OT Cliff
Louis; TE Martrez Milner; WR Micah Rucker; QB Andre Wood-
son. Jan. 14: Roster additions for 2009: OT Orrin Thomp-
son; RB Dwayne Wright. Jan. 15: Roster addition for 2009:
S Steve Cargile. Jan. 16: Roster addition for 2009: OTTer-
rance Pennington.
PHILADELPHIA Jan. 15: Assigned on waivers: DT
Amon Gordon from Titans.
ST. LOUIS Jan. 16: Roster addition for 2009: DE C.J.
Ah You.
SAN FRANCISCO Jan. 16: Roster addition for 2009:
KR Micheal Spurlock.
HERES WHATS INSIDE:
Draft prospects ranked by position
Scouting reports on over 350 players
Draft analyses for all 32 NFL teams
An early mock draft
Updated heights, weights, 40-times
and stats
and much, much more!
Four-color magazine.
PFWs 2009
Draft Guide
gives you an
early look at
the upcoming
NFL draft.
ITS NEVER
TOO EARLY
TO GET
STARTED!
COMING
IN MARCH!
BACK BY
POPULAR
DEMAND
COMING
IN MARCH!
BACK BY
POPULAR
DEMAND
PFWs 2009
Draft Guide
gives you an
early look at
the upcoming
NFL draft.
ITS NEVER
TOO EARLY
TO GET
STARTED!
A
P
Larry Fitzgerald continued his strong play-
off run, scoring three TDs vs. the Eagles.
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
STEELERS 23,
RAVENS 14
SUMMARY The Steelers led from start to
finish, advancing to the seventh Super Bowl
in franchise history. The Ravens cut the lead
to 16-14 when Willis McGahee ran one yard
for a touchdown with 9:29 left. Baltimore
had a chance to take the lead on its next
possession, but Steelers SS Troy Polamalus
40-yard interception return for a TD put the
game away. Joe Flacco was picked off a third
time on the Ravens next possession when
Steelers FS Tyrone Carter moved into the
passing lane. Pittsburghs defense harassed
Flacco, sacking him three times.
PLAYER OF THE GAME Just as the Ravens
appeared to be gaining momentum, Pola-
malus interception squashed their chances
of a comeback victory. Flacco had not made
many mistakes in the postseason, but Pola-
malu and the Steelers were able to capital-
ize on rare errors by the rookie.
QUOTABLE It was a typical hard-hitting,
physical game, Steelers WR Hines Ward
said. Sometimes guys get hit so hard, you
dont know if theyre going to get up. They
say defense wins championships, well, we
have the No. 1 defense. And theyre the rea-
son why were going to the Super Bowl.
A
P
Troy Polamalus 40-yard interception re-
turn for a TD clinched the Steelers win.
AUDIBLES NFList
Ray Lewis is getting up there in age. Hes clearly not what he once was. Hell wind up
going back to Baltimore. Who would give him a big deal, unless (Jets GM) Mike Tannen-
baumwants to overpay him just to have another big name on the roster?
Carolina came out with a terrible game
plan (against Arizona). With Anquan
Boldin out, they had one guy to stop
Larry Fitzgerald. To let him beat you sin-
gle-handedly in the first half was incredu-
lous to me. Make Steve Breaston beat
you. Make Stephen Spach beat you. Make
Jerheme Urban beat you. They pressed
(Fitzgerald) in the second half and they
shut him down. Why wouldnt they put a
body on him and double him earlier? This
is the second year in a row (defensive coor-
dinator Mike) Trgovac has made mistakes
like this. He would have been gone last year
on my watch. I cant imagine they will keep
him for another year.
The problem is that when you have a
title in this league, you are a big target.
Some of the area scouts may stick around
in Kansas City, but I dont see any titles
lasting. If Herm Edwards keeps his job, its
because the guy they want is not available.
Thats the only way he stays.
(Cardinals LB) Karlos Dansby may
have the franchise tag, but he is a line-
backer that does not rush the passer and
they just dont command the same pre-
mium. Hes a solid starter, but I dont see
him making a lot of big plays. I would think
he is playing his last year in Arizona.
(Chargers defensive coordinator) Ron
Rivera showed he could get knocked to the
canvas (in Chicago) and get back up. Not
only was he successful with Jim Johnsons
defense, now he is running the 3-4 and did
a great job adjusting to it. Great coaches
adjust.
Mike Shanahan is one of the best
coaches Ive coached against. Denver has
a great offense, and he was the guy who
developed those players. He got them to
the point they are at. When a guy like him
can be fired, anyone can. I dont think
there are any better in the league offen-
sively. If Im running the Kansas City
Chiefs, hes the first guy on my list to in-
terview. Hes got years left on his contract.
Money should not be an issue. They have
a young quarterback on the roster with
ability. (Shanahan) knows how to develop
them. Ive always said if Mike just
turned over the personnel to someone
with an eye for talent and a proven sys-
tem, he could build a dynasty. The guy
knows the AFC West inside and out. He
knows the Broncos like the back of his
hand. He could win that division in his first
year. The only question that exists is
whether he can put his ego aside and be
willing to take a job that does not involve
full control.
The Browns are a coach-driven team.
Randy Lerner made that clear when he
hired the head coach first. What they need
is not a GM. They need a vice president of
player personnel with a strong evaluator
background someone that can manage
and lead. Its important that there be a
good working relationship with (Eric)
Mangini. He will have the final say at the
end of the day. What people do not un-
derstand is that Phil Savage did not hire
Romeo Crennel. That was Randys deci-
sion, and it was an awful one. It set Savage
up to fail. How do you hire a general man-
ager and not let him pick the head coach.
The problem with this league is that too
many coaches that do not understand per-
sonnel are making decisions on players.
Rodgers-Cromartie one of
several talented, young CBs
By Mike Wilkening
Senior editor
As the Arizona Cardinals emerged as the
most heartwarming story of these playoffs,
their rookie cornerback, Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie, emerged as one of its
biggest stars.
The 6-2, 182-pound Rodgers-Cromartie
intercepted passes in the Cardinals post-
season wins vs. Atlanta and at Carolina.
More impressively, he helped shut down
Panthers WR Steve Smith, who caught only
two passes.
The rise of Rodgers-Cromartie led us to
ask a panel of NFL coaches, scouts and per-
sonnel men the following: Which young cor-
nerback has the brightest future? We
limited the eligible candidates to corner-
backs selected in the past three drafts.
What we found was that there were sev-
eral candidates worthy of the tag, but no
clear-cut answer.
In terms of sheer talent, Rodgers-Cro-
martie may have the edge, according to our
panel. He might be the best of all of them,
one scout said. Rodgers-Cromartie has very
good makeup speed, long arms and good
hands. How well does he catch the ball? In-
cluding the playoffs, he has intercepted six
passes. The Cardinals have even used him
at receiver.
Arizona patiently brought Rodgers-Cro-
martie along in his first season. He did not
enter the starting lineup until late Septem-
ber. Our personnel man suggested this was
the correct approach, and its hard to argue
with that viewpoint when you consider how
well Rodgers-Cromartie began to play in the
final weeks of the season. All six of Rodgers-
Cromarties interceptions have come since
Nov. 16.
Here are three other young cornerbacks
who have distinguished themselves early in
their careers:
Antonio Cromartie / Chargers The
Chargers first-round pick in 2006, Cromar-
tie burst onto the scene with 10 intercep-
tions last season. However, he didnt play
nearly as well in 08, intercepting just two
passes. At seasons end, Cromaritie said he
played the entire campaign with a hip frac-
ture he sustained in the season opener vs.
Carolina. If he can stay healthy, the 6-2,
203-pound Cromartie figures to have a
bright future. With above-average speed for
the position and excellent ball skills, as
one respondent noted, Cromartie could
bounce back in short order.
Cortland Finnegan / Titans Chosen
six rounds after Cromartie in the 2006
draft, Finnegan has exceeded all expecta-
tions in three NFL seasons. He became a
starter in his second NFL season, then
made the leap to Pro Bowl performer in 08.
Finnegan defended 17 passes this season
and made five interceptions. Along the way,
the 5-foot-10, 188-pound Finnegan earned a
reputation for being one of the feistiest
players at his position. Hes over-the-top
physical, one scout noted of Finnegan.
Hes a really good player, one panelist said
with admiration, but also the ultimate over-
achiever.
Darrelle Revis / Jets Revis will back
up Finnegan and the Raiders Nnamdi Aso-
mugha on the AFC Pro Bowl team. The Jets
first-round pick in the 07 draft, Revis has
started all 32 NFL games and already has
eight career interceptions to his credit. If
youre looking for the most physical corner-
back on the list, our panelists agreed that
the 5-11, 204-pound Revis is the pick. Hes
almost a big cornerback/small safety, an
evaluator said. (Hes) an ideal cover-2 cor-
nerback.
Honorable mention Bengals CB Leon
Hall, Panthers CB Richard Marshall, Bills CB
Leodis McKelvin.
A
P
Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
has been one of the breakout stars of the
playoffs.
A
P
The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking
on the condition of anonymity.
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FEBRUARY 1, 2009

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