NFL Award Predictor: Peyton Manning Looking for Another MVP

It is never too early to speculate who will win awards this NFL season. With only two weeks left in the season, the nominees for awards is narrowing down. The Rant makes his predictions (before the big boys do):

MVP: QB  Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts 

runners up : Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Phillip Rivers & Chris Johnson

This could be one of the closest awards of the year but the award goes to Manning, who has continually brought his team back from deficits in the four quarter this season. Although Brees has some better numbers (as of Week 15), Manning continues to prove he is the best in the business.

If the Colts win the last two games and go undefeated, Manning wins this award hands down. Brett Favre has been great up all season looking like the first ballot Hall of Famer he will be unlike the last weeks with the Jets last season. Phillip Rivers continues to prove doubters wrong with his amazing performance in December. Chris Johnson gets votes here because he will rush for over 2000 yards. 

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

runners up: Drew Brees, Peyton Manning

Johnson gets this award just like when Jamal Lewis won this award in 2003 (Manning and McNair won MVP that season). The 24 year old speedster should surpass the 2000 yard mark in week 17 against the Seahawks.

Johnson has averaged 5.8 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per catch. Johnson has shown big play abilities on long runs of 91, 89 and 85. Drew Brees and his 109.4 Qb rating is off the charts as well as the soon MVP Manning but the award has to go to Johnson, who has been the most dangerous player in the NFL. 

Defensive Player of the Year: CB Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers

runners up: Darren Sharper, Elvis Dumervil 

If this award was given in the first half of the season Sharper would have won it with Dumervil a close second but this is a full season award thus Woodson takes the cake. Woodson has dominated his opponents this season including stars such as Calvin Johnson and Jason Witten.

Woodson’s numbers: 70 tackles, 8 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 15 games are outstanding. He has lined up all over the field this season and has rejuvenated the Packers defense. Sharper has been dominate in his own right; the 34-year-old safety has 8 interceptions and three touchdowns.

As for the 5-11 Dumervil had 8 sacks in his first four games, including four against Cleveland in week two. Dumervil hasnt been the player he was in the first few weeks but the former Louisville standout still leads the NFL in sacks.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: RB Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos

runners up: Percy Harvin, Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, Michael Crabtree, Michael Oher

This class has had a lot of really good players including the three quarterbacks but no one has take the lead of this award. Moreno is nearing 1,000 yards rushing but has yet to have a 1,000 yard game. I think Harvin may have been the favorite for this award but too many receivers have nearly the same numbers. If Crabtree had played the whole season he may have won this award hands down (you hear that Oakland).

Defensive Rookie of the year: LB Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers 

runners up: Brian Orakpo, Brian Cushing, Jairus Byrd

Unlike the offensive rookie of the year award, so many players have played great this season especially linebackers. This award could go down to the last two weeks of the season. Orakpo has turned it on as of late and Matthews has found his home in Capers 3-4 defense. Cushing has played very well in Houston as well. 

Comeback Player of the Year: QB Tom Brady, New England Patriots 

runners up: Brett Favre, Vince Young 

It’s hard to believe that Tom Brady could be winning such an award but the owner of the playoffs has came back from a devastating injury last season. Although, at times, Brady hasnt looked like the Brady of past but he has been solid. Favre is up for this award after his fall out of last season and Vince Young for reviving the once 0-6 Tennessee Titans. 

Coach of the Year: Jim Caldwell, Indianapolis Colts 

runners up: Sean Payton, Marvin Lewis, Norv Turner, Brad Childress 

This award has to go to the first year coach and his staff. Caldwell has a chance to go 16-0 in his rookie season. Granted he is taking over an intact Dungy staff that he was apart of but Caldwell has got this team ready to play and has kept Manning playing at such a high level.

Payton has to get credit for getting his team this far in such a dominate (for the most part) fashion. Marvin Lewis has the Bengals surprising teams same with Norv Turner. Childress is only in the running for this award for signing Bret Favre.

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JaMarcus Russell: The Reason Why the Oakland Raiders Are Not Winning Games

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse in Oakland, JaMarcus Russell is finally benched and then again named the starting quarterback for the Raiders’ match-up against the Chargers. 

Looking at the Raiders roster, they have talent. They have one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL in Richard Seymour, a talented linebacker crew, and arguably one of the best defensive players in football in Nnamdi Asomugha. 

So why does this team continue to struggle? It all starts with the quarterback. 

Since the day he was drafted, JaMarcus Russell has not shown he has what it takes to be a championship-caliber NFL quarterback. 

Its been a long time since Russell made that amazing Hail Mary throw while at LSU to beat Kentucky. 

Russell has been nothing but unwilling to make the extra effort needed to be a starting NFL quarterback. 

As a rookie, Russell had one of the longest holdouts in NFL history. The holdout lasted months and essentially ruined Russell’s rookie season. 

That season Russell cost then Head Coach Lane Kiffin his job. Kiffin was opposed to drafting the LSU star with the No. 1 pick, while tyrant owner Al Davis said Russell was the best player hands down.

As Kiffin was fired, Davis wrote Kiffin a letter which included a section on how Kiffin was wrong in not wanting to draft Russell. Davis is quoted as saying, “JaMarcus is a great player. Get over it.”

Apparently, Kiffin is having the last laugh on that one. 

Then there was the 300 pound rumor about Russell. Granted Russell is a mammoth of a player at his listed size (6’6″ 260lbs), but a 300lb quarterback? I don’t think that sounds too successful. 

The Raiders have used draft picks on players they don’t even need in an effort to help Russell succeed. 

Darren McFadden was drafted with the No. 4 overall pick to help give Russell another deadly weapon out the backfield but McFadden has yet to live up to expectations. 

Then there is Darrius Heyward-Bay, one of the most baffling top 10 picks of all time.

DHB was a combine star in the 40 yard dash but disappeared in the ACC against some top talent but was drafted with the No. 7 pick and given a signing bonus way out of the rookie slotting, causing a headache for all teams in the surrounding area, and especially Michael Crabtree. 

Isn’t this the same player who took his receivers for a week to go get some extra work running routes and catching passes? It really doesnt look like it.

Looking at Russell’s numbers this year, Tom Cable may have better success behind center. 

Russell has two games throwing over 200 yards; one of those include an 86 yard touchdown which was much of the doing of TE Zach Miller as well as WR Louis Murphy who made some great blocks on the run. 

Russell has two games throwing over a 60 percent completion percentage and three games under 40 percent passing.

HUH?!?!?!?! 

Russel has completed more than 12 passes just once this season. During his career he has thrown more than 20 completions just twice.

How can anyone expect the Raiders to win any games in a season when their quarterback play has been one of the worst, if not the worst, in the NFL.

He has a 47.2 quarterback rating for gods sake! 

Russell has two touchdown passes this year and the one to Miller should be credited to him and Murphy, who made that play, and not Russell who made the wide open pass.

One can only feel bad for Russell. He is young and immature and part of an organization that is trying to win but its owner its holding them back. 

Maybe Russell should take some of the credit for his poor play. Have you seen his recent interview after the Jets game where Russell asked a reporter if he thought Russell was the problem with the offense? 

Hello, have you not seen yourself making careless throws time after time? Making wrong reads play after play? Not giving your team a real chance to succeed and only holding them back? 

Too bad Jeff Garcia isn’t still in the black and silver because he would win this team some games. 

Tom Cable, please make your quarterback accountable for his actions and abysmal play because he is not only making a joke of you, but also the Raiders’ proud and die-hard fans as well as the organization. 

 

 

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Inside The GridIron: Week One Power Rankings

Rank (Old) | Team  Record    Comments

1 (1)  |  Steelers  0-0   The Steelers look to extend their dominance.  

2 (3)  |  Patriots   0-0    Tom Brady looks like the Brady of old. It remains to be seen if the young players will step up with the absence of Richard Seymour.

3 (2)  |  Giants     0-0   Eli Manning will need to replace Plaxico, but expect the Giants to ride Jacobs the whole season.   

4 (4)  |  Eagles      0-0   McNabb and company should be passing early and often this season.

5 (5)  |  Colts         0-0   If Joseph Addai doesn’t step up, Peyton Manning will have to carry this team for much of the season.

6 (6)  |  Chargers   0-0   Big expectations in San Diego this season. A healthy tandem of Merriman and LT will take this team far this season.

7 (8)  |   Ravens     0-0   Derrick Mason is back after a quick scare. This team will be one of the best in the AFC again this season.

8 (9)  |  Falcons      0-0   Matt Ryan will be even better this season with the addition of Tony Gonzalez. If this team has a weakness, it is on the defense. 

9 (7)  |  Cardinals    0-0   Larry Fitzgerald looks to continue his dominance this season.

10 (10)  |  Titans     0-0   The Titans have upgraded their receiving corps this season. Chris Johnson and a slimmed-down LenDale White could be deadly.  

11 (12)  |  Vikings     0-0   Brett Favre gives this team a chance to do some damage all year long.

12 (15)  |  Bears        0-0   The Jay Cutler era has begun. Expectations are high in Chi-town.

13 (11)  |  Panthers   0-0   This team can only go as far as Jake Delhomme will take them.

14 (19)  |  Packers    0-0   The new 3-4 will work wonders for this team.

15 (14)  |  Texans     0-0   Schaub, Slaton and Johnson is scare for any defensive coordinator.   

16 (23)  |  Seahawks 0-0   Matt Hasselbeck has T.J. Whosyourmomma to throw to now.   

17 (17)  |  Dolphins    0-0   The secondary looks much improved with the additions of Sean Smith and Vontae Davis.

18 (14)  |  Cowboys    0-0   This is Wade Phillips’ make-or-break year.  

19 (16)  |  Saints   0-0   The Saints have all the potential in the world, but the defense must step up.

20 (19)  |  Jets   0-0   Viva la Sanchez!!

21 (24)  |  Bengals  0-0   Child, Please.

22 (20)  |  Redskins  0-0   Jason Campbell has been amidst controversy all offseason; it’s a contract year- time to slice critics.

23 (25)  |  Jaguars  0-0   Maurice Jones-Drew is going to prove he can handle a full load.

24 (23)  |  Bills  0-0   Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert was fired for his offense being too complex…really, Dick Jauron?

25 (24)  |  Broncos  0-0   Having Brandon Marshall in uniform is a MUST!

26 (28)  |  49ers  0-0   Can Coach Singletary and Shaun Hill bring this team from under the .500 mark?

27 (29)  |  Raiders  0-0   The addition of Richard Seymour gives this team a huge boost. If only he would report.,,

28 (27)  |  Browns  0-0   Anderson or Quinn? I put my bet on Quinn to start.

29 (26)  |  Buccaneers 0-0   Another firing of an offensive coordinator before the season starts? Not smart.

30 (30)  |  Chiefs  0-0   Is Matt Cassell healthy? Only Todd Haley really knows.

31 (31)  |  Rams  0-0   Coach Spagnuolo has put this team through a grueling offseason in effort to get tougher on both sides of the ball.

32 (32)  |  Lions  0-0   The Matthew Stafford era starts now.

 

 

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 www.InsidetheGridIron.com 

 

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Richard Seymour Trade: The Raiders Continue Their Unintelligent Ways

Today, the Raiders made another questionable decision, trading for five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour. 

Seymour, who turns 30 next month, has been one of the best defensive lineman in all of football in his arrival in the NFL in 2001, but he has not been to a Pro Bowl since 2006. 

Last season Seymour tied a career high in sacks with eight and only missed one game due to injury—unlike his 2008 season where he only played in eight games and registered 1.5 sacks. 

The Raiders bolster a rush defense that has statistically been the worst in football since their 2002 Super Bowl run, and the worst this preseason at 192 yards per game. But the improvement comes at a very steep cost. 

The 2011 first-round draft pick could be very costly for the Raiders if their recent struggles continue. If the Raiders don’t resign Seymour, then they have given up a first-round pick for a rent-a-player in a year they don’t look to be a contender. 

The Seymour trade is another in the list of questionable decisions made by Oakland this offseason. The Raiders drafted Darrius Heyward-Bay in the top 10, although he was a late-first-round projection. The Raiders turned around and gave him a super signing bonus out of the rookie slotting, which has caused a fuss in other draft pick signings. 

The Raiders have also released quarterback Jeff Garcia only a few months after signing him to backup JaMarcus Russell. The Raiders have no proven veteran quarterback behind the shaky Russell.

It seems the Raiders will never sniff the playoffs again until Al Davis gives up the team or passes on. 

Davis has been a tyrant of an owner for years. Recently, the Raiders coaching staff has been a revolving door. No Raider head coach has lasted more than a few years on the job, making it hard for the Raiders to have consistency. 

Maybe one of the biggest blunders in recent NFL history was the Raiders’ trading for Randy Moss. After two dreadful seasons in Oakland, the Raiders shipped Moss to the Patriots for a fourth-round draft pick. Moss has, once again, become a top receiver in the NFL, and set an NFL record with 22 touchdown receptions in a season. 

The Patriots’ trading of Seymour has once again solidified them as one of the best-run organizations in all of sports, not just the NFL. The Patriots are able to rebuild and retool year-in and year-out without missing a beat. 

Overall, the trade of Seymour gives the Raiders defensive line a superstar who will command double teams and be able to take over a game but at a very costly price. 

If the Raiders are able to re-sign Seymour, the trade will not hurt the Raiders long-term. But if Seymour walks away after this season, the Raiders gave up a potentially top-10 draft pick for a one-year rent-a-player. 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Pre-Season Headlines Fail to Disappoint

Pre-season football is always a great time for NFL fans everywhere; it means football season has started and only four weeks till the regular season starts. Pre-season rankings and records may not matter in the grand scheme of things, the Lions went 4-0 last season and look where it got them, but it the competition is fierce and eventful.

Not every fan will watch the game for all four quarters because the big name players only play a few snaps but the battles for roster spots are won during the last quarters of preseason.

The 2009-2010 preseason has failed to disappoint from major headlines to position battles and everything in between.

The stories that are eating up much of this year’s pre-season headlines all involve quarterbacks.

-Brett Favre has returned to the NFL in a Minnesota Vikings uniform.

-Michael Vick is given a second chance to get his life together with the Eagles.

-Tom Brady is returning from a devastating injury.

-Ben Roethlisberger is involved in an on-going he said she said rape saga.

-Jay Cutler is the biggest quarterback in a Bears uniform since Jim McMahon.

-The Browns quarterbacks haven’t thrown a touchdown in almost nine months.

-Mark Sanchez may get the starting nod in NY.

-Matthew Stafford is battling Daunte Culpepper for starting quarterback in D-town.

-Philip Rivers and Eli Manning have signed mega-deals while Matt Cassel got a nice deal of his own.

-Kyle Orton looks like he is going to get Josh McDaniels fired before the season even starts.

-Romo is actually completing passes without T.O. and Jessica Simpson.

-Tampa Bay can’t decide a starter of their three quarterbacks, and the 49ers have finally named Shaun Hill starter.

Whew! Are you serious? All within two weeks?

Quarterbacks haven’t been the only players in the news; Wide Receiver Donte’ Stallworth was involved in a DUI Vehicular Manslaughter case where he apparently tested positive for marijuana and received a 30-day sentence while only having to serve 24 days.

Bronco receiver Brandon Marshall has been practicing with the scout team and has not traveled with the team nor played in any game yet.

The controversial Terrell Owens has his own reality tv show which has shown him showing his ‘softer’ side.

Of course, Chad Ochocinco has been tweeting about everything from a jousting with San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawn Merriman to his kicking skills during a preseason game; the self-proclaimed “Esteban” Ochocinco kicked an extra point and a kickoff during the Bengals game 7-6 win over the Patriots.

Chad Ochocinco isnt the only one ‘tweeting’ during training camp; some coaches have banned players from using twitter, an online status updating website, during training camp and some players have been fined for complaining about cafeteria food, a la Chargers Antonio Cromartie.

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys new $1.15 billion stadium seems to have a major flaw as punters kicking the ball down the field may sometimes hit the scoreboard.

If you are a football fan, you’re like McDonald’s, because you’re lovin’ it! Although games don’t count toward the final record, the NFL season is in full swing. Games have been televised live four days a week while the NFL Network is replaying every preseason game in HD almost every hour of the day.

After a wild two weeks, one can only expect things to get even more interesting during the next two weeks as the pre-season closes. If the NFL regular season is anything like pre-season has been so far, NFL fans are in for a roller coaster of a season.

Fantasy Football: America’s New Pastime

Has anything exploded on the scene like fantasy football has the last few years?

Fantasy Football has given people all over the country for root for their hated rival players just because “they are on my fantasy team.” Common phrases such as “I hope we [team of your choice] beat the Vikings today but Adrian Peterson can have a good game because he is on my fantasy team” or “I don’t care if they score on us as long as Drew Brees throws the touchdown.”

Fantasy Football has been a nationwide revolution. Fantasy Football gives fans from all walks of life the ability to act as their own general manager on hundreds of sites, including top ones such as ESPN, Yahoo, CBS and NFL.com. Fans can draft, manage, trade, sign and release their favorite players all in an effort to win their league and bragging rights amongst their peers for an entire year.

Regardless of the fans interest level there are leagues for everyone. Recreational fantasy football leagues; they have that. Super fan ultra-competitive fantasy leagues; yup those too.

Fantasy Football has a weird way of connecting complete strangers all over the country for one common goal: winning. People love competition and why not be involved in your own while watching your favorite team play on Sunday.

What will make a grown man wake up early for work on a Monday morning after a long weekend? Checking their fantasy football scores to see how they have done in the prior days battle.

The “fandemonium” of fantasy football doesn’t stop there. Radio shows will talk about the prior days scores, top story lines and fantasy football points. Monday morning office talk is much of the same too; fantasy football dominates the office talk.

Remember the time that guy drafted Tom Brady with the third pick only to see him get hurt on the first series of the season? Can you believe Ronnie Brown had five touchdowns today?  Adrian Peterson killed me this week with that huge rushing day.

With only six days, eight hours and 45 minutes until my leagues fantasy football draft, you can bet I am doing my countless hours of research and mock drafts to ensure I am more prepared than my opponents to take my team to a championship this year.

Thousands of fans will be draft their teams for this years upcoming season within the next week and one thing is for constant amongst all of them: Fantasy Football has become America’s new pastime.

 

Derrick Mason Abruptly Retires Leaving Ravens In a Hole

In an offseason where the Ravens were looking to add another big play receiver to play alongside Mason, they will now be searching for his replacement. 

ESPN has reported that Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason has announced his retirement on the website JOCKlife.com. 

“I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I’ve had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all,” Mason said.

“Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end and I am ready to see what else life has to offer.”

A Ravens spokesman said that Mason has yet to send a letter to the NFL informing them of his retirement, but the abrupt decision comes as a huge blow to the Ravens, who have been in search of another wide receiver target this offseason.

The Ravens have been unsuccessful in adding big names like Anquan Boldin and Brandon Marshall, both whom have been targeted as potential candidates. 

Mason, who was entering the final year of his contract, had been unsuccessful in negotiating a long-term contract this offseason. 

Replacing Mason’s leadership, along with his 80 catches for 1,037 yards, won’t be easy. Demetrius Williams will fill the void of the No. 2 receiver alongside the inconsistent Mark Clayton.

The addition of TE L.J. Smith should help the passing game, but second year quarterback Joe Flacco might have a few bumps along the way.

The Ravens are nearly out of options; the Marshall front has been quiet, and Boldin has remained MIA in the media since firing Drew Rosenhaus.

The Browns may still be interesting in moving Braylon Edwards, but the chances of the two in-division rivals making a trade is almost zero. 

Unfortunately for the Ravens, time may have run out.

If the Ravens don’t add another receiving piece to their puzzle, it could be a tough sophomore season for Joe Flacco and head coach John Harbaugh. 

Steve “Air” McNair: A Winner’s Career in Retrospect

On the celebration of our nation’s independence, sports fans around the country took a moment of silence to remember a historic NFL player.

Steve McNair, 36, was found dead in his Nashville apartment on a Saturday afternoon; his death has been classified as a homicide.

“Air McNair” was known for his toughness and an uncanny approach to the quarterback position. McNair was described as a warrior amongst teammates because he frequently played hurt week in and week out.

The multidimensional McNair was a winner from the start. He led Mount Olive High School to a Mississippi state championship and was even drafted by the Seattle Mariners to play professional baseball.

Ultimately, McNair turned down the baseball offer to attended Alcorn State University to play quarterback rather than play defensive back at LSU and Southern Miss. At Alcorn State, he became one of the most successful Division 1-AA (now known as Football Championship Subdivision) players to ever step foot on the gridiron.

During McNair’s senior season in 1994, he received the Walter Payton award as the top player in NCAA Division 1-AA. In addition, McNair was an All-American and Heisman Trophy Finalist after producing nearly 6,000 yards in the air and on the ground while compiling a whopping total of 53 touchdowns.

In his four-year career, McNair amassed 14,496 career-passing yards and 16,823 yards of total offense, both are still Division 1-AA records.

As a revolutionist during his days at Alcorn State University, McNair caught the attention of the Houston Oilers and then-new head coach Jeff Fisher, who ended up drafting him with the third overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft.

McNair continued his ruggedness and tough style of play with the Oilers, providing a one-two punch with 1996 first round pick and Heisman winner running back Eddie George.

The Tennessee Titans were born in 1999 with Air McNair as the face of the franchise. McNair, with the help of Neil O’Donnell led the Titans to a 13-3 record and a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV.

The Titans played one of the most memorable Super Bowls to date against the St. Louis Rams as McNair orchestrated a 73-yard final drive that came up one-yard short on the last play of the game as Rams linebacker Mike Jones stopped receiver Kevin Dyson at the goal-line with :00 on the clock.

The Titans under McNair’s control were a top force in the NFL yearly. The Titans posted a 43-21 regular season record from 2000 to 2003.

During the 2003 season, McNair was named Co-MVP with division rival Peyton Manning despite not practicing the final two months of the season due to injuries. McNair, who was always known for being an admirable player on and off the field, had nothing but great thing to say about himself and rival Manning.

“My words cant express how I feel being co-MVP with another great quarterback like Peyton. It’s very emotional right for me that people look at me as being one of the top quarterbacks of the NFL, one of the top players, and co-MVP.”

McNair’s post MVP Titan career was injury-ridden and not the storybook ending he had hoped it to be but his luck changed on June 7, 2006 when he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

During the 2006 campaign McNair showed flashes of his old form throwing for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns leading the way to a 13-3 record and the AFC North Division Title. Despite the regular season success, the Ravens lost to the Colts in the playoffs.

In April of 2008, Steve “Air” McNair retired with 3 Pro-Bowls, 31,304 passing yards and 174 touchdowns.

Fans will remember McNair as a player who defied odds and was undoubtedly one of the toughest players to every put on a helmet from his days at Mount Olive High School to his retirement. McNair proved he could play quarterback spurring guaranteed money in pro baseball and a Division 1 scholarship to play defensive back at two big time colleges.

McNair was one of the few players from 1-AA to get Heisman recognition and the first black small-college quarterback to get National exposure since Doug Williams in 1978. 

Steve McNair was one of a kind person, teammate and friend. The community will remember him as always very giving and generous, his teammates will remember him for his passion and willingness to leave it on all the field. His friends will remember him as someone who severely impacted their lives forever and will be greatly missed.

The Hot Topic @ InsidetheGridIron.com 

Mile-High Fiasco: Brandon Marshall Asks for Trade

Again, the Denver Broncos are in the news for one of their best players wanting out of the Mile-High city, as Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall asked for a trade.

The Broncos have already traded away a Pro Bowl quarterback for the mediocre Kyle Orton, and draft picks thus new head coach Josh McDaniels can’t afford to give into another player’s demands.

Brandon Marshall, despite his off-field troubles, has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL over the last two seasons: posting 206 receptions for 2590 yards and 13 touchdowns. Although the Broncos have solid weapons in Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, and Brandon Stokley, Marshall is irreplaceable.

This offseason, receivers such as Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin had been shopped around to no avail. The Browns and Cardinals failed to field any substantial offers for their big time wide receivers, so what makes Brandon Marshall and his agent believe the Broncos will get enough in return for them to trade their oft-troubled best player?

Marshall is looking for a big contract extension but Denver isn’t his ideal situation. He has lost his Pro Bowl quarterback and is playing in a new system. Statistically, his stock may be at its highest point; Marshall and his agent know this. The Broncos gave into Cutler’s demands so Marshall will make his attempt to get his way.

Marshall needs the Broncos just as much as McDaniels needs Marshall. McDaniels needs Marshall to be his big go-to receiver, as Randy Moss was in New England and Marshall needs the Broncos offense to perform at a high level, so he can receive his fat paycheck.

There lies a problem if Marshall does not receive a contract extension this season. If the Collective Bargaining Agreement is not renegotiated, the NFL will have an uncapped year in 2010—meaning players would have to have six years of service in order to be eligible for free agency.

Brandon Marshall is well aware of the current CBA situation and does not want to be stuck in Josh McDaniels rebuilding stage without an extension: thus his request for a trade.

The Broncos, who have been stuck in a whirlwind of controversy this offseason, need to handle the situation accordingly.  They cannot give into another players demand for a trade when things aren’t going their way. This could create a domino effect when players such as phenomenon left tackle Ryan Clady or emerging Eddie Royal are unhappy and want new contracts.

Look for Marshall to suit up for the Broncos this season with a chip on his shoulder in efforts to get his payday or his one-way ticket out of Denver.

Hot Topic @ InsidetheGridIron.com

Why Mark Sanchez Holds the Edge Among Fellow Rookie Quarterbacks

Three quarterbacks were chosen in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but only one will make a dramatic impact on his team; the big apple’s own Mark Sanchez.

Although Sanchez is in the midst of a quarterback ‘competition’ of his own with the unimpressive Kellen Clemens, Sanchez is sure to come out on top by the start of the season.

Sanchez, who has wowed coaches during minicamp, has all the tools that scouts drool over: rare accuracy, legitimate NFL arm strength, strong intangibles, and mobility in the pocket.

Playing in a pro-style offense at USC, Sanchez threw for 3,207 yards with 34 touchdowns, leading the Trojans to a 12-1 record. Sanchez impressed scouts and coaches with his exceptional leadership skills and rare abilities that translated to success on the field.

The Jets traded up in the draft to nap Sanchez and have already invested $28 million guaranteed and upward of $60 million over five years to their new face of the franchise and poster boy. In a huge New York market, where the pressure is on, it would be tough for everyone involved to have Sanchez ride the pine for most of his rookie season.

Sanchez holds the edge to make more of an impact this season than his fellow first-round quarterbacks for two reason: Sanchez has the best shot to start the season, as his team’s starting quarterback, and the Jets have a better supporting cast than the Lions and Buccaneers.

Even though the Jets play the seventh toughest schedule this season, Sanchez won’t need to throw the ball 30 times a game because he can hand the ball off to last years AFC leading rusher Thomas Jones.  Sanchez also has the speedy Leon Washington and fellow rookie Shonn Greene in his backfield arsenal.

New head coach Rex Ryan brings an aggressive, unorthodox style of play to an underachieving defense that has talent at nearly every position. If the defense plays to their potential, the Jets will resemble last years Baltimore Ravens, who started rookie Joe Flacco and made it to the AFC Championship game.

Coach Ryan and Sanchez have once frustrated Jets fans believing they will be in the playoffs this season after last years Brett Favre failure and playoff collapse.

Sanchez already has his mind made up about where he will be when the season starts. “I feel like I’m going to be on the field and that’s what you always want to do. You don’t grow up dreaming of being a backup, so I’m going to go for it.”

Undoubtedly, Sanchez will be the Jets starting quarterback from week one and will make the bigger impact on his team than both Matthew Stafford and Josh Freeman.  

Debate of the Week @ InsidetheGridIron.com

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