OFFICIAL NFL Week by Week Thread:

[Ehwmatt]

Totally embarrassing performance by Cinci tonight. Deano, you hearing them playing Bruce's Wrecking Ball at the commercials?

[Ehwmatt]

BTW, absolutely stunning blow for Welker to do an MCL and an ACL in the last game. Moss may still be flashier but Welker is far and away the best receiver on that team now. I don't see the already susceptible Pats doing much damage now... Before, there was always the threat of a scary offensive game. It's gonna be awfully tough now. Sure makes a buffoon's move like Caldwell's look a little more legitimate doesn't it?

[ttango1]

Welker was once the last player cut on the Chargers roster. They messed up on letting him go to Miami. But with regards to that injury. It was non-contact. It wasn't one of those deals where he shouldn't have been on the field.

Caldwell's call wasn't his, it came from on high...OWNERSHIP.

Wes...get better man. You are the best possession receiver on the planet. With successful surgery and some hard rehab...you will be again.

[Ehwmatt]

Welker was once the last player cut on the Chargers roster. They messed up on letting him go to Miami. But with regards to that injury. It was non-contact. It wasn't one of those deals where he shouldn't have been on the field.

Yeah I know it was... still a rough day no matter what.

[YoungJRNY]

Looks like the Bengals stayed in Cincinnati and forgot about their game tonight. I just might have to agree with John, Cincy looks to be the weakest Division Champion in a long time.

I've been saying this ALL year! I've said it time and time again that out of the AFC & NFC the Cincinnati Bengals are BY FAR the weakest team out of the entire NFL that are contending for a playoff birth. They enter the playoffs losing 3 out of the last 4 games, and that lone win was BARELY squeaking by Kansas City.

To top it off, they are playing a team that just SQUASHED them 37-0 to enter the tournament and with them just brushing it aside and not giving two craps about the outcome couldn't be more revealing about Cincinnati's mind set for the playoffs. Cincy is still FAIRLY new to this playoff thing and they seem to be lost. Not only are the Jets hot, but they are warm, fired up and ready to go. They have the edged advantage over the Bengals who have been playing pretender for quite some time now. I believe if not this week, then it will be the next that Cincy will get their complete ASS handed to them and right back out of their fun filled AFC North division championship. Lucky for them, the NFL works magic and they have a punchers chance. But judging by their performances from this past month, they have shown nothing to really be concerned about.

[squirt1]

Look, 6 starters on defense have been out for weeks. 3 return on Saturday and the other 3 out for the year. I think they played not to get anyone else hurt IMO. Chad is having a MRI today on his knee from falling before the game in practice. After losing Chris Henry,if Chad is out the rest of them can't catch a cold. A football would be almost impossible.

[Ehwmatt]

Look, 6 starters on defense have been out for weeks. 3 return on Saturday and the other 3 out for the year. I think they played not to get anyone else hurt IMO. Chad is having a MRI today on his knee from falling before the game in practice. After losing Chris Henry,if Chad is out the rest of them can't catch a cold. A football would be almost impossible.

Yeah, but the real woes have really been on hte offensive side, the defensive injuries notwithstanding. They really have had no offense since the second half of the second Ravens game back in November (or was it early Dec?). Either way, it's been several weeks...

[squirt1]

Matt- I noticed the center we had , that snapped the ball over the punters/ kickers heads, should have been released 2 games earlier. Some of the names on both sides of the ball, I don't even know. The loss of Chris Henry when he broke his arm was HUGE ! He was such a deep threat and then Chad was free. It looks like Cleveland is getting it together for next year. I wish football season was just starting ! See you next summer/fall 2x.

[7 Wishes]

No one has been ravaged by injuries the past two years more than the Patriots. That, and a complete absence of talent beyond the front four, has contributed to their sub-standard 21-11 record the past two seasons. However, I don't think Welker's injury will affect the Pats too much. He won two Super Bowls with Troy Brown as his "star receiver" and would have won another if Jabar Gaffney hadn't soaked his hands in baby oil before kickoff.

[YoungJRNY]

No one has been ravaged by injuries the past two years more than the Patriots. That, and a complete absence of talent beyond the front four, has contributed to their sub-standard 21-11 record the past two seasons. However, I don't think Welker's injury will affect the Pats too much. He won two Super Bowls with Troy Brown as his "star receiver" and would have won another if Jabar Gaffney hadn't soaked his hands in baby oil before kickoff.

Even though the Pats had their share of injuries, no way can they matchup injury to injury compared to the Steelers last 2 years. In '08 The Steelers lost 3 solid key starters on their offensive line, plus their #1 draft pick in the 3rd game of the season in Mendenhall. Starting running back Willie Parker was then injured and the Steelers had to go multiple games down to their 3rd down back, running behind an already banged up offensive line.

This season the Steelers lost 2 of their best players on defense and ironically, the 2 best at their position.. Polamalu and defensive end Aaron Smith. Aaron Smith's backup then got hurt multiple games and we were forced to use a rotation, which included a rookie. Our other starter at DE, Brett Keisel, then missed the last two games. Ben missed a game because of a concussion, Mendenhall got hurt and wasn't used the first 3 games and Willie then had turf toe. Hines also missed a few games, to which at the time, he was leading the league in yardage.

To say Welker's loss won't affect the Pats much is just ludicrous. The man led the team & the league with over 100 receptions the last few years and he is a more viable, and solid weapon than Moss and the whole Pats receiving corps combined. With Brady banged up and playing terrible as it is, Welker is needed big time and they will suffer because of it. Their lucky they got the running game going since that's their shot, too bad they are going up against a tough Baltimore team. Still, I'm never counting Brady and the Pats out of NOTHING.

[YoungJRNY]

Looks like the Clowns STILL DON'T GET IT! Cribbs may walk.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

BTW: The comeback player of the year should of went to either Farve, or Vince Young. Brady is not deserving. We get he came back from a knee injury,but that alone shouldn't automatically give him honors. I understand the pick. As far as the NFL was concerned, Brady was automatic since week 1 for this award. Only 40% of Sports Nation believe he is deserving. Brady got if off name alone.

[Ehwmatt]

Looks like the Clowns STILL DON'T GET IT! Cribbs may walk.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

BTW: The comeback player of the year should of went to either Farve, or Vince Young. Brady is not deserving. We get he came back from a knee injury,but that alone shouldn't automatically give him honors. I understand the pick. As far as the NFL was concerned, Brady was automatic since week 1 for this award. Only 40% of Sports Nation believe he is deserving. Brady got if off name alone.

For once, I am gonna defend our front offices FOR NOW until more facts come to light. The media loves a good controversy. Here's the reality: We are in the hunt for a GM and most likely a coach or at the very least deciding Mangini's fate. Those two are both bigger than giving Cribbs, a special player, but one player nonetheless, more money at the moment.

I wholeheartedly believe Cribbs deserves a new deal, the fact that he signed a long deal and locked his own fate in notwithstanding. But, with that said, the way his agent has handled it is totally classless. He has released the e-mail he sent to the front office to the press, is whining like a little bitch, and should give Holmgren & Co. a chance to settle in and fry their bigger fish before attending to Josh.

Now, if they really don't intend to negotiate in good faith with Cribbs, then that's another story. But the hard reality for Cribbs is that he can't "walk," he's locked in for another three years. Cribbs is 100% class, I've met him and he is a soft-spoken, unassuming guy with massive talent. I hope for the best for him and I hope he gets himself another agent besides the buffoon he's got now. The guy has likely shot Cribbs in the foot with his own heavy-handed, unprofessional negotiating strategies.

[YoungJRNY]

Looks like the Clowns STILL DON'T GET IT! Cribbs may walk.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

BTW: The comeback player of the year should of went to either Farve, or Vince Young. Brady is not deserving. We get he came back from a knee injury,but that alone shouldn't automatically give him honors. I understand the pick. As far as the NFL was concerned, Brady was automatic since week 1 for this award. Only 40% of Sports Nation believe he is deserving. Brady got if off name alone.

For once, I am gonna defend our front offices FOR NOW until more facts come to light. The media loves a good controversy. Here's the reality: We are in the hunt for a GM and most likely a coach or at the very least deciding Mangini's fate. Those two are both bigger than giving Cribbs, a special player, but one player nonetheless, more money at the moment.

I wholeheartedly believe Cribbs deserves a new deal, the fact that he signed a long deal and locked his own fate in notwithstanding. But, with that said, the way his agent has handled it is totally classless. He has released the e-mail he sent to the front office to the press, is whining like a little bitch, and should give Holmgren & Co. a chance to settle in and fry their bigger fish before attending to Josh.

Now, if they really don't intend to negotiate in good faith with Cribbs, then that's another story. But the hard reality for Cribbs is that he can't "walk," he's locked in for another three years. Cribbs is 100% class, I've met him and he is a soft-spoken, unassuming guy with massive talent. I hope for the best for him and I hope he gets himself another agent besides the buffoon he's got now. The guy has likely shot Cribbs in the foot with his own heavy-handed, unprofessional negotiating strategies.

While I understand the Browns are in complete overhaul mode, a mode they've been in since 1999, there's only ONE.... ONE player on that WHOLE ENTIRE roster to build around and that's Joshua Cribbs. Yes, they are completley washing things out at the moment, but that doesn't give them reason to let go not only their best all around player on the team, but arguably the best specialist in the entire league. Say they let Cribbs walk. #1 they are much worse off with talent and #2 how do you replace a dynamic player? And #3 If you DO replace him then that means paying something else that is not only un proven, but giving them the big bucks. If the Browns can go after and sign guys like Rodgers like they did last off season (some said the Browns had the best off season at the time and made many big signings) then they can sure as hell get rid of guys like DA, Quinn and Rodgers and make room to sign Cribbs, then rebuild through the draft.

After all this is all said and done within the ranks of the suites, Cribbs should be their first option and there's no excuse for not retaining him.

[Ehwmatt]

Looks like the Clowns STILL DON'T GET IT! Cribbs may walk.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

BTW: The comeback player of the year should of went to either Farve, or Vince Young. Brady is not deserving. We get he came back from a knee injury,but that alone shouldn't automatically give him honors. I understand the pick. As far as the NFL was concerned, Brady was automatic since week 1 for this award. Only 40% of Sports Nation believe he is deserving. Brady got if off name alone.

For once, I am gonna defend our front offices FOR NOW until more facts come to light. The media loves a good controversy. Here's the reality: We are in the hunt for a GM and most likely a coach or at the very least deciding Mangini's fate. Those two are both bigger than giving Cribbs, a special player, but one player nonetheless, more money at the moment.

I wholeheartedly believe Cribbs deserves a new deal, the fact that he signed a long deal and locked his own fate in notwithstanding. But, with that said, the way his agent has handled it is totally classless. He has released the e-mail he sent to the front office to the press, is whining like a little bitch, and should give Holmgren & Co. a chance to settle in and fry their bigger fish before attending to Josh.

Now, if they really don't intend to negotiate in good faith with Cribbs, then that's another story. But the hard reality for Cribbs is that he can't "walk," he's locked in for another three years. Cribbs is 100% class, I've met him and he is a soft-spoken, unassuming guy with massive talent. I hope for the best for him and I hope he gets himself another agent besides the buffoon he's got now. The guy has likely shot Cribbs in the foot with his own heavy-handed, unprofessional negotiating strategies.

While I understand the Browns are in complete overhaul mode, a mode they've been in since 1999, there's only ONE.... ONE player on that WHOLE ENTIRE roster to build around and that's Joshua Cribbs. Yes, they are completley washing things out at the moment, but that doesn't give them reason to let go not only their best all around player on the team, but arguably the best specialist in the entire league. Say they let Cribbs walk. #1 they are much worse off with talent and #2 how do you replace a dynamic player? And #3 If you DO replace him then that means paying something else that is not only un proven, but giving them the big bucks. If the Browns can go after and sign guys like Rodgers like they did last off season (some said the Browns had the best off season at the time and made many big signings) then they can sure as hell get rid of guys like DA, Quinn and Rodgers and make room to sign Cribbs, then rebuild through the draft.

After all this is all said and done within the ranks of the suites, Cribbs should be their first option and there's no excuse for not retaining him.

I don't disagree wth one thing you said, plus Cribbs is loyal to the city of Cleveland, a rare commodity with our athletes.

But, my point still stands: The agent has been a classless wiener who hasn't allowed the front office to settle in and deal with things. The game and team are both bigger than one player. Playing complete devil's advocate here, Holmgren might indeed be looking to deal Cribbs instead of locking in (I hope not). On the other hand, I'm hoping the initial offer was an opening salvo. They might be a bit concerned as kick returners can literally disappear overnight, much like RBs and might want to take their chances. Who knows what they are thinking?

But, the end point is the agent has handled the thing all wrong and I think it's bullshit. So, I will stick up for the front office at this point in time.

[YoungJRNY]

Looks like the Clowns STILL DON'T GET IT! Cribbs may walk.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

BTW: The comeback player of the year should of went to either Farve, or Vince Young. Brady is not deserving. We get he came back from a knee injury,but that alone shouldn't automatically give him honors. I understand the pick. As far as the NFL was concerned, Brady was automatic since week 1 for this award. Only 40% of Sports Nation believe he is deserving. Brady got if off name alone.

For once, I am gonna defend our front offices FOR NOW until more facts come to light. The media loves a good controversy. Here's the reality: We are in the hunt for a GM and most likely a coach or at the very least deciding Mangini's fate. Those two are both bigger than giving Cribbs, a special player, but one player nonetheless, more money at the moment.

I wholeheartedly believe Cribbs deserves a new deal, the fact that he signed a long deal and locked his own fate in notwithstanding. But, with that said, the way his agent has handled it is totally classless. He has released the e-mail he sent to the front office to the press, is whining like a little bitch, and should give Holmgren & Co. a chance to settle in and fry their bigger fish before attending to Josh.

Now, if they really don't intend to negotiate in good faith with Cribbs, then that's another story. But the hard reality for Cribbs is that he can't "walk," he's locked in for another three years. Cribbs is 100% class, I've met him and he is a soft-spoken, unassuming guy with massive talent. I hope for the best for him and I hope he gets himself another agent besides the buffoon he's got now. The guy has likely shot Cribbs in the foot with his own heavy-handed, unprofessional negotiating strategies.

While I understand the Browns are in complete overhaul mode, a mode they've been in since 1999, there's only ONE.... ONE player on that WHOLE ENTIRE roster to build around and that's Joshua Cribbs. Yes, they are completley washing things out at the moment, but that doesn't give them reason to let go not only their best all around player on the team, but arguably the best specialist in the entire league. Say they let Cribbs walk. #1 they are much worse off with talent and #2 how do you replace a dynamic player? And #3 If you DO replace him then that means paying something else that is not only un proven, but giving them the big bucks. If the Browns can go after and sign guys like Rodgers like they did last off season (some said the Browns had the best off season at the time and made many big signings) then they can sure as hell get rid of guys like DA, Quinn and Rodgers and make room to sign Cribbs, then rebuild through the draft.

After all this is all said and done within the ranks of the suites, Cribbs should be their first option and there's no excuse for not retaining him.

I don't disagree wth one thing you said, plus Cribbs is loyal to the city of Cleveland, a rare commodity with our athletes.

But, my point still stands: The agent has been a classless wiener who hasn't allowed the front office to settle in and deal with things. The game and team are both bigger than one player. Playing complete devil's advocate here, Holmgren might indeed be looking to deal Cribbs instead of locking in (I hope not). On the other hand, I'm hoping the initial offer was an opening salvo. They might be a bit concerned as kick returners can literally disappear overnight, much like RBs and might want to take their chances. Who knows what they are thinking?

But, the end point is the agent has handled the thing all wrong and I think it's bullshit. So, I will stick up for the front office at this point in time.

You said it best as far as the media. It's too early and who knows what their plans are. We'll know further down the road. As far as a team being bigger than the player, I think signing Cribbs would be a major benefit to the team so it's a wash Fortunate for Cleveland fans is that Holgrem knows what he's doing and will do things right.

[Ehwmatt]

You said it best as far as the media. It's too early and who knows what their plans are. We'll know further down the road. As far as a team being bigger than the player, I think signing Cribbs would be a major benefit to the team so it's a wash Fortunate for Cleveland fans is that Holgrem knows what he's doing and will do things right.

I mean I know it's a cliche and I sure would love to have Josh as a career Brown. But I'll defer to Holmgren for now, who hopefully knows worlds more about football than I'll ever dream of knowing.

[YoungJRNY]

You said it best as far as the media. It's too early and who knows what their plans are. We'll know further down the road. As far as a team being bigger than the player, I think signing Cribbs would be a major benefit to the team so it's a wash Fortunate for Cleveland fans is that Holgrem knows what he's doing and will do things right.

I mean I know it's a cliche and I sure would love to have Josh as a career Brown. But I'll defer to Holmgren for now, who hopefully knows worlds more about football than I'll ever dream of knowing.

Yeah, the AFC NORTH can become a 4 way dance REAL SOON.

[S2M]

Any team that only has ONE marquee player.....doesn't deserve to keep him. 'nuff said.


FYI - what did Favre come back from? It isn't a comeback when you have the rookie of the year on your team.....as well as that defensive juggernaut - Jared Allen. Young is a better case. BASKETcase, that is.......

[YoungJRNY]

Any team that only has ONE marquee player.....doesn't deserve to keep him. 'nuff said.


FYI - what did Favre come back from? It isn't a comeback when you have the rookie of the year on your team.....as well as that defensive juggernaut - Jared Allen. Young is a better case. BASKETcase, that is.......

Well, considering he had a shoulder injury last season (which should of required surgery) that carried over to this season and considering he didn't come back until mid August and missed all team workouts and training camp, all in the midst in switching 2 teams in 2 years is mighty impressive for him to come in and have this productive of a season, and at the age of 40 to boot. Not to mention being one of, if not, the best team in the NFC throughout the season.

[S2M]

Any team that only has ONE marquee player.....doesn't deserve to keep him. 'nuff said.


FYI - what did Favre come back from? It isn't a comeback when you have the rookie of the year on your team.....as well as that defensive juggernaut - Jared Allen. Young is a better case. BASKETcase, that is.......

Well, considering he had a shoulder injury last season (which should of required surgery) that carried over to this season and considering he didn't come back until mid August and missed all team workouts and training camp, all in the midst in switching 2 teams in 2 years is mighty impressive for him to come in and have this productive of a season, all in the midst of being 40 years old.

I'm so tired of hearing that he's 40 years old.....he played all 16 games last year....brady didn't. Favre is the Phil Jackson of football. Unless he is in the ideal situation, he does shit.

Personally, i would be embarrassed to get comeback player of the year....Means you sucked the year before(barring injury like Brady).

Let's see Favre get CBPOY on a team like St. Louis, Oakland, or Detroit....then I'll be impressed.

[YoungJRNY]

Any team that only has ONE marquee player.....doesn't deserve to keep him. 'nuff said.


FYI - what did Favre come back from? It isn't a comeback when you have the rookie of the year on your team.....as well as that defensive juggernaut - Jared Allen. Young is a better case. BASKETcase, that is.......

Well, considering he had a shoulder injury last season (which should of required surgery) that carried over to this season and considering he didn't come back until mid August and missed all team workouts and training camp, all in the midst in switching 2 teams in 2 years is mighty impressive for him to come in and have this productive of a season, all in the midst of being 40 years old.

I'm so tired of hearing that he's 40 years old.....he played all 16 games last year....brady didn't. Favre is the Phil Jackson of football. Unless he is in the ideal situation, he does shit.

Personally, i would be embarrassed to get comeback player of the year....Means you sucked the year before(barring injury like Brady).

Let's see Favre get CBPOY on a team like St. Louis, Oakland, or Detroit....then I'll be impressed.

CPOTY is mainly for a player who was injured the season before and over came odds and came back strong the next season, not because the player "sucked" the year before. It's not really a "bragging" award and if anything shows how hard a player works coming back from injury. The year before it was Pennington I believe. He injured his shoulder badly, but the difference was he fought for a spot on a team, became the starter and led a team that went 1-11 the year before to a playoff birth and division championship. Brady certainly has his credentials (his job was never in doubt, and he was taking back his team that went 11-5 the year before, and a Super Bowl favorite) of being CPOTY, but I think it deserved to go to Vince Young (who some people thought was on suicide watch, or Favre like the reasons above.)

As far af Favre on other teams, I believe you can say that about anyone. Let's see McNabb, Brady, Manning, Rivers, Eli, Ben, and Palmer go to St.Louis, Oakland, or Detroit and see if they can turn it around. It's a moot point.

[Ehwmatt]

Who the fuck cares who gets Comeback Player of the Year? Will we be looking back at Brady's career someday and say "Man, his place in the Hall was really cemented by that CBPOTY award back in 09-10"? I mean honestly, what a meaningless award in the grand scheme of things.

[YoungJRNY]

Who the fuck cares who gets Comeback Player of the Year? Will we be looking back at Brady's career someday and say "Man, his place in the Hall was really cemented by that CBPOTY award back in 09-10"? I mean honestly, what a meaningless award in the grand scheme of things.

I agree. Like I said, a complete non bragging award. It just shows how hard a player works from injury but it's a personal award. Weeks slow leading up to the playoff matches, not really much to talk about as of right now other than Shanahan and the Redskins, and we already hit up on Cribbs and the Cleveland situation.

[Ehwmatt]

Shock news of the day: Mangini is staying another year!

Any one who listened to Holmgren talk in the past few days will be 100% shocked by this. I'm at peace with the decision at this point, not because I'm some bonehead that thinks 4 wins over shit teams means anything, but because mangini can't do nearly as much damage with his new stripped back role. I'd rather see them focus on getting players and infrastructure here rather than blowing it up with a new coach all over again just yet.

[ScarabGator]

New Gators defensive coordinator..from the Dolphins...
http://www.gatorcountry.com/football/ar ... as_dc/8078

GREAT hire!!!

[Luvsaugeri]

Shock news of the day: Mangini is staying another year!

Any one who listened to Holmgren talk in the past few days will be 100% shocked by this. I'm at peace with the decision at this point, not because I'm some bonehead that thinks 4 wins over shit teams means anything, but because mangini can't do nearly as much damage with his new stripped back role. I'd rather see them focus on getting players and infrastructure here rather than blowing it up with a new coach all over again just yet.

I'm not shocked at all. I was one that felt Mangini should get at least another year. I mean...how many freakin coaches can a team pay to sit at home after they fire them?? Plus, other than the QB fiasco, I didn't think he did a bad job.

And I thought Holmgren seemed sincere when he said he was going into his meeting with an open mind regarding Mangini. Yeah, I kind of thought he might be gone but I'm not shocked he isn't.

So far I am LOVING Holgrem!!

[Ehwmatt]

Shock news of the day: Mangini is staying another year!

Any one who listened to Holmgren talk in the past few days will be 100% shocked by this. I'm at peace with the decision at this point, not because I'm some bonehead that thinks 4 wins over shit teams means anything, but because mangini can't do nearly as much damage with his new stripped back role. I'd rather see them focus on getting players and infrastructure here rather than blowing it up with a new coach all over again just yet.

I'm not shocked at all. I was one that felt Mangini should get at least another year. I mean...how many freakin coaches can a team pay to sit at home after they fire them?? Plus, other than the QB fiasco, I didn't think he did a bad job.

And I thought Holmgren seemed sincere when he said he was going into his meeting with an open mind regarding Mangini. Yeah, I kind of thought he might be gone but I'm not shocked he isn't.

So far I am LOVING Holgrem!!

There was plenty more to be upset with Mangini about, but now that his power has been stripped away, he can't damage us. I don't mind keeping him around for another year barring catastrophic unforeseen circumstances that result in his staying on.

[YoungJRNY]

I think it was obvious in Holmgren in keeping Mangini. This is only Mangini's first season and even though players despise him because of his work ethic, you kind of can't blame him and it looks like the players get that and are behind him. He took over an organization that piss's away it's little talent that it has and as a coach, he needed to take every caution possible in handling Cleveland and the guys that went with it.

He made it known that discipline will occur and if you don't like it then tough shit, leave or sit your ass on the bench. I kind of thought he was a dipshit at first and turned Cleveland into an even more laughing stock as they already were, but I get it now. Every new coach needs to make their mark into letting it know it is HIS team, but Mangini was left in a brutal spot as it was and that's Cleveland. He made it known this is how it's going to be and now they are riding a 4 game win streak into the 2010 season.

If Holmgren would of fired Mangini, it would of been forever ago, or he would have AT LEAST got a pink slip to just finish out the season. 1 year doesn't give a head coach a chance or justice. This year will be telling for Mangini and his players, and there will be no way, no how he treats the players like dog shit. Maybe they will respond to him now. Holmgren should feel his pain anyhow since he was apart of the head coaching ranks, respectively. If anyone knows how tough it is on a head coach, let alone an assistant, it's Holmgren. I think it's a good move and puts trust into the Browns.

[Ehwmatt]

I think it was obvious in Holmgren in keeping Mangini. This is only Mangini's first season and even though players despise him because of his work ethic, you kind of can't blame him and it looks like the players get that and are behind him. He took over an organization that piss's away it's little talent that it has and as a coach, he needed to take every caution possible in handling Cleveland and the guys that went with it.

He made it known that discipline will occur and if you don't like it then tough shit, leave or sit your ass on the bench. I kind of thought he was a dipshit at first and turned Cleveland into an even more laughing stock as they already were, but I get it now. Every new coach needs to make their mark into letting it know it is HIS team, but Mangini was left in a brutal spot as it was and that's Cleveland. He made it known this is how it's going to be and now they are riding a 4 game win streak into the 2010 season.

If Holmgren would of fired Mangini, it would of been forever ago, or he would have AT LEAST got a pink slip to just finish out the season. 1 year doesn't give a head coach a chance or justice. This year will be telling for Mangini and his players, and there will be no way, no how he treats the players like dog shit. Maybe they will respond to him now. Holmgren should feel his pain anyhow since he was apart of the head coaching ranks, respectively. If anyone knows how tough it is on a head coach, let alone an assistant, it's Holmgren. I think it's a good move and puts trust into the Browns.

I hated Mangini early on and still don't care for him, but I'm glad he's still here. It would have sucked to blow it up again. I just figured with the way Holmgren was talking in his presser to the Cleveland media, combined w/ the fact that the two couldn't be more different football philosophy-wise, meant an early exit for the Mangenius.

Mangini has instilled discipline, love him or hate him, that's simply the fact. We were the least penalized team the entire year. That's a huge turnaround for us. Now that his sweeping power over personnel has been taken from him, I'm hoping his good qualities as a coach will shine and bad qualities as a dictator/personnel man will be overshadowed or better yet, be a complete non-issue.

I still think there's a strong possibility Holmgren cans Mangini halfway through next year or even after a rocky start, say 1-3 or 0-4, and installs himself on the sideline. I think that'd be a bad move, but it's very possible.

[YoungJRNY]

Finally here. Lets get this shit started already! LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE.

SATURDAY; 4:30 EST

NYJ @ CIN: The Bengals missed out on an opportunity to show what they were about against a playoff hungry team. I understand them sitting, but showing not ONE ounce of passion is a prob, esp losing 3 outta the last 4 to end the season, and that lonely win came against the Chiefs and the Bengals struggled at home against them. The Jets defense is hungry, fast and furious and with Ocho Cinco running his mouth, look for that defense to come alive, just like the game against N.E forever ago. Jets by 10.

SATURDAY; 8:00 EST

PHILLY @ DALLAS: The Eagles have lost to the Cowboys twice this season, and that is rare since the Eagles have consistently had the Cowboys number throughout the last couple seaons throughout the East. It looks like many of the teams that knew there were going to be a re-match layed down in a way, Philly being one of them. They will turn it up a notch and experience will leave Romo and the Cowboys in the dust. We all know how hard it is to beat a division rival 3 times in one season. Philly is my pick to win the Super Bowl. Can the Cowboys pull a Steelers from last season? I don't think so. Philly by 8.

SUNDAY; 1:00 EST

BALT @ N.E: New England is as beat up as it comes and it couldn't have come at a worse time. Say what you want about Balty or how average they seem, but they are hard nosed and N.E can't afford to get into a slug fest. With Welker out, Ray Lewis and company are coming after a banged up Brady, and Ray Rice will wear and tear at that below average defense. Bellicheat is going to have to come out swinging. Luckily their in New England. Should be a great game. Baltimore by 4.

SUNDAY; 4:30 EST

GB @ ARI: Green Bay is the team I am rooting for to go all the way. I love the organization, the fans and the tradition, and EVERYONE knows they want to see Favre/Rodgers III for all the marbles. With that said, don't sleep on Arizona and Warner and company. I've said it many times, Arizona is one of THEE toughest place to play in the NFL when the chips are on the line and in prime time. Frenzied crowd. Arizona will be tough but GB is destined, as is Philly when it comes to a championship. GB by 14.