Tampa Bay apparently has the "franchise quarterback" to lead them this season. posted by Ken.

Like it or not with the pick 17th pick overall the buccaneers selected former KSU quarterback Josh Freeman whose has been anointed as a "franchise quarterback" by an organization which last drafted a quarterback with is first round selection in  1994 by selecting Trent Dilfer. The buccaneers seem to be heading in the right direction rather than taking the popular selection of a defensive player. Sound off!Continue reading "Tampa Bay apparently has the "franchise ..."

CROWN OF ZORNS posted by Geoff Partel

With all that’s going on in Washington this week with the steroids hearings, it’s no wonder the Redskins got second billing when they announced Jim Zorn as their new head coach.   This isn’t really what the Redskins are about of course, and if Daniel Snyder had his way, even a presidential assassination would take to the back pages behind what’s going on at Redskin Park.   But Zorn’s quiet press conference, which already is best remembered for his flubbing the team’s colors, is proving more and more that Dan Snyder has become the incarnate of Al Davis with a larger bank account.   It’s also an indication of how much owners are willing to gamble…or settle…on coaches with marginal experience at best.

Personally, I like Jim Zorn.  He represents a sentimental time when I was first starting to follow football.   Zorn, of course, was the starting quarterback for the expansion Seattle Seahawks in 1976.  For me there was always a fascination about this team, being that they were tucked up on nation’s northwest corner…in a galaxy far, far, away.   Considering that I was living outside of Rochester NY at that time, I assumed that I’d just as likely step foot in Damascus before ever doing so in Seattle.  The Seahawks were also the lower key of the two expansion teams that came into the NFL that year.  The other team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, grabbed much of the attention with their Creamsicle jerseys and winking pirate for an insignia.  Add in the self-deprecating wit of Bucs’ coach John McKay and their historic futility, the Seahawks remained the mysterious new team from a provincial land known for its overcast skies and serial killers.

Eli Manning Proves he Belongs as New York Giants Quarterback posted by Stephen Sullivan

I have to admit there was time during the 2007 New York Giants season that I thought Eli Manning was not going to be the Giants quarterback much longer.  After his horrendous performance against the Minnesota Vikings in week 14 when he threw 3 interceptions which were returned for touchdowns, the future for Eli Manning in New York looked bleak.  The fans were booing and and radio call in shows were calling for his head.  The following week against the Chicago Bears he started off slow again and almost threw another interception in the end zone.  It was at this time that I thought maybe it would be best for Eli to leave town.  But he managed to rally the team in the 4th quarter and the Ciants prevailed.  Even so Eli was still on shaky ground.

Things began to change however in the final week of the regualr season. The Giants were playing the New England Patriots.  In all reaity the game meant nothing to the Giants, they had already secured a playoff spot.  But the Patriots were trying to become the 4th team in NFL history to finish the season undefeated.  The entire Giants team played with a sense of purpose and gave the Patriots everything they could handle.  Even though the Giants lost, Eli Manning had a great game and threw 4 touchdown passes.  But something greated was happening, Eli Manning was playing with a confidence that he had not shown in his 4 seasons with the Giants.

Eli Manning's confidence carried into the postseason, he outplayed Jeff Garcia of the Buccanneers, Tony Romo of the Cowboys and future Hall of Famer Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers in the conference championship.  It was during that game Eli Manning really arrived as Giants quarterback.  It subzero temperatures he played like he was home in New Orleans.  He didn't flinch and didn'y let the temperature get to him.

The Los Angeles Raiders posted by Apryl DeLancey

Yeah, you heard me – the Los Angeles Raiders. This is the team that still lives in my mind. The only team to bring my hometown a Super Bowl win. Sure, I follow other clubs in the NFL now. It is hard not to when yours has deserted you! At any rate, I drive around town in my black car with the black Raiders license plate frames in honor of days long passed…

Now, oh my goodness! Have you seen the state that the team is in today? Ugh! Al Davis is back to his nutty tricks and has asked Lane Kiffin to resign. Huh? Really? Yeah, the Oakland Raiders have turned in an embarrassing season where they were nearly last in every measurable category. Since the departure of John Gruden, they have been on a depressing, downward spiral. I wasn’t very excited about Norv Turner, but he proved me wrong by taking the San Diego Chargers almost there this season. This tells me he wasn’t all bad. But asking Lane Kiffin to resign? I don’t get it? Surely he will be able to get it together. I mean, after all, he is the son of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive genius Monte Kiffin. I am not so sure that asking him to leave is the answer to the team’s problems. Maybe asking the owner to resign would be more fruitful?

I stand corrected! posted by Apryl DeLancey

I was not a believer in Eli Manning until the last few games I watched him play. I seriously had the New York Giants written off as Super Bowl contenders. Also, I assumed that Eli would never actually come into his own and learn how to be effective in the NFL. Written off as nepotism, I was one of those naysayers that figured he would be a back-up QB sooner rather than later.

I was wrong!

Of course, he is not his brother Peyton Manning but is quite a formidable player that deserves respect. When he ripped my heart out by not committing his then-signature turnovers when he played against my Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I was forced to take notice. I did not remember seeing him play so well before that.

So congratulations New York Giants fans! The last time your team was in the Super Bowl they were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens. They certainly have a tall order this time – but it is doable! With statistics and the law of averages on their side, they have a shot at ruining perfection for the New England Patriots.

Maybe Eli Manning will get to have more speaking roles in the commercials with his brother now!

Bandwagon Season! posted by Apryl DeLancey

NFL Playoffs!? That can only mean one thing – bandwagon season! Now that my team #1 and #2 are done for the season, its time to jump on the way only a true NFL football fan can.

My Tampa Bay Buccaneers played an exceptional first quarter today and then decided to fall asleep on me. Too bad the game has four quarters! Argh! I really thought they could make something happen this year. My #1 team(s) the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders never even made it to the playoffs - so the time has come for auxiliary cheering methods – jump on the bandwagon! I have planned out who I will be rooting for next week for sure (remaining season afterward to be determined):

Go San Diego Chargers! This is my number one choice of course, being a Southern California native. LaDainian Tomlinson is not only remarkable, but a role model with his quiet confidence. You never see him trash talking, he simply does his job and does it well! I am fully allowed to root for them as they were once the Los Angeles Chargers and I actually lived in Del Mar for a period. Also, I have been to Seau’s and had a cigar (alright, he isn’t there anymore but that’s not the point)!

Go Jacksonville Jaguars! I am so very impressed with David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew. Besides their impressive, spirited performances, I can rationalize rooting for them a few ways. I went to college in the great state of Florida and Maurice Jones-Drew is a California boy that went to UCLA. (And yes, I watched him in college and admired his performance then and even sat the next row over from him at a Los Angeles Lakers game once.) I mean seriously, David Garrard is a class act so how can you not root for him!?

The Yoffs Are Here! posted by Mike Dussault

It's the best time of year and, for those who lose, the worst time of year. For fans lucky enough to have a bye this weekend it will be one of the most enjoyable, relaxing weekends of the football season. No pressure. Just sit back and watch to see who you'll be playing. My personal recommendation is make something in the crock pot (like Jambalaya). It will simmer all day and be ready just about the time the games are starting. Some random thoughts on the games and my Pats-biased picks..

Washington Redskins @ Seattle Seahawks

Yawn. The kind of game that you put on in the background. Making the playoffs was this seasons major accomplishment for the Skins after the tragic loss of Sean Taylor. Seattle's the loudest stadium in the league. Seahawk fans are true football fans - you've got to love their 12th Man flag raising and how they keep track of false start penalties. I think that's the difference here. Todd Collins... come on. Seattle 24, Washington 13.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers

General consensus seems to be that the Jags are gonna steamroll the Steelers. Seriously, the media hard-on for the Jags right now is bordering on ridiculous. The whole "built for cold weather" thing has been a talking point of every football talk show for weeks now. Granted an unproven QB has come in to Heinz Field and dispatched the Steelers before (see Pats '01) but this one's gonna be a whole lot closer than anyone thinks, especially if the Steelers can score first. No question the Pats would prefer to see Pittsburgh in the AFCDG and I think it will happen. You just can't write off a team with a Super Bowl QB at home in bad field conditions, getting zero respect. No one thinks they can win. That's why they will. Pittsburgh 20, Jacksonville 17 

Does Defense Really Win Championships? posted by Kenneth Watkins

They say defense wins championship, but is that always the case. I looked over a couple of different teams recently and I would have to say it's true. When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had their magical run to the Super Bowl the main reason they made it was on their defense. The offense really couldn't get out of their own way so without the number one defense at the time they wouldn't have made it.

Second comparison and it's more recent and that is the Indianapolis Colts. During their title run in the regular season they had one of the worst defenses around, but when the playoffs came around it was another story. They played well and continue that play into a Super Bowl win. Now I guess in reality defense does win championships in those two cases. Now does it always work out that way. Nope sometimes the best defensive team doesn't always get to the Super Bowl.

If you look at the stats the top five teams in total defense made the playoffs this year and every team that is in the playoffs are at least in the top 15 of defense. This just shows you that offense will carry you for so long, but once the playoffs start you have to count on your defense to keep you in the game. So in the end I guess the defense is a vital part to your teams success no matter how many points your offense scores.

Something's wrong with Tropicana Field? posted by Apryl DeLancey

While attending college at the University of Tampa, I noticed the awesome fact that the area is rich in professional sports! The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are relatively close to each other and easily accessible. The closest NBA was the Orlando Magic, but I got to catch a pre-season game at the Ice Palace one year. I felt really spoiled since I grew up in a place where everything was much more spread out and harder to get tickets for. To make things even better – there was plenty of golf and tennis around. I only wish the USF Bulls were as good as they are now when I was there. I didn’t complain though, I was able to go to the games free since my school didn’t have football. (They did at one time; John Matuszak is a U Tampa alum!)

The first time watching a game at Tropicana Field I was very impressed. Here was this architecturally interesting dome that had some great modern amenities. Compared to my Chavez Ravine (pre-refurbishing – before the new rows and seats were added), it had the luster of a new car. Comfortable seats, plenty of interesting vendors, and I was pumped to be there. But all of the locals complained! I came to realize that the city had a strange love-hate relationship with the Rays. One fan told me that he didn’t like them because of the timing they released their inaugural season tickets. He felt they somehow were undermining the Bucs when they weren’t very good. Others told me they hated the dome. Huh? How can you hate the dome? I was told baseball should be played outside. I agree – its just that the area has severe thunderstorms in the summer. The thought of a full-time open-air baseball stadium in the area was odd to me. Regardless, almost no one I encountered in the area had a favorable view of Tropicana Field. I thought it was just fine. In fact, I quite enjoyed every game I attended there.

Shining Stars posted by Apryl DeLancey

As I was watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers today I saw a ray of hope. Actually, I saw several – the young defense and Luke McCown. Yeah, I know, they stunk up the place at the end of the game but at least they gave it a real try. You have to remember that many, if not all starters were out at that point. Plus I wonder if Monte Kiffin stops paying attention by the 4th but that’s a different story…

In the first half I noticed that there are some really strong young guys that are following in the footsteps of that great, Super Bowl winning D. Barrett Ruud has over 100 tackles for the year. Phillip Buchanan has about 59 tackles on the year and an interception today (his second this season). In addition, Jermaine Phillips has 83 tackles for the season. Don’t forget Jovan Haye and Gaines Adams with 6 sacks apiece. I was so excited when the broadcasters were announcing those stats that I almost tripped on my way to the kitchen! Luke MCown is proving to be a viable backup as well. While he does make some rookie mistakes, he completed 21 of 28 passes against Carolina. Overall, his completion percentage is just over that of Jeff Garcia. I sit in excited anticipation for the game next week. I only wish I could fly out and actually be there! Fire them cannons!

I really have to mention someone else that impressed me this weekend, the last of the NFL regular season. While I have never been a New York Giants fan, I have to give them and Eli Manning a lot of credit. They refused to go quietly and I really thought they had a realistic shot at winning Saturday. I have always been of the opinion that Manning was in the league due to nepotism, but he has silenced much of my doubt. I grudgingly admit that he made me a believer in his skill. Next week’s game in Tampa should be interesting.

NFL coaches visit troops in Iraq (AP)

The soldiers expressed their gratitude over and over to the NFL coaches who made the trip to Iraq. "They kept thanking us," said the Tennessee Titans' Jeff Fisher. "We kept thanking them." Fisher, the New York Giants' Tom Coughlin, the Baltimore Ravens' John Harbaugh, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden are... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

LB Ruud back with Bucs for minicamp (AP)

After a futile attempt to accelerate progress toward a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, linebacker Barrett Ruud is back on the practice field with his teammates. The fifth-year pro skipped all 14 of the club's voluntary offseason workouts, however he's participating in this week's mandatory minicamp that wraps up the squad's preparation for the start of training... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports