Lone Star Struck

Help could be on the way for the Cowboys as the official start of free agency begins in a little less than an hour.

As expected, the Arizona Cardinals released safety Antrel Rolle this afternoon to avoid ponying up a $4 million roster bonus. Expect the Cowboys to take a long, hard look at bringing Rolle in to fill the ever-vacant safety position.

Rolle is a young 27-years old, and played cornerback for the first few years of his career before being moved to safety. Because his résumé includes a stint at cornerback, he could be the candidate the Cowboys are looking for to provide adequate coverage at the safety position. If Dallas pulls the trigger on Rolle, expect Ken Hamlin to be shown the door.

Dallas could also look to add some depth at nose tackle with Jamal Williams and Jason Ferguson now on the open market. Keep in mind that Wade Phillips coached Jamal Williams in San Diego. He could be a good investment if the price is right.

Also remember that since Antrel Rolle, Jamal Williams, and Jason Ferguson were released by their respective teams instead of simply becoming unrestricted free agents, the free agent restrictions imposed on the final 8 playoff teams would not count against the Cowboys.

Should be an interesting next couple of hours.

Over the next few weeks leading up to the draft, I will put together a Cowboys Draft Series covering prospects and positions that I feel the Cowboys will be most interested in come the first round on April 22. The main factors for choosing the prospects to watch include the Cowboys’ position in the draft and players that fit their schemes on offense and defense. This week I will focus on the wide receiver position. There are many potential prospects that the Cowboys will likely be interested in, especially in this year’s fairly deep receiver class. Here are a few names to put on your list.

Jordan Shipley – Texas, 5′11″ 193

Jordan Shipley is a name that is tangled up somewhere in the top 10 of the receiver prospects list. One of the best receivers in recent Texas Longhorns history, and easily the most prolific punt returner in the team’s history, Shipley is a guy who could probably play slot receiver immediately, as well as return kicks and punts. He may not be the biggest or or the fastest, but he has the work ethic that coaches love. He is a high character player and someone you want in your locker room. It’s hard to say exactly where Shipley will go in the draft, but I would imagine the Cowboys will have him targeted anywhere from rounds 2 through 4. Some people have compared him to Wes Welker, and I would not immediately disagree. As a lifelong Texas Longhorns fan, I would love to see Shipley in a Cowboys uniform.

Golden Tate – Notre Dame, 5′10″ 199

Tate is another guy who’s name has been seen all over the top 10 receivers prospect list. Living 45 minutes from Notre Dame’s campus, I was able to witness Golden Tate’s surprising athletic ability last season. He has extremely soft hands and the open-field moves of a running back. He also possesses great speed and the ability to catch the ball in a tight window. He also had the benefit of being in a pro style offense at Notre Dame and that should help him at the next level. Like Shipley, Tate is probably a slot guy who could provide you with explosiveness on special teams. I would not anticipate Tate making it past the second round and if he is still on the board when the Cowboys select in the late second round, this could be their guy.

Marty Gilyard – Cincinnati, 6′0″ 187

Gilyard is another receiver that is cut in the mold of Tate and Shipley. A bit smallish, but someone who could flourish in the slot and possibly even on the outside. Has all the quickness and athletic ability that you look for, and like Tate and Shipley again, is extremely hard to tackle in the open field. Could take over the punt and kick returning duties immediately and provide a much needed spark. Another high character player who you would love to have on your team. He will probably go somewhere between the late second to mid-third rounds, and just like the previous two receivers, Dallas will have their eye on him.

Jacoby Ford – Clemson, 5′9″ 186

Ford is a guy who did not have near the amount of production that Shipley, Tate, or Gilyard had at the college level. But his official 4.28 40-yard dash time at the combine suggests that he possesses the speed to be a game breaker. Probably more of a slot guy who you would design certain packages for to try to get him the ball in open space. Could most certainly be a terror in the return game if he fine tunes his return skills. Reminds me of someone like Roscoe Parrish of the Buffalo Bills or Eddie Royal of the Denver Broncos; someone who can take it to the house at any time in the return game and contributes fairly to the receiving game as a speed threat. Ford’s draft stock will probably go up after his blazing 40 time, but he could be available as late as the 4th round. If he stays on the board that long, I would look for Dallas to trade up to grab him.

Demaryius Thomas – Georgia Tech, 6′3″ 224

Thomas is a player who posted stellar numbers in 2009 for a Yellow Jackets offense that was very run oriented. He has a huge frame that reminds you of Terrell Owens and the speed to go with it. His frame enables him to shield defenders and go up and get the catch. There is some uncertainty surrounding Thomas, as he just recently broke his foot and will be unable to participate in the combine or his pro day. His raw talent and upside makes him one of the biggest gambles in the draft, and he is likely to be a boom or bust player. He is probably a solid second round pick and Dallas may take a look at him if he is still sitting on the board in the late second round.

As the NFL Draft quickly approaches and festivities at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis get underway, big names like Ndamukong Suh, Tim Tebow, and Sam Bradford will take the spotlight and dominate the headlines. But as we have seen in past drafts, it is sometimes the not-so-famous prospects from smaller schools that go on to make the biggest splash in the NFL (see Marques Colston, Tim Hightower, Joe Flacco, Brandon Marshall). Like in every draft, there are sure to be a few small school gems in this draft as well. Here are a few names to keep an eye and ear out for as the draft nears.

Vladimir Ducasse – Offensive Lineman, UMass

Vladimir Ducasse was not a name that appeared high on many teams’ lists until his performance at the Senior Bowl. Ducasse certainly has the size that you like in an NFL lineman, measuring 6 foot 4 and 332 pounds at the combine. He also has the intangibles that you look for as well, with great agility and footwork. He played offensive tackle at UMass, but would likely slide inside to guard in the pros. He may be a bit raw right now since his first exposure to football was in 2002, but he possesses tremendous upside. This year’s draft is the deepest in easily a decade for offensive linemen and Ducasse could go as early as the late first round for a team looking to fill voids along the offensive line. If he slides into the late second round however, look for the Cowboys to seriously consider him to add much needed depth to their interior line.

Brandon Lang – Defensive End, Troy

Another small school product that has flown under the radar, Brandon Lang had a fairly productive career rushing the quarterback at Troy, registering 19 sacks in his last two seasons. At 6 foot 4, 256 pounds, Lang is a “tweener” who will likely make the transition to outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. The NFL Combine will go a long way in determining where Lang goes in the draft. His 40-yard dash time as well as his 3-cone drill time will help determine if he is athletic enough to switch to outside linebacker. If he is still on the board when Dallas picks in rounds 3 to 4, they will strongly consider him. Given the recent success of pass rushers coming out of Troy (Demarcus Ware, Osi Umenyiora), he could be well worth the risk. As a man named Bill Parcells used to say, “You can never have too many linebackers.”

Jared Veldheer – Offensive Tackle, Hillsdale

Jared Veldheer is another name that has climbed up the draft boards in recent months with his performance in the Texas vs the Nation Invite in 2009.  Hailing from tiny, ultra-conservative Hillsdale College, up in my neck of the woods, there is no doubt that Veldheer possesses the fantastic size that teams look for in a left tackle, at 6 foot 8, 312 pounds. He also possesses rare athleticism for his size and has exceptional footwork. Like Brandon Lang, the combine will help determine where he will go in the draft. Pending the results, he could go as early as the second round. Given the aging of Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo, Dallas will certainly be interested in his services.

With the 44-6 smackdown from last season’s finale on their minds, the Cowboys came out with their six guns smokin’ on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium and put a fork in a Philadelphia Eagles team that had previously won six straight games. The Boys almost effortlessly exercised their previous December demons, finishing off the regular season with three straight wins.

Dallas’ 24-0 blowout marked the second straight week they have held their opponent scoreless, a feat that had never before happened in Dallas Cowboys history.

Fans, coaches, players, and front office personnel could not ask for a better way to ride into the playoffs than what has taken place the last three weeks.

• December 19: The Cowboys march into the Superdome and convincingly end the Saints’ undefeated season in a game the “experts” said was an impossible win for the Cowboys (AHEM Tony Dungy, who by the way has jumped on the Cowboys bandwagon).
• December 27: Dallas travels up to D.C. and embarrasses the Redskins 17-0.
• January 3: Dallas thumps the Eagles 24-0 to win the NFC East and clinch the #3 seed in the NFC.

Aside from winning their last three games, the Cowboys defense silenced a lethal Saints offense, and held the Redskins and Eagles to zero points inconsecutive weeks.

Tony Romo is playing the best football of his career, throwing only one interception in the month of December compared to seven touchdowns.

The offense is becoming more balanced, and is relying more on its talented run game to open up the passing game.

After watching the last three weeks transpire, it’s hard for critics to deny the legitimacy of a team that rolled over the undefeated Saints, shut out division foes in back to back weeks, and convincingly took the NFC East.

But the critics still remain.

Since the naysayers cannot scrutinize Tony Romo for inconsistent December play, the defense for giving up big plays, or the receivers for not making big plays, they have decided to pull a more petty argument out of their arsenal of nonsense.

“It’s too difficult to beat a team three times in a year.”

This statement is so ridiculous and irrelevant that it’s hard to believe “experts” and “analysts” even bring it up anymore.

It’s about as stupid as Hammerin’ Hank Goldberg on Sunday saying something to the tune of “Jacksonville is 20:1 against the odds in temperatures below thirty degrees.”

Last time I checked players weren’t basing their game plans on Vegas odds.

Apparently the “analysts” didn’t watch the Cowboys run the Eagles out of Cowboys Stadium, onto Tom Landry Freeway, and back to DFW International before the fourth quarter even started.

The Cowboys are a more talented team than the Eagles and they will prove that on Saturday night. Period.

So let Desean Jackson do his talking.

Let the trashy Eagles employees do their spitting as they stand in awe of our palace.

Let Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia show how classless they are.

Like my old man said this week, “Let ‘em spit, because they sure can’t play football.”

Is there anything more glorious than waking up the day after a win and watching/hearing the critics eat crow?

ESPN should have felt ashamed on Sunday morning, after tearing into Roy Williams all week about “guaranteeing a win,” even though those words never left his mouth.

What I would have given to see the look on Tony Dungy’s face when he heard Tony Romo say that his incredibly foolish “no chance” comment inspired Dallas to come out with both barrels blazing at the Superdome last night.

‘Tis the season.

Saturday’s win over the 13-0 Saints marked the second time since 2006 that the Cowboys have beaten a heavily favored undefeated team. The other instance came in 2006 when Dallas thrashed the high flying 9-0 Indianapolis Colts.

As the saying goes, “that’s why they play the games.”

December woes can no longer be pinned on Tony Romo, who has played arguably the most consistent football of his career over the past four weeks. The man has not thrown an interception since November 22 against the Washington Redskins, a game which the Cowboys won. He also has not thrown more than one interception in a game since week two against the Giants. Romo is playing error-free football during the point of the season that matters the most for a playoff hopeful team.

As we saw on Saturday, the running game is also starting to emerge during the month in which running the ball wins games. The rushing attack has been inconsistent all season, and with three capable running backs in the Cowboys’ stable, there is simply no excuse to have a lackadaisical running game. Grinding it out on the ground will be the key to victory in the next two weeks against division foes.

On the other side of the ball the Cowboys have played hard-nosed defense at a level that has gone without praise for most of the season. The play in the secondary has been consistent for the first time in years, even with the injury to Ken Hamlin. Mike Jenkins has emerged as a Pro Bowl caliber cornerback, and defenses are starting to realize that throwing away from Terence Newman is not a viable strategy anymore. Anthony Spencer has finally emerged as a pass rushing threat opposite Demarcus Ware, and Keith Brooking has solidified the inside linebacker spot with outstanding play. Jay Ratliff is also having a Pro Bowl season, and with the play of Igor Olshansky, the ‘Boys are not regretting their decision to let the Giants overpay Chris Canty.

Up until a few weeks ago, special teams was also playing at a very high level. With the unfortunate erosion of Nick Folk, the best Cowboys fans can do is cross their fingers and hope Shaun Suisham can kick well until another viable option becomes available.

Don’t count ‘em out just yet Cowboys fans. As we have seen in past years, the team that plays their best ball in December has the most success in the playoffs. If the things we all saw on Saturday night are any indication of the brand of football the Cowboys plan to play for the rest of the season, they have a great shot.

There is certainly no absence of story lines as 2009 training camp comes to an end in the Alamo City.  Position battles, new faces, and players past are but a few of the most popular headliners going into this year.  The house-cleaning done by Jerry and Stephen Jones in the off-season has left several important positions vacated and free for the taking.  And with that, here are a few positions to keep a watchful eye on as pre-season play progresses. 

Wide Receiver

Wide receiver is, without a doubt, the unprecedented position of interest heading into this year.  The most popular topic is obviously the departure of Terrell Owens, who spent the last three seasons as the most productive receiver the Cowboys have had since Michael Irvin.  Owens’ departure means that Roy Williams will take the reigns as the number one receiver in the Dallas offense.  Many are quick to scrutinize the unproductive season Williams had last year, but nary a soul remembers that Williams did not arrive in Dallas until the week six bye, and had very little time to learn the playbook.  Many also forget that nagging injuries hampered Williams for most of the season and affected his speed, quickness off the line, timing with Romo, etc.  With Williams at full health this year, look for him to give the Cowboys good production as the number one receiver.  Also look for Patrick Crayton to regain the number two receiver spot that he held two years ago.  Many also forget that Crayton posted stellar numbers as the number two receiver in 2007.  The Cowboys also went without Sam Hurd for a good portion of last year, and were without Miles Austin’s services for several weeks, as well.  Look for the Cowboys to use Mile Austin’s size and speed to stretch the field, and look for Hurd to be used in multiple receiver formations.  The fifth wide receiver position will likely be up for grabs between Isaiah Stanback, Manny Johnson, and Jesse Holley, who won the final roster spot on 4^th and Long.  Youngsters on the outside looking in include Mike Jefferson, Travis Wilson, Kevin Ogletree, Julian Hawkins, and Willie Reid.  For what it’s worth, I asked Isaiah Stanback via Twitter if he thought Jesse Holley was any good, to which he replied simply, “I’m better.” 

Secondary

It seems like the secondary tops these lists every year for one reason or another, and this season is no different.  Watchful eyes will be locked on the secondary this year to see if the departures of several key veterans will pay dividends.  Gone is safety Roy Williams, who since 2002 had been a staple in the Dallas secondary.  Though he had several outstanding years with the Cowboys, Williams seemed to fall off the map the past several years.  He became a severe liability in pass coverage, and his run support also became less effective.  To replace Williams, the Cowboys signed Gerald Sensabaugh from Jacksonville.  Sensabaugh is better known for his coverage skills, having also played stints at cornerback for the Jaguars.  Also gone is cornerback Anthony Henry, who was traded to Detroit in exchange for Jon Kitna.  Looking to fill Henry’s shoes are second year players Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick.  Jenkins would seem to have the edge because of his first round draft status.  But Scandrick, who looks to be the steal of the 2008 draft, showed last year that he is also worthy of the starting job.  It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys will split time between these two young talents, if that is the approach they decide to pursue.  I personally believe the Cowboys have three very talented rookies in Michael Hamlin, DeAngelo Smith, and Mike Mickens.  Both Mickens and Hamlin were both projected to go as high as the second round in this year’s draft, and it will be exciting to see if they live up to their pre-draft stock.  Eyes will also be upon Pat Watkins to see if he can be a key contributor in the secondary after a nagging neck injury last season landed him on injured reserve. 

Linebacker

With Greg Ellis little more than an afterthought in Dallas, outside linebacker will also be an area of interest heading into the season.  The Cowboys drafted Anthony Spencer (A fellow Boilermaker) several years ago with the intent of grooming him to replace Greg Ellis.  To answer the question that my favorite Smiths song asks, the time is certainly now for Spencer.  He has undoubtedly shown signs of being DeMarcus Ware’s counterpart the last two seasons, but has been somewhat inconsistent due to a few injuries and playing behind Ellis.  At full health this year, Spencer will benefit from the constant attention that DeMarcus Ware demands from offenses, and will compliment him well on the opposite side.  The Cowboys linebacking corps will also have a new face in the middle, with Keith Brooking arriving from Atlanta.  He should be a much better fit next to Bradie James than Zach Thomas was last year.  The Cowboys also have four talented rookies joining the linebacker corps this year in Jason Williams, Victor Butler, Brandon Williams, and Stephen Hodge.  With Greg Ellis gone, look for Butler and Brandon Williams to shoulder the backup outside linebacker duties.  Jason Williams will be battling for playing time at nickel linebacker with Bobby Carpenter, and Hodge will provide depth at middle linebacker.  Look for all of these rookies to contribute heavily on special teams, as well.  One linebacker everyone should have on their radar is Bobby Carpenter.  He has not exactly lived up to expectations since arriving in 2006, but it is much too early to toss him onto the scrap pile with a bust tag.  Carpenter has gotten less than a fair shake since arriving in Dallas, having been moved around to different linebacker spots multiple times.  It would appear, for now at least, that Carpenter has found a home at nickel linebacker, a title previously held by Kevin Burnett.  If Carpenter excels at the nickel linebacker spot early on, expect him to get more playing time in other packages, as well. 

As the start of another football season grows closer with each passing day, the chills of autumn grow more intense as they go up and down my spine.  Hold onto your hats fellow Cowboys brothers and sisters, for this season promises to bring much excitement.  I can feel it in these silver and blue bones of mine. 

Extras

In the past couple of weeks, I have done quite a bit of networking with several Cowboys players on Twitter, routinely chatting with names like Martellus Bennett, Isaiah Stanback, Gerald Sensabaugh, and Jason Williams.  Having the opportunity to network with men that I call my heroes is truly amazing.  As a boy knowing I wanted to “do John Madden’s job,” I never would have fathomed that I would be able to chat with players from my favorite team with the mere click of a button.  I want to thank these gentlemen for taking time out of their hectic schedule to network with fans such as myself.  Keep it real Cowboys fans.

Since this off-season began I was predicting my home town player Gerald Sensabaugh to join my other home town player Jason Witten in Dallas my friends were saying theres no way Gerald would be a Dallas Cowboy. I debated and argued all the way until that faithful day when the Cowboys signed him. I though my arguments were over but no everywhere I looked it seemed like every Cowboys fan I talked to was doubting what Gerald could do, so I just said wait and see.

Now according to dallascowboys.com writer Mickey Spagnola Sensabaugh is one of Secondary Coach Dave Campo’s favorites. Here is what Mickey’s article said.

You might say for the majority of his years with the Cowboys, Dave Campo, first secondary coach, then defensive coordinator and then head coach before returning as secondary coach in 2008, was spoiled at the safety position. During his previous 14 seasons, he mostly had the likes of Ray Horton, James Washington, Thomas Everett, Darren Woodson, Brock Marion and George Teague back there. He even enjoyed a rather nice rookie season out of Roy Williams.

So last season probably was a little bit of a shellshock for Camps, who returned for a 15^th season. Heck, even over his three years as head coach, when Woodson remained healthy, he had Woodson and Teague back there. Injuries and performance made last year somewhat of a crap shoot.

That’s why I said to him, with the addition of Gerald Sensabaugh and all the young guys brought in, this might be the best the safety position has looked since, well, Woodson was playing.

He laughed, saying it was funny I’d bring up Woodson, “because when I got to Jacksonville (2005) I remember saying Sensabaugh (a rookie then) had the kind of burst Woodson had. Now I’m not saying he’s Woodson.”

Of course not, and he’s probably 10 to 15 pounds lighter. But Campo was trying to make a point about Sensabaugh’s ability to cover, not only from the deep safety spot, but also going inside to the weak linebacker spot on the nickel, where Woodson spoiled the Cowboys his entire career with an ability to cover even receivers in the slot.

Understanding Owens strategy to ruling the receivers position in the National Football League.

By now, every human being is sick at hearing the name Owens. I will make this painless.

Terrell Owens was drafted by the 49ers a first class franchise with five titles. Owens was groomed by the master himself Jerry Rice. With training from Rice, Owens should go on to have a legendary career.

Would Owens be satisfied with the 49ers and Garcia as his QB?

No.

Terrell would demand a trade.

Owens would be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. This franchise has a tremendous history with several playoff and super bowl appearances. Donovan McNabb is the starting qb for the Eagles. McNabb is 5 time pro bowler.

Would Owens be satisfied with the Eagles and McNabb as his QB?

No.

This experiment would end in a disaster. Owens would chastise and harass McNabb for the brief two years stint.

Eagle fans and the franchise would send Owens to the unemployment department.

Terrell would find work. The Dallas Cowboys would sign Owens. The Cowboys are the greatest franchise in Professional Football. The Cowboys have been to more super bowls than any other franchise.

The Cowboys have more fans outside Dallas than in. This is America’s team. I would work as a Janitor for this franchise.

It doesn’t get any better or higher than the Dallas Cowboys. Would Terrell finally be appeased?

Nope. 

Terrell’s antics would force Bill Parcells to quit as the Cowboys Coach. Parcells would never get a chance to rebuild the Cowboys into champions.

After a three year tenure with the Cowboys would be released.

Every avenue and bridge has been torched.

One team decides to take a chance on Owens. The Mighty Buffalo Bills.

The Buffalo Bills are cursed. This teams legacy is tainted. OJ Simpson and the 4 super bowl loses in a row, have left this franchise hopeless.

The only excitement in Buffalo is changing the street lights. This city has a personality of John Doe.

Nobody moves to Buffalo. It’s population decreases each year. Economically it’s a snail.

The only way to revive this franchise is to move it to a first class city like Toronto. 

The Bills starting QB is Trent Edwards. Edwards has zero pro bowls.  Edwards may fall into the J.P. Losman realm. If Owens is not satisfied with Romo, Garcia or McNabb, how long will it take before he condemns Edwards?

Odds makers are reporting the Owens- Buffalo Bills relationship will last 90 days.

The Mighty have fallen…

Robert McGlinchey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yqoctSy25I

The writing was on the wall shortly after the 2007 NFL draft. The Cowboys picked Anthony Spencer, defensive end from Purdue in the first round. The 26th overall pick.

Greg Ellis, an aging veteran coming off a season-ending achilles injury saw the writing and, in turn, expressed himself – as only Greg can do – and voiced his concern about being replaced by the 6′ 3″ 255 lb prospect.

It took two years to happen but here we are. Greg Ellis, after 11 years of service, was officially released Tuesday, June 2, 2009.

I’m not disputing the fact that Ellis’ better days are past him. I’m not disputing the fact that it is time to see what Spencer truly has. These things are part of the NFL. Players get old and the young guns come in and take over. It is a natural cycle, not only in the NFL, but in life. The time has come for young blood.

Here is where I have a problem. No, it’s not with Jerry Jones(not this time anyway). It isn’t with Ellis or Spencer. My problem is with fickle Dallas Cowboys fans that seem to enjoy shoving this guy out the door after 11 years of hard-fought football service with America’s Team.

I dare the majority of these fans to show many anything they’ve done for 11 years with passion, conviction, loyalty and the dedication Ellis has shown this organization.

How soon people forget. It’s the “What have you done for me lately?” generation of football fans that forget Ellis’ 12.5 sacks in 2007 and his Comeback Player of the Year award. They don’t honor his 634 tackles, 36 tackles for losses, 197 quarterback pressures and 77 sacks over the course of the last 11 seasons. All in 162 games 156 in which he started.

All they see is Greg “The Whiner” they call him. Well I respect his honesty and at times I did question his timing. I’m not saying he didn’t have issues but he suited up in the Blue and Silver and gave his blood, sweat and tears for 11 years and, in my humble opinion, that gives him the right to voice his discord when things aren’t going, in his opinion, the way they should. He earned that voice.

We give our opinions every day about The Cowboys and have never put our bodies on the line to defend the Star. Then we’re gonna question this man?

Feel free to post your comments. Good bad or indifferent.

Here’s mine: Thank you, Greg Ellis. It has been an absolute honor to watch you play for the Dallas Cowboys. God bless you and your family. I wish you the best of luck in the future.

**Check out my youtube channel**

It seems anymore this off-season as I scour the NFL website, the Cowboys website and due to a recent news drought even ESPN’s website I have noticed a question that a few people seem to be asking alot and it’s one that I’ve been asked at my job a couple of times before. That question can be asked many ways but the most common is “What makes someone a true fan?”.

The way I see it is that if you must ask that question then I can almost say that you are not a “True Fan”. I have seen various answers for this question but the one answer that bugs me the most is a simple answer that I hear too much is that you watch all 16+ games they play.

Well, that’s not the way I see it, and im sure for some people that may suffice, but not for me and hopefully not for any True Blue fan and any True NFL fan.

Here is the way I see it, a ” True Fan” is someone that when they wake up one of the first things to hit their mind is whats going on with my team today and closely followed by whats going on in the NFL as a whole today.

Number 2 on my description of a “True Fan” is that you watch the pre-game, game, and post-game and that you watch every other game you can of other teams to scope out who’s playing well for their teams so you can make predictions for when your team plays them.

Number 3 is that there is never such a thing as talking to much about your team and the first thing you think of for a conversation is your favorite team.

Number 4 is that the off-season is not viewed as just another time of the year and you do not stop talking about your team just because its not the season. It should be viewed as more time to talk about them and review how your season went.

Number 5 there is no such other thing as liking another team, you may respect them but NEVER like them because then in my eyes your viewed as a traitor.

Number 6 last but not least there is NO such  thing as too much apparel and collectibles of your team.

It has been awhile since my last post and that has mostly been due to me registering for school and making 3 youtube videos which 2 of them i am proud to say have broken 100 views and 1 has broken 150 views. So I hope that this post will do for my first one in a while so be sure to comment and let me know your outlook on a “True Fan”.

Nfl.com has reported that the Bengals and Roy Williams have agreed on a contract. I bid you good luck Superman.

The Bengals have agreed to terms with former Cowboys free safety Roy Williams.

The Cowboys released Williams, once regarded as one of the fiercest safeties in the NFL, after last season.

In Cincinnati, Williams will be reunited with Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who coached the Cowboys’ defense when the safety had some of his best production.

Well nfl.com has reported that the Vikings and Brett Farve are meeting later in the week. If this deal happens then the nightmare that Green Bay tried to avoid last year is on the verge of striking and will strike hard.

Here is the video that was on the nfl website.

Brett Farve Meeting With Vikings.

So what do all of you think about the possible return of Brett Farve let me know I’m interested in hearing everyones outlook on this and for me personally I would like to see him back for one more year and show Green Bay why they shoulda let him do his thing for one or two more years, because only he knows when he needs to retire.

I dont know about everyone else but I do play fantasy football during the season, and with it as popular as it is I figured I’d break down nfl.com’s top 10 players and my top 10players.

          NFL Ranking 

1. Adrian Peterson-RB- Minnesota Vikings
2. Matt Forte-RB- Chicago Bears
3. Michael Turner-RB- Atlanta Falcons
4. Maurice Jones-Drew-RB- Jacksonville Jaguars
5. DeAngelo Williams- RB- Carolina Panthers
6. Chris Johnson- RB- Tennessee Titans
7. Drew Brees- QB- New Orleans Saints
8. Steven Jackson- RB- St.Louis Rams
9. Brian Westbrook- RB- Philadelphia Eagles
10. Frank Gore- RB- San Francisco 49ers

           My Ranking

1. Larry Fitzgerald- WR- Arizona Cardinals
2. Adrian Peterson- RB- Minnesota Vikings
3. Chris Johnson- RB- Tennessee Titans
4. Drew Brees- QB- New Orleans Saints
5. Marion Barber- RB- Dallas Cowboys
6. Calvin Johnson- WR- Detroit Lions
7. DeAngelo Williams- RB- Carolina Panthers
8. Peyton Manning- QB- Indianapolis Colts
9. Steve Slaton- RB- Houston Texans
10. Andre Johnson- WR- Houston Texans

Miles Austin was born on June 30, 1984 in Summit, New Jersey. Miles attended Garfield High School in Garfield, New Jersey, and was a letterman in football,basketball, and track and field. In football he played wide reciever and defensive back, and as a senior he won All-Bergen County honors and All-State honors. In basketball, Austin garnered All-Bergen County honors as well. In track and field, Austin participated in the 100 meter dash, long jump, triple jump, and javelin throw. He recorded the second-longest javelin throw in Bergen County history with a throw of 214 feet, 8 inches. Austin finished third in the long jump and the triple jump at the New Jersey Meet of Champions. Miles Austin graduated from Garfield High School in 2002.

Miles college career took home at Monmouth. In his college career he caught 150 passes for 2,867 yards and 33 touchdowns. He is the school record-holder in recieving yards. He rushed 15 times for 140 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2003 Miles Set a Monmouth single-season record for touchdown catches with 12.

His NFL career started when the Dallas Cowboys signed him as a undrafted rookie free agent. In his rookie year he returned 29 kickoffs for 753 yards and recorded 5 tackles. His main highlight of the year was in the Cowboys playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. He returned 3 kickoffs for 136 yards in the game, including a 93 yard touchdown return. In the 55 postseason games in franchise history, it was the Cowboys’ first ever kickoff return touchdown in the playoffs. Miles caught his first career touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers. In 2008 he had 13 catches for 278 and 3 touchdowns with an average of 21.4 yards per catch.

With the release of Terrell Owens, Miles is expected to start as the No. 2 receiver across from Roy Williams.