United Football League begins tonight

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Are you a die hard football fanatic? Can you not get enough college & professional football? Well, tonight will put that to the test for millions of football fans out there. You see, tonight marks the beginning of the United Football League. You know, that spunky little league with a whopping 4 teams that lasts 8 weeks, and includes the Championship game on November 27th. Those 4 teams are the California Redwoods, Las Vegas Locomotives, New York Sentinels & the Florida Tuskers.

The league's maiden voyage will begin tonight at 9 pm, and can be seen on Versus. I will certainly check the game out tonight after the Dodgers playoff game. I am very curious to see the level of play in this league. While I don't think this league will last, I do think it's a very good idea to have a lesser professional football league to act as a minor league system for the NFL. I was always a fan of the Arena Football League, and this fills the void the now defunct AFL leaves behind. All four teams have good head coaches in Jim Haslet, Dennis, Green, Ted Cotrell and Jim Fassel.

The same can't be said about the players. The two most notable players in this league are JP Losman and Simeon Rice. As much as the league would like well known players, that is essentially not what his league should be about. There's now way they can go head to head with the NFL, and I don't think the UFL will try that. They should be positioning this league as a place to showcase your skills to the NFL. We've certainly seen players come out of the AFL (Kurt Warner), CFL (Doug Flutie) and NFL Europe (Jon Kitna) and make an impact in the National Football League. If you're reading this, than odds are you live in the Boston area or somewhere else in the state. Maybe you're even a Boston College football fan. If that's the case, than you might want to keep an eye out for two former BC players in the UFL. Linebacker Brian Toal plays for the Las Vegas team, and DeJuan Tribble will suit up for Florida.

I know I'll be watching at least a part of the game tonight. What about you? Will you give this league a chance? Hopefully, the answer is Yes!

What's the UFL all about?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So do you know anything about the United Football League (UFL)?

If the answer is no, that's OK.

I know it's a new football league that's coming this fall, but there's no way it can compete with the National Football League, right?

The NFL is the top dog, always will be.

It seems like the UFL is going to be a minor league feeder system to the NFL with former NFL players hoping to revive their career, along with coaches trying to get another taste of the NFL coaching ranks.

It's pro football so it can't be that bad, right?

The UFL just landed the face of the league, as of right now, with the signing of former first-round pick J.P. Losman, better known as Loserman to Buffalo Bills fans who didn't see much from their former starting QB.

It's a good start for the new league, however, which will play games on Thursday and Fridays in the fall with the season starting in October. The championship game is slated for Thanksgiving weekend.

There are four teams in the UFL's first season -- Las Vegas (where Losman will play), New York, Orlando and San Francisco.

The head coaches are an impressive bunch, all former coaches in the NFL. The head coaches lined up are: Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett and Ted Cottrell.

The UFL knows it's talent and skill will not compete with the elite NFL, but knows it's a way for players who feel they've been overlooked by the NFL brass to try to get their careers back on track (Losman no doubt) or get a shot at big time football.

The league will be talked about on every sports talk radio show or television station for days and weeks on end if they lure Michael Vick to play for them. He would no doubt be the face of the league, and the league would get the exposure they so desperately need and want --both good and bad -- but people would definitely be talking about the league and know what it's all about. 

The defunct XFL had that buzz surrounding it years ago, but it fizzled faster than Losman's starting job in Buffalo.

I'm going to check this league out, you never know if your favorite NFL team will give one of these guys a shot.

It's football anyway, and just imagine watching UFL games on Thursday and Fridays, college football on Saturdays and various games televised during the week on ESPN, and the NFL on Sundays and Mondays?

Maybe that will be enough to get my weekly fill of football?

Are you going to tune in and give the UFL a shot, or do you think it's going to be a waste of time?

Mountain West, WAC had to do it

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Don't blame the Mountain West and the WAC for joining the BCS.

They fought a valiant battle, but in the end, it was all about survival. Several times over the years, there has been a Boise State or a Utah that has threatened to blow up the BCS once and for all. But it never happened. They couldn't beat it, so they had to join it.

The worst part about the whole thing is everytime a non-BCS team ended up faltering in its quest to screw up the system, the powers that be would say, "See? The system works."

Well, it still doesn't work. Just because it's better than the old corrupt system does not mean that it is a good system.

It is still unbelievable that so many conferences and Notre Dame would be so against the only truly proper way of determining a champion - a playoff. It's something that should happen in college football for two reasons. First, the fans want it.

But secondly, and seemingly more important to conference officials, it would make them more money. Think of the ratings and advertising dollars a playoff would bring in. Think of the borderline fans that would tune it. They do it for college basketball. Why wouldn't they do it for football? Face it, as Americans, we love drama and there's no better place to get great sports stories than in a tournament. Underdogs and upsets are what make sports great. Remember what George Mason's run in the NCAA basketball tournament in 2006 did for college basketball? Even to a lesser degree, having Bemidji State (ranked 16 out of 16 teams in the NCAA hockey tournament) in the frozen four peaked more interest in the event than normal.

But the BCS is the system we have and, well, it's what we're going to have to accept as being around for a long time with it's two biggest opponents joining its ranks.

But what were the MWC and WAC supposed to do? Let their conferences wither and die while the larger conferences bathe in their riches? No. They needed to survive and this was the only way they could. It doesn't make them hypocrites.

Let's just hope that now they're in, they can influence some changes from the inside.

Should Brett Favre stay retired? No!

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Say what you want about Brett Favre, but what's really the big deal if he decides to come out of retirement again to play for the Minnesota Vikings this time?

He can do whatever he wants, as far as I'm concerned.

Is he hurting the game of football by trying to wiggle his way back into the league? No. It's great from a business standpoint, mind you.

I can see if he was downright awful -- well, you could make a case he was pretty gross down the stretch when the Jets started 8-3  and went 1-4 in their final five games-- but he's proven he still has something left in that tank (remember Pats fans, they beat us, 34-31, at home in overtime). 

He had 22 TDs and 22 INTs and threw for 3,472 yards in New York last season.

He's got to be better than at least half -- and maybe even more -- starting quarterbacks in this league.

Yes, I know, he's retired twice. The first after 16 years in Green Bay, and then coming out of retirement and forcing a trade from Green Bay. He goes to the Jets, they flop late and he retires after the season. 

Football may be the only thing he knows how to do, and it's obvious he doesn't know how to stay away from the game.

Now, he's got that pigskin itch again. Apparently, he's meeting with Vikings coach Brad Childress today, and who knows what's going to be said and if Favre will unretire again?

I think health is a major issue with Favre. He had an arm injury that he elected to not have surgery on at the end of the season, but he's had to test his arm if he's even considering coming back.

I'm not a huge Favre fan, mind you. I think he makes too many poor decisions, forcing the ball where it doesn't belong, but he's fun to watch. You never know if you're going to see the great Favre or the bad Favre. That's the beauty or ugliness of that right arm.

Plus, I'd love to see Packers GM Ted Thompson try to spin Favre playing with the Vikings like Favre's the worst guy on the face of the earth. If it happens, I'll love Favre's response because we all know they both hate each other.

Favre, who got his release from the Jets after retiring, always wanted to play for the Vikings and stick it to Thompson, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Packers who didn't think he could get the job done anymore.

Now, he might get his chance to play in the NFC North -- a division he knows inside and out -- and try one last run at a Super Bowl title.

There's one thing I do know about Brett Favre: He's a heck of a lot better than what the Vikings have under center right now (Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson, John David Booty). If the Vikings want to win now and think they have a shot at the playoffs and a Super Bowl title, then Favre's the right guy to get, as long as he's healthy and understands he's not the centerpiece to this offense (Adrian Peterson is, of course, in the backfield). 

If you think Favre can't help out the Vikings, well, you're crazy, and you don't know football!  

John Madden retires! Yes, I am sad

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

To be perfectly honest, if this happened three years ago I'd be ripping John Madden for allowing himself to finish his career as a bumbling, senile old man. I am sure Chad is already getting ready to blast me, but hold on. A few years ago John Madden had lost his fastball and stature as the preeminent football analyst in the country.  It seemed like he was just showing up cold and going on air, but he's done more than just redeem himself over the past two seasons.  Somehow he woke up and starting enjoying himself in the booth again.  He returned to his old self and was doing a fantastic job analyzing the game.  It was a great comeback in my mind, and made me enjoy listening to him in the booth.  I no longer thought of him as the Joe Morgan (don't get me started on him) of football.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the younger generation only see him as the video game mogul. Being in my early thirties, I've grown up playing Madden games and have owned every single season since the franchise started. What you should remember John Madden for was not just his video games, and his time in the booth, but also his hall of fame coaching career with the Oakland Raiders.  

He's really done it all in the game of Football from playing, coaching and analyzing.  His smile, laugh and boom's will be sorely missed in the pantheon of sports.  A literal giant of the game has ended his long and successful career and leaves huge shoes to fill.  Thank you John Madden for a great career.

So much for getting a soft schedule when you don't make the NFL playoffs

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So the Patriots finish 11-5, don't make the playoffs last season and get stuck with this schedule? 

Thank you National Football League.

If you look at this schedule, courtesy of patriots.com, you would think that the Patriots DID make the playoffs last year and got "rewarded" for their success.

Well, so much for taking the foot off coach Bill Belichick's throat. It's bad enough that he had to watch the playoffs from his couch - he was probably thinking that his team would have had a good chance to at least make the AFC Championship Game if they got into the playoffs -- now he and Pats get a playoff-type of schedule.

Oh, and thank you for the trip to London vs. Tampa Bay on Oct. 25. Nice short flight. How many diehard football fans in Tampa or Foxboro would have loved to have that game in their backyard? Instead, soccer fans -- we play football, the game in England is called soccer, got it! -- get to watch a sport they could care less about. Quick, buy your Tom Brady jerseys now, he's No. 12 if you don't know.

Anyway, at least they have the bye after that soccer game.

After opening with AFC East games -- Pats kick off season on Monday night, Sept. 14, at home vs. Buffalo and then travel to the Jets -- they host Atlanta and Baltimore (2 very good playoff teams last year) and then visit former offensive coordinator turned head coach, Josh McDaniels, in Denver. You'll learn your lesson for leaving Joshy boy. The teacher always win the first 7 or so matchups, so be prepared for a whoopin'.

Things get a lot easier -- ya, right -- with the Titans. Then QB-less Tampa and the bye.

I'm tired already. If the Pats go 5-2 in that stretch, I'll be doing the shimmy-shake in my living room ... 4-3, I'll be cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year.

Take a look at the next stretch, it's a cupcake schedule (another joke): vs. Miami, at Indianapolis (Nov. 15, Sunday Night Football), vs. New York Jets, at New Orleans (Nov. 30, Monday Night Football), at Miami (Dec. 6, Sunday Night Football), and vs. Carolina.

I'll call sweep on the final three games: at Buffalo, vs. Jacksonville and at Houston.

On paper, it looks like a very tough schedule. But the way the NFL is -- you can go from the penthouse to the outhouse in only one season -- I guess you really never know.

But right now, if the Pats can make the playoffs, you can say they definitely earned it. 

Thanks again, NFL.

 

Tampa Bay fumbles on Leftwich signing

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I'm already sick and tired of hearing how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a great signing by inking journeyman quarterback Byron Leftwich to a deal.

Are you serious?

Don't we all remember what he's done in this league? Nothing.

This isn't Marshall, this is the NFL -- which stands for Not For Long if you play like he's done throughout his pro career. And he still has a job. It's like the weatherman who's wrong 75 percent of the time and is laughing while walking to the bank to cash his check.

I am going to laugh so hard if this joker gets the starting nod in Tampa. Well, he's got a good shot -- sort of like the Bruins making a run at the Stanley Cup -- because the Bucs currently have a boatload of stiff QB likes Brian Griese (he's good for one good game every year, however), Luke McCown (yes, he's still in the league) and Josh Johnson (doesn't he pitch for the Florida Marlins?).

What are the Bucs doing?

Maybe it will be a good signing if Tampa wants to lose now. Write it down: he's not going to lead the Bucs to the playoffs. 

His career has been nothing short of disappointing. Just look at his career stats ... gross!!!

He was a first-round bust with the Jacksonville Jaguars. But he already got a Super Bowl ring the only way he could -- by being a backup in Pittsburgh.

The Bucs better have a plan in place. They better draft a QB this year that has more upside than the crew they have now. I'm not saying that Tampa has to take a QB with its 19th pick in the first round, but if they can somehow trade up and land USC's Mark Sanchez, that's the guy you want to try to help rebuild the franchise.

You need a good quarterback to win in this league, and no one should think that Leftwich, McCown, Griese or Johnson are "good quarterbacks."

T.O. all of a sudden a team player?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Terrell Owens finally got the memo: Why don't you act more like a team player? Don't get me wrong, he's talented -- he's a tad overrated, too -- but his constant complaining and me-first attitude has proven to suck the life out of just about every team he's been with. 

But outside of that -- catching the football, running routes, giving it 100 percent all the time, I've never had an issue with T.O. 

Apparently, Owens, after 14 years of doing his own thing in the offseason --whatever he does, it does work because him being in shape has never been an issue -- he finally woke up and realized the more work you put in with you team during the offseason, perhaps the better chemisty you'll have which may translate onto the field. Not to mention, he should make a positive impression on his new team.

Owens showed up for the Bills' voluntary offseason conditioning program, something that he's never done in another uniform.

I hope he's doing this because he realizes the important of being together with his new Buffalo teammates. But I'm thinking this is being done as a clever PR move to say to the fans that Owens is now all about team.

We haven't been living under a rock for the last 10-plus years, though. T.O., as talented as he is, is all about himself. Remember his famous quote: "I love me some me!" Doesn't sound like that's about team, does it?

Perhaps T.O. realizes he better change his image? But perhaps he's already setting himself up for other organizations to believe he's changing his ways so they will sign him to a lucrative deal after this year when he kicks the Bills to the curb because they are losers?

We know what you're about T.O. It's not T-E-A-M, it's about $$$$$$$$$$ and TDs. 

Memo: How long will it take before the Bills wish they didn't sign you?

You're not a team player, never have been and never will be.

We'll get our popcorn ready!

Thug City: The Bengals just never learn

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

How is Marvin Lewis still the HC of the Cincinnati Bengals? He and the Bengals owners and front office staff have not learned their lesson.  I really think they're making a run at the next generation Oakland Raiders.  Amazingly, the Cincinnati Bengals have announced the signing of Tank Johnson.  I wasn't able to get a quote from Tank, but I am sure he's ready to come in with all guns blazing at the start of training camp.  The Bengals continue to astound me by signing and drafting thugs, morons, drug addicts, wife beaters and ne'er do wells.  

Tank Johnson can now be added to the list of Chris Henry, Chad Johnson, Odell Thurman and Cedric Benson to have donned the Orange and Black over the past several years.  I am not sure people around New England understand how spoiled we are.  While they Patriots have added players with sketchy histories the past few years, they have been able to "reform" the likes of Randy Moss and former Bengal Corey Dillon.  They also perform the due diligence to draft character players in the first place.  

This is just one more reason the Cincinnati Bungles are the laughing stock of professional sports and the worst franchise in the NFL.  

Update: Bengals cornerback Leon Hall was just booked with a DUI.

Denver ships cry baby Cutler to Bears

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Good for the Denver Broncos.

The organization which appeared weak by letting the circus show continue with QB Jay Cutler, didn't wait long to trade away their franchise quarterback, who wanted out and then said he didn't expect the Broncos to trade him.

The trade breaks down like this: The Bears gets Cutler and Denver's 5th round pick this year (140th overall), and Denver receives  two 1st-rounders -- the No. 18 overall in this year's draft and the Bears' 2010 1st-rounder -- a 2009 3rd-rounder and Chicago's starting QB Kyle Orton (2,812 yards passing, 18 TDs, 12 INTs).

What a deal for the Broncos since they now have 2 1st-rounders in this year's draft (No. 12 and No. 18) and a 3rd-rounder. It's only a great deal if they hit it big time with those picks, however. 

Do they need a QB? Possibly, but Orton isn't a complete chump. He's 26 years old and in his 5th year out of Purdue. Basically, he's not a legit starter, but he's serviceable enough to take the reigns this year in Denver, while they can draft and groom their QB of the future.

At No. 12, Denver has a shot at QB Mark Sanchez, but I think it would feel more comfortable it could get the USC QB at around No. 8. But if the Broncos can't trade up and he's still there at No. 12, they'd be stupid not to pick him. He can learn the system this year and take over the following year. 

Or Denver just decides to address a swiss cheese-like defense. They need help everywhere. Two 1st-round defensive players would be a big help, too. 

Denver's got options, but they better get it right.

For Chicago, it seems like a lot to get the 25-year-old Cutler, but it obviously feels like Cutler can get them to the playoffs. Well, the Bears haven't been there in 2 years and just maybe coach Lovie Smith can salvage his job if Cutler can leads Chicago into the playoffs. But don't the Bears need some receivers to really compete? See, Cutler had Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal to throw to in Denver, now he has wide receivers Devin Hester (52 receptions, 665 yards, 3 TDs), Rashied Davis (35-445-2) and tight ends Greg Olsen (54-574-5) and Desmond Clark (41-367-1). Not really a feared pass-catching bunch, huh? Hester is really a No. 3 slot guy, but Olsen is a tight end on the rise. 

Earth to Bears GM Jerry Angelo, you need some talented WRs ... or Cutler is going to fail or cry. But they do have a dangerous ground game with Matt Forte, who rushed for 1,231 yards and 8 TDs as a rookie, while catching 64 passes for 484 yards and 4 TDs. 

The Bears do have weapons, but not enough to really be considered a contender. Cutler will help last year's 26th ranked offense, but he's no savior. Nice signing with offensive tackle Orlando Pace, too. The Bears are moving in the right direction, so I'll wait and see what they do with their limited amount of picks and free agency. They better land at least 2 wideouts, though. What about Torry Holt?

Yes, it's a win-win for both teams but I give a big edge to the Broncos ... at least until after the draft. 

Good work Denver getting rid of a complete jerk and cry baby. And Chicago, get the Pampers ready. When things aren't going well, watch Cutler roll up into the fetal position and start sucking his thumb. 

He's your problem now.

It's about time: Denver finally realizes that cry baby Cutler must be traded

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, well, well.

Looks like the Denver Broncos and new wet-under-the-ears head coach Josh McDaniels are finally smartening up. Maybe they've been reading my postings on this site, pleading with them to trade cry baby quarterback Jay Cutler?

This QB, who has a lot of learn about the position (watch how many stupid mistakes he makes as far as reading coverages and thinking his arm is better than John Elway's and Brett Favre's ... it's not), but most importantly how to conduct himself as a professional on and off the field. 

He has cried his way out of Denver, the latest not even having the decency to return call after call from McDaniels and owner Pat Bowlen. Mind you, he's an employee and he's getting paid pretty handsomely -- he's in the midst of 6-year, $48 million deal. I'd at least return a call.

Granted, I'd be ticked if my team wanted to trade me, but he had his time to stew and he just couldn't get over it. He's obviously hurt, but he's handled it in the entirely wrong way.

Asking for a trade is one thing. Maybe he thought ripping the entire organization was the way to get a trade? Well, it worked if that's what he was doing.

For Denver, ship him away. I keep saying Detroit, they've got 2 first-round picks, No. 1 overall and No. 20, while the Broncos have No. 12 overall.

It doesn't matter, Detroit could deal either pick. Cutler's now a veteran and there's a far less learning curve as an NFL QB compared to a rookie. But he's got to grow up, maybe a change of scenery will do that?

Denver has Chris Simms on their roster, but he's just a stop-gap until the Broncos get their man -- whoever that is. In the draft, there's only 2 real QB first-round prospects that I'm buying on: Georgia's Matt Stafford and USC's Mark Sanchez. Both guys are not instant starters, however, maybe halfway through the season but not right away. They need time to learn -- it's been proven to not rush a rookie into the limelight right away. Confidence is a big thing.

But now Denver must get a deal done. It's a good start to publicly recognize Cutler must go, now the Broncos must do a deal.

McDaniels can get his own guy and Cutler gets a fresh start with a team that hopefully will show him the love. A million dollar pacifier might help, too.

Good for Denver, way to smarten up.

Let Gonzalez play for a winner

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Tony Gonzalez is a great football player.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end will go down as one of the best tight ends in NFL history when he's retired, but something's missing in his career -- a Super Bowl ring and another sniff at the playoffs.
Gonzalez is 33 years old and he doesn't have many good years left on those worn down tires.
He's done anything and everything for the Kansas City organization since he was drafted out of California in 1997. This guy's had four 1,000-yard seasons as a tight end.
Yes, a tight end.
He also hauled in a 102 passes in 2004 ... remember, this is a tight end.
No doubt about it, his production is more like a wide receiver.
Gonzalez is still getting it done on the field, too. He had 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 TDs last season for the hapless 2-14 Chiefs.
Changes are on the way in Kansas City with new GM Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley, but how long will it take for the Chiefs to become a playoff team?
Gonzalez probably doesn't have that much time left in his career.
He wants to be traded, but he's not demanding one. That's the way Tony Gonzalez is. He wants the Chiefs to get a good deal before they trade him, but he wants a shot at winning a title. He knows KC isn't the place to do that.
So what should KC do?
He's a fan favorite in KC, but with new leadership comes change.
Why can't KC show Gonzalez the same respect that Gonzalez has shown the organization for the last 12 years?
See if you cant' snag a second-rounder for Gonzalez, or a third at the worst.
This guy deserves a change of scenery and a chance to be a part of a winner.
You know when he's inducted into the Hall of Fame he's going in as a Chief, anyway.
What more can he do to help the Chiefs become a playoff-caliber team? He's not a QB and he's not a defensive player, all he does is catch passes and blocked when asked to.
Set Gonzalez free, it's the right thing to do.
I know he's property of the Chiefs and he's under contract, but sometimes doing the right thing is the only thing to do.
Start over Chiefs and let Gonzalez start over.
He's earned that right!

McDaniels, are you a man or a mouse?

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Are you kidding me?
New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels is now saying that cry baby Jay Cutler is his quarterback.
For now.
But for how long?
McDaniels don't you wish you were back in New England with the protection of guru Bill Belichick?
Joshy boy, it's your chance to put a stamp on this team right away.
We know Cutler isn't your boy and you wanted one-year-wonder Matt Cassel to be your quarterback, but Uncle Bill wanted you to earn your keep so he traded him to the Chiefs and good friend Scott Pioli.
Now it's your move rookie!
Lets see, I think it's a no-brainer, you need to kick Cutler to the curb and develop your own guy.
Why don't you come out and just be honest -- you like Cutler's arm (he can make every tough NFL throw) but you don't like his decision-making and his inability to read a defense. But most importantly, you don't like his attitude. He's shown he's not a leader. Chalk it up to youth, but it appears from a distance that Cutler is about himself and his stats. Maybe he's a great locker room guy, but on the field his leadership qualities don't come though.
Big deal, he threw for over 4,000 yards. Denver always seemed to trail in games and Cutler's stats were inflated because he had to throw just about every down to try to get back into the game. He's a fantasy producer, but in real football he's a mediocre quarterback with a bad attitude.
Do it Josh, cut bait.
Cutler's bashed the organization (isn't he suppose to be the franchise?), and basically called you a liar. People are laughing at you Josh, we're all laughing at you!
You better trade him before or during the draft or you'll forever be labeled as a pushover.
Your credibility as a head coach is being questioned. You're better than that. Everyone in New England realized you had a great football mind, but perhaps you're in over your head as a head coach?
Maybe you've got us all fooled and have a plan to trade him?
I hope so.
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but don't take the banana in the tailpipe.
Do the right thing -- the only thing -- ship Cutler to Detroit so he can get his head beat in like he did back in college.
But you better not trade him to the Jets.
Bill taught you better than that!

Peppers to Pats, Not So Fast.

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Adam Schefter, NFL Network Insider, made quite the bold statement during his semi-regular appearance on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan show this morning. Schefter stated that Julius Pepper's would not be in a Patriots uniform this coming season. John Dennis asked him how sure he was, Schefter quickly replied, "I am 99.9% sure that Julius Peppers will not be a Patriot during the 2009 season".

He cited several reasons why the trade won't happen. He indicated that it would take more than the $73 million deal that Jared Allen received from the Vikings last off season, with $30+ million of that guaranteed. When was the last time the Pats doled out that kind of money? He also questioned what that type of money would do to the salary structure of impending free agents in the locker room. Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins are all unrestricted free agents after the 2009 season. All three will be looking for big paydays and the Pats most likely will not have the room for all three.

Personally, I would love to see the Pats bring in a play maker like Peppers. He's one of the best pass rushers in the game and would inject life into a defense that desperately needs it. Bill Belichick would be given the option of moving him to outside linebacker this season and see how the transition works out. If Peppers struggles, you can let Richard Seymour walk, and move him back to defensive end. Richard Seymour has been either hurt or unproductive for the past two season and would be my pick as the odd man out. Seymour still does many things well, but isn't going to be worth the money he'll be seeking. The Patriots try their best to stick to the philosophy of paying a player what he's worth now, not what he's done in the past.

As for the money, I don't see a reason why you can't fit Peppers, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins under the salary cap. Wilfork is the centerpiece to the Patriots 3-4 defense and shouldn't be in the Albert Haynesworth price range. Don't forget the NFL has the potential of an uncapped season on the horizon. If that occurs, and Peppers makes a successful transition to outside backer, spend the money and keep all four players.

Regardless of what happens, the New England Patriots continue to make this an eventful off season. Make sure to check back for the latest news and our unique opinions on everything Sports.

Patriots hot for Peppers?

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to multiple media reports, the New England Patriots are in hot pursuit of Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.

Peppers, who was franchised by the Panthers and has yet to sign his one-year tender, would be a major upgrade to the Patriots' defense. Peppers is known around the league as one of the best ends that consistently harasses quarterbacks and makes offensive tackles wake up in a cold sweat at night.

But perhaps the one drawback would be that the Patriots would have to convert Peppers into an outside linebacker in New England's complex 3-4 scheme. This would mean that Peppers' priorities would change slightly. As an end, he gets paid to sack the quarterback and also seal the edges on running plays. As an outside linebacker, he can still play on the edges at times and attack the quarterback and play the run, but now he'd have to start covering running backs out of the backfield and tight ends -- something that he hasn't been asked to do in Carolina. It may be an adjustment, but if the rumors are true then how can you not side with the Patriots if they want Peppers?

Apparently the Pats are dangling a second-round pick (No. 34 overall), which they received from the Chiefs in the Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel deal. Not only would the Pats have to give up a draft pick or two, but you know Peppers would want a big payday as well. I think it's a shot worth taking since the Pats still need help on defense -- I love Tedy Bruschi and the passion he plays with, but he's close to calling it a career and it pains me to watch him try and cover anyone -- and Peppers is a franchise-type defensive player than can impact a game with one tackle or strip-sack.

Just trade Cutler already!

Jay Cutler, meet your new coach Josh McDaniels and now say goodbye ... for good. This head-scratching feud between the former Patriots offensive coordinator and Denver's star quarterback (doesn't he play just like Brett Favre, force the ball into coverage because he thinks his arm is like a cannon) needs to end quickly. Big deal, McDaniels wanted to trade for Cassel since he worked with him in New England and he would have had to trade cry baby Cutler to do so. But Cutler, showing his immaturity and lack of leadership, complained to the media and has been throwing insults in every direction, sort of like the way he throws picks to the opposition. 

Quick solution. 

Detroit needs a QB so ship him to the hapless Lions and McDaniels can live and die with his hand-picked slinger. This soap opera needs to be cancelled.

Wright Returns to Patriots

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to the Boston Globe, Mike Wright has re-signed with the New England Patriots. After visiting with The Arizona Cardinals & Denver Broncos, Wright has decided to return to the team who originally signed him after going undrafted out of The University of Cincinnati. It appears that Wright has signed a four year, $7.5 million deal. Sources have also indicated the deal could be worth as much as $10 million with escalator clauses.

Wright had a career high 2.5 sacks last season with 33 totals tackles. The signing offers good depth on the defensive line behind Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green. Wright has seen time at every position on the defensive line. The 2009 off season has seen the exodus of several longtime Patriots, such as Mike Vrabel, Lonny Paxton & Larry Izzo, as they retool the roster for another Super Bowl run.

Galloway signs with Patriots

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to ESPN.com, the New England Patriots and veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway have agreed to a one-year contact.

Although Galloway, 37, was hurt last year in Tampa Bay, he still can stretch the field and corners around the league still must respect his speed.

In 2007, Galloway had 57 catches for 1,014 yards and 6 TDs.

Galloway went for 1,287 yards and 10 TDs in 2005, and was over the 1,000-yard mark in 2006 (1,057 yards, 7 TDs).

The best part about the signing is that the Patriots aren't looking for Galloway to be a No. 1 receiver -- we all know he's not anymore. But Galloway has to be considered one of the best No. 3 receivers in the NFL. Name another third cornerback on any team that has the skills to stay with Galloway step for step.

Just think about it, Patriots fans. Randy Moss, Wes Welker and now Galloway. I think the skill positions on offense are all set. Quarterback Tom Brady is somewhere right now with a big smile on his face. Oh, and don't forget about running back Fred Taylor in the backfield. How do you stop the Patriots? Good luck figuring that out.

Remember, always trust Bill Belichick.