NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

We all know about all the various talks that have gone on about the Eagles and their relationship with Donovan McNabb. We know his time in Philadelphia has to come to an end at some point and there has been much talk as to when that time will be. Many said he had a lot to prove this year and indeed he did. All looked well for Donovan McNabb until he failed us on Sunday. He failed when we needed him most and he let a lot of people down. Things just seem to fall into place for the Eagles near the end of seasons, and this year was no different. They had the big win streak to secure a playoff berth and got help from other teams to position themselves as the number two seed in the NFC and wrap up a first round bye and home game. The Eagles missed this opportunity and you have to put a lot of the blame on Donovan McNabb.

I really hate singling out players after a loss (or even a win), but I think it's pretty fair in this situation. Donovan McNabb is the leader of this offense and the leader of this team. Sunday against the Cowboys, he failed to lead. He had opportunities and he missed them and could not lead his offense to score a single point after helping set a new franchise record for most points in a single season.

So what's the deal? Did Donovan McNabb just put himself back on the chopping block? His biggest downfall has always been his inability to win the "big game" and he failed again last Sunday. This wasn't the Super Bowl, so McNabb does have the chance to redeem himself. The question we have to ask ourselves is will he? And if he doesn't, what happens from here?

As the Cards get set to have a rematch with the Packers at home in the wild card playoff game on Sunday, the team may not have three players who fill significant roles for the team.

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin has a sprained left ankle, defensive end Calais Campbell a broken left thumb and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie a bruised left kneecap. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Boldin was sore and undergoing an MRI on Monday.

Whisenhunt seemed optimistic that Campbell and Rodgers-Cromartie would be ready when Arizona has the rematch with the Pack on Sunday. "I'm always optimistic that we're going to have these guys because this is a playoff game and guys want to play," Whisenhunt said. "They understand that. The sense of urgency is definitely there. That's why I feel like you've got a chance of getting these guys back.'

He was more vague about Boldin's status. "We'll just have to see how he progresses as the week goes," Whisenhunt said.

I am going to outline several scenarios of potential changes for the Bears organization following the dismal disappointment of the 2009 season.  I think it is inevitable that something is going to have to change.  What it is, no one can tell for sure yet. Did Ron Turner and Lovie Smith do enough at the finish line to keep their jobs?  Is Jerry Angelo under the hot seat?  What is going to happen to Jay Cutler under new regimes?  Read on to find out!

Scenario 1 – Jerry Angelo Fired

If this happens then Lovie Smith and his crew of BFFs would probably be gone as well.  However, unless the Bears organization is prepared to go after a head coach that will have player personnel responsibilities (like a Mike Holmgren type) then the Bears would be stuck picking from the bottom of the barrel.  Most premier coaches that are currently available are not going to wait for the Bears organization to do a search for their (arguably) top guy.  The new top guy would then have to do a search for a new head coach.  Regardless, if the Bears are going to build an offense around Jay Cutler, that would mean he will have to work for the 3^rd straight year under a new offensive coordinator.

Scenario 2 – Lovie Smith Fired

This happens if, and only if, Jerry Angelo is put under immense pressure by the organization.  In this scenario, all of Lovie Smith's BFFs are gone too.  Angelo now has to convince a prospective new incoming coach that he can purchase enough talent in free agency to have something to work with.  Good luck!  Plus, there is the 11million other reasons to keep Lovie around.  Regardless, if the Bears are going to build an offense around Jay Cutler, that would mean he will have to work for the 3^rd straight year under a new offensive coordinator. And, if Jerry Angelo doesn't get it done with a new coach, he could be gone the following year giving Jay Cutler a potential 4^th straight year under a new offensive coordinator.

Scenario 3 – Ron Turner Fired

This happens if, and only if, Lovie Smith is put under immense pressure by Jerry Angelo.  Now, in order for a replacement to be found, the Bears have to look for a position coach in the organization (DAVE TOUB PLEASE) or one around the league that they can promote or they have to go to the minor leagues (college).  Regardless, if the Bears are going to build an offense around Jay Cutler, that would mean he will have to work for the 3^rdstraight year under a new offensive coordinator.  And, if Jerry Angelo doesn't get it done with Lovie Smith, either he or Lovie could be gone the following year giving Jay Cutler a potential 4^th straight year under a new offensive coordinator.

Scenario 4 – No major changes

If the Bears do not want Jay Cutler to have to stagnate under a revolving door of offensive coordinators then no changes are made.  However, some position coaches might be gone such as Pep Hamilton, Quarterbacks Coach; Tim Spencer, Running Backs Coach; Darryl Drake, Wide Receivers Coach.  This scenario seems to me to be the most likely.

Scenario 5 – We get the exact same crap we had this year.

If the McCaskeys really want to keep their fan base, something has to change.  In my humble opinion, Scenario 4 is the most likely.  Money and the development of Jay Cutler as the feature of the offense dictate that Lovie Spankme and Ron Turnover keep their jobs, but are told this is your make it or break it year.

I assume that we will find out more in tomorrows press conference.

Why do they hate us? The Football Gods (TFGs), I mean. They seem to have a malign and perverse interest in knees and in yesterday's TexMess smote yet another brilliant player with their evil touch. Oh, Wes, say it ain't so!

Last week I mentioned significant injury as worst-case scenario, and that nearly happened. Welker, considered by many to be the Pats' season MVP and a key to playoff success, much less that elusive fourth Super Bowl win, is a huge loss, irreplaceable despite the apparent channeling of WR Julian Edelman who had 10 carries for over 100 yards.

Why do I contend that Welker's injury is nearly worst-case? Two words: Darryl Stingley. Welker's accident, possibly the result of a cleat tangle with the stadium turf, did not leave him paralyzed. It might have ended his season but if there is justice in this world, it won't end his career.

It was not, as in the case of Jack Tatum's assault on Stingley, tainted by the reprehensible suspicion of malicious intent (except perhaps from TFGs). Tatum's churlish behavior in the aftermath of Stingley's devastating injury – he never apologized, never visited, never called (whoa, that sounds like a relationship) – only fuels the flames of blame.
So, what now?

The odds, already dubious, are set against them. The Pats rolled into Reliant Stadium on, well, a roll: peaking at the perfect time, a playoff berth guaranteed, the game meaningless except for keeping everybody sharp. Instead TFGs landed a stunning blow. The mettle of this season's team is about to be tested like never before. The story waits to be written.

Every heroic tale has its dark before the dawn. Every hero faces the worst kind of setback before stumbling to his feat and pulling off a miracle. The sidelining of Welker is dreadful and demoralizing but it doesn't have to be fatal.

Perhaps it's not likely that one or more of the players will find a way to transcend their own limitations and truly step up – when that scenario plays out on the heroic stage it never is the likely thing. But when, oh so rarely, it does happen it's the stuff of legend. In local lore, it's Kurt Schilling's bloody sock. Would that 2004 World Championship, as great as it was, been the mythic event it became had the Sox, just days earlier, not stared into the abyss?

So I say, let's reverse TFG's curse. Let's face the darkness with courage and resolve and dare the abyss to look back. Let's have the audacity to still seek the Ring — in spite of, or maybe even because of, the nearly impossible odds. I challenge this team to show us all that football, like any noble quest, can be so much more than a game.

Losers of three straight..

Their once potent offense has only scored 44 points the last three weeks after averaging nearly 40 a game..

The defense gave up over 100 yards rushing again this weekend..

No team that has lost their last three games of the season has made it to the Super Bowl.

Sounds like trouble in Who Dat nation? Or is it?

Saints Coach Sean Payton has gotten a lot of criticism the last few days after deciding to rest key players against Carolina this weekend. Sure, it was a lackluster performance for the most part..It’s not the way you want to be entering the playoffs, especially as the number one seed.

Most of the starters spent the second half watching the game on the bench. Drew Brees’ only time on the field was for the pre-game coin toss. Jeremy Shockey, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sharper, and Dave Thomas also sat out this weekend while recovering from injuries. Of course, all these guys are key contributors to the Saints’ success. And of course, you want your best players healthy heading into your first playoff game.

Any coach will tell you that time to rest and recover is good for your injured players, especially if it’s in the middle of the season. The Saints came away with a victory Sunday with no major injuries occurring during the game. Imagine the uproar if the Saints lost Marques Colston or Robert Meachem for the playoffs, like New England lost Wes Welker. The Saints played hard all season and earned the opportunity to rest their players for a playoff run.

The return of several key players allows the Saints to go back to what they do best. On defense, Gregg Williams had to alter his defense in order to make up for key injured players. For example, S Darren Sharper was dependent to be more of a cover safety with the injuries to CBs Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter. Before the injuries, Sharper had more space and leeway to be a ball hawk..to read and dissect the defense and then decide how to attack the play or maybe take a risk and intercept the ball, which is what Sharper does best.

Jabari Greer’s shutdown capabilities allowed Sharper this freedom as well. Greer consistently shut down some of the best receivers one on one in the league during the first half of the season before his injury. Having a corner like that frees up an extra player to blitz in the Saints rush happy defense. A healthy Sedrick Ellis, Bobby McCray, Jonathan Vilma, and Scott Fujita adding to the pass rush will only make the Saints that much more dangerous on defense.

The offense will benefit from a healthy Jeremy Shockey and Dave Thomas. Both tight ends present match up problems for opposing defenses. Both players are exceptional receivers who can also block just as well in the running or passing game. In the last few weeks, OT Jermon Bushrod has been exposed as the weak link on the Saints offensive line, especially without a Shockey to help him out in protection.

The Saints will need healthy tight ends to slow down the 3-4 defense featured in most NFC playoff teams. Having Pierre Thomas and the running game back to full health will be key for breaking down a 3-4 attack. The Saints averaged the fifth best rushing yards per carry (4.5) in the league during the regular season and need to continue that effort in the playoffs.

Expect the Saints to use the next couple of weeks to get back to the fundamentals..blocking, footwork, and tackling. The Saints have not been as crisp lately in all three area as they had been at the start of the season. This next couple of weeks of practice will have a training camp feel to them.

Remember Saints camp this preseason..Drew Brees and Gregg Williams staring each other down after every play, the high intensity on both sides of the ball, guys competing for playing time, and the focus on improving as an individual for the good of the team. Maybe a week of practicing for themselves is what the Saints need to find that fire and intensity the started the season with. And a wrinkle or two in the offensive or defensive scheme wouldn’t hurt either.

The Saints are no longer the favorites to win the NFC, according to the “experts” who follow the league. But maybe that’s where the Saints want to be..the underdog. They played some of their best football of the season in the underdog role. How many experts gave the Saints a chance against the Giants or the Patriots? The Saints responded with two of their best games of the season. The Saints are a group of stragglers and castaways from other teams who would like nothing more to prove they are worthy of being the best in the NFL. Sean Payton will have this group of veterans on alert and motivated for the playoffs.

Three straight losses..

No momentum…

All that is out the door come playoff time. The Saints will be rested, healthy and ready for their first playoff game in a couple of weeks.

Buckle up your chin strap! It’s gonna be a fun playoff ride.

The Giants have announced that defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan has been fired.

Sheridan, who many feel is to blame for the Giants' poor defensive performance this season, took over the defense when Steve Spagnuolo left last year to become the head coach of the St. Louis Rams.

The Giants surrendered 427 points this season, a franchise-high for a 16-game schedule. They also allowed opponents 40 or more points in a game five times, another infamous franchise reco

The NFL announced today additional important developments in its ongoing work related to player health and safety in the area of concussions.

The NFL has confirmed its partnership with the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy to research the long-term effects of head trauma in athletes. The league through the NFL Alumni Association is encouraging current and former NFL players to agree to donate their brains to the Center to assist its research efforts.

The NFL is committed to providing $1 million or more for independent research projects that will be identified by the Center. The NFL is continuing to strengthen and expand the membership of its medical committee on concussions, formed in 1994, that has initiated research and advised the NFL on best practices for concussion prevention and management over the past 15 years. DR. JEFFREY KUTCHER, a neurologist at the University of Michigan and chairman of the sports section of the American Academy of Neurology, has accepted an invitation to join the NFL MTBI Committee.

 Former NFL player MERRILL HOGE, who testified at the October 28 congressional hearing on head injuries in football, has also been appointed to the committee. The NFL is currently interviewing candidates for the new chair of the committee and expects to select the committee’s new leadership by the end of January. The NFL also has invested in ongoing research designed to provide more independently validated information on the protective qualities of helmets used by NFL players and to help NFL players make informed choices regarding the helmets they wear, regardless of the manufacturer.

The NFL’s medical committee on concussions engaged two independent laboratories — Southern Impact in Tennessee and Biokinetics in Ottawa, Canada — to conduct a wide-range of tests of helmets made by all leading manufacturers to learn how helmets used by NFL players respond under different types of impacts that can occur during a game. The committee launched this project a year ago, including plans to have the research reviewed by independent experts. After a two-month search process, the NFL has confirmed those two independent experts are: DR. DAVID MEANEY, University of Pennsylvania, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Bioengineering and DR. BARRY S. MYERS, Duke University, Pratt School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering. These specialists bring independent expertise and experience in the field of head injuries to help ensure the validity of this continuing research project. In addition to reviewing the preliminary data, they will make recommendations on additional testing of the helmets that could contribute to the project and be useful to manufacturers and NFL players.

These are the latest in a series of steps the NFL has taken over the past 15 years to address player safety with respect to concussions. Other recent steps include:

 As part of its continuing educational effort, the NFL will hold its third medical conference on concussions next June. It was announced today that it will be hosted by Johns Hopkins University and held in Washington, D.C. Attendees will include NFL team medical staffs and representatives of the NFLPA. The first such NFL conference took place in 1997 in New York and Arizona with the second conference in Chicago in June of 2007. The NFL will again invite leading physicians and scientists to present the most current information regarding this injury. Club medical personnel will be required to attend.

 A new and expanded statement on the NFL's 2007 return-to-play guidelines for a player who sustains a concussion.

 The 2009 statement says that a player who suffers a concussion should not return to play or practice on the same day if any concussion symptoms are identified based on the initial medical evaluation of the player. Once he is removed for the duration of a practice or game, the player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptomatic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant.

 Each club has identified local independent neurological specialists to provide “second opinion” in cases involving players who have had a concussion and been removed from a game or practice. Before these players return to practice or play, they must be evaluated and cleared by both their team physician and the independent neurological consultant. The NFL and the NFL Players Association medical advisor reviewed the expertise and qualifications of, and approved, each doctor proposed for this role.

 Members of the NFL Competition Committee are continuing to evaluate potential changes in playing rules that are intended to reduce head impacts and related injuries in a game setting. In addition, JOHN MADDEN, in his new role as special advisor to the Commissioner, is chairing a committee of coaches that has been exploring ways of providing players with a safer environment that would reduce the risk of head trauma on non-game days. Both the NFL Competition Committee and Madden’s group will report to the Commissioner their recommendations this offseason.

In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the league developed an NFL public service message directed primarily at young athletes and their parents and coaches on the importance of head injury awareness. The message has been airing during NFL game telecasts. In addition, the league also is working with the CDC and other organizations to distribute educational material to young athletes and high school coaches, and to develop with USA Football an overall certification program for coaches at those levels addressing player health and safety.

Courtesy of the NFL

I've gotten lots of emails and comments about the Giants defense. Of course, everyone and their mother wants Bill Sheridan fired. I think he will be tomorrow. The common theme I see is fans wanting to see a change to a 3-4 defense. For those unfamiliar, a 3-4 defense has 3 down lineman, and 4 linebackers, instead of the traditional 4-3. I'm a fan of 3-4. If I was starting a team from scratch, that's what I would employ. But, looking at this roster, can the Giants do it? Let's explore.

I'll start with the defensive line. The most important position in a 3-4 is the nose tackle. Chris Canty played some NT in Dallas, but he was more of an end. The Giants need a big body, someone like Shaun Rogers, or Haloti Ngata out there. Canty is a perfect 3-4 end. I'm more worried about the defensive ends. Defensive ends in a 3-4 don't rush the passer as much. They hold up offensive lineman. These are usually "two-gap" defensive ends. Two-gap defenders take up two gaps on the offensive line. These are usually reserved for the big boys. Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora are not two-gap defenders. Neither is suited for two gap roles. Canty is, so that's one end taken up. Who's the other? And is that player in the draft or free agency? Not sure.

We talk a lot about the pass rushing ends in a 3-4. LT. DeMarcus Ware. I think Osi can do it. Kiwanuka can. Tuck probably not. In a 3-4, Tuck may the odd man out. The middle linebackers are taken care of. If Pierce comes back, his lack of athleticism could be hidden in a 3-4. I think Goff and Blackburn would be adequate.

So, in order to change to a 3-4, you'd need a nose tackle and one more defensive end. You wouldn't really have a place for Justin Tuck. For nose tackles, there is Terrence Cody from Alabama entering the draft. Dude is big–6-5, 365. Will he be available at 17? Don't know. There are some 3-4 linebackers. Johnny Jolly of Green Bay would fit as a 3-4 end. He's a free agent, but who knows with the CBA talks. The point is this. Transitioning to a 3-4 defense will be tough. There are missing pieces, and with the uncertainty of the CBA, getting those pieces in free agency may be difficult. Should they try it? Maybe. I wouldn't be opposed. But, it's not a cinch. Oh, and Romeo Crennel is not available.

If Bill Cowher wants to be the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills, he now has a clear path to doing so. Monday new GM Buddy Nix canned the entire coaching staff, this after the Bills wrapped up the season with a win over the Colts, but still finished the year a down 6-10, missing the playoffs yet again.

The team had already fired coach Dick Jauron a few weeks back, and Monday nterim coach Perry Fewell and the rest of his staff were let go. Though Fewell was dismissed, he will still interview for the team's vacant head coaching job, a personal familiar with the decisions told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the dismissals.

Fewell, the team's defensive coordinator, finished with a 3-4 record as the interim coach. Except for highly respected special teams coordinator Bobby April, most of the Bills assistants, including Fewell, had been hired by Jauron.

The timing of the shakeup comes as the Bills embark on their fifth coaching search since Hall of Famer Marv Levy retired after the 1997 season.

Cowher has been mentioned as a candidate. Several media outlets, including ESPN and The Buffalo News, have reported the Bills have spoken to Cowher

Black Monday started with the first firing being in the nation’s capital, as to the surprise of no one, the Redskins fired head coach Jim Zorn. The move opens the door for the team to take a long look and flirt with former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.

Reports say that Zorn was informed of his dismissal shortly after the team returned to Redskins Park following Sunday's season-ending 23-20 loss at San Diego.

"No one in the organization is satisfied with our record over the last two years," Snyder said in a statement released by the team, "and I am sure that Jim would concur with that statement. It has been painful for him, too. I certainly accept responsibility for mistakes that I have made. I am hopeful that our fans will accept my commitment and pledge to deliver a franchise that can compete in the NFC East every season."

Zorn and the Skins were not very good when he was coach, as he went 12-20 over two seasons, but he lost 18 of his last 24 games after a 6-2 start in 2008. The Redskins struggled early despite a weak schedule this season and finished 4-12, their worst record since 1994.

"The status quo is not acceptable," general manager Bruce Allen said in a separate statement. "I felt it was necessary to not waste a moment of time to begin building this team into a winner."

Zorn's replacement will be Washington's seventh coach since Snyder bought the team in 1999. Playing a role in the decision will be Allen, who was hired as the GM last month.

"Bruce Allen spent many hours examining the football operations, and we are both determined to do whatever it takes to build a championship team," Snyder said. "That process begins today."

And that process likely will start with Shanahan, who has been considered the favorite to replace Zorn for some time.