NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Jclombardi reviews morning headlines & highlights.

Guest senior writer jclombardi @ http://lombardiave.com

How we see it: A playoff team, but not a champion. 2010 season for Packers and the rest of the NFL–playoff team, but not a champion. Question–Packers have the pass rush to finish on top of the heap?

Offense preview: Finley poised to emerge as star. Tight end Jermichael Finley appears ready to become an elite player and is a big reason why the Packers could be one of the two or three most explosive teams in the NFL this year.

Season preview: The players by position.  2010 Packers by position.

Philadelphia Eagles scouting report. Scouting report of the Packers, the Eagles, based on interviews with several NFL scouts.

Notebook: Packers take a look at kick returner, safety. 2 potential players who were released in the final cuts on Saturday.

Defense preview: Healthy Woodson focused on winning. CB Woodson sees no reason why the Packers cant put themselves in position to make another run at a Super Bowl. Some of that will depend on his ability to repeat his 2009 performance.

Packers had kick returner Clifton Smith and safety Gerald Alexanderin for workouts according to a league source.

While New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is paid very well for a NFL player, he is, by all accounts, underpaid by elite NFL QB standards.

But it looks like that is about to change as the Boston Herald reports that the 10-year veteran is very close to signing a contract extension that would keep him with the team until 2013.

The contract extension terms are for three years and is worth around $19.3 million per season, although according to ESPN.com, reports of the deal are “inaccurate.”

Assuming that the contract dollar amounts are correct and is signed, Brady’s contract amount, on a per-season basis, would eclipse the current deal that Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning has in place. Manning currently earns $16.3 million per season, although that would almost certainly change as Colts owner Jim Irsay has said that he wants to make Manning the league’s top-earning QB.

Lovie Smith was living it all up in the 2006-07 NFL season. After struggling in 2004, Smith helped build the Bears up behind Rex Grossman, Thomas Jones, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and company to the playoffs the next year. They would, however, fall to the Carolina Panthers. The next year, Chicago went on a undefeated run, finishing the season at the top of the NFC. Smith would wound up in the Super Bowl after blowing out the New Orleans Saints in the conference championship.

At that point, the Bears knew they hired a good coach. Smith would be the first black coach, alongside with Tony Dungy, to be in the Super Bowl. It had been since the magical 1985 season that the Bears have been in the big game. However, the Bears lost with the sloppy performance of Grossman, and blowing their early first-half lead to Dungy's Indianapolis Colts, 29-17.

The Bears would finish 7-9 the next year, but Smith would still keep his job secure. For almost the past decade, the Super Bowl losing-teams would fail the next year. I guess the Bears' staff went with the stereotype. Chicago would improve the next year, finishing 9-7, but they fell short of the playoffs. The Bears made a quick move after a quarterback-troubles by searching around with Brian Griese, Rex Grossman, Kyle Orton, etc.

Then they made a big move, to hopefully make sure they are lock for the playoffs the next season. They traded for disgruntled Denver Broncos' quarterback, Jay Cutler. Cutler was acting like a crybaby, and the Broncos weren't very successful the previous season as it was just Cutler and Brandon Marshall leading the offense, basically. However, Cutler got his wish and got traded. The Bears were happy with this move and expected success out of this. So did Lovie Smith. His job was depending on it.

But the Bears struggled, finishing third in the NFC North division behind the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. With a 7-9 record, it was rather disappointing. But when you really think about it, they were just weak. Cutler had no support whatsoever. Matt Forte, who had a fabulous rookie year, was a disappointment in his sophomore season; having what is known as the "sophomore slump." The Bears also didn't have any experienced receivers that could help. It was just Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, and Rashied Davis. Along with that, they didn't have the heart of their defense in Brain Urlacher.

Now entering the 2010-11 season, Lovie Smith is really on the hot seat. He is right on the bubble. The Bears should have no excuses were for failing next year. The least the Bears can expect are making the playoffs, and that is final. In fact, the staff told ESPN.com Chicago that's what they need in order for Smith to keep his job secure. But it still could be tough with the Vikings and Packers there, along with the Lions clinging behind.

But Chicago made some good moves in the off-season, cashing in Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor to help out the team. Urlacher will also be returning and there is also Briggs in mind alongside with him in the linebacking corps. There is also hope in the receiving corps, with Knox and Hester improving. Along with that, a player emerged and his name is Devin Aromashodu. Aromashodu played solid towards the ending of the season and will be starting with Hester. He will be a great end zone threat.

However, things couldn't go all that solid. Many though the same thing last season. But there are many improvements to also keep in mind. Matt Forte is going to expect a bigger and better season now, along with the help of Taylor signing, too. There is also Mike Martz who got signed with the coaching staff.

As it stands to many expert, Chicago is in the bottom of the NFL Power Rankings for Week One. ESPN.com and their experts put Chi-Town at 21, saying they aren't buying into the Martz-Cutler marriage. The Bears could improve, but Smith is going to be the key and he has to lead Chicago to the playoffs.

"At the end of last year — it was a disappointing year — I think I made the comment that status quo is not acceptable," President Ted Phillips said Tuesday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "Everyone believes in that. What does that mean? I can't put a number of wins on it. Obviously, the goal every year is to get to the playoffs to give us a chance to get to the Super Bowl. That remains the goal. At the end of the year we'll take a look at everything. What I want to see is that we're headed in the right direction. There's obviously a lot of factors that go into that."

Cutler will also have to be strongly improved.

"He came in last season in a tough situation; expectations were through the roof," Phillips said. "It was a tough year for Jay, but everything you hear now with Mike Martz and Jay Cutler, that's real. They're on the same page. I think Mike Martz's system will only be a positive for Jay, and I look for him to come out of the gates strong and have a much better year than he had last year."

The Bears did play pretty decent in the pre-season and it brings hope for the regular season, as it comes underway this week. Many fans are anticipated of what is to come. So is Phillips.

"From my standpoint you'd like to win a couple [preseason] games because it's just the mindset of winning for the players I think is important," Phillips said. "But overall I'm glad it's over, and we're 0-0. The offseason isn't just the four preseason games, it's the offseason workouts, it's the minicamps, it's the practices at training camp that were important. There were a lot of positives there. They tried some new things in new systems that we have and we're going to all find out on Sunday whether they are on the right track or not."

The Bears have to make the playoffs. It's just that simple.

Lovie Smith's job is determined on that.

The Dolphins have a new kick returner, as the team is about to ink former Bucs Pro Bowl kicker returner Clifton Smith.

Possibly not content with their current kickoff and punt returners, the Miami Dolphins will work out Pro Bowl return specialist Clifton Smith Wednesday, Sept. 8.

Smith, who was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during final cuts Saturday, worked out for the Green Bay Packers today and reportedly has at least a few offers on the table.

While the Pack had the offer on the table, Jason Wilde, Packers writer, says that Smith is going to ink with the Fins.

NFL source just told me that @CliftonSmith22 has informed the Packers that he has signed with Miami.

In week 9 of the 2008 season in a game against theChiefs, Smith took a kickoff return for a touchdown for 97 yards for just the second time in Buccaneer history. In week 12 of the 2008 NFL season in a game against the Lions, Smith took a punt return for a touchdown for 70 yards.

Yesterday, the Chargers signed journeyman quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan to a one-year deal after he was released by the Cincinnati Bengals.

With O'Sullivan now on the roster, the Chargers had until today to a cut in order to make room on the 53-man roster for the third-string quarterback. So, in response to the signing, the Chargers released cornerback Brandon Hughes, who initially made the roster.

Chargers' backup quarterback Billy Volek has been struggling with an injury recently, and it is a possibility that O'Sullivan was brought onto the team as insurance until Volek is healthy again. So don't be surprised if O'Sullivan is looking for yet another team to join soon.

And now for the rest of the Chargers' game of musical chairs that has been going on throughout the day:

Rookie quarterback Jonathan Crompton was cut from the practice squad.

Rookie offensive lineman Jeff Hansen was cut from the practice squad.

Recently released rookie offensive lineman Ryan Otterson was brought back to the team as a part of the practice squad.

Tight end Kory Sperry, who was part of the Chargers' training camp in 2009, has been added to the practice squad.

With Sperry now on the practice squad, things aren't looking too good for rookie tight end Dedrick Epps, whos spot on the practice squad could be taken in the near-future by Hughes.

The NFL regular season is finally upon us. In a scant 48 hours we'll all be huddled around the television with baited breath as Drew Brees takes on Brett Favre to kick off the 2010/20111 campaign! There hasn't been much change to the Training Camp Edition Power Rankings, but a few teams have shuffled up. Remember as always folks that this is by no means a barometer of how good a team is, but more how they're trending on any given week.

1. New Orleans Saints. The Saints went 2-2 during the preseason, but with an average total of 32 points per game, there's nothing to suggest this high powered offense won't pick up where it left off.

2. Indianapolis Colts. The Colt's went 0-4 for the preseason. Normally this might be cause to drop them a slot or two for lack of effort, but let's be real, the Colts phone it in for the preseason every year and do just fine.

3. Green Bay Packers. Green Bay went 2-2 and at one point put up 59 points on the sleep walking Colts. A lot of people have been screaming overrated at the Pack, but until proven otherwise this team has all the makings of a title contender.

4. Minnesota Vikings. Can Favre rekindle the magic for one more go around? Time will tell.

5. Baltimore Ravens. This may be the hardest team to handicap in all the NFL. With one of the strongest most reliable wide receiver stables in the league one would think the Ravens may just be unstoppable (seriously, who do you double team?), but with questions on the O-Line, lackluster play from the linebackers and a haphazard patchwork secondary, it's impossible to really know what to expect.

6. Dallas Cowboys. If this team finds cohesion, watch out.

7. Cincinnati Bengals. The most underrated team in the NFL. Could be scary good if Chad and Terrell can quit their bro-mance long enough to focus on football.

8. New York Jets. Not quite sold on the Jets. Revis will take some time to get up to speed but obviously the team is much worse off without him.

9. San Diego Chargers. A solid QB keeps this team afloat and in the top ten.

10. Atlanta Falcons. Will be better than people expect.

11. Miami Dolphins. Henne to Marshall? Could be the start of something good.

12. New England Patriots. Starting to look a lot better than previously expected. Contract turmoil surrounding both Brady and Moss could be an interesting sub-plot to keep an eye on. Welker's return a much needed boon.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers. Dixon has officially been tabbed for the 1^st four weeks. Ben loses his captaincy and his respect. He will do his damndest to regain both.

14. Houston Texans. If the defense can bring consistency, wins will follow.

15. San Francisco 49ers. If Alex Smith can keep Vernon Davis happy, the team will be decent. Otherwise it will struggle to break even.

16. Philadelphia Eagles. Will the perennially popular NFC East be renamed the Dallas Cowboys and the Also Rans by season's end? The Eagles are poised to make some waves.

17. New York Giants. People may be too hard on Eli, but I just don't believe he can make the Giants elite.

18. Washington Redskins. If the skins can get some tread out of their RB group and keep McNabb upright they might just break even on the season. Here's to hoping Tennessee really wants Haynesworth back as bad as some people are saying.

19. Tennessee Titans. Chris Johnson will dominate, this much is true, but how's the passing game going to look?

20. Detroit Lions. Lions have begun to look better by the day.

21. Chicago Bears. All the money in the world may not have made this team much better. Cutler still appears shaky.

22. Arizona Cardinals. Derek Andersen Experiment Take Two. The Leinart era ends with a whimper and a limp, much as it began. Keep all eyes glued to Max Hall.

23. Seattle Seahawks. Seahawks cut top wideout Houshmandzadeh and trade emerging star Wilson to the Ravens for a bag of magic beans…

24. Carolina Panthers. I still have no clue what this team is about this year.

25. Denver Broncos. Who would have thought that Kyle Orton would look pretty ok? Guess we won't be seeing white smoke from the Vatican after all. Pope Tebow the First shall have to wait and learn.

26. Kansas City Chiefs. Matt Cassel has a lot to prove.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars. Will struggle not to finish dead last in their division.

28. St. Louis Rams. Signs of life from the Gateway City!

29. Cleveland Browns. Perhaps the change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered for Jake Delhomme.

30. Oakland Raiders. Let's see if they can stay healthy. To win games, the O-Line is going to have to improve quickly.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Too young in too many places.

32. Buffalo Bills. Could be facing an 0-16 season.

Jclombardi reviews late afternoon headlines.

Guest senior writer jclombardi @ http://lombardiave.com

At SI, 7 of the 9 experts picked the Packers to be in the Super Bowl.  3 of those 7 picked the Pack to win it. 8 of the 9 experts picked Rodgers as the likely MVP winner.

2010 NFL regular season kicks off–Week 1 ESPN.com Power Rankings.  The Colts, whom the Saints defeated in Super Bowl XLIV, rank first followed by the Saints, Packers (at no. 3), Cowboys and Vikings at No. 5 overall.

Part 1, East Divisions

AFC North:

Cincinnati Bengals: What I Know- Mike Zimmer’s 11-man firing squad is deep, ridiculously deep.  2nd unit could start, not miss a beat.  Acquisition of Reggie Nelson will pay dividends, change of scenery breeds new life to former 1st round pick from Florida.  Hybrid pass rusher Michael Johnson and rookie DT Geno Atkins (Georgia) both will make presence felt during 3rd down passing situations, not that one of the NFL’s top corner back tandems (Leon Hall, Jonathan Joseph) need further assistance. 

What I Don’t Know- How good is this D?  Better than Baltimore?  If I had to answer, yes.  Pittsburgh?  Right now, close, but if I had to decide, no. Rivers-Maualuga combo, will they make the biggest noise or will the big boys up front?  It’s a matter of how good, or even, how great.  Anxious to find out: Will Carson Palmer return to MVP form of 2005?  The former Southern Cal Heisman Trophy winner puzzles me beyond words.

Pittsburgh Steelers: What I Know- Dick LeBeau’s troops can be more impressive than past two Super Bowl winning defenses.  Easily best group of LB’s in NFL, it’s not even fair.  Some sort of record will be broke on D.  They will set tempo to season, so much, we don’t even realize who’s under center, whether it be Dixon, Batch, or even Big Ben.  It won’t matter with how good they’ll be performing.  Troy Polamalu or LaMarr Woodley will win NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.  Mike Wallace is AFC version of DeSean Jackson.  He has his wheels, only difference, the SEC boy is tougher.  Mike Tomlin is completely under valued.  He’s easily among the Top 5. 

What I Don’t Know- Will Rashard Mendenhall be known for his results or his potential by season’s end?  Antwaan Randle El, any trick play magic left?  Say the run game is non-existent, how much will they miss Santonio Holmes in 3 WR sets?

Baltimore Ravens: What I Know- Ed Reed will be truly, clearly missed.  Ed Reed will be a non-factor in 2010.  Ray Rice can trump 2009’s success, he’s an MVP candidate.  Ed Dickson will make this team unbelievably hard to defend at times in the red zone.  So many options down near goal line.  Can’t deny Ray Lewis.  Still a DPOY threat.  Joe Flacco is under more pressure than Carson Palmer and Big Ben.  Week 2 showdown at Cincinnati will say more about team than Monday Night Football opener against New York Jets.  Secondary will make it tough for team to finish ahead of Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

What I Don’t Know- How will T.J. Houshmandzadeh figure into the equation?  Instant production?  Does the team need him?  Why didn’t they hold on to Mark Clayton instead?  Clayton can spread the field, stretch out defenses, can T.J. do that?  Can he line up inside as slot receiver?  Derrick Mason, shouldn’t he be on the receiving end of more props, kudos, and dap?  When I think Mason, I think Donald Driver and Hines Ward.  Whether or not to believe Terrell Suggs will regain top form because he’s in better shape.  Is Josh Wilson a question mark or more of an answer?

Cleveland Browns: What I Do Know- No more than four wins.  Don’t put much stock into how they finished ‘09.  Jake Delhomme’s career is over.  Seneca Wallace will provide excitement, start him sooner rather than later.  Peyton Hillis is exactly what this team lacks.  They need more Peyton Hillises.  Versatile.  Rough.  Mean streak.  Intense.  Professional.  3-4 defense lacks outside pass rushers.  No game changers off the edge.  Secondary looks improved.  Joe Haden is an All-Pro caliber athlete.  Need more athletes.  Mike Holmgren, the Head Coach, to be continued…

What I Don’t Know- Why Mangini is still the man.  Why was he in the first place?  Josh Cribbs’ effect on special teams, will it prolong?  On offense, is he viable enough to make some sort of a wave?  Why Colt McCoy is on the team.  Which Pac-10 QB they prefer more: Jake Locker or Andrew Luck?  Arkansas Razorbacks’ Ryan Mallett?  T.J. Ward- was he over drafted or is he the answer at strong safety?  Why sign Scott Fujita at OLB when you can develop Marcus Benard.  Wouldn’t you want to go young and fast at this position?  Banking on Matt Roth way too much.  Shaun Rogers, still on the team?  How long it will take for this team to compete in the AFC North.

NFC North:

Minnesota Vikings: What I Do Know- We will be talking about Adrian Peterson like we were talking about Chris Johnson last season.  Front four will atone for secondary’s mistakes, all its injuries and early season deficiencies.  Jared Allen gets more cred than Kevin Williams because of his vibrant personality.  E.J. Henderson made quite a speedy recovery, just his presence alone will ignite defense more than some people think.  Leslie Fraizer is as good as gone,  head coach in 2010.  Brett Favre should be the offensive coordinator, he’s running the show, not Brad Childress.  Percy Harvin and Greg Camarillo will do more than adequate job replacing Sidney Rice.  This will soon become Adrian Peterson’s team.  They have Green Bay’s number.

What I Don’t Know- If Chester Taylor will be brought up every time when “All Day” takes a breather. Once a game?  Twice?  Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin both close to completely healthy in November and December?  They need Chris Cook to return fast.  How much does Lito Sheppard have left in the tank?  Why do people quickly dismiss them as NFC representatives?  Bernard Berrian as a deep threat like he was in Chicago.  If the D loses anything if Jasper Brinkley takes over for E.J. Henderson.   

Green Bay Packers: What I Do Know- They are not this year’s version of the ‘09-10 Saints.  Tougher division.  Rodgers isn’t on Brees’ level.  NFC has upgraded.  Donald Driver is on my football team any day of the week.  He’s tough as nails, excellent shape, and durable as all get out.  As good as it gets as a true football player.  Throwback.  They don’t come any more rugged than him, what a great story, inspiration for athletes.  I can watch him play all the time.  Clay Matthews willing the ball free from Adrian en route to six on MNF in the first match-up in October was one of the best plays I saw live.  Remarkable strength, ability from the former USC standout.  Charles Woodson.  Impressive.  He earned the NFL’s DPOY award.  What a play maker.

What I Don’t Know- Do they have what it takes to overtake Minnesota?  Why so many people are over hyping them?  Every expert and analyst seems to have them representing the NFC.  If rookie strong safety Morgan Burnett is prepared to start right away.  I like him and defensive lineman Mike Neal from their draft, but I don’t know what to think of nose tackle B.J. Raji, last year’s 1st round selection.  Is he going to perform?  Haynesworth-esque skill, Haynesworth-like attitude/character?  They played extensively without Al Harris in ‘09, will it be any different?  Much has been expected from first round inside line backers A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett, but are they able to step it up a notch or two in order for the defense to excel?

Detroit Lions: What I Do Know- Stafford-Best-Johnson.  Next Big Trio.  They will be underestimated, yet, they will excite.  Best has outstanding vision.  Points will not be an issue.  Will be most improved NFC team.  Defense is still a few players away.  This is the team I’m most looking forward to watching.  Louis Delmas is a Pro-Bowler.  Jim Schwartz, right man for the job.  Nice mix of vets via Free Agency and youngsters via Draft.  Nate Burleson and Tony Scheffler will be noticed more often that not, good pick-ups.  Kyle Vanden Bosch is a warrior on the defensive line.  DeAndre Levy-Julian Peterson are looking for a third ‘backer to run with ‘em.  Cliff Avril, double-digit sacks.  Playoffs next year.  Ford Field will be home to an abundance of shootouts, not blowouts.

What I Don’t Know- If the defense can keep pace with offense.  Do they enough depth to sustain fight going deep into games?  I was wrong on Stafford early on, his play, demeanor, and mentality have changed my mind.  Especially his rocket launcher for an arm.  20 picks?  25 picks?  30?  Could he possibly be the next Jay Cutler?  Ndamukong Suh, is going to be a player, but how much of a force will he be?  Corey Williams was a bust in Cleveland, is he ready to snap out of it?  How in the world the corner backs are in the state they are in now is mind-boggling.  If Calvin Johnson is going to be in the discussion as the #1 wideout, it’ll be soon, yet how soon?  Why did Jahvid Best fall so late?

Chicago Bears: What I Do Know- Julius Peppers is the top athlete in the game today.  He can be scary good.  However, I don’t think he’s a big enough band-aid to cover up for the Bears holes in the secondary.  New head coach/GM next season.  Jay Cutler’s job is safe no matter what.  Matt Forte will resemble more his rookie self, sophomore slump was an aberration.  Chester Taylor will help out immensely.  Excellent addition.  Charles Tillman is the best at stripping the football, Chris Harris is good too.  Major Wright should start at free safety.  I rather have Lance Briggs instead of Brian Urlacher.  A rejuvenated Tommie Harris would do wonders. WR is not a problem, its actually a strength.  OL is the biggest weakness, by far.  DB is next.  I don’t see more than six wins.  Devin Hester needs to return more kicks, see less action on offense.

What I Don’t Know- Why isn’t Jay Cutler utilized more in shotgun?  Why is offensive line always forgotten on draft day, yet the defensive line is always remembered?  I can’t figure out why Hester is so often criticized.  It’s going to take time, he has developed nicely, and will start to show his potent potential this year.  I think everyone has gotten carried away and has overblown his situation.  Why Jay Cutler is looked down upon.  He did the most with what he could do last season, he’s the ultimate competitor.  Why Greg Olsen is still on this roster, he’s so overvalued.  Team would be better of with a draft pick.  How the team’s defense can look so good every year the first two or three games, then fade away rapidly.  More aggressiveness should be exhibited.  Will Jay Cutler execute in the red zone?  If he does, could this team all of a sudden go from a 5-6 win team to an 8-9 win club?