NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

2010 NFL Predictions

Part 1, East Divisions

Part 2, North Divisions

AFC South:

Indianapolis Colts: What I Know- Sanders-Bethea, hands down, best safety duo.  Sanders is to Indianapolis as Troy Polamalu is to Pittsburgh.  Only difference: Colts can overcome his absent with much better results.  He’s one of the top ten most exciting players to watch.  When healthy, third-best safety in football.  Rookie LB Pat Angerer (Iowa) is going to make this defense even better.  He will make more waves than fellow 1st round rookie DE Jerry Hughes (TCU).  That’s saying more about Angerer, than it is against Hughes.  I love their system in place on D.  Always quick, attacking unit.  Count on this without hesitation: Pierre Garcon, next great Colts WR.  Pro-Bowl this year, #1 ahead of Wayne next year.  Garcon-Collie next Harrison-Wayne for Peyton.

What I Don’t Know- Is Jerry Hughes going to answer the hype?  Everyone is talking about him, what an outstanding steal, what an excellent pick…is he ready to step in once Freeney or Mathis go down?  Is he the heir apparent, next undersized pass rusher?  Still a rookie, was he that dominant at TCU?  Tony Ugoh just got cut, how can you support this move?  Donald Brown, what’s up with him?  Can he stay healthy?  Addai still impresses me with his ability, he’s the perfect back for this offense.  Who can stop Dallas Clark?  He could be the most fluid, smooth TE.  Is anyone going to figure him out, he does everything so effortlessly.  I can’t choose between Peyton, Brees, and Brady.  Flip a coin?  Rather than debate, let’s step away, sit back, appreciate, and marvel.  Who can you compare to Peyton in sports?  He’s a mastermind, so rare.  Do we understand how great he really is?  I don’t think I do, not yet.

Tennessee Titans: What I Know- Jeff Fisher is doing more with less.  What a coach.  Maybe other than Adrian Peterson, I would want to see Chris Johnson live more than any other player in the NFL.  We talk about his speed, how about his vision, cuts, and most importantly smarts.  He runs not only fast and strong, but very wisely.  Avoids big hits, is sharp in everything he does.  Incredible.  Sky’s the limit.  Vince Young is a winner.  Went 8-2, beat four good teams.  He can lead my team.  The way he lead the troops against Arizona on the game-winning drive was a thing of beauty.  What a comeback.  He’s going to impress this season, he and Johnson are better than last year, they will be crazy hard to defend.  Will Witherspoon is a really good under the radar replacement for Keith Bulluck.  Solid vet.  Alterraun Verner, rookie 4th rounder from UCLA, should be the starter, he can be a good one for many years to come, starting right now.  1-2 punch of Jacob Ford-Jason Jones is going to raise some eyebrows.  They don’t need to trade for Haynesworth, they’re set on the defensive line.  You got rid of LenDale White, now don’t ruin it by getting this guy, keep the draft picks.

What I Don’t Know- Why Kenny Britt’s not making progress?  He came in out of shape?  What?  I thought he was going to be an impact guy.  Taking steps back now.  Why isn’t the ball being thrown more Jared Cook’s way?  He can open things up in the pass game.  I really like the TE from South Carolina (‘09 3rd round pick).  Why do you trade your 2010 2nd rounder to move up in the 3rd round to have him fighting Craig Stevens for playing time?  Scaife-Cook could make up for lack of top-flight WR’s.  Another USC WR, another wasted pick?  Not a good track record, Damian Williams looks like just another body, project.  Give more time to Lavelle Hawkins.  Why is this team not mentioned in many Playoff discussions, give me them over the Jets.

Jacksonville Jaguars: What I Do Know- Mike Thomas will the most explosive player on offense, not Maurice Jones-Drew.  Don’t blink.  Something tells me this won’t be an MJD type of year.  Weird feeling, injuries.  David Garrard is under appreciated and criticized way too much.  He’s a better than more than half the QB’s in the NFL.  Above-average, can make plays with arm and feet.  Solid.  Kirk Morrison, what a coup.  Love this move.  Oh, and Aaron Kampman back to playing DE in a 4-3, 15 sacks.  In order for the defense to be complete, they need Rashean Mathis to play more than ten games and get back to playing on the All-Pro caliber level he should be competing at.

What I Don’t Know- Why Derrick Harvey is still on the roster?  Time to cut dead weight.  Where’s the love for the LB’s?  I really like the starting core.  Back to dead weight, Marcedes Lewis?  Let him go already.  Time to move on.  If there’s a better OL in the AFC.  What happens if MJD misses any time?  Why didn’t they pick-up a back-up RB?  Rashad Jennings?  This team could be more respectable if they addressed a few dead areas.

Houston Texans: What I Know- Andre Johnson is a top five player.  We haven’t seen his best yet.  If Owen Dainels overcomes injuries, he and Andre are the best WR-TE in all of football.  Arian Foster is the answer.  Sorry Steve Slaton, this kid is for real.  Foster has all the tools to become a top ten RB.  Mario Williams should be challenging Julius Peppers for the most intimidating and forceful defensive lineman in the league.  If I’m a Texans fan I should be expecting more, not less from Super Mario.  If he plays like he should and elevates his game to match his potential, it could make a big difference.  Kareem Jackson was a brilliant choice.  He’s been around winning.

What I Don’t Know- When defensive linemen Amobi Okoye and Connor Barwin plan on showing up?  Underachievers are holding this team back.  If Brian Cushing will return to form.  Will Eugene Wilson keep his job with Troy Nolan pushing him?  Should I keep an eye on Frank Okam, he was a big-time player at Texas, will he make a worthwhile contribution to the DL rotation?  Why Jacoby Jones is being raved about when you have Kevin Walter, who is as reliable as they get as a second receiver.  Let me hear more about the consistent, reliable Walter.

NFC South:

New Orleans Saints: What I Know- Everyone loves Drew Brees.  How can you dislike him?  Bush-Thomas work so well together.  Saints do a great job of mixing in their backs, whether on run plays or pass plays.  Greer-Porter is solid CB tandem.  Malcolm Jenkins will be a sufficient replacement for Darren Sharper.  He has really good ball skills.  Patrick Robinson, their first rounder from Florida State, will develop into a really good nickel back.  Reminds me a bit of Antonio Cromartie.  All talent in the world.  Jimmy Graham, TE third rounder from The “U” has a chance to be special.  Basketball player at TE, sound familiar?  I want to see some more of Chris Ivory.  Goal-line RB?  Good option.  Alex Brown was a nice addition.  Vilma is invaluable to this defense.  Rock-solid leader.

What I Don’t Know- If Robert Meachem takes over as the #1 WR.  Well, if not this year due to possible injuries (should be the only reason why not), then surely next season.  Does he outdo 2009’s touchdown output?  Shouldn’t there be more mention of Devery Henderson?  He’s a big-play receiver.  Is this the year Sedrick Ellis puts up?  I hope so, he should be free to produce with the line he’s playing alongside of.  Anthony Waters, how much time shall he see at OLB?  He should be the replacement for Fujita.  Darren Sharper, can he be counted on to recover and be himself?  Call me crazy, but don’t they have enough on defense to fine without him?  Is his absence that big of a deal?  Secondary is loaded with talent.

Carolina Panthers: What I Know- Steve Smith will show us once again why he should be involved in the talks when the best WR’s are brought up.  We tend to forget how good he really is, impossible to take down on first try.  Can’t speak enough about Jon Beason.  He is your next Ray Lewis.  The run game will be that dominant to make this team a serious playoff contender.  Nobody in the league has a better combination of backs.  Everette Brown and Greg Hardy will make people forget Julius Peppers a little more easier.  Watch out for Eric Norwood.  If I’m Carolina I go small, quick, and undersized on the defensive line to get to the QB.  This is their best option.  Go Brown-Hardy-Norwood-Johnson.  Brandon LaFell will give the team that Mushin Muhammad tall target next to Steve Smith.  Rookie from LSU has the chance to be a playmaker.  This secondary is one of most underrated groups.  Really like their ability to defend pass, all possess plus athleticism and ball skills.

What I Don’t Know- If the team can compete with New Orleans with Dan Connor and James Anderson as the two starters next to Beason.  They’ll miss Thomas Davis.  If the OL is the best in the NFC.  It’s close.  Why this team isn’t the primary darkhorse to unseat New Orleans, but Atlanta is?  Is Matt Moore going to bring it up a notch with Jimmy Clausen looking over his shoulder.  John Fox has done a really good job, hasn’t he?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: What I Do Know- Josh Freeman reminds me of Joe Flacco.  Will be good, yet not great.  Special moments at times.  Can’t be main leader, defense needs to be team’s calling card.  Mike Williams is a #1 receiver.  What a pick in the 4th round.  Bright future, pro bowls.  Freeman-Williams-Benn-Winslow has the potential to open eyes.  Defense is good all across the board.  I like the direction of this squad.  Raheem Morris needs to be kept.  The rookie DT’s McCoy-Price will get all the pub, but the first year corner starting next to Ronde Barber is the rookie to watch.  Myron Lewis will be a fixture, another good pick.  Other than Kansas City, they had the best draft class.  Creamsicle throwbacks are the best in the NFL.

What I Don’t Know- Can Cadillac make this a run-first team?  I see more of a passing offense.  Why do people sleep on Kellen Winslow, he’s finally healthy.  Is Barrett Ruud really their best LB?  Quincy Black is someone that will surprise.  The offensive line should be vastly greater than what it performance says.  What’s holding them back?  Can they consistently get to the QB?  The edge rushers seem to leave much to be desired.  Shouldn’t we see more of Josh Johnson and Sammie Stroughter?  I would like to see them involved in the offense with some trick plays/wildcat.  Where’s Tanard Jackson among the talk of top safeties?  He’s a definite player.

Atlanta Falcons: What I Do Know- Tony Gonzalez is Matt Ryan’s go-to guy, not Roddy White.  Says more about Tony, than it does against Roddy.  Gonzalez still can be the man, he’s rather impressive.  Quite clear Dunta Robinson is being counted upon to be the secondary’s leader, and he will be, really good off-season acquisition.  Kroy Biermann is a really good pass rusher that people outside of Atlanta don’t know about.  He will be known more by season’s end.  He will put more pressure on the QB than John Abraham.  Jamaal Anderson is a bust.  We should see more of Lawrence Sidbury, the kid from Richmond (4th round, ‘09).  Same goes for William Moore, another 2009 selection.  This defense can make some leaps and bounds if they get production from the young bloods.  I wouldn’t want to rely on Matt Ryan to win me games.  Good QB, but nothing special.  This is a pass-first team, right move limiting Turner’s carries, don’t want to overwork him.  He’s better on 15-20 carry basis rather than 20+.

What I Don’t Know- If Harry Douglas will be going under the radar any longer by mid-season.  This kid has wheels.  Playmaker.  Return game, slot receiver, he’s going to do work and make an impact.  Falcons need him to do well.  Should Mike Peterson start?  Wouldn’t you rather have the rook Weatherspoon and Nicholas be the starting outside ‘backers?  I think we may have seen the best already from Roddy White.  He’s one of the top 10 receivers in the game, but is he going to be any better from what we’ve seen?  Maxed out?  Is this the year Jerious Norwood stays healthy?  He becomes the #1 back if he does.  Most talented offensive weapon?  Why are some experts picking this team out to be a darkhorse for the Super Bowl?  Let’s win a playoff game first.

Jclombardi previews another Packers Super Bowl bandwagon.

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

Rosenthal’s Super Bowl pick: the Packers have become the consensus pick to win it all. I like the pick.  Both the Chargers and Packers will have to blow teams away on offense because their defenses have soft spots.  We’re living in a golden age of quarterbacks and a Super Bowl victory by the Packers over the Chargers would help point it out. Rodgers and Rivers aren’t Manning and Brady, but they don’t need to be. They are ready to write their own legacy. Packers 31, Chargers 24.

Jclombardi looks at Packers headlines & highlights.

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

Silva's Super Bowl pick: My Super Bowl XLV pick has been Baltimore-Green Bay since May, and the ensuing months have provided few reasons to waiver. The Packers' offense has the look of an indefensible juggernaut. The defense has question marks in the secondary, but reinforcements are on the way.

Rookies Shields & Burnett: Shields won't be the only rookie in the Packers' secondary Sunday. Burnett will start at safety alongside Collins, although Burnett has had the benefit of taking every snap with the first-team defense throughout the offseason, minicamp, training camp and preseason games. “We're young, (but) we have some experience being young. You just really focus on getting them ready," Packers coach McCarthy said. "Burnett has done a very good job in his time here, and I feel he is ready to go. Shields has done a very good job. He has been getting better in every practice and he needs to play.

Brimming with confidence: There was no talk about how the Packers are the chic pick to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas. Instead, the focus – and McCarthy's message to his players – had shifted to Sunday's regular-season opener at Philadelphia, where the Packers haven't won since 1962.

?TENNESSEE—Chris Johnson will most probably set there, laughing. Laughing at what the folks have seen saying of him that his production could drop. Just recently, Minnesota Vikings’ star running back Adrian Peterson was making negative comments about the league-leading 2,000-yard rusher of last season for the Tennessee Titans. Peterson would say he is better than Johnson although he has a much bigger problem than Johnson which ruins his status as the number one running back in the league currently: fumbling. However, he said what he said.

“You’ve got to understand you’re talking to a guy … that’s just the mentality that I have,” Peterson said, as transcribed by Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune. “I have ultimate respect for the guy and he’s a heck of a player. I remember at one point and time me talking on the phone to Chris Johnson. He was telling me, ‘I’m just a big fan of yours. I like your style.’ Some (of the) advice that I gave him was, ‘I play this game to be the best player ever to play the game. That’s my mentality.’”

Peterson said he is the best in the league. Not Johnson, as many people would think currently.

“If you want to be the best running back then you’ve got to believe it before you can accomplish that,” Peterson said. “My mentality doesn’t change. I wish everyone the best that they succeed. But ultimately I play this game to be the best and I’m going to work my tail off to accomplish that goal.”

Peterson is not only one of the many doubters and naysayers of Johnson. Many question if he can be able to put this type of production on for the next five years or so. They don’t think he can keep that type of production for this upcoming season, which begins just this week. But he is probably laughing. He will prove them wrong.

Chris Johnson had to make something of himself that hard way. He played excellent in the high school level of football, many questioned if he can apply that to the NCAA, since many of the teams he faced were just absolute garbage to say at the least. The best he could get was a place called East Carolina University. There, Johnson shined, but many didn’t notice. Again, people questioned his ability since the teams ECU faced were not that good and elite as many of the other colleges out there in NCAA football. It was all just a waste, then.

But Johnson didn’t give up. His last chance to prove himself was at the NFL Scouting Combine held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Johnson made his mark and helped his status in the NFL Draft, running a 4.24 in the 40-yard-dash. That timing was the fastest they saw at the Combine that year. From there, he would get drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the early 20’s of the Draft.

It was not a happy pick by many of the Titans’ fans. They were actually pretty stubborn and very unhappy with the selection the Titans made. With LenDale White already there, it just seemed like no use of having Johnson since he also came off a 1,000-yard rushing year. Johnson also seemed like one of those speedy backs who couldn’t take a hit. But he would prove the naysayers wrong.

Johnson would go on for a fabulous year and getting honored for it. He would rush for 1,228 yards along with nine touchdowns. He would gain about five yards per carry. He would also create a solid one-two punch with LenDale White, otherwise known as Smash-and-Dash. But Johnson was easily outperforming White, and the next year, it was Chris Johnson’s moment to steal the show on the stage.

2009 would be a huge feat for any sophomore player, sophomore running back, and many many many running backs in NFL history in general. He would rush for 2,006 yards with 14 touchdowns along with 5.6 yards per carry. He was rolling and was becoming a savior and a so-called God or Messiah to many fantasy football owners. Johnson was the man.

Now entering a new year with the Titans, Johnson is out to prove the naysayers wrong again. He probably hears the same thing everyday: Will his production slip? Experts would say just a little bit or maybe very low in the 1,400 yards range or something like that. All-in-all, many don’t think he will at the top of his game like he was last year. They say it just seems impossible for him top out what he did in 2009.

He has been receiving praise, however. Much praise. But they are still many people doubting his ability, like Adrian Peterson. Many analysts and experts claim other running backs are still better as names like Adrian Peterson come out and even Frank Gore. Peterson even claimed he was better in the following quotes said to the Star-Tribune, which was seen earlier in this column. But what is on Chris Johnson’s mind?

“The goal is 2,500 so I am going to stick to that. I feel like it is very realistic. People didn’t think 2,000 was realistic when I set the goal last year and I made a lot of people believers, so I am going to stick to that,” he told the Tennessean.

He also told this to the Sporting News, “I made a decision to change my nickname to Every Coach's Dream. I feel like I'm the best player in the NFL. What more can a coach want from the position? You've still got people debating — is it Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson? No way possible there should be a debate about who's the best running back in the NFL."

SBnation.com claimed that Johnson had swagger. And indeed he does. Johnson said after this year, he will fully put himself as the number one back in the league. And I don’t doubt that. For opposing teams and defenses going against CJ, they better watch out. Johnson is bigger, better, faster, stronger, and he is ready to show that he is truly the number one back.

With his golden smile, his dreadlocks swaying in the air, and another six points on the board, Johnson is ready to commit.

Commit to excellence.

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald was a full participant in the team’s practice on Wednesday. Fitzgerald missed the Cardinals’ last three preseason games after suffering a sprained MCL in the opener. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said this week he expects the Pro Bowler to play against the Rams in Sunday’s opener.

The receiver told the Arizona Republic that his conditioning has been fine despite having missed so much time. Cardinals RB Beanie Wells did not practice because of a right knee bruise he suffered in the final preseason game but there’s no word yet on whether Wells will be available for Sunday.

Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh — Lions head coach Jim Schwartz and GM Martin Mayhew seem to have finally found their much-needed cornerstone for a defense that allowed an NFL-high 494 points in 2009.  Suh is a dominant player, who produced 85 tackles, a NCAA leading 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 2009.  He is cat-quick and strong which allow the former All-Big 12 star to stay on the field in run and pass rushing situations.  You can expect Schwartz's young defense to apply more pressure and produce more sacks and turnovers in 2010 due to Suh helping out emerging players like 2^nd-year safety Louis Delmas.

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry – Look for a "Brian Dawkins" type impact from Berry.  The former Tennessee star learned a ton from former Volunteers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who is a tried and true teacher of NFL defenses.  The 2009 Jim Thorpe award winner should provide much-needed help over the top coverage as well as in box.  Expect this centerfielder to be impactful in the nickel, dime, and on special teams as he has a "Can Do" attitude.  If the Chiefs can finally sort out their ugly holdout situation with disgruntled veteran Jarrad Page, they could have one of the best safety combinations in the NFL.

Oakland Raiders ILB Rolando McClain – Al Davis' team finally got a play-making inside linebacker that can make plays all over the field. McClain (6'3, 258) was the 2009 Butkus Award winner and is a classic instinctive inside linebacker, who is a tackling machine.  I think he can have an impact similar to former Rookie of the Year DeMeco Ryans.  McClain is a smart leader who led the Crimson Tide to the 2009 Nationals Championship – 2009 stats: 105 TKLs, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 2 INTs.  A Day 1 starter in the Raiders defensive scheme, look for  this former 2009 consensus All-American to help veteran DE Richard Seymour and the rest of the team's defense right away.

New York Giants DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul – Another fastball for Giants head coach Tom Coughlin's attacking defense. Pierre-Paul (6'5, 270) now joins Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck which could translate into a ton of sacks for the G-Men.  New York has been looking for a replacement for Michael Strahan since his retirement after the 2007 NFL Season and this raw awesome athlete may be the answer.  Often compared to a young Jevon Kearse, Pierre-Paul as an 81-inch wingspan and 10-3/8 hands.  The first-team All-Big East performer led his team in tackles for loss (16.5) and sacks (6.5) in 2009.

Philadelphia Eagles DE Brandon Graham – Though the Philadelphia Eagles produced 44 sacks in 2009, there has always been a large hole opposite Pro Bowl player Trent Cole.  A "LaMarr Woodley" clone, Graham is a pure pass rusher, who has a relentless motor.  Though a bit small at 6'1, 263 pounds, this former Wolverine has a knack for getting to the quarterback — second all time in Michigan history in tackles for loss and sacks.  At the 2010 Senior Bowl, Graham was the MVP of the game as he produced 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and five tackles with three of them for loss.  Also in training camp and in the preseason, this first rounder has shown an ability to play aggressively against the run too.

New York Jets CB Kyle Wilson – You have to take your hat off to the NY Jets as they decided to bring in this former Boise State corner despite the presence of All-Pro Darrelle Revis and former Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie. Well we all know that Revis is involved in the NFL's ugliest holdout, so now Wilson (5′10/190) needs to step up.  This 4-year starter in college is great at both press and zone coverage plus he has great hands as shown by his 8 INTs over the last two years – returned two for TDs as a senior.   An academic All-WAC, Wilson is also smart and tough (never missed a game due to injury).  Also watch for him to help on special teams and in the return game.

Indianapolis Colts DE Jerry Hughes – The Colts love to stockpile undersized quick defensive lineman that can get pressure and that is what Hughes is known to perform like.  With veterans Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney getting older and sometimes injury-prone, this former TCU star could be the right person to help rush the passer. I am sure the plan is for Hughes to be a "helper" this year and take over next year in case Mathis (disgruntled over his contract) leaves.  The former all-conference defensive end led the nation in sacks with 15 in 2008 and put up another 11.5 sacks last year.  You can expect at least 6 sacks from this speedy end in 2010, especially on Lucas Oil Stadium's fast track.

New England Patriots CB Devin McCourty – The Patriots secondary was "long in the tooth" in 2009 as they started the year with Shaun Springs and Leigh Bodden.  After a while it was obvious that Springs couldn't get it done any longer and he was released.  The expectation was for McCourty (5'11, 193) to help in the nickel with Bodden and emerging 2^nd year corner Darius Butler starting.  But plans have changed after Bodden went down for the season with an Achilles injury.  Now Butler and McCourty plus fellow youngster safeties Brandon Merriweather and Patrick Chung are being asked to fix a defense that allowed too many big plays in 2009.  McCourty was an All-Big East selection in 2009, who can play man-to-man or Cover 2.  He also is a very good tackler (80 in '09), has good hands (6 INTs in career and broke-up 10 passes) and should help on special teams.

The Best of the Rest

Baltimore Ravens DT Terrence Cody (This 340+ pounder is the latest addition to John Harbaugh's wooly mammoth collection as Cody joins veterans Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg)

San Francisco CB Patrick Stoudamire (A physical corner who should help in Mike Singletary's attacking)

Houston Texan CB Kareem Jackson (This sticky corner from the 2009 National Champions will be called upon to make Texans' fans forget about Dunta Robinson)

Miami Dolphins DE Jared Odrick (A prototypical 5-technique defensive end who should have an impact in Tony Sparano's 3-4 defense)

Philadelphia Eagles FS Nate Allen (Classic centerfield type who has the smarts that could possibly finally remove the sting of losing Brian Dawkins in '09)

Minnesota Vikings CB Chris Cook (Should be Leslie Frazier's 3^rd corner and this big nickelback definitely should benefit from playing with veterans Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield)

Miami Dolphins OLB Koa Misi (This youngster is being looked upon to replace departed veterans Jason Taylor and Joey Porter)

Carolina Panthers DE/OLB Greg Hardy (Great pass rusher who has ideal size for John Fox's scheme and he should definitely help in replacing Peppers)

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and Sports Journey Network , who is also an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Check out the Esquire.com 2010 NFL Cheerleader Kickoff Awards

Up above is Lilly, who was part of the “Sleeper” team of the year – the Dolphins:

I like to be understated, and there are absolutely advantages to coming in under the radar. Like having a new coordinator in Mike Nolan to run a strong defense, a side of our game I’m excited to see take shape. I hope teams are caught off-guard by what Coach Sparano and the team roll out on Sundays, because hype doesn’t make you a winner — touchdowns do.

Click HERE to see the rest of the ladies and see the rest of the awards.

Via Saints Twitter just minutes ago, it was reported that Saints defensive lineman, Anthony Hargrove has unexpectedly landed on the mandatory injury report for Thursday night's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in the Superdome. Hargrove, who reportedly was not on Monday's injury report, sat out practice on Tuesday with an undisclosed knee injury. No further details have been given.

In other news, Zach Strief also did not practice on Tuesday after having practiced on a limited basis the day before. However, starting linebacker, Jonathan Vilma (right groin) and starting cornerback, Tracy Porter (sore left knee) both reportedly practiced but in a limited capacity. WR Marques Colston had a full practice, despite having suffered a bruised kidney in the preseason finale against the Titans.

It looks like the Saints defense (more than the offense) is really being deflated by injuries–all before what is being anticipated to be one of the biggest games of the season.  At this stage, it would take a miracle for the defense to hold Favre and the Vikings with so many key players injured.  With the extent of those injuries still unclear, we can only speculate about how much those who have been bitten by the injury bug will participate, if any.  One thing is for certain though, and that is the fact that no patch-up job is going to work.  We're talking about having to defend against a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Favre and a premiere back in Peterson.  I suppose the best thing in all of this is that the Saints coaches are smart enough to get something figured out before game time–at least we all hope so.

Twenty-six.

No, that's not the team's winning percentage over the past two seasons (28.125 percent). It's the numbers of players that were on Seattle's roster in Week 17 last season that remain with the team. While there are many new faces at the team's Renton, Wash. facilities, there's one that's being counted on to turn heads in 2010.

Coming out of college, Mike Williams appeared to be a surefire big-time pro wide receiver. In his two years at Southern Cal, the 6-foot-5 Williams hauled in 176 balls for 2,579 yards and a jaw-dropping 30 touchdowns.

Feeling like he had had enough of picking apart the Pacific-10 Conference on a weekly basis, he grabbed a hold of Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett's coattails as the two sued the National Football League in attempts to buck the its rule stating that all players eligible for entry into the league must be three years removed from high school. After an arduous legal process, the two failed to get into the league after their sophomore years in college.

The news came as a severe blow to Williams. Already having signed an agent, the First Team All-Pac-10 selection wasn't eligible to return to the collegiate playing field. It would be 15 months until he'd be able to call a team's field home once again.

In 2005, the Detroit Lions spent their first-round pick, which was the 10th selection overall, in the NFL Draft on him.

In his first season in the league, Williams had his most success. Playing in 14 games and starting four, Detroit's new big-play threat showcased his skills with a season-long 49-yard reception. That season, he caught 29 passes, 350 yards and a touchdown. That season also was the last time he'd play more than eight games.

The following year, his focus waivered, his weight ballooned and his production dropped markedly. He saw time in eight contests and recorded just eight catches.

Following his second year as a Lion, Detroit had had enough. On April 28, 2007, the team shipped Williams and quarterback Josh McCown to the Oakland Raiders for a fourth-round pick in the 2007 Draft, though, it wasn't long until Oakland, too, didn't want Williams' services.

After six games of wearing a silver and black Oakland uniform and bringing in a paltry seven catches, the Raiders released the former star wide receiver.

Nearly a month later, Williams resurfaced, this time, with the Tennessee Titans. He'd enter two games off the bench, but failed to catch a pass as his weight once again became an issue. While with Tennessee, Williams would eventually weigh in at 270 pounds.

It would be two years until Williams' name would become relevant again.

Having realized he still had the desire to play the game, but also realizing he needed guidance in order to return to the playing field, Williams went back to the place where he became a national name. Talking with his college coach, Pete Carroll, Williams got his much-needed pep talk.

Rededicating himself to his passion for football, Williams shed the extra weight that hampered him previously and got within five pounds of his collegiate playing weight.

After his former coach left USC in January to head the reclamation project called the Seattle Seahawks, Carroll realized he wasn't happy with what he had on his new roster. Through the offseason, training camp and preseason, the team would make over 100 roster moves, with one being the signing of a 6-foot-5, 235-pound unrestricted free agent that was originally pegged as a surefire big-time pro talent coming out of college.

Since joining the Seahawks April 16, Williams has continually made people double-take.

'Wasn't he the youngster that couldn't even hack it with the Lions?'

'Yeah and the Raiders.'

'Man, he was 270 pounds with Tennessee!"

'Now look at him! Wait, did he just make that catch?'

Initially buried on the depth chart, Williams has climbed the ladder. During the preseason, he worked his way into the first-team offense and showed he could hold his own against a starting defense.

Against the Green Bay Packers, Williams recorded Seattle's first catch of the game – a 17-yarder near the right sideline that stemmed from a perfectly executed button-hook route that helped the receiver find space among three defenders. Later in the game, he'd again be on the receiving end of a 17-yard Matt Hasselbeck completion. This time, Williams made a diving grab along the left sideline while concentrating on holding onto the ball and keeping his body in bounds.

His efforts throughout the offseason and preseason were enough not only to earn him a spot on the team's regular season 53-man roster, but a spot in the starting lineup. Saturday, Seattle cut veteran T.J. Houshmandzadeh just one year after the team gave the flanker a five-year contract. Houshmandzadeh's departure was made possible thanks to Williams and his college and now pro coach's belief that the Seahawks have found a diamond in the rough.

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