NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Many folks have been complaining and whining about Curtis Painter. Fans think the Indianapolis Colts should invest in getting a back-up quarterback. I say, No. Just a big, fat, flat-out no. Why? Well, first of all, Indianapolis is wasting money in the salary cap. There is no need for one.

Peyton Manning has never missed a game, and he's going to keep it that way. Manning is probably the most durable quarterback in the league right now, and could be in NFL history. Manning is the team, and even having Sage Rosenfels as a back-up won't help the Colts even get a 8-8 season, or something along those lines.

Indianapolis knows they will fail anyways without Manning, so what's the point to getting a back-up? I'd rather have Manning go down with an injury and see Indianapolis finish with a 3-13 record and get some great players in the draft than wasting money on a back-up and go 7-9, which puts you in a tighter spot as you can't get as much good players you can get when you're 3-13, and adding to that: depleting more money to the cap space.

We know Manning's time will be up in a little less than a decade. I think the only way we see Manning getting injured and missing games would be when he hits the age of between 38-41 or so. At 34 years old, Manning is still very tough. And by the time Manning retires or a year before he does and see him depleting in performance, the Colts can then draft a quarterback or find one via free agency to find the heir.

But for right now, Indianapolis is fine without a good back-up quarterback.

There's no need for one right now.

The Bears and head coach Lovie Smith agreed to terms Friday on a two-year contract extension through the 2013 season. "I have the best job in the National Football League. I've said that every time I've been asked, and to get a chance to continue to coach here is special," Smith said while attending the NFL Scouting Combine.

Smith has led the Bears to three division titles in the last six seasons. "[Chicago] is home for us. I just love everything about my job. We haven't won the world championship. So to have an opportunity to achieve our goal and win a world championship is special."

With seven picks in the coming 2011 NFL draft should the Browns be thinking about drafting a QB and if so, should it be sooner or later? “I believe in the young guy we have,” Holmgren said to The Plain Dealer on Wednesday. But, if Holmgren sees something he likes it wouldn't be a surprise if he pulled the trigger on someone like Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton or Ryan Mallett.

Objectively, Colt McCoy has a long way to go before fans and the organization can comfortably say "He's the guy." But, he has proven that he is a solid leader and doesn't buckle under pressure. Those are the characteristics needed of a successful QB in this league and in this regard he grades very high.

The major issue with Colt McCoy is with his ability to remain healthy. There is no doubt that he needs to add some weight and work on his arm strength. Overall, though, with a solid offensive line and an upgrade at the WR position, much of those fears could be alleviated in the West Coast offense which lives off precise short timing patterns and the receiver's ability to get yards after the catch.

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The Dolphins could be adding another weapon to their offense, as reports say that former Giants and Saints TE Jeremy Shockey passed a physical for the Dolphins on Thursday

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting the story, but it’s not known if Shockey and the Dolphins are negotiating a contract.

The 30-year-old TE was let go by the Saints Tuesday fter three seasons. He spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with New York, who drafted him in the first round in 2002 (14th overall).

Drew Rosenhaus, the super agent who represents Shockey, says his client would welcome playing for the Dolphins.

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The official logo for Super Bowl XLVI was unveiled today by the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee in a short video posted on the Colts official website.

The logo features an image of the Lombardi Trophy, the words ‘Super Bowl XLVI’ and an image of the exterior of Lucas Oil Stadium. The game is scheduled to be played on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The buzz about Carson Palmer seems to have him landing in San Fran. Ever since word came out that Palmer wanted to be moved, the 49ers have been the one team on the list that seems like a fit. Today on Cincinnati.com they report again that the Niners and Palmer are a match made in heaven if in fact the Bengals move him.

First, few believe the Bengals will grant Carson Palmer’s reported wish to be traded, but a few teams may be interested. One possible destination for Palmer if he is traded is San Francisco. Alex Smith has struggled to keep his starting job after begin taken with the first pick in the 2005 draft and is now a free agent, although new coach Jim Harbaugh has said he is excited to work with him.

New 49ers general manager Trent Baalke would not discuss the possibility of a trade because he would risk a tampering violation due to the fact that Palmer is under contract with the Bengals. “We’re going to take a look at every option to make our team better whether it is free agency, the draft or a trade,” Baalke said.