Last week a penalty following a touchdown celebration cost them dearly as it set up Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans for the game-winning touchdown.  I guess they didn’t learn their lesson, and had this in store following their first score against the Vikings on Sunday.

Thankfully, the 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty following this game of leap-frog between Roy Williams and Miles Austin would not lead to a Vikings score.  However, the result at the end of the game would turn out to be the same for the Cowboys as they lost once again, this time by a score of 24-21.  But at least they are enjoying themselves!

The first trade that isn’t going to happen is any trade for Anquan Boldin, and the reason is Roy Williams. Dallas gave up a first and a third round pick to acquire Williams from Detroit, and the NFL is a league of relative values. That being said, Arizona simply needs to point to the fact that Boldin has been more productive than Williams the past two seasons to turn down any offer for less than Detroit got. On top of that the teams that would be the most likely trade partner for Boldin (Giants, Ravens, Eagles, Titans) are teams that are known for building their teams through the draft and therefore value their draft picks and don’t trade them away very often.

The second trade that just isn’t going to happen is Julius Peppers to the Niners. This is one trade that seems to be picking up steam around the rumor mill, though it appears to be one of those rumors that is picking up momentum all its own. As far as I can tell the rumor is not based off of anything that Mike Singletary or Scot McCloughan has said but instead it makes sense to the analysts writing the articles so they say there is a high chance of it happening. The reason this isn’t going to happen is because it goes opposite of the direction Singletary has been taking this team, I just don’t see him taking a player that is that expensive and at the age of 29 already has a reputation for complaining.

What I had previously selected as my third trade that might happen I am now hearing just might! I was ready to say that at this point in the season Braylon Edwards better be prepared to re-new his lease on his downtown Cleveland apartment. However, I am hearing that since the Jets have realized that Mangini and the Browns are a pretty easy trade partner (Example: the Jets jumped to the number 5 pick after everyone said they wouldn’t be able to get ahead of 8th pick) they are wondering if they could get Edwards to strengthen their offense for relatively cheap as well. This is not a sure thing, its not even a deal that is in the discussion process, it seems the Jets like the group of young wideouts they have and are waiting to see if one of them can claim the number 2, namely the starting X receiver, but if none of them can, watch for the Jets to look into acquiring Edwards.

Unless your name is Scott Pioli, you’re probably a very nervous Chiefs fan right now. This week saw Matt Cassel swap New England for Kansas City, but also saw Denver implode, Detroit and Tampa left standing and the much hated Patriots demonize themselves further.

Here is an attempt at creating some sort of time line: Denver QB coach Jeremy Bates leaves for USC, Cutler wants out so Denver call Tampa. If Cutler goes, former Patriot now Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels wants his boy Cassel. A three way deal is setup which sees a first round pick to New England from Tampa, Cutler to Tampa and Cassel to Denver. The same three way deal is setup with Detroit instead of Tampa. Somewhere someone panics – my money’s on Cutler – and the two deals on the table stall. New England trade Cassel to the Chiefs. Complicated much? I’m not really buying the whole ‘Belichick deliberately tried to screw McDaniels for leaving his fold’ story, Cutler’s innocent victim act isn’t washing either and despite the protests I still think Denver are shopping Cutler about. As for Kansas, a player who has one season since high school in a high powered offense is, to put it lightly, a risk. I understand you want to transition from the unsustainable Thigpen spread offense, but why risk it with Cassel when Sanchez is yours at 3? Best case scenario Cassel is Jason Campbell 2.0, worst case he’s next year’s Derek Anderson – I would be nervous.

Last week also saw the Giants very quietly assert themselves atop of next year’s power rankings. Chris Canty adds depth to the line at either defensive end or tackle, whilst Michael Boley is a cheap young linebacker who has off the chart athletic ability and closing speed but is coming off a down season. The criticism you can level at him is his lack of physicality, but with Tuck, Cofield and the returning Umenyiora to focus on he isn’t getting double teamed and will often find himself with a free run at the quarterback. I really like this move and think Boley is going to make a name for himself in a system that suits his talents perfectly.

It was one in and one out for the Bengals, as TJ Houshmandzadeh returned to his north-west roots as a Seahawk and Laveranues Coles was brought in as his replacement. I think that Coles could be an efficient number two if Marvin Lewis has resurrected Chad Johnson, but relying on Coles as Palmer’s primary target is a step down from Houshmandzadeh however you want to spin it. I also think it backs the Bengals into a corner, forcing them to draft a receiver inside the first four rounds. As for Seattle’s offseason plans nothing much changes; even though they filled one of their problems positions they will likely move for Crabtree anyway.

I also like the Earnest Graham/Derrick Ward partnership that I hope the Bucs cultivate. Graham between the tackles and Ward catching balls out of the backfield will offer much needed support for whoever starts under center on opening day, since in all likelihood that QB won’t have much NFL experience. Hopefully head coach Raheem Morris doesn’t ask Ward to play every down, since he’s the prototypical change of pace back and I’d have durability concerns if he was to carry the ball 30 times a game.

The Jets’ Rex Ryan continued his Raven import policy with the promising Jim Leonhard, whilst the Ravens signed center Matt Birk. Since Birk isn’t the player he used to be he’ll adopt the leader role, but does a big new voice in the Ray Lewis locker room end in friction?

Who’s Out

Terrell Owens: 3 teams, 3 acrimonious endings. If it doesn’t work in Jerry Jones’ Dallas then where will it work Terrell? His best shot at the Superbowl was with the Cowboys, since I doubt any other contenders (New England, Pittsburgh, Giants, Carolina) would take him on board. As for the Cowboys, Roy E Williams will be glad to get himself on the opposite side of Jason Witten. As a split end he will face more man coverage than zone, and can use his freak physical ability instead of relying on his weak route running. As for the unemployed Roy Williams; he can make big hits for You Tube but is nowhere in coverage, meaning the Cowboys will be glad to see the back of him.

3 to Watch…

1)  Terrell Owens – Obviously he’s the big story next week, since someone will like his talent more than they dislike his attitude. I know I mentioned the Redskins as a suitor a few weeks ago, but with the Haynesworth deal I doubt this happens. Likely new home: Raiders or Broncos. Long shot: 49ers or Texans.

2)  The Rams to trade either Orlando Pace or Tory Holt. Depending on who goes, Jason Smith or Michael Crabtree will be their selection.

3)  More rumblings from Miami along the lines of “our starting QB will be called Chad. Henne or Pennington is our prerogative”.

The last time a pro team went 0 for on the season were the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who went 0-14 in their inaugural season.  The 1980 New Orleans Saints also started the season going 0-14, but proceeded to win their second last game of the year finishing off with a 1-15 record.  In 2001 the Carolina Panthers did the opposite of everyone else they won their first game but lost their next 15, finishing the year 1-15.

So whats next for the Detroit Lions?

They’ll look forward to the upcoming 2009 NFL Entry Draft where they will probably draft another Wide Receiver adding to their core of disgruntled receivers.

• 2007 – Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech) – After having a standout rookie year with the Lions, he admitted to feeling back pain this past year.  His number still increased and was the only bright side for the the lowly Lions team.  He had 1331 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

• 2005 – Mike Williams (USC) – After having a stellar career at USC, Mike Williams fell off the map completely.  He played a total of 3 seasons in the NFL and is now currently a Free Agent.

• 2004 – Roy Williams (Texas) – Traded in this past season to the Dallas Cowboys, after batting heads with Calvin Johnson for the #1 receiver on the team.

• 2003 – Charles Rogers (Michigan State) – After a standout career at Michigan State his career went downhill when he the Lions drafted him in the first round, second overall.  In September 2008 he was charged with assault and battery of a female acquaintance.  In December 2008, Rogers was sentenced to attend sobriety court or face jail time after violating his probation. He tested positive for vicodin.

The Detroit Lions officially need a major shakeup starting from the front office then to the team.  Things have not gone well for them over the years, so unless they want to keep loosing changes need to be made.

Staring off by drafting a Quarterback in the 2009 NFL Draft, such as Tim Tebow or Heisman Trophy Winner Sam Bradford if they declare for the draft.  But then again knowing the Lions they will probably screw that up as well.  If we were either Tebow or Bradford knowing that the Lions are selecting first overall we would definitely stay in college for another year.

I guess anything this day and age is possible, if the 2007 New England Patriots can go a perfect 16-0 in the regular season then the 2008 Detroit Lions can have a perfect losing record 0-16.

Are back to back 0-16 in the works for the Lions?  I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Maybe Tony Romo should try to get his girlfriend Jessica Simpson to massage his infamous pinkie finger on daily basis, it may just work!

Don’t expect the Cowboys to win this game against the Bucs, Tampa Bay has been playing amazing football and there defense is playing stellar. The Boys will be 4-4 after week 8.

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Quarterback Tony Romo said he will not play in Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

Romo speaking on Terrell Owens’ radio show on Tuesday night from the House of Blues was disappointed yet feels its the right decision not to play until he’s ready.

“I’ll say it will be Brad,” Romo said. “Brad is going to go this week, unless something different happens that we don’t foresee. It will be very difficult to change. It took a long time to come up what the trainers did [concerning a brace for the broken pinkie] and it was awesome what they did. But we will go back to the drawing board and see what we can come up with something and it is what it is and right now we’re going to rally around Brad and hopefully we can get two wins out of this and go into the bye and get everyone healthy and go on from there.”

It looks like Romo will also miss the Giants game the following week.

Source: Dallasnews.com

With their quarterback Romo out and the team chemistry slowly failing, owner Jerry Jones better find a solution quick before this team sinks.

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Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams broke his right forearm for the second time Sunday in his first game back from the previous injury, and owner Jerry Jones said he’d miss the remainder of the season.

Williams, a former Oklahoma standout who has made the past five Pro Bowls, was hurt midway through the third quarter of a 34-14 loss to the St. Louis Rams. It was not clear how he was hurt.

During the game Williams’ injury was addressed only briefly. A Rams spokesman, relaying information from the Cowboys, said then that Williams’ status “was unknown at this point.”

Jones brought up Williams’ injury while discussing the future after the Cowboys lost for the third time in four games. Jones said in times of adversity, he compiles lists.

“It’s not a good thing when Roy Williams, our safety, makes the list and is out for the year,” Jones said. “That’s not a good thing to put on that list.

“The rest of the guys in this locker room, including the coaches and me, aren’t out for the year.”

Williams broke the forearm while making a special teams tackle against the Eagles in the second game of the season. He had missed three games.

Source: wfaa.com

Through this dismal 7 years the Lions are an NFL worst 31-84 since Matt Millen took over in 2001, Millen has gone through three head coaches, and not to mention draft picks that all have basically flopped from top notch stars in College to busts in the NFL with the Lions.  If I was a standout college player and was drafted by the Detroit Lions you can bet I would stay home till I was traded.  Either way my career would go down the drain if i did or didnt play with the Lions. 

The Matt Millen era is finally done in Detroit, lets see if they can now turn this franchise around and bring them back to what everyone knew the Lions to be.

Here are just a few of Mat Millen’s Top Draft Choices over the last 7 years.  Coming out of college as a star, turning into a fallen one.

Top 6 Matt Millen Draft Pick Busts

1. Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State (1st Rd, 2nd pk)
2. Joey Harrington, QB, Oregon (1st Rd, 3rd pk)
3. Mike Williams, WR, USC (1st Rd, 10th pk)
4. Kevin Jones, RB, Virginia Tech (1st Rd, 30th pk)
5. Roy Williams, WR, Texas (1st Rd, 7th pk)
6. Jeff Backus, T, Michigan (1st Rd, 18th pk)

Maybe Matt Millen’s replacement can do better, I think they should be able to!

A solid player at the safety position can mean huge points for your fantasy league. These are the guys with the name recognition who won’t produce on a consistant basis. Here are the Top 5 Overrated NFL Safeties.

1. Brian Dawkins

Once considered one of the best safeties in the entire league, it seems as if time and injuries are finally taking their toll on this former all-pro. Philly, with the addition of Asante Samuel has one of the best secondaries in the league so they should be able to protect Dawkins from being exposed on passing downs. Stay away from drafting him as your starter because he not the player he used to be.

2. John Lynch

Much like Dawkins, Lynch has been one of the very best safeties in the league for a very long time, not anymore. As of today Lynch is a free agent, left to find work with another team since asking for his release from the Broncos. Lynch asked to be released because he was not happy about the possibility of spending significant time on the bench for the upcoming season. Stay away from drafting him until he lands with a team, and if he does proceed with caution.

3. Dexter Jackson

The former Superbowl MVP really hasn’t done much in the last couple of years. He currently plays on the Cincinnati Bengal’s who have one the leagues worst defenses. It seems like the big performance in the Superbowl a couple of years back helped him get notoriety and some big contracts, its too bad that it was his last good game.

4. Roy Williams

This former first round pick has had an up and down career since he was drafted out of Oklahoma. He is a big hitter and due to his “hitting” techniques there is now a new rule in the NFL, the horse collar tackle. Williams is a liability in the passing game and would be better suited as a linebacker. It should be noted that of all the guys on this list he will have the best statistical season by far.

5. Adam Archuleta

Archuleta had a couple of good seasons early in his career playing for the Rams. Since then he has been nothing but injury prone. My advice would be to stay far away from this guy because he is an Overrated Fantasy Safety.

Honorable mention: Will Demps, Chris Hope, Greg Wesley.

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