Twitter battles are often created in good spirit, but not this one.  Just look at Chris Bosh vs. Charlie V., or Shaq vs. B.Manley.  After one individual tells Chad to follow the rules and not twitter during games, Barrett enters the scene and gets into it with the Cincinnati Bengals wideout.

Here is how it panned out:

Go to class teen wolf?  I’m going to give this one to Lil Timmy.  After all he is right.  T.J. was #1 in Cincy.  It’s nice to see that someone finally told #85 that.

Hat Tip – [The Score Blog]

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”.

He was great as a college QB over the last couple of years, but it seems that he lacks the size to compete at the next level.  Thanks to innovative new offenses such as the Wildcat, I feel that White will have a place in the league.  I have always liked watching him play at West Virginia and I hope he has a great career as a pro.  His effectiveness as an NFL player could hinge on which team picks him up in the draft.  Lets take a look at the best possible scenarios for White:

Miami Dolphins: The originators of the Wildcat offense would be the best fit for this guy.  They are also very thin at receiver, which could make White even more appealing.  Having White, Ronnie Brown, and Chad Pennington all on the field at the same time could be great for this young team.

Houston Texans: The Texans have Steve Slaton, White’s former Virginia teammate, a reunion of these two players could work in the NFL.  Also some help for Andre Johnson is needed in the Texans offense.  I like Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter, however the presence of White could take the offense to the next level.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals could potentially lose both T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson this year, so why not take a chance on this guy.

Chicago Bears: Another team with a serious lack of depth at the receiver position.  Besides if they draft him he could probably be the starting QB on this team because Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman stink.

Detroit Lions: Why not?

Let’s take a look at what receivers are available.

1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh: T.J. has been great for the Bengals offense for many years now, he has been the perfect compliment to Chad Johnson and if he decides to test his value on the market will likely make his future offensive coordinator happy. A very talented possession receiver that can pick up key first downs and runs great short and intermediate routes. Plays with great energy, a fierce competitor, with a very good set of hands.

TPS Prediction: TJ wants out of Cincinnati, and it is unlikely that the Bengals will franchise him, but his future in Cinci is tied to Chad Johnson’s future.  The Bengals can’t afford to lose them both.  TJ will likely finish his career for a contender like Indy, Tennessee, or NYG.  He wants to win, to be a number one receiver, and get paid.  He should realize two of those three dreams this off-season, but won’t get them all.

2. Antonio Bryant: Bryant had a sensational year for the Buccaneers, undoubtedly the best season in his career. Bryant finished 2008 with 83 catches for 1248 yards and 7 touchdowns, he was the Buccaneers’ leading receiver and continuously made big plays for the offense. A troubled start to his career seems to be a faded memory with the numbers he put up this year, the 27 year old brings good speed and big play making ability to any roster he joins. A solid No. 2 receiver that can take pressure off a go-to guy, Bryant proved he is an elite wide receiver when he is focused.

TPS Prediction: Bryant has the skills to be a number one receiver in the NFL, and may surprise some with the offers he will command.  His checkered past may keep the number of interested teams to a minimum, but those few teams should be willing to open up the check book.  He should go to a rebuilding team with plenty of cap space like Chicago or Kansas City, and should be the focal point of the passing game.

3. Devery Henderson: Henderson had his best season as a pro, catching 32 passes for 793 yards and 3 touchdowns. The speedy wide receiver still has yet to reach his full potential, the receiving yards are good but I’m sure he would like his touchdown totals to be better. Henderson may garner some attention from other teams, with the emergence of Lance Moore, Henderson may become expendable. Henderson has big play potential, in 3 years he has surpassed the 20 yards per catch mark in every year.

TPS Prediction: Henderson is a role player with speed, and does not possess the skills needed to play the number one or two receiver spot for most teams.  He was in the perfect situation in N.O. and will need to land on a three or four wide offense in need of speed like Detroit, NYJ, or St. Louis.  Unfortunately for him, the draft is full of younger Devrey Henderson’s.  He will not “cash in”, but should still find a home in ’09.

4. Lance Moore: Lance Moore was emerged as the Saints No. 1 receiver, he did it at the right time as he is now a restricted free agent. The Saints are probably going to keep Moore around after he became Drew Brees’ favorite target, combining for 79 receptions, 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. It is difficult to know if Moore can repeat his amazing season, but should he be able to, the Saints can feature a very potent passing attack next season.

TPS Prediction: Moore is an excellent slot receiver, in that wide open offense, and can play the ”x” when needed.  The Saints need to sign Moore to keep some continuity in that offense, especially if Henderson is not re-signed.  The problem with slot guys in free agency has always been that someone is usually willing to overpay.  He will get more than he is worth no matter who signs him, which will likely be the Saints.

Notable Wide Receivers:

Hank Baskett, Nate Washington, Bryant Johnson, Amani Toomer, Bobby Engram, Shaun McDonald, Ashley Lelie, Brandon Lloyd, Justin McCareins, Malcolm Floyd, Darrell Jackson, Demetrius Williams, Brandon Jones, Mike Furrey