The Kansas City Chiefs traded perennial Pro Bowl tight end (and future Hall of Famer) Tony Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons today for a second round Draft pick in 2010. In the process, the Falcons address an immediate need by adding one of the NFL’s best pass-catching TEs to their already impressive offensive attack. And I believe they also gave themselves a “big three” with quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner (don’t forget receiver Roddy White). Therefore, if the Falcons weren’t already widely considered to be a force to be reckoned with in the future NFC playoff picture, they …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was named the National Football League’s Most Valuable Player today. It was a landslide win as Peyton received 32 votes, well ahead of Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington and Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner, who received four votes each. It was Peyton’s third time to win the NFL’s highest individual honor. Only N.Y. Jets quarterback Brett Favre has won as many league MVP honors. As usual, Peyton had the right words to graciously capture the moment:
“I know it’s an individual award, but … truly, in my opinion, a team …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Here is the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Starters are listed in bold.
OFFENSE
QB: Kurt Warner, Cardinals; Drew Brees, Saints; Eli Manning, Giants
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Michael Turner, Falcons; Clinton Portis, Redskins
FB: Mike Sellers, Redskins
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals; Anquan Boldin, Cardinals; Steve Smith, Panthers; Roddy White, Falcons,
TE: Jason Witten, Cowboys; Chris Cooley, Redskins
T: Jordan Gross, Panthers; Walter Jones, Seahawks; Chris Samuels, Redskins
G: Chris Snee, Giants; Steve Hutchinson, Vikings; Leonard Davis, Cowboys
C: Andre Gurode, Cowboys; Shaun O’Hara, Giants
DEFENSE
DE: Justin Tuck, Giants; Julius Peppers, Panthers; Jared Allen, Vikings
DT: Kevin …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
After a heart-to-heart with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about a hit on Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, it was announced today that New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will not be suspended by the league. But he will be fined. We’ll have to wait until Friday to find out the exact amount, but Vince seemed pretty satisfied with the outcome:
“I think both sides were happy. He got a chance to hear my side of my story of how I approach the game. I got a chance to hear what he had to say about …read more

Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Former San Diego Chargers RB Michael Turner doesn’t have to play the backup role anymore. Michael signed a six-year, $34.5 million contract (with $15 million guaranteed) to be the number one running back for the Atlanta Falcons today. This will be a perfect fit for new ATL head coach Mike Smith’s hard-nosed, run-first offense. Michael will team with speedster Jerious Norwood in the Falcons’ backfield to instantly give the Falcons some much-needed playmaking ability. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said:
“We are pleased to be able to add a very talented running back and …read more

Getty Images
Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
With free agency just hours away, I still can’t believe the New England Patriots don’t have a deal in place for wide receiver Randy Moss. His record-setting 2007 more than earned him the right to have been signed to a long-term deal by the Pats. He kept his nose clean and was a leader and good teammate. He’s Tom Brady’s favorite target. What more needs to be said? I feel like as soon as I publish this, news will break of his signing … with the Patriots. Still, New England has a …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The New England Patriots took yet another step toward a perfect season. But their 21-12 win over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship game was anything but perfect. It certainly wasn’t Tom Brady’s best game. And it certainly wasn’t the way he imagined this AFC Championship game would play out. But that’s really not what matters. There are no style points in the NFL. What matters are wins and losses and the Patriots, of course, have 18 straight victories against no defeats — a simply mind-boggling accomplishment.
It’s not like Tom choked …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The San Diego Chargers had no business beating the defending Super Bowl Champs on their own turf, but that’s exactly what happened this afternoon as the Chargers went into Indianapolis and beat Peyton Manning and the Colts 28-24 to advance to the AFC Championship game. This was my lock of the weekend. Of all four Divisional Playoff games, this one I was most certain of. The rested and now healthy Colts would be ready. But, I failed to look at the success of San Diego in this building. It really did mean something. …read more