Tony Gonzalez traded to Falcons / Photo: Newscom

Tony was understandably excited to join the Falcons:

“It’s somewhat bittersweet. I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I’m looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years. With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top five in the league in offense every year. How could I not be excited to join that team? (Chiefs General Manager) Scott (Pioli) and (coach) Todd (Haley) told me a little bit ago and there were nothing but positives ….. I think this is something that will help the team because they are rebuilding. There was no biterness at all from either side.”

The Falcons look smart with this trade. On paper, Tony might seem past his prime at 33-years-old. But if you look at his numbers on a miserable 2-14 KC team last season with four different quarterbacks on the 24th ranked offense (96 catches, over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs), you have to be impressed. And then look at what he did in the Pro Bowl (six catches, 98 yards and a TD), it’s easy to see the guy has a lot of football left.

Sources: AtlantaFalcons.com, FoxSports.com

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Chiefs Trade Tony Gonzalez to Falcons

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 award. It’s been the most rewarding regular season that I’ve been a part of in my 11 years, and I have to believe a lot of the other players and even coaches might feel the same way.”

Rewarding is recovering from two operations on his left knee in the preseason. Remember how the Colts’ season and Peyton’s career were in supposed jeopardy? And rewarding is winning nine straight games to qualify for the playoffs after a shaky 3-4 start. The Colts didn’t even win the AFC South this year, something they have become accustomed to doing. That distinction went to the deserving Tennessee Titans, but even the Titans would have to admit no team wants to play the red hot Colts right now. And Peyton is predominantly the reason. During the nine game run, Peyton was 209-of-290 passing for 2,248 yards and 17 touchdowns. He threw only three interceptions and he extended his NFL record 9th 4,000-yard season, finishing with 27 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and a 95.0 passer rating. MVP worthy numbers? There was no doubt about it. No other player was even close in the voting and that was simply and honestly the reality of the situation.

Source: Colts.com, Photo: Newscom

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Peyton Manning NFL Most Valuable Player

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 Williams, Vikings; Jay Ratliff, Cowboys; Pat Williams, Vikings
OLB: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys; Lance Briggs, Bears; Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
MLB: Patrick Willis, 49ers; Jon Beason, Panthers
CB: Charles Woodson, Packers; Antoine Winfield, Vikings; Asante Samuel, Eagles
S: Nick Collins, Packers; Adrian Wilson, Cardinals; Brian Dawkins, Eagles

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: John Carney, Giants
P: Jeff Feagles, Giants
KR: Clifton Smith, Buccaneers
ST: Sean Morey, Cardinals

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2009 NFC Pro Bowl Roster

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 the whole situation of my past history and playing football. So I think we both left pretty happy.”

The only reason Vince was sent to the commissioner’s office was because of his history of unruly on-field behavior. Vince was fined a total of $35,000 last season for four different incidents — hits on Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman (a cheap shot) and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (after the whistle). Plus, he poked New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs in the eye during a not-so-friendly conversation and tackled then-San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner by his facemask during the AFC Championship Game.

I don’t consider Vince a dirty player. His aggression sometimes gets a little out of control. I know the hit on Jay was not as big a deal as it was initially made out to be by the Broncos. I mean, it was an elbow to the head but I don’t think there was an intent to hurt Jay and Vince even helped him up and patted him on the back afterward. I think this was the right call. Vince didn’t deserve to be suspended and he wasn’t.

Source: Boston Herald, Photo: Newscom

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Vince Wilfork Will Be Fined, Not Suspended

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 a player who has produced at a high level in this League when given the opportunity. We think he’s ready to take the next step and have a more prominent role in an offense and we are happy he decided that opportunity is going to be here in Atlanta.”

He’s ready, alright. Michael hasn’t been “the guy” since his senior season at Northern Illinois where in 2003, he left NIU ranked 13th on the NCAA’s all-time rushing list with 4,941 yards. His first four years in the NFL have mostly been spent behind all-world RB LaDainian Tomlinson. When he did get his opportunities, however, he made the most of them and showed the rest of the NFL what he could do if given the chance. And now the Atlanta Falcons are giving him that chance.

This is perfect timing for Michael. Clearly, Warrick Dunn is nearing the end of his great career. Warrick’s been in the league 12 years and really can’t be counted on as anything more than a third down back, if that. So, Michael Turner has a new home and should do very well if the Falcons can get him the necessary supporting cast. Ok, I guess that’s where it gets tricky.

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Michael Turner Lands With Atlanta Falcons

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 lot to consider. They have a slew of free agents and have the difficult task of deciding who they can keep. Remember, this was an 18-1 team last season. A roster overhaul isn’t really an ideal game plan. Who am I to question the mighty Patriots, though. They seem to find a way to make it work.

It’s always easy to assume the teams with the most money to spend will do the most spending in free agency. But what each team must do is look at their needs and decide what holes can be filled best in free agency or the upcoming Draft. And for those teams without a lot of cash to spend, it doesn’t mean they won’t be active. Obviously they have fewer options, but if there’s a player out there they want, they’ll do what they have to to get after him.

Here are my Top 10 free agents heading into tomorrow’s free-for-all:

1. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots
2. Michael Turner, RB, Chargers
3. Alan Faneca, G, Steelers
4. Lance Briggs, LB, Bears
5. Asante Samuel, CB, Patriots
6. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys
7. Justin Smith, DE, Bengals
8. Bernard Berrian, WR, Bears
9. Tony Richardson, FB, Vikings
10. Derek Anderson, QB, Browns

Other players I really like (in no particular order) are Daunte Culpepper (QB, Raiders); Chris Brown (RB, Titans); Jerry Porter (WR, Raiders); Ernest Wilford (WR, Jags); Donte Stallworth (WR, Patriots); Jesse Chatman (RB, Dolphins); Julius Jones (RB, Cowboys); Atari Bigby (DB, Packers); and Lorenzo Neal (FB, who was released by the Chargers) and DeShaun Foster (RB, who was released by the Panthers). There are a lot of good players that will be available soon.

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Randy Moss Leads Top 10 NFL Free Agents

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 in this one. I think we hold him to such a high standard it’s hard to conceive that he might even be human on the football field. But his three interceptions proved just that. The Chargers have a confident and opportunistic defense. And they weren’t about to be intimidated by the highest-scoring offense in the history of the National Football League. Thus a trio of picks. But Tom also threw two TD passes and finished 22 of 33 including eight completions to RB Kevin Faulk. It just further proves that when a defense eliminates one or even two players from the Patriots’ plan of attack (as San Diego masterfully did), someone else will step up. Kevin had a great game, including a key third-down as the Patriots played keep-away in the fourth quarter (ol’ reliable Wes Welker also had seven catches and a TD). And the Patriots leaned on their running game with Laurence Maroney (25 carries for 122 yards) in the second half, including a key TD in the third quarter.

I believe the Patriots’ defense won this game, though. There’s been a lot of talk about New England’s aging linebackers and how susceptible this team is against the run. Statistically, it’s true. But when a game is on the line, I’ll take these old guys with lots of smarts and enough ability. DBs Ellis Hobbs and Asanti Samuel (not old guys) each had an interception. And Junior Seau (old guy) made a key defensive play in the third quarter, forcing a Chargers field goal. The Bolts were forced to settle for field goals all day and that was the difference in the game. That’s playing Championship style defense as they overshadowed their much-heralded offense.

Despite losing, San Diego has plenty to be proud of. They came into this game battered and bruised. And you need look no further than their “Big 3″ (QB Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, and TE Antonio Gates) for proof. LT gave it a try with his bad knee but could only manage a couple early carries for five yards. He watched most of the game from the bench, wrapped in a parka. I can guarantee he was extremely frustrated and disappointed. Philip was hobbled as well but managed to survive the entire game with respectable numbers (19 of 37 for 211 yards but with two picks). Antonio was a non-factor on his bad toe — only two catches for 17 yards. But, I would say the San Diego defense was as advertised. Any team that can hold the mighty Patriots to 21 points (and the aforementioned three turnovers) is going to be right in that football game. All-Pro DB Antonio Cromartie was in on nine tackles with a huge, touchdown-saving INT to his credit.

This game was a great example of the New England Patriots playing team football. For much of the game, San Diego fans had a glimmer of hope. It looked like the Chargers might have a chance. But the Pats are too prepared and too good for — well — any other team in the NFL. Can they do it one more time? We’ll find out in two weeks at Super Bowl XLII.

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Perfect Patriots Beat Chargers for AFC Title, Defense Leads New England to Super Bowl

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. If any team was going to come into the RCA Dome for the Colts’ last game here and leave with a win, it would be these San Diego Chargers.

The Bolts won this game with depth. But they did it by substituting for their best players. Quarterback Phillip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson were out — Billy Volek and Michael Turner (and Darren Sproles) were in. Phillip played most of the game and played well (14 of 19 for 264 yards and three TDs). But late in the game, he left with a leg injury which allowed backup Billy Volek to finish the game. LT was not as fortunate. He left in the first half with a bruised knee after just seven carries for 28 yards. Led by those subs, though, San Diego went 78 yards on eight plays, with Billy V. sneaking in from the one with 4:50 remaining for the lead.

Outside of their opening drive, Indianapolis was a big disappointment today. Ironically, one of the best players in Colts history, WR Marvin Harrison, committed an unlikely turnover that, in my opinion, was the turning point of the football game. This was Marvin’s first game back from a knee injury since October, but with the Colts up 7-0 and driving (and looking dominant), Marvin fumbled after a catch, the Chargers took over, and Indy could never really get their groove back. Marvin would later leave the game and not return. He had two catches for 27 yards. But, Marvin didn’t lose this game. Without specifying blame (bad passes, dropped passes), the Colts turned the ball over three times in the red zone. And that’s certainly not a recipe for success.

San Diego has quietly won eight straight games. Sure, it’s not 17 straight like the team they’re playing next week, but it’s a major accomplishment in the NFL and the New England Patriots know this. The Chargers will absolutely need to get key players healthy if they’re going to have any chance against the Pats, though. Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates will not only need to play, they’ll need to play the best football of their lives if they’re going to do what no other team has done this year.

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Chargers Shock Colts to Advance in AFC, San Diego Subs Key Win Over Indianapolis