National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Pittsburgh Steelers got an important win against the Baltimore Ravens last night, but they lost two important players in the process. Starting right guard Kendall Simmons has a ruptured Achilles and running back (and first round Draft choice) Rashard Mendenhall fractured his left shoulder. Both will be placed on injured reserve according to head coach Mike Tomlin:
“We have some injuries that we need to deal with. That is part of football and we will (deal with it). Our standard of expectation will not change. We have to go to Jacksonville on a short week. …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie (and I emphasize rookie) running back Rashard Mendenhall is buddies with Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Ray Rice. The two will face-off this weekend as the Steelers play the Ravens on Monday Night Football. Rashard is getting his first start because of an injury to starting RB Willie Parker, so he decided to do a little trash talking to Ray via text message about how he was going to have a big game against the Ravens top-ranked defense. Of course, he was just joking around (every joke has some truth), but Ray …read more

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Fresh off his first three-day minicamp with the Pittsburgh Steelers, rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall returned to his hometown of Chicago only to be robbed at gunpoint along the South Side lakefront. He wasn’t hurt, but two people stole his wallet and cell phone. Apparently the robbery took place around 2 a.m. this morning.
Here’s a thought. Maybe Rashard shouldn’t be wandering the city streets at 2 a.m. It’s not a good idea for a rich celebrity. It’s not a good idea for anyone. Seriously, it’s not like he was up to no …read more

Image details: 2008 NFL Draft served by picapp.com

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
After all the scouting, measuring, interviewing and analyzing of player prospects over the past few months, the 2008 NFL Draft in the books. And while it’s impossible to currently say which teams had success and which teams did not (that could take several years), here are my winners and losers based on decision-making and potential.
WINNERS
1.) Kansas City Chiefs – With 13 picks, the Chiefs had no choice but to succeed in this Draft and they did just that. Glenn Dorsey (LSU) was arguably the best DT …read more

Image details: 2008 NFL Draft served by picapp.com
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
NFL Draft guru Lloyd Vance (Taking it to the House) and I got together in the press box at Radio City Music Hall to compare notes on the entire first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Here’s a recap of our thoughts.
1. MIAMI DOLPHINS – Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Lloyd: This is the safest pick in the Draft. Jake is signed, sealed and delivered. What you get with Jake Long is an NFL-ready player. He should be able to contribute right away and fill a hole that’s …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Today was the last official day for the media to be working at the NFL Scouting Combine. Only one head coach made an appearance today — Detroit Lions leader Rod Marinelli. And Indianapolis Colts President Bill Polian also stopped by. The final group of players to speak with the media were defensive backs. And LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey took his turn at the presser podium, making up for a missed opportunity yesterday because he was involved in a battery of tests at the hospital. I think he also wanted to clear the …read more