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People have been calling Ralph out for years....he just can't hear you

2009 NFL Free Agent Breakdown For the rest of the week I’m going to be posting the current Free Agents at each position and giving analysis. Today we start with FA QBs (Italics represent RFA) Charlie Batch Batch was always a serviceable backup wherever he went, but never quite got the job done to be a permanent starter. When Big Ben went down in Pittsburgh, Batch played well and helped keep his team afloat. A collarbone injury in the preseason ended his chances in 2008. He’s 34 and probably doesn’t have a whole lot of time left in the NFL and could be an adequate reserve QB, especially if the Steelers can keep Leftwich as their #2. Brock Berlin Has never really stayed in one place too long as a QB. Transferred from Florida to Miami in 2001 and has played for 3 different NFL teams. Once a highly touted HS prospect, Berlin never lived up to expectations in college and has flown under the radar in the NFL. He’s a camp QB that will probably never see any real playing time in the NFL. Kyle Boller Brian Billick’s golden boy and another highly touted prospect that never lived up to the hype. Boller was injured in the first preseason game of 2008 and was placed on IR. While he may never live up to starter expectations, I think he could find his niche as a reserve somewhere in the NFL in 2009. Brooks Bollinger Decent QB at Wisconsin during his playing days, although maybe he should have signed with the LA Dodgers instead of electing to play football. Bollinger’s pro career hasn’t really panned out very well either. He is currently on his 3rd NFL roster and will probably still be a free agent come training camp time. Todd Bouman Journeyman QB who has shown flashes of potential but has never really caught on anywhere. Currently a member of the Ravens, Bouman will likely be looking for employment in 2009. David Carr Had Carr started his career anywhere rather than the expansion Houston Texans, things might have been different for the Fresno grad. Carr played behind one of the worst offensive lines ever assembled in NFL history and was sacked over 76 times in his first season alone. Currently the #2 QB with the Giants, there might be a team or two that will give Carr as starting shot in 2009. Matt Cassel Can Bill Belichick really do no wrong when drafting QBs? Although Cassel struggled in the preseason and early weeks of 2008 after Tom Brady went down. Cassel helped lead NE* to an 11-5 record and became the second 11 win team in NFL history to miss the playoffs. While it is argued that the only reason Cassel excelled was because he was on the Patriots* with guys like Moss and Welker to throw to, Cassel brought some tools to the table that NE* didn’t have with Tom Brady, like mobility at the QB position. Cassel rushed for 251 yards and 2 TDs in 2008, as well as throwing for 3,615 yards and 21 TDs and only 11 INTs. Cassel will be the big winner in the FA lottery and only time will tell if Cassel has all the tools to be an NFL QB or if he was just a product of the system in NE*. Kerry Collins Another Journeyman QB that has roamed around the NFL, Collins has found ways to win as the starter. At 37 it is highly unlikely that he’ll be a starter in 2009, but depending on how well the Titans perform in the playoffs, you never know with Collins. Would be a solid pickup for any team need a veteran QB. Bruce Eugene The “Round Mound of Touchdown” as he was called at Grambling, Eugene is an UDFA already on his second NFL roster. Eugene has spent time with the Saints, Saskatchewan of the CFL, Berlin and Frankfurt of NFL Europe and now Tampa Bay. Hasn’t really shown progress in his career and will probably be out of the league after 2008. Ryan Fitzpatrick Took over the starting role in 2008 after Carson Palmer went down with an elbow injury. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard grad, played fairly well for a failing Bengals team. While he has shown flashes in his career, Fitz looks to be nothing more than a career backup at QB. Charlie Frye Like Brady Quinn, Frye was to be the hometown boy to save the Browns franchise. After being named the starter in late 2005, Frye was traded to Seattle after his very first game of 2007 and is now the 3rd QB there. Frye might warrant a look as a backup QB and possible competition for a starting job in 2009. Jeff Garcia Like Collins, Garcia is an aging journeyman QB who has had some success wherever he has played. Currently the starter for the Tampa Bay Bucs and will turn 39 in February, Garcia may need to ponder retirement after this season. He hasn’t thrown over 20 TDs, 3,000 yards, or started an entire season since 2002. Could be an ample backup QB on a team looking for a veteran presence. Rex Grossman Never lived up to expectations in Chicago and has since been replaced by Kyle Orton as the starting QB. Grossman, like many Florida grads just hasn’t gotten the job done in the NFL and like those before him will probably be relegated to a reserve job in 2009. Joey Harrington Heisman winner that never got the job done, however that can be expected from a QB forced to start his career with the Detroit Lions. Joey never got his footing in the NFL even after moving on to teams like Miami, Atlanta, and now New Orleans. Not sure if Harrington will be on an NFL roster in 2009, but if he stays in New Orleans, he might have a successful career as a pianist in a jazz club. Drew Henson Henson became Jerry Jones’ attempt to find a Tom Brady when he signed with the Cowboys in 2004. Henson was drafted in 2003 by the Houston Texans but elected to play baseball instead. Neither professional Baseball of Football really seemed to work out for Drew. He may become camp fodder for 2009, or perhaps could try his hand at basketball? Byron Leftwich Everyone remembers the famous play where Leftwich’s teammates carried him down the field as Marshall tried to beat Akron. It was from this play that many NFL scouts began to clamor over his leadership and guts. However, the injury was merely a foreshadow of what was to come. Leftwich has always been injury plagued as an NFL QB. However, he seems to have found his called as Big Ben’s backup in Pittsburgh. JP Losman Once the toast of the town by many Bills fans that ran Drew Bledsoe out of town for him, Losman found himself being run out of town as Bills fans began to gush over the next big thing at QB in Trent Edwards. Losman seemed to have all the tools to become an NFL star coming out of Tulane, but never really found a way to use them in the NFL. Will probably get a few looks from other teams in 2009, perhaps San Francisco or somewhere else on the West Coast. Jamie Martin Another career journeyman, Martin will probably find his way onto an NFL roster in 2009 when injuries start to pile up. Luke McCown See above. JT O’Sullivan From nobody to starter, back to nobody in one season, JT’s career seemed to go through its lifespan in one season. JT will probably find his way into camp with some team in 2009. Dan Orlovsky A career backup thrust into the starting role in 2008, Orlovsky found himself running for his life and sometimes out the back of the endzone. Orlovsky has already said he would like to return to Detroit and help turn the team around, but it appears he’ll be out of luck as the Lions organization is cleaning out a lot of the mess left behind from Matt Millen. Patrick Ramsey Another Tulane prospect that never really quite cut it in the NFL. Ramsey’s career in Washington didn’t go well, partly because Steve Spurrier thought he could play SEC football in the NFL. Ramsey played for the Jets in 2006 and then moved to his current position sitting behind Jay Cutler in Denver. While it’s highly unlikely to see Ramsey competing for a starting job in 2009, I’m sure he’ll land somewhere as a reserve. Chris Simms Just when Simms finally seemed to be getting his career on track, a lacerated spleen derailed him and he’s never been the same since. Simms might be worth a look for someone looking to build a QB competition in 2009. Brian St. Pierre Career 3rd stringer, St. Pierre has bounced around the league. He may or may not catch on somewhere in 2009. Marques Tuiasosopo Many colleges didn’t see Marques as a QB prospect, but Washington gave him an opportunity. Drafted in the second round by the Raiders, Tuiasosopo never made an impact as a QB. Has seen very little playing time over his career, it’s a surprise that he is on an active roster to begin with and we shall see what 2009 has in store for him. Kurt Warner Finally took the starting job away from Matt Leinart and has led the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff appearance in 10 seasons. Named the starting QB for the NFC Pro Bowl roster, Warner will draw attention as a starter in 2009. However, if the Cardinals play well in the playoffs, I would find it hard to believe that they will let him walk away. Anthony Wright Currently on IR with the New York Giants, Wright is another one of those, “Have Arm will Travel,” QBs that has never really caught on anywhere in the NFL. A career backup with a few starts under his belt Wright might find a spot on a roster somewhere in the NFL in 2009. Now, if Buffalo was looking to bring in a veteran QB off this list, I would take a look at Kerry Collins. Depending on what the Titans do, he might be available and would be a good backup to Edwards and someone you could rely on starting a few games if need be. For the most part though, there isn’t much to go around when it comes to FA QBs in 2009. Leftwich will probably stay put in Pittsburgh, Cassel is going to get huge money thrown at him, and I doubt Garcia leaves Tampa unless Gruden leaves.

Lets clear this up... Yes, LIN TV agreed with DirectTV before the TW fiasco... didn't say they didn't. What I'm saying is, now that LIN showed that if you threaten to pull your channel enough people will complain and you'll get more money. TW is the first to experience this, but I believe the rest will have similar problems down the road. As for raising rates, I think in this matter its wrong. The economy is down and these companies would rather rape the little guy instead by still increasing their profits rather than hold the status quo until the "recession" lifts. Viacom raises their rates, TW raises theirs to negate their losses and people end up playing 80 bucks a month for cable. Also as addressed earlier, Verizon will do anything to steal customers in any of their forays. Phone, cell, internet, TV all the reps lie to make the sale. I had Verizon as my phone provider in college and they constantly lied or made a mistake on my bill. Its a verizon thing, they take advantage of the ones who don't catch it all the time.

Well being that he is a RFA, at least the Bills would be compensated nicely

Hell of a first post

LIN TV started the revolution...now all the companies with agreements coming up are going to pull this crap. Don't worry though...when the Direct TV agreements come up...they'll do it to them too

Ain't that the truth of it.

As long as it was guaranteed....yes

Very Favre like

I'll admit I laughed when I heard him say that. That was almost as good as seeing Johnny Dingle and Scooter Berry sitting next to each other on the bench last year http://www.lolfunny.com/2008/01/31/dingle-berry/

Trying to relive the golden days?

This is the reason I don't like to post here anymore. Someone takes the time to write a post and talk football and the only thing that comes up is people bickering and calling each other names... Closing thread

I could...but then all I could afford to do would be sit here and talk....

3 Coaches canned already, Mangini, Marinelli, and Crennel. Who's going to be next?

Selvie is a very good DE, however, I doubt he'll last to the third, I see him coming off the board sometime in the second round if not sooner

AFC East Buffalo (7-9) Dick Jauron (57-76) Career 3 7-9 seasons look to be it for Jauron in Buffalo. However it was rumored early in the year that he signed a 3 year extension. While never made official, you never know what might happen in Buffalo over the next few weeks. While an improvement win-wise over his predecessors, DJ still did not get the Bills into the playoffs and that should be reason enough for him to get his walking papers. New England* (11-5) Bill Belichick 138-86 Only the second 11 win team to miss the playoffs, the Pats* will undoubtedly have BB back in 2009. Miami (11-5) Tony Sporano (11-5) Proof you don’t need to be an established HC to win, Sporano helped the Phins win 10 more games than 2007 and their first playoff appearance since 2001. A second offseason for Parcells and company could really turn Miami into a solid team over the next few seasons NY Jets (9-7) Eric Mangini (23-25) Another Belichick disciple that hasn’t quite found a way to be a consistent winner in the NFL. I guess the master doesn’t reveal all his secrets. Talk around NYC is that Mangini is on the hot seat, but I think he’ll still be a Jet in 2009 AFC North Pittsburgh (12-4) Mike Tomlin (22-10) Tomlin has done a very good job keeping the Steelers competitive since the departure of Bill Cowher. The Steelers are in the playoffs, but Big Ben is hurt and that could really hurt Mike’s chances of getting his first playoff win. Cleveland (4-12) Romeo Crennel (24-40) Crennel looks to be on his way out in Cleveland after a very disappointing season. Derek Anderson couldn’t live up to his 2007 performance and both he and Brady Quinn ended up on the IR. Crennel will likely catch on as a DC somewhere in 2009 Cincinnati (4-11-1) Marvin Lewis (46-49) Losing Carson Palmer early in the year sure didn’t help the Bengals in 2008. Lewis has been a pretty consistent coach, but has yet to show his teams can consistently win. I don’t think he’ll be leaving Cincinnati this year, but the playoffs are a must in 2009 for Lewis. Baltimore (11-5) John Harbaugh (11-5) Another first year coach in the playoffs, albeit the Ravens were a pretty good team when JH took over. If Flacco can continue to progress like he did in 2008, the Ravens will finally have the one piece of the puzzle that has eluded them for the past few years. AFC South Jacksonville (5-11) Jack Del Rio (50-46) Del Rio hasn’t had the greatest record over the past 4 years with the Jags, but 2 playoff appearances in 4 years is still pretty good. Rumor has it that Jack is on the hot seat, but I think he’ll get one more season at the helm. Indianapolis (12-4) Tony Dungy (139-69) One of the best coaches in recent NFL history, Tony Dungy has found his way into the playoffs again. Dungy will be around until he decides it’s time to move on. Titans (13-3) Jeff Fisher (128-102) Jeff Fisher kept Vince Young on the bench after an early season injury and the Titans found themselves with the best record in the NFL with Kerry Collins at the helm. Fisher won’t be going anywhere Texans (8-8) Gary Kubiak (22-26) Kubiak has led the team to their first non-losing season in franchise history. Schaub is starting to emerge as a solid QB and Steve Slaton gave the Texans a valid rushing threat. Little by little the Texans are improving into a playoff caliber team in a tough conference. AFC West Denver (8-8) Mike Shanahan (146-97) A solid HC that can turn nearly any RB into a star, Shanny has fallen off the past few seasons. The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since 2005 and haven’t had a winning season since 2006. It’s possible to see Mike in a different city come 2009. San Diego (8-8) Norv Turner (76-95) An offensive guru that continues to get head coaching opportunities, Turner and the Bolts squeaked into the playoffs this year. While I doubt Turner gets ousted as HC, one has to wonder how he continues to get positions like this? Oakland (5-11) Lane Kiffin (5-15) > Tom Cable (4-8) Al Davis gave Kiffin the boot after a 1-3 start and it sounds like Cable won’t be back as the HC in 2009 either. Outside of Rob Ryan and Jim Fassel, I can’t imagine who would be interested in putting up with Al as HC in 2009. Kansas City (2-14) Herm Edwards (54-74) I find it hard to believe that Herm will be back in KC next season. Carl Peterson has resigned as GM and whoever KC brings in to rebuild will more than likely perform as massive gut job and start from scratch. It might be best for Herm to step back from being a HC for a season or two and get his feet back under him. NFC East NY Giants (12-4) Tom Coughlin (115-93) Coming off a Super Bowl win in 2007, TC and company are looking to repeat again in 2008. 12-4 in the most competitive division of 2008 is the product of solid coaching and having all the right players. Dallas (9-7) Wade Phillips (70-49) Jerry Jones says his job is safe, but I can’t imagine Wade still being in Dallas as the HC in 2009. Still a decent record as HC will probably land Wade another job in 2009, perhaps KC? Washington (8-8) Jim Zorn (8-8) What do the Bills and Redskins have in common? How about a massive midseason implosion that cost both teams a playoff appearance? However, unlike his Buffalo counterpart, Zorn is guaranteed to be back in 2009 according to the Redskins. Philadelphia (9-6-1) Andy Reid (97-62) Reid has been a solid coach in Philly, but the Eagles have missed the playoffs the past few seasons and it’s highly possible that Reid will be jettison with Donovan McNabb in 2009. NFC North Chicago (9-7) Lovie Smith (45-35) Lovie has to be on the hot seat as the Bears have missed the playoffs for the second straight year and have yet to find a reliable starting QB. That said, I’m sure Lovie will still be a Bear in 2009. Green Bay (6-10) Mike McCarthy (27-21) The Packers took as step back has they finally cut the cord with Brett Favre. However, sometimes it is necessary to take a step back before you move forward. 2009 will be a defining point for McCarthy’s career in GB. Minnesota (10-6) Brad Childress (24-24) Childress benched QB Tavaris Jackson early in the season after a slow start for journeyman Gus Frerotte. However, the decision appears to be have worked in favor of both Jackson and the Vikings has Minnesota has taken the NFC North crown and Jackson appears to finally be looking like an NFL QB. Detroit (0-16) Rod Marinelli (10-38) It is highly doubtful that Rod is back in 2009. The Lions were absolutely dreadful in 2008 as they made NFL history as the worst team ever. NFC South Tampa Bay (9-7) John Gruden (95-81) Only 1 game over .500 in his time with the Bucs should have Gruden on the hotseat this offseason. However, I doubt TB makes a move here and keep him around for 2009. Carolina (12-4) John Fox (63-49) Fox has been on and off the hot seat the past few years, but it looks like Carolina has finally found a rushing tandem like the one that took them to the Super Bowl in 2003. He should be safe this offseason. Atlanta (11-5) Mike Smith (11-5) Yet another first year coach in the playoffs, Mike Smith has helped lead the Falcons to their first playoff appearance in 4 years. A lot of thanks go to the play of rookie Matt Ryan, as well as, Michael Turner. Atlanta appears to be a contender for the next few seasons. New Orleans (8-8) Sean Payton (25-23) Well the mojo that New Orleans found after Hurricane Katrina is gone and the Saints have missed the playoffs for the second straight season despite Drew Brees nearly surpassing Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in a season. Payton and the Saints will have to find a way to improve in 2009. NFC West San Francisco (7-9) Mike Nolan (18-37) > Mike Singletary (5-4) Mike Nolan was shown the door after a 2-5 start. Singletary started out a little slow, but after benching JT O’Sullivan and Vernon Davis, as well as dropping his pants to prove a point in the locker room, the 49ers finished 5-4. It was announced tonight on ESPN that Singletary was appointed official HC. Seattle (4-12) Mike Holmgren (161-111) A Hall of Fame coach for sure, Holmgren has talked about retirement after the 2008 season. Unfortunately at this point, it looks like a good plan as the Seahawks took a step back in 2008. Arizona (9-7) Ken Wisenhunt (17-15) Wisenhunt has helped turn the Arizona Cardinals around in 2 seasons and led them to their first playoff appearance in 10 years. However, Wisenhunt will be tested in 2009 as Kurt Warner is a free agent after this season and Matt Leinart hasn’t really developed into an NFL QB. St. Louis (2-14) Scott Linehan (11-25)> Jim Haslett (47-61) Scott Linehan was relieved of his HC duties after nearly the entire St. Louis franchise turned on him. Jim Haslett didn’t fare much better going 2-9 as the interim HC, but was provisionally named the next HC before the NFL cited the Rams for not following the Rooney rule. We’ll have to wait and see what the Rams decide to do for 2009, but my guess it will probably be Haslett.

Well lets take a look at things here outside of just Lee's stats, just for S n Gs: Buffalo (22)as a team had a worse passing offense than the Texans (4), Panthers (19), and Chiefs (20) Only Detroit was worse and not by much. Andre Johnson caught 115 passes for 8 TDs nearly twice as many Recs Smith 78 for 6 Bowe 86 for 7 Gonzalez 98 for 10 The Bills threw as a team threw only 14 TDs Texans 21 Panthers 15 Chiefs 23 Lions 18 Unfortunately I don't have access to any red zone possession or efficiency stats that are up to date but I'm sure they aren't in the Bills favor either. Outside of the TDs, Lee has his second most Yards and Recs in is his career so its not like it's been a horrible season from him, but when the offense doesn't score, you can't rack up point. Plus with Hardy being useless and Reed hurt, how much coverage did Evans draw vs. what Parrish, Royal and the rest drew? Plenty of factors in why Evans' TDs are down, but lets not pin it all on him

Nope...

Gimmie some first names, sounds familiar, think I few went to JHS with me

Thats why I suggested late first. Unger may even be there in the second...all depends on how the draft is shaping out. Can't really say til after all the Bowls and some of the Pro days end

I'm Ron Burgundy

Doesn't help the TDs though...

If the car was of no relevance, then why bring it up? BTW, I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal. People know me. I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.

I think the last 20 seconds of the first half can answer part of that Preston has been no better than Fowler and has really only looked good out there with Butler lined up next to him. We need someone to anchor that position. I like Max Unger in the late first round, not only a top notch center, but able to play effective across the entire line in college. I still think a big time TE would be most effective at helping the offense move the ball though

Thats pretty important stuff...its his credentials