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Question Remain Regarding the Harrison Situation

The investigation into Marvin Harrison?s potential involvement in a Philadelphia shooting continues to raise more questions than answers. The case has been open for over two months and we have no idea what role, if any, the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver played.

Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, most Colts fans can?t believe that Harrison could be connected with anything close to the accusations that are coming from Pennsylvania. What Colts fans may be shocked to learn is that this seems to be more in line with the Harrison that law enforcement has come to know.

Trouble has seemed to follow Harrison since 2003, but it would take a trained detective to find it. Matthew Prior was a ballboy for the New York Jets and was working the game against Colts on January 5, 2003. According to this New York Times article, Harrison became upset when footballs that were being kicked by punter Matt Turk entered an area where he was warming up. Prior would retrieve the balls and throw them to another ballboy who would return them to the punter. Once, when one of Prior?s throws fell short, it bounced into the area where Harrison and Manning were warming up. According to Prior, Harrison picked up the ball and ?gunned it? in his direction. Harrison then proceeded to run over to Prior and accuse the boy of intentionally disrupting his warm ups. Prior apologized to Harrison and attempted to walk away. Harrison then grabbed the boy, threw him to the ground, and placed him a choke hold.

Security was quick to separate the two and Prior was immediately taken to lock down where he was questioned by NFL security. Prior had marks on his neck made by Harrison that had to be checked by the EMS Staff on site. Prior was upset by the incident and threatened a lawsuit against Harrison. According to Prior, he was told by the NFL and the Jets that it ?would be in his best interest? to not press charges. Prior was left with the impression that any legal action by him would cost his dad and brother their jobs with the organization. Prior believes that the NFL attempted to cover up the incident. No action was ever taken by the NFL against Harrison.

In 2005, at the NFL Pro Bowl, Harrison again found himself at the center of an altercation. According to a story here published by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Harrison was approached by some teens that wanted to get an autograph and take pictures of the star receiver. Harrison, who was on the phone, seemed to signal for the teens to wait until he was finished with his phone call.

The article states that two men approached the boys and told them that there would be no autographs and not to take pictures of Harrison. The boys were then attacked by the two men and, according to the lawsuit, Harrison. Once again, according to the article, Harrison placed one of the boys in a ?potentially deadly choke hold?. The story was covered only briefly locally and has not been discussed much since.

That brings us to May of 2008. Harrison allegedly got into an altercation with a regular at a bar that he owns in Philadelphia called ?Playmakers?. According to several news reports, shots were fired shortly after by a gun that Harrison owns. When police initially questioned Harrison he denied his involvement with the shooting. He claimed that he did own the gun that was connected to the shooting, but claimed that it had never left his house. Once again, similar to his previous encounters with law enforcement, it appears that this story has grown cold. Two months into the investigation we appear no closer to having a suspect or any charges made against Marvin Harrison.

Several questions remain. What will come of the story out of Philadelphia? If Harrison is actually charged, what will that do to the Colts? season in 2008? What impact will this have on his Hall of Fame credentials? And, perhaps most importantly, were we all deceived by the quiet nature of Marvin Harrison?

The Perfect Recipe for a Saints Super Bowl Season

One of my life long friends is a chef, he went to culinary school, and now is very successful, having appeared on the Food Network, he spends all his time perfecting his craft. I asked him once what does it take to be one of the best?

His answer was quite simple, ?The right ingredients and balance makes all the difference.?

He then proved it by making a ham sandwich. 1st using only bread, mayo, and some ham. It took only a minute to make. He then asked me to have a bite. Not surprising it tasted just like any other ham sandwich. Now he said, I will make you a real ham sandwich. It took over 15 minutes to make, and just the appearance and the set up, alone I was not sure if I wanted to eat it or take a picture. I then tried it, and it was the greatest ham sandwich I ever had.

You see he said, ?The right ingredients and balance make all the difference.?

Now that I have made all of you hungry, I will get to the point of this article.

It got me thinking why some teams, year after year are successful, and why some are not. The Saints wooed Jason David away from the Colt?s in 2007. It was felt that he could fix the left side CB issue. The mistake was Jason David is better suited in a cover 2 scheme, not man to man. Jason is a very talented player if used in the right scheme, so don?t hate him for getting burned so much. If there is a finger to be pointed, it should be at Gary Gibb?s.

1 Stick Butter:

It takes the right skill set to play man to man, and the Saints 2nd round pick this year Tracy Porter has those skills needed. As long as he picks up on the schemes, I do not see why he will not be the CB2 starter when the Saints visit conference rivals the Buccaneers on September 7th.

1 Tea Spoon Sugar:

To play middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense, you have to be athletic, Jonathan Vilma is that guy. He will be the missing link that the LB core has needed since Coach Peyton took over in 2006. Vilma suffered when the Jets changed defensive schemes, his skills were not used to their full potential, and I believe also lead to his injury. He will be completely healed, and ready to go in September.

4 Table Spoon Salt:

Smith, Grant, McCray, Ellis these guys will be a force to reckon with. Last year teams were double teaming Smith, and Grant, what was missing was a fleet footed rusher. In comes McCray, and Ellis. Sliding over Grant next to Ellis will make offensive lines adjust, creating 1 on 1?s with McCray and Smith. I expect to see allot more pressure put on the QB?s this year creating more turnover opportunities.

As far as the offense is concerned, the right ingredients have been there since 2006, it was the balance in which they are used that is in question. I am sure Coach Peyton has already addressed this issue after watching the game film from 2007, and I think we may even see the formation of a new offensive scheme that will be used by more teams, just as Bill Walsh?s West Coast offense did in the 80?s. If there is anyone poised to do that it?s Coach Peyton.

So we can only wait now, as the 2008 season nears to see if we have the right ingredients and balance to return to Super Bowl contender form. As for me right now, I think I?ll make me a ham sandwich.

Ranking the Five Worst Defenses in the League Entering Training Camp

We’ve been mowing through the offseason with the best and worst, and to date covered each side of the offensive side of the ball, and have thrown out the five best defenses heading into training camp. Now we finish up our series with the five teams that we feel are going to have the worst defenses as training camp starts in the next few weeks:

1. Atlanta - The poor Falcons were not very good last season, and that fact will be the case again in 2008. In 07 they allowed 355.5 yards per game, and don’t forget they got rid of one of their best defensive players - CB DeAngelo Hall. They will count on 2nd round pick Curtis Lofton to play the MLB spot so Keith Brooking can move to his natural weak-side spot. SS Lawyer Milloy is winding down his career, and the team did next to nothing to improve the D-line. It’ll be a long season for the Birds.

2. Kansas City - In a full rebuild mode in KC, this unit is going to have its issues - again. They moved unhappy but sack happy Jared Allen, and hope that youth will be served on the line, and Glenn Dorsey will live up to the hype. We’ll see. In their 9-game losing streak last year, they allowed over 190 yards rushing in those games, and teams seemed to score in bunches. The starting secondary is old, and by the early to mid-part of the year there will be a lot of changes in this unit.

3. Detroit - The Lions allowed a whopping 377 yards per game last year, and they have plenty of question marks up and down the defense again this year. They traded Shaun Rogers, who underperformed to the Browns, and are counting on players like Cory Redding and pickup Chuck Darby to lead the D-line. They let LB’s Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman go in free agency, and will have Ernie Sims, Jordan Dizon and Paris Lenon as the starters there. The secondary allowed passers to complete 70 percent of passes last year, a number they have to improve on in 08.

4. Miami - Sorry Fin Fans, the Dolphins D is going to be in a transition mode this season, and that means new coach Tony Sparano is going to have growing pains with this unit. There is talent here, as yougnsters Matt Roth and Quentin Moses should have time to develop on the line. They will miss the leadership of Zach Thomas, and the possibility of them moving Jason Taylor seems high still. The secondary has few playmakers, and the LB core needs more from mouthy Joey Porter and Channing Crowder, who needs to make more plays.

5. Cleveland - While the offense in Cleveland can score with the best of them, the defense still has work to do. This was an area the team looked to upgrade big time this offseason, which is why they traded for the Packers Corey Williams and Lions Shaun Rogers to help on the line. The secondary is a huge problem area, as they moved Leigh Bodden in the Rogers deal, and will need Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald to really step up. This unit can be better, but there’s still much to be concerned about here.

Ranking the Five Worst Offenses in the League Entering Training Camp

Training camps open in about a month, and it’s time to start getting deeper into some of the teams, and today we start with a rather interesting topic, the five worst offenses in the league entering training camp. Of course some of these teams did what they could to improve, but the bottom line is that it could be a tough year moving the ball for these five teams:

1. San Francisco - The Niners last year were awful moving the ball, putting up just 237 yards per game, and entering this year, they will count on Frank Gore to be better, Alex Smith to get back to form of being an up and coming QB, and the O-line to give him more time and open holes for Gore. As for the WR core, they hope that Issac Bruce has something left, and Bryant Johnson will be a playmaker. The Niners though still have a ways to go to prove they can be a decent offense.

2. Baltimore - Quarterback is a huge question for this team, and many think they should just throw Joe Flacco into the fire in week one. As for the other skill players, Willis McGahee ran for 1,207 yards, but even with that was not the game-breaking back they thought they were getting, and will need an even better year from him. The O-line is going to miss Jonathan Ogden big time, and the WR core has little to offer with players like Mark Clayton or Demetius Williams being nothing more than guys filling roster spots.

3. Chicago - For a team that has a very good defense, the offense is downright ugly. Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton can’t be trusted, and the running game is in a flux worse than ever with Cedric Benson gone and the team counting on rookie Matt Forte. They failed to address the WR spot with Bernard Berrian bolting to the Vikings. The O-line should be better with rookie Chris Williams, but gives not much help in the hope departement to fans.

4. Kansas City - Another team with a lot of questions at the skill positions, as Brodie Croyle again tries to prove he can win the starting QB job, which he failed to do in camp last season. The O-line has been overhauled, and they really need Larry Johnson to stay healthy this season and be the L.J. of old. Dwayne Bowe gives the WR core some hope, and Tony Gonzalez is a top 3 TE, but overall, this unit is still scary, and not in a good way.

5. Atlanta - First year QB Matt Ryan is going to give the team a new look, and free agent RB Michael Turner is going to get his shot as an every down back. Other than that, the line is not going to be very good, and the team is going to play a lot of catch up, which for a rookie QB in Ryan is going to be tough. They went just over 300 yards per game on offense last year, and doing that again is going to be a challenge.

Ranking the Top Five Offenses in the League Entering Training Camp

We gave you the positives of the defensive side of the ball the other day here on Gridiron Gab, and now it’s time to break down the best offenses of the league. There are plenty to choose from, but below are the teams we feel are going to light it up with high-powered offenses in 2008.

1. New England - This offense is simply sick. From a QB that threw for over 4800 yards and 50 touchdowns, to a wide out that caught 23 TD’s to another that had a league high 112 catches, the Pats are as unstoppable as they come. This is not to say that they need to tweak some things, like improving on the O-line as well as getting some more help from the running game. Overall though, it’s hard to think that the Pats will take much of a step back in 2008.

2. Indianapolis - If there is a team that can match New England from an explosion standpoint, it’s probably the Colts, who still employ Peyton Manning and a wealth of talent all over the offensive side of the ball. They averaged close to 360 yards per game, and Manning is still one of the top 2-3 QB’s in the game, if not the best. Look for an even better season for RB Joseph Addai, and for TE Dallas Clark to build on his best season of 2007 with a career high in catches, yards and TD’s.

3. Dallas - While it was their offense that in the end cost them against the Giants in the playoffs, there is not denying the talent that the Cowboys bring to the table on the offensive side of the ball. Tony Romo is telling people that his focus is on the team, and not bimbo blonde Jessica Simpson, which is good. Jason Witten is a stud at TE, Terrell Owens has 1-2 good years left, and the running game should have a solid 1-2 punch with Marion Barber and rookie Felix Jones.

4. San Diego - When healthy, this offense can match just about anyone points for points in the league. RB LaDainian Tomlinson is as good as they come, and Philip Rivers proved his toughness gutting it out in the AFC Title loss to the Pats. The WR core is a little on the weak side, but they do have a great TE in Antonio Gates to fill the void and get Rivers out of trouble on a lot of plays. Bottom line is the Chargers are another explosive team.

5. Cleveland - It’s a big year for the Browns, who are being counted on to make another serious run at the playoffs and this time finish the job. Derek Anderson combined with WR Braylon Edwards is a solid 1-2 punch, and combine that with TE Kellen Winslow, and the running of RB Jamal Lewis, the Browns can put up points. Last season they had games of point totals of 51, 41, 33, and three games where they scored 27, showing how good they are and can be.

Ranking the Top Five Defenses in the League Entering Training Camp

A few days ago we threw out what we felt were going to be the five worst offenses in the NFL coming into 2008. Now on the positive side, we’re back to give you the other side of the ball - the defenses, and what five teams are going to have have top notch and the best defenses entering the season.

1. San Diego - The Chargers have a great blend of speed and power, and their three main parts of their defense - D-line, linebackers, and secondary all have playmakers. Shawne Merriman is a beast among linebackers, Antonio Cromartie is one of the most exciting corners in the league, and Jamal Williams, Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky make up a solid front three. This team is going to be tough to move on in 2008.

2. New York Giants - The defending Super Bowl champs return with a solid defense that should again make life tough on QB’s in 08. Even losing Michael Strahan, they still have a solid front line with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, LB core led by Mathias Kiwanuka, and good enough secondary to get the job done. The safety position has a few question marks, but overall this team is all about pressure, as their 53 sacks a year ago proved.

3. Dallas - Getting Adam “don’t call me Pacman” Jones will help a secondary that needs a boost, now the only question is will be eligible to play this year. Adding Zach Thomas brings some leadership to the defense as well as a guy that can still play. The LB tandem of Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware will give QB’s nightmares, and should result in turnovers and hurried throws that will play right in the hands of the secondary.

4. Pittsburgh - After DE Aaron Smith went down last season, the Steelers D was never the same. They get him back in 2008, and the team should be able to regain its early season form of 07. Dick LeBeau is a master at confusing QB’s, and with young studs at linebacker like Pro Bowler James Harrison and 2nd year player LaMarr Woodley, he will have two players that can make a QB’s day very long. The secondary has it’s issues, but if Troy Polamalu is back to 100 percent, the unit can make strides under coach Mike Tomlin.

5. Minnesota - Love what this team did in the offseason, snatching sack crazy Jared Allen from the Chiefs. His play, along with that of Kevin and Pat Williams will make offenses have some sleepless nights. E.J. Henderson is solid at MLB, and Chad Greenway and Ben Leber also had good seasons a year ago. The signing of Madieu Williams gives the secondary another weapon as well, and he’s better than Dwight Smith, who he replaces.

Warren Sapp On Life After Football, Favre

Farve to the Panthers? Report Says That?s What His Agent Wants

Just as we threw out some teams earlier where Brett Favre may end up if he really does want back in the league adn the Pack does not want him back, one source is reporting that Favre’s agent wants him to play for the Carolina Panthers. ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Favre’s agent Bus Cook, is privately saying that the Pack QB wants to play for the Panthers.

Now right now the Panthers have Jake Delhomme as their starter, but he’s coming off Tommy John surgery, and it’s not a 100 percent for sure that he’ll be able to handle the rigors of a full season. The story says that they don’t know why Favre would want to go to Carolina, but that he may think that it?s the best place for him to step in as the starter, or maybe Favre since its somewhat close to his home in Mississippi

Trust us, this will be the first of many team names that pop up when it comes to where the Favre jet will land this season. That is if he really does want to come back, and the Pack either releases him or works out a trade deal.

Gridiron Gab Roundtable - What?s the Best All-Time NFL Rivalry?

Drexel Perry - Total Titans

Cowboys vs Redskins

Just as the Cowboys and the Indians battled each other in Western movies, the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins have had their share of violent skirmishes on the gridiron.

Highlights of one of the NFL?s fiercest rivalries include head-to-head battles in two NFC Championship Games, with the Redskins winning both of those contests (1972, 1982). In 1989, a shocking 13-3 victory over the Redskins gave the Cowboys their only win in Jimmy Johnson?s forgettable 1-15 debut as an NFL head coach.

Toss the W-L records out of the window, because you can expect a full-fledged war each time two of the NFL?s flagship franchises face off during their bi-annual NFC East grudge matches.

Brian Miller - Phinphanatic.com

An AFC East Point Of View

Breaking down rivalries in the AFC East is no easy task. Ask a Bills fan..he says Miami, ask a Pats fan and he says Miami, ask a Jets fan and he will throw bottles and batteries…at Miami. Ask a Miami fan
and the answer is not so clear.

While the Dolphins and Patriots have had some memorable games, the Bills and Jets would probably fall into a more “bitter” rivalry. In the 1990’s the Bills and Dolphins rekindled a dwindled rivalry with
epic games between Dan Marino and Jim Kelly. Despite the Bills and the Bryan Cox 2 finger salutes to the Bills crowd, it is the Jets that make Miami fans and players’ blood boil. A long history that dates
back to the Don Shula led Colts losing in Super Bowl III, the Dolphins and Jets have had some amazing and memorable games. From ultra high-scoring affairs to a fake spike, from a Monday night miracle
comeback to a rain soaked playoff game. If you want rivalry. Bitter hold no bar rivalry, you don’t have to look any further than north on interstate 95.

The NFL has had some great rivalries over the years. The 49ers vs. Cowboys during the 1990s was awesome. The Colts and Patriots in recent years has been the best in the NFL. The historical rivalries that include Packers vs. Bears and Steelers vs. Browns are steeped in tradition. But there is one rivalry that stands far above the others.

A Media Member Who Has Covered the NFL for Over 13 Years

The Raiders vs. Anybody

True, this rivalry isn?t what it used to be because the Raiders are just so bad. Still, no team draws as much ire and vitriol like the Raiders. Maybe it?s the fans ? because it isn?t about what they have done on the field in recent years ? but teams still enjoy beating the Raiders. A lot. Especially the teams AFC West opponents. And really, that doesn?t seem like it will die down in the near future.

Matt Loede - NFLGridironGab

Pittsburgh vs Cleveland

Being in Cleveland the rivals of the Browns over the years include the Bengals and Ravens, but no rivalry is quite as heated as the one against the city about 90 miles away - Pittsburgh. The Steelers and Browns have had some fierce battles over the years, and despite the fact that the Steelers have owned the series since the Browns return since 1999, this one continues to be a good one, and in 2008 it should only get better.

The Pack Don?t Want Him Back - Where Will Favre Go?

Brett Favre just ruined the Packers front office July 4th holiday.

The gun slinging QB now wants to do the very thing that just about everyone that knows anything about football knew all along - he never wanted to walk away. Favre has thrown out rumblings about wanting to return, and the Packers and GM Ted Thompson are now caught in the toughest rock and hard place he and the franchise have ever been in.

Do the Packers move Favre, the face of the franchise and the most popular player in team history? Or do they allow Favre to come back, again, and take away and stop the progress of what many think the future of the franchise is - former first round pick QB Aaron Rodgers? What would you do?

The Packers have reportedly told Favre to ride off in the sunset, enjoy the life away from the game. But after the teams gut wrenching defeat to the Giants in the NFC Title game, doesn’t Favre deserve another shot? Sure, he told the world in March he was ready to walk away, but you could tell in that interview that the fire still burned bright, and that he could walk out on that field today and still be as effective as he was one season ago.

The bottom line though is this - the Pack does not want Favre back. So where does he go from here? If Favre wants to play again, it likely will have to be in another uniform, and what a trip that would be. There are more than a few teams that would want to employ Favre for one major title run, and here they are in a nutshell:

Chicago - A rival for many years, the Bears have a top-notch defense, but an offense that can’t find its way out of a paper bag. Would adding Favre make them a Super Bowl contender? Maybe. Maybe not. But tell me those two games vs the Packers this season wouldn’t be a lot of fun.

Tampa Bay - Jeff Garcia is whining about wanting a new deal. The Bucs are an older team coming off a South division title a season ago, and if Favre was out there for the taking, I would bet that Jon Gruden would dump Garcia for a second for Favre and a true shot at a Super Bowl run in the town that’s hosting the game.

NY Jets - The Jets have had an active offseason trying to upgrade both sides of the ball, but adding Brett would be the biggest pickup the team has ever had. Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens would have no choice but to take a back seat to Favre, who would quickly become the toast of the Big Apple.

Carolina - Many feel that after Tommy John surgery Jake Delhomme will never be 100 percent again. If that’s the case, the team has only marginal backups to turn to, and Favre would easily step in and take over the Cats. Again though, the Panthers likely are not a Super Bowl contender with him, so moving here would not be likely.

Philadelphia - Here’s an interesting one. The Eagles are a team that already have an established QB in Donovan McNabb, but other than one Super Bowl appearance, McNabb has never truly been able to get the birds over the top. Would adding Favre get them there? Again, who knows, but the franchise would be reborn if they get Favre and deal McNabb elsewhere.