Archive for September, 2009

2009 Philadelphia Eagles: Five Things to Watch For

Things were looking a little rocky for Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb in the middle of 2008, but an infamous “benching” helped turn the tide, and the Eagles finished a win away from the Super Bowl.Make that five NFC championship appearances in the Reid/McNabb era and, can we say, counting?

2009 Washington Redskins: Five Things to Watch For

 The Redskins started hot in 2008 and showed the world their potential.Unfortunately, with a disappointing 2-6 finish, they missed the playoffs, causing mixed reviews and a lot of uncertainty.His presence can’t hurt, as Washington didn’t have a lineman top four sacks all season.

With Haynesworth wreaking havoc in the middle with Cornelius Griffin, Orakpo should have plenty of time to make things happen.

4. Can Clinton Portis Avoid Another Late-Season Slide?

After tearing it up in the first eight games of the season, Portis appeared to hit a wall, and stunk it up in the final eight contests.While you could easily blame this on nagging injuries and too many carries, you could also blame the ineffective Jason Campbell and predictable Jim Zorn.

Portis can last the season, but his productivity will continue to suffer if Jason Campbell cannot progress.

3. How Good Can Albert Haynesworth Make the Defense?

Haynesworth is a big, big man.

He can plug the middle and eat up running backs, but he also has the strength and agility to get to the quarterback.

He adds anywhere from seven to ten sacks to a Redskins team already surviving with solid talent; That, with his presence, could ultimately make the leap to elite.

However, if his supporting cast can’t make the jump, Haynesworth could go down as a free agency bust.

2. Is Jim Zorn on the Hot Seat? 

 Zorn is most definitely on his way out of Washington if he can’t prove to Dan Snyder that his system works. And the only way he can do that is by getting to the post-season, and possibly winning a game.

Zorn hurt Snyder’s insides with a 6-2 opening tease, and then sliding to an 8-8 finish.

And while the defense wasn’t always scoring all A’s, the offense was ugly and boring, leaving the Redskins to wade in mediocrity.

If Zorn’s chosen one, Jason Campbell, can’t succeed early, it could be both of their necks.

1. Is Jason Campbell Still Their Franchise Quarterback? 

 If you were Jason Campbell, would you feel comfortable?

You’ve heard about Derek Anderon, Brady Quinn, Jay Cutler, Brett Favre, and now even Michael Vick.

They are all better than you, they all want your job (probably not Favre), and your team would have preferred any one of them over you.

Oh, and there was also Mark Sanchez.

Hell, your coach even thinks Josh Freeman is better than you.

And believe it or not, there is even a growing support group for Colt Brennan.

The point is, while Campbell has shown excellent game-managing ability, he hasn’t shown and type of a killer instinct or ability to truly take over games.

If that doesn’t show-up in the early going, someone else could be behind center for Washington.

After a solid draft and a big offseason full of DeAngelo Hall and Albert Haynesworth signings, the Redskins look to be back to their winning ways.

Maybe.

Take a look at five things that could be preventing that from happening.

5. Good-Bye Jason Taylor, Hello, Brian Orakpo?

 Jason Taylor was a wine-and-dine chance that failed. And considering his weak 3.5 sack total, he wasn’t very difficult to say goodbye to.Now he’s back with the Dolphins, and now Washington is starting over with a new defensive end. Isn’t that what they should have done in the first place?

Orakpo brings excellent size and athleticism to the Redskins front line, and also brings the versatility to drop back and be used on the outside as a linebacker.

2009 Dallas Cowboys: Five Things to Watch For

The Cowboys were supposed to be “America’s Team” again.

They were fresh off of an impressive 13-3 record and 2007 division title. They were Super Bowl contenders, and at the very least, playoff guarantees.

Well, one broken pinkie later, and all that 2007 created in Dallas was ruined.

Fast forward to the off-season, and the team has lost several starters from last year, including star receiver Terrell Owens, pass-rush specialist Greg Ellis, and safety Roy Williams.

The Cowboys have a lot of ground to make up, despite having a smart offensive plan and a slew of weapons.

Read on to see the top five issues facing the Cowboys as they prepare for August’s pre-season action.

5. The Addition of Igor Olshansky

The Cowboys got most of their pass-rush from Demarcus Ware last season, and brought in Olshansky from San Diego to add power to their front line.

Olshansky wasn’t brought in to rush the passer. His strength and brutality on the line will be of great use, as Dallas tried to improve on their 12th ranked rush defense.

The addition of Olshansky doesn’t completely make-up for the losses of Greg Ellis and Chris Canty, but he’s the type of player in the trenches that can change the tone of a game.

4. Can Ken Hamlin Bounce Back?

After a fantastic debut season with Dallas in 2007, where he registered 62 tackles and five interceptions, 2008 saw Hamlin regress after signing a big, six-year contract.

The money may have gotten to Hamlin for a year, but threats of a possible release (if 2009 goes sour) should snap him back into form.

Hamlin has little help at safety, but his secondary play and pass rush are bordering on elite.

He’s the clear-cut starter, and at only 28, is still one of the most talented safeties in the league.

3. Can Roy Williams Effectively Replace T.O.?

After showing glimmers of star-quality in Detroit, Williams came to Dallas in a trade, and after one lackluster half-season in the big “D”, Williams’ time to step up is coming.

His presence prompted the release of Terrell Owens, and with no other proven receivers aside from Patrick Crayton, Williams is officially the designated “star” receiver for Dallas.

However, it’s arguable that the Cowboys’ current third receiver, Miles Austin, is the best overall receiver on the team, and could end up thriving in the Cowboys new, balanced attack.

Regardless of how Austin or Crayton perform, Williams should see plenty of targets, that is, once he gets back on the field.

2. Marion Barber vs. Felix Jones

There are rumors swirling that the Cowboys intend on using Felix Jones and Marion Barber together on the field at the same time.

Jones’ versatility, speed, hands, and athleticism allow Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett to place him just about anywhere.

Barber, on the other hand, is still the Cowboys’ bread-and-butter chains mover, as well as their short yardage and goal-line stud.

Jones figures to (at the very worst) play on third downs, return kicks, and slide out on special plays, strictly as a receiver.

They both, along with third running back, Tashard Choice, are immensely talented, and should combine their efforts to form a formidable rush offense.

Contrary to popular belief, a talented three-headed horse at the tailback position is in no way a bad thing.

That is, unless you’re talking about fantasy football.

1. How Will Tony Romo’s Break-up’s Affect Him?

First T.O. had to go. Now there are reports that “it’s over” between Romo and now ex-lover, Jessica Simpson.

Oddly enough, both departures from Romo’s life could turn out to be the best thing possibly for him.

Terrell Owens was getting too big, even for Dallas, and whether you believe in jinxes or not, Simpson’s involvement in Romo’s life brought a negative and almost “unlucky” vibe.

With a clear head and a new mind-set, Romo should be able to spread the ball around more, while relying on one of the finest trios of running backs the league has to offer.

Even if Roy Williams can’t take hold of the number one spot, Romo should perform well.

2009 Oakland Raiders: Five Things to Watch For

 

If they can run the ball the way they’re built to, the Raiders could have an outside chance at competing for the division.

If they do, jaws may drop. But if they don’t, and the past repeats itself, jaws could be struck.

Take a look at five things that will have to be decided in order for that to happen.

He showed glimpses of his past potential in his first season with Denver, but was slowed by nagging knee issues in his second year.

After signing a huge contract with the Raiders, Walker has yet to put forth any type of production worthy of even being called mediocre.

Still, Walker is as healthy as he’s been in years, and still has a shot at one of the starting positions.

He will be in heated competition with rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey and veteran Chaz Schilens, as well as return specialist, Johnnie Lee Higgins.

If Walker is fully healthy, the rest rides on the arm of JaMarcus Russell.

Things didn’t work out between Al Davis and Lane Kiffin, and while Cable is almost certainly not Davis’ first choice to run his team, at least Cable takes direction and does as he’s told.

However, to be successful and get Oakland back to a competitive level, Cable will have to go against the grain and surprise some people with some truly exceptional coaching.

While that is still a possibility, something tells me Davis is simply biding his time until he finds the right guy to coach his team past 2010.

Write it down. Cable’s days are numbered.

Yeah, it goes the other way, too.

After dropping from Super Bowl contenders back in the days of Rich Gannon, the Raiders have finally gotten to a point where the talent on the defensive side of the ball is good enough for playoff contention.

They’re young, fast, and physical, and praying for an offense.

The Raiders have grown into a running team that is ineffective in the passing game, leaving the defense to fend for itself with countless “three and outs” to kill momentum.

With another year under Tom Cable, and a potentially improved pass attack, this could be the year that the Raiders defense is able to wreak havoc with a decent supporting offense.

Then again, it is the Raiders.

His speed and acceleration were destined to take the league by storm.

But that didn’t happen.

No, McFadden and former college teammate Felix Jones were actually outdone by their former fullback at Arkansas, Peyton Hillis.

However, with McFadden getting most of the snaps and Hillis back at fullback in Denver, McFadden could finally be poised to break out.

That is, if Michael Bush doesn’t get in the way.

The early word has McFadden as the favorite to start, with Bush entering as the short yardage and goal-line runner.

This also means a complete demotion for last year’s starter, Justin Fargas.

After starting his first offseason with nagging injuries and a case of the dropsies, Heyward-Bey has reportedly come around a bit, and had a practice recently where he caught “everything in sight”.

While there are certainly growing pains to be expected, Heyward-Bey still has the talent and athleticism to succeed, and he’ll have every opportunity to do just that.

2009 Denver Broncos: Five Things to Watch For

 Mike Shanahan’s successor, Josh McDaniels, has made quite an impression in just one off-season as the head coach in Denver, and not necessarily in the manner first-year coaches would like.

After upsetting franchise quarterback Jay Cutler, Denver and the star quarterback went their separate ways, leaving McDaniels and co. without a true gamer at the position, albeit with several knew, young pieces to work with on defense, as well as a stud rookie running back in Knowshon Moreno.

But aside from that, there hasn’t been much done since the Cutler drama or in pre-season to have fans and experts lean one way or another on McDaniels and the Broncos’ future.

Here’s five things to think about for the 2009 season:

5. How Will Peyton Hillis Be Used?

In many different ways, and much more often than Knowshon Moreno-lovers would like to see.

The fact is, Hillis is an outstanding blocker, but it would be an absolute monstrosity to keep him at fullback full-time.

He has elite receiving skills combined with great power rushing ability, making him a great, three-dimensional weapon all over the field.

He’ll be listed as a fullback, but should garner a lot of offensive attention from Josh McDaniels, as he’ll line up as a receiver, tight end, running back, and fullback.

McDaniels has been very vocal about his immense and underrated talent, and he’ll be sure to expose his attributes to the rest of the league, even moreso than Mike Shanahan did last year.

4. Is Kyle Orton Simply a Game-Manager?

Well, we’re about to find out.

 

After Orton started his Denver career with three first-half interceptions in a pre-season game, you could see fans calling for McDaniels’ head, and it got even worse when his back-up, Chris Simms, posted much better numbers in the same game.

Still, Orton has good experiene, knows how to win, and is still learning the system.

If Brandon Marshall jumps ship, it could get more difficult for all parties involved, but with Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, and a sound rush attack, Orton should be able to thrive in a very pass-happy New England-style offense.

Whether that translates into wins or not will ultimately be on the defense.

3. Can the Defense Get Any Worse?

Considering their lack of depth at cornerback and safety, as well as their inconsistent pass rush, the answer would be a sheepish “yes”.

 

It’s sad, but also a very possible truth, considering the new head coach has only elite offensive credentials to his name, and while he’s attempted to address the defense through the draft, he simply many not have the players to make it happen in year one.

Denver fans, prepare for a full-blown rebuilding year with some progress near the end of the season.

2. Is McDaniels a Fool or a Genius?

Like most things in the pre-season, that’s simply something that will be answered with time.

 

However, with two disgrunted super stars in one off-season, McDaniels is either very bad at comunicating and managing elite talent, or he’s simply ridding of prima-dona athletes.

For now, call it a combination of the two. After all, most great coaches (he’s not great yet) have to be both smart and crazy sometimes.

1. What Happens With Brandon Marshall?

If you’ve been monitoring the rumor mill, it’s pretty clear that the New York Jets want Brandon Marshall, and he surely isn’t fighting off the possibility.

 

Marshall has all but given up on Denver after rehab and contractual issues, while also citing a downgrade at quarterback as a reason for his “wanting out”.

After all, the guy is in a contract year.

The Denver regime continues to claim Marshall won’t be traded, but if the Jets bite on the current offer on the table (Marshall for David Harris and a first round pick), it’s something that could definitely happen.

While it’s unlikely the Jets give up both the player and the pick, it’s becoming almost even more unlikely that Brandon Marshall is in a Denver uniform come week one.

 

New York Jets’ Danny Woodhead Proves He’s Got Game

He’s small, came out of Chadron State (where?) as an undrafted rookie, and hung around on New York’s roster last year after sustaining a knee injury.

Just another tiny guy coming out of nowhere, undoubtedly destined to fade out of the league before he ever actually gets in, right?

Almost.

You’d have to agree with all of Woodhead’s doubters about a few things. He’s only 5’8 and listed as around or under 200 pounds.

He’s never faced elite competition. And while his college numbers are earth-shattering, they don’t mean quite as much a they did a few years ago, now that he’s trying to prove he belongs with the big(ger) boys.

But all of that is moot now. Especially after Thursday night’s performance.

True, it’s only pre-season, and it was mostly against the second and third team defense, but if we’re being fair, it was still impressive.

Woodhead started off the night with a rush for -5 yards, added a few carries to get back over 0 yards, and then proceeded to blow everyone away.

With a 55-yard burst around the right tackle, Woodhead ran for a touchdown and made his name known, no longer just to the Jets’ community, but possibly to the entire NFL.

But he didn’t stop there.

He added another 44-yard run that set-up another touchdown, caught a 10-yard pass, and plunged into the end-zone for a three-yard score, furthering the belief that this little guy has enough speed, agility, and versatility to be effective in this league.

Enough about his school and competition.

Cincinnati Bengals’ Bernard Scott was a D-II back last year, yet he was a 6th round draft pick, and has somehow already locked up the back-up spot behind Cedric Benson.

Enough with his size.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Darren Sproles, Leon Washington (a Jets player, mind you), and Jerious Norwood are all almost the exact same size and weight.

They all have the same attributes. The difference? They all have certainty as members of an NFL roster, and even more, they all have huge roles in their respective offenses.

Don’t talk about speed.

A 55-yard touchdown isn’t easy to be had in this league. Neither is another 40+ yard run in the same game.

Woodhead’s 4.3 40 time adds to his excellent speed and athleticism, eliminating the final road-block in his quest for an NFL team to take notice.

Even his teammates know how talented he is. Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller, and even head coach Rex Ryan have all backed him, applauded his athleticism and work ethic, and voiced their hopes that he’d make the team.

Cotchery even went as far as to say that, while everyone else was excited to see Michael Vick play extensively, he and his teammates couldn’t wait for the “Woodhead show”.

What a show it was.

But will it be the last time we see Woodhead run rampade in a Jets uniform? Or even the NFL?

Unfortunately, that’s a very real possibility.

But Woodhead remains humble, gives all the credit to his line and the rest of his offense, and just hopes that all of his efforts gain him a shot for a season to stick around and continue to prove he’s “got it”.

But if you’ve been watching him with an un-biased approach, you already know the answer to that question.

With Thomas Jones over 30, Leon Washington having contractual issues, and Shonn Greene not yet proving himself, it wouldn’t be a poor choice to keep an electric and hard-working player at the position.

The question is, which makes more sense?

Giving a dedicated, talented player a chance, or showing him the door?

2009 Kansas City Chiefs: Five Things to Watch For

 

See: Edgerrin James.

While Todd Haley isn’t a fool, he sure isn’t a fan of pounding the ball, either. He and the Chiefs will never be a smash-mouth, run-first offense, and the quicker everyone realizes it, the better.

Matt Cassel is on board to help make Dwayne Bowe a machine, and to take enough attention off the ground game to make Johnson appear less slow and banged up than he truly is.

He may not have a ton of tread left on his Herman Edwards-ran rampade tires, but he’s still an elite back if used correctly.

Does that mean a rushing crown and a happy camper hat for the entire season? Very unlikely, but if there’s consistent balance, Johnson will undoubtedly be a huge part of it.

But his attitude and work ethic have to change. Immediately.

Bowe has been consistent in his first two seasons, and with excellent build, solid speed, and great body control, he has the makings of an Anquan Boldin in Haley’s explosive air attack offense.

A few weeks being demoted to the third team unit should have him ready to prove himself in 2009.

That’s right, Brodie Croye. Sit back down, Tyler Thigpen.

Gone are the days of the spread offense. Gone are the predictable offensive sets, as fun as some of them were to watch.

With Matt Cassel (after week one, of course), the Chiefs finally have a passer that has the arm and legs to carry an offense, something they haven’t had since Steve Bono (forive me for saying so).

Cassel certainly is seeing a talent drop-off from his magical run in New England, but he still has enough talent and good coaching to win some games and help KC make some noise.

That, or this was the worst trade Scot Pioli has ever made, and the best one Bill Belichick has.

The offense will be more balanced and more efficient, but without Tony Gonzalez and another dependabe option across fro Bowe, it will be hard to top 4-5 wins.

On the bright side, however, the Chiefs aren’t exactly playing in a tough division, with only one team (San Diego) posing as sure-fire division contenders; a division returning zero teams with better than an 8-8 record in 2008.

But can Haley really be expected to take this tea to glory without Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, or a polished veteran like Kurt Warner at his disposal?

And woeful is putting it nicely.

Through three pre-season games this year, Kansas City has registered four sacks, which is only six shy of their league low total of 10 in 2008.

Are they getting better? Sure, but that really isn’t saying much, now is it?

Through three pre-season games, they’ve shown an ability to lock things up inside the 20, refusing to allow more than 17 points in a game.

2009 San Diego Chargers: Five Things to Watch For

After finishing off a late season run with a whipping of the Broncos, the Chargers eked into the 2008 AFC Playoffs with an 8-8 record and a division title, despite battling injuries and inconsistency for much of the season.

While they couldn’t get past the eventual Super Bowl champions Steelers, they did have an impressive victory over the Colts, and showed true grit, despite missing several key players.

Still, the Chargers remain a mixed bag of possibility and inconsistency, and while they’re immensely talented, their window for a Super Bowl run is beginning to close.

5. Can Philip Rivers Repeat his 2008 Success?

Rivers jumped from pedestrian stats in his first two years as a starter, to suddenly near-MVP production.

He has a strong arm with excellent accuracy, and benefits from a well-balanced offense and a full boat of offensive weapons.

The emergence of Vincent Jackson is what probably caused the biggest climb in production for Rivers, while Antonio Gates, Darren Sproles, and LT helped out immensely in the passing game.

There are rumors that the Chargers will try to run more than pass in 2009, but the odds are in favor of a very balanced approach.

Rivers has proven time and again that his work ethic and passion for the game never fails to match his growing talent.

Considering Norv Turner’s specialty is offense, Rivers’ production and efficiency don’t appear to be changing for the worse anytime soon.

If his supporting cast (namely LT and Gates) can get back to full health, Rivers will have all he needs to stay fantasy relevant, as well as possibly guide his team to the Super Bowl.

4. Is Norv Turner on the Hot Seat?

Turner is an offensive wizard. Yes, this is true.

But even Mike Martz gets fired.

Turner has kept the Chargers competitive and exciting in every year he’s called the shots, but if 2009 doesn’t see the Chargers improve significantly, it could be his last season.

An epidemic of injuries didn’t help the cause in 2008, but with his key players (LT, Antonio Gates, Shawne Merriman) expected back at 100 percent, there will be no excuses for Turner not producing with a team so heavy on talent.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Darren Sproles

Regardless of the franchising of Darren Sproles, LT is still “the man” in San Diego, and will still see the bulk of the carries.

But the most important thing is not who will get you the most fantasy points (some would argue that), but the impact they can have on the team together.

Tomlinson can still run well inside the tackles, is extremely effective near the goal-line, and still has the speed and elusiveness to change games.

He may not be what he was two years ago, but even his “average” out-put is good enough to start for well over half of the league.

Sproles will continue to electrify the league on returns, while seeing increased touches and looks, both in the air and on the ground.

Rest assured—LT will keep the starting totes, while Sproles will hang around for one more year to help give the Chargers one of the more feared ground attacks.

2. Shawne Merriman’s Comeback

Before his double-ligament tear that ended his 2008 season, Merriman was a one-man wrecking crew that attacked opposing quarterbacks, stirring up memories of Lawrence Taylor.

Despite not being able to play last year, he displayed tremendous courage and work ethic in the offseason, as he still tried to play in the Chargers’ first game, despite having very minimal lateral movement.

The thanks? The Chargers drafted his potential replacement, Larry English.

While English may indeed become a good player, as well as a key defender for San Diego, it won’t be before Merriman puts together another 10+ sack season.

He’s had a full year to recover, and is reportedly back to full speed, and is entering his contract season with a burgeoning chip on his shoulder.

He may not be a Charger past 2009, but his comeback could be one of the more impressive story-lines of the season.

1. Will the Defense Get Better?

Judging by their woeful rankings (31st against the pass), the Chargers clearly have a lot of work to due.

The fact is, they weren’t a great pass-rushing team without Merriman’s tenacity on the outside, however, and lost even more help on the line with the departure of defensive end, Igor Olshansky.

Their secondary should be back to full force with Antonio Cromartie and tackling machine Eric Weddle (safety) leading the way, but unless Merriman can make a full comeback, and rookie Larry English can have an impact, they could suffer another long season.

Just like on offense, the talent is there for this team to succeed. However, that won’t matter unless the right calls are made by the coaches.

All of San Diego’s issues could form together in a domino effect, and the most important piece could very well end up being Shawne Merriman.

If he can get back to his 2006 form, or even 2007, their pass rush would be ignited, and the pressure would be eased on their secondary.

Considering Merriman is in a contract year, there’s a strong possibility he and the Chargers enjoy a successful season.

NFL Quick Hits

 

Tennessee Titans Work-out Receiver Matt Jones

The ex-Jaguar is getting his first official look from an NFL club, even after a humbling interview on ESPN about a month ago.

Jones still has outstanding size and speed, and even though he knows nothing of Tennessee’s offense, he could still emerge as their top receiver if signed.

As it stands, he’d probably step in behind Justin Gauge and Kenny Britt, while surpassing the injured Nate Washington.

The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, both in need of an impact receiver, are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.

No Progress in Brandon Marshall Trade Talks

The heat is on Josh McDanies and the Broncos, as they have heard plenty of interest from the New York Jets, but still have a hefty asking price on the table.

The reported offer has been Marshall for a New York first round pick, along with veteran linebacker, David Harris.

If Denver doesn’t budge on either Harris or the pick, the reportedly won’t happen.

Bengals’ Carson Palmer Expected to be Ready for Opener

Isn’t this the same news we got all of last season?

Palmer was apparently at full health heading into pre-season, but then arm questions again emerged.

This time the concern is over his ankle, but with soid practices lately, head coach Marvin Lewis is holding him out of the final pre-season game, merely as a precaution.

Brett Favre to Sit for Minnesota’s Final Pre-season Game

This isn’t news, but since it’s Favre, it still makes headlines.

Add the arm surgery, his age, and the reported cracked rib all together, and you’ve got a concerned Brad Childress.

Besides, they may want to give Tarvaris Jackson the full stage as they try to up his value in the wake of trade rumors.

Favre will be more than ready to go for the season opener at Cleveland.

New York Jets’ Interest in Brandon Marshall Heats Up

(Brandon Marshall is praying for a way out of Denver.)

Talks between the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos regarding disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Marshall heated up on Wednesday night.

Well, sort of.

The Broncos’ initial asking price was said to be a first round draft pick (at the minimum), and considering their apparent distaste with their defensive depth (especially at linebacker), they are interested in acquiring defensive help.

Unfortunately for the Jets, that “help” is turning out to be quality linebacker, David Harris.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos appear to be willing to make the swap, but only if Rex Ryan and the Jets defense can handle losing one of their best defenders.

While the Broncos are not content with Andra’ Davis on the inside, the Jets are fairly thin at the position themselves, as second-year man Vernon Gholston is being thrust into the line-up while Calvin Pace serves a suspension to start the season.

Still, talks remain on-going, even despite “tampering” rumors that surfaced within the past 24 hours.

Brandon Marshall has done his best to follow former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler out of town, citing contractual issues, a downgrade at quarterback, as well as a sketchy rehab situation with Denver’s personal trainers and doctors.

Denver’s new head coach, Josh McDaniels, actually made a horrible situation with Cutler into a victory, by addressing defense and adding a stud running back (Knowshon Moreno), as well as a supposedly capable starting quarterback (Kyle Orton) through the trade, as well as through the NFL Draft.

Still, losing Brandon Marshall, regardless of the picks or players obtained in return, could send McDaniels and his staff into a downward spiral; one that could only be stopped by a successful season.

The Jets, on the other hand, have an aggressive scheme that could make-up for the loss of Harris (potentially), while landing Brandon Marshall would give them a truly elite number one receiver for the first time since Santana Moss or Keyshawn Johnson.

ESPN broke the report, stating that the talks are still hot, while also noting that if Denver’s asking price continues to be both Harris and the first round draft pick, the deal could be dead.