The Super Bowl XLVI

In case you aren't aware, the Cowboys aren't in the game, so it makes me struggle some to care. It is especially hard to care when you find that the Giants are there instead.

The match up is the NY Giants and the New England Patriots, or as some would like to say, Eli Manning vs. Tom Brady, although you won't find Tom Brady sacking Eli Manning. That would be entertaining considering they are both the quarterbacks. That would make for a great commercial. Anyway. Moving on. 

I like the Patriots for this. I'll just come right out and say it. Between these two teams, that's who I'll be rooting for in this game. Come tomorrow, I'll be rooting for the Cowboys. My heart just isn't in this game. Eli Manning is probably the luckiest quarterback right now, and I just wonder if his luck is going to continue today or are we actually going to see some skill this fine Super Bowl Sunday.

Sticking to tradition, I'll throw down some points. Let's say: Patriots over Giants, 27-16. 

Giants: Dallas Still Dangerous

I just read that the Giants are worried about the Cowboys, although, I don't know why. Every time the Cowboys take the field, their biggest opponent does at the same time. They are their biggest enemy. They beat themselves week after week, where it be a missed field goal which should be money, or a penalty that adds ten yards, plus negating the touchdown they would've scored on the play... they create ways to lose. I don't know if I am going to give an official posting of the prediction of the game, if anything, I can simply save myself the trouble and say that if the Cowboys do not turn it over and keep the penalties to minimum, they will win. Do I think they will? Not a chance.

Forecast: Giants win this one, 31-21.

Even Jones Realizes Cowboys Running Out of Time

By JAIME ARON - AP Pro Football Writer

Say this about the Dallas Cowboys — they're consistent.

For the fourth Monday this season, they talked about needing to stop making stupid penalties, pointed out things they're doing well despite losing and vowed to keep fighting to turn things around.

The only thing missing was the disclaimer there's still plenty of time left.

At 1-4, even ever-optimistic owner Jerry Jones realizes how long the comeback trail is getting.

Receiver Miles Austin was the latest player to point an incriminating finger at himself. He said repeatedly he feels awful for drawing a celebration penalty by leapfrogging a teammate in the end zone against Minnesota on Sunday. It came a week after a similar violation fueled another close loss.

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1.03.01

Hook 'em Horns Drew Flag for Cowboys, Not Leapfrog

The touchdown-celebration penalty the Dallas Cowboys received Sunday wasn't for Miles Austin leapfrogging Roy Williams in the end zone,

It was against receiver Sam Hurd for flashing a University of Texas "Hook 'em Horns" hand gesture along with Williams. That's what Carl Johnson, the league's vice president of officiating, told Cowboys coach Wade Phillips on Monday.

Austin was announced as being guilty during Dallas' 24-21 loss to Minnesota. Phillips said an official on the sideline also told him it was Austin's fault.

The bigger issue for the Cowboys is that this was the second straight week they've been flagged for an excessive celebration. Phillips said players were told Monday not to do anything except head for the sideline.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy E. Williams (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as teammate Miles Austin jumps over him during the first quarter of their NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy King)

Dallas Cowboys Update

By Ryan Cook

Mall of America Field has always been well known for its hostile fans, and although the Dallas Cowboys are more than familiar with this fact following their trip to Minnesota last season, it was evident from the very beginning on Sunday that Tony Romo and Wade Phillips' offense were in for a tough day.

On the scoreboard, Dallas fared quite nicely. The end result was far from impressive for the Cowboys, but as the 21-24 scoreline suggests, the Boys in Blue did give it there all.

But like the Cowboys so clearly knew heading into Week 6's blockbuster matchup, one team was a surefire pick to wind up as the ultimate loser.

Unfortunately for Cowboy fans, their team felt the wrath of Minnesota yet again. Given that the scoreline wasn't as big a blowout as it was back in January, Dallas now find themselves in a 1-4 hole that is looking near impossible to climb out of.

To be perfectly frank here, if the Texas Rangers weren't doing so well in the ALCS against the New York Yankees, we would all be hearing a lot more verbal concern in regards to America's team.

Still, sooner or later, the Cowboys are going to cop the criticism they deserve. While most analysts have already written the Cowboys out of postseason action, many people are yet to criticize Dallas, even though the realistic thought would be to jump on the hate bandwagon as soon as possible.

On the positive side for Jerry Jones, Tony Romo played a decent game. As untimely as his two interceptions were, Romo's 220 yards and three touchdowns acted as one of the sole reasons for the Cowboys potential win chances.

In the coming weeks, the Cowboys face tough tests against the likes of the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers. Both of these games are doable, but with a performance like Sunday Night, the Cowboys aren't exactly winning themselves any favoritism votes right now.

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1.03.01

Gameplan vs. Titans: Shut down RB Chris Johnson

By TERESA M. WALKER
AP Sports Writer

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson's No. 28 might as well be a glowing red bull's eye — at least to defenses.

No NFL defense wants to be gashed by the last player to run for 2,000 yards in a season, and beating Tennessee starts — and stops — with slowing down the speedy Johnson.

It's working so far this season too. The Titans (2-2) have won each of the two games where Johnson ran for more than 100 yards, and both losses came when defenses held him under that mark.

The Dallas Cowboys (1-2) get their turn next on Sunday, and linebacker Keith Brooking says Johnson is the man they must stop for a simple reason: The running back can score anytime he touches the ball.

"We talk all the time about everybody being where they're supposed to be," Brooking said.

"If you got one guy who is not doing what they're supposed to do, a guy like that will absolutely crease you and he's out the gate. When he gets out in the open ... we've got some good athletes in our defense, but there's nobody that's going to catch him."

Johnson likely made himself an even bigger target for defenses when he proclaimed his goals for 2010 included not only topping Eric Dickerson's NFL single season rushing mark of 2,105 yards but 2,500, a number more easily reached by quarterbacks.

Just like the last half of 2009 as Johnson ran for 2,006 yards, defenses through the first four games stacked eight and nine players near the line of scrimmage to contain him. Denver linebacker Robert Ayers said the Broncos keyed on Johnson in their 26-20 win last week with outside linebackers blitzing to keep him contained.

They held him to 53 yards on 19 carries.

"We knew if we could slow him down that it would be good things to happen to us," Ayers said.

Fullback Ahmard Hall said that's what the Titans will keep seeing from defenses year in and year out as long as they have Johnson.

"He knows everybody's keying on him," Hall said. "He has a big target on his back being the best back in the league. It's just going to take patience, and eventually we're going to get it done."

Titans coach Jeff Fisher said defenses aren't necessarily scheming up any new approaches to stop Johnson.

"We're getting a little more edges. We played two odd fronts, 3-4 fronts. You know with the big linebackers up there it's hard to get the ball bounced outside. It will come, I have confidence in our offensive players and our backs and our staff that we'll get it turned around. We still ran for 122 yards," Fisher said.

Brooking noticed six or seven Broncos around the ball at all times last week, and pride is involved.

"Us 11 guys, we're not going to let this guy get out of the gate and off to the races, to beat us on one play."

Dallas coach Wade Phillips also is reminding his Cowboys about making sure to take the right angle if Johnson breaks loose.

"He can change direction really well too for a guy that runs that's fast," Phillips said. "Normally really fast guys run like a track guy where it's one foot in front of the other rather than being able to move from side to side. He runs with his feet a little wider than a normal real fast guy and that enables him to cut faster."

The Associated Press' 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year dashed to a 76-yard touchdown in Tennessee's opening win over Oakland, but the Raiders held him to 66 yards on his other 26 carries. A holding penalty erased an 85-yard TD in a 19-11 loss to the Steelers as they limited Johnson to 34 yards on the 16 runs that counted.

He broke loose for 42 yards in a road win in Week 3. But again, the Giants bottled him up with 83 yards on his 31 other rushing attempts.

The Titans aren't backing down either. This is the franchise that runs more per game on average than anyone else in the NFL since 2006.

All that attention is taking a toll. Tennessee now ranks ninth in the NFL averaging 133.3 yards per game after being second in the league last season, and Johnson, the NFL rushing leader over the past two years, now ranks sixth with 354 yards.

Johnson is starting to sound a bit frustrated too, especially after the loss to the Broncos when his longest run was 8 yards, a distance that seems normal for him. He talked of looking for daylight with so many defenders boxing him in.

"We've got to improve. We've got to improve everywhere," Johnson said. "I feel like there's things in the running game we can get better. ... This team's a running team, so they know we're going to run the ball."

The Tennessean is tracking Johnson's pace toward that 2,500 goal on its website. Johnson insists he's not counting himself.

"I just go in the game trying to get a victory and hopefully when I look up (I'll be) close to that goal," Johnson said.

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AP Sports Writer Jaime Aron contributed to this report from Irving, Texas.

Beware Cowboys After Bye Week in Wade Phillips Era

By JAIME ARON
AP Pro Football Writer

The Dallas Cowboys are back from their bye week, still in the thick of things.

The Cowboys put themselves at risk of getting left behind by losing their first two games. Yet when they returned to work Monday, their 1-2 record left them only a half-game behind everyone else in the NFC East and 1 1/2 games behind the best record in the NFC.

Any team could seize control over the next month, and the Cowboys are set up as well as anyone.

Their next four games are against teams at or below .500. Three are at home, starting Sunday against Tennessee (2-2).

Plus, there's this tidbit: Dallas has won at least three straight games coming out of its bye every season under coach Wade Phillips.

Dallas Cowboys (1-2) vs. Tennessee Titans (2-2)

The Cowboys Rank 19th in the NFL on Power Rankings. If the Cowboys are to win more games, then the trio of Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice need to run the ball better. If they don't, expect Romo's passing rating to fall, as he will start giving up more interceptions.

Cowboys Injury Report:
Tight end Jason Witten (knee) did not practice during the bye week, but did practice on Monday and should fully participate this week. Witten suffered a knee sprain two weeks ago against the Texans.

Lineman Kyle Kosier (knee) also went down against the Texans with a knee sprain, but last week coach Wade Phillips said that Kosier was "iffy" as far as playing this week. However Kosier was at the media portion of Monday's practice and said that he would fully participate this week and play.

Wide Receiver Dez Bryant (hip, ribs) was another Cowboy who didn't practice, dealing with hip and rib injuries, but is expected to practice on Wednesday and play this week. Bryant has played through his injuries, which include a stress fracture in his ribs and a bruised hip.

Linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring) practiced last Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to fully participate in practice this week. If he is able to practice with no pain to his hamstring then he will play this week.

Martellus Bennett (ankle), Mike Jenkins (knee) and Sam Hurd (hip) all are expected to practice and play this week as well.

From one report:
Chicago VS. Carolina
The Bears weren't as good as their 3-0 record, and now they're 3-1 and minus Jay Cutler.

The Panthers are trying to build some consistency behind rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, but the Panthers rank dead last in the league in points scored and 30th in total yards.

The Bears still are tough beat up to win this week, though.

Their prediction: Panthers 18, Bears 10

My Prediction: Bears 12, Panthers 6 (a boring, all field goal game)


Also, their thoughts on the Cowboys:
Dallas is 1-2 after the bye week with a victory over the Houston Texans. The Titans are 2-2 after a close loss to the Denver Broncos.

The Cowboys haven't looked right this season, with confusion on the sidelines and coaching mistakes bringing the team down.

A bye week should help the Cowboys fix a lot of the mistakes but the Titans are no pushover, and Jeff Fisher is not going to just roll over and let his team fall under .500 again.

However, Vince Young hasn't exactly lit the place up so far this season and it will be the Titans' 27th ranked offense versus the Cowboys eighth ranked defense.

Sorry, Jeff.

Their Prediction: Cowboys 31, Titans 17
Now... my thoughts. Teams coming off a bye week almost always play better than before the bye. That alone should say the Cowboys are going to win this one, which is my thoughts period. If the Cowboys can change two things they have had trouble with thus far this season, being the running game stinking like a septic tank and having penalties KILL them, really, just changing one of those two things would be reason for celebration. If they change both of those things, then they dominate. Period. The Cowboys defense will control the Titans offense. I don't see them scoring 17 points. I also don't see the Cowboys scoring 31. I think it will be a lower scoring game easily.

My Prediction: Cowboys 20, Titans 13

Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at San Diego Chargers (1-0)

I am the person who doesn't care about preseason until the final preseason week. The last game tends to mean a lot more, as it helps set a tone for the regular season. So, I would suspect that the regular season starters would play at least a full quarter this week.

Tony Romo	4,483 Yards	63.1%	26 TD - 9 INT
Marian Barber	932 Yards	214 Carries	7 TD
Felix Jones	685 Yards	116 Carries	3 TD
Miles Austin	1,320 Yards	81 Catches	11 TD
Jason Witten	1,030 Yards	94 Catches	2 TD
DeMarcus Ware	57 Tackles	5 FF	11 Sacks

This is preseason, folks. Wins and Loses don't mean squat, at least, until, you realize that teams who have a winning preseason, will typically go to the postseason, or at least if you having a losing preseason, you don't do the playoffs. Winning in your preseason, doesn't equal playoffs, but losing in the preseason typically means no playoffs for you.

Forecast: What is important in this game is what the starters do... second team is also important, but the main thing is what the first team does, and that is what I would take into account as I give this prediction. I really like the Cowboys to make some noise this year. I expect the first team to be leading when they hand the ball to the second, who should also get some points. I am NOT going to dig into prospects and such right now, as this is preseason, and I am not all that interested. I expect the Cowboys to grab 10 points with Romo at QB, although the reports of the offensive line being, well, offensive. Um, the third and fourth team blew for the Cowboys last week, but they third and fourth team were playing the Raiders second team, so, go figure. Think about that, the Cowboys fourth team wasn't as good as the Raiders second team, whup-de-freakin'-do. Cowboys lead after the first quarter, who really cares after that. Final may look like this: Cowboys 24-20 or Chargers 20-17... who really knows?

Oakland pours it on late, beats Dallas 17-9

By JAIME ARON   AP Sports Writer

Just in case they didn't already know, the Dallas Cowboys got a reminder of the importance of getting touchdowns whenever they're close.

The Cowboys were within 16 yards of the end zone on four drives against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night, yet managed only three field goals. It came back to bite them when the Raiders got two touchdowns and a field goal in the final 4:58 for a 17-9 victory.

Dallas (1-1) had snaps from Oakland's 16, 13, 9 and 10 without getting into the end zone. One of those drives was stopped on downs, and the others were settled by David Buehler making kicks of 42, 27 and 28 yards.

Oakland went ahead 10-9 with 2:24 left when first-string kicker Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 28-yard field goal. Swayze Waters had badly missed a 34-yarder at the start of the fourth quarter.

Raiders safety Jerome Boyd stretched the lead when he intercepted a deflected pass and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown with 33 seconds left.

Oakland's new starting quarterback Jason Campbell never came close to scoring on his four drives. Then again, he was facing a defense that came out with regular-season intensity.

Linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking treated Campbell as if he was still with the rival Redskins. His first two drives went three-and-out. When his final series got rolling, the top nickel unit came back for a fourth-and-1 and Campbell's pass sailed way over his target, tight end Zach Miller.

Campbell finished 7 of 13 for 49 yards. He converted only one third down out of six. He was sacked only once and didn't have a turnover. He indoctrinated himself as a Raiders QB by throwing deep twice, once down each sideline; the first was broken up by a rookie free agent, the other was caught out of bounds.

Kyle Boller came in and was 12 of 21 for 148 yards.

Part of Dallas' offensive woes trace to the line, which gave up four sacks in 20 snaps.

Romo was sacked three times on the opening drive, twice after getting to the 16. Jon Kitna got a series with the starting blockers and wound up getting sacked, too, nearly for a safety.

Romo finished 4 of 7 for 52 yards. Kitna was 8 of 11 for 96 yards.

At least Dallas didn't lose another tight end. Already thin at that position, the Cowboys threw to star Jason Witten only once; he caught it, for 18 yards.

Dallas also can feel better about Buehler, the linebacker-sized kicker who specialized in kickoffs as a rookie last season. By making all three of his tries, he's 6 of 7 this preseason. All four of his kickoffs turned into touchbacks, too.

Cowboys vs. Raiders: What We Learned From Last Night

By Jonathan Bales

Offense

• I need to break down the film, but the Cowboys didn’t seem to run “Double Tight Strong” much tonight. That is probably due to the lack of tight end depth. They did line up in the formation on the first play of the game, however, once again running a strong side dive.
• Tony Romo actually struggled a little bit tonight. He definitely held onto the ball too long on a few occasions, which he admitted in a fourth-quarter interview. That probably stems from knowing he has limited opportunities in the second preseason game and wanting to make some plays. There’s no reason to worry.
• Deon Anderson blocked well again tonight and even caught two passes. The latter won’t happen much, but the former has become a regularity.
• Doug Free wasn’t nearly as dominant as he was against Cincy. He allowed a sack of Jon Kitna and a few pressures. I will watch him more closely on film and report back to you tomorrow.
• Kevin Ogletree is having a poor preseason. He dropped at least one pass tonight (two others he could have possibly caught in traffic), and he isn’t performing particularly well on special teams. I don’t know if he thinks his roster spot is guaranteed, but it isn’t.
• Stephen McGee is really having trouble throwing underneath routes. He is late on check downs and simply doesn’t appear to have great touch even when he is on time.

Defense

• Bradie James was all over the field. He looked particularly impressive in pass coverage, which is good news for a Dallas defense that currently sees a struggling second-year player (Jason Williams) and a rookie (Sean Lee) fighting for nickel duties.
• Orlando Scandrick has really impressed me thus far this preseason. He was all over Jordan Shipley last week and played well again tonight. He seems to be more willing to throw his body around to make tackles too, which is important since he struggled a bit in run support last season (he missed 12.3 percent of tackles).
• Bryan McCann continues to impress me. He has great speed and playmaking ability at cornerback and he nearly broke a punt return for a touchdown tonight. He showed some poor technique at times tonight, but he’s probably the most naturally talented of the three cornerbacks vying for that fourth spot at the position.
• Leon Williams had an up and down night. He is tremendous in tight areas, utilizing his strength to be dominant (at times) against the run. He struggled in space, however, missing a few tackles in the open field and dropping a potentially game-winning interception.
• I like what I saw from both Junior Siavii and Josh Brent tonight. Siavii showed some toughness and held up well against the run. Brent is like the energizer bunny. He made what was perhaps the play of the night when he chased down Raiders running back Michael Bennett to make a tackle about 20 yards downfield. I doubt the Cowboys can sneak him on the practice squad at this point.
• Jason Hatcher looked really good tonight. He could eventually unseat Marcus Spears as the starting defensive end opposite Igor Olshansky.
• Keith Brooking looked solid in coverage, staying step-for-step with Raiders tight end Zach Miller. He shows you don’t have to possess the natural athleticism of a player like Jason Williams to be a Pro Bowl-type player.
• Speaking of Jason Williams, he played much better tonight. Ironically, he is excelling against the run, not the pass. He did look more comfortable in coverage tonight, though, and his improvement will at least make it somewhat difficult for Sean Lee to secure the nickel linebacker spot.
• I can’t say enough about how much Victor Butler has improved his run defense. He is becoming an all-around player, and he has outplayed Brandon Williams in my opinion. He gives the Cowboys some confidence should Anthony Spencer ever go down.
• Jamar Wall struggled again at cornerback, but not as much as on Sunday night. He made a nice drive on a slant route late in the game, breaking up the pass for what should have been an interception. He has trouble covering out-breaking routes and deep balls, however.

Special Teams

• David Buehler really looked sensational. He made all three of his field goal attempts, but more importantly, he struck every ball very well. That wasn’t the case against the Bengals on Sunday night. He was also incredible on kickoffs, as expected. It is nice to see his extra duties aren’t hindering his power on kickoffs.
• Mat McBriar must be one of the most under-appreciate players in the league. He punted a ball nearly 70 yards while standing inches from the back of the end zone. His ability to not only punt powerfully, but also directionally, is so important to Dallas.

Redskins' No. 4 pick Trent Williams gets 6-yr deal

By JOSEPH WHITE (AP)

ASHBURN, Va. — Trent Williams never got to sleep Thursday night as he waited to hear from his agent. The No. 4 overall pick in the draft had already missed one day of Washington Redskins training camp and wanted to be a holdout no longer.

At 4:30 a.m. Friday, the call came. Williams would get a six-year, $60 million contract that includes $36.75 million in guaranteed money. The team's new starting left tackle needed to be at Redskins Park by 6 a.m. to sign the deal and suit up for the 8:30 a.m. practice.

By the team the 2 1/2-hour workout was done, Williams was running purely on adrenaline.

"I'm going to try to get me a nice little nap here in a couple of minutes," he said.

Williams became the first top-five draft pick to report to camp in a year in which first-rounders have been especially slow to sign. He was determined to have a deal done quickly, even changing agents at one point because he wanted a representative who would get him to camp on time — or close to it.

"If I'm going to be plugged in at a key position, I can't be out too many days," Williams said. "This is a new offense, and we need chemistry."

Williams worked with the starting unit right away, taking the spot held for much of the past decade by retired six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels. Williams was taken aback by the speed of NFL practices when he came to minicamp in the spring, but this time he was more in the flow.

"I didn't get off to a slow start like I did last time," he said. "I realize, hey, they're paying me a nice bit of change. I can't be no little rookie trying to get things together."

Perhaps because of his lack of sleep, Williams created new metaphors by botching his cliches. He said he had been "nipping at the bit" to get to camp and credited teammate Brian Orakpo for giving advice on "the loopholes that all rookies face."

Williams said he's going to buy a car and a house and try to save the rest of the money, although he realizes the veterans will run up the traditional mammoth restaurant bill in his name at some point during training camp.

He also had no qualms about toting veterans' gear off the field after practice. Fellow first-round pick Dez Bryant caused a stir at Dallas Cowboys camp earlier this week when he refused to carry Roy Williams' shoulder pads.

"I understand everybody's a rookie one day," Trent Williams said. "You've got to pay your rookie dues. It could be a lot worse than carrying shoulder pads."

DFW Tire Dealers Set for Grid Iron Gains via Yokohama/Cowboys Deal

Tire dealers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex are in position to score some points with motorists as Yokohama has signed a one-year sponsorship agreement with the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys.

The deal includes signage at the state-of-the-art Cowboys Stadium, which opened last year; pre-game, post-game and in-game spots on the team’s flagship radio station; in-stadium displays and in-game announcements on the public address system and on LED boards; as well as hospitality opportunities at select games.

Yokohama will also be associated with the team’s traveling Dallas Cowboy Museum Tour truck, which goes to more than 100 events per year.

“We’ve had great success the last few seasons with our sports marketing program,” says Dan King, vice president of sales and marketing, “but we’ve really raised the bar by partnering with the highly visible Dallas Cowboys. “They have a huge, passionate fan base in Texas and across the U.S. They truly are America’s Team.”

With the latest agreement, Yokohama has now secured sponsorship deals with the NFL, Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels and the National Basketball Association’s Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs. “More are to come,” says King, “we’ll have an announcement in a few weeks on other NFL teams we’re partnering with.”

25 Sports Celebrities Better for Survivor Than Jimmy Johnson

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current FOX host Jimmy Johnson recently announced that he will join the new cast of CBS' long-running reality series "Survivor". Johnson's season will take place in Guatemala and reportedly not interfere with his current FOX schedule.

Johnson has long been known for his boisterous and out-going personality which should fit very well on the show that demands unique characters (or caricatures).

While Johnson should be an entertaining choice nonetheless, there are still 25 other sports figures who could take Johnson's spot and bring much more to the show.

Terrell Owens. The biggest mouthpiece in the NFL over the last decade would sure add a spicy element to the Survivor cast. Owens can be confrontational and emotional. He often speaks without a filter and has a difficulty working well with others. The perfect formula for a reality show contestant.

It would never happen in a million years, but hey this whole list is hypothetical right? Well, nothing says entertaining like watching a spoiled celebrity be landed into a Guatemalan jungle where she will have roll in the dirt, eat bugs and deal with people she otherwise would care if they existed or not.

The ultimate self-promoter, Chad Ochocinco has to be right in there with T.O. Ochocinco loves the camera and the camera loves him. He already tested his reality show wits with his appearance on Dancing With the Stars where it looked like no competition was to difficult for the Bengals wide receiver. Anything where Ochocinco gets to be himself usually turns to TV gold.

Michael Strahan is a loud, out-going character who is excellent in front of a camera. He has a sense of humor but has a suaveness about him that is a great fit for a competitive television atmosphere.

Milton Bradley. Why not? Every reality show needs a contestant that is possible of melting down at any given moment. Bradley could be that proverbial roommate, or in this case jungle-mate, that everyone walks on egg shells around only to have him erupt when he realizes he hates his surroundings.

Erin Andrews has been through a lot in her personal life over the last year, so why not send her to Guatemala where she can down in the mud in as little clothes as possible? Maybe help her release some of that pent up anger and shows us an EA we haven't seen before--personality that is.

You NEVER know what you're going to get out of Ron Artest which makes him so darn perfect for this situation. Put the always-quirky Artest around a bunch of conniving strangers who are constantly trying to one-up him and his eventual reaction will be great television.

The guy is all over the map at any given moment. Why not drop him on Survivor Island and watch him make a bunch of random people go nuts.

Hey, if Jimmy Johnson is going to do it, why not Ditka? Hurricane Ditka would slam Guatemala with his trademark scowl and moustache and infuse fear in all that laid in its way. Yes, Ditka is older than Johnson, but seeing Ditka get riled up with lazy cast member is worth a ticket to the show.

Oh this would be so rich if Saban had to go deal with a bunch of people he would no doubt look down his nose at. Saban would be cut from entirely different cloth than the rest of the cast, but you could see how he'd try to justify any behavior and simply play mind games with his castmates.

Forget just replacing Jimmy Johnson, put Urban Meyer and Nick Saban on the same cast. You know what, forget that, just put Saban and Meyer on an island together and let fate sort it out. It would be great viewing.

A-Rod would be a very entertaining fit only to see his prima donna appearance and aura be shot down by a cast of people willing to eat bugs, fight in the dirt, jump off cliffs and do whatever else Survivor contestants do. A-Rod probably showers in Poland Spring Bottled Water. Could he fathom not showering for weeks on end?

Deion, much like Jimmy Johnson, would bring a boisterous and entertaining personality to a show that is usually filled with bark-eating, boring people. Deion's entire rhythm and flair would be a far cry from anyone that's been on the show. Now, could Deion live a few weeks without his flashy fashion sense and live outdoors? Finding the answer would make it all that much more entertaining.

Charles Barkley is a walking comedy act. He is in many ways the caricature for the retired athlete. He says virtually what he wants, when he wants and does so in such a unique way that people can't help but be drawn to him.

Tiger could return from his recent recluse behavior and become the alpha male on Survivor. His sheer presence would leave other contestants unsure of what to do or how to even approach Tiger. Tiger has always been very careful about how he approaches the public and the words he uses publicly, but seeing him go toe-to-toe with some Survivor contestant would be a Tiger with all new stripes, although part of me wonders if he could handle that kind of heat again.

Talk about the alpha male in a group. Jordan could still be the same always-imposing presence on the set of Survivor even when he's away from his $100,000 craps tables, Gulfstream and fine cigars. Jordan, the ultra-competitor, could probably outlast any island crawler on Survivor.

John Daly may not be as wild as he was a few years back, but placing him in a rare place with strangers and no means to cigarettes and booze could be a recipe for an absolute tire fire on the set of Survivor. Reality shows bring the worst out of people. It could do the same for Daly which would be bad for him, but a score in the ratings department for the show.

So far, all the males on this list have been of a dominating figure. Not so much with the squirrely and somewhat bizarre Van Gundy. Many NBA fans have grown frustrated with his shtick and his persona on the air. Would they oppose to seeing him treated like the class nerd on an island of people willing to do just about anything?

Many have knocked LeBron James for taking the easy way out when it comes to his professional career. So, let's see what LeBron is made of by making it very hard on him. Stick him on island where nothing will come easy, including meals, and let's see what kind of competitor LeBron truly is.

Lane Kiffin's life over the last few years has seemed like one non-stop reality show, so why going on Survivor be any different? From fighting with an old Al Davis, to leaving Tennessee in the lurch to his perceived sliminess makes Kiffin just prime for this kind of situation. Watching Kiffin have to worm his way out of heated Survivor fights would be rich.

Al Davis couldn't do much on Survivor, but one thing he wouldn't do is play by the rules. Al Davis would lord over that island with his jungle throne as he commands the rest of the Survivor cast to serve as his minions. Throw him off the island will you? Well, he'll just call a press conference, take out an overhead projector and tell you all the reasons why you're a liar and you should be kicked off.

Mark Cuban too is like a walking reality show. The Mavericks owner has little in the way of a filter for his often combative personality and is ripe for a reality show where everyone is as cutthroat as can be. In all seriousness, let's not give Cuban any ideas.

Tebow is no stranger to being in the wild, living off the land and spending time in the outdoors. Tebow would be the complete opposite of the standard, expected crazed reality show member. However, seeing how much another cast member could push his buttons and if Tebow would blow up in a fit of genuine rage would be something to see.

Perhaps if Shaquille O'Neal can't find another team to play for this upcoming season, he could just go on a reality show circuit. His immense presence would certainly draw ratings and his personality and sense of humor, which made him the most entertaining soundbite in sports, will worth watching every week. Maybe they could name that season 'Shaq VS Survivor'...

You want to install a little fear and intimidation on the set of Survivor? Swap Jimmy Johnson for Chuck Liddell. Nothing says pending drama like an MMA fight with a short fuse just waiting to go off on some unsuspecting cast member.

Why Jose? Because it appears the guy will do just about anything to earn a paycheck nowadays. This is a guy who fought a 60-year-old local high school coach at a minor league game in Arkansas for a minimal appearance fee. Canseco is a walking train wreck. Why not put that on Survivor and see how it far it takes him?

Dez Bryant 1st On Training Camp Field

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Dez Bryant was more than on time for the start of the Dallas Cowboys training camp. The first-round pick was the first player on the field Saturday.

Wearing the No. 88 jersey assigned to him right after being drafted, Bryant emerged from the Alamodome tunnel about 45 minutes before the start of the Cowboys' first workout. The receiver from Oklahoma State then caught passes from undrafted rookie quarterback Matt Nichols.

Bryant had alleviated any concern about him missing any workouts when he agreed to terms of a five-year contract even before getting to San Antonio. He signed it after he arrived for the NFL's longest full-squad camp this year.

"I'm going to use the phrase, not on time, before time," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday while commending Bryant and his agent, Eugene Parker, for getting the deal done. "They both knew that this thing was important to set a tone, set an impression. ... Boy, that's a good sign."

Another impressive cue came Saturday with his early arrival on the field. Bryant acknowledged the growing crowd with a wave and then ran a variety of routes long before Tony Romo and the rest of the Cowboys came out of the locker room.

Dallas is the first team to have its full squad on the field, and no other teams are scheduled to have that until Wednesday. The Cowboys play their preseason opener in two weeks as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame weekend that will include NFL career rushing leader and three-time Super Bowl champion Emmitt Smith's induction.

Once practice got started, an opening workout without pads, Bryant made several acrobatic and one-handed catches in drills without defenders. On one sideline route, he reached back with his left hand to make the grab, then managed to stay inbound.

The Cowboys traded up three spots in April to get Bryant with the 24th overall pick after the talented receiver slipped in the draft amid questions about his character. But Dallas did its homework after he was limited to only three games for Oklahoma State last season after his NCAA suspension for lying to investigators about a meeting with former Cowboys star Deion Sanders.

There were then concerns when Bryant picked the same agent as his buddy and fellow receiver Michael Crabtree, a first-rounder whose holdout last season lasted into late October. The signing of draft picks was also complicated by NFL labor uncertainty.

But Bryant agreed to his deal Thursday that will guarantee him at least $8.3 million. His base salary this season will be $320,000, but Bryant got a $1.95 million signing bonus and gets another $570,000 roster bonus during camp.

All six of the Cowboys draft picks were signed. The only one not practicing was safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, the fourth-round pick still recovering from left shoulder surgery in March.

Owusu-Ansah and Stephen Hodge, a 2009 draft pick recovering from microfracture surgery, are both on the physically unable to perform list.

Third-year tight end Martellus Bennett missed the opening workout because of a non-football ankle injury.

When Jones gave Bryant the cherished No. 88 jersey that had previously been worn by Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin and Drew Pearson, it was clear there are big expectations for the rookie receiver.

Bryant ran plays primarily with the second-team offense during drills Saturday. The Cowboys also plan to use him to return punts.

There are some who even think that by the end of training camp Bryant could be pushing underachieving Roy Williams for the starting job opposite Pro Bowl receiver Miles Austin.

"That bridge was crossed when we drafted Dez, and will be crossed as this season unfolds," Jones said. "But there's been a lot of time spent by this coaching staff, relative to Roy and his abilities and the best use of what his skills are to be productive for us."

Dez Bryant Agrees on Terms of Deal with Cowboys

By Jaime Aron (AP)

Irving, Texas — With all the stories about Dez Bryant being a character risk, and then with him picking the same agent his buddy and fellow receiver Michael Crabtree had during a holdout that lasted nearly until Halloween last season, plus there being all sorts of labor uncertainty complicating the signing of all draft picks, some Dallas Cowboys fans worried whether he'd ever show up.

Well, guess what: Bryant signed Thursday, becoming the first first-round pick in the entire NFL to strike a deal. The contract is for $11.8 million over five years, with at least $8.3 million guaranteed.

The key is that the deal is done in time for Bryant to be in San Antonio for the start of training camp Friday and, of course, the first practice Saturday. By the end of training camp, he might even be pushing Roy Williams for the starting job opposite Miles Austin.

"This was very important to me to be able to get this done in time for the first practice," Bryant said in a statement released by the team. "I want to help this team. I want to compete. I can't wait to start playing football again."

Bryant played only three games for Oklahoma State last season, then was dogged by all sorts of questions about his integrity, starting with an NCAA suspension for lying to investigators about a meeting with former Cowboys star Deion Sanders.

There was talk of him skipping meetings and classes, and being late to games. There were concerns about his mother's private life, enough that Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland asked if she ever was a prostitute. After he skipped the NFL combine and held his own pro day, there were whispers that he forgot to bring the right cleats.

But the Cowboys did their homework and wanted Bryant so badly that when they saw him slipping in the draft, they moved up to No. 24 and nabbed him. Team owner Jerry Jones also laid the foundation for Thursday's announcement before ever making the pick.

Speaking with agent Eugene Parker while the Cowboys were on the clock, Jones said: "We want a commitment here that we're going to work to get this done. We don't want a repeat of what happened last year."

That conversation was relayed by Stephen Jones, the team's vice president, while he repeatedly praised Parker and Bryant for getting this done on the eve of training camp.

"It's always been a good relationship with (Parker)," Jones said, noting that he represented two other recent first-rounders, but leaving out the fact both were a few days late to camp. "It's a two-way street. He's benefited, we've benefited. Nobody is trying to get the upper hand. You just want things to be good. He wants things to be good for Dez, and so do we."

Parker agreed that his long, solid relationship with the Joneses helped this deal come together.

"The trust factor," he said. "That enabled us to cut through some of the typical posturing and positioning and get right to the issues."

Among those issues was the lack of a collective bargaining agreement starting in 2011. That uncertainty is among the reasons none of the other first-rounders have signed.

"That's a big issue," Parker said. "Both sides had to be committed to compromise and be willing to see the other person's challenges and concerns and work through them."

Jerry Jones already has given Parker No. 88, a cherished jersey in Cowboys history because it was worn by Michael Irvin and Drew Pearson.

Irvin was Troy Aikman's favorite target, and Pearson was Roger Staubach's favorite target. With this deal done, it won't be long before Tony Romo starts his relationship with Bryant, perhaps adding them to that list.

"It was really important that we get him working and in the groove with Tony and our offense, and I think he understood that," Stephen Jones said.

Romo liked what he saw from Bryant over the summer — and from what the kid did in college.

In 27 games at Oklahoma State, Bryant had 147 catches for 2,425 yards (16.5 yards per catch) and 29 touchdowns. He also returned 22 punts for a 19.6-yard average and three TDs.

Bryant already is being counted on to return punts.

Stephen Jones added that second-round pick Sean Lee was close to signing his deal. Jones expects the linebacker from Penn State to be in San Antonio for the start of camp.

AP Sports Writer Stephen Hawkins contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Judge Keeps August 4th Auction for Texas Rangers

By Angela K. Brown (AP)

Fort Worth, TX — The Texas Rangers' auction is on.

A federal bankruptcy judge decided Thursday to keep the Aug. 4 date to auction off the team, rejecting requests to delay it nearly two months so bidders could line up financing. And Mark Cuban, the outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a billionaire businessman, may be among those bidding on the Rangers.

"It's real simple: We're going to get it done Aug. 4 and 5," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge D. Michael Lynn said after a three-day hearing that included plenty of squabbling among attorneys involved in the long-delayed sale.

The court-appointed restructuring officer and angry creditors had argued that potential buyers would not have enough time to secure the millions needed to buy the Rangers and suggested a Sept. 30 auction. But the team countered that at least two potential bidders, Houston businessman Jim Crane and Dallas investor Jeff Beck, had time to review the deal and line up financing since they were part of the original bidding process last year.

Cuban's attorney, Clifton Jessup, said he was "under the gun" to review terms of the sale in less than two weeks. Cuban, recently qualified by Major League Baseball to participate in the auction, has not decided whether to bid but hopes to make an offer on his own rather than join an existing group, Jessup said.

Cuban, one of the most visible and colorful owners in pro sports, expressed an interest last year in buying the Chicago Cubs. The team was purchased instead by the Ricketts family from Tribune Co. following a bankruptcy filing.

"This is a brand new opportunity," Jessup said after the hearing. "We believe that the court has made a level playing field and that Major League Baseball will operate in good faith."

MLB has long endorsed a group led by Hall of Fame pitcher and Rangers president Nolan Ryan and attorney Chuck Greenberg as its preferred buyer.

Rangers' manager Ron Washington, called by the judge to testify Thursday, said players' morale was "unbelievably good" but would turn to worry if the sale was delayed. Ryan told the judge this week that to ensure the team's financial resources to keep star players and acquire new talent, the auction should proceed so the Rangers can get out of bankruptcy.

Lynn said the bankruptcy — no matter how long it took or who ended up as the owner — would not affect team operations. He said players should stay focused on making a run for the American League West title and a postseason berth for the first time since 1999.

"You are going to get what you need," Lynn told Washington, adding that players' travel would not change "from a jet to a school bus."

"(Tell the players) that everybody is behind them. ... We want this team to succeed."

The auction has been one of many unexpected twists for the team after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May.

The team submitted a plan to repay creditors $75 million and sell the ballclub to the Greenberg-Ryan group, chosen by the team after the last year's bidding process. The team said going to bankruptcy court was the only way to push through the Greenberg-Ryan sale, stalled for months by creditors concerned about team owner Tom Hicks' financial woes.

But the Rangers ended up embracing an auction after the Greenberg-Ryan group agreed to waive its exclusivity rights and have bidding procedures heavily controlled by Major League Baseball. The Greenberg-Ryan group didn't want the auction delayed because its financing guarantee is to expire Aug. 12.

Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton, who's been leading the majors in batting average, said he will be "praying a lot" for the Greenberg-Ryan group to become the team's owner.

"He's a former player. He (Ryan) knows what it takes to go out and play the game on an everyday basis. You want to have a guy like that, who's been through it," Hamilton said before Thursday's game against the Angels.

Hamilton also said Cuban is a very involved owner "like a Jerry Jones is with his (Dallas Cowboys) team. It's all about the wins and losses and how we're going to get it done and yelling at your players and that sort of thing. It's different between the two groups. ... Personalities clash. I hope we get the right personalities we need to make this thing work."

Under the procedures set last week, starting bids for the Rangers must be at least $15 million higher than $306.7 million, which is the cash portion of Greenberg-Ryan group's offer. As the process continues, each bid must go up at least $2 million.

The Greenberg-Ryan bid totals about $575 million and includes paying the full $204 million owed to unsecured creditors. Topping the list of unsecured creditors is New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, who is owed $24.9 million in deferred compensation six years after he was traded.

The Greenberg-Ryan bid also includes legal costs and damages if Hicks is sued after the sale — which creditors have threatened to do in order to recoup the full $525 million in loans that Hicks Sports Group defaulted on last year. That group's bid also includes the Rangers Ballpark lease, which was transferred from another Hicks' company to the team before the bankruptcy filing.

The judge has not yet ruled on a lawsuit filed by JP Morgan Chase, a creditor, seeking to sever the stadium lease from the sale. The bank contends that it did not consent to the transfer, as required in its loan agreement, so the ballpark lease is not the team's property.

AP freelance writer Ken Sins contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Super Bowl Odds for All 32 NFL Teams

First off, I should note that there is a 37.5% chance that a team will make the playoffs, based on a 12/32 ratio. Talent, experience, and coachability are factors to consider, as well as what the team has done over the last year to base predictability on making the playoffs and winning a Superbowl. All in all, 20 teams stay home for the playoffs, 12 teams move on at the end of the regular season, with two of the 12 going to the big show. The following are the thoughts of Evan Adrian, afterwhich are my thoughts. Enjoy!

32. Rams

Steven Jackson is a great player, but no running back could carry this train-wreck of a team to the playoffs. Odds to win it all: 100 to 1

31. Bucs

Get your Heat tickets before they sell out, Buc fans. Odds to win it all: 90 to 1

30. Bills

Training camp is right around the corner, and we still don’t know who the Bills’ starting quarterback or running back is. Odds to win it all: 85 to 1

29. Brownies

But in the uber-competitive AFC North, it won’t even be close to enough to sniff a playoff berth. Odds to win it all: 80 to 1

28. Lions

I LOVE the Lions’ 2010 draft class, especially Ndamukong Suh, who will undoubtedly be a better pro than first overall pick Sam Bradford. Overall, this teams stinks, though. Odds to win it all: 75 to 1

27. Chiefs

This is a team that could sniff .500 in 2010, but a playoff birth seems to be out of the question. Odds to win it all: 60 to 1

26. Raiders

Oakland finally seems to be getting personnel moves right, thanks to Al Davis reportedly relinquishing some control. The Raiders have a talented backfield, a stud tight end in Zach Miller, an underrated offensive line, and a punishing defense. Odds to win it all: 50 to 1

25. Broncos

Denver got rid of Brandon Marshall this off-season, who was hands down their best play-maker. Rookie Demaryius Thomas will try to pick up the slack, but he won’t come close to Marshall’s numbers. Odds to win it all: 45 to 1

24. Seahawks

I don’t know how much Matt Hasselbeck really has left. And with Seattle’s acquisition of Chargers’ QB Charlie Whitehurst, I don’t think Seattle’s front office has much of an idea, either. Odds to win it all: 40 to 1

23. Cards

Losing Kurt Warner hurts. A lot. Arizona’s QB depth chart now looks like this: 1. Matt Leinart 2. Derek Anderson 3. John Skelton 4. Max Hall. Let the QB controversy begin! Beating out the 49ers for a playoff spot would be reason to celebrate. Odds to win it all: 38 to 1

22. Da Bears

I’m not saying that the Bears will be the greatest show on turf 2.0, but they will certainly be better with Mike Martz calling the shots. Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and company seem to fit the prototypical small receiver build that Martz does well with. If Matt Forte can return to 2008 form, Chicago’s offense could take flight. Odds to win it all: 36 to 1

21. Jags

If Garrard can play game-manager relatively well in 2010, the Jaguars have a legitimate shot at the playoffs (as long as Jones-Drew stays healthy). Super Bowl aspirations,though, are on hold for the time being. Odds to win it all: 35 to 1

20. 'Skins

Mike Shanahan has taken over as Washington’s head coach, and he seems to have taken the 2006 Pro-Bowl roster with him (Willie Parker, Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson, and incumbent Clinton Portis). Can Washington compete in the East Beast Division? Odds to win it all: 32 to 1

19. Dolphins

Is Henne good enough to lead Miami to the postseason? He very well might be. Can he carry them to a Super Bowl? Certainly not. Odds to win it all: 30 to 1

18. 49ers

I like this team, but I don't love them. Winning the NFC West really amounts to nothing once the playoffs start. The 49ers are a young, growing team, but expect some serious growing pains once the playoffs start. Odds to win it all: 30 to 1

17. Mighty-Mighty Boss Cats (Panthers)

Carolina is handing the reigns over to Matt Moore this year after cutting Jake Delhomme in the offseason. If Moore can manage the game well and limit his turnovers, Carolina’s run game and defense could carry them to the playoffs. But a Super Bowl? No. Odds to win it all: 28 to 1

16. Eagles

Their defense and improved run-game could take them to the playoffs, plus they have that DeSean Jackson guy, who seems to make the occasional big play. I sort-of like the Eagles, but I don’t trust them farther than I can throw them. Odds to win it all: 28 to 1

15. Texans

Schaub played an entire season for the first time in 2009, and he was simply amazing. He racked up 29 touchdowns, 4,770 yards, and a QB rating of 98.6 (healthy temperature and QB rating). Houston’s offense was prolific last season, and I expect more of the same in 2010. If the Texans’ defense can keep up, the Houston Texans could get to the playoffs for the first time ever. Anything beyond a playoff berth would be a miracle. Odds to win it all: 26 to 1

14. Bengals

The Bengals seem to be in the news for all the wrong reasons this offseason. This is a team with too many questions, so here’s my answer: steer clear of Cincinnati. Odds to win it all: 25 to 1

13. Falcons

10 wins would be tremendous for this team, and it’s easily within reach. A deep playoff run, however, seems to be out of reach. Odds to win it all: 22 to 1

12. Giants

Eli Manning is better than you think he is, and so are New York’s receivers. Don’t sleep on the Giants, but don’t bet on them either. Odds to win it all: 20 to 1

11. Titans

Young was great as a starter last season, taking over for Kerry Collins and leading the Titans to an 8-2 record down the stretch. With a full season as a starter on the horizon,the sky is the limit for Young. Odds to win it all: 18 to 1

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers crack my top ten despite trading away their best receiver and being forced to play 4-6 games without their starting quarterback. If Pittsburgh can manage to win at least half of their games without Big Ben, they’ll be in good shape to make the playoffs. Willie Parker is gone, meaning 2010 is Rashard Mendenhall’s time to shine. And I think he’s more than capable of carrying the load. If Pittsburgh’s receivers can make up for Santonio’s absence, I can see the Steelers making a serious run at the Lombardi Trophy. Good coaching and good defense will get you a long way in the playoffs, and Pittsburgh has both. Odds to win it all: 15 to 1

9. New York Jets

I love me some Rex Ryan. He’s exactly what a New York NFL coach should be. He’s transformed the Jets from New York’s other football team into the headliner. The Jets had the loudest offseason in the NFL, picking up LaDainian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes, and Jason Taylor, to name a few. Quarterback Mark Sanchez now has a year of experience under his belt, not to mention 2 playoff victories. I like what they’re building in New York, but I don’t see it all coming together as well as last season. Odds to win it all: 12 to 1

8. San Diego Chargers

Hey look, it’s the Chargers! The team everyone thinks has a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl every year, but seems to come up short. Well guess what? I’m not buying San Diego in 2010. When your team is only in the news for the wrong reasons, things aren’t exactly great. The Chargers ditched the best player in the history of their franchise (LaDainian Tomlinson) and replaced him with a rookie (Ryan Mathews). Their best offensive lineman (Marcus McNeill) is holding out for more money. Their best receiver (Vincent Jackson) is too, plus he’s suspended for three games. Ouch. I will give them this, though: their head coach (Norv Turner) is underrated, Philip Rivers might be a top-5 QB, and their defense is better-than-good. So they’ve got to be a top-ten team on this list. If I were a betting man, though, I wouldn’t touch the Chargers with a ten-foot pole. Odds to win it all: 11 to 1

7. Green Bay Packers

After a heartbreaking end to their 2009 campaign, Green Bay should be hungry, mad, and ready to get at it in 2010. Aaron Rodgers has been better than good since Brett Favre left, retired, signed with the Jets, left, retired, and signed with the Vikings. Rodgers' receivers are solid, he has an emerging tight end in Jermichael Finley, and I think Ryan Grant is due for a huge season in 2010. Green Bay’s defense really is underrated. Their linebacking corps is full of playmakers, and their secondary was good in 2009, with the obvious exception of their wild-card meltdown. A spot in the playoffs should be a given, and a Super Bowl victory is not out of this team’s reach by any means. Odds to win it all: 21 to 2

6. Minnesota Vikings

First things first: Brett Favre is going to play in 2010. Ok? Settled? Good. Second, he’s not going to be as good as he was last year. I don’t think anyone can reasonably expect him to be. But their run game shouldbe better. Adrian Peterson wasn’t as good as you think he was last year. Sure, he scored 18 touchdowns and ran for nearly 1,400 yards, but his YPC was a career-low 4.4, and he lost a career-high 6 fumbles. I’m not saying he’s not great, I’m just saying there’s room to improve. With their talented group o fpass catchers (Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe, Bernard Berrian) and their punishing defense, a playoff berth for this squad is a given, but a Super Bowl is probably just out of reach (again). Odds to win it all: 10 to 1

5. Dallas Cowboys

First off, I’m not a Cowboys fan. I know they’re America’steam, and I live in America, but that still doesn’t make me a fan. However, I am buying the Cowboys as NFC East champions, and the odds-on favorite to win homefield in the NFC. Tony Romo seems to keep getting better and better, Miles Austin has emerged as a legit number one receiver, and Jason Witten is arguably the best pass-catching tight end in the NFL today. Not to mention that loaded backfield of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Their defense is solid too, and they do a tremendous job getting in the backfield and making plays. Oh, and if that Dez Bryant guy turns out to be decent, we may see Dallas playing for Super Bowl XLV in their own stadium in February. Odds to win it all: 10 to 1

4. Baltimore Ravens

Ah yes, the Baltimore Ravens. Seems like they’re the chic pick to take home the Lombardi Trophy in 2010. And why not? Baltimore’s backfield could be the best in the NFL, with Ray Rice leading a three-headed charge that also includes Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain. Plus, Joe Flacco has another year under his belt and a new stud receiver in Anquan Boldin (if he can stay healthy). And don’t get me started on their defense. The Ravens added Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody in the 2010 Draft, two first-round caliber players that should thrive in Baltimore’s 3-4 scheme. I like the Ravens a lot,and wouldn’t be too surprised to see Ray Lewis hoisting that Lomardi Trophy for the second time. Odds to win it all: 19 to 2

3. New England Patriots

Don’t let last year’s putrid playoff performance fool you. Despite what you may read, the Patriots are not declining. Bill Belichick is still the coach he’s always been. Tom Brady isn’t a step slower. Yes, Randy Moss is a year older, but this is a contract year. And we all know what that means. New England’s defense may be young, but they’re good, and they’re fast. We know how good this team can be. I think they’ll be that good in 2010, and maybe even better. Brady has a real good shot at a fourth ring. Odds to win it all: 19 to 2

2. New Orleans Saints

Sorry Saints fans, but I can’t put your team first. I just can’t. History tells us that in today’s NFL, a repeat is nearly impossible.Truth of the matter is I love this team. Drew Brees is an elite QB who can succeed with any group of receivers. That’s not a shot at New Orleans’ receiving corps, but does one guy emerge from that group as something truly special? Didn’t think so. New Orleans does have a strong 1-2 punch at running back though, with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. And New Orleans’coaching staff might be the best in the NFL. I would love to see them prove me wrong, but I don’t see the Saints repeating this year. A Super Bowl berth, though, doesn’t seem too far fetched. Odds to win it all: 8 to 1

1. Indianapolis Colts

Quick, who’s the NFL’s best quarterback? If you said anyone other than Peyton Manning, you’re kidding yourself. QBs handle the football more than anyone else on the field, so I’ll put my money on the team with the best one. I put my money on Peyton last year and it didn’t exactly work out,but I’ve still got faith. Nobody works harder than Peyton. Nobody leads better than Peyton. But most importantly, nobody cares more than Peyton. The rest of the offense is pretty loaded, too. Peyton has two solid veteran pass-catchers in Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, as well as a couple of talented up-and-comers in Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. Peyton's backfield (Joseph Addai and Donald Brown) is better than you think. So is the defense. But it all starts with Peyton, and come Super Bowl XLV, I think it will end with him, too. Odds to win it all: 7 to 1

OK, so my thoughts. I think in the top ten, I almost agree. Jets are ranked too high, as are the Patriots. In my opinion, the boat is sailing on the Patriots. They may have another playoff appearance, but I think playoff wins are going... going... I would have put them fifth TOPS. Important, I do agree with the top two. I like the Colts and the Saints in the top two spots, however, I honestly think the two can be interchangable. I would have put the 'Boys at third, bumped up the Vikes to fourth... and I do expect Farve to play and I do expect him to do exceptionally well, as we expect Farve to always perform to the Farve level. The only knock I have against Farve is that he tends to not just play football, but play with people's minds on whether he will or won't play. Man up and give an answer straight out.