And on the 4th Day of Free Agency the Jets & Dolphins Apparently Passed the Patriots.... posted by Mike Dussault

Free Agency just started on Friday, and the Jets and Dolphins have both made significant moves while the Patriots have stuck to signing their own guys, and it's become a popular article around the interwebs whether these moves have dethroned New England as the AFC East favorites.

First of all, Miami and New York should be doing whatever they can do to pass the Patriots this year. No one realized it heading into last year but 2009 was the year Bill Belichick had to begin rebuilding his defense. He realized it at the end of training camp and unloaded Richard Seymour to Oakland. But the Patriots are well suited for the rebuild that is ahead of them.

Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork will be the centerpieces of the new defense. And will 4 picks in the first two rounds of this years draft, as well as 2 1st-rounders in next years, the Patriots are in position to add a lot of quality players in the next two seasons. Meaning if you're going to beat the Patriots you better do it now before all this talent is added and begins to gel.

That being said, while Miami and New York both added potential playmakers to their respective defenses, their offenses (the things that would exploit a young/inexperienced Patriot defense) remain fairly unthreatening. Not to say they aren't respectable but the loss of Thomas Jones for the Jets shouldn't be minimized, nor should Miami's continued lack of a dangerous passing game.

So let's all take a deep breath, there are still alot of Free Agents out there, mid-level veterans like those that the first Patriots dynasty were built on. We're clearly a long ways away from how the rosters will look on opening day, and there are still plenty of additions and subtractions for every team.

The Best Quarterback Matchups in the Super Bowl Since 1985 posted by Colin Linneweber

The Indianapolis Colts will play the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The contest is expected to be an offensive shootout pitting Colts (16-2) quarterback Peyton Manning against Saints (15-3) signal-caller Drew Brees.

Manning, 33, a four-time AP NFL MVP, and Brees, 31, a three-time All-Pro selection, are two of the greatest quarterbacks to grace the gridiron during this generation.

In recognition of the impending Super Bowl matchup, I decided to rank the best quarterback showdowns to have occurred in the Super Bowl since 1985.

1)      Super Bowl XXIV- Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers destroyed John Elway and the Denver Broncos 55-10 in the most lopsided championship game ever at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Montana, a three-time First Team All-Pro selection who made the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, was named the Super Bowl MVP after he completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns.

Elway, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro, played horrifically in the embarrassing blowout loss.

In total, Elway completed 10 out of 26 passes for a measly 108 yards and two interceptions.

On this January evening, Montana and the 49ers overwhelmed Elway and the Broncos.

Nevertheless, this Super Bowl showcased perhaps the two greatest quarterbacks in the annals of the NFL.

2)      Super Bowl XIX- Montana and the Niners thrashed Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins 38-16 at Stanford Stadium in California.

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 17 posted by Joe Anello

Happy New Year everyone! The NFC is all about seeding this Sunday, with all of the players at the table. In the AFC, the two wildcard spots will be hotly contested with the Ravens and Jets owning the inside track. Let's not waste time, here's the Opening Drive of week 17 in the NFL! *sniffle* It goes by so fast!

(8-7) Pittsburgh Steelers at (7-8) Miami Dolphins

Well they need help, but the Steelers aren't eliminated from post-season play yet. However, every scenario that finds the Steelers defending their title requires at least two teams in front of them to fall plus an obvious Pittsburgh win. After a late rally against the Texans last week, the Dolphins will be focused on getting to 8-8 but will need Chad Henne to play near-perfect along with a large dose of Ricky Williams (who may not play). Even on the road without Troy Polamalu, I like Pittsburgh to win. Though any Steeler (lookin' at you LaMarr Woodley) or Steeler fan who thinks the Colts or Patriots are resting players because they don't want to see the Steelers in the playoffs is delirious. Maybe you shouldn't have lost five straight?

(10-5) New England Patriots at (8-7) Houston Texans

If the Texans are going to make their first ever playoffs, they need losses from two of the following three teams: the Jets, Ravens, or Broncos. Matt Schaub has taken great strides to become a top signal-caller this season and he'll be staring at a weak New England secondary today.  The real question is how long the Patriots will feel like playing. Tom Brady says he expects to play the entire game, but I'm not convinced. Perhaps a half, but anything beyond that would be foolish. Bill Belichick's Pats aren't playing for anything other than the 3 or 4 seed, so unless they prefer to play San Diego I don't envision more than a half for Brady, Welker and Moss. Houston should get the win unless Belichick has a second coach-fart this season. 

Hours Before Kickoff: Week 16 posted by Randolph Charlotin

In 2005, the Patriots “lost” the season finale to the Miami Dolphins. Because of that “loss,” the Pats hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card game instead of facing Pittsburgh.

Was it cowardly to throw a game to avoid playing the hottest team in the playoffs? You could say that. But it was also ingenious by head coach Bill Belichick to arrange the best match-up for his team.

With the playoffs just two weeks away and New England insured to play a Wild Card game, is there a team fighting to get in that would be the easiest prey for the Patriots in the first round?

A lot of probabilities have to work for certain teams to get in. But two of the teams that need help are the Patriots final two opponents, Jacksonville and Houston.

If the Pats win out, they may eliminate the Jaguars and Texans in the process. With that in mind, which of the remaining teams would be most desirable?

Denver – Personally I’d like to see the Patriots get another crack at the Broncos after they blew the regular season game. Since starting 6-0, Denver is 2-6. Though they’re reeling, they created the blueprint of doubling WRs Rand Moss and Wes Welker. Until the Pats have a consistent third target, they are at risk of blowing it against the Broncos a second time. Chances: Even

Baltimore – I’m sure LB Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense haven’t forgotten the week 4 loss that they attribute to favorable calls from the referees. Maybe if receiver Mark Clayton caught that pass for a first down, B-more wouldn’t have something to whine about. Chances: Even

Joe's Final Drive: Week 14 posted by Joe Anello

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

(13-0) New Orleans Saints 26
(6-7) Atlanta Falcons 23

A Chris Redman-led Falcons mounted a valiant comeback, but Drew Brees and the Saints pulled out a thriller to clinch the NFC South. With a Saturday night game against Dallas coming up, the unbeaten New Orleans is proving they are the true team to beat in the NFC, winning in a variety of ways. 

(7-6) Miami Dolphins 14
(7-6) Jacksonville Jaguars 10

Jacksonville had control of their playoff destiny. That is, until Miami won in a squeaker. Now the last AFC wildcard spot is up for grabs in a free-for-all. Sorry Jaguars, you had you chance. Chad Henne continues to impress and Ricky Williams continues to shoulder the load without Ronnie Brown. 

(13-0) Indianapolis Colts 28
(8-5) Denver Broncos 16

Even when he throws three interceptions, Peyton Manning finds a way to crush your dreams. Josh McDaniels' defense looked lost at times and could never get anything substantial going on offense. I could care less about Brandon Marshall's NFL record 21 receptions. It happened in a loss where the Broncos were forced to pass all the time. Color me not impressed.

Pick Six: Week 13 posted by Randolph Charlotin

Where do I start?

It’s not just the offense that’s predictable. Opponents know what’s coming and figured out how to stop it.

It’s not just the lack of a reliable third receiver when Randy Moss and Wes Welker are covered. Whether it is a slot guy or the tight end, QB Tom Brady doesn’t trust them.

It’s not just that the Patriots are a first half team. They owned the second half in years past. Now they can’t put teams away, even with what used to be secure double-digit leads. Halftime adjustments are non-existent.

It’s not just a defense designed to be a bend but don’t break unit. They consistently fail in that regard.

It’s not just a lack of a pass rush that leaves the secondary hanging. Even when blitzing, it’s not a sure bet they’ll even pressure the quarterback.

It’s not just the secondary that plays it safe to a fault. For the most part they prevent big plays, but underneath routes consistently are open and teams execute long scoring drives.

It’s not just the broken tackles that turn what should be stops into first downs.

It’s not just the inability to play well on the road. Someway or somehow the Pats let games slip through their fingers.

It’s not just the red zone problems. New England leaves points on the field. And when opponents get within 20 yards, points are practically guaranteed.

It’s not just the coaching or the execution. It’s not just one thing or another. It’s everything and then some.

Hours Before Kickoff: Week 13 posted by Randolph Charlotin

Absent from the buildup for this divisional match-up between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots has been a bulletin board quote from the irascible Joey Porter.

The outside linebacker, who’s never at a loss for words, hasn’t said anything to rile up the Pats. That’s understandable, considering QB Tom Brady said after the last game between the teams that Porter’s statement of genuine hate between the players inspired the Pats.

The proof was in Porter’s state line for the game: He didn’t register a single tackle or sack.

After running his mouth for the week, you’d think Porter would man up and answer for his no-show. Instead Porter left his bag by his locker, a sign he will return to speak to the press, and never came back.

You wouldn’t expect a cowardly act like that from Porter since he apparently loves microphones. But ducking the press and not answering his trash talk was childish like his name Joey, which is what baby koalas and kangaroos are called.

Though the first nine weeks of the season, Porter had been more bark than bite, with 2.5 sacks. It led to head coach Tony Sporano benching Porter the week after the Patriots game. Porter responded with a two-sack performance against Carolina and 2.5 sacks against Buffalo.

It was villains week for the Boston sports scene. Red Sox Nation claimed they tasted bile after Sports Illustrated named New York Yankees shortstop their Sportsman of the Year. The Bruins played the Montreal Canadiens (lost 5-1) and greedy friend and former teammate Phil Kessel and his new team, the Toronto Maple Leafs (7-2 beat down of the Leafs). The only missing component was a Celtics-Lakers game.

Win at Miami Just What Patriots Need posted by Mike Dussault

Miami has historically always been a tough place for Tom Brady and the Patriots to win a game, and this week will provide just the test the Pats need. Miami is never a pushover, despite the fact that they will be missing RB Ronnie Brown, the heart of the offense, NT Jason Ferguson, the heart of the defense,  and Jake Grove, the center signed almost specifically to deal with Vince Wilfork.

Due to these key injuries it's likely the Pats will win this game, and in doing so getting their first true road win of the year. In December. Yikes.

A game like this is exactly what Doctor Hoodie ordered for the Patriots. They need a win that can jump start their push to the playoffs. Finishing off the Dolphins in Miami, almost guaranteeing another AFC East title, could be just the kind of win that could turn the Patriots season around after Monday night's debacle in the Superdome.

Miami is far from a contender but given their history with the Patriots, a win at Land Shark Stadium would still be something for the Pats to feel good about. The confidence of the defense could've been shaken by the events of the last three weeks. The Dolphins are just the right amount of dangerous that the Pats will be challenged, but not overwhelmed. Shutting down Chad Henne, Davone Bess and Ricky Williams could be just the thing to bring the defense back together, and reinvigorate them with confidence.

Many are questioning if the Patriots are even a contender anymore. Surely those questions will serve as fuel to the fire of a run to the playoffs.

While there are no more undefeated teams on the schedule, the Patriots final four games are not a cake walk. The Jaguars are palyoff contenders and could be a first round opponent for New England. And while Houston can't beat Indy, their offense has the ability to test the Patriots defense where it has struggled most, the vertical passing game.

Patriots Turn the Page to the Miami Dolphins posted by Mike Dussault

Wow, the weeks after the Patriots lose are certainly depressing. This is the 4th time in 2009 that I've found myself entering a football-free bubble. When the Patriots win I pretty much watch every bit of football news I can get my eyes on. Everyone loves to hear all the commentators glow over their team.

But after a loss there are only a few things I can bring myself to watch. First and foremost is listening to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's interviews from WEEI that are posted as podcasts on Monday and Tuesday respectively. Nowhere else will you find Coach Belichick more open and relaxed. Sure you still get some of the standard responses: somethings were good, some things were not so good... we've got to coach and play better...

But generally the Coach is willing to go into a little more depth about the games. Win or lose I never miss either appearance. Hearing their voices reminds me that it's a long season with ups and downs, and certainly no one takes losses harder than them.

I also bring myself to watch Playbook on NFL Network. Mike Mayock, Brian Billick and Solomon Wilcots do a great job breaeking down the X's and O's of what happens on the field. That's what I want to know.

I don't want to hear from ESPN how the Patriots are no longer the team they once were. Um, yeah we know that. I also don't need to hear from Peter King how Belichick should not have pulled Tom Brady with 5 minutes to go against the Saints. The media is so interested in extrapolating every bit of information they can out of every win or loss. And as Brady says, you can't ride that roller coaster if you want to be a succesful team in the NFL.

Pick Six: Week Nine posted by Randolph Charlotin

When it comes to the winning, New England is still the team everyone wants to beat. To make a statement to the rest of the league, a win over the Patriots is the best feather any team can stick in their cap.

Typically it’s reserved for a defending champion, but New England has been targeted for their success over the decade. Hanging a loss on the Pats, even two years after the undefeated regular season, still means a lot.

And to get that win, teams will try everything in order to show they measure up to one of the league’s best teams. That’s why Miami unveiled the Wildcat last year against the Pats. They know the road to the AFC East crown went through New England.

Even though the Dolphins are the defending AFC East champions, and bragged they hold the crown until some team knocks them off, they knew a win over the Patriots supports their boast.

And like the Wildcat debut, the Dolphins threw new wrinkles at the Pats in hopes of getting an edge. Reserve QB Pat White came in and ran a couple of option run plays. RB Ronnie Brown had two pass attempts, the second time he’s had that many attempts in a game this season. One was completed for a one-yard touchdown.

But New England took Miami’s best shot and still came out on top. Sorry, Dolphins. Try again in December for that Patriots feather.

1. Who was this running for RB Laurence Maroney and can we keep him? If the DNA matches, then this was the best game played by Maroney this season. He was aggressive, decisive, and physical. Hopefully he stays this way for the rest of the season.

Steelers keep Clark, get back Randle El (AP)

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a pair of surprise moves by re-signing safety Ryan Clark and bringing back wide receiver Antwaan Randle El. Clark agreed to a $14 million, four-year contract after the Steelers were unable to sign him before the free agency signing period began Friday. Clark reached terms after visiting the Miami Dolphins on Monday and talking with the Arizona Cardinals. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Dolphins bring back QB Pennington on one-year deal

Chad Pennington will be back with the Miami Dolphins for at leastone more season. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Pennington back with Dolphins for 1 year (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Free agent S Clark to meet with Dolphins (AP)

Safety Ryan Clark's first visit in free agency will be with the Miami Dolphins. Clark arrived Sunday in South Florida and will meet with Dolphins officials Monday, said his agent, Joel Turner. The Dolphins are in the marketto replace safety Gibril Wilson, released Friday after one disappointing season in Miami. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

NFL suspends Ferguson for PEDs violation

Free agent Jason Ferguson, a veteran nose tackle most recently with the Miami Dolphins, has been suspended for the first eight games of next season for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL