Here are the full details of the latest roster update for Madden 08 on the 360 and PS3 which should be released by tomorrow. Included in the list are transactions, weapon gains/losses, ratings up and down, injuries, and contract extensions. Once again there are explanations to go along with each rating and weapon change.
It appears this will be the second to last update for 08. Look for the final one to come following the Super Bowl. EA really improved on both the number and quality of roster updates this year for Madden, although the delay on this particular update had gotten frustrating.
For all the roster updates throughout the year make sure to visit the roster update tag page. Continue on to view the details of roster update #6.
Roster Update – Next Gen
Transactions
• DT Antonio Garay – Released to Free Agents
• DT Babatunde Oshinowo – Added to Bears
• DT Dusty Dvoracek – Released to Free Agents
• DT Matt Toeaina – Added to Bears
• LB Michael Okwo – Released to Free Agents
• DT Jimmy Kennedy – Added to Bears
• LB Leon Joe – Released by Bills
• HB Fred Jackson – Added to Bills
• TE Brad Cieslak – Released by Bills
• LG Aaron Merz – Released to Free Agents
• LT Patrick Estes – Added to Bills
• DE Copeland Bryan – Added to Bills
• DT Antwon Burton – Released to Free Agents
• WR Taylor Jacobs – Added to Broncos
• DT Kenny Peterson – Added to Broncos
• DT Sam Adams – Released by Broncos
• DT Josh Mallard – Added to Broncos
• P Todd Sauerbrun – Released by Broncos
• P Paul Ernster – Added to Broncos
• CB Jeff Shoate – Released to Free Agents
• SS Marviel Underwood – Added to Broncos
• LB Kris Griffin – Released to Free Agents
• LB Colby Bockwoldt – Added to Browns
• LB Colby Bockwoldt – Released by Browns
• LB Keith Adams – Added to Browns
• TE Tim Euhus – Released to Free Agents
• SS Bhawoh Jue – Added to Cardinals
• P Mike Barr – Released to Free Agents
• P Mitch Berger – Added to Cardinals
• HB Priest Holmes – Retires from NFL
• HB Gilbert Harris – Added to Chiefs
• RT Chris Terry – Released by Chiefs
• RT Kevin Sampson – Released to Free Agents
• RG Rick DeMulling – Added to Chiefs
• HB Jackie Battle – Added to Chiefs
• K Dave Rayner – Released to Free Agents
• LB Pat Thomas – Released to Free Agents
• K John Carney – Added to Chiefs
• QB Tyler Thigpen – Released to Free Agents
• RG Tre Stallings – Added to Chiefs
• CB Michael Coe – Released to Free Agents
• CB Keiwan Ratliff – Added to Colts
• DE Jeff Charleston – Added to Colts
• DE Simeon Rice – Released to Free Agents
• LB Ramon Guzman – Added to Colts
• LT Daniel Federkeil – Released to Free Agents
• RT Corey Hilliard – Added to Colts
• TE Tony Curtis – Added to Cowboys
• CB Alan Ball – Added to Free Agents
• DE Derrick Robinson – Released to Free Agents
• LB Abraham Wright – Released to Free Agents
• SS Jereme Perry – Added to Dolphins
• SS Courtney Bryan – Added to Dolphins
• WR Kerry Reed – Released by Dolphins
• LB Kelvin Smith – Added to Dolphins
• SS Travares Tillman – Released to Free Agents
• HB Samkon Gado – Added to Dolphins
• LB Mark Washington – Added to Free Agents
• RT Patrick McCoy – Released/Signs with Falcons
• RT Stefan Rodgers – Added to Eagles
• TE Courtney Anderson – Released to Free Agents
• DE Josh Mallard – Released to Free Agents
• HB Jason Snelling – Added to Falcons
• DE Derrick Jones – Added to Falcons
• HB Artose Pinner – Released by Falcons
• CB Brent Grimes – Added to Falcons
• LT Renardo Foster – Released to Free Agents
• CB Tarell Brown – Released to Free Agents
• QB Shaun Hill – Added to 49ers
• LB Hannibal Navies – Released to Free Agents
• LB Jay Moore – Released to Free Agents
• LB Roderick Green – Added to 49ers
• TE Billie Bajema – Added to 49ers
• FB Jim Finn – Released to Free Agents
• TE Kevin Boss – Added to Giants
• LB Jorge Cordova – Released to Free Agents
• LB Shantee Orr – Added to Jaguars
• TE Greg Estandia – Released to Free Agents
• TE Richard Angulo – Added to Jaguars
• DE Kareem Brown – Released by Patriots/Added to Jets
• FB Darian Barnes – Released to Free Agents
• HB Danny Ware – Released to Free Agents
• HB Alvin Banks – Added to Jets
• LT Robert Turner – Added to Jets
• DE Eric Hicks – Released to Free Agents
• LB Jason Trusnik – Added to Jets
• TE John Owens – Added to Lions
• RG Barry Stokes – Added to Lions
• FS Idrees Bashir – Released to Free Agents
• FS Greg Blue – Added to Lions
• CB Tony Beckham – Released to Free Agents
• CB Ramzee Robinson – Added to Lions
• HB Noah Herron – Released to Free Agents
• DT Colin Cole – Released to Free Agents
• DT Daniel Muhr – Added to Packers
• DE Jason Hunter – Added to Packers
• DT Conrad Bolston – Added to Packers
• DE Santonio Thomas – Added to Patriots (Practice Squad)
• FB Kyle Eckel – Released by to Free Agents
• DT Rashad Moore – Added to Patriots
• RT Seth Wand – Added to Raiders
• WR Dante Hall – Released to Free Agents
• TE Aaron Walker – Released to Free Agents
• RG Todd Steussie – Added to Rams
• FB Richard Owens – Released to Free Agents
• DE Eric Moore – Added to Rams
• SS Jarrod Cooper – Released to Free Agents
• SS Rashad Baker – Added to Raiders
• DE Zarnell Fitch – Added to Ravens
• LG Rick DeMulling – Released to Free Agents
• LG Lorenzo Alexander – Added to Redskins
• WR Anthony Mix – Added to Redskins
• SS Jay Bellamy – Released by Saints
• HB Jamaal Branch – Added to Free Agents
• K Martin Gramatica – Added to Saints
• SS Chris Reis – Added to Saints
• HB Josh Scobey – Added to Seahawks
• CB Kevin Hobbs – Added to Seahawks
• LB Andre Frazier – Released to Free Agents
• DE Ryan McBean – Added to Steelers
• LB LeVar Woods – Released by Titans
• WR Mike Williams – Added to Titans
• DE Sean Conover – Added to Titans
• DT Demetrin Veal – Released by Titans
• DT Kevin Vickerson – Added to Titans
• CB Eric King – Released to Free Agents
• CB Chidi Iwuoma – Added to Titans
• CB Ronyell Whitaker – Added to Vikings
• DE Otis Grigsby – Added to Vikings
• FS Eric Frampton – Released to Free Agents
• LT Charles Spencer – Released to Free Agents
• DE Shantee Orr – Released to Free Agents
• LB Shawn Barber – Added to Texans
• LG Drew Hodgdon – Added to Texans
• HB Darius Walker – Added to Texans
• HB Joe Echemandu – Released to Free Agents
Weapons
• LT Jason Peters – Bills – Becomes Pass Blocker – Oversight this guy didn’t have this weapon before. One of the dominant left tackles in football. Second team All Pro.
• WR Roscoe Parrish – Bills – Becomes Speed Weapon – Making plays as the Bills punt returner. Also more involved in the offense for the Bills.
• TE Kellen Winslow – Browns – Becomes Spec Catch Receiver – Going up in traffic to make high flying catches almost weekly.
• WR Brandon Marshall – Broncos – Becomes Spec Catch Receiver – More dominate after he has the ball in his hands, but can go up and make the grab also.
• DE Elvis Dumervil – Broncos – Very explosive pass rusher who finished the year with 12 sacks.
• QB Philip Rivers – Chargers – Loses Accurate QB – There isn’t a QB doing less with more. Accuracy has been lacking in many drives this season.
• LT Marcus McNeill – Chargers – Loses Pass Blocker – Maybe a sophomore slump after a Pro Bowl rookie year. Has given up too many sacks this season.
• TE Tony Gonzalez – Chiefs – Becomes Spec Catch Receiver – The jump ball to Tony G in double coverage seems to be part of the Chiefs offense recently.
• FS Bob Sanders – Colts – Becomes Hit Power Weapon – Pound for pound or inch for inch hardest hitter in the league.
• HB Marion Barber – Cowboys – Becomes Stiff Arm Weapon – No one breaks more tackles than him, his stiff arm is a big reason.
• LB DeMarcus Ware – Cowboys – Becomes Power Move Weapon – One of the top pass rushers in the NFL. Should be a Pro Bowl mainstay.
• WR Terrell Owens – Becomes Speed Weapon – Some say he isn’t fast but all you have to do is ask him, or just watch him getting behind defenses each week.
• WR Darrell Jackson – 49ers – Loses Route Running Weapon – He left his game in Seattle, terrible production on a terrible offense.
• HB Fred Taylor – Jaguars – Becomes Elusive Back – Has to be the healthiest he has been in years, he looks very fast and explosive now.
• HB Fred Taylor – Jaguars – Becomes Trucking Back – He says he is trying to run over people this year. We believe you Freddy T.
• DE Shaun Ellis – Jets – Loses Power Move Weapon – Might be a product of the switch to the 3-4 defense but he hasn’t been double digit in sacks since 2004.
• WR Jerricho Cotchery – Jets – Becomes Possession Receiver – Fearless going into traffic to make tough catches from weak armed or erratic QB’s.
• WR Greg Jennings – Packers – Becomes Speed Weapon – If you saw that hitch pass turned 43 yard gain vs. the Cowboys he has that burst back now that he is healthy. Scoring a long TD weekly.
• CB Charles Woodson – Packers – Becomes Shutdown Corner – Him and Al Harris are the only good players in the secondary and they stop teams passing games every week. One of the best corners this season.
• C Dan Koppen – Patriots – Becomes Pass Blocker – Big Ben called the Pats O-line a forcefield, and it all starts with him.
• HB LaMont Jordan – Raiders – Loses Trucking Back – Benched for Justin Fargas and rarely sees the field now.
• QB Marc Bulger – Rams – Loses Smart QB – Got beat up this year and put up terrible numbers. Might have battered QB syndrome going forward.
• TE Chris Cooley – Redskins – Becomes Route Running Weapon – The Redskins passing game is at his best when Cooley is trying to get open instead of blocking.
• HB Reggie Bush – Saints – Loses Hands Weapon – The NFL leader in drops. Whether looking upfield too soon or hearing footsteps too many easy drops this year.
• CB Mike McKenzie – Saints – Becomes Shut Down Corner – Gave up his first touchdown on Monday night to Roddy White which is unbelievable given the fact how bad the secondary has been this year.
• DE Patrick Kerney – Seahawks – Becomes Power Move Weapon – 10 sacks in his last 5 games gives him the NFL lead in sacks. Has been unblockable the last half of the season.
• WR Bobby Engram – Seahawks – Becomes Route Running Weapon – Matt Hasselbeck said he can close his eyes and throw to Engram because he is always where he is supposed to be.
• DE Aaron Smith – Steelers – Becomes Power Move – Sometimes you don’t know how good a guy is until he gets hurt on his team has to play without him. The Steelers defense went in free fall mode after he went on Injured Reserve.
• LB James Harrison – Steelers – Becomes Power Move Weapon – “Silverback†had 8.5 sacks with an unbelievable 7 forced fumbles.
• WR Santonio Holmes – Steelers – Becomes Speed Weapon – A dangerous return man and now receiver for the Steelers. Developed into a big play threat in his second season averaging a shade over 18 yards a catch.
• DE Mario Williams – Texans – Becomes Finesse Move Weapon – 14 sacks for the #1 pick a year ago who is now healthy. Voted Defensive Lineman of the Year.
• QB Tarvaris Jackson – Vikings – One of the faster QB’s around, doesn’t scramble as much as he should probably.
Ratings Up
• HB Adrian Peterson – Bears – 76 to 78 – Buying into the Bears running attack of averaging 3.nothing a carry.
• LB Jamar Williams – Bears – 66 to 70 – Special teamer who has been getting more PT on defense this season.
• WR Devin Hester – Bears – 72 to 75 – Moved up to #3 receiver and might make Berrian expendable in Chicago.
• SS Brandon McGowan – Bears – 70 to 81 – Finished the year starting over Adam Archuleta. He played noticeably better.
• WR Bernard Berrian – Bears – 82 to 85 – Slow start to the season, but ended the season with 71 catches and 951 yards. Numbers went in the tank when Orton played.
• QB Rex Grossman – Bears – 78 to 79 – He was gunslingin’ again before his knee went the wrong way.
• LG Andrew Whitworth – Bengals – 77 to 79 – Mammoth starting guard for the Bengals.
• SS Nedu Ndukwe – Bengals – 67 to 75 – Did a good job filling in at safety as a rookie. Should be in the mix next season.
• CB Leon Hall – Bengals – 78 to 79 – Had his share of “rookie moments†giving up touchdowns but is getting a ton of PT which can only help. Was tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns surrendered.
• CB Jabari Greer – Bills – 75 to 78 – Inserted into the starting lineup because of injury, has played excellent.
• FS George Wilson – Bills – 73 to 79 – Former WR. Bills struck gold with this one. Had made plays in securing a starting job for the rest of the season before breaking his ribs.
• CB Terrence McGee – Bills – 86 to 87 – Has had a great run the second half of the season.
• DT Kyle Williams – Bills – 81 to 84 – Was a piece of the Bills overachieving injury depleted defense this season.
• DE Chris Kelsay – Bills – 79 to 82 – One of those high motor defensive ends who is tough against the run.
• LB Angelo Crowell – Bills – 86 to 88 – Tackling machine in Buffalo. 120+ tackles. The only LB that could stay healthy on Buffalo.
• LT Jason Peters – Bills – 91 to 93 – Big time left tackle protecting the blind side.
• LB John DiGiorgio – Bills – 72 to 78 – Probably runs a 5.1 40, but is a heady LB and ended the season with 113 tackles.
• RG Brad Butler – Bills – 76 to 80 – Starting guard on the right side for the Bills.
• QB Trent Edwards – Bills – 74 to 77 – If he can stay healthy will have a leg up on the other rookie QB’s in year 2. Really tailed off in the final games.
• WR Brandon Marshall – Broncos – 83 to 88 – Has had a nice year on a bad Denver team. Cutler’s #1 target.
• WR Brandon Stokley – Broncos – 81 to 84 – Stepped up when Javon Walker went down. Recently signed a contract extension.
• HB Selvin Young – Broncos – 79 to 80 – The flavor of the month in Denver. Starting at HB now over Travis Henry. Averaged 5.2 YPC on a down Denver O-line.
• DE Elvis Dumervil – Broncos – 83 to 86 – Best pass rusher in Denver. 12 sacks on the season.
• DT Ethan Kelley – Browns – 79 to 81 – Nose tackle for the Browns. Took over early from big Ted Washington.
• FB Lawrence Vickers – Browns – 82 to 85 – Full back for 1,000 yard back Jamal Lewis
• DE Shaun Smith – Browns – 75 to 79 – Picked up from Cincinnati in the off season, he has played well.
• LB Antwan Peek – Browns – 68 to 70 – Pass rushing DE/LB for the Browns
• LT Joe Thomas – Browns – 83 to 87 – Has had a solid rookie season for the Browns.
• DE Robaire Smith – Browns – 81 to 85 – The best defensive lineman on Cleveland.
• HB Earnest Graham – Bucs – 76 to 82 – Had almost 900 yards with 10 touchdowns. Had more rushing yards than Maurice Jones-Drew.
• CB Phillip Buchanon – Bucs – 80 to 81 – The Bucs haven’t missed a beat when Brian Kelly went down injured. He did get owned by Toomer though in the playoffs.
• DT Jovan Haye – Bucs – 82 to 85 – 68 tackles and 6 sacks as a defensive tackle for the Bucs.
• FB B.J. Askew – Bucs – 77 to 83 – Paving the way for Earnest Graham
• FS Tanard Jackson – Bucs – 80 to 84 – Bucs are getting better play from their safeties this season. One of the better rookies this season.
• DE Greg White – Bucs – 72 to 79 – Former Arena player. 8 sacks with 7 forced fumbles as a pass rush specialist for Tampa.
• LG Arron Sears – Bucs – 78 to 81 – Rookie guard who starts on the left side.
• RG Davin Joseph – Bucs – 87 to 89 – Solid RG for Tampa Bay, a Pro Bowl should be in his future.
• DE Gaines Adams – Bucs – 82 to 84 – Started slowly but finished strong and is ready for a strong sophomore season.
• RT Jeremy Trueblood – Bucs – 82 to 84 – 2nd season for the big 6-8 tackle. Another piece of the youngest O-line in the NFL.
• TE Alex Smith – Bucs – 80 to 82 – 3rd option of the Bucs passing attack
• WR Joey Galloway – Bucs – 87 to 89 – Now 99 speed. Gray hair or not he burns corners every week.
• CB Roderick Hood – Cardinals – 82 to 86 – A steal from Philly. Best corner on Arizona
• CB Antrel Rolle – Cardinals – 82 to 83 – He is something when he gets the ball in his hands. Benched early in the season but managed to get 5 INT’s and 2 TD’s.
• QB Kurt Warner – Cardinals – 83 to 86 – In case you missed it he was a top 10. QB this year and outperformed QB of the future Matt Leinart by a wide margin.
• LB Calvin Pace – Cardinals – 76 to 79 – Taken a while for the former first rounder but seems to be finding his niche.
• WR Jerheme Urban – Cardinals – 70 to 72 – Had a solid 100+ yard game with Boldin out vs. the Seahawks.
• LB Karlos Dansby – Cardinals – 85 to 88 – Finished the season with 99 tackles 3.5 sacks and 3 INT’s. Going to get a lot of money this offseason.
• CB Antonio Cromartie – Chargers – 84 to 86 – NFL leader with INT’s with 10, now a starter finally. 1st team All Pro.
• LB Stephen Cooper – Chargers – 80 to 83 – Leading tackler for San Diego. 108 tackles on the season.
• SS Clinton Hart – Chargers – 73 to 77 – Solid season for Hart who is probably just keeping the seat warm for rookie Eric Weddle. He or the other safety McCree might not be starting next season.
• RT Jeromey Clary – Chargers – 70 to 74 – For how long who knows but now a starter at RT. This move seemed to reinvigorate the Chargers.
• WR Chris Chambers – Chargers – 88 to 89 – A big time downfield threat for the Chargers after coming over from the Dolphins in a mid season trade.
• HB Kolby Smith – Chiefs – 70 to 76 – Averaged a better yards per carry than LJ. Should be the backup next season.
• LB Napoleon Harris – Chiefs – 80 to 82 – Starting MLB for the Chiefs. Finished with 116 tackles.
• WR Dwayne Bowe – Chiefs – 82 to 84 – Best rookie receiver this season.
• CB Kelvin Hayden – Colts – 77 to 84 – Had 83 tackles and led the Colts in passes defended.
• CB Marlin Jackson – Colts – 84 to 85 – Strong tackling physical corner for the surprising Colts defense. Former college safety.
• LB Tyjuan Hagler – Colts – 71 to 73 – Speedy linebacker who starts when he is not injured.
• DE Robert Mathis – Colts – 88 to 90 – Has been the most productive end for the Colts, again.
• LB Gary Brackett – Colts – 86 to 87 – Great in pass coverage and a big part of the very good Colts “no name†defense.
• LB Greg Ellis – Cowboys – 82 to 87 – Comeback player of the year after missing the first three games. Finished with 12.5 sacks.
• RT Marc Colombo – Cowboys – 82 to 86 – Played a very solid game against Kampman on that Thursday night game.
• C Andre Gurode – Cowboys – 90 to 91 – Just as long as he isn’t snapping a shotgun snap to Romo this guy is good.
• FS Ken Hamlin – Cowboys – 84 to 86 – Isn’t gambling as much and it has resulted in his best season. Should get a nice contract in the offseason.
• LB Bradie James – Cowboys – 84 to 85 – An emotional MLB for the Cowboys that led them in tackles with 101.
• DE Chris Canty – Cowboys – 79 to 82 –Outplayed the much more highly touted DE Marcus Spears.
• DT Jay Ratliff – Cowboys – 79 to 82 – Starter because of injury, his performance has earned him a contract extension.
• LB DeMarcus Ware – Cowboys – 92 to 95 – Finished with 84 tackles and 14 sacks. Simply one of the best pure pass rushers in the NFL.
• HB Marion Barber – Cowboys – 88 to 90 – Marion the Barbarian breaks more tackles than any other back. Got the lion share of the carries vs. the Giants in the playoffs finally.
• TE Jason Witten – Cowboys – 94 to 95 – After getting the better of AJ Hawk he destroyed the entire Detroit defense. A monster season with 96 catches and 1,145 yards.
• WR Terrell Owens – Cowboys – 97 to 98 – Finished another monster season. 81 catches/1,355 yards with 15 TD’s. Hopefully he is good to go for the Playoffs.
• QB Tony Romo – Cowboys – 90 to 92 – What a success story – undrafted QB now the starter of the Cowboys with a nice new contract. Now rich enough to date Jessica Simpson.
• C Samson Satele – Dolphins – 72 to 76 – Opening up running lanes for the Dolphin back of the week.
• CB Michael Lehan – Dolphins – 73 to 75 – Has climbed the depth chart all the way to starting CB for the depleted Dolphins.
• FB Reagan Mauia – Dolphins – 74 to 83 – This guy would run through walls for the halfback. (It’s on YouTube if you missed it)
• FS Jason Allen – Dolphins – 73 to 77 – Safety turned corner turned safety turned corner turned safety again. Him and DT John McCargo and neck and neck for biggest bust of the ’06 1st round.
• HB Brian Westbrook – Eagles – 94 to 95 – One of the bright spots on a disappointing Eagles team. Has won at least two games by himself.
• WR Kevin Curtis – Eagles – 84 to 85 – “White Lightning†finished with 77 catches and 1,110 yards. Had a couple monster games.
• SS Quintin Mikell – Eagles – 79 to 81 – The Eagles defense tightened up a bit when he took over for injured starter Sean Considine.
• RG Max Jean-Gilles – Eagles – 74 to 79 – Coach Andy Reid called his play “dominant†over the last couple games.
• LB Omar Gaither – Eagles – 82 to 83 – Took over for Jeremiah Trotter and finished with 103 tackles.
• DT Trey Lewis – Falcons – 70 to 74 – Made Grady Jackson expendable with his solid play as a rookie. Rookie from Washburn.
• LB Michael Boley – Falcons – 85 to 87 – Speedy LB was near the NFL in tackling before the last four games when he really tailed off. In a contract year and sure to cash in.
• DT Jonathan Babineaux – Falcons – 78 to 82 – Injuries depleted the Falcons defensive line but he kept up his solid play.
• WR Laurent Robinson – Falcons – 74 to 76 – Rookie out of a small school getting good playing time due to injuries and always being behind on the scoreboard.
• QB Chris Redman – Falcons – 72 to 76 – From selling insurance to starting on Monday night for the Falcons. Finished the year as the starter and had some nice games.
• WR Roddy White – Falcons – 84 to 86 – Had a monster season with 83 catches and 1,202 yards.
• LB Patrick Willis – 49ers – 89 to 94 – Blew away in the competition in tackling this season. Benefited from always being on the field due to a terrible offense. 1st team All Pro.
• DE Marques Douglas – 49ers – 82 to 84 – Had a very strong year for the disappointing Niners. 72 tackles and 3 sacks as a 3-4 end.
• LB Parys Haralson – 49ers – 67 to 73 – Your basic 3-4 pass rushing OLB.
• CB Kevin Dockery – Giants – 73 to 77 – Has climbed the corner back depth chart for the Giants. An important part of the secondary.
• DT Fred Robbins – Giants – 81 to 83 – Starting DT for the Giants. Finished with 5.5 sacks
• FS Michael Johnson – Giants – 64 to 74 – Played better than expected when Gibril Wilson missed time.
• HB Brandon Jacobs – Giants – 84 to 85 – Benefits from playing behind one of the better Olines but is a good back as long as he is healthy.
• HB Ahmad Bradshaw – Giants – 69 to 74 – Rushed for 151 yards including an 88 yard TD run where he ran away from everyone vs. the Bills in a big game. Rookie from Marshall.
• TE Kevin Boss – Giants – 70 to 77 – Has stepped up in the passing game after the loss of Jeremy Shockey. A big target.
• FB Madison Hedgecock – Giants – 78 to 84 – Improving run blocker for the Giants after being let go by the Rams this season.
• DE Justin Tuck – Giants – 75 to 82 – 65 tackles and 10 sacks out of a reserve end who spells Strahan and Umenyiora.
• FS Reggie Nelson – Jaguars – 82 to 85 – 62 tackles and 5 INT’s out of the rookie starting for the playoff bound Jaguars.
• DT Grady Jackson – Jaguars – 81 to 84 – Moves incredibly well for being one of the largest men in football. Big time force on running downs.
• DT Rob Meier – Jaguars – 79 to 82 – Stepped in the injured Marcus Stroud and his play really stands out.
• DT Derek Landri – Jaguars – 70 to 73 – One of those high motor guys every coaching staff loves. Played well vs. the Steelers.
• LB Justin Durant – Jaguars – 70 to 75 – Is now starting and gaining valuable PT while starting at OLB while MLB Mike Peterson is out.
• HB Fred Taylor – Jaguars – 90 to 92 – The better of the two (Jones-Drew) this season by over 425 yards. In case you didn’t think he was back, and fast, just look at him outrun the Panthers defense in week 14 and run over the Steelers the week after. He looked back last year, this year he looks the best he has in many years.
• QB David Garrard – Jaguars – 84 to 86 – 3rd in the NFL in passer rating on the year. Only 3 INT’s on the season. Played excellent against the Pats.
• DE Paul Spicer – Jaguars – 83 to 86 – Injuries have limited this very good DE’s output his whole career. 7.5 sacks this season.
• RT Tony Pashos – Jaguars – 83 to 86 – One piece of the playoff bound Jaguars opening up holes for Freddy T and MJD.
• WR Dennis Northcutt – Jaguars – 78 to 81 – A WR who went to Jacksonville with a lot to prove and starts each week for a playoff team over high WR draft picks of the franchise. Big drops vs. the Patriots though.
• WR Reggie Williams – Jaguars – 77 to 79 – Only finished with 629 yards but had 10 TD’s.
• FS Abram Elam – Jets – 70 to 75 – Cut by Dallas, picked up by the Jets in the middle of the season and now starts.
• DE C.J. Mosley – Jets – 59 to 67 – 2.5 sacks out of the backup defensive end.
• LB David Harris – Jets – 83 to 86 – Defensive rookie of the year in the AFC.
• DE Kenyon Coleman – Jets – 82 to 86 – 83 tackles as a defensive end.
• WR Wallace Wright – Jets – 63 to 65 – Showed a little bit of shake vs. the Dolphins. 5th WR
• WR Jerricho Cotchery – Jets – 86 to 87 – Had a big time year for the Jets especially after Coles missed time.
• WR Shaun McDonald – Lions – 77 to 82 – Came over from the Rams. Led the Lions in catches, yards and touchdowns.
• LB Ernie Sims – Lions – 88 to 90 – Finished 4th in tackles in the NFL with 134.
• FB Jon Bradley – Lions – 73 to 75 – Big 300 pound former DT paves the way for the Lions running backs.
• HB T.J. Duckett – Lions – 73 to 75 – Averaged over 5 yards a carry as he passed Tatum Bell on the depth chart finishing the year out as the starter.
• DE Jared DeVries – Lions – 73 to 79 – Outperforming the much more highly touted DE Kalimba Edwards.
• LB Paris Lenon – Lions – 80 to 82 – Starting MLB for the Lions after coming over from Green Bay. Finished with 118 tackles.
• C Scott Wells – Packers – 82 to 86 – His return coincided with Ryan Grant exploding on this run he is on several weeks ago.
• CB Charles Woodson – Packers – 92 to 93 – Besides penalties, he has played outstanding this year. Outplayed Al Harris this season and should have been on the Pro Bowl team.
• RG Jason Spitz – Packers – 78 to 84 – Has started at 3 different offensive line positions this year. Looks to be the best interior lineman this season for the Packers.
• HB Ryan Grant – Packers – 76 to 83 – This guy is on some sort of run. Doesn’t dance like the other backs on team, hits the hole hard. A steal from the Giants.
• FS Aaron Rouse – Packers – 68 to 70 – Played well filling in for Nick Collins. Should be in the mix next season especially if Nick Collins falters in the playoffs.
• LB Nick Barnett – Packers – 90 to 92 – Stopped over pursuing this season while playing his best season finished with 131 tackles 3.5 sacks and 2 INT’s.
• LB A.J. Hawk – Packers – 90 to 92 – Second leading tackler on the team, usually covers the other teams’ tight end. Over 100 tackles.
• WR Greg Jennings – Packers – 88 to 89 – Big play after big play. Averaged 17 YPC and had 12 TD’s.
• WR Koren Robinson – Packers – 75 to 79 – One of the better stories in the NFL this season. Favre took him under his wing on his comeback into the NFL.
• WR Ruvell Martin – Packers – 71 to 72 – Your basic tall lanky 6’4 jump ball endzone threat. Might be a part of the offense going forward.
• HB Brandon Jackson – Packers – 77 to 78 – Finished the season strong and might be in line for more playing time in the playoffs.
• RG Junius Coston – Packers – 73 to 81 – Started at RG vs. the Raiders and when C Scott Wells was out. Started out in the NFL as a tackle. Is now on Injured Reserve but will return as a starter next season.
• LB Jon Beason – Panthers – 82 to 86 – Starting at MLB for the Panthers after Dan Morgan shut it down for the season. The best rookie linebacker not named Patrick Willis.
• QB Matt Moore – Panthers – 73 to 77 – Started the final several games for the Panthers and seemed to figure out that throwing to Steve Smith is a good thing.
• SS Chris Harris – Panthers – 74 to 76 – Huge hitter at SS for the Panthers. 97 tackles with 8 forced fumbles.
• RT Nick Kaczur – Patriots – 82 to 84 – Right now is the “weak link†of the Pats line. Noticeably less mobile than the rest.
• DE Jarvis Green – Patriots – 82 to 85 – Received more playing time with Seymour being inactive the first half of the season. Responded with 6.5 sacks.
• LB Junior Seau – Patriots – 83 to 85 – Seau has played a nice year in the middle for the Pats. 70+ tackles/3.5 sacks/3 INT’s
• LT Matt Light – Patriots – 94 to 97 – Takes on those premier pass rushers trying to get to the QB. Shut down James Harrison this past week.
• LG Logan Mankins – Patriots – 94 to 96 – Forms the force field around Brady. Did you see him almost put James Harrison through the ground?
• RG Stephen Neal – Patriots – 89 to 92 – Another piece of the puzzle that dominates opposing defenses each week.
• C Dan Koppen – Patriots – 90 to 94 – Ties it all together. I can see Ron Jaworski foaming at the mouth at the pocket that forms for Brady.
• SS Rodney Harrison – Patriots – 90 to 94 – The dirtiest player in the NFL. He is still a playmaker though.
• FS James Sanders – Patriots – 77 to 80 – “Belicheat†dialed this one up early in the season. Started the slow footed Sanders over incumbent starter Eugene Wilson.
• DT Mike Wright – Patriots – 69 to 78 – Versatile defensive lineman who can play at end or tackle just went on IR for the undefeated Patriots.
• QB Josh McCown – Raiders – 78 to 79 – Played pretty well before running into Green Bay last week.
• LG Robert Gallery – Raiders – 84 to 85 – Raiders seemed to have done him a favor by keeping away from speedy ends. Will now stay inside at guard where he played much better.
• FS Hiram Eugene – Raiders – 65 to 68 – Starting at FS now for the Raiders.
• CB Stanford Routt – Raiders – 77 to 79 – Speedy corner who has played pretty well since being inserted into the starting lineup. Now has 3 INT’s
• DT Terdell Sands – Raiders – 81 to 82 – Has not played like he did last year but many teams would like to have him.
• HB Dominic Rhodes – Raiders – 79 to 80 – Ran very tough the last couple games. Especially the last game where he was falling forward almost every run.
• CB Nnamdi Asomugha – Raiders – 93 to 95 – You would have a better chance of saying his name right the first time than getting open against him. According to the numbers has given up 9 catches in 14 games.
• LB Robert Thomas – Raiders – 75 to 78 – A first and second down LB who is in there to stop the run.
• DE Chris Clemons – Raiders – 71 to 75 – 3rd down rush end that had 8 sacks this season.
• CB Fakhir Brown – Rams – 84 to 86 – Missed the first 4 games of the season and lines up against the offense’s #1 and has 15 passes defended and 4 INT’s. Had a terrible game vs. the Cardinals though.
• CB Ronald Bartrell – Rams – 77 to 80 – Now a starter because of injury. Played well against the Packers.
• FS O.J. Atogwe – Rams – 81 to 87 – Has had a very nice year playing center field for the Rams. Finished with 8 interceptions.
• DE Dwan Edwards – Ravens – 68 to 70 – Now starting at DE with the loss of Trevor Pryce.
• DE Haloti Ngata – Ravens – 84 to 86 – Active big body for the Ravens. One of the better players this season on a more than disappointing defense.
• WR Mark Clayton – Ravens – 82 to 83 – Still no touchdowns but has picked it up after being ice cold at the start of the season.
• TE Quinn Sypniewski – Ravens – 64 to 73 – Had to start several games with all the injuries to the Tight End position for the Ravens.
• QB Kyle Boller – Ravens – 76 to 78 – Starter with McNair going down. Played very well against the Patriots in almost ending their undefeated season. Recently benched for vertically challenged Troy Smith.
• FB Le’Ron McClain – Ravens – 77 to 81 – Paving the way in his rookie season for a 1,000 yard back.
• RG Ben Grubbs – Ravens – 80 to 82 – Half of the rookie right side for the Ravens.
• RT Marshall Yanda – Ravens – 73 to 77 – Another rookie who makes up the right side of the Ravens. The Ravens look like they have their O-line for the next 10 years.
• QB Troy Smith – Ravens – 69 to 73 – A Raven said it was like a breath of fresh air when Troy Smith came in. Uh oh.
• WR Devard Darling – Ravens – 67 to 69 – The Ravens #4 receiver who has gotten more playing time with injuries and getting blown out each week.
• CB Fred Smoot – Redskins – 81 to 85 – Has done a very nice job returning to the starting lineup. Was on Burress like glue.
• FS Reed Doughty – Redskins – 66 to 73 – Probably not the way he wanted to get his chance in the NFL but is starting now for Sean Taylor.
• QB Todd Collins – Redskins – 73 to 81 – Will finish out the season as the Redskins starting QB with the injury of Jason Campbell. Led the Redskins to 4 straight wins to finish out the season and looked better than Campbell ever did.
• DE Phillip Daniels – Redskins – 80 to 81 – Starts opposite Andre Carter at end for the ‘skins.
• WR Antwaan Randle El – Redskins – 80 to 82 – The Redskins most consistent receiver this season. Had a 10 catch effort vs. the Seahawks in the playoffs.
• DE Andre Carter – Redskins – 85 to 86 – Has rebounded from a long string of bad years to lead the team in sacks with 10.5
• WR James Thrash – Redskins – 68 to 72 – Believe it or not he started early in the year when they were decimated at WR and played decent.
• RT Stephon Heyer – Redskins – 70 to 73 – Started 5 games and a playoff game. Struggled badly vs. Patrick Kerney but who doesn’t.
• CB Mike McKenzie – Saints – 86 to 89 – Has been the lone bright spot in a bad secondary.
• TE Billy Miller – Saints – 71 to 76 – A pass receiving threat at TE for the Saints
• DT Antwan Lake – Saints – 72 to 74 – Occasionally starts for New Orleans as they try to find something that works.
• HB Aaron Stecker – Saints – 76 to 79 – Looked better than Reggie Bush this season. Will fight for playing time next year if he returns with the emergence of Pierre Thomas.
• WR Marques Colston – Saints – 89 to 90 – A Pro Bowl snub. Most catches ever in the first two seasons of an NFL career.
• HB Pierre Thomas – Saints – 75 to 78 – Had a 100+ yard rushing AND receiving in the same game vs. the Bears in the final week of the season.
• CB Marcus Trufant – Seahawks – 91 to 94 – One of the better corners in the NFL. Finished with 85 tackles and 7 INT’s.
• DE Patrick Kerney – Seahawks – 91 to 96 – Finished the year on a tear. Ended up second in the NFL with 14.5 sacks.
• CB Kelly Jennings – Seahawks – 80 to 85 – Fiesty well respected corner by NFL wide receivers.
• DT Craig Terrill – Seahawks – 68 to 77 – Just got a contract extension. Played more with injuries at the defensive tackle position and responded with 6 tackles for loss.
• DT Brandon Mebane – Seahawks – 74 to 77 – Injuries put this strong stout run stuffer in the starting lineup.
• WR Bobby Engram – Seahawks – 82 to 86 – He led the Seahawks in catches, yards and was second in TD’s.
• WR D.J. Hackett – Seahawks – 78 to 84 – Has played great when healthy this season. Problem is he is always hurt.
• WR Nate Burleson – Seahawks – 76 to 80 – Has found his niche going against 3rd and 4th corners.
• QB Matt Hasslebeck – Seahawks – 92 to 93 – The resurgence of the Seahawks can be traced back to when they started passing more and putting the ball in his hands more.
• WR Santonio Holmes – Steelers – 83 to 85 – Was a home run threat his second season in Pittsburgh.
• SS Tyrone Carter – Steelers – 73 to 78 – Started for Troy Polamalu when he was out. Finished the season starting for Anthony Smith.
• LT Trai Essex – Steelers – 73 to 76 – Played a nice game against the Jags in the playoffs.
• DE Aaron Smith – Steelers – 92 to 94 – Steelers collapse coincided with him going on the IR.
• TE Bo Scaife – Titans – 78 to 80 – Finished the season 3rd on the Titans in receptions and started over disappointing Ben Troupe.
• WR Brandon Jones – Titans – 75 to 78 – Played well when healthy but finished the year on the Injured Reserve. Should be back in the fold next season as a 3rd receiver.
• WR Justin Gage – Titans – 72 to 78 – Came over from the Bears and finished tied for the lead in receptions and led the team in receiving yards.
• WR Roydell Williams – Titans – 70 to 72 – Tied Justin Gage with 55 receptions for the team lead and led the team in receiving touchdowns.
• HB LenDale White – Titans – 80 to 82 – The Good: 1,110 yards. The Bad: 3.7 yards per carry. The Ugly: 5 fumbles.
• LB Stephen Tulloch – Titans – 74 to 76 – Him and the Titans played a great game in shutting down LT in the first round of the playoffs.
• C Matt Birk – Vikings – 92 to 95 – One of the better centers around and might be the best in the NFC. He works with Hutch to form holes that Madden could drive his bus through.
• LG Steve Hutchinson – Vikings – 98 to 99 – Newest 99 OVR. Best offensive lineman in football.
• RG Anthony Herrera – Vikings – 81 to 87 – Took over at RG when Peterson started setting records.
• RT Ryan Cook – Vikings – 78 to 85 – Took the RT job early from a second round draft pick and improved weekly.
• LT Bryant McKinnie – Vikings – 95 to 96 – Still will have trouble with the occasional pass rushing end, but is caving in those same ends on run plays.
• HB Adrian Peterson – Vikings – 92 to 94 – After missing several games and a 3 yard effort vs. the Niners, he still was second in the NFL in rushing. Wasn’t the same after the knee injury
• DT Pat Williams – Vikings – 93 to 95 – We wondered why he called a press conference to say he wasn’t retiring. Now we know why, he is still excellent.
• LB Chad Greenway – Vikings – 83 to 84 – His first year was a loss after a serious knee injury. His second was 105 tackle season for one of the better rush defenses around.
• DE Brian Robison – Vikings – 74 to 76 – One of those high motor guys you have to love. Will be a sack machine in years to come.
• WR Sidney Rice – Vikings – 76 to 78 – High flying Sidney led the team in receiving touchdowns and put together a decent rookie season where they weren’t many passing yards to go around.
• WR Bobby Wade – Vikings – 75 to 77 – Led the Vikings in receptions and yards.
• QB Tarvaris Jackson – Vikings – 77 to 78 – Before melting down at the end of the season played a nice 4 game stretch where the Vikings were in the playoff hunt.
• TE Visanthe Shiancoe – Vikings – 79 to 80 – Was more involved in the offense later in the season after getting a little too much money in the offseason.
• DT Spencer Johnson – Vikings – 72 to 77 – Backup DT for the Vikings who had 3 sacks and 22 tackles.
• FB Tony Richardson – Vikings – 89 to 94 – Another pro bowl season after blocking for the #1 rush offense in the NFL this season.
• HB Chester Taylor – Vikings – 86 to 87 – Backed up “Purple Jesus†to the tune of 5.4 YPC and 7 touchdowns. Outplayed Peterson after the knee injury and still put up 844 yards.
• DT Amobi Okoye – Texans – 82 to 84 – Hit the “rookie wall†during the year but finished with 32 tackles and 5.5 sacks for a much improved Texans defense.
• DE Mario Williams – Texans – 86 to 87 – Year 1 went to Reggie and Vince. Year 2 was dominated by Mario Williams. 14 sacks and Defensive Lineman of the Year.
• TE Owen Daniels – Texans – 84 to 86 – Tailed off when Sage Rosenfels played at the end of the season but ended with 63 catches and 768 yards.
• WR Kevin Walter – Texans – 76 to 79 – Blew up when Andre was out and started the entire season on his way to 65 catches and 800 yards.
• LB DeMeco Ryans – Texans – 89 to 91 – A Pro Bowl start his second year in the NFL. Big time tackler.
• LB Morlon Greenwood – Texans – 84 to 86 – Formed a solid combo with Ryans at the LB position and finished with 119 tackles.
Ratings Down
• HB Cedric Benson – Bears – 84 to 80 – A product of a high draft spot. Should not be starting and Thomas Jones should still be carrying the ball for the Bears. Averaged 3.4 YPC.
• CB Ricky Manning – Bears – 84 to 81 – Still living off that playoff run for the Panthers several years ago. Has done nothing this season.
• DT Darwin Walker – Bears – 83 to 80 – Poster boy for laziness. Clearly should be starting but the Bears rotate in other DT’s instead of him.
• LT John Tait – Bears – 92 to 88 – Overrated tackle. Still a decent option on the left side.
• QB Brian Griese – Bears – 81 to 79 – Made Grossman look like a smart QB several games this season. Threw 12 INT’s in his short stint at QB.
• CB Deltha O’Neal – Bengals – 84 to 83 – A down year this year as far as INT production goes. Snaps have been stolen by the rookie Leon Hall.
• CB Johnathan Joseph – Bengals – 84 to 82 – Has been beaten very badly by too many players this year.
• RT Willie Anderson – Bengals – 96 to 93 – Injured much of the year and won’t be the player he once was.
• QB Carson Palmer – Bengals – 97 to 96 – Bad O-line play and a subpar run game led to 20 INT’s and the most disappointing quarterback this season.
• QB J.P. Losman – Bills – 83 to 81 – Ended the season as a backup to rookie Trent Edwards. Might be out of Buffalo next season.
• HB Travis Henry – Broncos – 89 to 87 – At one point was the leading rusher in the NFL. Then he split carries with a rookie. Ended the season as the secondary ball carrier with a 4.1 YPC.
• FS John Lynch – Broncos – 95 to 93 – Simply not the player he once was. Should call it a career to avoid serious injury.
• LB Ian Gold – Broncos – 91 to 88 – A down year for him and the entire defense. Might be an offseason cap casualty.
• SS Nick Ferguson – Broncos – 84 to 79 – Finished the season on the bench. Was one of the problems on defense this season.
• QB Philip Rivers – Chargers – 88 to 86 – Has looked good in the playoffs but there wasn’t a QB that did less with more in the regular season.
• RT Shane Olivea – Chargers – 86 to 84 – The first to lose his job for the Chargers woes on offense. Now a backup at right tackle.
• QB Damon Huard – Chiefs – 80 to 78 – Was unable to continue the momentum he had at the start of the season. Looked terrible when he had to start for an injured Croyle near the end of the season.
• RT Kyle Turley – Chiefs – 80 to 77 – Too small to play against most defensive ends in the league.
• HB Larry Johnson – Chiefs – 96 to 95 – Mostly to distinguish the difference between him and Steven Jackson. Jackson ran behind a worse offensive line and played better than LJ.
• LT Damion McIntosh – Chiefs – 84 to 82 – Gotta wonder if the time he missed at the start has anything to do with his play the last few weeks.
• HB Julius Jones – Cowboys – 86 to 84 – This guy must have something on the Cowboys organization. He should not be this involved. Does not want to return to the Cowboys next season.
• CB Andre Goodman – Dolphins – 77 to 74 – Dolphins 4th corner which can’t be good.
• DE Jevon Kearse – Eagles – 85 to 82 – “The Freak†is fading after being demoted to second string and inactive on some days. A guaranteed cut in the off season.
• QB Donovan McNabb – Eagles – 94 to 91 – His benching didn’t last long. But they got him a deep threat and his numbers have still not been there with a more than adequate run game.
• LB Takeo Spikes – Eagles – 92 to 90 – Still a good linebacker just not elite. Finished the season on the IR with 85 tackles.
• SS Sean Considine – Eagles – 85 to 82 – Eagles defense looks better without him there. Popular Philly whipping boy.
• DE Darren Howard – Eagles – 84 to 81 – Not a factor at all in Philly. Finished with 8 tackles and a sack.
• TE L.J. Smith – Eagles – 87 to 85 – Too injury prone to be counted on in Philadelphia anymore. Might need to find somebody else in the offseason.
• QB Byron Leftwich – Falcons – 80 to 79 – Not sure if there was a worse QB this season. One of the best moves of the season was Jacksonville going with David Garrard the entire season and cutting ties with Leftwich.
• WR Joe Horn – Falcons – 84 to 82 – Saved a ton of money this season on outrageous touchdown celebration fines. Only 1 TD on the season.
• CB Lewis Sanders – Falcons – 80 to 74 – Was one of the worse cornerbacks this season and lost his job to a rookie who wasn’t much better.
• CB Chris Houston – Falcons – 77 to 75 – Has been absolutely torched this year. Now starting as a rookie. Made David Patten look awesome on Monday night.
• SS Lawyer Milloy – Falcons – 88 to 85 – Lost in pass coverage and just old. Might be his last year as a starter.
• TE Alge Crumpler – Falcons – 91 to 89 – Just been a bad year for Alge. Complains about looks his way but drops the ball.
• WR Darrell Jackson – 49ers – 88 to 86 – Finished the season a heck of a lot better than the start. Still a down season with 497 yards and 3 TD’s on a terrible SF offense.
• CB Corey Webster – Giants – 78 to 75 – Has made his way all the way down the depth chart in New York. Has played excellent though in the playoffs and might be on his way back up.
• DE Bobby McCray – Jaguars – 82 to 79 – Finished strong to the end the season with 3 sacks although it looked like he would end the season with a goose egg.
• DE Shaun Ellis – Jets – 88 to 86 – Finished with 5 sacks for the first time since 2004. Might be because of the 3-4 defense but still only 49 tackles on a poor run defense.
• QB Chad Pennington – Jets – 84 to 82 – Just not enough arm strength to make the throws in the NFL anymore.
• QB Kellen Clemens – Jets – 78 to 77 – The Jets fans got their wish when the bigger armed QB got the nod. Although had one of the lower QB ratings since 2000.
• DE Eric Hicks – Jets – 82 to 79 – At this point in his career a reserve end. Since has been released.
• LT D’Brichashaw Ferguson – 87 to 84 – Needs a nice year next year to avoid the BUST tag.
• WR Calvin Johnson – Lions – 89 to 87 – Too much too soon. Too many drops and balls hit him in the face when he should have been looking. He will be excellent but he is nowhere near the best rookie this season.
• WR Mike Furrey – Lions – 83 to 82 – From 98 catch 1,000 yard season to #4 receiver. Not surprisingly his numbers are way down.
• CB Stanley Wilson – Lions – 79 to 77 – Had a bad season and might not be the best fit for this defense.
• DT Shaun Rogers – Lions – 97 to 95 – Seemed to lose interest in the Lions season and fell off dramatically the second half of the season. Might be cut in the offseason and team would do well by picking him up and motivating him.
• DT Cory Redding – Lions – 86 to 85 – Cashed in last year after a good season. This year: Missing. 37 tackles and a sack on the season.
• HB Tatum Bell – Lions – 79 to 76 – Demoted in favor of T.J. Duckett. That spells trouble for your career.
• LG Edwin Mulitalo – Lions – 87 to 84 – Still living off that Ravens Jamal Lewis era. Probably still overrated. Jon Kitna probably agrees because he can’t remember his kids’ names anymore.
• LT Jeff Backus – Lions – 88 to 85 – Part of the swinging gate that led to Jon Kitna getting knocked down every other throw.
• HB Vernand Morency – Packers – 80 to 77 – Not a good fit for the zone blocking system. More of a candidate for Dancing with the Stars.
• LG Daryn Colledge – Packers – 80 to 77 – Too soon to be called a bust? His benching led to the Packers running the ball the best they had in years. Played a nice game vs. the Seahawks though in the playoffs.
• FS Nick Collins – Packers – 80 to 78 – Just hasn’t progressed much since his rookie season. If he falters in the playoffs will be in a battle with playmaker Aaron Rouse at the FS position.
• SS Atari Bigby – Packers – 80 to 77 – A huge hitter who was impressive vs. the Seahawks. Liability in pass coverage who did lead the Pack in interceptions (albeit deflections by other players and softballs that he happened to catch).
• QB David Carr – Panthers – 79 to 76 – At least his equipment looks good. Failed to throw the ball to the best player on the team and took sacks too often again.
• DE Mike Rucker – Panthers – 88 to 85 – His career has most likely come to an end. Disappointing final season to an injury plagued career.
• FS Eugene Wilson – Patriots – 86 to 83 – You gotta wonder what is going on here. No longer a starter and certain to be gone at the end of the year.
• FS Stuart Schweigert – Raiders – 84 to 78 – Recently benched for a guy 99.9% of football fans have never heard of. That is slightly more than 99.2% of football fans who have never heard of Stuart Schweigert.
• QB Daunte Culpepper – Raiders – 83 to 82 – Lost his job to Josh McCown. At least he had that glorious day in Miami where he torched the Dolphins and let everyone know his knee was A-Ok. Update: His quad is bad after racing a guy that runs a sub 4.3. He lost and went on IR because of it.
• HB LaMont Jordan – Raiders – 84 to 81 – Still not gonna give up on this guy. Has lost his job as he tries to get healthy. Probably done as a starter in the league.
• HB Dominic Rhodes – Raiders – 80 to 79 – Might have saved his job for next year with a solid final two games.
• DT Gerard Warren – Raiders – 84 to 82 – “Big Money†has been terrible this season. Finished with 22 tackles on a swinging gate defensive line.
• WR Isaac Bruce – Rams – 88 to 87 – A down season all around for the Rams. Bruce finished with 55 catches and might be gone in the offseason.
• SS Corey Chavous – Rams – 83 to 82 – Probably should not be starting anymore. Not a playmaker at this point.
• WR Drew Bennett – Rams – 85 to 82 – A bust. Stunk up the field in his pretty white gloves which didn’t help him catch the ball.
• QB Marc Bulger – Rams – 94 to 92 – Took a pounding this year. The whole offensive line and Steven Jackson missing time didn’t help.
• TE Randy McMichael – Rams – 87 to 86 – Blocking more this year as the Rams keep him in to try to save Marc Bulger from getting killed.
• DE Trevor Pryce – Ravens – 93 to 92 – Starting to get old. Finished this year on the IR.
• CB Samari Rolle – Ravens – 87 to 85 – Simply put might not have it any more. Is slower and is not near the player he was when he was younger.
• CB Fred Thomas – Saints – 77 to 74 – Can’t get snaps over Jason David.
• CB Jason David – Saints – 74 to 73 – Insert joke here. If not the worst starting corner in the NFL, the worst who just got a 4 year/16M deal this offseason.
• DT Brian Young – Saints – 85 to 83 – A down year after playing pretty well last year.
• FS Josh Bullocks – Saints – 84 to 81 – Might need to be replaced next year.
• SS Roman Harper – Saints – 81 to 79 – Might need to be replaced next year.
• HB Reggie Bush – Saints – 89 to 87 – Who is the NFL leader in drops and fumbles? If you said Reggie Bush you are 2/2.
• DE Charles Grant – Saints – 90 to 89 – Nine million dollars for 2.5 sacks and 49 tackles.
• FS Anthony Smith – Steelers – 79 to 75 – Everything went wrong when he started making guarantees. Finished the year on the bench after he couldn’t “keep guys in front of himâ€.
• RG Kendall Simmons – Steelers – 89 to 87 – Was beaten consistently by the Jags in the Wildcard round of the playoffs.
• HB Ahman Green – Texans – 84 to 81 – Good run in Green Bay several years ago. Now it might be a career after a knee injury.
• QB Vince Young – Titans – 88 to 87 – Finished with almost twice as many INT’s as TD’s and had a terrible 4th quarter in the playoffs vs. the Chargers.
• LB Ben Leber – Vikings – 82 to 80 – Tailed off since a strong start but finished with 67 tackles and 5 sacks.
Injuries
• HB Cedric Benson – Bears – IR – Ankle/Foot
• CB Nathan Vasher – Bears – IR – Groin
• DT Anthony Adams – Bears – IR – Elbow
• DT Greg Peterson – Bucs – IR – Hamstring
• WR Maurice Stovall – Bucs – IR – Arm
• HB Anthony Thomas – Bills – IR – Calf
• DE Ryan Denney – Bills – IR – Foot
• RG Seth McKinney – Browns – IR – Shoulder
• CB Eric Green – Cardinals – IR – Groin
• TE Leonard Pope – Cardinals – IR – Ankle
• SS Adrian Wilson – Cardinals – IR – Achilles
• LB Carlos Polk – Chargers – IR – Shoulder
• RT Kyle Turley – Chiefs – IR – Back
• HB Larry Johnson – Chiefs – IR – Foot
• CB Tyron Brackenridge – Chiefs – IR – Knee
• CB Dante Hughes – Colts – IR – Shoulder
• WR Aaron Moorehead – Colts – IR – Back
• SS Cameron Worrell – Dolphins – IR – Knee
• LB Zach Thomas – Dolphins – IR – Concussion
• LB Channing Crowder – Dolphins – Knee (taken off Depth Chart)
• HB Ricky Williams – Dolphins – IR – Chest
• LB Takeo Spikes – Eagles – IR – Shoulder
• DT Rod Coleman – Falcons – IR – Tricep
• DT Trey Lewis – Falcons – IR – Knee
• RT Todd Weiner – Falcons – IR – Knee
• CB Lewis Sanders – Falcons – IR – Pectorals
• QB Alex Smith – 49ers – IR – Shoulder
• LB Mathias Kiwanuka – Giants – IR – Leg
• TE Jeremy Shockey – Giants – IR – Leg
• HB Derrick Ward – Giants – IR – Leg
• TE George Wrighster – Jaguars – IR – Knee
• DT Marcus Stroud – Jaguars – IR – Ankle
• CB Stanley Wilson – Lions – IR – Knee
• RT Jonathan Scott – Lions – IR – Hamstring
• WR Roy Williams – Lions – IR – Knee
• DT Johnny Jolly – Packers – IR – Shoulder
• RG Junius Coston – Packers – IR – Calf
• WR Keary Colbert – Panthers – IR – Foot
• LB Rosevelt Colvin – Patriots – IR – Foot
• DT Mike Wright – Patriots – IR – Foot
• C Jake Grove – Raiders – IR – Knee
• RT Cornell Green – Raiders – IR – Foot
• HB Justin Fargas – Raiders – IR – Knee
• LB Pisa Tinoisamoa – Rams – IR – Knee
• RG Richie Incognito – Rams – IR – Kneecap
• CB Tye Hill – Rams – IR – Wrist
• QB Steve McNair – Ravens – IR – Shoulder
• DE Trevor Pryce – Ravens – IR – Pectoral
• CB Chris McAlister – Ravens – IR – Knee
• CB Samari Rolle – Ravens – IR – Shoulder
• TE Todd Heap – Ravens – IR – Hamstring
• SS Gerome Sapp – IR – Thigh
• LB Rocky McIntosh – Redskins – IR – Knee
• RG Randy Thomas – Redskins – IR – Triceps
• C Mike Pucillo – Redskins – IR – Back
• K Olindo Mare – Saints – IR – Hip
• DT Brian Young – Saints – IR – Chest
• FS C.J. Wallace – Seahawks – IR – Knee
• DE Baraka Atkins – Seahawks – IR – Ankle
• FB Dan Kreider – Steelers – IR – Knee
• HB Willie Parker – Steelers – IR – Leg
• DE Aaron Smith – Steelers – IR – Bicep
• RG Fred Weary – Texans – IR – Leg
• HB Ahman Green – Texans – IR – Knee
• SS Chris Hope – Titans – IR – Neck
• LB Ryan Fowler – Titans – IR – Shoulder
• TE Bo Scaife – Titans – IR – Liver
• WR Brandon Jones – Titans – IR – Groin
• DE Erasmus James – Vikings – IR – Knee
Contracts
• WR Roscoe Parrish – Bills – 3 year extension
• S Gary Baxter – Browns – Restructured to 1 year
• C LeCharles Bentley – Browns – Restructured to 2 years
• WR Brandon Stokley – Broncos – 3 year extension
• LB Jamie Winborn – Broncos – 2 year extension
• DT Ryan Bingham – Chargers – 3 year extension
• FS Bob Sanders – Colts – 5 year extension
• DT Jay Ratliff – Cowboys – 5 year extension
• TE Chris Baker – Jets – 3 year extension
• FB Jon Bradley – Lions – 2 year extension
• LB Na’il Diggs – Panthers – 3 year extension
• DT Craig Terrill – Seahawks – 3 year extension