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According to the rumors

Cutler became upset after rumors surfaced Saturday that the Broncos had discussed possible trade scenarios with other teams. UGG Boots 3041 Jimmy Choo

At the time, new Broncos general manager Brian Xanders denied the rumors.

According to the rumors Clearance UGG Boots 5825 Classic Short, McDaniels wanted to trade for Patriots QB Matt Cassel, with whom he worked in New England last season.

"I've heard the rumors," Cutler told Denver TV station CBS4 on Saturday. "I know what they're trying to do. Even though I love Denver and I'd love to remain a Bronco, I know how this business works. If they want me to play somewhere else Discount UGG Bailey Button Kids Boots 5991 Dark Grey On Sale - U1043, so be it."

New Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels tried to quash the rumors that the team was trying to trade QB Jay Cutler Discount UGG Boots 5803 Bailey Button, telling NFL Network's Adam Schefter on Tuesday afternoon lmao388, "Let me be as clear about this as I can. We are not trading Jay Cutler - period."

Cutler played his first three NFL seasons in the West Coast offense but would have to learn a new offense patterned after New England's.

14 left to pull the Chargers within three

Game stats

Facing a fourth-and-1 from the 29 with 1:09 left, the Jets called timeout. Ryan decided to go for it and Thomas Jones bulled through the Chargers' line for 2 yards.

Sanchez threw a go-ahead, 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller three plays into the fourth quarter, then Greene gave the Jets some breathing room with a 53-yard scoring run on their next possession.

This one was just as big a nightmare. Many people had San Diego picked to win its first Super Bowl title.

He might be onto something.

He means: ``Here we come again.''

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Rex Ryan is on a roll.

On the sideline, Ryan lifted much smaller offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer off the ground in a bear hug.

Maybe this week he'll predict the Jets' opponent in the Super Bowl.

As glum Chargers fans headed out into the equally gloomy evening, several thousand New York fans thronged in the stands behind New York's bench and chanted, ``J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!''

``We're not supposed to be here,'' Faneca said. ``All week, people were basically thanking us for providing the game, and we went out and took it.''

They hope another one is lurking.

The jovial, rotund Ryan isn't afraid to say what's on his mind, and his players are taking his lead as they head into the AFC championship game against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

``That symbolizes what this team is all about Cheap UGG Stella Boots 5453 Brown On Sale - U1287,'' guard Alan Faneca said. ``The hard nose. We're coming at you. We're that kind of team.''

NOTES: New York had four straight three-and-outs, failing to pick up a first down until its fifth drive, midway through the second quarter. ... Rivers threw a 13-yard TD pass to third-string tight end Kris Wilson in the second quarter. ... Jets DE Shaun Ellis left in the first quarter with a hand injury, but returned.

One held a sign that read: ``I don't have another 41 years,'' a reference to the Jets' only Super Bowl title, the one that Joe Namath predicted.

The last time these teams met in the playoffs, after the 2004 season, the rookie Kaeding was wide right from 40 yards on a wet field in overtime. The Jets moved down the field and won it 20-17 on Doug Brien's 28-yard field goal.

Five years later, the Jets left Qualcomm Stadium winners again.

The Jets turned to their top-ranked running game on their next drive, and Greene, a third-round pick from Iowa, broke his long scoring run up the middle, running over safety Eric Weddle in the process.

Sanchez, playing in his native Southern California, went from looking like the rookie that he is to a guy who has now has two straight playoff wins on the road.

Before that game, Ryan said his holiday wish was for the Colts to rest Manning & Co.

The Jets weren't able to capitalize on that pickoff, but Rivers' second interception was costly. On second-and-9 from his 5, Rivers underthrew Antonio Gates UGG Boots 3041 Jimmy Choo, who hadn't even turned around, with safety Jim Leonhard intercepting and returning it to the 16.

By Bernie Wilson, AP Sports Writer

It was the Colts who pulled Manning and other starters in the second half of their Week 16 game against the Jets, who rallied for a victory that put them in control of their playoff destiny.

Sanchez pumped his fist and pointed his hand forward in the first-down signal.

Greene rushed for 135 yards and a TD in last week's playoff win against Cincinnati.

After the Jets finally did clinch a playoff spot by routing Cincinnati the following week, Ryan created a postseason itinerary for his players that included the Super Bowl in Miami followed by a parade two days later.

His Jets are still playing.

``We believed the whole time, the whole year, when it probably wasn't the popular choice,'' Ryan said. ``We don't have to apologize to anyone.''

He was intercepted by Quentin Jammer midway through the third quarter, but the Jets got the ball back on an interception when the ball ricocheted off Vincent Jackson and into the hands of cornerback Darrelle Revis as both were sprawled on the ground.

Schottenheimer's father, Marty, presided over two playoff losses with the Chargers, one against the Jets after the 2004 season and one against New England after the 2006 season in which top-seeded San Diego imploded in a flood of errors.

``Once I got to the secondary, I had one tackle to break and I did, and it was off to the end zone,'' said Greene, who had 128 yards on 23 carries. ``A lot of people didn't know about me, but they know about the Jets.''

Rookies Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene led New York to a stunning 17-14 upset of San Diego in the divisional playoffs Sunday, each providing a touchdown in the fourth quarter that marked another Chargers postseason pratfall.

``Don't pay attention to the words he says,'' linebacker Bart Scott said about his coach. ``Pay attention to the content. We're not the same old Jets, and we're trying to change what people think of us.''

On third down, Sanchez rolled right and threw to Keller, who shed linebacker Tim Dobbins in the back corner of the end zone and made a sprawling 2-yard catch that put the Jets ahead 10-7.

San Diego's All-Pro kicker Nate Kaeding missed three field goals. He was wide left from 36 yards on San Diego's second possession and was short from 57 yards as the first-half clock expired. With the Chargers trailing by 10 with 4:38 to go, he was wide right from 40.

``We didn't, obviously, play our best game and it's disappointing,'' said coach Norv Turner, who was trying to guide the No. 2-seeded Bolts to their second AFC title game in three seasons.

``It's a big win for our franchise, and we're not done,'' Sanchez said.

Ryan pumped his fist and smiled after Kaeding's third miss.

``It was the best defense I've played this year,'' said LaDainian Tomlinson Discount UGG Boots 5815 Classic Tall, who after nine seasons might have played his final game with the Chargers. ``Run Discount UGG Boots 5803 Bailey Button, pass, and they are really prepared. Hats off to them.''

``I don't know if Santa Claus will be that good to me again,'' Ryan said. ``But I will say that I'd like to see Peyton Manning not play this week.''

The Chargers (13-4) saw their 11-game winning streak end.

``A matchup that probably nobody wanted, but too bad,'' Ryan said. ``Here we come!''

The upstart Jets (11-7), who have won seven of their last eight, advanced to the AFC championship game for the first time since 1999.

Sanchez and the rest of the Jets ran over to congratulate Keller, then the rookie QB kept running to the bench, stopping once to celebrate with a teammate.

The mistake-prone Chargers let New York hang around long enough, and the Jets finally got out of their own way, becoming the only road team to win in the divisional round.

The rookie coach who declared his team Super Bowl favorites after he figured out they were still in the playoffs, is just a game away from being hailed for his psychic powers.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

After Philip Rivers scored on a 1-yard sneak with 2:14 left to pull the Chargers within three Clearance UGG Desoto Boots 5750 Grey Brown For Sale - U1176, the Jets recovered the onside kick.

opponents have been playing catch-up

McFadden is the league's leading rusher with 393 yards in three games, which includes 171 against the vaunted Jets run defense. McFadden is also a weapon as a receiver Fake UGG Classic Metallic Tall Boots 5812 Black On Sale - U1100, with 11 catches (team high) for 84 yards. He not only has the speed to beat you off the edge, but he can go between the tackles.

Here's a key matchup to watch in the Week Four game between the Patriots and Raiders:

Raiders RB Darren McFadden vs. Patriots run defense

The Patriots are 10th in the league against the run, although few teams have been running the ball against New England for two reasons. One Clearance UGG Boots 5803 Bailey Button, opponents have been playing catch-up ugg boots 5803 bailey button Discount UGG Classic Mini Man Boots 5854 Grey For Sale - U1109, and two, the Pats' pass defense remains their Achilles' heel.

This pits strength against strength, as the Raiders are best when running the football with McFadden, and the Patriots' strength on defense lies with how they handle the running game.

New England will want to force QB Jason Campbell to beat them, not McFadden, and that rests on the front seven. It also should help to get SS Patrick Chung back from injury for his run support. Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes will need to have big games ugg boots 5815 classic tall, and the D-ends and outside linebackers will need to set the edge to keep McFadden from bouncing outside.

After being benched in Week 10 last season

Three years ago he arrived in the Bay Area to great fanfare. He was the NFL's No. 1 draft choice and, after a lengthy holdout, signed a deal that guaranteed him $32 million even if he never did a thing. There are people in Oakland who will tell you he hasn't.

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the first issue now ready for mailing. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.

They all got the money, but they never got how to play quarterback in the NFL. If Russell doesn't pretty soon, he'll get what they got Cheap UGG Boots 5803 Bailey Button, too — a one-way ticket back to where he came from.

That is shorter than many things, including his inseam. Sky Lo Lo, perhaps the most famous midget wrestler of all time, was Wilt Chamberlain compared to how far Russell threw the ball that half.

While there might be plenty of blame to go around, when you play the way Russell has since he arrived with his big arm and not much else, most of it will soon end up around your neck. That's where it is today, as Russell moves perilously close to joining a club that includes Couch, Ryan Leaf and Akili Smith.

A few days after passing for three feet, Russell said he was going to keep doing what got him to where he is today. It might be wise to reconsider that, because where he is today is about a year away from joining Tim Couch as one of the biggest busts in pro football history. How this happened is anyone's guess, most of all the Raiders'. They seem to have no more clue than he does, which is why nothing improves.

Were this the only game he'd had like that, it might have been amusing Clearance UGG Kensington Boots 5678 Black Brown For Sale - U1236, but it wasn't and he isn't Cheap UGG Classic Short Boots 5825 Special Red For Sale - U1137, unless you are playing against him. Russell is booed now nearly every time he touches the ball UGG Boots 3041 Jimmy Choo, and that's at home games. On the road they cheer when it's in his hands under the theory that what happens next will be far more beneficial for the home team.

Read more of longtime football columnist Ron Borges at www.ronborges.com.

Russell seems bewildered but not bothered by it. One supposes a $32 million guarantee erases some stress from his life, but shouldn't this bother him a little?

In Week Three, Russell reached what he has to hope is the low point of his career because, if it wasn't, his career is going to be a lot shorter than he expected. On a day when everything went wrong for the Raiders, Russell did a remarkable thing. He passed the ball for 36 inches in the second half of a 23-3 loss to the Broncos.

When he started putting footballs in the air this summer, it was like those seven games never happened. One might say he regressed ugg boots 5803 bailey button, except he hadn't come far enough forward for such a word to apply.

The Raiders, naturally, say he isn't the whole problem. Coach Tom Cable says, "It's too easy to blame one guy." He's right, but Russell is enough of the problem to make such words sound ridiculous.

Last week he said if you watch game film, things aren't as bad as they appeared. What film was he watching? "It's A Wonderful Life"?

JaMarcus Russell never thought football could be as baffling as it has become in Oakland.

After being benched in Week 10 last season, Russell suddenly seemed to rally. Starting in Week 11, he went on to complete 61.2 percent of his passes while throwing seven touchdowns and just four interceptions in the final seven games. Hope was in the air.

Scout's Eye: Russell headed for hall of shame

Gradkowski to start for Raiders

Gradkowski must have shown Cable in this week's practice that he gives the Raiders the best chance to win. Campbell has completed just 54.7 percent of his passes and was 7-of-19 last week. Gradkowski was 13-of-24 in relief of Campbell last week and has completed just 52.8 percent of his passes. Combined Cheap UGG Boots 5654 Payton Sale - Clearance UGG Boots StoreCheap UGG Boots 5825 Classic Short, the two have thrown 11 TDs and 11 INTs. Expect the Raiders to go to the ground often on Sunday with the league's second-best rushing attack. The Dolphins boast the league's fifth-best passing defense.

Neither quarterback has the numbers worthy of starting in fantasy, especially against a good passing defense. This does increase the fantasy value of RBs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, who should see lots of touches on Sunday.

Head coach Tom Cable pulled Campbell in the third quarter of last Sunday's 35-3 loss to the Steelers Clearance UGG Boots 5815 Classic Tall, telling reporters he had seen "enough." But Cable maintained that Campbell would remain the team's starter.

Neither quarterback has been great this season, but Campbell was at the helm during the Raiders' three-game winning streak. Gradkowski started in Weeks Three ugg boots 5815 classic tall Cheap UGG Classic Mini Woman Boots 5854 Blue For Sale - U1113, Four and Five.

The Raiders' QB shuffle continues. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the Raiders will start Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback over Jason Campbell for their Week 12 game against the Dolphins.

Fantasy spin

The way we see it

The Ravens signed rookie DE Michael McAdoo

• Bills WR Marcus Easley got a lot of hype in the offseason even though he didn't play last season. As the Bills look for a young receiver to replace Lee Evans, Easley has showed that while he still may need some time, the upside is there. We hear Easley was a pleasant surprise in camp and he certainly impressed with a 5-51-1 outing in the team's third preseason game.

Updated 6:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 11

• The Bengals made an intriguing addition after rosters were cut to the 53-player limit, claiming KR Brandon Tate off waivers from New England. Tate Clearance UGG Classic Short Boots 5825 Chestnut On Sale - U1122, who will be tried on both kickoff and punt returns, is more explosive than Quan Cosby, who returned only punts last season (7.5-yard average, 20 long).

• DT Tommie Harris was the most surprising absence from the Colts' final 53-man roster Cheap 0 UGG Boots 872 Bailey Button Krinkle Sale - Clearance UGG Boots Store, the way we hear it. Harris played well in the preseason and appeared to be a guy who could provide some push and stoutness from the interior, but word is his prima donna attitude and unwillingness to practice through a hamstring issue early in camp contributed to his release.

• The Ravens signed rookie DE Michael McAdoo christian louboutin schuhe, who went unselected in the supplemental draft, and then kept him on the 53-player roster to begin the season, but his spot on the roster is tenuous. Said head coach John Harbaugh leading up to Week One, according to the club: "It's just a future move for the future of the team. That's the way [GM] Ozzie [Newsome] structured the agreement with the agent. He's here for a week, and then we'll go from there. He's a practice-squad guy, in my mind." The Ravens like the 21-year-old McAdoo's upside as a pass rusher, but the 6-7, 245-pound end is certainly a work in progress.

• Two of the Jets' acquisitions on cutdown day came on the O-line — OG Caleb Schlauderaff and C Colin Baxter. The preseason seemed to expose the lack of depth up front, and second-year OL Vladimir Ducasse had his struggles. One intriguing project at the position is OL Matt Kroul UGG Ultra Short boots, who wound up on the team's practice squad. Kroul played defensive line last season, where he recorded six tackles, before switching to the O-line this offseason.

• Tony Moeaki's loss is Dexter McCluster's gain. The Chiefs' tight end was placed on I.R. due to a torn ACL, suffered in the team's fourth preseason game. Since Moeaki's backup, Leonard Pope louboutin schuhe, is primarily a blocker, it is McCluster who will see an increase in playing time when the team wants to air it out. We hear the second-year wideout was a star in camp and that the coaching staff is excited to get him on the field more, though losing Moeaki still hurts.

• The Broncos' defense doesn't want their opponents to turn it over. Instead, they want to take it away. That difference, according to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, is the aggressiveness of the unit, making plays instead of being handed them. The coach has been preaching that his players swarm to the ball, telling them that all 11 players should be in the TV frame when a play is over.

• Jaguars GM Gene Smith has impressed in his first two-plus years on the job, but he has encountered some bumps in the road in the past few weeks. Smith came under fire for his handling of QB David Garrard's release, and although he chose admirably to take accountability and explain his side of the story in a letter to the Florida Times-Union, the messy situation reflects poorly on the organization. And while it certainly doesn't absolve Smith, we hear he was simply more comfortable going down with his own guy, QB Luke McCown, than with a holdover from lame-duck head coach Jack Del Rio's regime. Smith's run of players whom he drafted sticking with the club also came to an end when 2009 seventh-round WR Tiquan Underwood, '10 fifth-round DE Larry Hart and '10 sixth-round RS Scotty McGee all were released in training camp.

• The Browns had their eye on QB Thaddeus Lewis dating back to the 2010 draft and moved to pick him up when he was released by St. Louis in the cutdown to 53 players. Head coach Pat Shurmur worked with Lewis last season as St. Louis' offensive coordinator, and GM Tom Heckert was an admirer, too. "He was on their practice squad all last year, and we talked about possibly trying to get him," Heckert told reporters. "He's a guy we loved in the draft when he came out, and he's just a very talented kid. ... He's got a strong arm; he's a good athlete. We just like everything about the kid and we're really excited to have him." Lewis will be Cleveland's No. 3 quarterback.

• The Patriots had two rookie blocking tight ends in camp: fifth-rounder Lee Smith and undrafted TE Will Yeatman. Of the two, the team wanted to keep Yeatman, but when cuts came, the Patriots had to part ways with both. Yeatman was expected to join the Patriots' practice squad, but the Dolphins claimed him off waivers. New England signed Dan Gronkowski, starting TE Rob Gronkowski's brother, to be the team's No. 3 tight end. Expect Dan Gronkowski to play around 10 snaps a game, mainly in short-yardage situations.

We've been hearing the following Whispers from around the AFC:

• WRs Bryan Walters and Richard Goodman made the Chargers' 53-man roster, but don't expect to see them catching too many passes from Philip Rivers. Unless there are injuries to players near the top of the depth chart, Walter and Goodman will mainly be used on special teams. The same could be said for a few of the team's linebackers, 11 of whom made the roster to improve the speed and physicality on the coverage units.

Most Improved Player of the Year

Pro Football Weekly's annual awards issue (dated Jan. 23) is on sale now, featuring All-NFL, All-Conference and All-Rookie teams, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, Executive of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year — all selected by PFW editors and contributors along with members of the Professional Football Writers of America — as well as a Golden Toe Award selected by PFW editors only. The print edition also contains a preview of the draft outlook for the first four teams to make selections in April, as well as previews of the two conference championship games. The print edition is available at retail outlets around the country and also online at PFWstore.com , where you can purchase a print copy or an electronic (PDF) version.

Considering his track record, Chiefs fans have reason to be excited.

"They were certainly unheralded but solid additions to the football team," Pioli said.

On the field, the GM made a splash in free agency by signing RB Thomas Jones, who was fresh off a career season with the Jets. But the less-prominent additions of C Casey Wiegmann and OG Ryan Lilja also turned out to be critical to the club's improvement.

It takes a herculean effort to lead a football team from the conference cellar to the playoffs in two years. But that's what Scott Pioli has just accomplished.

Pioli knew all about turning organizations around UGG Ultra Short boots, though. Working next to Bill Belichick in New England, he transformed the Patriots from an average team into the league's most dominant franchise, winning three Super Bowls in four seasons.

Pioli's work didn't stop once the season began christian louboutin boots, as he made sure that key cogs such as RB Jamaal Charles and ILB Derrick Johnson stayed put by signing them to contract extensions.

What might turn out to be Pioli's most important act of the offseason came on draft weekend, though. It was then that he bolstered the roster for both the present and future by snagging playmaking S Eric Berry, a skilled pass catcher in TE Tony Moeaki and special-teams standouts Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas. For this impressive haul, Pioli said that assistant GM Joel Collier, director of college scouting Phil Emery, director of pro personnel Ray Farmer and the entire scouting staff deserve credit.

"We started to get the feeling that things were starting to change in the offseason," Pioli told PFW, saying that a preseason game against the Eagles and the Week One victory over the Chargers solidified his belief that this team was different from the one that won four games in '09.

While this past campaign was a big step in the right direction for the franchise, Pioli knows that a lot of work is ahead for K.C. to achieve its ultimate goal: a championship.

According to Pioli, the 2010 turnaround began when he and Haley revamped the coaching staff by hiring Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, two championship coordinators whom Pioli worked with in New England. Their influence was certainly felt: Both the offense and defense ranked in the top half of the league after finishing near the bottom the year before.

"Yes Fake UGG Classic Tall Boots I 5815 Chestnut For Sale - U1154, I have to make decisions, but I can't make decisions without the input, help and organizational skills of those people," the GM said.

It wasn't easy. When Pioli took over as general manager in 2009, the Chiefs were coming off a season in which they finished an AFC-worst 2-14 and had massive problems on both sides of the ball. This was no quick fix — this was an all-around rebuilding project.

Now he is doing the same in K.C. After laying the groundwork during his initial campaign there by hiring head coach Todd Haley and trading for QB Matt Cassel, Pioli upgraded the team across the board in 2010 to help it finish 10-6 and win the AFC West, earning him his third Pro Football Weekly/PFWA Executive of the Year honor.

Raiders rookie Houston showing promise

After an impressive start to his career, Raiders rookie DE Lamarr Houston has made less of an impact in recent weeks, according to team observers. There's been some speculation that the second-round pick may have hit a wall. While head coach Tom Cable has disagreed with that assessment UGG Jimmy Choo Starlit Billig, he did admit that he'd like to see more of a pass rush from Houston louboutin schuhe Cheap UGG Boots 5596 Elsey Sale - Clearance UGG Boots Store, who has just one sack. Oakland moved Houston from defensive tackle, which he played in college at Texas, to end in the offseason, and he started in six of the team's first seven games. Despite some inconsistent play, the suspicion that the Raiders had found a solid value pick in Houston, who was selected 44th overall in April christian louboutin pumpen, has been confirmed. He's flashed the potential to be a powerful, quick-twitch end with the strength and versatility to play inside or outside on the defensive line. He's shown a high motor and a mean streak at times.

000 award and a $5

"Former NFL players who transition to careers in education are able to use the values they learned on the football field-integrity christian louboutin pumpen, preparation and persistence-and carry them over into the classroom Discount UGG Kensington Boots 5678 Black On Sale - U1235," commissioner Roger Goodell said. "We honor these former NFL players for their dedication to the profession of teaching."

Former Chargers and Eagles DE Burt Grossman has been named the 2011 NFL Teacher of the Year. Grossman is a teacher at Hoover High School in San Diego Cheap UGG Boots 5678 Kensington Sale - Clearance UGG Boots Store, Calif.

Grossman will receive a $5 christian louboutin schuhe,000 award and a $5 UGG Ultra Short boots Billig,000 grant will be presented to Hoover High School from the NFL.

Grossman spent six seasons in the NFL and recorded 43½ sacks.

"We couldn't be more proud of Burt and his success with the students at Hoover High School," Chargers executive vice president-executive officer A.G. Spanos said. "As an organization, it's always exciting to see former players make an impact in academics and help our future leaders of tomorrow achieve success."

San Francisco Chronicle

The way we see it Cheap UGG Sundance II Boots 5325 Sand On Sale - U1299

There is a part of Davis' rant that is correct — taking Brady Quinn instead of Russell wouldn't have been much of an upgrade for the Raiders. But he is kidding himself and his fans if he truly thinks that "Calvin hasn't done anything." Oakland would be a much better team if Johnson were on the Raiders' roster instead of playing for the Lions.

"The thing that hurt, is the question someone asked, JaMarcus hurt a great deal," Davis said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "But the ones they wanted to take instead of JaMarcus christian louboutin boots, Brady Quinn, hasn't played yet. There was some talk of Calvin Johnson. But you can take a look at Calvin up at Detroit. How many games did they win this year, Detroit UGG Jimmy Choo Starlit Billig Replica UGG Langley Boots 5608 Black For Sale - U1243, do you know? Six? Yeah. But up until now, Calvin hadn't done anything for them. He had been eulogized, but he hadn't made a lot of indelible impression on the won and lost. Listen, someone asked the question, it's there. The JaMarcus thing hurt."

Most people would look at the 2007 draft and say the Raiders made a mistake selecting QB JaMarcus Russell with the top pick and that the Lions did well in taking WR Calvin Johnson at No. 2. Not Al Davis, however.

The Oakland owner told reporters last week that while taking Russell — who did not play in the league in 2010 — was a mistake, there weren't any better options for the Silver and Black.

While it's true that the Lions have a combined record of 15-49 in Johnson's four seasons christian louboutin schuhe, most observers do not believe that the team's record reflects the quality of the wide receiver's play. Johnson is gaining more than 15 yards per reception in his career and has proven to be one of the league's elite big-play targets.

Shakeups could just be starting for Chiefs'

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the first issue now ready for mailing. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.

Although the Chiefs' offense has been up and down during the first four games UGG Bailey Button Boots Billig, there's been one common theme: poor play by the offensive line. In Week Three, the line gave up three sacks and committed four penalties. In Week Four Replica UGG Tassel Short Boots 5835 Red For Sale - U1327, QB Matt Cassel was sacked five times in a loss to the Giants. Even the team's top two linemen christian louboutin boots, OLT Branden Albert and OLG Brian Waters UGG Ultra Short boots, have not been at their best early on in 2009. From what we hear, Kansas City is not happy with its current mix up front and will continue to make changes to the unit until it sees improvement. The club made one starting lineup switch in advance of Week Four, demoting ORT Ikechuku Ndukwe in favor of Ryan O'Callaghan. Although it did not solve all their problems Fake UGG Elsey Boots 5596 Chestnut For Sale - U1178, the Chiefs hope this move will help give Cassel more time in the pocket and open up larger running lanes going forward.

to no one's surprise in New England

• Jaguars top CB Rashean Mathis, who, in a contract year, has rebounded in a big way so far after back-to-back disappointing campaigns, did not hide his frustration over SS Courtney Greene's recent demotion. "It's a challenge," Mathis said this week. "Just from the communication standpoint, getting used to how a certain guy plays, knowing what to expect from a certain guy, it creates a challenge. Frustrating, it can be. But then you have to come back to the reality of NFL football and understand this is the game that we play."

• The Bills lost rookie CB Aaron Williams to an injury in their Week Three win over the Patriots. Williams, who had been getting lots of snaps, is expected to be out a while. "Aaron is a big corner. He has good size and great ball skills christian louboutin boots Discount UGG Classic Short Boots 5825 Brown Patchwork For Sale - U1121," SS George Wilson told PFW. "It's unfortunate that his rookie campaign is being put on pause, but he has a lot of upside, and I'm encouraged by the work he has put in so far."

• The Dolphins' linebackers and safeties struggled covering tight ends last season, and the addition of LB Kevin Burnett has yet to produce improvement in that aspect on defense. Through three games, the Dolphins have allowed 315 yards receiving and three touchdowns to opposing tight ends.

• While Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders was targeted just 11 times in the first three games, less than three other wideouts and TE Heath Miller, a daily team observer suggests Sanders is likely to be a bigger part of the offense going forward — even with Jerricho Cotchery rejoining the crowded picture at receiver.

• Ravens WR Lee Evans (ankle) was ruled out for the Week Four game vs. the Jets, and with a bye in Week Five, he will conceivably have about three weeks to rest the injury. Asked leading up to Week Four if the injury could linger, head coach John Harbaugh replied in the affirmative because it has been an issue for this long. Said Harbaugh, "Yeah, I'm worried about it now, because it's lasted longer than I thought it would. ... I'm sure we'll have another MRI and see where it's at, but as a coach, sure, you start thinking, 'Well, what's the deal?' But we'll just have to see where it goes. I'm planning on him being back for the Houston game, but we'll have to see." Evans has dealt with the injury since late in the preseason. He played in Baltimore's first two games.

• Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt did an excellent job building depth on his roster this offseason, the way we hear it. For instance, signing S Jordan Babineaux has proven to be a very good move. With starter Chris Hope inactive the past two weeks UGG Bailey Button Boots Billig, there has been very little drop-off with Babineaux in the lineup. Another great example is TE Daniel Graham UGG Ultra Short boots Billig, who played a pivotal role in the Titans' Week Three victory over the Broncos.

• Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio passed the buck to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter after the team's disappointing and ultraconservative Week Three performance offensively. It was yet another prime example of Del Rio not taking the blame for his team's struggles.

• Longtime Bengals RB coach Jim Anderson had this take on how the offense is coming along under new coordinator Jay Gruden: "Our guys have really done a great job of embracing what we do. And Jay does a great job communicating to them." Added Anderson on Gruden: "I think he keeps it fresh. And he keeps them stimulated."

Here are some whispers we've been hearing from around the AFC:

• With so much of the focus on a guy who is not with the team — QB Peyton Manning — the Colts' improved run defense has been somewhat overlooked. Contributing greatly to the turnaround has been rookie three-technique Drake Nevis. Indianapolis typically brings its rookies along slowly, but Nevis has shined in place of injured starter Fili Moala (ankle). Word is Moala will have to play very well upon his return to hold off the rookie, who has been a disruptive force against the run and pass.

• Another recurring issue for the Patriots in 2010 has reared its ugly head in 2011 — injuries on the D-line. Even with reinforcements brought in, the Patriots' depth hasn't been great. Brandon Deaderick is on the PUP list, Myron Pryor is on injured reserve and Mike Wright remains out. The Pats, to no one's surprise in New England, brought back DT Gerard Warren, who was effective last season. He should also help the D-line's pass rush, which has been ineffective this season.

• The Raiders have had success running the ball, thanks in large part to Darren McFadden, but some credit also goes to the offensive line. Team insiders believe the unit responsible for blocking is the best group the team has had in a long time. OLT Jared Veldheer has been outstanding, and some within the organization believe he has a chance to be a dominant player at the position in the coming years.

• Though he still hasn't played, the debut of Chiefs first-round pick Jonathan Baldwin will be coming soon. We hear the rookie receiver, who hurt his hand during a reported altercation with RB Thomas Jones during training camp, is close to being fully rehabbed and ready to ignite the passing game. Tensions have calmed in the K.C. locker room, as a team observer says that Baldwin has taken more to his role as a rookie since the dispute with Jones, and the team put his locker in the opposite part of the room from the veteran runners.

• Because of injuries to starting DEs Luis Castillo and Jacques Cesaire Despite Haley', the Chargers were forced to sign free agent Tommie Harris before their Week Four game. Harris, who made the Pro Bowl three times as a member of the Bears from 2005-07, has never played end before, always having lined up at tackle. Effort and his playing shape have been concerns in recent years, though the team believes Harris can make the transition to the five-technique because of his speed and ability to fight off blockers.

• Broncos QB Kyle Orton would like some more quick-score drives, but that hasn't happened so far. Orton said that he is pleased the team has been able to score on some 14- and 15-play drives, but "we need to find a way to steal a touchdown on a two-play drive or on a three-play drive on a big play." The quarterback added that finding WR Brandon Lloyd down the field will be a priority in the coming weeks.

Harris both ruled out for Sunday

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno and OT Ryan Harris have both been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Colts.

RBs Correll Buckhalter Cheap UGG Boots 5225 Ultra Short Sale - Clearance UGG Boots Store, Laurence Maroney and Andre Brown are expected to share the carries previously handled by Moreno.

OT Zane Beadles will replace Harris at the right tackle spot for the third consecutive week.

The way we see it

Moreno's unexpected injury means the newly acquired Maroney will be thrown into the Broncos' offense quicker than expected. Maroney joined the team last week but did not see any time on the field. Buckhalter has not been very effective so far this season, rushing for just 34 yards on 17 carries. Brown is in the same boat as Maroney UGG Ultra Short boots Billig, as the recently signed back hasn't seen the field this season.

With a banged up offensive line and starting cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman not being 100 percent christian louboutin boots, the Broncos will need to play at the top of their game to hang with the Colts on Sunday.

like Miller

The Raiders' two Pro Bowl defensive players, CB Nnamdi Asomugha and DL Richard Seymour, are headed for unrestricted free agency this offseason and will be expensive to re-sign. Managing general partner Al Davis also might have to pay a premium to bring back one of his top weapons on offense. TE Zach Miller christian louboutin pumpen, who was named to his first Pro Bowl this week to replace injured Chargers TE Antonio Gates, could get a chance to hit the open market if the new Collective Bargaining Agreement allows players with four accrued seasons, like Miller UGG Ultra Short boots Cheap UGG Gaviota Boots 5749 Chocolate For Sale - U1197, to become unrestricted free agents. Davis is very high on his young corps on offense, and doesn't want to see one of its most valuable members depart. Sources expect Davis will be willing to overpay to re-sign Miller if that's what it takes. Miller Cheap UGG Boots 5469 Adirondack Short Sale - Clearance UGG Boots Store, 25 UGG Jimmy Choo Starlit Billig, scored a career-high five touchdowns last season and he has led the Raiders in receptions in each of the past three seasons.

People say

Dumervil: Not really. I kind of understood the Broncos' point of view and I think they understood my point of view. It was just a process. … It was two mature parties dealing with each other without all the drama. It worked out pretty well.

Dumervil: For me personally, I learned from my dad to be honest with yourself. Never undermine the good things you do. You continue to get better and take pride in the things that you've done. At the same time, you have to understand what everybody is trying to do to beat you, so you've got to be hard on yourself. I got after the quarterback pretty well. I think I could do a little bit better with that. As far as (defending) the run, I think I could do a lot better (as well as) the coverage part. There's a lot I'm looking forward to working on in camp to become a better overall player.

PFW: I'm wondering what you learned about the organization through this whole contract process. What did you find out about GM Brian Xanders or other people in the front office that you didn't know already?

Dumervil: I think so. He's a very passionate coach. I love that about him. I think as a head coach he may tone it down a little. I don't know. I love his personality. … I think he's a smart coach. He breaks (the game) down for the guys. He really simplifies the game. I think everybody's beating to the same drum now. Everybody's heading in the same direction. I think the whole atmosphere is different. He's really installed this winning atmosphere. I'm excited about this year.

PFW: People have pegged you as a pass rusher first. Do you not want that label?

PFW: Your contract had been a hot topic throughout the offseason and a lot of people were wondering if the Broncos would give you a long-term contract. Was there any doubt in your mind that a deal would get done before the season?

PFW: Josh McDaniels is entering his second year as head coach. Is he any different than he was one year ago?

For authoritative coverage and analysis of NFL news, free agency and fantasy football, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.

PFW: Have you watched much tape of yourself from last season?

Dumervil: I have always heard Pat Bowlen was first-class louboutin schuhe, but the hands-on experience … there was never, excuse my French, any (B.S.) type of talk. There was always an open line of communication. It was always straight forward. … We just negotiated. Both sides knew it was going to be difficult UGG Bailey Button Boots Billig who emerged as a decent option in '09, but the open line of communication was very first-class. It was good to be drafted by a team like this. … Now I truly believe the Denver Broncos are a first-class organization.

PFW: When you finished up the process of reviewing tape did you feel good about what you saw or were you focusing on things you could have done better?

Dumervil: No UGG Ultra Short boots Billig Fake UGG Nightfall Tall Boots 5359 Chestunt On Sale - U1256, I love it. Pass rush is one of the hardest things to do in this game. It's not my fault that I've been blessed with being a great rusher. That goes right in one ear and out the other ear. (People say) 'Oh, he's just a pass rusher.' Well, you know what? That's a pretty important job. It's something that you can't coach. You can coach run blocking and you can coach coverage, but getting after that quarterback is something you can't coach. Fortunately I was blessed with it. … My run defense will never be as good as my pass rush, obviously, so you're going to always hear those things and I understand it. I'm not mad at them.

PFW: Is there some new pressure that comes along with having a deal of that magnitude?

Dumervil: Oh absolutely. You always have to get better. There are a lot of things I need to work on. I feel like I'm just getting started. That's the thing about it. That's the scary thing. Last year I was at a new position in this defense. I kind of felt like I was out of my element at times. Now I'm going out in OTAs and lining up the linebackers and knowing the defense. I just feel so much better than I felt last year going into the season. Now I feel like my body's in better condition and I'm more mature. We got a lot of great guys this year that came in, so I'm excited.

PFW spoke with Dumervil as he prepared for the start of training camp. We discussed his new deal, why he believes his best days are still ahead of him and whether head coach Josh McDaniels has changed much since taking over as Denver's head coach before last season.

Dumervil: I won't say doubt, but there was a lot of uncertainty due to the CBA, so both sides (understood that). I felt like I should be locked in because I'm a guy that wanted to be a Bronco and at the same the organization had to look out for its interests as well, so it was a tough situation for both sides. Give credit to the organization. I knew I had to have patience. It all just worked out well. There was a great open line of communication from both parties.

The Broncos rewarded OLB Elvis Dumervil with a new contract July 22 following his first Pro Bowl season. Dumervil, who led the league in sacks (17) in 2009, signed a six-year, $61.5 million contract that included $43.156 million guaranteed.

PFW: Were you ever frustrated with how long it was taking?

Dumervil: Not really. … I may not have been a first-round pick, but I always felt like I should've been a first-rounder. I came out of college with high expectations anyway. A lot of people said, "well, maybe he can't do what he did in college in the NFL," so there was pressure with that. But me, I don't get too high and I don't get too low. I conduct business (in my own way) and I love the game. So to me, contract or not, I'm going to come out and play football and have fun. I don't dwell on the other stuff. As long as I be me, continue to work and get better, I feel like I have a pretty good chance of succeeding.

The way we see it

The deal will reportedly pay Weddle $40 million over five years with $19 million guaranteed.

The way we see it

FS Eric Weddle has agreed to re-sign with the Chargers; his agent David Canter confirmed the news on Wednesday via Twitter. According to Canter, the deal makes Weddle the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

Retaining Weddle allows the Chargers great defensive flexibility, as he is athletic enough to play up in the box as a run defender or deep against the pass. He is also a leader in the locker room Clearance UGG Boots 5815 Classic Tall Cheap UGG Payton Boots 5654 Black On Sale - U1263, a major reason the team felt it was vital to re-sign him. Only 26 Discount UGG Boots 5803 Bailey Button, Weddle should continue to improve and keep the San Diego defense among the league's best.

A second-round pick in 2007 Clearance UGG Boots 5825 Classic Short Discount UGG Shoes 1798 Woman's Evera Gold On Sale - U1283, Weddle has been one of the Chargers' best defenders in recent years, finishing with 96 tackles and 10 passes defensed a year ago. The team had made re-signing him a priority at the start of the offseason and came through on that plan with a big deal.

defeat Chiefs

Defensive end Tamba Hali, the Chiefs' franchise player who signed to a five-year, $60 million contract during training camp, looked awfully good standing on the sideline. He was among several players for both teams who did little more than dress for the game.

Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris planned to play his starters about 20 plays, so Freeman was done early in the second quarter. But that didn't stop the Bucs from churning out offense.

Things didn't improve for Kansas City in the second half.

Cassel was on the field for four plays and didn't throw a pass. Running back Jamaal Charles, who ran for 1,467 yards a year ago, didn't have a carry. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe didn't make a catch.

Johnson looked like Michael Vick against the Chiefs' backups, completing 7 of 12 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Tampa Bay's backup QB also scrambled five times for 57 yards, showing a lot of open-field elusiveness and causing the Kansas City defense fits.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like they were ready for the regular season to start Friday night.

They didn't have much chance.

Quinten Lawrence made a poor decision to bring the opening kickoff out of the endzone, getting wrestled down at the 8. The Chiefs went three-and-out on their first possession, fumbled on their next two, and watched backup quarterback Tyler Palko get sacked for a safety on another.

The game figured to be sloppy after the NFL lockout wiped away the offseason. Teams have only been together for about two weeks, and veteran free agents couldn't even practice until last Thursday because of new language in the collective bargaining agreement.

It wasn't much surprise that the Chiefs looked unprepared.

Barth added another field goal later in the half before Palko's safety made it 15-0.

Freeman is trying to build on a breakout season in which he threw for 3,451 yards and 25 touchdowns. The tall Discount UGG Boots 5825 Classic Short, strong-armed quarterback has looked sharp all camp, and he certainly carried the momentum right into his first preseason game. Freeman checked off when warranted, eluded a feeble Kansas City pass rush when necessary Fake UGG Sundance II Boots 5325 Black On Sale - U1292, and deftly managed the offense when he was in the game.

Freeman was 9 of 13 for 73 yards while playing for the first time at Arrowhead Stadium, just a few miles from where he grew into a high school star. He also ran five yards for a score.

Freeman was smooth and efficient while leading Tampa Bay to points on three of the four series he played The suspension will begin immediately, and the third-year quarterback helped the Buccaneers take advantage of every bobble and blunder that the Chiefs made in a 25-0 preseason victory.

Tampa Bay marched right down field against the Chiefs' backups, putting together a nine-play, 55-yard drive that resulted in a 3-yard pass from Josh Johnson to Michael Spurlock and a 22-0 lead.

Kansas City had barely worked out in pads, and coach Todd Haley decided not to scrimmage during camp, wary that too much hitting too early might result in unnecessary injuries.

Backup kicker Jacob Rogers added a 46-yard field goal early in the fourth.

The Kansas City Chiefs appeared to forget the lockout is over.

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Freeman needed only two plays to turn the first fumble into a touchdown Cheap UGG Boots 5803 Bailey Button, then led Tampa Bay on an eight-play drive that Connor Barth capped with a 25-yard field goal.

Just about the only positive for the Chiefs was that none of the starters got hurt.

top priority is locking up Rivers for long term

Damaged relationship between OG Waters

With so many question marks heading into 2009, the last thing the Chiefs need is to lose a key cog in their offensive unit this late in the game. But that's exactly what could happen with four-time Pro Bowl OLG Brian Waters, who's clearly disgruntled with the club's new regime. It was known that Waters and head coach Todd Haley butted heads in their initial meeting, but from what we hear, things between the two got heated ugg boots 5825 classic short, with the normally mild-mannered Waters snapping at one of Haley's comments and shouting at his new boss. Waters said then that he had no desire to remain in K.C. Cheap UGG Boots 5815 Classic Tall, and he has not reported for any of the team's voluntary offseason activities since. Considering that GM Scott Pioli has already purged the Chiefs of many of their veteran players, he might not have any reservations about doing the same with the 32-year-old Waters Replica UGG Jimmy Choo Boots 3044 Chestnut For Sale - U1231, even if it means losing his most proven offensive lineman.

After a career-high six-catch game in Week Two

Here are several whispers we've been hearing from around the AFC West: Discount UGG Boots 5833 Classic Crochet Sale - Clearance UGG Boots Store

• After a career-high six-catch game in Week Two ugg boots 5815 classic tall, which nearly matched the number of grabs he had all of last season (nine), Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey's production has trailed off. He has just four catches in the past three games. Head coach Tom Cable spoke glowingly about the 2009 first-round pick in the offseason, and he has clearly improved some cheap ugg boots sale, but his lack of production is still a major concern.

• While QB Kyle Orton's quick start has led to inflated statistics for his receivers, the one player whose numbers don't jump off the page is TE Daniel Graham. The struggles of the offensive line have forced Graham to stay close to the line of scrimmage. With all the three-WR sets the Broncos have been running, Denver needs Graham for max protection in those sets.

• Chiefs head coach Todd Haley blamed a lack of fundamentals for the Chiefs' Week Five loss to the Colts, as the team had issues catching the ball Cheap UGG Sundance II Boots 5325 Sand On Sale - U1299, blocking and tackling in its first defeat of 2010. Haley said he would have his players put in extra work this past week in these areas Cheap UGG Boots 3041 Jimmy Choo, hoping to play more crisply moving forward. He also was very interested to see how his club would bounce back from adversity, as it's something K.C. hadn't had to deal with previously this season.

• Chargers head coach Norv Turner said early in the season that he would decide who his punt returner would be from week to week, but the fact that Darren Sproles has handled duties for the past two games signals that he's the preferred option at the spot. Although word was that Turner might look to Patrick Crayton for a spark, the former Cowboy has returned just two punts, plus two fair catches, all season. Sproles is averaging 7.2 yards on his 10 returns.