Peyton Manning

When the NFL free agency period opened on Monday, March 5, both the New York Jets and Washington Redskins thought they had a realistic chance of signing future hall-of-famer Peyton Manning.  By Saturday morning, both teams were reported out of the Peyton Manning free agency race; making other big time moves instead

The Jets made no excuses earlier this week that they were flirting with free agent Peyton Manning, even if it meant hurting Mark Sanchez’s feelings. But once they realized that a Jets-Peyton Manning marriage wasn’t in the cards, the Jets immediately kissed and made up with Sanchez with a 3 year contract extension that includes a guaranteed $20.5 million.  With this new contract the Jets agreed in principal to a 3 year, $40.5 million extension on top of the two years he had remaining on his old contract.  I’m sure this 5-year $58.25 million deal has soothed Sanchez feelings.

Another team that was seeking the services of Manning was the Washington Redskins. But late yesterday, FOX sports reported that the Skins had decided to pass on free agent Peyton Manning but made a big move by swapping draft picks with the St. Louis Rams to acquire the second pick in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft.  It is highly anticipated that the Redskins will pick Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner  Rober Griffin III.

According to sources familiar with the Peyton Manning free agency market, 6 teams remain in the hunt.  The oddsmakers have the Miami Dolphins as the favorite, at EVEN odds. Next are the Denver Broncos – 3/1, Arizona Cardinals – 4/1, Kansas City Chiefs – 6/1, Houston Texans – 10/1 and the San Francisco 49ers – 10/1.

Peyton Manning has said he plan to make a decision by next week.  Expect Peyton to stay in the AFC.

sources: New York Post, FOX Sports, thebleacherreport.com

There are two schools of thought for picking playing in the NFL draft.  You can go after the best player available or get the best player available to fill the team’s weakness.  If  you subscribe to the latter, the 2012 NFL draft could end up being the year of the offensive lineman.  I predict that 4 of the first 8 picks will be offensive lineman.

Most Draft experts agree that the first two picks will be quarterbacks; Andrew Luck to the Colts at #1 and Robert Griffin III to the Browns at #2 but 4 of the next 8 picks could very well be offensive lineman.  Here’s why:

The Minnesota Viking have the third pick. They finished the 2011 season at 3-13.  They scored 340 ppg while giving up 449.  Their offensive line was ranked 28th, giving up 49 sacks and 76 QB hits.
Other offensive statistics: Tot Offense: 18th 21.2 ppg, Tot Pass: 28th Tot Rush: 4th.
Obviously the Vikings need some help up front. Yes, they gave up a lot of points but they need to score some too.  Although they ranked 4th in offensive rushing, the Giants finished last but won the Super Bowl.
The Vikings critical need is an offensive lineman who excels in the passing offense.
The best offensive lineman in the draft is Junior offensive tackle from USC, Matt Kalil. Matt is 6-6 and weighs 295 pounds.
The selection of Kalil is the smart move. One will have an immediate impact on the Vikings offense.
Offensive lineman pick #1

The Saint Louis Rams have the fourth pick in the draft.  They finished at 2-14, scoring 193 points while giving up a whopping 407 ppg.  Their offensive line is ranked last. In 2011 they allowed 55 sacks and 114 QB hits.  Other offensive statistics: Tot Offense: 31st 15.2 ppg, Tot Pass: 30th Tot Rush: 23rd.
Oh boy, the Rams need help on offense and defense. Unfortunately, no defensive lineman or linebacker is expected to go in the top 10 picks. So the Rams should go after a running back or offensive lineman.
If they go for a running back, Junior running back from Alabama, Trent Richardson, is the best running back available.  Because the Rams are ranked 30th overall against the pass, picking an offensive lineman could be enticing.  The Rams couldn’t go wrong if they used the 4th pick to select Junior Offensive Tackle, Riley Reiff.  Riley stands at 6-6 and weighs 300 pounds.
Offensive lineman pick #2

More on 2012 NFL Draft: Year Of The Offensive Lineman

As we head into Week 13 of the NFL season, let’s take a look at the top NFL pro football passing yards performances so far.

Of the top 13 NFL passing performances, San Diego Charger’s Phillip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts Peyton Manning share the distinction of each having 2 game performances ranked at the top.

The best NFL passing performance by a quarterback goes to Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans with 497 yards in a Sept 19 (Week 2) win (30-27) against the Washington Redskins.

Below is a list of the top 13 NFL Pro Football Passing Yards Performances in the NFL up to this week.

Source: new york post, associated press