Around The NFL:

[SouthStndJunkie]

So....you don't think running the ball is an effective way to win games?

Denver's style is unorthodox for sure, but when you can run the ball you keep your defense rested and the other team's offense off the field.

I probably shouldn't have used Denver as an example....but it's a copy cat league and running the ball a lot and controlling the clock will make a big comeback sooner or later.

[TonyR]

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

Yep....props to Gary Kubiak on a 10-3 record and securing a playoff spot.

The Texans were smart to stick with Kubes, as he was in the process of building the foundation of a very good team the last few years.

Great job by Kubiak this year but for some reason people keep under playing the impact Wade Phillips has had on that team this year.

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

So....you don't think running the ball is an effective way to win games?

I most certainly do. It was the "look at Denver" that I had a problem with there. That's all.

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

Denver's style is unorthodox for sure, but when you can run the ball you keep your defense rested and the other team's offense off the field.

This is a myth that for some reason continues to spread. Running the ball in and of itself does not in any way guarantee any more rest for your defense than passing the ball does. Regardless of systems/coaches/QBs over the last year, our defense has been out there between 64-66 plays per game.

[TonyR]

Originally Posted by Shotgun Willie

Running the ball in and of itself does not in any way guarantee any more rest for your defense than passing the ball does.

Agree. I think first downs are the key much more than "running the ball". And of course scoring doesn't hurt, either...

[SouthStndJunkie]

The NFL has suspended Steelers linebacker James Harrison one game for his helmet-to-face hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. The league announced the decision this morning, moments after it was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.

[SouthStndJunkie]

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil has decided to forego his senior season and seek entry into the 2012 NFL draft, sources have told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Kalil, a projected top-five pick, informed Trojans coach Lane Kiffin, other staff members and teammates of his decision to turn pro. Kalil has received numerous All-American honors this year.

[Drunk Monkey]

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil has decided to forego his senior season and seek entry into the 2012 NFL draft, sources have told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Kalil, a projected top-five pick, informed Trojans coach Lane Kiffin, other staff members and teammates of his decision to turn pro. Kalil has received numerous All-American honors this year.

Interesting, I think I heard that if either Kalil or Barkley goes pro the other will follow.

[SouthStndJunkie]

With 70 yards rushing Sunday against the Patriots, Broncos running back Willis McGahee​ is now within 10 yards of reaching 1,000 yards for the season and the fourth time in his career.

Tatum Bell​ is the last Bronco to gain 1,000, rushing for 1,025 yards in 2006.

[SouthStndJunkie]

It's weird to think it's been 5 years since Denver has had a 1,000 yard rusher, as it used to be an annual occurrence.

[SouthStndJunkie]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Mike Munchak says he is not heading to Penn State as coach.

The Titans coach says Wednesday he's flattered to be mentioned for his alma mater, but insists he loves what he's doing in Tennessee.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Tony Gonzalez will not be retiring just yet.

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Falcons tight end finalized a one-year, $7 million extension with Atlanta on Saturday. He’ll be back for his 16th NFL season.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Jared Allen with 3.5 sacks today to give him 22 sacks on the year.

Michael Strahan owns the record with 22.5 sacks....so Allen has another quarter to try and get one more sack and the record.

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

Jared Allen with 3.5 sacks today to give him 22 sacks on the year.

Michael Strahan owns the record with 22.5 sacks....so Allen has another quarter to try and get one more sack and the record.

They should call a naked boot and let him get record like strahan.

[SouthStndJunkie]

The St. Louis Rams will fire both coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney, according to a team source.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

The St. Louis Rams will fire both coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney, according to a team source.

I remember Spags was the popular choice the year we hired McDaniels. The Rams have been the worst team in football for about half a decade. That's on ownership.

[Broncoman13]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I remember Spags was the popular choice the year we hired McDaniels. The Rams have been the worst team in football for about half a decade. That's on ownership.

Yep, I remember wanting him as well. I think it would have worked out a lot better for him in Denver... for us as well. We'd have a douchebag for a QB, but he would be a player and our offense wouldn't suck bawls.

Also remember that Raheem Morris (Rahim Moore, lol) was a part of that "HC Class", not sure if he will keep his job in TB. Schwartz was part of that class as well, no? Looks like he could be the only that survives as a HC beyond this year.

Gonna have a lot of moves again this year. St. Louis, San Diego, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Miami, Jacksonville... and possibly Dallas and Philly.

We need an OC in a bad way, any of those teams offer a good OC? Norv Turner would work, Haley would work, that's about it.

[bendog]

Given the way Reggie Bush mailed it in with the Saints on several occassions, despite having a big paycheck, I'm surprised he had as good a year as he did with the Sushi. Sproles did much better job, and didn't demand the Diva time, but still, I will admit I didn't think Bush was up to it, and I was wrong. I'm still happy with the Saints roster though.

[broncosteven]

Originally Posted by Broncoman13

...

We need an OC in a bad way, any of those teams offer a good OC? Norv Turner would work, Haley would work, that's about it.

Is Norv going to want to call Fox's run oriented O?

I would love to see him here if we had a legit passing QB and Fox was cool chucking the ball around.

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I remember Spags was the popular choice the year we hired McDaniels. The Rams have been the worst team in football for about half a decade. That's on ownership.

He was looking promising until they brought in McD. Bad, bad move...

[SouthStndJunkie]

A few end of the season notes:

3 QBs went over the 5,000 yard passing mark.

2 broke Dan Marino's record. Drew Brees- 5,476 yards, Tom Brady - 5,235 yards, and Matthew Stafford quietly threw for 5,038 yards.

Props to Stafford on a great season....5,038 passing yards with 41 TDs and 16 INTs. I knew he would be a great QB....if he could stay healthy.

MJD led the league with 1,606 rushing yards. Dude is a little beast. 6 years in the league and MJD has 74 TDs (rushing, receiving, and returns).

Willis McGahee ended up 8th in the NFL with 1,199 yards.

2 WRs hit the 100 reception mark: Wes Welker with 122 and Roddy White with 100.

3rd was TE Jimmy Graham, who had 99 receptions with New Orleans.

That said, Rob Gronkowski had the best year ever at the TE position: 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 18 TDs (17 receiving and 1 rushing).

Calvin Johnson probably had the best all around year at the WR position in 2011 with 96 receptions for 1,681 yards and 16 TDs.

San Francisco kicker David Akers set the all-time single season FG mark with 44 FGs in a season and ended up with 166 points on the year.

What a versatile weapon Darren Sproles is for New Orleans....87 carries for 603 yards rushing (6.3 yards per carry) and 2 TDs. 86 receptions for 710 yards and 7 TDs through the air. 294 punt return yards and a TD. 1,089 kickoff return yards. That is a total of 2,696 all-purpose yards and 10 total TDs.

3 players had 7 INTs to lead the league: Charles Woodson, Eric Weddle, and Kyle Arrington.

Charles Woodson has had an incredible 6 years with Green Bay:

6 years with the Pack: 37 INTs (over 6 a year on average). 14 forced fumbles, 10 sacks, and 10 TDs.

Jared Allen came within .5 sacks of the single season sack record. Allen ended up with 22 sacks on the year. DeMarcus Ware had another dominating season with 19.5 sacks, and Jason Babin continued to resurrect his career with 18.0 sacks. Jason Pierre-Paul is proving worthy of being a 1st round pick by notching 16.5 sacks for the Giants.

It was rookie Aldon Smith of San Francisco who made a run at the rookie sack record....not Von Miller. Smith came up .5 sacks shy of the record, but still racked up 14.0 sacks on the year.

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

Willis McGahee ended up 8th in the NFL with 1,199 yards.

How bad would that suck if he had some bonus or escalator built into his contract if he got 1,200 yds?

[SouthStndJunkie]

The Oakland Raiders will hire Green Bay Packers director of football operations Reggie McKenzie as their next general manager, according to a league source.

[SouthStndJunkie]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ordinator-job/

Chargers promote Pagano to defensive coordinator job

[Archedamian]

Cutler partially responsible for Mike Martz being fired?

http://www.csnchicago.com/xfinity/Di...454&feedID=661

[ColoradoBuff]

Tice named OC of the Bears

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/New...?story_id=8549