Coaches on Hot Seat.

Here are a few Coaches that we believe could be on the Hot Seat in 2010!!

1. NY Giants-Tom Coughlin

2. Cleveland Browns-Eric Mangini

3. Oakland Raiders-Tom Cable

4. Chicago Bears-Lovie Smith

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jack Del Rio

6. Carolina Panthers-John Fox

7. Dallas Cowboys-Wade Phillips

8.Pittsburgh Steelers-Mike Tomlin

9.Denver Broncos- Josh McDaniels

10.Tampa Bay Bucs-Raheem Morris

Slowing Down the Quarterback Carousel

Now that we’ve had some time to digest the results of last month’s NFL Draft, it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2010 season and some of the compelling storylines heading into the year. This week, we take a look at the landscape of the most important position in the league – quarterback. It was a busy offseason for signal callers, as numerous former Pro Bowl players changed addresses and the league welcomed in a deep class of rookies at the position. What follows are the five top quarterback-driven storylines as we prepare for OTAs and training camp, plus a few honorable mentions.

1. Donovan McNabb vs. Kevin Kolb
When the Eagles made the decision to trade Donovan McNabb to the Redskins in April, it propelled Kevin Kolb into the starting role in Philadelphia and created an indirect matchup that football fans – especially in Philadelphia – will be keeping an eye on all season. The Eagles gave up on McNabb, one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history, for a relatively unknown former second round pick in Kolb. Most Eagles fans welcomed the move, and recent comments from players like wide receiver DeSean Jackson indicate that the players do as well. What McNabb does in Washington will be compared to what Kolb does in Philadelphia on a weekly basis, and it may take the entire season (if not longer) to determine if the Eagles made the right move.

2. Ben Roethlisberger’s Suspension
While the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to stick with two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger after the sexual assault allegations against him in Georgia, the Steelers will be without him for up to the first six games of the season. The Steelers have a challenging early schedule, with games against Atlanta, Baltimore, and division rival Cleveland among those first six games, and if Roethlisberger’s suspension is served in full, he will return against the defending Super Bowl champion Saints in New Orleans. The Steelers will have to choose between backups Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich, and Dennis Dixon to be stopgaps until Roethlisberger returns, but could the Steelers already be out of the playoff picture by then?

3. Immediate Impact Rookies
The 2010 Draft saw a number of highly touted rookie quarterbacks enter the league, many of whom could end up seeing significant playing time for their teams this season. With their release of veteran Marc Bulger, the Rams all but handed the starting job to number one overall pick Sam Bradford, which would make him the fifth rookie to be an opening day starter since 2008 (joining Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, and Matthew Stafford). In Carolina, Matt Moore was named the team’s starting quarterback, but that was before the team drafted Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen, who could compete with Moore (and fellow rookie Tony Pike) for the starting job. The most hyped rookie quarterback, Tim Tebow, likely won’t start in Denver, but should see time in a Wildcat-like package for the Broncos. The fourth high-profile rookie, Colt McCoy, won’t see playing time in Cleveland if new team president Mike Holmgren has his way, but the former Texas star could be only two injuries away from hitting the field.

4. Replacing Kurt Warner
Matt Leinart’s career in Arizona has been the definition of disappointing. Leinart struggled early in his career, opening the door for Kurt Warner to take the reins in the desert and lead the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance. With Warner’s retirement after the 2009 season, opportunity is knocking once again open for the former USC standout to reclaim the starting job. However, in a move that may be an indication of how the Cardinals feel about Leinart, the team signed former Cleveland Brown Derek Anderson to a two year contract for $7.25 million. The battle in Arizona may drag out through the entire preseason, and may come down to which quarterback can develop a better relationship with Larry Fitzgerald.

5. Quarterbacks on the Rebound
While 2010 will feature a number of rookie quarterbacks trying to prove themselves, there will also be a number of quarterbacks trying to prove themselves after having dismal 2009 campaigns. Jake Delhomme’s 2009 season was marred by injuries, turnovers, and constant reminders of his collapse against Arizona in the 2008-09 playoffs. Delhomme will try to rejuvenate his career as the new starting quarterback in Cleveland. Matt Hasselbeck also fought injuries and inconsistencies in 2009, and Seattle struggled to a 5-11 record and a top six draft pick. Jay Cutler is coming off a disastrous first season in Chicago, leading the league with 26 interceptions and leading many to question how much of his success was due in large part to Mike Shanahan, his former head coach in Denver. Some former starters looking for redemption haven’t even been able to find a team to take a chance on them, including Bulger, Daunte Culpepper, and JaMarcus Russell.

6. Honorable Mentions
Can Tom Brady stay healthy for an entire season and return to his record-setting 2008 form? Who will start in Denver – Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, or Tebow? Which Vince Young will show up in Tennessee? Can anybody figure out how to stop Drew Brees? Is Chad Henne ready to be the franchise quarterback in Miami? And, of course, how long will we have to wait for an official decision from Brett Favre?

Josh Cohick
Halftime Huddle contributing writer

The Halftime Huddle Mock 10

We’re just a week away from the 2010 NFL Draft (don’t forget, this year the draft expands to three days and starts in primetime on Thursday, April 22). While the top of the draft board hasn’t changed, the Washington Redskins’ trade for former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will have a resounding impact on the rest of the first round.

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
(Previous HTH Projection: Bradford)
Since our last mock draft, it seems that Sam Bradford is an even bigger lock to become the next quarterback of the Rams. St. Louis was not a factor in the McNabb trade talks, and the team also released longtime starter Marc Bulger. Look for the Rams to try and work out a deal with Bradford before the draft, and don’t be surprised if Bradford follows the recent paths of Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, and Mark Sanchez by being the opening day starter as a rookie.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
(Previous HTH Projection: Suh)
The Lions could go with an offensive lineman here to help protect their own franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, but in the end, Suh’s talent is too enticing to pass up. With a deep pool of offensive linemen in this draft, the Lions can wait until the second round to start addressing the offensive line, and take Suh here.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
(Previous HTH Projection: McCoy)
Tampa Bay will be glad to take whichever defensive tackle the Lions pass up on. Suh and McCoy will have their careers compared to one another for the next 5 years, and both could make an immediate impact in 2010.

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
(Previous HTH Projection: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame)
The shocking trade that landed Donovan McNabb in Washington has an immediate effect on the draft, as the Redskins no longer have a need at quarterback. Instead, the Redskins will now turn to trying to protect their newly acquired star by selecting the best offensive line prospect in the draft in Okung.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
(Previous HTH Projection: Berry)
Many draft gurus see Kansas City going after an offensive lineman at number five, but Berry has the potential to be the difference maker on defense that the Chiefs are looking for. I see the Chiefs going for the impact player early and focusing on their lines (both offensive and defensive) in the later rounds.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
(Previous HTH Projection: Okung)
Seattle will be the first team (outside of the Redskins themselves) to be directly affected by the McNabb trade. The Seahawks would have loved for Russell Okung to fall to them here, but the fact that he is off the board does not change their need for offensive line help. Look for them to turn their attention across the state of Oklahoma to grab Williams.

7. Cleveland Browns – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
(Previous HTH Projection: Joe Haden, CB, Florida)
The Redskins weren’t the only team to have their draft needs changed thanks to a trade with the Eagles – the Browns also reduced their need for a number one cornerback by acquiring veteran Sheldon Brown. With the high quality offensive linemen coming off the board fast, the Browns will look to strengthen their own line by selecting Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga.

8. Oakland Raiders – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
(Previous HTH Projection: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa)
Oakland always finds a way to deliver draft day excitement, and their rumored pursuit of McNabb shows that they are ready to move past the JaMarcus Russell era. While the Raiders have other needs that would be better off addressing here, it would surprise nobody to see the team reach out and select Clausen here.

9. Buffalo Bills – CJ Spiller, RB/KR, Clemson
(Previous HTH Projection: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma)
If Clausen doesn’t go to Oakland, he could easily wind up in Buffalo. However, with Clausen projected to go to Oakland and Marshawn Lynch reportedly on his way out of Buffalo, the Bills stay in the backfield and select the dynamic CJ Spiller. Spiller could not only have an immediate role on offense with the Bills, but also become an impact kick returner as well.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
(Previous HTH Projection: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State)
Jacksonville still needs a wide receiver, but the off-field issues surrounding Dez Bryant may force the Jaguars to back away. The Jaguars also need a dominant pass rusher, and Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan may fit that mold. In his junior season, Morgan recorded 12.5 sacks, which is only 1.5 less than the entire Jacksonville roster in 2009.

Be sure to check with Halftime Huddle for all the latest news and analysis leading up to, during, and after the NFL Draft.

Josh Cohick
Halftime Huddle contributing writer

Could the Lions Surprise in 2010?

Parody. Over the last decade, it has defined the landscape of the NFL. Of the 12 teams that made the playoffs after the 2008 season, only six of them returned to the postseason in 2009. The Miami Dolphins memorably went from 1-15 in 2007 to AFC East division champions in 2008. The New Orleans Saints went from last place in the NFC South in 2008 to Super Bowl champions in 2009. Turnarounds like the Dolphins and Saints experienced in the last 2 seasons seem to happen every year in the NFL – although not always to such a drastic extent.

Could 2010 be the year for the Detroit Lions?

The Lions have not reached the playoffs since 1999. Since then, the team has been a consistent occupant of the NFL basement, including their 0-16 season in 2008. The Lions struggled again in 2009, only managing two victories (against the Redskins and Browns). While it was another disappointing season for fans in the Motor City, there were glimpses that showed the Lions may be a lot closer to a resurgence than their record would indicate.

The Lions seem to have found their franchise quarterback in last season’s number one overall pick, Matthew Stafford. Stafford threw for 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in his rookie season, but showed improvement throughout the season, including a 422 yard, 5 touchdown performance in the team’s victory over Cleveland. The Lions also have a great target for Stafford in wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who has caught 21 touchdowns in his three-year career.

However, Stafford and Johnson did not have the entire season to develop chemistry as both players missed time due to injury. This was a problem for the entire Detroit offense – at various points in the season, the team was without their number one quarterback, wide receiver, running back (Kevin Smith), and tight end (Brandon Pettigrew). While it is uncertain if Smith and Pettigrew will be ready for the beginning of the season – both are recovering from torn ACLs – this young core of players (along with the addition of free agent wide receiver Nate Burleson) could make for the most exciting Lions offense since Barry Sanders retired.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions finished last in the league in total yards and points allowed per game, but compared to 2008, both totals were improved under first year head coach Jim Schwartz. Detroit made defense a priority early this offseason, signing former Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch within the first hours of free agency. The Lions are also expected to improve their defensive line in this month’s NFL Draft with the selection of either Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy.

There is no question that the Lions will have a lot of work to do in order to become a playoff contender in 2010. The NFC North will play teams from the AFC and NFC East, but the Lions will have the advantage of playing the Patriots, Jets, and Eagles at home. The Lions could also stand to gain ground on the rest of the division with games against St. Louis and Tampa Bay. However, if the key components on offense can stay healthy and if the newly revamped defensive line can live up to expectations, the Lions could be the surprise team of the 2010 campaign.

Josh Cohick
Halftime Huddle contributing writer

Donovan McNabb

There seems to be a lot of talk about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb about whether or not he should be traded or kept in Philly. Let’s take a trip down memory lane shall we. He was drafted 2nd overall in the 1999 draft out of Syracuse University. In his 12 year career there are only four seasons he has started and completed 16 games. His total quarterback rating is only 86.5. He has completed a total of 2,801 passes out of 4,746 attempts. The Eagles Media Guide reports that, “McNabb holds the NFL record for most consecutive completions with 24 during a two game span in 2004”. He has thrown for a total of 32,873 yards with an average of 222.1 yards per game. He has thrown 216 touchdowns and has run for 28 with his longest being 54 yards back in 2000. Even though he is a good quarterback and has been to 6 Pro Bowls, the question is can the Eagles really afford to keep him? The question has nothing to do with money, but rather his health. So far it seems that each year he is playing hurt. Whether or not that it is the truth, if the Eagles want to win a Super Bowl they should put McNabb as the backup QB and make Kevin Kolb their starting quarterback. They also could let McNabb go and select a quarterback at the 2010 Draft to take the starting role too. Either way if the Eagles want to win Super Bowls they cannot do it with McNabb as their starter.

Halftime Huddle 10 Mock Draft

The Halftime Huddle Mock 10

With the NFL Draft only 3 weeks away, it’s time to start looking at who could go where and why. This is the Halftime Huddle Mock 10 – a look at the first 10 picks in next month’s draft as we see it here at HTH.


1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
For the Rams, this pick will come down to 2 players – Bradford or Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh. The Rams are what feels like light years away from the days of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” and are in need of not only a great player but also a public relations boost, which they would struggle to get from a defensive lineman. That’s why Bradford is the pick here, and while he may not start right away in St. Louis, Marc Bulger is always one injury away from making that happen.


2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
If the Rams take Bradford, then the Lions have the choice between Suh and his Big 12 counterpart, Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma. While McCoy has charged up draft boards in recent weeks, Suh’s dominance throughout the season and his fourth place finish in the Heisman voting gives him the nod. Along with newly signed Kyle Vanden Bosch, Suh would give the Lions quite a 1-2 punch on the defensive line.


3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs gave up the most rushing yards in the league last year, so a run stopper is a must at number 3. McCoy could slide right in as Tampa’s opening day starter, and he may just have the talent to do so.


4. Washington Redskins – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The Redskins don’t seem sold on Jason Campbell, and with a new head coach in the fold in Mike Shanahan, he’ll most likely want to start developing his own quarterback (much like he did with Jay Cutler in his last few seasons in Denver).


5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Offense wasn’t the problem for Kansas City in 2009. The Chiefs gave up 26.5 points per game last season, but with the jury still out on defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (the Chiefs’ first round pick in 2008), a playmaking safety like Berry makes the most sense.


6. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
With the retirement of longtime Seahawk Walter Jones, Seattle finds themselves with a need for a tackle. Enter Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung, as the Big 12 continues its dominance of the early stages of the draft. However, a sleeper for this pick could be safety Taylor Mays, given his USC ties with Pete Carroll.


7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB, Florida
While the story of the Browns in 2009 was the struggles of the offense, the defense finished behind only the Lions in total yards allowed. Haden gets tabbed for Cleveland here, but with the release of Derek Anderson and the trade of Brady Quinn, don’t be surprised to see the Browns jump on either Bradford or Clausen if one of them is still on the board.


8. Oakland Raiders – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
With the Raiders, you can never truly tell where they are going to go (Darrius Heyward-Bey, anybody?). The offense did show signs of life at the end of 2009 (and the Raider running game has always been solid), so look for the Raiders to bulk up their offensive line with Bulaga.


9. Buffalo Bills – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
And this is where the Tim Tebow watch officially begins. Buffalo is one of the rumored destinations for the Florida QB, but I think the Bills back off this early in the draft and hope that Tebow falls to them in Round 2. Instead, they help out their underrated running game by selecting offensive lineman Trent Williams.


10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Jacksonville will be another team pressured by the Florida-faithful to select Tebow, but with the release of veteran WR Torry Holt, the Jaguars need another threat to line up opposite last year’s breakout surprise Mike Sims-Walker. Bryant, the consensus number one WR in this year’s draft, makes the most sense for Jacksonville at 10.


Stick with Halftime Huddle for all the latest news heading into next month’s NFL Draft.


Josh Cohick
Halftime Huddle contributing writer

2010 Draft

Who will be the running back to be selected first in the 2010 NFL Draft? With the list of RB’s that were in the Top Ten Rushing Leaders in 2009 College Football Season, Toby Gerhart is number one. Last year he rushed for 1,871 yards with 343 attempts. He averaged 5.5 yards per attempt with his longest rush being 61 yards. He also scored 27 touchdowns for Stanford University. We all know that college stats really do not matter when that rookie enters into the NFL. In 2008 Gerhart rushed for 1,136 yards on 210 rushing attempts. He averaged 5.4 yards per attempt and scored only 15 touchdowns. His rank in 2008 was 35 and in one year he jumped straight to number one. The question is will he be drafted in the first round or will he be waiting for a couple more. We shall see when the 2010 NFL Draft begins.