Mark Sanchez Creating Puffs of Smoke

As the NFL draft moves closer, we squint in smoke filled skies to get a glimpse of team intentions. February brings a list of franchise needs, and free agency will scratch items from the notepad. And by April, the shopping list should be condensed. But the pattern fails to materialize, as big boards display prospect growth, and the annual game of cat and mouse remains intact. We are guided by puffs of smoke, and left on a personal quest for fire.

It’s easy to say Mark Sanchez will be the second quarterback to leave the board, but it’s harder to find a destination. With a release of smoke, more teams have appeared as possible takers. Tampa Bay, San Francisco, and the New York Jets were some of the popular mock locations, with Sanchez also poised for the upset of Matthew Stafford to become Detroit’s No. 1 choice.

He was first projected to free fall, with expectations of the second choice quarterback descending to the middle or lower portions of the first round. And with no dramatic change in skill, and without a shake up of signal callers at the top of the order, two additional franchises have joined San Francisco and Detroit as possible quarterback landing spots…supposedly.

In the dark clouds of draft deception, Seattle and Jacksonville are showing interest in the junior hurler. Burning eyes may receive a slight vision of the Seahawks drafting and grooming the successor to Matt Hasselbeck. But if you reach into Seattle’s roster and needs, can you feel the heat of fire?

In Florida, the smoke thickens. You have a hot seat coach and a newly extended quarterback, which makes Sanchez the imperfect fit. If Jack Del Rio, a former USC Trojan, chose to select a fellow alum, it gives him 8 months to start clearing out his desk and packing his bags. What can a first round quarterback do for coaches lacking job security? The question is answered with Dennis Green, Marty Schottenheimer, and Mike Shanahan.

If the interest in Sanchez comes from managing powers, and the selection is made, they are packing Del Rio’s bags for him. Last April, David Garrard received a 7-year $60 million contract extension, the richest in Jacksonville franchise history. 12 months later, would they bank the 8th selection of the first round on a raw junior quarterback? Egotistical managers aren’t quick to admit mistakes, so don’t bet on it. The Browns made Brady Quinn a first round choice, extended Derek Anderson, and then removed Romeo Crennel, marking the coach as the mistake. Vince Young was not the choice of Tennessee’s coaching staff, but the ownership made the selection, then targeted Norm Chow as their mistake. Drafting Sanchez, after extending Garrard, would act as management’s admission of their own error, and it takes more than 12 months for white collars to complete their fall from the high horse.

With puffs of smoke, you can spark a trade, leaving those with true interests to contemplate moving up in the draft order. That dark cloud also acts as a disguise, hiding the true intention, and leading others to believe a targeteted player will descend , deterring any active effort and negotiations to claim him first. Mark Sanchez to Seattle or Jacksonville? This is smoke, without evidence of fire.

TTE's 2009 NFL Mock Draft | Version 2.0 | Updated 3/12

2009 MOCK VERSION 2.0

1.Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Previous: Matthew Stafford

By all indications, Daunte Culpepper is scheduled to be the starting quarterback for the Lions in 2009. Looking into the future, Detroit will select Stafford with the first overall pick and prepare him to lead the franchise by 2010. The Motor City is also in need of help on the offensive line, but equally important, they are in need of a face, which Stafford can provide. Even in the miserable years of Joey Harrington, Detroit was identified by a person. The 2008 Lions had no victories and no identity, and will look to establish both with the first pick. But keep in mind, when it comes to the overall pick in the NFL draft, it’s not always who you want or need, as much as it’s who you can sign. Tom Condon is the agent for Matthew Stafford, and his clients have often been troublesome and known for extended contract negotiations and player hold-outs.

2. St. Louis Rams- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Previous: Jason Smith

The obvious priority in St. Louis is at offensive tackle. For months, mock gurus had the name “Smith” penciled into the second position, and that name didn’t change, but the player did. Alabama’s Andre Smith was an early favorite to go second, but his downward spiral, combined with the postseason ascent of Baylor’s Jason Smith fills the same position with a different name. The recent release of Orlando Pace increases the priority to fill this position.

3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Previous: Aaron Curry

The recent acquisition of Matt Cassel from New England likely sent mock erasers quickly in motion. Many had Mark Sanchez set to lead the Chiefs, and that’s no longer the probability. It’s not a surprise move, knowing Scott Pioli’s track record with the Patriots. Also not surprising would be the selection of Aaron Curry to bolster the linebacking corps. If The Patriots under Pioli’s guidance were known for anything, it’s the passing of early round quarterbacks, and his focus on linebackers. Both are already evident, with the recent signings of both Mike Vrabel and Matt Cassel.

4. Seattle Seahawks- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Previous: B.J Raji

The acquisition of T.J Houshmandzadeh rapidly reduced the probability of the Seahawks drafting a first round receiver, which I could never see them doing to begin with, especially this high. Sitting in the 4th position, it would be difficult to pass on defensive tackle B.J. Raji, one of 2009’s draft jewels. Some were surprised with Seattle’s drafting of defensive end Lawrence Jackson in the first-round last year. It would hardly be surprising if they chose to go with a defensive tackle in this one.

5. Cleveland Browns- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Previous: Malcolm Jenkins

Cleveland recently unloaded Kellen Winslow to the Bucs, and No. 5 is too high to select any tight end in this year’s group. The Browns will address a need, while also going with the popular pick, by choosing Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins ran a poor 40-time at the NFL combine, but many had already speculated that he would play safety rather than corner in the NFL, anyway.

6. Cincinnati Bengals- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Previous: Andre Smith

Andre Smith was originally slotted here, but with each poor pre-draft performance, he appears more likely to play guard in the NFL than tackle. The Bengals will still draft their protection for Carson Palmer, but that person is now Eugene Monroe. As Smith is penalized for a poor work ethic, Monroe reaps the reward, with the increase in stock.

7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Previous: Michael Crabtree

Assuming the Raiders don’t trade out of the position, Al Davis’ draft trend will stay the course. In 2007, he drafted the biggest quarterback name of the class, Jamarcus Russell. In 2008, he selected the biggest running back name in the group, Darren McFadden. In 2009, he’ll complete the trifecta by adding the most publicized wide receiver to the Roster, Michael Crabtree. Injury concerns? Come on, we’re talking about Al Davis.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Previous: Eugene Monroe

Jack Del Rio is at the end of his coaching rope in Jacksonville. He won’t be granted the time to allow a player to progress and become a force in three years. He needs a safe pick that can be an immediate impact player. By the draft odds, that pick is an offensive lineman, and the player is Michael Oher.

9. Green Bay Packers- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Previous: Brian Orakpo

The Packers are switching to a 3-4 scheme, under new coordinator Dom Capers. They will select Brian Orakpo, a defensive end from Texas, and utilize his talent and athleticism as a stand up pass rusher.

10. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Previous: Mark Sanchez

The City by the bay has gone too long without a respectable quarterback. Since Jeff Garcia exited the franchise in 2003, there’s been little offensive punch. They made a mistake drafting Alex Smith in 2004, and it has yet to be corrected. Smith was actually their second option for the ’04 draft, going with plan "B", after Heisman Trophy winner, Matt Leinart, opted to return to USC for his senior year. This time a Trojan hurler will be available with the 10th selection, and the Niners will sweep him from the board. In doing so, San Francisco, the 6th largest Hispanic community in America, will welcome their new quarterback with open arms.

11. Buffalo Bills- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
Previous: Brandon Pettigrew

12. Denver Broncos- Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
Previous: Rey Maualuga

13. Washington Redskins- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
Previous: Everette Brown

14. New Orleans Saints- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Previous: Vontae Davis

15. Houston Texans- Brian Cushing, LB, USC
Previous: Brian Cushing

16. San Diego Chargers- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Previous: Chris "Beanie" Wells

17. New York Jets- Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Previous: Darius Heyward-Bey

18. Chicago Bears- William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Previous: Michael Oher

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Previous: Tyson Jackson

20. Detroit Lions- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Previous: Peria Jerry

21. Philadelphia Eagles- Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
Previous: William Moore

22. Minnesota Vikings- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Previous: Jeremy Maclin

23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Previous: Aaron Maybin

24. Atlanta Falcons- Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Previous: Jared Cook

25. Miami Dolphins- Sean Smith, CB, Utah
Previous: Sean Smith

26. Baltimore Ravens- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Previous: James Laurinaitis

27. Indianapolis Colts- Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Previous: Percy Harvin

28. Philadelphia Eagles- Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
Previous: Knowshon Moreno

29. New York Giants- Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
Previous: Clay Matthews

30. Tennessee Titans- Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Previous: Evander Hood

31. Arizona Cardinals-Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Previous: LeSean McCoy

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Previous: William Beatty

Patriots deal Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs

The New England Patriots dealt quarterback Matt Cassel to the Chiefs on Saturday. Though many mock drafts had Mark Sanchez penciled to land in Kansas City with the third overall pick, I never saw the possibility or sense in it. Matt Cassel increased his value last season, guiding the Patriots to 11 wins as a replacement for the injured Tom Brady. He was franchise tagged by New England, guaranteeing a litte more than $14 million to play in 2009.

When Scott Pioli took over the decision making in Kansas City, it became more apparent that the Chiefs would not draft a first round quarterback. In all his years in New England's front office, the Patriots quarterbacks were selected in later rounds, including Brady in the 6th and Cassel in the 7th. Last year, Matt Ryan was selected third overall by the Atlanta Falcons, and the quarterback banked more than $35 million in guarantees. Acquiring Cassel appears as a discount, while also gaining a proven quarterback, instead of paying more for an unproven prospect.

There are no current details of the deal, but the franchise tag demands that teams acquiring Matt Cassel give the Patriots 2 first-round picks in return.

Update: The Chiefs received New England's second-round pick in the upcoming draft

Clay Matthews becomes a first-round name

It’s been quite a journey for Clay Matthews III. Despite his famous bloodline, he’s never been given a free football pass. His father and uncle are captured forever in the history of the school he attends, as both men are members of the USC Athletic Hall of Fame. His uncle, Bruce, also appears in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as a 14-time Pro Bowl selection in a spectacular 19 year career. And after his father, Clay II, completed his time at Southern California, he also went on to appear in 4 Pro Bowls of his own. It’s a lineage of Trojans and success, as the elders paved a trail for the family’s youth to follow.

In 2004, trotting into the same stadium where his family first became household names, the newest Matthews did so without a scholarship, appearing as a walk-on. At this storied NFL football factory, a name has never made a player, but plenty of players were granted the opportunity to make a name. He selected a big school, with an even bigger program, and entered with enormous shoes to fill.

4 years later, he has established that name. Through hard work and dedication, “Matthews” is no longer a name solely reflective of football’s past, quickly becoming a popular name for football’s future. No Trojan has benefited more from the 2008 season than this “elephant” on the outside, and that includes Mark Sanchez.

So much is made of the line formed for quarterbacks and running backs at USC, but often overlooked is the number of linebackers and the shortage of opportunities to get on the field. In Matthews’ first year, the Trojans won a national championship, and among their linebackers were Lofa Tatupu, Matt Grootegoed, and Dallas Sartz. The group was replaced through the years with Keith Rivers, Thomas Williams, Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiva, and Rey Maualuga. 5 of the 8 were drafted by the NFL, with the remainder appearing as prospects in this year’s class, and two projected in the first round. And thanks to an impressive senior season, Matthews can make it 3.

With the linebacking corps in tact for 2008, Pete Carroll’s staff worked Matthews onto the field, using him as a hybrid. He benefited greatly from his production in two highly publicized early season games, first at Virginia, and then Ohio State. And with the motor still running, he was a constant disruption in opposing backfields, finishing the season with 4.5 sacks and 9 tackles for losses. His name was finally out there, but it’s the occurrences after the scheduled games were complete that allowed that final push.

Matthews made his first impression with NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl. Originally walking in the shadow of Maualuga and Cushing, he left Mobile Alabama sharing the same light. The spotlight intensified at the NFL Scout combine in Indianapolis, where he finished among the top performers at his position.

His name is now being tossed around in discussions involving potential first round picks. Not bad for a former walk-on, huh? His story isn’t much different than his former teammate, Lofa Tatupu, who also came from an NFL bloodline, but played his freshman season as an unknown in Maine, before transferring to USC. Tatupu never reached that first round, likely because he appeared on the scout’s radar too late. In two months, Matthews will learn if he’s also penalized for his tardiness or rewarded for his closing performance. With the USC Pro-Day still to come, I believe Matthews will be off the board before April’s opening round comes to an end. And if not, someone will receive a gift in the second.

Lendale White and an alleged Valentine's Day beating

Meeting Lendale White on a football field is likely a violent collision. And according to reports out of Denver, meeting him in traffic can be the same. A Colorado fender bender on February 14th apparently resulted in a heated exchange between the former Trojan and the driver of the other vehicle involved. The allegations claim that pushing and shoving became more violent when White began beating the other man with a belt and buckle. The victim, Leslie Joe Hoch, was treated at an area hospital for wounds suffered in the attack.

No arrests were made, and no charges were filed. After an investigation, the authorities concluded that the evidence contradicts the statements of the report. Both the Tennessee Titans and the NFL are aware of the incident, With Titans coach Jeff Fisher offering no comment. White was said to be in full cooperation with the police, as the investigation moved forward.

White plead guilty to a disturbing the peace charge last year, and is currently on probation.

Combine notes: Maualuga pulls up lame

Rey Maualuga ran a first attempt 4.83 in the scout combine’s 40-yard dash. He never received a second attempt, pulling up lame at the finish, and collapsing to the turf with a tweaked hamstring. Maualuga said it was something that had been bothersome before his arrival to Indianapolis, but didn’t want to make excuses, wanting only to compete with the best. It’s unsure at this point whether he’ll be able to run by USC’s April 1st Pro-Day.

Wake’s Aaron Curry finished with the fastest 40 among linebackers, recording an official 4.56. Clay Matthews checked in at 4.67, as he continues to raise his stock, and Brian Cushing was officially clocked at 4.74. And in case anyone has interest, Ohio State’s linebacker James Laurinaitis ran a 4.8, with Antonio Freeman finishing with a 4.67.

Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava, along with OSU’s Freeman, topped all linebackers with 30 bench press reps. Safety Kevin Ellison completed 32 reps to lead all safeties.

One Trojan creating a combine buzz, but not who you'd think

The NFL combine events have begun, but tight ends were the skill players mostly on Saturday's display. South Carolina's Jared Cook proved to be the superior athlete at the position, displaying a 41" vertical leap and posting an official 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. The big name among tight ends, Brandon Pettigrew of Oklahoma State, performed miserably. His 40 time was in the 4.8 range and he managed just 22 reps in the 225 pound bench press.

Only one USC player peformed, and that was David Buehler. Buehler became a hot topic, as the kicker benched 25 reps and followed by posting a 4.6 in the forty. The 25 reps not only topped Pettigrew, but also many offensive lineman, including Mississippi stud Michael Oher (21).

Rey Maualuga took the podium and talked about slimming down since the Senior Bowl. Rey weighed in at 249, which is 5 pounds shaved from his appearance in Mobile Alabama that drew a lot of criticism. He still appears to be a big favorite among draft analyst, though the consensus is that Wake's Aaron Curry is the top linebacker in the class and should be the first off the board, also having the potential to go No. 1 overall to the Detroit Lions.

Mark Sanchez spent Friday answering questions about the press conference and supposed fallout with Pete Carroll. Mark reassured everyone that his relationship with the coach is just fine, and he had called Carroll that same night to talk about the media spin being put on the press conference and words said. Sanchez reiterated that he will participate in throwing drills, stating that he's a competitor and that's his purpose for being there.

Eagles looking to unload Winston Justice

The NFL experience hasn’t been great for Winston Justice. Character issues created a 2006 draft day slide that finally came to a halt with the eagles selecting the big tackle in the second round. He made headlines in his first and only start, but for all the wrong reasons. His debut on September 30, 2007 is noted in the books, as the Giants tied an NFL record with 12 sacks, and Justice surrendering half the total.

He has just 12 career appearances for Philadelphia, eventually being moved from left to right tackle. Now the Eagles are looking to move him off the roster, and will be shopping the former Trojan to anyone with interest. Philly has two picks in this year’s first round of the draft, and the speculation is that they’ll be looking to draft a left tackle with one of those selections.

SJ Mock Draft projects Sanchez to Bucs, Maualuga to Denver

Did Sanchez make the right decision to stay or did Pete Carroll have the more realistic view? It all depends on who you talk to and which mock draft you're reading.

The updated Mock at SportsJabber. net projects Mark Sanchez to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It also sends Rey Maualuga to the Jets, and Brian Cushing to the Denver Broncos. Though this mock has Sanchez lower than some, there are others in agreement with Pete Carroll, and the quarterback's name is absent from the first round.

Unlike many mock drafts run by one individual, Sports Jabber has a draft team assembled from all regions of the country. They are the eyes and ears of the nation, and before a prospect is ever postioned on the board, there is an evaluation and group debate. Positions will change several times before April's draft, as we receive results from the NFL Scout Combine and individual Pro-Day workouts. 12 Trojans have been invited to Indianapolis to participate in this year's Combine. Be sure to track the player movement through updates in the draft and Sports Jabber reports.

2009 Sports Jabber Mock Draft (Updated 2/7)

Matt Cassel is ‘pissed’…literally

Matt Cassel, the former Trojan bench warmer turned NFL superstar quarterback, had a right to be angry on Super Bowl weekend. No, it doesn’t have anything to do with the Steelers or Cardinals and any hopes he had for former USC teammates Matt Leinart and Deuce Lutui to earn a championship ring. It also doesn't stem from his Patriots going 11-5 without qualifying for the AFC playoffs or the Pro Bowl snub of a less recognized signal caller coming off an amazing season. His anger stretches far from the lines drawn on a football field, and originates in a line formed for a public bathroom.

The New York Daily News reports that an angry Matt Cassel took offense to a drunken man attempting to cut in line for a restroom. And though he may have won the argument, momentarily, with the 100-proof cutter retreating, the troublemaker quickly returned to the lavatory, where he drained his bladder on Cassel’s leg. Security escorted the drunk out of the building, but Matty, in urine soaked clothing, still had to make his way through a crowd of gatherers at the ESPN bash.

Don’t steam too long, Matt. The expected $14 million you’ll be earning in 2009 should easily erase the memory of Tampa Bay’s golden shower.

Senior Bowl Notes: Carroll eyes the action

Wednesday’s practices had a sideline visitor. In between travels for recruiting, Coach Pete Carroll made an appearance in Mobile Alabama to watch his Trojans work. In an interview with Lindsey Soto, he explained how the current competition against the nation’s best isn’t anything new to Trojan players, because they face fierce battles each day in practice. He took photos with the 5 USC players on the field, watched some drills, and was off to catch a plane to his next recruiting destination.

Patrick Turner has a lot to prove, if he’s going to shed the image of other big receivers from USC that couldn’t/haven’t adapted to the professional game. What scouts will be looking for most is his ability to separate from corners, something Mike Williams couldn’t accomplish, and Dwayne Jarrett is slowly achieving after two seasons in Carolina. Turner’s size allows him to standout on the field, with only Cal Poly’s 6’6 Ramses Barden being a larger receiver.

Clay Matthews continues to steal the spotlight. Working as a stand up 3-4 rusher, he beat Mississippi’s Michael Oher on consecutive plays, powering him back and into the QB on the first series, and then using a spin technique to get around the massive tackle to reach his target.

Rey Maualuga is generating more talk, and was interviewed by scouts representing several NFL franchises. Spectators are wowed by his sideline-to-sideline quickness, and there probably isn’t a harder hitter on the field.

There’s still a debate over who is the better linebacker, between Matthews and Brian Cushing. This is great for Clay Matthews, because Cushing’s stock isn’t falling. The debate alone signifies that Matthews has made a climb in draft status.

Fili Moala and Kyle Moore continue to display reasons for the Trojans possessing the nation’s No. 1 defense. From size to technique, they’ve shown everything a scout could ask for. There’s a sense of anticipation whenever USC defenders line up for drills, as they are clearly this year’s Senior Bowl celebrities.

Senior Bowl Notes: Moala and Moore impressive

Senior Bowl week officially began on Monday. Six student-athletes from USC are participating in this year's version, which is 3 less than the year prior, but still the largest representation of any school. It's the NFL's biggest "job fair", with all 32 franchises present to scout future prospects. 5 defensive Trojans took the field on Tuesday morning, and the highest and lowest grades were not as most would expect.

The best Tuesday performances were turned in by Fili Moala and Kyle Moore. Scouts were impressed with Moala's ability to play anywhere along the defensive front. Starting the 2008 season as a possible first overall pick in the 2009 draft, his stock took a severe dive, with other Trojan defensive teammates becoming household names, with Moala quietly, and with little notice, battling in the trenches. Today, he showed the quickness and speed in pursuit that made him a preseason favorite, perhaps leading to a rise in that fallen stock.

Kyle Moore was equally impressive coming off the edge. Moore repeatedly beat his man to get to his target, and is a hybrid that can be used in the down position or standing. He also possesses a frame that can add more weight to increase his effectiveness as a pass rusher.

The stock of Clay Matthews has been soaring. This former walk-on is looking to position himself in the late first round or early second of the upcoming draft, and didn't ease up in his first professional audition. Matthews was agressive in rushing the passer, taking on tight ends, full backs, and defensive linemen, and winning most of those battles. That's no surprise to the Empire, since it's only a repeat of what he's done all year.

Brian Cushing first impressed Senior Bowl scouts with his physique. Walking in with the body of a professional football player, he then made his presence felt everywhere on the field, highlighted by a jarring hit put on a fellow South squad player.

One of the lowest grades of the day went to Rey Maualuga, with the buzz being that he appeared heavier than his playing weight and a bit out of shape. The initial impression led SI.com's Tony Pauline to add him to a list of first day sliders. Maualuga also didn't appear dominant in drills coming off the edge, but he was clearly out of position. He's a middle linebacker who is shot out of the cannon and brings the blitz from the center, but struggled to get to the quarterback or cone from the outside angles.

There's still plenty of auditioning to do before the weekend finale. By the time the game is kicking off, the majority of scouts will have already left Alabama. The practices are more important than the main event, so performing well in drills is the top priority.

NFL, Trojans, and the quest for the Lombardi Trophy

More Trojans have participated in the NFL's Superbowl than any other college program in America. Of the 42 Superbowl’s played, only twice did a Trojan not appear on the roster of either team contending. Last year, the Giants’ Steve Smith was fitted for the championship ring, claiming his first, while denying Junior Seau and the Patriots a perfect season. Seau, Cassel, and the 11-5 Patriots will sit out this postseason, not qualifying for the championship chase, but a plethora of Trojans still remain in the hunt.

The Chargers, Colts, Ravens, and Dolphins have no Trojans on the roster, and the Vikings (though employing Booty, Radovich, and Udeze) have none active in game time participation. But these players and their teams will begin their march towards championship glory:

Arizona Cardinals-G Deuce Lutui, QB Matt Leinart

Philadelphia Eagles-T Winston Justice, DT Mike Patterson

Atlanta Falcons-T Sam Baker

New York Giants-WR Steve Smith, CB Terrell Thomas

Carolina Panthers-WR Dwayne Jarrett, C Ryan Kalil

Pittsburgh Steelers-S Troy Polamalu

Tennessee Titans-RB Lendale White

All players listed played under Pete Carroll, with Troy Polamalu being the only Trojan not to win a national Championship at USC. The playoff list is also fielding 4 of 5 starting offensive linemen from the championships of 2003 and 2004.

Reggie Bush’s season is over

Reggie Bush opened his 2008 season by giving the New Orleans Saints all they expected and paid for. He was leading the league in scoring, finding the end zone rushing, receiving, and returning kicks. He displayed the electrifying play that earned him the Heisman Trophy at USC. But everything came to a screeching halt, as the surgically repaired knee began to flare. He required a second surgery, and returned to the field two weeks ago. And now a sprain of the medial collateral ligament against the Bears last Thursday, sidelines Bush for the remainder of the season.

The sprain doesn’t require surgery, and coach Sean Payton opted to place Bush on the injured reserve, with the Saints now eliminated from playoff contention.

Former Trojan Steve Smith robbed at gunpoint

The current NFL focus is on the Giants’ Plaxico Burress for accidently shooting himself in the leg while out on the town. The receiver now faces criminal charges and was suspended by his team earlier today. Since the incident occurred, there has been nothing but harsh criticism over players carrying concealed weapons and their reasons for it. But one reason is evident, as the wire service today disclosed that Burress’ teammate and former USC Trojan, Steve Smith, was robbed at gunpoint last week.

One of the most common criticisms, and most idiotic, is that those participating in professional sports should not be spending the wee hours in nightclubs, which in essence is saying they shouldn’t live like anyone else. Supposedly, this is the solution for athletes avoiding troubles outside of the playing surface. But just as the tragic shooting death of Redskins Sean Taylor squashed those beliefs, after being gunned down in his own home, so does the recent robbery of Steve Smith. Not that Burress had knowledge of the incident, which prompted him to carry a weapon for his own safety, but the targeting of celebrities is neither new nor an uncommon concept.

Smith wasn’t at a nightclub when he was robbed. He became a victim in front of his own home. Reportedly, he had just arrived by a chauffeur driven car to his residence, when an assailant came from behind with a gun and demanded all his valuables, to which he complied. Smith notified local police of the incident, but no arrests have been made.

Who will those certain members of the media blame now? There is no wrongful act, unless they would like to dissect his being outside of his home, which is just as ridiculous as everything else. Celebrities can not exist in a protective box, because that isn’t really living at all. Those with the wealth will always be common targets for others looking for the quick “come up”. At some point, we will eventually learn to fault the direction our society has taken, instead of faulting celebrity victims of crimes for their whereabouts. If it were you or I falling victim to crime, we rightfully fault the criminal. If you are a professional athlete, we wrongfully fault the lifestyle, and the comings and goings attached to it. Isn't that giving immunity to the person holding the weapon and shouting demands?

It is pretty embarrassing for Plaxico to unload one from the chamber into his own leg, but I can also see why he would carry a weapon. I often think back to the outcome of the Sean Taylor robbery, and wonder if the result would have been different, if he had a loaded weapon in hand.

Big Payday in Cassel’s future

It wasn’t long ago that Matt Cassel appeared to be an unwanted man. In the final year of his contract, his future with the New England Patriots was in doubt. There were camp competitions and trade rumors, and Bean Town fans were disappointed that he overcame both to make the final roster cut. Then came the unthinkable, Tom Brady collapses on the turf and his season comes to an abrupt end. It was New England’s worst nightmare, as the hopes of their season suddenly weighed on a former USC replacement player that never started a single game.

Cassel is an example of how quickly things can change, and proof that patience is a virtue. Inheriting a situation where failure appeared imminent, and expectations were low, he excelled and succeeded. His timely ascent brings about a reversal of fortune, and the previously unwanted has created whispers and rumors of a possible Tom Brady trade. The Patriots have a future decision to make, and it will ultimately come with a price.

The Pats have choices. They can play for today and allow Matt Cassell to enter the open market at season’s end. That would rest their hopes on speculation that Brady would be healthy enough to start in ’09, and return as the Brady of old. Or they can go with security, slapping Cassel with the franchise tag and preserving him for another season. To franchise Matt Cassel is to give him $14 million next year, which is the total amount Brady will earn over the next two seasons.

Inevitably, it will come down to egos. If arrogance leads them to believe they can develop any quarterback in their system and make him an NFL star, this will be the last time we see Cassel in a Patriots uniform. If they look towards the future, seeing a 32 year old Brady, he may be locked into New England for many years. Either way, a big payday is heading Matt’s way. If not from his current employer, there are plenty of other franchises hungry for a young quarterback, and the unfortunate injury to Brady has unexpectedly increased Cassel’s value. In fact, here in 2008, he’s more valuable than Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, the two Heisman winning quarterbacks that kept him on the Southern Cal bench. Crazy, isn't it?

Lendale White rumbles over hapless Lions

Lendale White doesn’t fear a microphone or hesitate to voice is displeasures. But of course, we already knew that, from his days at USC. As any other poster boy for disgruntled players would be, White was vocal in last weekend’s post-game interview that followed a 34-13 loss to the Jets, a game that gave the once perfect Titans their only blemish on the season. He was frustrated in carrying the ball just 3 times in 4 quarters of play, and alerted listeners and his coaching staff of his feelings. By midweek, most wondered if White had allowed his mouth to stuff him into Jeff Fisher’s doghouse, since it’s never a good idea to air dissensions between player’s and a coaching staff. Instead, Fisher said the topic had been discussed and there were no ill feelings between himself and White. And if anyone had speculations that Fisher’s statements were an attempt to cover up an incident possibly boiling in the Tennessee locker room, that was all squashed on Thursday, as both White and the Titans went back to the formula for success, drubbing the Lions 47-10.

Against the Lions, White ran for 106 yards on 23 carries, with a long of 25. He also contributed 2 touchdowns to tie Atlanta’s Michael Turner’s league leading 13. White had been the league leader in the category, until the lack of opportunities last weekend shut him out. Rookie Chris Johnson added another 125 yards on the ground against the hapless and helpless Lions, giving evidence of the franchise in Detroit being the NFL’s biggest turkey on Thanksgiving, and likely the worst team I’ve witnessed on a professional field. How bad are the Detroit Lions? Even Vince Young completed a 57 yard pass in this game, entering in relief of Kerry Collins.

Last week, Woody Paige of ESPN's "Around the horn" called White "another Denver loud mouth". He also said his mouth is the reason he fell in the NFL draft. I'd have to disagree with the latter. It was a question of work ethics that caused the slide. If it was about being a loud mouth, players like Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, and Chad Johnson wouldn't be worth much in a free agent market, and obviously they are. Lendale White may not be in the best shape, but there's no denying his production on the football field, something the teams picking before the Titans failed to foresee.

Neuheisel believes fewer kids watching football today

Appearing on the FOX radio show, in a conversation sparked about Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb not knowing the NFL overtime rules, UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel said it was surprising to hear, but gave a reason for it. His belief is that fewer kids are watching football today, compared to his generation. The Bruins coach says, “There's just too many other things they can do with their social time. Video games have taken a large majority of that. And I'm not sure you've ever seen a tie in a video game!” Although his take is somewhat sensible, I won’t agree with it.

When comparing today to yesterday, you see how widespread the game of football has become, in regard to media coverage. Yesterday, a televised Thursday game was only a Thanksgiving Day occurrence. Today, there isn’t a single day of the week where football isn’t being broadcast nationally at one level or another. Yesterday, if you missed a game, you could only read about it or catch highlights. Today, you use the DVR and record several games to be viewed several times over. College conferences now have their own networks or are contractually tied to others, so even if a game wasn’t televised live in your local area, you can catch a replay later in the week. If you’re looking to view it live, ESPN 360 or CBS Sports Line will capture the feed and display it on your computer monitor.

Today’s kids know more about football than their father’s before them, which is why athletes continue to improve with time. They know more about training and diets. They imitate their gridiron heroes (from mannerism, dress, and movement) through images provided in high definition. They know all about contracts and how combine results increase your earnings, as hold-outs and signings are now just a part of daily television conversations.

If there are players in the NFL that don’t know the overtime rules, it’s not because they didn’t watch enough football. It’s because ties don’t occur that often. As it is, they could have watched every game for the past five years without witnessing a tie. Maybe Neuheisel’s kids aren’t watching football, because that game isn’t being played in Westwood. After all, the best chance they have to see their dad lead UCLA to a National Championship is to hand him a joystick and insert a disk.

Cassel leads Pats passing and rushing in OT loss to Jets

He may not be Tom Brady, but Matt Cassel may have a lot in common with the injured Patriots star. Neither were highly touted quarterbacks in their draft classes, though Brady did start at Michigan, while Cassel paced the sidelines at USC. New England selected Tom Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft, and 5 years later, they took Cassel in the seventh. Chad Pennington was the first quarterback taken in 2000, selected by the New York Jets, and the only QB to go in the first round. Also consider that with Brady waiting, Giovanni Carmazzi and Chris Redman were third round choices. 2005 saw Jason Campbell and Aaron Rodgers plucked off the board in round one, but Alex Smith went No. 1 overall. The first Trojan off the board was Mike Williams, selected 10th by the Detroit Lions, and 220 spots later, New England chose Matt Cassel.

Tom Brady took the NFL by storm, after replacing the injured Drew Bledsoe. Matt Cassel took on an NFL full of doubt, as the unlikely starter wasn’t even probable for the 2008 Patriots roster. Cassel is in the final year of his rookie contract, and New England brought competition into the preseason camp, with many believing Matt Gutierrez would win the replacement job and Cassel would be cut or dealt to another franchise. He survived, and with each passing week he silences the doubters and ensures the Patriots management that they made the right choice.

On Thursday night, Matt Cassel didn’t command the New England offense, he single handedly became it. Against the Jets, he passed for a career high 400 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He added another 62 yards on the ground to lead his team in rushing. And in a display of growth, he rallied and led his teammates downfield, with less than 2 minutes remaining, for a tying score that sent the game into overtime. New York won the toss and eventually prevailed 34-31 on a game winning field goal, but the night belonged to the rising star from USC. Playing opposite the legendary Brett Favre, the Thursday night audience watched a quarterback of the future shine brighter.

Cassel may not have been worth much before the season began, but by season’s end, there will be a pot of gold waiting on the other end of the rainbow.

Fight On!

Udezi planning ’09 return to Vikings

Last February we were hit with the sad news of former Trojan, and current Minnesota Vikings, Kenechi Udezi being diagnosed with Leukemia. It was somewhat shocking to believe that a man that stood as a structure of strength and force on a football field was weakened by a disease that eventually led to his wearing of a mask to protect from infections. There was uncertainty of his future, and life became the priority over the game he loved to play.

Since then, Udezi has received a bone marrow transplant, using his brother Thomas Barnes as a donor. And on Sunday, 9 months after being diagnosed with the illness, Udezi made an appearance before the fans of the Metrodome. Being in good spirits and fairly good health, he said his feet are slow to react to treatment, but promised a return to the Vikings roster in 2009. This still remains to be seen, but the progress he’s made in such a short period of time is promising.

Kenechi Udezi was a member of the 2003 USC National Championship team. He played with Mike Patterson on a defensive line that was dubbed “The Wild Bunch II”, and was later drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2004 NFL draft. He started 15 games in his rookie season.