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	<title>FreeAgentWriter &#187; Brian DiTullio</title>
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		<title>Aaron Rodgers: Where Does Packers QB Rank in the NFL Right Now?</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/aaron-rodgers-where-does-packers-qb-rank-in-the-nfl-right-now/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/aaron-rodgers-where-does-packers-qb-rank-in-the-nfl-right-now/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:38:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/672940-nfl-draft-rumors-troy-polamalu-ryan-mallett-and-thursdays-top-nfl-news/entry/67411-aaron-rodgers-where-does-packers-qb-rank-in-the-nfl-right-now</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>ESPN Working On A Quarterback Power Ranking</STRONG></P>
<P>This is your chance for your voice to be heard because the Internet does not allow anonymous posting by people using clever handles and pictures of kittens to represent themselves.</P>
<P>ESPN apparently is working on a power ranking of all 32 NFL quarterbacks as things stand right now. But I will let them explain it.</P>
<P><A title="ESPN" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/26185/where-do-we-rank-aaron-rodgers" target="_blank">From ESPN.com and Kevin Seifert</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>I&#160;can tell you right now I'm not putting Rodgers ahead of Brady, who had one of his best-ever seasons in 2010. But I'm giving strong thought to ranking Rodgers No. 2. If you agree, give me some supporting arguments to help me fend off the rotten tomatoes next Tuesday. If you think Rodgers doesn't deserve that ranking, feel free to talk me off this ladder.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>Seifert currently has Tom Brady on top followed by Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.</P>
<P>Since this is how they are doing <EM>right now</EM>, I have to say Manning is ranked too high. Manning's 2010 season was great, but I think Rodgers, and Brees had better seasons, so I would rank Manning No. 4 if I was putting the list together.</P>
<P><A title="Draft Piece" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/539521-2011-nfl-draft-preview-25-things-mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-will-disagree-about" target="_blank">MUST READ: 25 Things Mel Kiper And Todd McShay Will Disagree About</A></P>
<P>You can not argue with Brady being No. 1 since he won the MVP, but I think Rodgers performance down the stretch and in the playoffs should give him the No. 2 spot.</P>
<P>I would put Brees No. 3 because losing to the Seattle Seahawks was more a fault of the defense crumbling in the second half than Brees playing poorly.</P>
<P>That is just my opinion, though. I would probably rank Matt Ryan No. 5 and Michael Vick No. 6, in case anyone was wondering.</P>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>ESPN Working On A Quarterback Power Ranking</STRONG></P>
<P>This is your chance for your voice to be heard because the Internet does not allow anonymous posting by people using clever handles and pictures of kittens to represent themselves.</P>
<P>ESPN apparently is working on a power ranking of all 32 NFL quarterbacks as things stand right now. But I will let them explain it.</P>
<P><A title=ESPN href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/26185/where-do-we-rank-aaron-rodgers" >From ESPN.com and Kevin Seifert</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>I&nbsp;can tell you right now I'm not putting Rodgers ahead of Brady, who had one of his best-ever seasons in 2010. But I'm giving strong thought to ranking Rodgers No. 2. If you agree, give me some supporting arguments to help me fend off the rotten tomatoes next Tuesday. If you think Rodgers doesn't deserve that ranking, feel free to talk me off this ladder.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>Seifert currently has Tom Brady on top followed by Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.</P>
<P>Since this is how they are doing <EM>right now</EM>, I have to say Manning is ranked too high. Manning's 2010 season was great, but I think Rodgers, and Brees had better seasons, so I would rank Manning No. 4 if I was putting the list together.</P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><A title="Draft Piece" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/539521-2011-nfl-draft-preview-25-things-mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-will-disagree-about" >MUST READ: 25 Things Mel Kiper And Todd McShay Will Disagree About</A></P>
<P>You can not argue with Brady being No. 1 since he won the MVP, but I think Rodgers performance down the stretch and in the playoffs should give him the No. 2 spot.</P>
<P>I would put Brees No. 3 because losing to the Seattle Seahawks was more a fault of the defense crumbling in the second half than Brees playing poorly.</P>
<P>That is just my opinion, though. I would probably rank Matt Ryan No. 5 and Michael Vick No. 6, in case anyone was wondering.</P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>NFL Draft Rumors: Robert Quinn Now a Favorite to Join the Cleveland Browns</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-draft-rumors-robert-quinn-now-a-favorite-to-join-the-cleveland-browns/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-draft-rumors-robert-quinn-now-a-favorite-to-join-the-cleveland-browns/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:27:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/672940-nfl-draft-rumors-troy-polamalu-ryan-mallett-and-thursdays-top-nfl-news/entry/67408-nfl-draft-rumors-robert-quinn-now-a-favorite-to-join-the-cleveland-browns</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Cleveland Has A Need For A Good Pass Rusher</STRONG></P>
<P>Robert Quinn was given the 2010 college football season off by the NCAA for reasons not even worth mentioning at this point, but that just means he will be fresh for his rookie season.</P>
<P>Quinn is ranked high on draft boards and everyone expects him to go off the board in the Top 10, although his destination varies depending on which mock draft you are reading.</P>
<P><A title="Cleveland PD" href="http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/04/north_carolinas_robert_quinn_d.html" target="_blank">From Mary Kay Cabot and the Cleveland Plain Dealer</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>"He's a heck of a football player," General Manager Tom Heckert said at the combine. "There's no question why people are talking about him. He plays hard, he can rush the passer. He can do a lot of things that you're looking for in a defensive lineman."</P>
<P>Quinn enjoyed his visit with the Browns and could envision playing here.</P>
<P>"I got a great vibe while I was there," he said. "I enjoyed meeting Coach Holmgren [team president Mike Holmgren] and Coach [Pat Shurmur]. They seemed to really like me, but I've gotten that feeling from a lot of teams."</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Browns need a lot of help on the defense. Not only do they need some youth and speed after last year, they need to rebuild to fit the new 4-3 scheme the Browns are putting back in.</P>
<P><A title="Draft Piece" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/539521-2011-nfl-draft-preview-25-things-mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-will-disagree-about" target="_blank">MUST READ: 25 Things Mel Kiper And Todd McShay Will Disagree About</A></P>
<P>The Browns have been using a 3-4 defensive scheme since Romeo Crennel took over the team in 2005 and continued by Eric Mangini in 2009 and 2010.</P>
<P>With that in mind, the Browns need lineman, linebackers and pass rushers.</P>
<P>While the Browns also could use a wide receiver, as no one on the roster has showed they can be elite so far, the Browns can find a decent wide receiver in the second round.</P>
<P>For the first round, the Browns need to concentrate on their defense, and Quinn would be a great pick.</P>
<P>Patrick Peterson also would be a great pickup and give the Browns one of the best secondary’s in the league, so do not discount Peterson with the sixth overall pick should he fall that far.</P>
<P>But I like Quinn and would be thrilled if Cleveland was able to obtain his services.</P>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Cleveland Has A Need For A Good Pass Rusher</STRONG></P>
<P>Robert Quinn was given the 2010 college football season off by the NCAA for reasons not even worth mentioning at this point, but that just means he will be fresh for his rookie season.</P>
<P>Quinn is ranked high on draft boards and everyone expects him to go off the board in the Top 10, although his destination varies depending on which mock draft you are reading.</P>
<P><A title="Cleveland PD" href="http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/04/north_carolinas_robert_quinn_d.html" >From Mary Kay Cabot and the Cleveland Plain Dealer</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>"He's a heck of a football player," General Manager Tom Heckert said at the combine. "There's no question why people are talking about him. He plays hard, he can rush the passer. He can do a lot of things that you're looking for in a defensive lineman."</P>
<P>Quinn enjoyed his visit with the Browns and could envision playing here.</P>
<P>"I got a great vibe while I was there," he said. "I enjoyed meeting Coach Holmgren [team president Mike Holmgren] and Coach [Pat Shurmur]. They seemed to really like me, but I've gotten that feeling from a lot of teams."</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Browns need a lot of help on the defense. Not only do they need some youth and speed after last year, they need to rebuild to fit the new 4-3 scheme the Browns are putting back in.</P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><A title="Draft Piece" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/539521-2011-nfl-draft-preview-25-things-mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-will-disagree-about" >MUST READ: 25 Things Mel Kiper And Todd McShay Will Disagree About</A></P>
<P>The Browns have been using a 3-4 defensive scheme since Romeo Crennel took over the team in 2005 and continued by Eric Mangini in 2009 and 2010.</P>
<P>With that in mind, the Browns need lineman, linebackers and pass rushers.</P>
<P>While the Browns also could use a wide receiver, as no one on the roster has showed they can be elite so far, the Browns can find a decent wide receiver in the second round.</P>
<P>For the first round, the Browns need to concentrate on their defense, and Quinn would be a great pick.</P>
<P>Patrick Peterson also would be a great pickup and give the Browns one of the best secondary’s in the league, so do not discount Peterson with the sixth overall pick should he fall that far.</P>
<P>But I like Quinn and would be thrilled if Cleveland was able to obtain his services.</P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>NFL Draft Rumors: Is Colin Kaepernick a Target for the Tennessee Titans?</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-draft-rumors-is-colin-kaepernick-a-target-for-the-tennessee-titans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-draft-rumors-is-colin-kaepernick-a-target-for-the-tennessee-titans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:04:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/672940-nfl-draft-rumors-troy-polamalu-ryan-mallett-and-thursdays-top-nfl-news/entry/67401-nfl-draft-rumors-is-colin-kaepernick-a-target-for-the-tennessee-titans</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>The Titans Could Take Kaepernick In Second Round</STRONG></P>
<P>The Tennessee Titans need a quarterback and there is a chance they may not get Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert in the first round.</P>
<P>But there still are plenty of quarterbacks available in the second round and Colin Kaepernick reportedly is on the Titans' radar.</P>
<P><A title="Rotoworld" href="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&#38;id=6530&#38;line=203130&#38;spln=1" target="_blank">From Rotoworld</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang reports that the Titans and Jaguars are "exceptionally" high on Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick.<BR><BR>This goes along with several previous reports, particularly about the Titans. Rang believes that either of the AFC South clubs could use a first- or second-round pick on Kaepernick. Rang notes that numerous other teams have Kaepernick rated as only a second- to third-rounder, behind many of the signal callers from schools with bigger names. Jacksonville might be a best-case scenario for Kaepernick, where he could study under David Garrard.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Jaguars are an interesting landing spot for Kaepernick, and might be the better place.</P>
<P>In the grand scheme of things, I have more confidence in Kaepernick developing into a successful pro quarterback than I do Cam Newton simply because I believe Kaepernick is more mature between the ears and is better prepared from a college standpoint to make the transition into the NFL.</P>
<P><A title="Draft Piece" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/539521-2011-nfl-draft-preview-25-things-mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-will-disagree-about" target="_blank">MUST READ: 25 Things Mel Kiper And Todd McShay Will Disagree About</A></P>
<P>Behind Garrard, Kaepernick will not be rushed out on to the field and will be able to develop on the practice field before getting on the field for the real thing.</P>
<P>Tennessee quite possibly will use Kaepernick a lot faster, depending on what they do with the quarterbacks on their roster.</P>
<P>While Vince Young still technically is a Titan, that will change as soon as normal business resumes.</P>
<P>Either way, Kaepernick is an exciting prospect and it will be fun to track his progress.</P>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>The Titans Could Take Kaepernick In Second Round</STRONG></P>
<P>The Tennessee Titans need a quarterback and there is a chance they may not get Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert in the first round.</P>
<P>But there still are plenty of quarterbacks available in the second round and Colin Kaepernick reportedly is on the Titans' radar.</P>
<P><A title=Rotoworld href="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&amp;id=6530&amp;line=203130&amp;spln=1" >From Rotoworld</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang reports that the Titans and Jaguars are "exceptionally" high on Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick.<BR><BR>This goes along with several previous reports, particularly about the Titans. Rang believes that either of the AFC South clubs could use a first- or second-round pick on Kaepernick. Rang notes that numerous other teams have Kaepernick rated as only a second- to third-rounder, behind many of the signal callers from schools with bigger names. Jacksonville might be a best-case scenario for Kaepernick, where he could study under David Garrard.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Jaguars are an interesting landing spot for Kaepernick, and might be the better place.</P>
<P>In the grand scheme of things, I have more confidence in Kaepernick developing into a successful pro quarterback than I do Cam Newton simply because I believe Kaepernick is more mature between the ears and is better prepared from a college standpoint to make the transition into the NFL.</P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><A title="Draft Piece" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/539521-2011-nfl-draft-preview-25-things-mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-will-disagree-about" >MUST READ: 25 Things Mel Kiper And Todd McShay Will Disagree About</A></P>
<P>Behind Garrard, Kaepernick will not be rushed out on to the field and will be able to develop on the practice field before getting on the field for the real thing.</P>
<P>Tennessee quite possibly will use Kaepernick a lot faster, depending on what they do with the quarterbacks on their roster.</P>
<P>While Vince Young still technically is a Titan, that will change as soon as normal business resumes.</P>
<P>Either way, Kaepernick is an exciting prospect and it will be fun to track his progress.</P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>NFL: Draft Rumors, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Mallett and Other News</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-draft-rumors-troy-polamalu-ryan-mallett-and-other-news/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-draft-rumors-troy-polamalu-ryan-mallett-and-other-news/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:05:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/672940-nfl-draft-rumors-troy-polamalu-ryan-mallett-and-thursdays-top-nfl-news</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="slot"><img src="/images/pixel.gif"></span><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> draft rumors are blowing up all over the place as the national sports press turns into the British tabloids in regards to this year's draft prospects.</p>
<p>Nowhere is that more obvious than with Ryan Mallett, who was the subject of an ugly report yesterday about what he might have done the night before his meeting with the Carolina Panthers. The reports were denied by both sides, but it shows you the speed at which the Internet works.</p>
<p>Since it is the offseason and we have a lockout, things like <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/troy-polamalu">Troy Polamalu</a>'s hair and jersey sales remain in the news, so I will do my best to treat these stories as fodder fit only to be mocked.</p>
<p>We are still waiting for spring here in most of the Northeast, so hopefully it is warmer where you are. Thanks for stopping by as I run down all of the day's headlines.</p>
<p>Yes, I will talk about Eric Weddle and Alka Seltzer&#8212;how could I not?</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl" title="NFL analysis, news and photos">NFL</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="slot"><img src="http://bleacherreport.com/images/pixel.gif"></span><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> draft rumors are blowing up all over the place as the national sports press turns into the British tabloids in regards to this year's draft prospects.</p>
<p>Nowhere is that more obvious than with Ryan Mallett, who was the subject of an ugly report yesterday about what he might have done the night before his meeting with the Carolina Panthers. The reports were denied by both sides, but it shows you the speed at which the Internet works.</p>
<p>Since it is the offseason and we have a lockout, things like <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/troy-polamalu">Troy Polamalu</a>'s hair and jersey sales remain in the news, so I will do my best to treat these stories as fodder fit only to be mocked.</p>
<p>We are still waiting for spring here in most of the Northeast, so hopefully it is warmer where you are. Thanks for stopping by as I run down all of the day's headlines.</p>
<p>Yes, I will talk about Eric Weddle and Alka Seltzer&mdash;how could I not?</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl" title="NFL analysis, news and photos">NFL</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Seattle Seahawks Schedule: Few Quality Opponents Could Mean Division Crown</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks-schedule-few-quality-opponents-could-mean-division-crown/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks-schedule-few-quality-opponents-could-mean-division-crown/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:52:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671806-nfl-schedule-which-teams-have-most-difficult-road-to-super-bowl-46/entry/66653-seattle-seahawks-schedule-few-quality-opponents-could-mean-division-crown</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Seattle Is Looking To Repeat With This Schedule</STRONG></P>
<P>The Seahawks hope a schedule that begins with the 49ers ends in a Week One victory before having to face the Steelers in Week Two.</P>
<P>The schedule features good games all over the place for the Seahawks with the only real late-season threat being the Chicago Bears in Week 15. The Seahawks close out the season in Arizona.</P>
<P>While every team in the NFC West was bad last year, it makes the contests even, relatively speaking. The 2010 schedule asked which team could be just good enough to knock off the rest of the division, and the 2011 schedule does not look much different.</P>
<P>Facing the AFC North this year means they get comparable opponents in the Browns and Bengals, but they also face the powerhouse Steelers and Ravens.</P>
<P><A title="ESPN" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/36377/seattle-seahawks-schedule-analysis" target="_blank">From ESPN's Mike Sando</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Seahawks head to Soldier Field in Week 15 for a rematch of their divisional-round playoff defeat against the Chicago Bears last season. The timing of the rematch -- one week after that Dec. 12 Monday night game against St. Louis -- ensures a cold-weather game for Seattle. The temperature was 24 degrees when the Bears dominated Seattle during that 35-24 victory in the playoffs last season. Seattle fared much better during a Week 6 game at Soldier Field when the temperature at kickoff was 61 degrees.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Seahawks are just as likely to win the NFC West as any of the other teams, although I do think the Rams have an edge just because they have Sam Bradford, who now has one more year of experience under his belt.</P>
<P><A title="Best Games" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671390-2011-nfl-schedule-the-best-game-to-watch-for-each-week-of-the-regular-season" target="_blank">MUST READ: The Best Game For Each Week Of The Season</A></P>
<P>The early bye week is good in it will give the Seahawks a chance to re-evaluate everything before it gets too deep into the season, but early byes can make for a rough end-of-the-season run.</P>
<P>If The Seahawks can beat the Bears in Week 15 and close the season out 3-0, there is a very good possibility they will be back in the playoffs for the 2011 season.</P>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Seattle Is Looking To Repeat With This Schedule</STRONG></P>
<P>The Seahawks hope a schedule that begins with the 49ers ends in a Week One victory before having to face the Steelers in Week Two.</P>
<P>The schedule features good games all over the place for the Seahawks with the only real late-season threat being the Chicago Bears in Week 15. The Seahawks close out the season in Arizona.</P>
<P>While every team in the NFC West was bad last year, it makes the contests even, relatively speaking. The 2010 schedule asked which team could be just good enough to knock off the rest of the division, and the 2011 schedule does not look much different.</P>
<P>Facing the AFC North this year means they get comparable opponents in the Browns and Bengals, but they also face the powerhouse Steelers and Ravens.</P>
<P><A title=ESPN href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/36377/seattle-seahawks-schedule-analysis" >From ESPN's Mike Sando</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Seahawks head to Soldier Field in Week 15 for a rematch of their divisional-round playoff defeat against the Chicago Bears last season. The timing of the rematch -- one week after that Dec. 12 Monday night game against St. Louis -- ensures a cold-weather game for Seattle. The temperature was 24 degrees when the Bears dominated Seattle during that 35-24 victory in the playoffs last season. Seattle fared much better during a Week 6 game at Soldier Field when the temperature at kickoff was 61 degrees.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Seahawks are just as likely to win the NFC West as any of the other teams, although I do think the Rams have an edge just because they have Sam Bradford, who now has one more year of experience under his belt.</P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><A title="Best Games" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671390-2011-nfl-schedule-the-best-game-to-watch-for-each-week-of-the-regular-season" >MUST READ: The Best Game For Each Week Of The Season</A></P>
<P>The early bye week is good in it will give the Seahawks a chance to re-evaluate everything before it gets too deep into the season, but early byes can make for a rough end-of-the-season run.</P>
<P>If The Seahawks can beat the Bears in Week 15 and close the season out 3-0, there is a very good possibility they will be back in the playoffs for the 2011 season.</P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Tennessee Titans Schedule: Too Many Questions Make Schedule Secondary</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/tennessee-titans-schedule-too-many-questions-make-schedule-secondary/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/tennessee-titans-schedule-too-many-questions-make-schedule-secondary/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:04:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671806-nfl-schedule-which-teams-have-most-difficult-road-to-super-bowl-46/entry/66640-tennessee-titans-schedule-too-many-questions-make-schedule-secondary</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Quarterback Questions Keep Titan's Schedule A Big Question</STRONG></P>
<P>The Titans schedule shows they open at Jacksonville, but then they do not see the Jaguars again until the last week of the season.</P>
<P>The Titans schedule shows some pretty tough games like the Ravens in Week Two and the Saints in Week 14, plus the obligatory two meetings against the Colts in Weeks eight and 15. But the Titans do not have a gauntlet of AFC East teams or NFC North teams to wade through, so that makes life a little easier in 2011.</P>
<P><A title="ESPN" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/23120/tennessee-titans-schedule-analysis" target="_blank">From ESPN's Paul Kuharsky:</A></P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>A year after they played five of their six division games in the final six weeks of the season, those crucial games are much more reasonably spaced out. In fact, their games against the Jacksonville Jaguars are spaced as far apart as possible, in Week 1 and Week 17.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Titans may wish those divisional games were spaced closer together at the beginning of the season so they could get them all out of the way. With the final game of the year versus the Houston Texans, the Titans will not be facing the Colts.</P>
<P><A title="Best Games" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671390-2011-nfl-schedule-the-best-game-to-watch-for-each-week-of-the-regular-season" target="_blank">MUST READ: The Best Game For Each Week Of The Season</A></P>
<P>The Texans also are in a rebuilding year, and this makes the final contest of the season interesting from a developmental standpoint.</P>
<P>Barring massive injuries, this game should be a good indicator of how far each team has come since last season and how well their draft picks are developing.</P>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Quarterback Questions Keep Titan's Schedule A Big Question</STRONG></P>
<P>The Titans schedule shows they open at Jacksonville, but then they do not see the Jaguars again until the last week of the season.</P>
<P>The Titans schedule shows some pretty tough games like the Ravens in Week Two and the Saints in Week 14, plus the obligatory two meetings against the Colts in Weeks eight and 15. But the Titans do not have a gauntlet of AFC East teams or NFC North teams to wade through, so that makes life a little easier in 2011.</P>
<P><A title=ESPN href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/23120/tennessee-titans-schedule-analysis" >From ESPN's Paul Kuharsky:</A></P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>A year after they played five of their six division games in the final six weeks of the season, those crucial games are much more reasonably spaced out. In fact, their games against the Jacksonville Jaguars are spaced as far apart as possible, in Week 1 and Week 17.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>The Titans may wish those divisional games were spaced closer together at the beginning of the season so they could get them all out of the way. With the final game of the year versus the Houston Texans, the Titans will not be facing the Colts.</P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><A title="Best Games" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671390-2011-nfl-schedule-the-best-game-to-watch-for-each-week-of-the-regular-season" >MUST READ: The Best Game For Each Week Of The Season</A></P>
<P>The Texans also are in a rebuilding year, and this makes the final contest of the season interesting from a developmental standpoint.</P>
<P>Barring massive injuries, this game should be a good indicator of how far each team has come since last season and how well their draft picks are developing.</P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>2011 NFL Schedule: Which Teams Have Most Difficult Road to Super Bowl 46?</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/2011-nfl-schedule-which-teams-have-most-difficult-road-to-super-bowl-46/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/2011-nfl-schedule-which-teams-have-most-difficult-road-to-super-bowl-46/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:43:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671806-nfl-schedule-which-teams-have-most-difficult-road-to-super-bowl-46</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="slot"><img src="/images/pixel.gif"></span>The 2011 NFL schedule is out, and now we can see what each team will have to do to get to the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Some teams have it easier than others, and a lot of times the difficulty of the schedule does not make much sense, especially in the case of the Carolina Panthers.</p>
<p>The Panthers had the worst record in 2010 but have the hardest schedule in 2011. Granted, they play in a very tough division, but the schedule-makers were not kind to them in the breakdown of the rest of the season formula.</p>
<p>The Arizona Cardinals have the easiest schedule. Playing in the NFC West contributes to that. However, then you see the Baltimore Ravens have the 31st-easiest schedule, and you have to wonder what is going on the league offices.</p>
<p>Thanks for stopping by as I go through the NFL schedule team by team and break it down with commentary, analysis and a little sense of humor.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl" title="NFL analysis, news and photos">NFL</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="slot"><img src="http://bleacherreport.com/images/pixel.gif"></span>The 2011 NFL schedule is out, and now we can see what each team will have to do to get to the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Some teams have it easier than others, and a lot of times the difficulty of the schedule does not make much sense, especially in the case of the Carolina Panthers.</p>
<p>The Panthers had the worst record in 2010 but have the hardest schedule in 2011. Granted, they play in a very tough division, but the schedule-makers were not kind to them in the breakdown of the rest of the season formula.</p>
<p>The Arizona Cardinals have the easiest schedule. Playing in the NFC West contributes to that. However, then you see the Baltimore Ravens have the 31st-easiest schedule, and you have to wonder what is going on the league offices.</p>
<p>Thanks for stopping by as I go through the NFL schedule team by team and break it down with commentary, analysis and a little sense of humor.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl" title="NFL analysis, news and photos">NFL</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>NFL Schedule 2011: Will the Packers Open the Season Against the Bears?</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-schedule-2011-will-the-packers-open-the-season-against-the-bears/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-schedule-2011-will-the-packers-open-the-season-against-the-bears/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/670507-nfl-schedule-2011-predictions-for-the-most-exciting-matchups-of-2011-season/entry/65839-nfl-schedule-2011-will-the-packers-open-the-season-against-the-bears</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>NFL Schedule 2011: The Packers Looking To Repeat With First Week Victory</STRONG></P>
<P>The Green Bay Packers will be playing the Thursday night opening game this season, but their opponent remains a mystery.</P>
<P>Speculation is it will be against the Chicago Bears or the New Orleans Saints.</P>
<P>Both matchups are intriguing for different reasons. All three teams were in the Super Bowl hunt last year, all three teams look to be good in 2011 and all three teams have very loyal followings, meaning the television ratings will be great.</P>
<P>The Saints would mean the league is pitting last year's Super Bowl winner against the 2009 Super Bowl winner, and that is a great matchup.</P>
<P>The Bears would mean a rematch of the NFC Championship Game, the game that brought us Jay Cutler's knee injury and the resulting debate over how hurt he was and if he did enough to try and get back in the game.</P>
<P>I like the Bears matchup better because it will give Cutler his trial by fire in Week 1 and get it out of the way. He will not only face the team who knocked him out of the playoffs, but he will do it on a primetime stage.</P>
<P>Count me in on this game.</P>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>NFL Schedule 2011: The Packers Looking To Repeat With First Week Victory</STRONG></P>
<P>The Green Bay Packers will be playing the Thursday night opening game this season, but their opponent remains a mystery.</P>
<P>Speculation is it will be against the Chicago Bears or the New Orleans Saints.</P>
<P>Both matchups are intriguing for different reasons. All three teams were in the Super Bowl hunt last year, all three teams look to be good in 2011 and all three teams have very loyal followings, meaning the television ratings will be great.</P>
<P>The Saints would mean the league is pitting last year's Super Bowl winner against the 2009 Super Bowl winner, and that is a great matchup.</P>
<P>The Bears would mean a rematch of the NFC Championship Game, the game that brought us Jay Cutler's knee injury and the resulting debate over how hurt he was and if he did enough to try and get back in the game.</P>
<P>I like the Bears matchup better because it will give Cutler his trial by fire in Week 1 and get it out of the way. He will not only face the team who knocked him out of the playoffs, but he will do it on a primetime stage.</P>
<P>Count me in on this game.</P>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>NFL Schedule 2011: Predictions for the Most Exciting Matchups of 2011 Season</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-schedule-2011-predictions-for-the-most-exciting-matchups-of-2011-season/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/nfl-schedule-2011-predictions-for-the-most-exciting-matchups-of-2011-season/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:17:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/670507-nfl-schedule-2011-predictions-for-the-most-exciting-matchups-of-2011-season</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><span class="slot"><img src="/images/pixel.gif"></span>The 2011 NFL Schedules will be released tonight, and this is your one-stop shop for speculation on the 2011 season (assuming there is one).</p>
<p>Expect humor, baseless accusations, predictions that will upset you, and predictions you will nod your head at while adjusting your monocle and saying, "Righty-O, Old Chap!"</p>
<p>With so much uncertainty, the 2011 NFL Schedule has a lot of questions surrounding it, the main one being if it actually means anything.</p>
<p>The answer is, "yes," because the NFL still has to proceed with business as normal as far as the schedule goes.</p>
<p>If both parties end up having a miraculous revelation and then settling the dispute before Aug. 1, the season will go on without interruption.</p>
<p>So there still is time, and until then, it is good to remain positive.</p>
<p>So let's sit back, look at some of the matchups (We know the "wheres," we just do not know the "whens" until tonight) and have a good time.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl" title="NFL analysis, news and photos">NFL</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="slot"><img src="http://bleacherreport.com/images/pixel.gif"></span>The 2011 NFL Schedules will be released tonight, and this is your one-stop shop for speculation on the 2011 season (assuming there is one).</p>
<p>Expect humor, baseless accusations, predictions that will upset you, and predictions you will nod your head at while adjusting your monocle and saying, "Righty-O, Old Chap!"</p>
<p>With so much uncertainty, the 2011 NFL Schedule has a lot of questions surrounding it, the main one being if it actually means anything.</p>
<p>The answer is, "yes," because the NFL still has to proceed with business as normal as far as the schedule goes.</p>
<p>If both parties end up having a miraculous revelation and then settling the dispute before Aug. 1, the season will go on without interruption.</p>
<p>So there still is time, and until then, it is good to remain positive.</p>
<p>So let's sit back, look at some of the matchups (We know the "wheres," we just do not know the "whens" until tonight) and have a good time.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl" title="NFL analysis, news and photos">NFL</a> news on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Cam Newton: What Did Jon Gruden&#8217;s QB Camp Tell Us About Auburn Prospect?</title>
		<link>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/cam-newton-what-did-jon-grudens-qb-camp-tell-us-about-auburn-prospect/</link>
		<comments>http://www.freeagentwriter.com/nfl/cam-newton-what-did-jon-grudens-qb-camp-tell-us-about-auburn-prospect/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:01:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brian DiTullio</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/670307-2011-nfl-schedule-tony-romo-ryan-mallett-and-tuesdays-nfl-news/entry/65817-cam-newton-what-did-jon-grudens-qb-camp-tell-us-about-auburn-prospect</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Newton Fumbles Snap Count With Gruden</STRONG></P>
<P>Jon Gruden's Quarterback Camp segment on ESPN is "must see TV" if you are interested in the NFL Draft, or if you are a fan of a team considering drafting a quarterback this year.</P>
<P>Cam Newton appeared on the show this week and his performance was nothing short of awful.</P>
<P>Newton appeared smug, arrogant, and then completely clueless when Gruden started rattling off a snap count. This is not good if you think Newton is ready to lead a team in the NFL because he clearly is not.</P>
<P><A title="PFT Opinion" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/18/jon-gruden-puts-cam-newton-on-the-spot/" target="_blank">From ProFootballtalk.com</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>Newton very well may be able to learn the NFL terminology quickly.&#160; That said, Gruden proved in roughly one minute of interrogation that Newton comes to the NFL with zero knowledge or experience regarding the way that offensive plays are constructed and called.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>I have said it before and I will say it again, if Newton goes to Carolina, he will bust. The Panthers were not equipped to handle Jimmy Clausen's shortcomings and they are not equipped to handle Newton's shortcomings.</P>
<P><A title="Free Agents" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/668575-nfl-free-agency-2011-predictions-for-the-top-20-free-agents" target="_blank">MUST READ: Predictions For The Top 20 Free Agents</A></P>
<P>Newton needs to be treated like a child until he learns to play like an adult. Newton has that huge air of entitlement around him, and if he thinks he can just walk right in and be a competent starter in the NFL because he had some success at Auburn, he is wrong.</P>
<P>Since Newton does think that, and not in a good way, the Panthers fans are in for another year of disappointment as the Panthers front office most likely will throw Newton in before he is ready and watch him fail for a few weeks before going back to Clausen, who also will fail because he just is not very good.</P>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<P><STRONG>Newton Fumbles Snap Count With Gruden</STRONG></P>
<P>Jon Gruden's Quarterback Camp segment on ESPN is "must see TV" if you are interested in the NFL Draft, or if you are a fan of a team considering drafting a quarterback this year.</P>
<P>Cam Newton appeared on the show this week and his performance was nothing short of awful.</P>
<P>Newton appeared smug, arrogant, and then completely clueless when Gruden started rattling off a snap count. This is not good if you think Newton is ready to lead a team in the NFL because he clearly is not.</P>
<P><A title="PFT Opinion" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/18/jon-gruden-puts-cam-newton-on-the-spot/" >From ProFootballtalk.com</A>:</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>Newton very well may be able to learn the NFL terminology quickly.&nbsp; That said, Gruden proved in roughly one minute of interrogation that Newton comes to the NFL with zero knowledge or experience regarding the way that offensive plays are constructed and called.</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>I have said it before and I will say it again, if Newton goes to Carolina, he will bust. The Panthers were not equipped to handle Jimmy Clausen's shortcomings and they are not equipped to handle Newton's shortcomings.</P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><A title="Free Agents" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/668575-nfl-free-agency-2011-predictions-for-the-top-20-free-agents" >MUST READ: Predictions For The Top 20 Free Agents</A></P>
<P>Newton needs to be treated like a child until he learns to play like an adult. Newton has that huge air of entitlement around him, and if he thinks he can just walk right in and be a competent starter in the NFL because he had some success at Auburn, he is wrong.</P>
<P>Since Newton does think that, and not in a good way, the Panthers fans are in for another year of disappointment as the Panthers front office most likely will throw Newton in before he is ready and watch him fail for a few weeks before going back to Clausen, who also will fail because he just is not very good.</P>]]></content:encoded>
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