Z - From The Sidelines...

Locker Room Buzz - Week 16

December 21, 2007
10:15:59

On the heels of the final two week's of fantasy football, the Pro Bowl voting came in Tuesday, Dec. 18, bringing with it some no-brainers and some surprises. The Dallas Cowboys will be sending the majority of their starting roster to the Honolulu, sending 11 players, followed by the Minnesota Vikings who are sending seven players, including rookie running back Adrian Peterson, who will be starting for the NFC. Two teams that didn't send a player to the Pro Bowl might surprise some people. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have clinched their division, don't have a representative slated for Hawaii, while the Jacksonville Jaguars also don't have anyone making the trip. That could soon change, however, with the recent season ending injury to Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker (leg), who was named an alternate in the AFC. Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, who was an alternate to the alternates, is likely to take his place.

Every year there seems to be players that made the Pro Bowl primarily due to their reputation and not their play on the field, taking the spot of a more deserving player. The same was to be expected this year, so we polled our network to see if they felt that anyone from their respective teams was more deserving.

Were there any players from your team that you feel were snubbed from the Pro Bowl?

Yes: 66 percent
No: 34 percent

Some of the players that the network felt that should have made it consisted of players like Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram, who has overcome a career-threatening obstacle to be in line to set a franchise record in receptions this season. Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole, who has 12.5 sacks, more than Green Bay Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora could have made his way in. Packers linebacker Nick Barnett and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks were snubbed, just to name a few.

We followed up that one question above with:

Which players, from any team in either conference, do you feel were snubbed from the Pro Bowl?

Some of the more notable names that the network felt were snubbed throughout the league were led by Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, followed by Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams. The fact that no player is currently representing the Buccaneers or Jaguars was proposed more than once. Some of the honorable mentions include Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, which the consensus on him is that he was injured and missed a few games to cost him is bid. Others include New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston and Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson.

Here are few of the comments to behind their reasoning:

I'm surprised ... the fact that none of the Jacksonville Jaguars players made it to me is crazy. I would think that it would be Fred Taylor ... The fact that Miami defensive end Jason Taylor made it is due to his reputation, especially considering that they are 1-13 while the two other Florida teams, the Jaguars and Buccaneers don't have a single player in the Pro Bowl.

I don't have anyone who was snubbed, but I would have chosen Shawn Merriman (11.5 sacks) over James Harrison as a starter at outside linebacker. Harrison only has 8.5 (two in the past five games). Also, I would make Antonio Cromartie (league-leading 10 interceptions) a starter over Asante Samuel at cornerback.

... I'd have to say it would be hard for me that Tampa Bay didn't have somebody that shouldn't have been on that team, especially with Dallas having 11 players. Can't imagine there isn't a Tampa Bay player at one of those 11 positions. Tampa Bay and the Jaguars based upon the success they've had, should've been two teams that are representatives.

Fred Taylor, looks like he'll get to go now anyway .... Should've been one of the top three. He's the main one; I think he should've made it ahead of Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai.

The second biggest one was New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker. He has 96 receptions so far.

Fred Taylor, I've jumped on that bandwagon. I think New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees should've been there instead of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. I think he's a better quarterback, more valuable to that team.... New Orleans got off to the horrible start, and that's why he's not there, but look at what he's done in the last 10 games.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram is about to set the franchise record for receptions and reach 1,000 yards for the first time in his career ... he's coming off the thyroid that endangered his life last year. He is three receptions away from breaking the franchise record in receptions and four away from breaking his career-high in receptions that he set with the Chicago Bears. It is an amazing season for the guy.

Yeah, the Saints Colston definitely should've gone. He's not even an alternate. Not really anyone else, but Colston should definitely be on the roster.

Good Luck with your team in these championship weeks, and continue reading as we get our buzz on!

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Tight end Kevin Everett (neck) is scheduled to appear at the Bills' Week 16 game. The elimination of the Bills from playoff contention may have taken some juice out of Orchard Park, but this should certainly produce an electricity to heat up the crowd.

The Bills signed wide receiver Roscoe Parrish (shoulder) to a three-year extension this week and envision him being their No. 3 wideout. They feel he could still have an increased role in the offense even from the slot position. The Bills still need a better No. 2 wide receiver to take the pressure off wideout Lee Evans.

Miami Dolphins

Bill Parcells has arrived in South Beach; now the press will spot him sporting high white socks with loafers along the beach. The good longtime friend of Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga spurned the Atlanta Falcons to make an agreement with his pal. Parcells has said he doesn't want to coach, so naturally, we'll take him for his word...

Both head coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller could be the first to fall under the axe. Linebacker Zach Thomas might stick around at a cheaper rate, and there were whispers of the team trading defensive end Jason Taylor.

Expect wide receiver Marty Booker to return next season, but running back Jesse Chatman is still a mystery. With running back Ronnie Brown and possibly even halfback Ricky Williams sticking around, Chatman might draw the short straw. He's borderline starter material anyway, though.

New England Patriots

With two obstacles remaining until their possible place in history, don't expect the 14-0 Patriots to bench many of their players until the game is well in hand. They don't want a repeat of the 2005 Indianapolis Colts, when they sat players down the stretch and went on to lose in the playoffs. They had full pad practices this week, something they hadn’t done since the first week of training camp.

New England might have to avoid getting complacent. Head coach Bill Belichick reportedly berated the team in the video room for 45 minutes, and reminded the team that the Dolphins had won their second seasonal matchup against the Pats in each of the last three seasons.

New York Jets

Talk about too little, too late. The Jets players voted quarterback Chad Pennington as the team's most inspirational player. Pennington undoubtedly earned the award because he took his benching in stride and didn't try to divide the locker room.

Who did the team vote as its MVP? None other than running back and kick returner Leon Washington.

This offseason, you might find Jets fans changing their banter from their trademark "J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!" chant to the even more blood-curdling "Soooooooooooooooey!" That is if the Jets find themselves in position to grab University of Arkansas running back Darren McFadden in the 2008 draft. Such a move might spell goodbye for running back Thomas Jones via a trade.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

The key to quarterback Troy Smith's success this week could be his ability to keep his poise. He faces a tough matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, and it will be important for him to understand that he won't look good at times and that it will be key for him not to let his mistakes snowball.

The likelihood that Smith can be the quarterback of the future in Baltimore is highly unlikely. According to a source, the best thing that he can do is play for the backup spot next season. If he is able to play well and pull out a win or two, he will need a strong training camp in order to compete for the No. 2 spot. The odds of that happening seem slim and it is more logical that he returns next season as the team's No. 3 quarterback.

Expect a lot of running from the Ravens this week. Smith, who will be making the first start of his career, threw the ball only once in overtime and the team is expected to get creative with the rookie quarterback.

Cincinnati Bengals

In their Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, these two teams slugged it out, with quarterback Carson Palmer throwing for six touchdowns and Browns quarterback Derek Anderson throwing for five. It would make the Bengals more than happy to beat the Browns this week, a team that figures to be less likely to get involved in another shootout considering how close they are to getting into the playoffs.

The thinking from head coach Marvin Lewis on why wide receiver Chris Henry hasn't been as effective as he was in the first two weeks that he returned from suspension is simple. He's not getting open. But there is apparently more to it than what meets the eye. He's singular in his ability, he won't fight for the ball in traffic, and while he can beat people deep, if you hit him he isn't that good.

Running back Kenny Watson is expected to get the start this week and should be the primary back throughout the game. Watson runs the screen as well as anybody in the league and both the coaches and Palmer have confidence in Watson over halfback DeDe Dorsey, who would be the No. 2 back this week if Watson starts.

Cleveland Browns

It is too early to tell whether the team regrets making the trade with the Dallas Cowboys for their 2008 first-round pick. The performance of quarterback Derek Anderson has made that a topic for discussion, but it isn't believed that until he wins a playoff game that it could be really up for debate. The team may still believe that quarterback Brady Quinn is the better option, while the pick that they will ultimately have to give the Cowboys is heading into the 20's. It remains too early to tell, but the debate could rage on if the Browns win some playoff games.

If there were to be an MVP for the Browns this season, we don't think it is any surprise that Anderson was selected by our source. The team simply isn't able to do what they did this season if quarterback Charlie Frye was still under center.

Pittsburgh Steelers

While head coach Mike Tomlin has lead the Steelers to the top of their division, he apparently hasn't been perfect according to our source. He hasn't been able to make adjustments in the middle of a game when the game plan on either side of the ball isn't working. He has spent a lot of time working on special teams, but his hire of special teams coach Bob Ligashesky, who failed in a few previous jobs, hasn't worked out for the most part. However, Tomlin is clearly in charge and has the respect of the players. The Steelers are a better team than they were a year ago, but that likely would have been the case under any coach. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is having a Pro Bowl season after struggling throughout 2006.

The two main targets for the Steelers in the offseason will likely be at wide receiver and all three positions on the offensive line. They have a real problem at center where Sean Mahan has been bad all season; guard is another problem because they will almost certainly be losing Alan Faneca to free agency and right tackle Willie Colon has been barely serviceable for the team this season.

AFC South

Houston Texans

Defensive end Mario Williams, a popular choice as a Pro Bowl snub, has seven sacks in the last three weeks while making the leap into the elite category at his position. He has seemingly played with a chip on his shoulder in the last few weeks of the season but doesn’t seem to be disappointed that he didn't make the Pro Bowl. Elite fantasy linebacker DeMeco Ryans feels his pain; he was also snubbed last year despite posting 126 solo tackles (156 total) and 5.5 sacks.

Expect the carries to be split just about evenly this Sunday between running backs Ron Dayne and Darius Walker. Although he's getting an even split, Walker still hasn't truly proven himself as a No. 2 back. He still has difficulty in pass protection and finding holes to run through.

Running back Ahman Green (knee) might be asked to restructure his contract for next year. It also wouldn't be surprising if the Texans went after a No. 1 running back via free agency or the draft.

Indianapolis Colts

The first Colt to suffer the wrath of the bench in Week 16 could be running back Joseph Addai; he could bow out to fellow back Kenton Keith in the third quarter if the Colts have the game in hand. Keith could see upwards of 10-15 touches.

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez should also remain in the lineup longer than stud wideout Reggie Wayne, therefore putting himself in line for more statistics. Gonzalez has achieved the privilege of coming out after Wayne, however, if the Colts build an insurmountable lead.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Running back Fred Taylor (1,091 yards, four touchdowns) was voted as the first alternate to the Pro Bowl this week, and now he might get a chance to head to Hawaii. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker (leg) is out for the season after breaking his leg Thursday night, and Taylor is lined up to take his spot. Parker actually called Taylor during the game and told him he wanted him to take his spot. At press time, the move was not officially made and Taylor was reserving excitement about the potential selection.

Wide receiver Reggie Williams has apparently earned the respect of the coaching staff through his hard work after practice on pass catching and route running. He did drop a few passes last week, but neither the coaching staff nor quarterback David Garrard expressed any frustration about it. In fact, Garrard and the wideouts have had a good connection this year; the wideouts aren't being asked to make some of the circus-like receptions they made when less-accurate quarterback Byron Leftwich (Atlanta Falcons) was under center.

Those who call the Jags receiving corps depleted forget that their 2007 third-round pick, former University of Central Florida wide receiver Mike Walker (knee), was drafted to be a speed threat but knee problems sidelined him for the season. He could be a nice addition next season.

Tennessee Titans

Year Two of quarterback Vince Young's era is almost complete, and the results seem to be mixed. His completion percentage is going up, but so is his interception total. He has slightly improved in his accuracy and is avoiding making too many throws into double- or triple-coverage. His footwork and throws are sometimes lackadaisical, and his receiving corps hasn't helped him much, either. Among their wideouts, Young's favorite target seems to be receiver Justin Gage and his favorite big-play option is wideout Roydell Williams.

Another name to add to that could be journeyman wide receiver Mike Williams. He should be a part of their plans heading to the offseason.
The expected carry split puts running back LenDale White at 75 percent of the carries and fellow tailback Chris Brown at 25 percent.
Running back Chris J. Henry is set to return from his four-game suspension to serve mostly as a depth option and as a kick returner.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Those nostalgic Broncos fans might want to brace themselves for a reality check: Wide receiver Rod Smith (hip) might have hung around too long, a la former New York Jets running back Curtis Martin. His career might be over. However, with how much Smith means to the organization, his departure would be on mutual terms.

Third-string quarterback Darrell Hackney was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of a DUI, a few months after wide receiver Brandon Marshall was picked up for the same crime. Are the Broncos the new Cincinnati Bengals? It doesn't seem so. However, head coach Mike Shanahan is said to have had a reputation of talking about character but excusing indiscretions if a player is playing well.
Linebacker Ian Gold might be seeing his last days as a Bronco, and the team could ask running back Travis Henry to restructure his contract.

Kansas City Chiefs

Don't expect running back Larry Johnson (foot) to be thrust onto the field again this year. Running back Kolby Smith has been more than adequate in taking over in Johnson's absence, posting at least 82 yards in three of the last four games. If they had held on to running back Michael Bennett, who knows when (or if) Smith would have gotten his chance?

With his placement on the Injured Reserve list, offensive lineman Kyle Turley (ankle) might have played his last NFL game. Although he has retired in previous years, Turley hasn't garnered much interest around the league and almost certainly won’t be back with the Chiefs.
The Chiefs seem to be in need of filling out the offensive line as a weak draft resulted in a depleted depth chart. They relied too much on tackle Damion McIntosh without filling in their other holes along the line.

Oakland Raiders

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper (quadriceps) will not play again this season, and sources close to the team say he won't return to Oakland next year.

So, that means quarterback JaMarcus Russell has more of a chance to be the starter next year. If the Raiders bring back fellow quarterback Josh McCown, there's no reason not to think Russell would get his shot. If they drop McCown and bring in a former starter, Russell might be given more time to learn from the sidelines.

With running back Justin Fargas (knee) likely to miss the rest of the season, fellow halfbacks LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes are set to split the carries. Rhodes is a more apt outside runner. For the long-term picture, Fargas is an unrestricted free agent next year. The Raiders will attempt to re-sign him, but they might back off if another team throws a big offer at him. They would have Jordan and Rhodes under contract, and fellow tailback Michael Bush (leg) could be a factor next season after spending this entire campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Expect wide receiver Jerry Porter to void his contract. It doesn't look like the Raiders will attempt to bring him back. He never had much time to develop a consistent rhythm with the team because of their quarterback revolving door.
Despite speculation revolving around several college jobs, head coach Lane Kiffin is expected to return next season. However, Kiffin might ask to get rid of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

San Diego Chargers

Running back Michael Turner is almost certain to test the temperature of the free-agent market this offseason. “The Burner” could command a starting job - along with the corresponding salary - elsewhere, and backing up stud running back LaDainian Tomlinson would just be an expensive insurance policy for the Chargers.

Linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee) will likely play this Monday.
Quarterback Philip Rivers (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 20, and split snaps with backup quarterback Billy Volek. Rivers is still in line to start Monday.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

One key to the Cowboys' success this year seemed to be the silence of wide receiver Terrell Owens. He found the microphones once again this week by calling out pop star Jessica Simpson, close lady friend of quarterback Tony Romo (thumb). Luckily, Romo has no beef with T.O. Maybe T.O. can give Jessica a can of Chicken of the Sea and wait for her to figure out what it is.

One man who IS being punished for his actions is strong safety Roy Williams, who was suspended for Saturday's game after making his third horse collar tackle of the season. The offensive players in the locker room agreed with the suspension and the defense was opposed.

Unfortunately, Williams might not be able to kick his penchant to break his own rule. Coaches have tried to work it out of his system, and the league has sent him letters about his technique. He has reportedly done it since he was eight years old. The league has pretty much decided that if he keeps doing it, he'll keep serving suspensions.

Head coach Wade Phillips has seemingly proved the doubters wrong a little, but the playoffs will tell the true tale of his coaching style. Former head coach Bill Parcells certainly deserves some credit by putting the team together, but Phillips has extracted the most talent from the players.

New York Giants

On Sept. 9, then Denver Broncos wide receiver Domenik Hixon was being tackled by Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett when Everett went down after the collision. Everett was believed to have been paralyzed. However, through a risky spinal surgery, Everett is now able to walk on his own and plans to attend the Bills game this Sunday. Hixon, now with the Giants, hopes he can meet with Everett at some point. Hixon told reporters that the Everett play was one of the hardest hits he ever felt. Although the Bills won't be making a postseason trip, Everett's presence will certainly give the Bills, the Giants and all football fans something to cheer about.

Back to on-field matters, the Giants had some explaining to do after they attempted 52 passes in gusting winds against the Washington Redskins last week. Head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning noted that Washington quarterback Todd Collins also had plenty of pass attempts. Of course, the eight drops didn't help, especially the gaffe by wideout Amani Toomer that could’ve gone for six.

Tight ends Kevin Boss and Michael Matthews will likely be splitting time while replacing injured tight end Jeremy Shockey (leg), who will miss the rest of the season after he broke his fibula in Week 15. Boss is the pass-catcher, and Matthews (normally an H-back and fullback) is the better blocker.

Philadelphia Eagles

Our source said it could be 60-40 that McNabb doesn't return this year. Fox sideline reporter Pam Oliver claims McNabb said the organization is trying to distance themselves from him in order to sever ties at the end of the season. The Eagles have said that they want him back, but that could also be posturing to drive up his value on the trade market.

Linebacker Takeo Spikes (rotator cuff) was placed on Injured Reserve this past week, ending his 2007 season. He has a $5 million option next season, so the Eagles could ask him to rework the deal. He was a spark for the team as the season wore on, so they would be inclined to bring him back.

Place kicker David Akers missed another field goal this week. He is really showing his age and some lingering affects from a hamstring issue he had a few years ago.
Special teams coach Rory Segrest hasn't had a great first year in that capacity; their cover and return games have declined.

Washington Redskins

Quarterback Jason Campbell (knee) hasn't started working out yet in an attempt to test his dislocated kneecap. The Redskins are likely to shut him down for the remainder of the year even if they reach the postseason.

The Skins are able to protect Campbell at least partly because of the play of veteran backup Todd Collins, who has helped lead Washington to back-to-back victories and kept them in the playoff race. Collins gets rid of the ball quicker, something that he can pass onto Campbell when he returns next year. Collins was running Campbell's game plan against the Chicago Bears and had a basic game plan in last week's blustery weather. This week figures to be his real test as a starter.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

The coaching staff was less than enamored with the play of quarterback Kyle Orton last Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. He did manage to avoid the turnover bug until his late interception, but that was about the only thing he did right. He checked down to running back Adrian N. Peterson a ton and frankly didn't show much.

Head coach Lovie Smith has said not to expect sweeping changes during the offeseason, but looking at their roster it's hard to say major moves aren't in order. Everything starts at the quarterback position, but beyond that they could use help along the lines, at receiver, running back and safety. Plus, there could be some axes falling on positional coaches and possibly a coordinator (though don't bet on it) after the season.

The team is trying to finish on a high note, so don't expect a lot of younger guys getting additional playing time. The one exception could be undersized tailback Garrett Wolfe.

Detroit Lions

Despite another year of missing the playoffs, look for quarterback Jon Kitna to be at the helm heading into the 2008 season barring a major offseason addition. The team is rumored to have interest in Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, who is set to be a restricted free agent, but those are just rumors. Quarterback Drew Stanton might be someone to watch as Detroit could try to accelerate his development during the offseason.

Detroit is in the same boat as Chicago in wanting to win at least one of their last two games rather than using them for talent evaluation. The club hasn't won more than six games since 2000 and wants to pick up their seventh win so they can show measurable progress.

The signing of linebacker Buster Davis was done with an eye on next season. The 2007 third-round pick is not expected to play anything beyond special teams in the final two games.
From the fantasy file, the current pecking order for wideouts in the Motor City is as follows: Receiver Shaun McDonald is No. 1, followed by wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Mike Furrey.

Green Bay Packers

While Detroit and Chicago are playing for nothing but pride, the Packers are in the thick of the hunt for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. However, oddly enough it is Green Bay that is using their last two games to give extended playing time to some younger players. Specifically, they are rotating cornerbacks Jarrett Bush (calf), Tramon Williams, Frank Walker and Will Blackmon in the expanded secondary packages to get them battle-tested for the playoffs.

Offensively they've been rotating their receivers all season long so all five are comfortable in the offense. There should definitely be something to read into here as Green Bay's ability to develop talent from within is a big part of what has landed them back among the NFL's elite.

While the Lambeau Field mystique may not be what it was during the mid-90s, home-field advantage is still very important to the Packers. Any warmer weather team that would have to travel to Green Bay in January could be in a position where they need to make a lot of adjustments.

Minnesota Vikings

It looks like some people were a little too hasty to jump on the bandwagon of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson as the second-year pro was shaky in Monday's win over Chicago. There is no doubt he is improving, but he is far from a polished field general.

Despite his strong play over the last month or so, running back Chester Taylor saw a greatly reduced role Monday night even with halfback Adrian Peterson struggling a bit. It appears that Peterson is back as the team's top option as long as he remains healthy, but there is really no concrete working plan for how carries will be divided up. The safe bet seems to be to assume that AD will get most of the touches.

With wide receiver Sidney Rice (ankle) unlikely to play, look for receiver Bobby Wade to serve as the top option. He should be followed by wide receivers Robert Ferguson, Aundrae Allison and Troy Williamson (concussion) if the latter plays. Don't expect Williamson or Allison to see many passes, though.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Adding onto the pile that has been the Falcons' 2007 season, Bill Parcells turned down the team's vice president job after being close to signing a deal. He turned his back in order to work with buddy H. Wayne Huizenga, owner of the Miami Dolphins. The team could look to former head coach Marty Schottenheimer to coach the team and Buddy Nix of the San Diego Chargers to serve as assistant general manager. They could even bring in Kurt Schottenheimer, Marty's younger brother and the current secondary coach for the Green Bay Packers, if they wanted a long-term plan given Marty’s advancing years.

Either way, president/general manager Rich McKay is harnessing a lot of the blame for the mess surrounding former head coach Bobby Petrino. Falcons owner Arthur Blank wanted former Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary.

Interim head coach Emmitt Thomas can only go down with the sinking ship, and the Falcons busted a few holes in their own hulls with a 37-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. When your whole offense came off the boot of place kicker Morten Anderson, you know the interim coach isn't the issue.

Carolina Panthers

With the Panthers' 13-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, head coach John Fox might have helped to keep his job for 2008. A good showing against both the Dallas Cowboys and the Buccaneers during the final two weeks might bolster his cause. The opposite showing might punch his plane ticket.

With Fox calling the plays, offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson has had his hands tied all season. Losing quarterback Jake Delhomme (elbow) started the domino effect, and the Panthers may have to work towards increasing their vertical passing game and getting wideout Steve Smith more involved next year. Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett could be the guy to help take pressure off Smith, but he will need to prove himself more than he has this season.

Defensive end Mike Rucker could retire at the end of the season. Other expected departures include:

Offensive lineman Travelle Wharton, to start somewhere else.
Wide receiver Keary Colbert, who has his contract expiring.
Linebacker Dan Morgan (Achilles'), who might retire.
Quarterbacks Vinny Testaverde, who may soon start to fossilize, and David Carr, who will likely be looking for another fresh start.

New Orleans Saints

Running back Reggie Bush (knee) would only return on a spot basis this week. However, don't place your bet that he will play just yet; this could be a smokescreen to throw off the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Saints could match up with the Seahawks or the Buccaneers if they make the playoffs, and they've beaten them both this season. The Seahawks offense would challenge the Saints' weak secondary.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Even with the already existing depth in the backfield, expect running back Michael Pittman (ankle) to return next season. He's a favorite of head coach John Gruden because of his versatility and his blocking.

The wide receiver pecking order behind wideout Joey Galloway remains receiver Ike Hilliard at No. 2, receiver Mark Clayton at No. 3 and wideout Maurice Stovall at No. 4.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

While head coach Ken Whisenhunt has been coy when discussing a starter for next year, our sources believe that the job will go to quarterback Matt Leinart (shoulder). Besides the obvious differences in age and salary, quarterback Kurt Warner is also careless with the football, which is a major bugaboo for Whisenhunt, as he wants his signal callers to protect the pigskin.

Despite being eliminated from postseason contention, don't look for many changes in terms of personnel getting extended playing time over the final two games. Whisenhunt still wants to win.

One player that some felt could benefit from a longer look is running back J.J. Arrington, but the team apparently holds no illusions about his prospects of being a No. 1 back. They think he is a solid as a situational player, primarily on third and passing downs.

An assessment of Whisenhunt's first year on the job: He has done well overall and has the team headed in the right direction. While it was disappointing that they lost so many close games, there appears to be stability in the desert for the first time in a while.

Look for Arizona to address deficiencies in their secondary during the offseason by possibly adding another cornerback and upgrading the free safety spot manned this year by Terrence Holt, who has struggled.

San Francisco 49ers

The team is happy with the job that quarterback Shaun Hill has done since being pressed into duty, but thoughts that he will compete with quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) for the starting job next summer might be a little farfetched. The organization may call it an "open competition" to appease the fans, but Hill simply lacks some of the physical tools desired in a starting quarterback at the NFL level, including arm strength.

Hill's lack of arm strength has actually been a shot in the arm for their disappointing offseason addition, wide receiver Darrell Jackson. D-Jax suddenly looks rejuvenated operating out of a truer West Coast offense built on shorter routes, which is what Jackson runs best.

Not surprisingly, the team will be looking to upgrade in a lot of areas after winning just four of their first 14 games this year. Topping the list should be a pass rusher, as the team has struggled to bring pressure all year long. Offensively, look for them to overhaul their offensive line and receiver positions, but don't expect all of the offensive changes to occur on the field. Some coaching changes may be in order as well.

Seattle Seahawks

The team isn't closing the book on running back Shaun Alexander just yet, but they could certainly look to target a running back in the second or third rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft as a developmental project. Alexander's inability to catch the ball makes him a poor fit for their current offense, and backup halfback Maurice Morris offers a nice alternative but isn't cut out to be an every-down back.

Speaking of Seattle's poor running game, they could barely make forward progress in their upset loss last Sunday to the Carolina Panthers. Part of the problem was that windy conditions prevented them from throwing the ball the way they usually do. That simply worsened the problems of their running attack and the season-long poor play of their offensive line, specifically the interior. Expect both positions (halfback and O-line) to be addressed during the offseason.

Head coach Mike Holmgren's future remains up in the air, as the former Super Bowl winner could retire following the season or even get shown the door if they elect to elevate assistant head coach Jim Mora to the top spot. Mora was brought in to be the heir apparent, but the clock might be ticking, as the University of Washington could have interest in their alum.

St. Louis Rams

Is next week's contest going to be receiver Isaac Bruce's last with the Rams? Our sources put the odds at 60-40 that he will move on, but he should continue playing in the league. One possible destination: wherever Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz is coaching next year.

Expect the Rams to concentrate on upgrading their offensive and defensive lines via the draft and free agency. Beyond that, the next position on the agenda may be receiver.

Who might the team target with a top-five selection? Defensive linemen Glenn Dorsey (Louisiana State) and Chris Long (University of Virginia) are possibilities. A dark horse pick could be running back Darren McFadden (University of Arkansas), though how they could work him and halfback Steven Jackson into the mix together could be an interesting dilemma.