A Bit Pricey

(Yes, this video displays touchdown after touchdown. But, pay attention to exactly how. Pittsburgh can find another speedster to simply go deep and catch the ball.)

            Wide receiver Mike Wallace may have proven to be too fast, even for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This pro bowl wide receiver out of Ole Miss is set to become a restricted free agent and is looking to be paid.

            While talking with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Wallace gave an open answer when asked about playing for the Patriots or the 49ers. "Most definitely. Those are two playoff-caliber teams. Super Bowl-caliber teams," said Wallace. He continued to say, “I definitely want to get my money.” That is probably the last thing that Steelers fans wanted to hear.

            With Wallace being a restricted free agent, he will be able to talk with other teams and even sign an offer sheet. If Pittsburgh chooses not to match the offer, the signing team will owe Pittsburgh a 1^st round draft pick.

            The question that comes to mind, how much is Wallace worth? If they want to keep him, they need to get his name inked on a long term contract. If the Steelers tag him, it could end up being detrimental to the rest of the roster. That 9 million dollar check will be money they cannot spend on draft picks or potential free agents. Also, consider another veteran as good as gone if the tag is applied.

            Wallace has proven to be one of the best deep threats in the game. But, that is all he has proven. He rarely wins a jump ball and lacks the ability to break up possible interceptions. I also believe he displayed a little quit in him when Antonio Brown started marking up the stats sheet. Overall, if he can’t speed past the defender then count him out. The Steelers need to consider something. What kind of receiver do you have when you take away his speed?

            I say let him pursue other options and take the first round compensation. Acquire the extra draft pick and start the rebuilding process. The Steelers have two bigger issues than signing Wallace. Their offensive line has done nothing but prove they will get their 100 million dollar quarterback killed and their secondary failed to attend a game.

            History has shown the Steelers like to build through the draft. What better way to build than having two first round picks? If they were to use the picks to address their below average line and to help a seemingly winded secondary, I would find nothing wrong with Wallace leaving.

            The Steelers need to consider their overall needs as a team. Some fans may not like it, but the deal needs to be done. It’s time to keep your quarterback upright and acquire the talent to play against a passing league. Let Wallace walk and do whatever it takes to keep this team a legitimate threat.

The Heat is on in Dallas

Still America's Team?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is on the hot seat. This quarterback is one of the most overrated players at his position. Overall, he is a good quarterback. However, the great ones help put a ring on your finger and he has repeatedly failed to do so.

Romo threw for 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions last season. Since Romo has started, the Cowboys have only made a mere four playoff appearances in nine years. Out of those four appearances, they only notched up one playoff win against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys have a DeMarcus Ware led defense, two great halfbacks, and some of the most bright young receivers in the game. But, when the game is on the line, the quarterback position seems to be of vacancy.

The fact of the matter is this; Romo seemingly punches in throughout the regular season. However, if the post season arises, he’ll be known for making plays such as this.

One can blame it on the coaching, trainers, teammates, or simply slightly better opponents. But, Romo started off his career on the bench for a reason. He was left as an undrafted free agent for a reason. Other teams obviously saw a weakness that the Cowboys did not.

Self note to owner Jerry Jones, the NFL draft starts April 26th and free agency starts March 13th. By time free agency starts Drew Brees, Matt Flynn, and possibly Peyton Manning will all need new homes. Leave Romo work on his gulf swing and find yourself a quarterback up to the challenge.

86 is His Jersey Number Not Age

Despite turning 36 in March, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward still has the desire to play this upcoming season.

"I'd probably have to restructure my contract," Ward told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That's fine with me. I recognize that. I'm telling you I want to be here, I'm telling you I'm willing to do that. And I understand the ramifications -- we have the cap number and stuff, but I want to be here."

This season, Ward finished with a near career low 46 receptions for 381 yard and 2 touchdowns. Don’t be too fast to claim it’s because he lost a step. That’s not the main reason for his decline this season.

It’s obvious; Ben Roethlisberger’s new found love for the deep ball practically took Ward out of the passing game. Ward cannot continue to prove himself, if the ball is not thrown his way. Another fact to consider, most active 36 year old receivers in the league wouldn’t start over the likes of Mike Wallace and emerging Antonio Brown.

One might consider Emmanuel Sanders to solidify the number 3 spot. But, keep in mind Sanders is good, when healthy. Which these last couple of years has proven that isn’t too often. The Steelers recently let go of wide receiver Arnaz Battle. Fellow wide out Jerricho Cotchery already has a foot out the door. Next to Ward, that leaves tight end Heath Miller to keep the receiving game dangerous.

Ward may not have a full tank of gas but he sure isn’t on empty either. He deserves credit where credit is due. The emergence of Wallace and Brown doesn’t just happen naturally. One has to believe that Ward took the liberty of mentoring these two young stars. But, do you pay 4 million dollars next year for a mentor?

No, I do not think they should. However, I believe if he was to restructure his deal then one would have to retain him. Ward’s stats speak for themselves. It is obvious that he has never had speed. But, he is one of the most sure handed wide receivers in the game today. Over a 14 year span, Ward had only 12 career fumbles, 85 receiving touch downs, 1,000 receptions, and an immaculate 12,083 receiving yards.

Keep in mind, Ward was a college quarterback who got drafted to play receiver on a running football team.  If you ask me, that’s not too shabby.

Whether he is catching touchdowns, moving the chains, or slamming his helmet into a defender, will the Steelers risk having to game plan against him? One has to wonder, if the price is right, will the team retain the future hall of famer? If you don't remember what number 86 has brought to the table, take a few minutes out and click this link.

An Epic Rematch

Video highlights of the last time these two met in the Super Bowl.

 

It's Tom Brady and the Patriots, Eli Manning and the Giants, and its Super Bowl XLVI. This highly anticipated rematch is sure to be one to never forget.

Brady, in search of his 4^th ring, will have to go to war against some overwhelming odds. Not only will he be facing an overpowering Giants defensive line, he will have to face the man that beat him in his last Super Bowl appearance. However, do not expect the same outcome as the last time these teams met in the Super Bowl.

Brady has 2 new weapons in his already loaded arsenal. Tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski will be the “X Factors” in this year’s game. According to the NFL network, Gronkowski was spotted walking without a boot or a limp. Does this story sound a little familiar?

Before Brady’s last Super Bowl appearance, he was caught walking around in a boot and considered questionable. He was considered questionable all up until game time, when he took the field and never looked healthier. There is a difference between injured and hurt. This late in the season everyone is hurt, including Gronkowski. Expect him to deliver tomorrow when his number is called.

Other notables, Brady’s former go to guy Wes Welker. Welker isn’t the biggest, strongest, or the fastest. He simply gets open and he catches practically everything. As for my nonfactor, Chad Ochocinco has filled that slot. Next to the action he sees on Twitter, Ochocinco should not be thought of by the Giants or the Patriots.

If Brady gets the ball out quickly then points should appear on the board as expected. But, if the Giants get to him this could be deja vu all over again. When rattled Brady plays like a sub-par quarterback. I’m sure the Giants will use that to their advantage. Count on Jason Pierre Paul, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora to apply the pressure.

If they don’t apply the pressure, the Giants will need to rely heavily on an Eli Manning to Victor Cruz connection. This surging dynamic duo will keep the Patriots defense on their heels. One mishap by the Patriots below average secondary and count on seeing a salsa dance in the end zone.

Overall, the Giants are the better all-around team. They have a prolific passing game, good running game, and they play phenomenal defense. However, if one took away Brady and their passing attack then we are talking about a team that never made the Super Bowl. In the end, I pick the G-Men to win in a nail biter 24 to 21.