NFC

NFC East

1. New York Giants: The Giants have one of the best defenses in the NFC as they have the pass rushing and run stopping capabilities within their front seven. Although they may have lost a piece of their three-headed monster running game and a dominant receiver, Eli Manning still has the weapons around him to be successful. He must manage the clock well for a successful season.

2. Philadelphia Eagles: With major additions through subtraction within free agency, trades and the draft during the offseason the Eagles made key improvements to the defense and the offense. Jeremy Maclin will multiply the quickness of Deshawn Jackson, leaving the Giants as their conference roadblock.

3. Washington Redskins: Many doubt the talent of Jason Campbell believing there is a quarterback problem in the nation’s capital. However, with the addition of Albert Haynesworth and other defensive weapons the Skins have the offensive power to be competitive within the division.  

4. Dallas Cowboys: The “Big D” may have dismissed and released character issues such as T.O. and Greg Ellis from their clubhouse, but unless Marion Barber and a healthy Felix Jones can assist Tony Romo in pushing the offense the Cowboys will be left without any popcorn popping.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers: With the new talented pieces added to go with the newly installed 3-4 defensive scheme, the Packers improve substantially from 2008. Last season Aaron Rodgers showed he could be an above average quarterback producing good stats and look for him to sling the ball more against a mediocre schedule.

2. Minnesota Vikings: Although the Vikings already have a quarterback competition brewing between Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, the fate of the Vikings could depend on an undecided Brett Farve. But look for the strong running game lead by Adrian Peterson and a solid defense to continue to be the anchor of the Viking team as they look for another playoff birth.

3. Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler already is bringing a lost dimension of the offense to Chicago in a passing game, but the question is who will be the key to catching the long bomb of Cutler? Also, the dominant Bears defense of the past must emerge in order to give the Bears a remote chance.

4. Detroit Lions: The Lions will finally get some wins with the accurate passing of Matt Stafford and acrobatic receiving ability of Calvin Johnson. The Lions’ defense will still be a growing concern for as there are little dominant pieces.

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons obviously believed the rumors of a weak defense as all of their draft picks went to the "X" side of the ball. Michael “the Burner” Turner and Jerious Norwood will assist Matt Ryan in his second season in winning the division once again.

2. New Orleans Saints: With Reggie Bush coming off of injury, Pierre Thomas must assist Drew Brews in outscoring the opposition, because the Saints defense is still lacking in the ability to make big plays.

3. Carolina Panthers: The main factor for the Panthers success is if Jake Delhomme can throw to the team wearing the correct jersey. The two-headed backfield of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will make stellar plays, and the improved defense can make for an interesting finish for the season.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: New coach Raheem Morris seems to have learned from Jon Gruden, as Morris is collecting quarterbacks within his stable. Until the starting quarterback situation is resolved, the Buccaneers are in for another long season.

NFC West

1. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals passing game is too potent for any team within the NFC West to compete, not to mention they added an inside running back in Beanie Wells and the defensive should improve from their conference championship state.

2.  Seattle Seahawks: If Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy throughout the season, the new addition of T.J. Houshmanzadeh can reap the benefits. The Seahawks must improve their running game and their defense and rookie linebacker Aaron Curry can definitely assist in the later.

3. San Francisco 49ers: Under the military discipline role of Mike Singletary the team can gain a winning hunger and attitude. Under the veteran leadership of Isaac Bruce, rookie Michael Crabtree could bring a dynamic piece to the passing game.

4. St. Louis Rams: The offensive line did improve but both sides of the ball have too many holes. Steven Jackson will have to lead the offense down the field as this looks to be Marc Bulger’s final season under center in the St. Louis.

National Football Post

The New York Giants' former wideouts Burress and Toomer are occupied. Burress is occupied with the court system and he has a due date in September and he will most likely not be able to shirk from this one.

As for Toomer, he is with his new team the Kansas City Chiefs, which is an excellent place for Amani to be at this point in his career. Amani is the veteran receiver in KC, and will be honored as such, as the majority of Chiefs receivers are young and inexperienced (at least to Amani’s standards). For sure those young guys will benefit greatly having him with the organization.

Also the Giants can finally rest after coming to terms with Hakeem Nicks and Eli Manning. It was scary for the fans for they knew that the Giants did not want to lose either of these individuals.

Eli is the Giant QB and although they have a competent backup in David Carr, he is no Eli Manning. Manning will be even more dangerous a passer when they are playing in the new stadium.

He will no longer be battling the terrific wind differential as he had the past four years. Even with the opposing winds Eli was still able to pump out 3,000 yards a season and more touchdowns than interceptions, including a super bowl victory a couple years back.

Giant fans are looking for great things from Eli. Giant fans are also looking for great things from Hakeem Nicks. Sure, Hakeem is an untested rookie but he has a tremendous upside, he has great hands, speed, and vision.

Teams will not be able to double team him and get away with it either as Steve Smith will be all over the field and he has the best hands of any Giant receivers. Plus Boss is back and Tyree less anyone forget just how big a threat he is.

Then there is the other untested wide out Ramses Barden. Ramses is huge, big hands, big body, and big heart. He has the athleticism of a wide out and the strength and size of a tight end. 

This new action for the Giant offense plus some new faces and old faces (all pro bowl types) connecting for the defense has many Giant fans thinking super bowl. Why not this could be the most explosive offense (receiver-wise) the Giants have tabled in many years.

It’s for sure looking interesting and that’s another story.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Very well-rounded team here. They have an extremely good offense, if Brian Westbrook is able to stay healthy, but still very good if not. Expect to see DeSean Jackson continue to enhance his stature and become a top-10 WR in the NFL.

The Eagles have a top 10 QB, top four RB, top 20 WR (at this point), along with explosive young draft picks in RB LeSean McCoy and WR Jeremy Maclin.

The defense shares something in common with the offense: It is nicely put together. No holes anywhere. B-Bunk and Patterson are a scary young DT combo, and should only improve next to the ferocious Trent Cole, who generates great blindside pressure on the opposing QB.

McNabb has finally got a legit receiving core, so no more excuses for the front office and "fans."

2. New York Giants

Stop talking to me about Plax.

When you have Brandon Jacobs on your team, you can afford sub-par receivers. With a running back that hard to bring down, defenses will be forced to put eight in the box, which also makes for a very effective play action game, and that isn't dependent on your talent at WR.

The offense will be fine.

The defense outside the D-Line is totally average, but guess what? They have the best line in the NFC that puts insane pressure on the quarterback literally every play.

Insane DT rotation with Robbins-Canty-Bernard after the recent signings, combined with two top five DEs and a shutdown CB? This defense will definitely be effective.

3. Atlanta Falcons

I think Matt Ryan is going to have an MVP-type year.

That can only improve the performance of those around him. The Falcons could very legitimately have four Pro-Bowlers from their offense alone—Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, and Roddy White. A young offensive group that GMs can only dream of.

Additionally, Michael Jenkins is one of the league's best possession receivers, although widely unrecognized.

Defensively, the important pieces are definitely there. Elite pass-rusher in Abraham, young stud and defensive leader in Curtis Lofton, and the imposing presence of Jonathan Babineaux on the defensive line make the Falcons a very formidable defensive unit.

Look for them to have their official breakout year and take power in the division from the Panthers.

4. Minnesota Vikings

The only position the team is even a little bit shallow in is QB, but honestly, I see no reason why Jackson won't be able to throw the ball accurately to the solid targets he's been provided, run the ball a little bit, and exist in the two seconds between the snap and handing the ball to AP.

Peterson can take the ball 20+ times a game, and I'm sure this team will be fine offensively.

Nothing to worry about on the other side of the ball. Allen and the Williamses compose an elite defense line and pass rush, who can play comfortably knowing that Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson have their backs.

Antoine Winfield is indeed declining though, but his age should be veiled by the intense pressure Allen will provide. It'll be a very interesting race between the Cutler-led Bears, and Favre's team that wasn't.

5. Carolina Panthers

I know Jake Delhomme didn't sleep well after "leading" (more like dragging) his team to a brutally humiliating loss to the Cardinals in the 2008 playoffs, and thus I'm sure he's going to do every single thing in his power to make it up to his teammates this year.

Even though the Panthers are going to begin phasing Delhomme out of the offense in favor of DeAngelo Williams, he'll still factor in heavily to the team's success with his intangibles and constant drive to win.

The question is, is Steve Smith willing to sit quietly while the old Carolina guard begins to see less and less of the ball? He's always had a big mouth. We shall see.

6. Arizona Cardinals

The Super Bowl runner-ups remain, for the most part, intact.

Arizona's NFC-best is back, except with a possible dynamic addition: Beanie Wells. He's a great power back with straight-line speed, and has pretty substantial potential in the NFL. Not that he matters all that much, we know this offense can dominate with no running game to speak of.

The defense will make or break the Cards' season.

If they can improve a bit from last year on that side of the ball, I can see this team coasting to the division title. The Seahawks aren't exactly ready to be considered a viable threat, what with a huge question mark at quarterback and running back, and Walter Jones coming off of major surgery.

7. Chicago Bears

The Bears are going to have a major star emerge on their offense, and his name will not be Jay Cutler.

Jay Cutler will play a part in said star's success though.

Matt Forte, behind an improved o-line, with a viable QB putting defenses on their heels, is honestly a 1,400-yard threat. I don't think people understand how amazingly great he was for them last year. Without him, the Bears' offense would have been in the conversation with the Lions and Rams for the NFL's worst.

We're going to witness at least 4.5 YPC and 14 TDs from him. Book it, sign it, bank on it.

That said, I think Devin Hester will surprise a lot of people this year. Word out of the Bears' camp is that his hands and route-running are greatly improved, and he and Cutler have good chemistry. This won't be an offense to sneeze at in any way.

8. New Orleans Saints

I absolutely love the firepower on offense. Three bold Saints predictions:

• Brees breaks the passing record with Colston back full-time
• Pierre Thomas breaks out, rushing for 1,000 yards and six or more TDs
• Marques Colston is in the top three in receiving

The Saints' offense honestly has the makings to rank up there with the greatest ever, and I would not be surprised if they take the NFC South division.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Sleeper alert here. Even though people are focusing heavily on the loss of Terrell Owens, my Cowboys still possess a very potent offensive attack. With MB3 and the dynamic Felix Jones back healthy, not as much pressure will be on Tony Romo to carry the team to success.

The Cowboys' coaching staff have decided to change things up a bit, choosing to go with more of a run-based offense a là the 2008 Panthers, as they have a very similar running back combo. Jason Witten and Roy Williams will be playing second fiddle to the D.D.D. (Dynamic Dallas Duo)

10. Green Bay Packers

Packers are in a rough division, and have a sketchy defense. That's the only reason they're ranked where they are. Adjusting to a 3-4 isn't an overnight process, and I think the staff may have rushed into the transition without sufficient resources.

They're going to play certain players out of position and hope to acquire fillers next offseason. That tells me they don't truly expect to compete, and I don't blame them.

I think Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings are both on tap for enormous years though. Promising squad for the future, that's for sure.

11. Seattle Seahawks

I'm 50/50 on Hasselbeck right now. It's just hard for me to believe that a QB of his age can come back from an injury that severe and perform again at a high level.

I do love his two main targets though: new addition T.J. Houshmandzadeh and young tight end John Carlson.

Walter Jones is another question mark. Arguably the best LT of this decade, but at the fragile age of 35 now and coming off of major surgery as well.

The core of this team is just too old; they need to purge the old guard after this season in my opinion, and stock up on young talent. Eight wins is a reasonable prediction for this team, and a wild card berth is a reasonable aspiration.

12. Washington Redskins

Nos. 9-12 on this list are pretty tight, and this is probably a bit of an unfair ranking for a team with the level of talent Washington has. New acquisition Albert Haynesworth will be a huge boost to the entire line and pass rush, and that will enact a ripple effect that will carry to the LBs and secondary, too.

The problem with this team, for me, lies with Jason Campbell and the offense.

Campbell just can't seem to have that breakout year, and after being Zorn's pet for so long, I'm sure his teammates are a bit tired of it. He was seriously discussed in trade talks this offseason, and was close to being moved for a third rounder.

Now, that has to be a little slap in the face for a young QB with considerable talent. Hopefully he puts a chip on his shoulder and proves me and the rest of the doubters wrong.

13. San Francisco 49ers

SF made some positive moves this offseason, starting with stealing Michael Crabtree with the 10th pick in the draft. I do think he'll have somewhat of an instant impact on the offense, taking pressure off of Morgan and Davis.

I think Shaun Hill can get it done, but fellow veteran Frank Gore NEEDS to have a full, healthy year for this offense to succeed. It'll be tough behind such a criminally awful o-line though.

The defense does have some bright spots, specifically in the front seven, but neither side of the ball is enough of a strength to make a real push at the playoffs in 2009. Grab another high pick and use it wisely.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Byron Leftwich is not a good quarterback.

I don't care what he did in one game against the Redskins—at this point he's a backup. He has two cancers as his top two targets, which was a genius move by the Tampa FO.

Derrick Ward hasn't ever proven he can be a feature back, yet they give him gobs of money and promise him the ball. I guess the plan is to hope someone can have a random breakout/comeback year, and if not, get a top 10 pick and run with it. This team goes nowhere in a very tough NFC South division.

15. Detroit Lions

Made some great additions to the offense in Matthew Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew. I expect both to make a large impact at some point in their careers.

But the Lions' FO has made the smart decision, starting big-armed veteran Daunte Culpepper, throwing their No. 1 overall pick, who they've invest so much money in, to the wolves behind an awful offensive line.

There is so much talent on this offense it's insane, but the Lions have got to be patient. When they shore up their line a little bit more they can insert Stafford, and watch him soar with the great target Brandon Pettigrew will become, and the top four wideout they already have in Calvin Johnson.

Their LB core is looking nice, but both the defensive line and secondary need a bit of work, though both are fairly solid. This team wins at least three games this year and begins the long climb back to contention.

16. St. Louis Rams

Marc Bulger is sub-par, and the prospect of Donnie Avery as your No. 1 receiver is dire indeed. If Steven Jackson goes down again, this is going to be a horrible offensive team.

And quite frankly, I'd be surprised to see them average a touchdown per game.

The defense isn't bad or anything, but not near a Steeler-esque level that can come close to compensating for a bad offense.

There sure are some nice pieces that are wasting away in the garbage dumpster that is St. Louis.

Article Credit due to Bcransom, power rankings columnist at RealSportsTalk.

There are certain players on every team who we wish would or could be traded/released/waived.

You know the ones, the overpaid or under-producing position player who, for whatever reason, still remains on your teams roster—sucking the very life out of them.

Well, what if we had a "Cash for Clunkers" program for NFL players? Who would we trade in for a newer, better, or just plain different, model?

Below are 16 recommendations, one for every team. The replacement for said player is hardly relevant as long as said player is no longer stealing money or will from your team's roster.

NFC South

Michael Jenkins, Atlanta Falcons, WR

Despite 777 yards receiving last season, Jenkins is still just a mediocre No. 2. He could benefit from the presence of Tony Gonzalez, but last season was more likely the exception than the rule.

Harry Douglas, pegged as a slot guy, is more explosive and offers significantly greater upside. He's not as fast, on paper, as Jenkins nor does he have the 6'4" frame, but based on Douglas' production in limited play, he's still better than Jenkins will, likely, ever be.

It will be interesting to see how things shake out in camp this year as Douglas has had some off-field issues that may or may not become a distraction.

Either way, Jenkins is not the long-term answer at No. 2, despite what the contract extension implies.

Dwayne Jarrett, Carolina Panthers, WR

It's a good thing that Jarrett thinks so much of himself; his ego is likely the only thing big enough to keep him from hearing the chorus of "dump him" in Carolina.

He came out of USC with so much promise and has yet to show even an iota of anything matching that of a quality No. 1 or 2 wide receiver.

Criticized for being lazy and disinterested in learning his position or his team's playbook—Jarrett has been a bust thus far; throw in that DWI he received in 2008 and he's just not worthy of media or fan attention.

He should take some comfort in the fact that he isn't likely the only one in Carolina that some want to trade-in—Delhomme is a close second.

Devery Henderson, New Orleans, WR

Speed kills. Right? At least that's what they say. Well, Devery Henderson is speedy but he's also dreadfully inconsistent. It's nice that he averages 20 yards per catch, but is he really worth $2 million?

The Saints have a few talented guys on their team who are capable of stretching the field and keeping the ball in their hands. Devery did that last season, but will he continue to do so?

Would you bet your team's season on him doing so?

The Saints have a deep and talented receiving corps with Robert Meachem (likely gone after this year), Courtney Roby, and Sklyer Green—to name a few—why keep Henderson and his slippery hands around?

Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, RB

How is this guy still in the NFL? "Cadillac" has performed more like a pinto since his injury in 2006 and hasn't logged any significant yards since that time.

Tampa, in all it's infinite wisdom, needs to find a way to trade or outright release him because, even if he does return, which is a monumental if, he isn't likely to be as effective as his rookie campaign indicated.

No doubt there are a lot of Buccaneer fans rooting for him to make a comeback and help the Bucs out in any way he can, but the writing is on the wall and he may just be done at this point.

NFC North

Chris Williams, Chicago Bears, LT
The Bears thought they had the right man at left tackle when they drafted Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt last season, but he has not shown that he is capable of playing the position successfully.

Knowing what they know now, it's hard to imagine them making this choice again; sure, it's hard to gauge talent but Williams is moving from left tackle to right tackle this season, with the signing of Pace, and it's not a given that he will excel their either.

Honestly, if a guy who has missed 25 games in the last three seasons (i.e. Orlando Pace) is a better option than what you already have, then that's a serious problem.

Williams could just need a bit more time to mature before moving to the left side or, maybe, he's just another Robert Gallery.

Receiver X,Y, Z.., Detroit Lions, WR

Once you get past Calvin Johnson, the rest of the receiving corps is a joke. Get rid of them all if it gets you a nice No. 2 and a suitable No. 3. None of the current guys holding down a spot would even be missed.

Calvin Johnson (a.k.a Megatron) accounted for 1,331 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season; the other 15 wide receivers, together, totaled 1968 yards and six touchdowns—that total included guys like Mike Furrey (1,086 yards and six touchdowns in 2006) and Shaun McDonald (943 yards and six touchdowns in 2007)—both now gone.

Bryant Johnson could be the legitimate no. 2 the Lions need to go along with their new stud tight end, Brandon Pettigrew, but if Bryant ends up falling flat....then...just...ouch.

Wonder if Megatron can duplicate himself?

Brady Poppinga, Green Bay Packers, LB

He's a hard-worker, absolutely, and he has been somewhat effective when he's in games, but coming out of BYU, he was allegedly going to be a pass-rushing machine,but, all evidence to the contrary.

His role this season is likely as a back-up to whatever flavor-of-the-year linebacker the Packers choose to run out onto the field.

No offence to the Packing company, but, Brady Poppinga is hardly worthy of holding anything more than a towel at this point.

Capers has brought the 3-4 to Pack town so we shall see how some guys handle doing the position shuffling needed to accommodate the new scheme.

Unfortunately, that means we likely have not seen the end of Poop..I mean, Poppinga.

Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings, QB

This kid is awful and that's putting it mildly. He's been on the roster for three-years and hasn't once had a big game nor has he stayed on the field long enough to be significant.

The Vikes know it too—trading for Sage? Trying to woo Favre? Entertaining Vick? Hardly a glowing endorsement for TJ.

The guy who's head should be firmly on the guillotine is Coach Childress—if memory serves, Jackson was his pick to be "the man" in Minnesota.

Nice one, Brad.

Jackson has finished the season in one of two ways since becoming the "chosen one"...injured or recovering from injury.

He's an experiment gone terribly awry and needs to be on a bus, along with Chilldress, to another city not near you.

NFC West

Alan Branch, Arizona Cardinals, DT

The Cardinals thought a lot of Branch in 2007; trading away a fourth-round pick just to move up five spots and snag him at pick 33 of round-two—at the time the Cards thought they had a steal.

They have not been rewarded for their aggressiveness to this point as Branch has been lackluster and unproductive thus far.

It's hard to blame the Cardinals for wanting to hop on the Branch bandwagon, though, coming out of Michigan he was a beast. He was, potentially, a Pro Bowl caliber nose tackle in the making.

His size and height made him a great two-gap defender and, although his skills as a pass-rusher were only marginal, his upside was too great to pass up.

Too bad he has no idea how to use his natural abilities to his advantage at the pro level.

How much longer will Coach Whisenhunt wait for the "flickering light bulb" to completely switch on?

Fifteen tackles and zero sacks in two-years? Hardly what Coach Whisenhunt had in the Cards.

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers, QB

At this point, if for no other reason than the injuries he's sustained over the last two years, it seems it could be time to let Smith take a long walk.

Everyone might not agree, feeling that with a more stable coaching staffing, Smith could prove his detractors wrong this season—that seems unlikely.

However, with Shaun Hill and Damon Huard being the other "options", perhaps it is a better move to cheer for Smith taking hold of the reigns and winning his job back from the, heavily favored, Hill.

Either way, he's a long-way from being the No. 1 pick the Niners thought he would be when they drafted him in 2005.

Deion Branch, Seattle Seahawks, WR

Since coming to the team via trade in 2006, Branch has been a disappointment. He was meant to be their no. 1 wide out, but, that's hard to do when you are constantly on the injured list.

It's not that Branch is a bad player, he's just a frustrating one because you can never be sure he'll play the games.

Now that T.J. is in town, Branch's presence is not as important (particularly considering the emergence of Deon Butler and John Carlson) and, considering the fact that he's missed 15 games in the last three seasons, one has to wonder if the Seahawks are ready to phase him out altogether.

At six-years and $39-million, Branch is a ridiculously overpaid player and needs to earn his keep if he expects to keep his job.

Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams, QB

No need to draw this one out, Bulger hasn't been worthy of a backup role on any team, much less a starting one.

Since passing for 4,300 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2006, he has been a huge disappointment and when not plagued by an injury, his play has been sub-par.

All the issues aren't his fault, though, a bad offensive line and young receiving corps have made their legitimate contribution to his steady decline as well.

However, he is the other face of the franchise (alongside Steven Jackson) and his $24-million paycheck over the last two-years make it hard for anyone to sympathize.

NFC East

Bobby Carpenter, Dallas Cowboys, LB

Bill Parcells is usually a genius when it comes to evaluating talent, but, this one was a definite miss.

Carpenter has not shown that he has the physical or mental ability to be the guy the Cowboys drafted him to be—a pass-rusher with the ability to turn and run with the tight end when needed.

He's only started one game thus far in his career and the camp chatter is that he's come in leaner and ready to prove that he can play ball with the big boys.

With Kevin Burnett gone, he will have his shot, but to this point the only thing he has proved to be is a bust.

Sinorice Moss, New York Giants, WR

In all the chatter about who will catch balls from Eli this season, you hardly hear a word about this former second-rounder; he has all but negated himself from the conversation.

He's got the speed, no doubt about that, but he's not as dependable running routes and his size doesn't make you want to stand up and cheer either (he's 5'8")—particularly when you compare him to the now departed Plaxico Burress.

Moss has made some strides and performed well in OTA's this offseason; we'll see if that translates to more production during the season.

Otherwise, he is expendable.

Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles, WR

As a Georgia fan, I adore Reggie, but he should never have been considered a No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver. He's simply not built to fill that role for any team.

He's been a heartbreaker for Iggle fans because his play, at times, approaches incompetence. He gets lazy in routes and doesn't give you his best effort—add to that a few dropped passes and, well, many are calling for his departure.

Reggie, like many of the others on this list, is looking to redeem himself this season and make the cut yet again.

However, with so many other receivers to choose from, Reggie may finally be the odd man out in Philly.

Don't know that too many would be hurt if he were.

Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins, QB

On any other team, Campbell might be a suitable starter but, in Washington, the ghosts of quarterbacks past make his leash a short one.

Some are already tired of seeing him in a Skins uni—it's not that he's bad, he's just uninteresting—he doesn't make the big plays.

He got his feathers ruffled in the off-season when management entertained a trade, but if he wants to show that he is more than just a ho-hum quarterback, he needs to step his play up a bit and become the guy you want to see when the game is on the line.

Right now, he's just the kid holding the ball until Colt Brennan is ready; that can't be a glowing endorsement for what they think of Campbell in Washington.

The time is now for Jason—no more Mr. Nice Guy.

As the Packers' 2009 training camp begins, here are the developments I want to see in the kicking game by the time the Packers break camp.

Kickoff Returns: Green Bay was last in the league last year in kickoff return yardage. Which is a bit surprising, considering Will Blackmon was so good on punt returns. Jordy Nelson had even less success in his attempts.

The new NFL rules prohibiting wedge blocking are expected to make kickoff returns more like punt returns, so maybe that will help Blackmon and Nelson.

If not, the Packers need to find someone else. One possibility is one of their undrafted free agents, Jaron Harris (Jerry Rice's cousin), who returned kicks for four years in college. He hasn't been looked at as a returner yet by the Packers, but that could change if the struggles continue. 

Of course, he would have to be a good enough receiver to beat out Ruvell Martin and Brett Swain for that fifth receiver spot or hope the Packers, keep six receivers if they are all special teams contributors. In any case, this must be addressed.

Punting: One of 2008's unmitigated disasters. Jon Ryan was the third ranked punter in the league in terms of average yardage when he was cut before the first game of the season in favor of Derrick Frost. Supposedly, the Packers were looking for more consistency.

Frost did so poorly, he was cut after 12 games and Jeremy Kapinos was brought in and did a decent job. At least he did what Mike McCarthy wanted. In McCarthy's press conference explaining the move, he was quoted as such: "I want him to punt the ball in the right direction."  "I'm expected to win games. He's expected to punt the ball in the right direction."

Then, McCarthy added, "I'm not trying to be funny." Allllllll-righty, then...When the Packers break camp, they have to have a punter they believe in. And if Kapinos or Durant Brooks is not that guy, they have to find someone else. Evidently, they've tried, as this article by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel describes.

Field Goals: Mason Crosby was 27th in the league last year in field goal percentage (79%). His rookie season he was 24th in the league (80%). Breaking down his numbers by distance, his Achilles heel has been the 30-39yds distance.

In 2008, there were 13 kickers in the NFL that were perfect from that distance. Some had more attempts than Crosby, some less. Crosby missed three field goals from that distance. Despite this, we have no other kickers in camp. Isn't it customary to at least have some kicking competition in camp?

Field goal kicking is something that hasn't been talked about much, but I feel it's an area that needs to be improved on in training camp. I feel Crosby is being given an undeserved pass and there should be another kicker in camp to push him, if nothing else.

While there are other issues to be addressed (kickoff coverage, for example), the Packers have taken steps by drafting players known for the special teams prowess and re-signing some of their own free agents that were big special teams contributors. I've already covered that subject here.

Check back for the next installment when I will cover the offensive side of the ball.

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: Jersey Al’s Blog, Packer Chatters , Packers Lounge, NFL Touchdown and of course,  Bleacher Report.

You can follow Jersey Al on twitter.

In an excellent profile in Haute Living Magazine, writer Stephanie Wilson reveals a side of Jed York that 49ers fans are anxious to learn about.

It couldn't have come at a more opportune time in the team's history.

After nearly a decade of mediocre teams, it is time to move on, close ranks and look to the future.

This outlook was reinforced when I was reading the team's website today and found this teaser to Wilson's well-written profile:

“I am here by six every morning and stay until late at night,” {York} states, “because it’s not my team. It’s not my family’s team. It’s our fans’ team. Because if they are not supporting us, if they don’t believe in what we are doing, then our team doesn’t exist."

That quote confirms what Eddie DeBartolo Jr., York's uncle, said about the team's new owner/president.

When DeBartolo voiced his confidence in York, that was good enough for me, as I've said, and I joined the Jed York bandwagon.

After reading Wilson's fine story, my trust in DeBartolo was well placed.

Jed York gets it.

And that is key.

York sure sounds a lot like his uncle in the late 1970s.

After all, DeBartolo definitely understood the players, most of whom loved playing for him.

He also loved the fans, as he was one himself.

The fans loved him, and most still do.

Although I do not know either gentleman personally, from a fan's standpoint, I can see a bit of Eddie D. in Jed.

I see intelligence. I also see a commitment to excellence, and a steadfastness to see this through to the end, which will hopefully be a restoration of a period of success.

Before Eddie was incredibly successful, the 49ers Faithful, who had not abandoned the team during the down years, looked upon him with anticipation, a bit of skepticism, but with a great deal of hope.

Kind of similar with Jed.

And, as with Eddie D., skepticism will fade with success.

Eddie D. was not only successful, but he was the most successful NFL owner in history.

Although Pittsburgh has won six Lombardi Trophiesunder one family's ownership, DeBartolo is the only single NFL owner whose team has won five Super Bowls under his or her tenure.

Matching that achievement may be unlikely in this age of the salary cap, but do not underestimate York.

Wilson's story shows this young man has what it takes:

"Jed York was born for this role. At only 28 years old, he is the owner and president of one of the most storied and celebrated football franchises in all of the NFL.

"While that story may have been a little bruised and beaten throughout the course of the last decade, it once was a tale of greatness, one of honor and class, valor and victory. And it is this young man’s destiny to get the story—and the team—back on track.

"There are two main characters in this narrative: The players and the fans. Without both, the 49ers could not exist, so in Jed York’s mind, both have to be treated with equal importance. His job is a delicate balancing act."

So far, advantage to York.

He has illustrated he completely understands the team's history, the players, the fans, and the fans' frustration.

Wilson also points out one factor about York that I believe has led to an unfair judgment—one that I am not proud to admit I made because it embarrassingly reveals a prejudice on my part.

"While it is easy to focus on the baby-faced York’s relative youth, take into consideration that he also has 28 years of experience with the 49ers."

York has the double whammy of being young and being a young-looking 28-year-old.

Those factors have unfairly intensified fans', wrters' and commentators' criticisms of him, with many pointing out his age.

I include myself as one of those wayward critics.

If you are still among the cynical, which is understandable to an extent given the team's difficulties this decade, perhaps Wilson's story will change your mind:

"Jed grew up in football stadiums, both in the owner’s box and in the front office. While traveling around the country with his grandfather to cheer on the team, he had full knowledge that one day he would be the one calling the shots.

"'As a little kid, I always wanted to carry on my grandfather’s legacy. This is obviously a piece of that legacy: making sure that we return the 49ers to the prominent level that my uncle brought them to in the ’80s and ’90s.'"

Upon reading Wilson's excellent profile, I am even more buoyed by York's maturity, regardless of his good, young looks.

The gentleman is intelligent, football is second-nature to him, he is a fan first, and he has worked his tail off to get a new stadium.

He's paid his dues. Now let's reward him with our support.

If you want to learn more about York, read Wilson's lengthy but fascinating article.

A look at this week's news involving NFC teams. Check out which rookies have come to terms with their teams, and which ones are still unsigned going into training camp.

Arizona Cardinals: WR Anquan Boldin, who was unhappy with his contract last season, showed up to training camp for the Cardinals and plans on staying away from the topic. He claims whatever happens with his contract situation will be in the hands of his agent and that he just wants to focus on playing football.

Atlanta Falcons: According to a report from FalconInsider.com, the team has signed first-round draft pick DT Peria Jerry to a five-year deal. The deal is expected to have a maximum value of $13 million, with $7 million guaranteed. Jerry spent two years as a starter at Ole Miss and was the 24th overall pick in the draft last April.

Carolina Panthers: With training camp approaching Sunday, the team's only unsigned rookie is CB Sherrod Martin, who was selected in the second round. Earlier this week, the Panthers signed DE Everette Brown from Florida State and DT Corvey Irvin from Georgia.

Chicago Bears: WR Earl Bennett showed up to training camp on Thursday with a chip on his shoulder to prove the doubters wrong about the team's wide receivers for the upcoming season. Bennett looks to have a breakout season after learning Ron Turner's system and reuniting with his former college teammate, QB Jay Cutler.

Dallas Cowboys: Rumors had been swirling that the team was interested in signing WR Matt Jones. However, according to his agent, Dave Butz, the team is no longer interested in signing him. Jones was released from the Jacksonville Jaguars in mid-July.

Detroit Lions: The team has come to terms with S Louis Delmas. The safety from Western Michigan signed a four-year deal, but the terms of the contract have not been disclosed. Remaining unsigned from this year's draft class include TE Brandon Pettigrew, WR Derrick Williams, and DT Sammie Hill.

Green Bay Packers: The only player remaining left unsigned from this year's draft class is DT B.J. Raji from Boston College. On Thursday, the team signed OLB Clay Matthews III from Southern California.

Minnesota Vikings: Other than the announcement of QB Brett Favre, DE Kenechi Udeze announced his retirement after attempting a comeback from leukemia. In 51 games with the Vikings, he recorded 11 sacks and 117 total tackles.

New Orleans Saints: On Wednesday, the team signed fourth-round pick S Chip Vaughn and fifth-round pick P Thomas Morstead, with each player receiving a four-year deal. However, the team has yet to sign its top draft pick, CB Malcolm Jenkins.

New York Giants: On Thursday, the team reached agreements with second-round picks OLB Clint Sintim and OT William Beatty. The only unsigned player from this year's draft class is first-round pick WR Hakeem Nicks.

Philadelphia Eagles: The main story in the City of Brotherly Love this week came as a sad one, as the team lost their long-time defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson, to cancer. The 68-year-old defensive mastermind was diagnosed with melanoma back in January after a Divisional Round matchup against the Giants in the playoffs.

San Francisco 49ers: WR Michael Crabtree remains the only rookie unsigned for the 49ers as training camp is set to begin this weekend. According to a report from CBSSports.com, the Wide Receiver from Texas Tech is nowhere near reaching the type of deal he is looking for.

Seattle Seahawks: The team has agreed to terms with OT Max Unger, signing him to a four-year deal that guarantees him $1.95 million. The team's only unsigned draft pick is fourth-round pick LB Aaron Curry.

St. Louis Rams: On the eve of training camp, the team signed OT Jason Smith, the second overall pick in this year's draft. The Offensive Tackle from Baylor signed a five-year deal that can max out close to $62 million, with $33 million guaranteed.

This article was originally posted on FantasyPros911.com

Dan Parzych covers the Eagles for www.NFLTouchdown.com and is a columnist at FantasyPros911.com

You can follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Eagles_FanVoice.

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2008 season with enough talent that made them pretty formidable on Xbox and PlayStation, but their real life counterparts were anything but.

Entangled in a PR nightmare of a season that nearly ripped the team apart, Dallas limped away from their season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles a shell of the squad that was the popular Super Bowl pick for most sports writers.

In-house bickering, rumors, and silly antics reminded fans more of an episode on the popular soap opera Dallas than the more prestigious NFL franchise that fans had come to recognize and respect.

While coaches receive their share of the blame during times of struggle, players usually take the brunt as the more recognizable faces of the team. 

Terrell Owens, Adam “Pacman” Jones, Tony Romo and Wade Phillips were usually at the forefront of the blame for 2008, but only one name on that list has been associated with much of the blame over the last three years of the Cowboys failures: Tony Romo.

Since his inauguration as the quarterback of “America’s Team” in the middle of the 2006 season, Romo has typically been isolated and bound in front of firing squads packed full of hungry Cowboy crucifiers.

Utilizing every ounce of blame from his private life to his playing life, critics have tried every possible angle that they can obtain, just to take a shot at the signal caller. Seems like if Romo even checks his mailbox, critics will argue he should be in his house studying game film while his assistant retrieves and sorts his parcel.

Recognizing the situation, the Cowboys have been doing their best to cut off some of the more accessible angles of blame since the end of last year’s campaign and lighten the load off of Romo’s psyche.

Romo has also been doing his own share of spring cleaning this offseason. After the team dumped his favorite (or least favorite, depending on the context) receiver in March, Romo dumped his favorite (or now least favorite) gal pal Jessica Simpson a couple of weeks ago, and appears to be distraction free walking into the 2009 campaign.

For all of Romo’s difficulties the past couple of seasons, the media has made it an objective to link the pro bowler’s struggles directly to Owens and/or Jessica Simpson by any means necessary, instead of placing the blame where it squarely belongs:  the coaching staff.

In years past, the Cowboys have continued to make the mistake of trying to place the team solely on Romo’s shoulders instead of in the hands of a could be, would be and should be punishing ground game.

Not that Romo isn’t one of the upper echelon quarterbacks in the league, but trying to introduce a guy who just completed his second season as a full-time starter this past year as the focal point of the offense is just foolish on so many levels.

Especially considering the strongest facets of the Cowboys offense over the past few years have been a mammoth offensive line which excels at run blocking, and one of the most punishing backs in the league in Marion Barber who excels at running the ball.

But the offense was catered around the explosive Owens and the uber-talented Jason Witten, which is completely understandable, but not suitable for a very young quarterback in terms of starting experience.

With Owens making reality shows off in Buffalo and the promise of rising stars Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, Dallas is expected to relinquish some of Romo’s extensive duties this season and return to the winning formula of over a decade ago.

For all of the accolades that orbit around Cowboy greats Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, any lifelong Cowboy fan will tell you the last few Dallas Super Bowl teams were at their best when they enforced Emmitt Smith and a grind-it-out run game.

In the three seasons that culminated in Super Bowl victories for the Cowboys in the '92, '93, and '95 campaigns, the Cowboys passed for over 300 yards in only two games as a team, as opposed to the 14 times the ‘Boys have accomplished the feat since Romo’s insertion as a starter in the middle of the '06 season.

Although the ‘Boys have gone 12-2 in those games, the team hasn’t passed for over 300 yards in the month of December during that three-year stretch, even with Romo’s passing attempts remaining in the 30’s and 40’s. Which leads me to believe the coaches in Irving aren’t adjusting the game plans accordingly.

With the release of Owens and emergence of Jones and Choice, Dallas could be in line for a return to the pound-then-pass approach of the early 90’s.

The strategy certainly worked for division rival Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger’s first Super Bowl wins and even one of the most prolific passers in the league, Peyton Manning, saw his team run for 191 yards in the biggest game of his career.

So, while Fantasy Football owners and Romo might miss the gobs of touchdowns he’s thrown to Owens over the last few seasons, if Dallas really wants to get back to the promise land, maybe a little bit less is a little bit more.

Now that Brett Favre has decided to stay retired, the Internet will turn sluggish under the weight of the hits.

In all the stories, however, I wonder how many will focus on Brett Favre, the man.

In some communities, organizations and homes, this unbelievably long—lived NFL quarterback may be known more for his off—the—field charitable work.

On his website, For the Love of the Game, the future Hall of Famer said his Brett Favre Fourward Foundation donated more than $1.5 million to disadvantaged and disabled children in Mississippi and Wisconsin.

However, that may be a typo, because his foundation is reported by other sources to have raised more than $3 million, which is the amount listed on his wife's part of the Web site, titled Deanna Favre Hope Foundation.

It's unimportant because either amount is a lot of money, and as important as the money is the publicity that any Favre donation will draw.

That often means more donations by others.

His star power also brings publicity to the causes he supports, which works in society to make us all more tolerant and knowledgeable.

What isn't known, in the end, is how much Favre's example influences others, but I'm sure he has helped in ways he may never know.

He has devoted a lot of time to fundraising dinners and his celebrity softball tournament, in addition to other efforts.

I don't know all of the organizations that have benefited from Favre, but they include the Back—to—School Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, CASA of Brown County, Make—A—Wish Foundation, Rawhide Ranch, Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, Wisconsin Whitewater, and Special Olympics.

Admittedly, Favre is a good man.

Favre's wife, Deanna, has also done a lot of good by calling attention to a modern day plague: breast cancer.

As a young woman of only 35 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, in 2004.

Deanna has used her story as an opportunity to increase awareness of breast exams, mammograms, as well as sharing a story that other women can identify with.

She has done a lot of the work for their foundation, and she is called the "rock" behind their relationship on their Web site.

Reading about her cancer, and her faith in God, it is easy to see why they have combined to form such a wonderful foundation.

I hope they can continue their work as Favre enters a new stage in his life, but I don't think he will be out of football for long.

His passion is football and he was very good at it, some say great at it.

One way or another, he'll be back, whether it's on TV or in a book, or some other format.

That's as it should be. He's earned it.

Lastly, more important than Brett Favre the great quarterback, is Brett Favre, the good, decent man.