Sunday Morning Tight End

Before we start, Congratulations to Eli Manning
and Abby McGrew on their Wedding.

Week 3, a time when things start to take shape and you realise what you're doing, where your going and what's realistically achievable. It has been a week of realisation in the NFL, we're all excited about drafting and signings - yet there have been two notable stories this week involving veterans.

Steve Leave - Its become official, Ravens QB Steve McNair has retired from the NFL after 13 seasons. He announced his retirement Thursday, during an emotional press conference, he said "My mind was there. Mentally, I could go out and play. But physically, I couldn't do it anymore. Not to the capacity that I need to help my teammates win a football game." And it has been showing. McNair showed signs of his groin injury last season, and many were questioning his use to his team. This came after a 2007 season where he developed back and shoulder injuries which limited him to only 6 games. McNair was an excellent quarterback in his day, Leading the Oilers to AFC championship games, being elected to 4 pro-bowls and going to superbowl XXXIV, and i hope this is what he is remembered for. If you take a look at the disastrous affect a leg injury can have on a running back and compare that to the groin injury McNair sustained, it does highlight his toughness. ***Baltimore past to Present*** - The Ravens now have two quarterbacks: Kyle Boller and Troy Smith. First-year coach John Harbaugh said there would be an open competition for the starting job. Boller has the experience but Smith is very quick and "McNair Like". Make your choice Baltimore!

Udeze never dazed - The backbone of the NFL has always been bravery, willingness to do extraordinary things and I cant think of anything braver than fighting a disease. Kenechi Udeze, Defensive End for Minnesota has been through that horror of fighting off Leukaemia and he's coming out a better man. It was Wednesday that he heard his blood and his bone marrow were cancer-free, which is great news for the guy himself and the Vikings. We should not expect Udeze to return this season, give the guy some time to recover and recuperate and he'll be back next year stronger than ever. ***How did Udeze beat it?*** "I tell 'em I have nothing but a cold, because that's what it feels like" WHAT A GUY!

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS...
Rashied Davis - Signed a one year deal with the Bears this week. The Wide Receiver had 17 receptions in the 2007 season...he was kind of overshadowed by Bernard Berrian [The Viking] and Mushin Muhammed [The Panther] OK so he's not exactly Mushin Muhammed but hey....At least he's still around!!

Jared Allen.....I know...this is a crazy thought...this guy lead the NFL in sacks last year...he's 26..and he could be traded.....????????....Kansas clearly getting excited about the draft..calm down, give him some gatorade and watch his highlight reel......Still wanna trade???

Deuce McAllister - Only just moving this week, he's had knee surgery and expects to be back to full strength by next season - that sounds hopeful but he shouldn't worry - he's always got Reggie Bush ready to take over...that might not be far away....

Ryan Fitzpatrick - Bengal's....Quarterback....won't see him play this season....Carson Palmer throws....he's had 6 games NFL experience.....Carson Palmer throws some more....College: Harvard...Carson Palmer's arm's getting tired..............Hello Ryan!!
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ON THE CLOCK...KICKERS
All right, its not exactly a glory position but you can never underestimate the role of a kicker in the game. They have the ability to win and lose games and are often some of the leading scorers....[Morton Anderson "the great Dane" is the leading NFL scorer....at 47!!!]. Some are accurate...some are powerful...some are just awful, but over the years some kickers are becoming well known for their ability to change game situations...names such as Vinateri, Akers, Elam and Janikowski have become household names, and its not their 80.34234239999% field goal percentage, but their ability to kick stunner's. Don't forget Phil Dawson's hilarious..."one post...another post..hit the camera" kick in Cleveland, or Rian Lindell's great field goal from 51 yards...oops time-out Washington...take it again and nail it!!
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AND TO FINISH...

Bye bye Steve
Its time to leave
or do you have something else up your sleeve?
No, well there's nothing left to achieve

Shall we give you a Reprieve?
or can your guys really not receive?

You could do a Brady and just heave
You could do a Vick and run and weave

No, your retirement we do believe
it's Favre's retirement we disbelieve!

What a pity the old days you can't retrieve
Your retiring...believe me....i'm gonna grieve!