Football

The Pittsburgh Steelers began Phase 3 of the 2013 Offseason Program. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Safety Troy Polamalu and Wide Receiver Antonio Brown gave interviews about the day's practice.... Source: Pittsburgh Steelers : Videos The post Steelers.com Update: 2013 OTAs Begin appeared first on Pittsburgh Steelers Blog - NFL - PlanetSteelers.com.

The Falcons drafted a corner back in the first round of the NFL draft. They made a draft day trade, moved up, then drafted that corner back. That corner back is one they'd wanted all along, and his name is Desmond Trufant. He likes long walks on the beach, light beer, and chili cheese fries. But will Trufant start right away? It's an issue worth debating, because it significantly affects our defense. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be debatable. Darn you Robert McClain! You see, McClain way way above average last year. The Falcons were quick this offseason to say goodbye to the disappointing investment that was Dunta Robinson, and they were happy to let Brent Grimes hit the open market and sign with the Miami Dolphins. The play and development of Robert McClain was a big reason why. This isn't necessarily as complicated as it seems. McClain, as PFF points out in the above-linked analysis, is built to thrive in the slot. That said, this is the guy who surrendered just 9.2 yards/catch in 2012. This is the guy who gave up zero touchdowns in 2012. This is the guy that went to UConn, was drafted in the 7th round, and was cut by the John Fox-led Panthers. Yikes. My guess? Trufant blows us away with his ridiculous athleticism, starting from game one. Vote! Poll Who will be the number two corner back for the majority of 2013? Desmond Trufant Robert McClain Dave's Mom 50 votes | Results

The Chiefs have revealed plenty of two-tight end formations during their offseason program and spent plenty of time at least trying to throw the ball to both of their new tight ends, Anthony Fasano and Travis Kelce. The signs are everywhere that the tight end as a pass receiver is back in the Chiefs offense under new coach Andy Reid.

The Buffalo Bills have a 50+ year history. One of the things I do from time to time is search for unique Bills memorabilia using the internet and in person. Here's the best from eBay this week: Gregg Williams Bobblehead You know you want to plop down $30 for Gregg Williams nodding his head in agreement with you. Light switch plates Looking for a finishing touch for your man cave? Seller " bpensnhl6uya" has light switch plates featuring O.J. Simpson, Bruce Smith, and more. Checkbook cover If you're an M&T bank customer, you can take the Bills with you on your debit card. If you're not near an M&T Bank, this checkbook cover is the next best thing. Super Bowl XXVI ice scraper With the Super Bowl in Minneapolis, this ice scraper souvenir makes sense. Rich Stadium turf Want to own a piece of the old stadium? You can. Three ring binder It's pretty expensive, but this 1970s three ring binder is pretty neat with the classic standing buffalo logo. O.J. Simpson Sports Illustrated issue This is one I might add to my collection. It's Simpson's first cover as a Buffalo Bill and he's wearing 36. He switched back to 32 a few weeks later when Gary McDermott was released. Cufflinks If you wear cufflinks and want to show off your fandom, these are up your alley.

When the Cardinals' veteran defensive backs met for the first time last month, all that was missing were the new backpacks, cool lunch boxes and sharpened No. 2 pencils. Otherwise, it felt like the first day of school, because seven of the 11 were new to the team.

As it stands, the Panthers are currently carrying 12 wide receivers. In 2012, the Panthers retained 6 wide receivers (Kealoha Pilares went to Injured/Reserve while David Gettis stepped onto the active roster after being on the Physically Unable to Perform list for most of the year). We should expect more of the same from 2013, and those last few spots could see some intense competition between the remaining young receivers on the current roster. The Panthers also retained Lamont Bryant from the Practice Squad, so we may not see some of the receivers cut outright. Let's take a look at where some of these guys will fit in. Steve Smith Steve Smith is an instant lock to make the final roster. We have seen a resurgence from Smith, after two down years marred by injury prior to the "Cam Newton era". Now, Smith is heading in with 2,568 yards and 11 touchdowns, accounting for a whopping 32.4% of Cam Newton's career passing yard totals and over a quarter of his passing touchdowns. Not much really needs to be said here. If Steve Smith is cut, you should probably kiss your wife and children and hold them tight, because the sky is probably falling outside. Probability to start: 150% Brandon LaFell The next obvious lock to make the roster is Brandon LaFell. LaFell started 12 of 14 games last season (he missed Washington and the second Atlanta game due to injury). LaFell's season can be described as hit and miss at times. He started the season well for a number two, logging 9 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. He then faded away, only catching one ball for 27 yards against New York and Atlanta. LaFell would go on to average about 3.7 catches per game for 56 yards per game, logging four receiving touchdowns. The story of the wide receivers from 2012 was the noticeable drop off in touchdowns. Steve Smith only caught 4 after 7 the previous year, all of which came towards the second half of the year after Smith was blanked for 8 games from the red zone. LaFell scored 4 as well, though he had opportunity to score many more. DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON LOUIS MURPHY. Regardless, LaFell has the second spot all but locked down. Barring a rise from players like David Gettis or Domenik Hixon, I would bet that LaFell lines up across from Smith week 1. Probability to start: 95% Domenik Hixon Domenik Hixon is the latest addition in the revolving door of slot/number 3 receivers for the Carolina Panthers. Hixon played in 13 games logging 3 starts in 2012, following two seasons where he'd make his way to IR. Hixon was a nice option for the New York Giants who needed to find a replacement for Hakeem Nicks during his injury period. Nicks started two straight games in place of Nicks, logging 11 receptions for 169 yards. Hixon would close out the season with 39 receptions for 567 yards and two touchdowns, his best season since 2008. Many people remember Hixon's kick and punt return talents, but most likely with Joe Adams, Armanti Edwards, Kealoha Pilares, and the recent addition of Ted Ginn would indicate that Hixon will step in as strictly a receiver for the Carolina Panthers. His chances of being the number 3 for us are high, but there will be plenty of other receivers fighting for playing time. Probability to start: 15% Probability to make roster: 75% Ted Ginn Ginn has made his mark as a return ace after a disappointing three seasons in Miami. The former first round pick never really panned out to be the receiver that warrants a high selection. However, one team's trash is another one's treasure. Ginn's scored 6 times over his career as a returner, and possesses ideal speed and quickness for an offensive weapon, when used wisely. Ginn's made a few catches and scored here and there, but was purely a situational receiver at best. Still, a quarterback can never have too many weapons. Ginn is the most proven returner on the roster, and that may very well secure his spot. But he will need to fight it out with Adams, Pilares, and Edwards, wh

The ex-Viking is content watching his brother play.

No more dog breakfasts for you, mate NT Parks and Wildlife ranger John Burke said the 4.58m saltie put up a fight when he was trapped on Tuesday. "It was a good-sized lizard," he said.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports Welcome to the second round of #BucsBracket, the unofficial competition held here at the Pewter Plank to determine the most popular and most beloved Buccaneers of all time. The first round is in the books, and our second round matchups will be a bit closer, and that means every vote is important. Be sure to cast your vote in each matchup, because every vote counts! Sound off in the comments and let us know why you made the picks you made, because we will use comments on the blog as tiebreakers, in case of a tie. There are four matchups today, so we’ll keep the descriptions short and to the point so you can make your choices and get all the information you need. The bracket can be found below. You can click on the image to load a bigger version of the bracket. 1 seed: Derrick Brooks, Linebacker, 1995-2008 Brooks easily advanced to the second round, leaving Ryan Nece behind. The 9-time All-Pro and former Walter PaytonMan of the Year, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and Pro Bowl MVP was one of the key figures in the Buccaneers’ dominant defense in the early 2000?s and late 1990?s. Brooks was dominant at his position and was also very active in the community in his charitable efforts. 9 seed: Mike Washington, Cornerback, 1976-1984 Mike Washington bested Scot Brantley in a slight upset to earn his place in the second round. In seven seasons (from 1977-1983) Washington intercepted 28 passes, returning 3 for touchdowns. His career would be ended early due to a spinal injury, but he was certainly one of the better players in the Buccaneers’ earliest days. So will it be an original Buccaneer, or a career Buccaneer with a Super Bowl ring? Make your pick below. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. 5 seed: Doug Williams, Quarterback, 1978-1982 Doug Williams advanced to the second round by defeating Jeff Garcia. Williams is well-known for his performances in Washington with the Redskins, but Williams also donned the orange and white in Tampa Bay for a few seasons, and led the team to an improbable appearance in the NFC Title Game in 1979 against the St. Louis Rams. His numbers were poor, but he led the team to wins before departing after the 1982 season. 4 seed: Jimmie Giles, Tight End, 1978-1986 Jimmie Giles advanced to the second round by moving past Keyshawn Johnson. GIles is a member of the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor and a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He was a very prolific receiving tight end who once caught four touchdowns in one game, and finished his Buccaneers’ career with 34 touchdowns. So which of these early Bucs that helped bring the team from worst to first is your pick to move on? Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. 6 seed: Donald Penn, Tackle, 2006-Present Donald Penn moves on to the second round after getting the best of Chris Hovan. The one-time Pro Bowl selection is a sturdy but never spectacular left tackle who the Bucs developed after signing him as an undrafted rookie out of Utah State. Penn is a big, strong tackle who lacks elite skill, but performs consistently and helped pave the way for Doug Martin‘s fantastic 2012 season. 3 seed: Warrick Dunn, Running Back, 1997-2001, 2008 Warrick Dunn made the second round by defeating Kevin House. Dunn was a hard-working, unique running back who rose to fame with the Buccaneers in the Tony Dungy era. The small but surprisingly tough runner made two Pro Bowl appearances as a Buccaneer, and was frequently recognized for his off-the-field efforts to help those less fortunate. Dunn finished with 28 touchdowns as a Buccaneer. So which of these two popular figures in recent Bucs’ history moves on to the Sweet 16? Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. 10 seed: Karl Williams, Wide Receiver/Returner, 1996-2003 Ka

Scott Kegley and Taylor Price discuss the takeaways from the first week of "Organized Team Activities".