Football

Eric Crouch, the 2001 Heisman Trophy winner, was drafted in the third round by the Rams, but it just never worked out. Now, with his playing days over at age 34, he's looking to expand on a ca…

Lets not sugar coat anything here, Jake Locker hasn't been a huge success early, but as I listed in an earlier post he has actually been a lot better than most fans and the media have given him credit for in his short time in the league. So then the question is why does he need to have a big camp? Firstly, Locker needs a big camp because he needs to become familiar with the new offense. This isn't going to be Chris Palmer's option route, pass heavy, stay in the pocket offense and hopefully he will see a lot more simple 1-2-run type situations. He needs to grow in this system and show his new OC that what he can't do and what he can do so that they can both have success. Secondly, he needs to conquer the question that people have been asking all offseason: can Jake Locker be a franchise quarterback. The answer, of course, is yes. Locker has an NFL caliber arm and just needs to adjust his touch (or find a WR that can locate and run under his ball AKA Justin Hunter) on deeper passes. He needs to show the media, the fans, and most importantly his team that he is the leader long-term. Finally, he needs to have a good camp so that he can build up a head of steam going against the Steelers. The Steelers are a weaker team than they were in years past, and the Titans actually beat them in their last meeting. If Tennessee could beat an established powerhouse in their stadium it would build confidence for both Jake Locker and the team. An aging defense shouldn't be able to hold up to the ground and pound style of offense the Titans should run and if Jake put up something like 20-27 for 220 yards, 2 pass TD, and a rushing TD that would do wonders for the whole team's mentality and it would reaffirm faith in coach Munch and the organization. Poll Do you think Jake Locker can comeback from a bad season and lead the Titans to the playoffs? Yes No 3 votes | Results

The Denver Broncos reportedly gained some salary cap flexibility over the next two years from the alterations made to quarterback Peyton Manning's contract last week.

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports On a recent visit to the San Francisco 49ers training facility, ESPN NFL Analyst Trent Dilfer spoke about several different topics on all things related to the 49ers. What most stood out were his comments as it related to Colin Kaepernick. Dilfer spoke well of what he saw of Kaepernick during his visit. He stated that Kaepernick carried himself with a certain energy during weight training sessions and during on field organized team activities. Kaepernick fulfills the role of what Dilfer calls a “temperature” guy. In this case, a player like Kaepernick gets everyone else on the team to elevate the effort exerted in their workouts, whether it be in the weight room or on the field during practice. For 49ers fans who were worried or nervous that all the off-field attention would distract Kaepernick from his offseason work as a professional, you need not to worry. All the endorsements have not prevented him from focusing from what’s really important. Kaepernick has his head in the right place and as he is focused on how to help the team improve ahead of the 2013 season. It also demonstrates the enthusiasm and spark, which he injected the offense with at the moment he became the full time starter last season. As well as Kaepernick played last season, he will be expected to perform at a higher level in the 2013 season and beyond. Listening to the comments and observations made by Dilfer only serve to assure 49ers fans of continued success for the upcoming season. Dilfer’s comments also serve to reinforce the belief fans have in the current 49ers hierarchy of front office personnel and coaches is well placed and warranted. Lucas Carreras is a contributing San Francisco 49ers writer for RantSports.com and you give him a follow on Twitter by following him @maldini3fan and you can connect and add him to your network on Google+.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leads off Peter King's "Monday Morning Quarterback" piece on SI.com, with King speaking to Brady about his offseason and also his charity of choice, Best Buddies. Brady tells King: "Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football. I've never felt better throwing the football." Brady details some of the work he's done with throwing coach Tom House, and how he's developed a quick rapport with House.

Thanks to Camden Chat for the heads up that it’s been 15 years since the O’s-Yanks brawl that Armando Benitez touched off by beaning Tino Martinez and Alan Mills ended by clocking Darryl Strawberry. See the Mills punch below at the 37-second mark; it is the best. More...

The Denver Broncos reportedly gained some salary cap flexibility over the next two years from the alterations made to quarterback Peyton Manning's contract last week. More...

Geno Smith, the N.Y. Jets rookie QB, says he's "not naive." Smith says he's already learned a thing or two from the media snowstorm in New York. More...

Charles Woodson is scheduled to meet with the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport reported. Oakland's faithful fan base doesn't plan to let the Pro Bowl defensive back get away. More...

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