The NFL Combine is THEE event that can make or break a prospects stock. For the casual fan, we can comprehend the 40 yard sprint or the bench press, mostly because we've likely run a "sprint race" or benched at some point in our lives. We have some perspective how impressive (or not impressive theses numbers are).

But in reality, they may be two of the lesser important numbers to look at, while things like a prospects "10 yard split", broad jump, or "3-Cone" drill could say drastically more about a prospect.

Here's what to watch out for at each position as the NFL Combine approaches.

10 (and 20) Yard Split
This might be one of the most telling and unfortunately most forgotten numbers of the entire NFL Combine. While the 40 time is the "sexy" time, only the running back/wide receiver position would ever run 40 yards straight, and even those two positions rarely get that 40 yard space without contact. The 10 yard split shows the explosiveness off the snap from a 3 point stance for the offensive/defensive lineman, which is basically the only valuable part of the drill for those positions. As for the position players, being able to quickly get to a players top speed is crucial for receivers exploding to their first cut, while defensive backs need that explosiveness after they flip their hips and run.


40 Yard Time
The 40 time does have some merit in terms of value for all position. Obviously for the position players, it's a testament to raw speed, something that really is essential to play in the NFL and can not be overlooked. However, for the other positions, you can get more out of watching how these prospects actually run: Is it smooth? Is there wasted motion? Do the prospects times drastically drop off after the 20 yard times? Those are really what to get out of the 40 time.


Bench Press
For all linemen, impressing the bench press is a must for the offensive and defensive linemen, and an impressive showing for any other position is notable because it shows dedication to the weight room as well as raw power and strength. Also to keep in mind, prospects with longer arms will generally do less because of the weight to push the farther distance.


Vertical Jump
The vertical jump is the best indicator of lower body strength, and it's a more practical football-related test of that lower body strength than a squat is for the linemen and linebackers. While it also shows the same lower body explosiveness for receivers and defensive backs, it's an essential skill set that showcases in air ball skills and the ability to get vertical.


Broad Jump
As with most combine tests (as you've probably noticed), the broad jump once again tests for explosiveness. Its standing still, only using legs to drive you body forward in the air. The most important aspect of the drill, however, is that the player needs to stick the landing with balance for it to count. This explosion-to-balance combination is crucial for pass rushers and bigger bodied receivers to control their length/weight and balance while using their strength.


3 Cone/"L" Drill
The "L" drill is a test of two main aspects that are crucial for almost any position: Change of direction without losing balance, and continuing to accelerate through cuts/turns. The drill basically is a five yard sprint, then a sharp cut right, followed by a five yard sprint to the next perpendicular cone, where the runner loops around, accelerate to the middle cone, and then cut back to the starting point. This is beneficial to see how well a position player can cut without wasted steps and without losing any burst, while also showing how a pass rusher can stay low and balanced while staying smooth and powerful in the rushes.


Short Shuttle
The short shuttle is simply exploding five yards to the right, then explode ten yards back to the left, and finish back to the original starting point. The lateral quickness aspect of the drill is obviously important to positional players, showcasing balance and decisive steps while utilizing their quickness. For the bigger linebackers and linemen, it's more about the ability to not slow down but more just plant and bend ability for these bigger athletes.

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Leave it to the NFL to do the best job of keeping fan interest alive in the offseason. Next up - the 2012 NFL Combine starting tomorrow, February 22, with Sunday the most important day for Washington Redskins fans.

Redskins fans will focus on the quarterbacks, Robert Griffin III in particular, and a hand full of others. Here are the dates you need to know:

Thursday, February 23 - Quarterbacks and wide receivers report to the Combine for orientation, hospital pre-exams and interviews

Friday, February 24 - Measurements, medical exams, psychological testing, more interviews

Saturday, February 25 - NFLPA meeting, more psych testing and interviews

Sunday, February 26, Workouts (timing, stations, skill drills), depart Indianapolis

Here's the list of quarterbacks invited to the Combine:

BJ Coleman, Tennessee-Chattanooga
Aaron Corp, Richmond
Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
Austin Davis, Southern Mississippi
Nick Foles, Arizona
Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois
Jacory Harris, Miami (FL)
Jordan Jefferson, Louisiana State
Case Keenum, Houston
Ryan Lindley, San Diego State
Andrew Luck, Stanford
Kellen Moore, Boise State
Brock Osweiler, Arizona State
Ryan Tannehill**, Texas A&M
Darron Thomas, Oregon
Brandon Weedon, Oklahoma State
Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
Patrick Witt, Yale

** Although he is invited, Tannehill will not participate in the workouts because of a foot injury. He will work out for scouts in late March.

If you are like most 'Skins fans, your eyes riveted to Griffin 3rd. Expand your horizons, please.

Griffin to the Redskins would be the best possible offseason outcome for Washington, but trading up to draft RG3 is more than wish fulfillment. At least three other QB-hungry teams will attempt the same. We see the Cleveland Browns as the most likely winner. Fact: 71 percent of the mock drafts tracked by DC Pro Sports Report see the Browns with Griffin.

Nick Foles, Brandon Weedon, Ryan Tannehill and Brock Osweiler figure in the Washington rumor mill. We don't know what the inscrutable Mike Shanahan is thinking (nor should we at this point). Don't be surprised if both a free agent vet and a third day Draft pick figure in his plans. Then sometime before training camp, he can decide what to do with Rex Grossman and John Beck.

Rex Grossman is not under contract, but there is no urgency. It's not like he's going anywhere.

How's this for a dark horse pick — Yale's Patrick Witt. After watching Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Lin, Harvard men both, I'm not overlooking Ivy Leaguers.

It's a good thing wide receivers are on the same schedule. If anything, the Redskins have a greater need for a playmaking wide-out than for the quarterback of your heart's desire. Finding a receiver that can make even Grossman look good is more achievable than landing Griffin the Third. That contingency must be in the Shanaplan if the try for Griffin falls through.

LT Reilly Reiff (Iowa) is trending as the Redskins' first pick in the mocks tracked by DCPSR. Left tackle? Hmm. That's just the kind of unsexy pick that could make a lot of sense, but will not impress fans this year.

How are players selected for the NFL Combine?

"Participants are determined annually by a Selection Committee. The Directors of both National and BLESTO scouting services, which combined represent twenty-five NFL teams, are joined by members of various NFL player personnel departments to form the committee. The participating NFL executives can rotate on a yearly basis, and remain anonymous. ALL eligible players are reviewed and voted on by the committee members. Each athlete receiving the necessary number of votes, by position, is then extended an invitation. While it is not a perfect science, the goal of the committee is to invite every player that will be drafted in the ensuing NFL Draft." ~ from www.nflcombine.net/

The Redskins joined the BLESTO partnership when Mike Shanahan assumed football leadership of the team. We see this as a long overdue upgrade to team scouting.

Point after

Fans, bloggers and the professional chattering class will over-focus on the Combine drills. It's what we do because there's nothing else to do right now.  The drills are visual and visible to us. The real important things, studying coach's cams of game videos, interviewing the collegians, are hidden from view. We won't get a hint of what Coach Shanahan really thinks until we know whowill be invited to Redskins Park before the Draft.

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Starting this Wednesday, more than 300 of the most talented athletes in the country will gather in Indianapolis for what is one of the most pressure packed (and often times one of the most absurd) job interviews in the world. And even when the draining week of the NFL Scouting Combine is over, the interview will continue during pro day workouts and private visits between prospects and teams heading towards the NFL Draft in April.

There’s a ton that will be going on for the next week, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the pure volume of activity that will be going on. From weigh-ins to Wonderlic Tests, both prospects and analysts will be kept busy all week long. To keep you ahead of the curve we’re breaking down what you should be focusing on each day. 


Wednesday, February 22

What’s Happening: The 2012 Combine will kick off with the arrival of Group 1 (PK and LS), Group 2 (OL), and Group 3 (TEs). All three groups will undergo a preliminary medical exam and begin the individual interviews with interested teams.

What to Watch for: This will be the least hectic day for all parties involved in the Combine. The results of the medical exams aren’t going to be released to the public, and interviews will obviously be conducted behind closed doors. However, it’s likely that rumors will start to fly about how those interviews are going.

One guy who will need to shine in interviews in former Auburn offensive tackle Brandon Mosley. Mosley played tight end and defensive end while at Coffeyville Junior College, and had to learn how to play right tackle on the fly in his eleven starts at Auburn. Mosley has some potential, but he’ll need to prove he understands how to play one of the most mentally demanding positions in the game.


Thursday, February 23

What’s Happening: Things will begin to pick up on Thursday. Groups 4 and 5  (two groups of QB and WR) and group 6 (RB) will arrive in Indianapolis and go through a similar day that the day one arrivals experienced on Wednesday.

For those who have already spent a day getting poked and prodded in medical exams, Thursday will bring another round of visits from doctors. They’ll also do interviews with the media, and take the infamous Wonderlic Tests. The players of groups 1, 2, and 3 will also have their weigh-ins on Thursday. 

What to Watch For: Some of the highest Wonderlic scores of the week will be recorded on Thursday, as the offensive lineman typically do as well or better than any other position group.

The focus just isn’t going to be on the mental on Thursday, however. One player scouts will be eager to see at weigh-ins is standout offensive tackle Matt Kalil. At Southern Cal, he played at around 295 pounds, but he’s been trying to add some more weight to his 6’6 frame. He’s said that he’s added about 15 pounds, and if that’s true, it just may solidify his standing as a top three prospect in this draft.


Friday, February 24

What’s Happening: The focus on Friday will be primarily off the field. Arriving for their orientation day will be groups 7 and 8 (DL), and 9 (LB). The special team prospects (group 1) will go through their on field workouts, and teams will have the opportunity to interview prospects from all position groups.

Most of the teams’ attention will be on the day  two arrivals, and it’s the first chance for teams to really see the QBs, WRs, and RBs, under the microscope. For more than a few players, the results of their weigh-ins on Friday will go a long way in determining where they’ll get drafted in April.

What to Watch For: Friday has the potential to be one of the most interesting days of the Combine. When players report for measurements, all eyes are going to be on Alshon Jeffery. The rumors and concerns regarding his weight, conditioning and speed have been well documented. If he shows up at a good playing weight Friday and runs a respectable time in the 40 yard dash (somewhere in the 4.5 second range), he’s likely to be drafted somewhere in the middle of the first round. If he has a bad combine, however, he could fall out of the top two rounds entirely.

One of the quarterbacks that’s going to need perform well in interviews is former Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler. At 6’8, many teams are going to want to see if he’s got enough athleticism for his size to perform at the next level. But it’s going to be even more important to prove himself at the chalk board. If he struggles to demonstrate an understanding of NFL offensive concepts, his draft stock is going to suffer mightily.


Saturday, February 25

What’s Happening: Things finally will begin to get busy on the field Saturday. As the final groups arrive (both groups 10 and 11 are DBs), the offensive lineman and tight ends will hit the field for their workouts. While the 40 yard dash times may not be impressive, the agility dills are valuable opportunities for these guys to display good footwork and lateral movement.

While the offensive linemen are working out on the field, their defensive counterparts will be reporting for measurements as well as taking their turn at the Wonderlic test.

What to Watch For: With only a couple of tight end prospects currently earning a top 50 ranking from most analysts, the Combine is going to be a great chance for a tight end to greatly improve his draft stock.

One of the highest rated tight ends in this class is former Stanford Cardinal Coby Fleener. We know that Fleener, who is listed at 6’6 245 lbs, has the size and reliable hands you usually would look for from a tight end. What he haven’t seen from Fleener is quick acceleration in and out of cuts. If he can show that he’s a little more athletic than we expect, he could solidify his ranking as the top tight end in this class. no comments

Some of the hottest topics of debate leading up to this year’s draft have revolved around wide receivers with the potential to be drafted in the first round. Is Justin Blackmon worthy of a top five pick? Will Kendall Wright go down as the best receiver in the class? Will Alshon Jeffery be able to stay (or get into) shape? Where does Malcom Floyd fit into the picture?

Before you address these individual questions, however, you need to look at the bigger picture. In a draft that has solid, mid-round talent at wide receiver, should teams look to draft a wide out in round one at all?

How Often are First Round WRs Successful?
As the NFL continues to trend towards becoming a passing league, teams continue to look for playmakers early in the draft. But are they finding them?

Since 2001, there have been 43 receivers taken in the first round of the draft. And while there have certainly been some great players in the group, as a whole it’s a very lackluster group. Of all the seasons these 43 receivers have played, just over 21% of those years have gone over 1000 yards receiving. That’s hardly the contribution teams were hoping for when they drafted them.

And the problem isn’t just that these receivers have underwhelming careers. Players from all positions can struggle to live up to expectations, and it happens in every draft. But first round receivers tend to completely fall out of the league much faster than other first round picks. Of those 43 receivers taken in the first round since 2001, eleven (25%) of them were out of the league by 2009. Most of those players left the league within 4-5 years of being drafted. A one in four shot of not even having your top draft pick a few years later is a daunting risk to take. But, if first round wide receivers can really turn a team around, it could make that easier to swallow.


Do First Round Receivers Produce Wins?
Making the correct pick in the first round of the draft is crucial. More often than not, teams will be looking for an immediate impact from their first round picks. How often does drafting a wide receiver in the first round change a team’s fortunes? Not very often at all. For evidence of that, you need to look no further than the Detroit Lions.

In 2003-2007, Detroit spent four first round picks on wide receivers. All of those picks were made in the top ten, but only one (Calvin Johnson) is still with the Lions today. The other three players were huge disappointments that only held the Lions’ rebuilding efforts back. Charles Rogers (drafted in 2003) was out of the league by 2006. Roy Williams was a perpetual disappointment that was eventually sent to Dallas.  And even with the enormous talents of Johnson, Detroit still hasn’t been competitive until recently.

Perhaps it’s too much to ask for a receiver to entirely turn around the fortunes of a bad team. But, at least intuitively, it would seem reasonable to say that adding a first round wide receiver could elevate a team from a first round playoff exit, to a team that can go deep into the playoffs. And while it’s certainly possible, it’s far from guaranteed.

In the 2011 draft, the Atlanta Falcons were coming off a brutal 48-21 playoff loss to Green Bay. While many outside of the team felt that the Falcons’ defense was what needed to be addressed, Atlanta’s front office felt that it was the offense that needed a boost. They executed a massive draft day trade, giving up a number of picks for the opportunity to draft receiver Julio Jones.

Jones’ rookie year certainly wasn’t a failure. He finished the year with over 900 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Jones’ presence added 40 yards per game to the Falcons passing game (222 ypg in 2010, 262 in 2011). In spite of that however, the Falcons lost in the first round of the playoffs again, this time with the offense failing to score a single point in the loss.


Can Talent Be Found Later in the Draft?
So, it’s clearly risky to take a wide receiver in the first round. But can talent be found later on, or is it a risk teams must take?

In 2011, eleven of the top twenty leaders in receiving yards were drafted after the first round in their draft. Two of the top five (Wes Welker and Victor Cruz) were undrafted free agents, and a third (Steve Smith) wasn’t drafted until the 74th overall pick of the 2001 draft.

Finding greatness at receiver later in the draft isn’t a new phenomenon. Of the ten all time leading receivers in NFL history, five of them were drafted in the second round or later. Clearly, with good scouting, solid wide receivers can be found throughout the draft.


Conclusion
So, when should a team pull the trigger and draft a receiver in the first round? Talents like Calvin Johnson and AJ Green are players that don’t come around very often, and are easily worth the high selection. In those cases, you’d be hard pressed to find too many teams willing to pass them up.

But the large majority of drafts aren’t going to have that type of “can’t miss” talent, where the upside is vast, and there’s hardly any downside. A team that is rebuilding can’t afford using a pick on a player that will be out of the league in 4-5 years. If the talent isn’t truly top tier, a team should look elsewhere for its rebuilding project.

For teams picking later in the first round, the likelihood of the gamble paying off is much better. There is likely to be a better quarterbacking situation, and the young receiver can take his time adjusting to the NFL game. While it’s certainly nowhere near a safe bet, teams can feel much more comfortable drafting receivers later in the first round.

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In the Valentine's Day spirit, I wanted to return the "Scout's Notes" section of the site on a high note: prospects I "love".

While the next Scout's Notes may not be as "loving" as these (actually quite the opposite), we'll stay with prospects who have been the ones that I'd stick up for in the mid to late rounds of the draft.

Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
-While at NC State, Wilson seemed to run a more helter-skelter offense, utilizing his athleticism, quickness in and out of the pocket, and his vision on the move to be successful. While at Wisconsin (for one year), he showed more control in the pocket, a consistently high release point, and balance in the offense. And at the Senior Bowl, he showed a mixture of both, along with making multiple reads from the pocket. His combination of football IQ, craftiness as a running QB, and check down ability as a pocket passer has me excited, as to me he seems like a much better version of Colt McCoy.

Running Back: Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech
While he lacks a dynamic first burst through the hole and isn't a big play runner, Creer seems to play fairly well behind his pads, has some development as a pass blocker, and keeps his balance well through traffic and arm tackles. Not a flashy runner, Creer seems to be a running back destined for a great rotational back in a variety of systems in the NFL.

Wide Receiver: Rishard Matthews, Nevada
A physical receiver with flanker size, power, and explosive burst after the catch, Matthews has the frame to get even bigger and use his strength even more, as well as continue to catch away from his body and explode in short area routes after the catch. Also a very productive returner, Matthews was far more impressive and maybe more well-known as a junior when Colin Kaepernick was at the helm, he's still has all the attributes to be a Terrell Owens type run after catch athlete who can work at all three receiver positions at the next level.

Tight End: Evan Rodriguez, Temple
The role of the tight end has increased and become THE position that adds versatility to the offense. Rodriguez has development as a fullback blocker, fullback route runner, tight end second-level blocker, and tight end seam and outside routes. That completeness plus his versatility in how many different spots he's played over his career at Temple makes him a likely coveted mid-round addition because of how many spots he can fill, and fill well. 

Offensive Lineman: Desmond Wynn, Rutgers
Wynn is, as of now, is a guard prospect, one who played the left guard spot in college. He has the length, power off the line, and second level blocking ability to play either guard spot at the next level. However, I'm mostly intrigued by his potential as a right tackle at the next level. Regardless, his potential to play three offensive line spots plus his length/balance combination really excites as a mid round interior lineman.

Defensive Tackle: Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati
Wolfe didn't flash to me at all through my first time of film watching, as he was mostly a tackle who took advantage of poor technique linemen and really was more of a delayed, clean-up tackler. However, it was at the Senior Bowl, where he showed fantastic vision to the backfield, lateral balance and quickness, and the ability to react quickly to blockers positioning/reach really impressed, and after I reviewed his film, I am thoroughly impressed with his patience and vision, and he could play and be very versatile in a 4-3 defensive front.

Defensive End: Adrian Hamilton, Prairie View A&M
Another small school prospect on here, Hamilton is just too exciting to project to not be on here. While I'm not a fan of looking at stats AT ALL for analyzing prospects, his sack numbers (and more importantly, how consistently they were because of his pass rushing ability, not from offensive mistakes) are very impressive. Undersized for many 4-3 schemes, he can fit in a Robert Mathis role (a solid comparison for Hamilton) as well as in most 3-4 outside linebacker roles.

Outside Linebacker: Brandon Marshall, Nevada
James Michael Johnson, Nevada's top defensive prospect and inside linebacker, seems to gain all the headlines for the defensive success, but Brandon Marshall is an impressive talent himself. Actually lead the team in tackles this year over JMJ, Marshall is more of a complete linebacker, showing good balance and fluidity (for a linebacker) in coverage, closes well on the ball and breaking down well, and be able to extend and drive through blocks or evade them well with balance. Not a flashy linebacker, Marshall should be able to play both weakside and strongside (depending on the scheme) and should be a long-term starter in the NFL.

Inside Linebacker: Shawn Losieau, Merrimack
Speaking of love, I love Losieau's aggression and fearlessness to the ball. What he lacks in coverage range and overall speed to the outside, he makes up for in blitzing ability, forceful hits, and vision in and shortly outside of the box. He likely could fit in coverage limited 4-3 defense or an aggressive 3-4 team, but it's his overall football sense that is the most impressive part of his game.

Cornerback: Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson
Sensabaugh has good length and revovery speed who can run down the field well in man coverage. He's been a team leader over his career at Clemson and was one of the more consistent defensive players for the team all season long. He had a fantastic week at the Players' All-Star Classic according to our scout Alex Brown (see Tuesday and Wednesday's Notes here: http://www.optimumscouting.com/2012-players-all-star-classic-coverage.html). Could bulk up a little and not a fit for zone schemes necessarily, he has the deep speed, fluidity, and length to be a potential starting cornerback down the road.

Safety: Matt Daniels, Duke
While he didn't impress as much as I was anticipating at the East-West Shrine Game week of practice, Daniels film while at Duke is impressive as a strong safety prospect. He attacks the ball well, anticipates middle of the field routes quickly, finishes tackles very well, and has been a consistent leader and playmaker for the Duke team. As a strong safety prospect, he may be one of the best in this draft.

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Since the GMEN sang “we gotta’ ring” on their plane ride home there have been numerous articles dissecting the impact plays, the individual standouts, matchup breakdowns and what an opponent failed to execute versus the Giants.  But the one significant factor that developed in their turnaround from 7-7 to Super Bowl Champions was how cohesive the team became.  The groundwork for the turnaround may have started in November when a management consulting firmfounded by a former US Air Force Pilot visited the NY Giants and gave them a seminar on process improvement.

During a 4 game losing stretch and even up until the Jets win, there were many instances of blown secondary coverage and mental errors.  But through the playoffs and especially after the Super Bowl win, we heard players stating how they were playing as one and giving all the credit to the team.  The Giants players were confident in each other.  They believed in each other.  They had trust in one another.

Tom Coughlin historically has been described as a head coach who is rigid, inflexible, a disciplinarian, and “Mr. Five Minutes Early.”  In the film America’s Game- the 2007 New York Giants, Michael Strahan reminisced about the “tyrant” who players “weren’t willing to run through a wall for” when he started out with the Giants in 2004.  It is well documented that before the 2007 season Coughlin made adjustments to his approach and admitted he was intent on becoming more personable with his players. no comments

Last Saturday, Roger Goodell made his annual state of the NFL address. In it he said that while the NFL has no plans for expansion right now they wouldn’t expand by less than two teams. Now everyone knows that the most likely landing spot for a new NFL team is Los Angeles. I’m not even going to try to argue against that, there is no point. My argument is for where the other team should be placed. Call me biased but I’m going to argue that the NFL should strongly consider placing one right here in Oregon.

I recently found out that the number one most viewed team on Oregon Sports News last month was the Seattle Seahawks. Not the Portland Trail Blazers or any other Oregon based team and the margin between the number one and two teams wasn’t even close.  You know what that tells me? It tells me that Oregon sports fans are hungry for some football. If Oregon fans want something they are going to support it. It’s a Northwest thing. no comments

The post-season all-star games are complete, and the NFL Draft is coming into much clearer focus as we aim towards the Combine upcoming.

In this update, two quarterbacks remain in the Top 10, with another being selected via trade up. Four offensive tackles in the Top 10 allow for some talented defenders to slide down draft boards.

1 . Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
-Seems pretty obvious right now, though a Colts scout I spoke with reiterated that Griffin was still in the mix. But, I'd say it's safe to get your Luck-Colts jersey.

2 . St. Louis Rams - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
-While Blackmon made sense for the last regime, Jeff Fisher is now in charge and likely wants to get this team stable at left tackle.

3 . Minnesota Vikings - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
-A reach to me, they'll likely look to trade down to a Robert Griffin-wanting team. Reiff is higher on many boards than mine, but LT's the need, Reiff fills it.

4 . Cleveland Browns - Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
-Brad Childress is now in the fold in Cleveland, which likely means they'll be taking Robert Griffin almost without question here if available.

5 . Tampa Bay Bucs - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
-Another left tackle taken, I think new HC Greg Schiano either goes RB (Richardson) or builds the OL (Martin). Already has Blount on the team. no comments

Notice that the title of this article is not "Why did Mike Tomlin hire Todd Haley." Tomlin didn't. If this were Tomlin's decision, Bruce Arians would still be in town. No, this decision appears to have been made by Art Rooney II.

Rooney has stated multiple times that he wants the Steelers to run the ball more. Bruce Arians probably cocked his head to the side, said "but we have a great quarterback and one of the most talented young groups on receivers in the league," and then was shown the door.

Roethlisberger wanted to keep Arians. Tomlin wanted to keep Arians. Rooney is the one who wanted Arians gone, and he's the one signing the paychecks, so he cna make that decision.

Which brings us to Todd Haley.

No one believes Mike Tomlin wanted Todd Haley. If he had to find a replacement for Arians, he would definitely have promoted from within. The players would have wanted it. The fact that they went outside the organization says that Art Rooney doesn't trust the current coaching staff to handle the offense. no comments

(STEPS ON SOAPBOX)

I'm going to be blunt. I'm tired. Not of blogging in general or writing about actual, God honest news. But I am tired of bullshit. And there's been entirely too much of it as of late.

The past 2 weeks of over-the-top hype, then vast amounts of post Super Bowl reaction, have sent me over the edge. I'm glad football season is over. Not just Glad. I'm THRILLED.

If anything could make me actively despise the game of football, it's the 2 weeks of media buildup to the Super Bowl. It was beyond exhausting. I'm still trying to shake off a post NFL season hangover.

It comes down to this. I love the game itself. I love those 3 hours (or 4, if we're talking college ball) when action is taking place...on the field. But I'm up to here with the off field crap. There's just so damn much of it. Too much of it in today's 24/7/365 social media-fied news cycle.

9 1/2 hours of pregame shows leading up to the Super Bowl is the definition of wretched excess. When it comes to TV coverage of the NFL, and specifically the Super Bowl, too much isn't just not enough, it's just getting started. no comments