Thomas: Five Teams That Should Acquire Peyton Manning

Now that Peyton Manning is a free agent, where will he most likely end up next? (Photo Credit: Colts.com)

By Elizabeth Thomas 

On Wednesday, Mar. 8, the Indianapolis Colts decided they wouldn’t renew Peyton Manning’s five-year, $90 million contract, which included a $28 million signing bonus. So, instead of picking up the remaining four-years on his current deal, the Colts decided to show Manning the door. And now, he’s a free agent quarterback looking for a new home, as well as a fresh start, too.

So, with all this in mind, I thought I’d provide five various organizations that should certainly consider signing the highly touted veteran quarterback.

Miami Dolphins: Since losing out on the Jeff Fisher sweepstakes, Miami hasn’t made too much noise this offseason. First-year head coach Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman are committed to implementing a west coast offense, which Manning has never conducted. However, the former Colts gunslinger does own a home in South Beach, as well as won a Super Bowl at Dolphins Stadium, too, so that could certainly provide some leverage at the negotiating table. Also, the Dolphins offense would excel quite well with him under center, and force Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess and Reggie Bush to step-up their “game.” Manning could be an excellent puzzle piece for a veteran squad, but would a west coast offense be the straw that breaks the camels back? We’ll see!

Washington Redskins: Reports surfaced earlier this week that a Washington radio station confirmed that the Redskins were most likely out of the running for Manning. Yet, if head coach Mike Shanahan can somehow adjust his offensive, then maybe Washington will be able to lure Manning to their organization.

Denver BroncosWith Tim Tebow becoming not only the face of Denver’s franchise, but also a cultural icon, then it’s highly doubtful that the Broncos head coach John Fox would make any changes to tarnish his image, right? Think again! Manning seems determined to remain in the AFC, and while executive vice president of football operations John Elway wants to win now, then it’s likely that the Broncos should consider signing him as soon as possible. Elway and Manning are golf buddies, so it’s possible that the former Denver gunslinger could woo the free agent quarterback to the “Mile High” city.

New York Jets: New York has invested time and money in their quarterback, Mark Sanchez, who has led Gang Green to the AFC Championship twice in the past three seasons. However, if New York wants to end their championship drought, then adding Peyton might be necessary.

Arizona Cardinals: Who wouldn’t want to play football in the desert? Wouldn’t you want to join the Cardinals, so you could toss numerous touchdowns to the NFL’s most lucrative receiver, Larry Fitzgerald? Manning would be a great fit for Arizona, who still hasn’t won a Super Bowl. Also, if you acquire Manning, you’d probably get Reggie Wayne, who is a free agent, too.

Daily Noontime – December 19, 2011

Tom Brady meets Tim Tebow at midfield after Sunday's game! (Photo Credit: Washington Post)

Happy Monday y’all, and welcome into another grand edition of the Daily Noontime! Here’s some news, headlines, and much more! 

Headlines: 

* Despite losing to the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow apparently told the media that he still “keeps the faith.”

* Patriots quarterback Tom Brady engineered his offense to perfection on Sunday, which was a major reason why New England topped Denver, 41-23.

* The Philadelphia Eagles stunned the New York Jets on Sunday, 45-19, while Big Blue, (New York Giants), fell to the Washington Redskins, 23-10.

* Philadelphia inked Jimmy Rollins‘ name on a three-year deal — according to MLB.com.

* The San Diego Chargers kept their playoff hopes alive, as they steamrolled the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday evening, 34-14.

Games to Watch: 

* Montreal at Boston (NHL) – 7:00pm eastern 

* Pittsburgh at San Francisco (NFL) – 8:30pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

This is how you dunk the ball! 

 

VIDEO: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski Sets The Single Season Touchdown Record

By NoontimeSports.com 

On Sunday against the Washington Redskins, Rob Gronkowski set the single season record for touchdowns by a tight end. His 14th touchdown catch is the most any tight end has ever caught in a season, and luckily for him, the New England Patriots have three more contests to play.

Gronkowski was a major contributors in the team’s 10th win, as he finished the game with two touchdowns, and six catches for 160 yards.

Here’s a video recapping his epic performance against the Redskins, enjoy.

Ernie Davis Wins The Heisman Trophy 50-Years Ago

50-years ago, Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy Award!

By NoontimeSports.com 

It was exactly November 28, 1961, when Syracuse University running back Ernie Davis became the first African American football player to win the Heisman Trophy.

No African American had ever won this prestigious collegiate award until ‘61, but during a tumultuous period in the United States that saw numerous men, women and children divided over the idea of race, it certainly brought out the meaning of equality for all.

Davis remains the only Syracuse player to win this prestigious award, and was a major component of the team’s National Championship victory against the University of Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic in ‘60. He also was named the most valuable player in the ’61 Liberty Bowl, and was featured twice on the All-American First Team roster between ’59-’61.

However, despite a very successful collegiate career with the Orangemen, Davis never played a single down in the NFL due to his battle with leukemia. He was the number one pick in the ’62 draft by the Washington Redskins, but was acquired through a trade with the Cleveland Browns, where his number (44) was retired.

On Monday, Noontime Sports honors the spirit and life of Davis, who not only changed the game of college football, but also provided a ray of hope for many African American men, women and children. He became a hero and an idol, as well as someone President John F. Kennedy described as, “a worthy example of our youth.”

 

Patriots Release Haynesworth

On Tuesday, the New England Patriots officially cut ties with Haynesworth.

By NoontimeSports.com 

According to multiple reports on Tuesday, the New England Patriots have officially released defensive end Albert Haynesworth.

Haynesworth, who was acquired via a trade during the preseason from the Washington Redskins, only appeared in six games this season, and recorded three tackles, (two solo and one assist).

In an interview with the Boston Herald earlier this season, he describe the move from Washington to New England “career saving.”

Should Your Team Sign Terrell Owens? Here’s Some Thoughts!

Would you want T.O. to play for your team?

By Matt Noonan 

According to multiple reports, Terrell Owens is expected to work out on Tuesday in California, but it’s not certain how many teams will attend his individual training session.

Owens is coming off anterior cruciate ligament surgery, but hopes to play a 16th season. However, many team representitives are quite skeptical about his physical ability, but it’s probable that some squad will take a chance on the highly touted receiver.

Here are just a few teams that might be interested in acquiring Owens.

Buffalo Bills – He played for the Bills in ‘09, but with the team’s recent success, I could see Owens returning to “North America’s team,” so he can help Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson contend for an AFC East crown. With Owens in the line-up, it would most likely help Steve Johnson and Donald Jones catch more passes, as well as open up the run game even more.

Denver BroncosTim Tebow mania is officially underway in the “Mile High” city, but adding Owens might help the young gunslinger, as well as the team’s offense. Tebow doesn’t exactly have a star-studded cast around him, but in a division that’s a complete toss up, (sorry Chargers fans), he could certainly help or at least provide a much-needed spark for the remainder of the season.

Washington Redskins – With Santana Moss sidelined for roughly the next five-seven weeks, why wouldn’t Mike Shanahan roll the dice? The NFC East is a complete mess and no team has emerged from the pack, so possibly adding Owens might help. He’d likely be the number one receiver on the depth chart, and could be a valuable weapon for quarterback John Beck.

San Francisco 49ers – Why wouldn’t T.O. not want to return to the “City by the Bay?” As of recently, they’re winning and leading the NFC West too, so maybe he’d want to join a possible contender. The NFL season is still far from over, but adding him to the offense might make San Francisco even scarier.

Follow Matt Noonan on Twitter @NoontimeSports or send an email to the author – NoontimeSports@gmail.com. 

NFL Week Seven – News and Notes

Josh Freeman and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to earn an impressive win in London on Sunday against the Chicago Bears!

By NoontimeSports.com 

The seventh week of the NFL is this Sunday, but before it’s officially kick-off, let’s provide some news, notes and links.

* It’s official, the Washington Redskins will indeed start quarterback John Beck this weekend against the Carolina Panthers, but according to Joe Theisman, he’s not too happy with the decision.

* The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears will play the annual London game this weekend, but unlike the team from the “Windy City,” the squad from Florida departed across the pond on Monday.

* According to a recent report on NFL.com, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was added to the AskMen.com’s most influential list.

* According to a source, the Oakland Raiders will indeed start Carson Palmer this weekend at quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs.

* News sources have confirmed that St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford won’t miss his team’s contest against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, despite his recent high ankle sprain.

Analyzing Three NFL QB Controversies

Can Tim Tebow save Denver's season? We'll find out on Sunday against Miami!

By Brian Willwerth 

We’re just past the one-month mark of the NFL season, and several teams are either changing their starting quarterbacks, or thinking about it.

Here’s a look at three such cases.

DENVER BRONCOS – It’s Tebow time, as the much-hyped QB will start for the Broncos on Sunday against the winless Dolphins in Miami. The fans have been screaming for Tim Tebow since day one. Kyle Orton was doomed from the start, and his performance against the Chargers, (6-of 13 for 34 yards) was the icing on the cake. Head coach John Fox had to do something to spark his team. Denver is ranked 27th in passing offense and 22nd in rushing. Tebow has the ability to improve both of those numbers. He’ll be returning to the state where he had so much success in college.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS – The Vikes are 1-4, and Donovan McNabb may have seen his last action for quite some time. He was benched in the second half of Sunday night’s blowout loss to the Bears in favor of rookie Christian Ponder. Of course, you can’t blame McNabb for letting Devin Hester do what he does best, and you can’t blame him for letting Jay Cutler light up the secondary. That said, Minnesota has already blown two big leads already this season vs. Tampa Bay and Detroit. Head coach Leslie Frazier is expected to decide Wednesday whether Ponder will make his first career start against the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS – Washington is over .500 [3-2] but when you have Rex Grossman on your team, well I think you know where I’m heading with this. After playing decent football through the first four weeks of the season, Grossman threw four interceptions in the loss to the Eagles – three of them to Philadelphia safety Kurt Coleman. Mike Shanahan benched Grossman in the second half in favor of John Beck. Will this be a permanent change? We’ll see who lines up under center on Sunday in Carolina.

NFL Week 5 – News and Notes

Do you think it's right for Chris Cooley to call out Tony Romo?

By NoontimeSports.com 

The fifth week of the NFL season is upon us and yes, there’s certainly been a great deal of surprises. Here’s some of the biggest headlines and news from Wednesday, enjoy.

* If hypothetically, Tony Romo and Chris Cooley fought one another, who do you think would win? Well, apparently the Washington Redskins tight end  has taken some verbal shots at the Dallas Cowboys gunslinger for his late-game meltdowns, but again, why does he feel a need to talk or yap about Romo?

* Rex Ryan‘s New York Jets are currently sporting a gaudy [2-2] record. However, the rather large head coach isn’t exactly pleased with his bunch of “bullies,” and hopes their next opponent – the New England Patriots will change their losing culture.

* The Miami Dolphins might need a new quarterback, as sources confirmed that Chad Henne has a “potentially serious left shoulder injury.” The team has worked-out Trent Edwards and Brodie Croyle, but no decision has been made according to one source.

* Apparently, Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie was quite vocal about Patriots quarterback Tom Brady according to ProFootballTalk.com. Brady told the Boston/New England media that he didn’t care about Cromartie’s words, which makes you wonder, what will he and the Patriots offense do on against New York on Sunday?

* According to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, the “dream team” is officially over and now, it’s time for him and his teammates to start playing football.

NFL Week Four – News and Notes

By NoontimeSports.com 

Hard to believe it, but the first official NFL Sunday in October is upon us – wow! Here’s some of the recent headlines and news heading into week four of the regular season, enjoy!

* Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton finally earned his first win of the season last week, yet now comes a daunting task – the Chicago Bears. In a recent article about Newton and the Panthers, Bears head coach Lovie Smith compared the rookie quarterback to former Carolina defensive end, Julius Peppers. Yet, how does Newton and Peppers compare to one another? That seems strange, right?

* Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo admitted recently that he was tired of hearing about Tony Romo‘s heroism. Orakpo told ESPN 980′s John Thompson on Tuesday that he believed this whole situation with Romo’s injury was blown out of proportion. Certainly the Redskins and their coaches aren’t happy about the loss, but luckily they’ll get another shot at the Dallas Cowboys later this season.

* While the Buffalo Bills prepare for their fourth opponent of the season – the Cincinnati Bengals, sources have confirmed that the team is close to a new deal with St. John Fisher, which would keep their training camp at Pittsford college.

* According to a recent report via Yahoo! Sports, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer won’t be headed to Miami, Florida.

* The Indianapolis Colts recently signed former Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky due to Kerry Collins‘s concussion-like symptoms.