Bob Bratkowiski

[BlainThePain]

Inside Dish

Dan Pompei, Sporting News

Titans, McNair need to hammer out some issues

January 1, 2006

Both Steve McNair and the Titans appear motivated for the quarterback to return to the team for a 12th season, but there are some hurdles to clear. The first is the team's desire to restructure McNair's contract and give him a considerable pay cut. The team also might seek to come to an understanding with McNair about sitting out practices. Because he's often beat up, McNair rarely practices late in the season. That wasn't a problem when the Titans had veteran receivers, but it has been a problem this year because he's trying to establish chemistry with a group of young receivers. Even if McNair returns, look for the Titans to select his eventual replacement in the early rounds of the draft. . . .

The pronouncement last week by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti that Brian Billick would be the team's coach in 2006 was a long time in the making. Bisciotti and general manager Ozzie Newsome spent dozens of hours meeting about Billick's fate. The meetings went on for more than a month, and Billick even joined some of them. The three examined how everything was fitting together. They discussed how to move forward and make the necessary improvements. Billick is expected to make changes on his staff, but none will be forced on him. . . .

Talk about Cowboys coach Bill Parcells retiring won't hurt him in his ongoing contract talks with the team. Parcells has one year left on his deal. . . .

The Rams recently extended general manager Charley Armey's contract for one year, but that doesn't mean the team won't have a new general manager by next summer. The team didn't want to risk losing him and having no one in place to run the draft--hence, the extension. . . .

Bears WR Bernard Berrian became a different player the last month of the season. The 2004 third-round pick turned a corner after almost going on injured reserve with a thumb injury. He has been more assertive, confident, relaxed and willing to step up. A speed receiver, Berrian also has improved his intermediate routes. QB Rex Grossman's return has helped. Another part of Berrian's breakout could be the Bears' releasing veteran Bobby Wade, who had a big presence among the team's receivers. . . .

The Bengals have plenty of weapons on offense, but they also have Bob Bratkowski, a coordinator who knows how to deploy them. In fact, one AFC defensive coordinator said he thought Bratkowski was the best play-caller he faced this season. . . .

The Packers are trying to re-sign LE Aaron Kampman. Kampman, who is scheduled to be a free agent, isn't a superstar, but he is the type of player teams like to build around because of his character, work ethic and locker room presence. Kampman has improved every year he has been in the league. He would be especially difficult for the Packers to replace because they don't have another end who can play all four downs effectively. . . .

RB Tiki Barber has been as valuable to the Giants on the sideline and in meeting rooms as he has been on the field, where he has garnered attention as an MVP candidate. Barber has been the leader of the Giants' offense. He's known for excellent communication with linemen, other backs, QB Eli Manning and the coaching staff. He's always trying to help make the next play more effective.

[Stripes]

He is certainly among the most unique playcallers out there, but that isn't always a good thing. He out-thinks himself too much, and gets too fond of his weapons in the passing game.

[BlainThePain]

I stole this from another forum and they didn't have a link posted with it.

[walshfan]

The Bengals have put allot of points on the board this season..

The defense has been the downfall.. Hopefully we get some more players to balance the team out next year.