First and 10: New faces visit old places
Published: August 11th, 2011 | Tags: First and 10, Albert Haynesworth, Brad Childress, Colt McCoy, Jay Cutler, Maurice Jones-Drew, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Randy Moss, Shaun Ellis, Steve Smith
Steve Smith has left New York for greener pastures — Eagles green, that is. Smith’s signing means Giants-Eagles will join other NFL contests that feature high-profile homecomings this season, including Shaun Ellis lining up against the New York Jets in a Patriots uniform, and Pats DE Albert Haynesworth getting a crack at his old coach Mike Shanahan when New England visits Washington on Dec. 11. We asked our panel of experts which 2011 “revenge game” they’re looking forward to most in the latest Instant Debate. Look for that later today on NFL.com.
Here’s what else is on tap for Thursday:
- Former Minnesota coach Brad Childress visits the NFL Network studios to talk about his turbulent 2010 season, and the coach isn’t too shy when assessing Randy Moss’ effect on the Vikings’ locker room.
- Our comprehensive training camp reports continue, as NFL Network reporter Albert Breer explains how Browns quarterback Colt McCoy earned his teammates’ trust during the offseason. Plus, NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche on the Panthers, and NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan on the Rams.
- Adam Rank applauds Maurice Jones-Drew for refusing to apologize after questioning Jay Cutler‘s toughness on Twitter. However, Adam can think of some other NFL figures who owe us an apology, as he explains in the latest Pick Six.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have played in two of the last three Super Bowls, but they fall short of the top five in Elliot Harrison‘s 2011 power rankings. Find out why.
- Rich Eisen took his podcast on the road for last week’s Hall of Fame festivities in Canton, and scored a treasure trove of interviews with HOFers, including John Madden talking about his recent meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Jim Kelly on Scott Norwood‘s missed field goal, and Jack Youngblood and Jackie Slater on what it was like to play football in L.A. in the ’70s.
- You don’t have to separate facts from rumors: NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora does it for you. Keep up with the latest buzz on free agents, trades and position battles by following Jason’s blog.
- Keep up with the past two weeks of frantic player signings in our Free Agency Tracker.
- In addition to the free-agent frenzy, don’t forget the fantasy frenzy. Get ready for your draft with NFL.com’s all-encompassing draft kit.
- NFL.com fantasy football editor Michael Fabiano explains why LeGarrette Blount could have a breakout year, plus other hot tips for 2011.