Saints QB Drew Brees has reached elite status, and there’s no way to argue that he’s not the best quarterback in the NFL right now. So it made sense to turn to NFL Network’s Mike Martz at what makes Brees to exceptional.

Each year the Labor Day weekend serves as D-Day in the NFL. It is a time when NFL players participate in their own game of “Survivor” and believe me, no one wants to leave the Island.

Mike Bell was released by the Broncos and Texans the last two seasons before landing with the Saints late last season. Sharing that perspective with The Associated Press on Tuesday, the running back recalled his experience of gaining too much weight and becoming a cancer to his team in Denver before being released.

Irony, a twist of fate or just poetic justice? Call it what you want, but while Bret Favre’s return is dripping with revenge and the lust to beat his former team, the questions remain: How much does Favre improve the Vikings, and how will the Green Bay Packers compete against their former savior?

Even while The City of Brotherly Love requires its athletes to weather the storm of criticism, the Eagles organization is the perfect place for Michael Vick to rehabilitate his life and resurrect his career.

NFL Network’s Scott Hanson checked in from a very hot (see heat index of 100 degrees) New Orleans Saints training camp on Monday with a one-on-one interview with RB Reggie Bush.

One of the biggest surprises in the NFL last season was the Titans’ improbable run to a league-best 13-3 regular-season record and the dethroning of the almighty Colts, snapping Indianapolis’ five-year reign as AFC South champions. Even more stunning was the rebirth of 36-year-old Kerry Collins, who led the Titans to a 10-0 start and a No.1 seed in the AFC playoff race. Now, everyone wants to know if the Titans can do it again with Collins at quarterback.

After being knocked down, bloodied and bruised last season, the Bengals appear ready to get up off the canvas and fight back in 2009.

Chad Ochocinco has become known more for drops, drama and distractions than anything else. I see more drama than I see production. It’s my job as an analyst to point these things out, but it’s not personal.

With the team’s morale hovering at an all-time low, the Denver Broncos appear to be on the verge of losing another star on offense. The affects of trading WR Brandon Marshall could sink the Josh McDaniels administration before it makes its maiden voyage.

From the beginning, justice could clearly see when Michael Vick committed an unholy trinity of sins.

As the staff of the Minnesota Vikings heads south to chat with QB Brett Favre during his rehab from a torn biceps tendon, one member of the an NFC North rival was rooting for Favre’s return.

Terrell Owens is expected to be the straw that stirs the drink in Buffalo, but QB Trent Edwards will have to be a quiet leader in the presence of a strong personality for the Bills. T.O.’s presence could help Edwards crown himself as the best QB taken in the 2007 draft.

Vince Young caused a stir after recent comments during a radio interview. But he has to know that the time for talking is over. For For Vince, it’s as simple as anything in sports: It’s time to put up or shut up.

Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has used up the equity earned by multiple Pro Bowl appearances. His absence from the Bengals’ OTAs has not only hurt the potential growth of the team’s passing game, but could affect Carson Palmer’s chance of reclaiming his status as one of the league’s best signal-callers.