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  Down to 4 teams now in the chase for the Lombardi Trophy – could anyone have imagined that neither the Saints nor the Packers would be in the NFC Championship game?  The Giants are like a bad dream happening all over again – did we hit a wormhole and go back to 2007-2008?  Like last time, they seem to be getting healthy and peaking at just the right time.  They didn’t get the Packers best effort by any means, but they beat the team that just about everyone already had penciled in for Indianapolis.  “Greg”, the resident Giants fan in my office can barely contain himself.  Time to work from home…

• Although it disappoints me greatly that the Cowboys are nowhere involved, the Saints -49ers game last weekend was maybe the best game I”ve ever watched.  Before Drew Brees and the Saints could even start celebrating their last score, Alex Smith (no, that’s not a typo) drives the 49ers the length of the field with only 2:09 remaining and scores the go-ahead touchdown with 9 seconds left.  Alex Smith – the same guy most 49er fans wanted to run out of town as recently as this last off season after 6 pretty awful seasons (albeit surrounded by some awful teams).  That goes to show you that if you give Romo that kind of supporting cast, he could take us a long way.  Does anyone think Alex Smith is a better QB than Romo?  I don’t. (more…)

This will read like a love song to Patrick Crayton.  Crayton has been a consumate professional during his tenure with Dallas.  While he may have opened his mouth at times, I never objected to his statements.  Crayton was originally drafted in the 7th round in 2004.  He has been remarkably productive for a late round pick, especially since he has been demoted at every opportunity.

Crayton has limited value in regards to trade value.  It’s not outside the rhealm of possibility, however.  He has a managable contract, and can play a variety of positions, from punt returner, slot receiver, and #2 WR.  A team won’t trade for him since he will probably be cut (barring injury to the other WR’s on the staff).  Why pay for something that you can otherwise get free.

Crayton isn’t the fastest, biggest, tallest, nor most talented player on the field (unless he’s coaching pee-wee football).  He has good hands, and runs solid routes.  He doesn’t give up on plays (regardless of the counter argument that he gave up on the route against the Giants in the playoffs).  He is a solid veteran who has several years of productivity remaining.

Crayton is not participating in organized team activities.  This is a benefit for him as he will avoid injury.  It’s a benefit to the Cowboys who will be able to funnel additional repetitions to younger players.  Some may view Crayton as throwing a tantrum, but this is as far from the truth as possible.

Ideally for Crayton, he will land with a competitive team in need of depth at the WR position.  Barring injury to starting players, I actually see him landing with a team with young WR’s where Crayton will act as a mentor while providing production on the field.  The following are potential landing spots for Crayton based upon the above criteria.

Bengals:  Cincy added Matt Jones and Antonio Bryant.  The Bengals have been a repository for former Cowboys.  With the two WR’s that were added, Crayton would certainly be a stabilizing force.  At least he would be eligible to play throughout the entire year.  I doubt Cincy is an option.

Browns:  The Browns have Cribbs as their return man.  While the Browns have purged their talent (Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow) recently, they have drafted several young players, Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, etc.  This wouldn’t be a perfect fit for Crayton, but I certainly could see him being productive for several years while mentoring the Browns young talent.  Robiskie is the son of former Redskins Head Coach, Terry Robiskie.  He is fundamentally sound, but lacked production.  I think this would be an ideal landing for Crayton.  The quarterback situation in Cleveland is less than desirable.  Crayton is a veteran WR, 31 years old, and he may not have enough time left in his career to wait for Colt McCoy to become a competent QB.

Steelers:  The Steelers fans hate the Cowboys and their fans.  Those who are ignorant of this fact and root for the Steelers are excused.  Now that you know, you have to decide on the Cowboys or the Steelers.  You can’t be fans of both teams (you hear that Sean Lee, Lee’s family and my brother).  Otherwise, the Steelers have shipped out a Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes, and Limas Sweed suffered an achilles injury.   Certainly the Steelers now have a void.  They presently have ten WR’s on their roster, so it is not an imperative that they add additional talent.  Crayton would certainly prefer moving to a championship caliber team, but I doubt the the Steelers have a significant interest in Crayton.

Texans:  The Texans only have 7 listed WR’s, though Dorin Dickerson is a TE.  Considering that, they only have 6 WR’s, of which Andre Johnson is the only feared WR.  Jacoby Jones is a talented speedster that has minimal production over the past three years.  He may be on the verge of a breakout like Miles Austin had last year, but this may be a good landing spot for Crayton.  Houston is close to Dallas (if he elected to commute), and they have a good QB.

Jaguars:  The Jaguars have several no name WR’s (as they cut Torry Holt).  The Jags best WR, Mike Sims-Walker, was equally as productive as Crayton in 2009.  I think Crayton would be a good addition to the Jags roster, though I  believe the Jags are more interested in developing their young talent like Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard.  If they wanted a veteran presence on the team, they would have kept Holt who had a sub-par year.

Bills:  Terrell Owens found refuge in Buffalo last year.  Crayton won’t be as lucky.  The Bills don’t have a dynamic passing game, and he would be buried on the play progression.  Running game would be pre-dominant, then the first look to Evans, then Reed, and then the QB is sacked.

Dolphins:  Both Parcells and Sparano are familiar with Crayton.  The Dolphins traded for Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess had a breakout season (76 receptions, 758 yards).  There may be room for Crayton as a slot WR, but I think the Dolphins would consider bring Crayton in if they were competing for a Super Bowl.  I think they are a few years away from competing at a high level.

Patriots:  Crayton would be an upgrade over Julian Edelman as a slot WR.  Wes Welker will be rehabbing for much of the season from his knee injury.  While Crayton wouldn’t be expensive, I don’t see the Patriots paying three players for one position on the team.  Most may see depth, though I think the Patriots see redundancy.  As a side note, I was pleased that Isaiah Stanback only had 3 receptions last year with the Patriots.  That’s not sour grapes towards Stanback, but it would have killed me a little if this was a repeat of Jimmy Smith.

Raiders:  The Raiders would be well served to have someone on their team who can find the holes in zone coverage and can catch the ball.  I hear Crayton runs a 4.5 forty time, which is about .2 seconds too long for the Raiders.

Bears:  Crayton would be a welcome addition to a team with questionable talent at the WR position.  Knox is a speedster; Hester is productive; but two of their top three receivers were a TE and RB.  If Favre doesn’t return to the Vikings, the division will be up for grabs, and Chicago could compete with for the division.

Panthers: The Panthers have a mix of youth and veterans to mentor the former.  Crayton will not be singing Sweet Caroline, unless he goes to a Pitt game.

Buccaneers:  The Bucs drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams.  With Antonio Bryant not being signed, their remaining WRing crew totaled 47 receptions.  Crayton would be a welcome addition the Buc’s QB, Josh Freeman.  One questions for the Bucs, why would you take a WR who quit on his team in the 3rd round.  He may have been the most talented player to come out of Buffalo in a long time, but isn’t that like being the prettiest leper?

Redskins:  If the Redskins were to sign both Crayton and Terrell Owens, they would certainly look for revenge against the organization who choose ROY WILLIAMS over both of them.  The Redskins have young WR’s (Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas), but they aren’t feared.  They have old WR’s (Joey Galloway, Santana Moss), but they aren’t feared.  Crayton would certainly receive some playing time considering that group.  I could see Crayton in a Redskin uniform, though it would break my heart just a bit.  I feel no pity for McNabb, but I almost hope (almost), that he has at least one target besides Cooley who will catch the ball.

Rams:  Crayton would be a solid #2 WR across from Donnie Avery.  Danny Amendola (43 receptions, 326 yards) would stay in the slot.  This would be a god awful situation for Crayton considering a rookie QB and a losing franchise.

And the least likely option is:

Cowboys: Presently on the Cowboys roster are Miles Austin (who has a history of injuries), Roy Williams (who has a history of underachieving),  Dez Bryant (who has no history at the pro-level), Sam Hurd (top special teamer with limited offensive production), Kevin Ogletree (impressive 2nd year player with quickness and body control), Jesse Holley (Larry Fitzgerald hair twin), Manuel Johnson (7th round selection and practice squad member in 2009), and Ryan Titus (undrafted free agent in 2007).  With the Cowboys having Super Bowl aspirations, parading Roy Williams and Jesse Holley in a division match-up late in the season does not sound appealing at all.  Ogletree can play the slot if called upon.  He is quick and fast and has developed a rapport with Romo in a short period of time.  Depth is not a problem for the Cowboys, so it is unlikely Crayton will be retained.

Draft time and free agency in the NFL is a lot like Christmas.

Your franchise gets new toys.

The Cowboys have a few different types of toys on their wish lists through free agency and the draft, with the most glaring needs at free safety, offensive tackle, middle linebacker and slot receiver. Here are the players that should be at the top of the Jerry Jones’ wishlist, should he decide to pursue them in free agency or with the 27th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Free Safety: Antrel Rolle of the Cardinals figures to be released by his team according to the Chicago Tribune. Please, oh please, oh pretty please, let this happen. Rolle would be the best unrestricted free agent on the market by a mile and would probably partner well with strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh, provided that Sensabaugh gets a new contract or at least a tender from the Cowboys (which he probably will). If the Cowboys want to get some depth at free safety from the draft, they’ll probably look at Texas’ Earl Thomas. Thomas had a good combine and he’ll be enticing to the Texans, who have the 20th overall pick. We’d have to leapfrog them to get to that pick. The Seahawks at 14 or the 49ers at 17 make a lot of sense, as they’d be glad to stockpile picks. If not Thomas, then Georgia’s Reshad Jones could be a good pick in the second or third round and Florida’s Major Wright could be on the board as late as the fourth round.

Offensive Tackle: We need to start planning for Flozell Adams riding into the sunset NFL style-playing a disgraceful year or two with the Raiders, Rams or Bears. Unfortunately, the talent pool is shallow and shrinking as teams tender their tackles. The best name that hasn’t been tendered as of yet is San Diego’s Marcus McNeal. He’s only missed two starts in his whole career and he allowed 5 sacks in 16 games last year. He’s going to get a tender, probably a first and third round tender. If the Chargers put only a first round tender on McNeal, Jerry might be tempted to pull the trigger as this year’s tackle class is extremely top heavy. Names like Trent Williams, Anthony Davis and Charles Brown might be gone by pick 27. The best move again is to move up. Bryan Bulaga is one of two offensive tackles who are polished enough and question-free enough to start from game 1. The only problem is that he might go within the first 15 picks. But left tackle might be the most important position for any team looking to do anything in the NFL, so moving up could be worth it. The next best left tackle prospect could be Indiana’s Roger Saffold and he might be around in the draft’s third round. The talent drops off very sharply here.

Middle Linebacker: Keith Brooking, the newest hero for the Cowboys’ defense is not going to be too far behind Adams. He’s 34 now and he’ll turn 35 during next season. We have to be looking for his replacement as well unless Bobby Carpenter or Jason Williams does anything. The biggest name in free agency this year is Cardinal inside backer Karlos Dansby. Again, the talent pool is shallow here and teams will throw boatloads of money at Dansby. There are other names out there like Larry Foote, but Jerry should look to continue the trend of getting younger at this position. Florida’s Brandon Spikes might be a good choice in the second or third round. He does have some deficiencies in the zone defense, but he has the size and the attitude to take on and beat offensive linemen.

Slot Receiver: This might be the position of minimal need as Patrick Crayton is still smart and serviceable and Kevin Ogletree keeps on doing everything right to get himself a starting spot. But the slot position is a position for an obvious mismatch. That’s where guys like Brandon Stokley when he played for the Colts, Wes Welker of the Patriots and Percy Harvin of the Vikings really made opposing defenses sweat. A free agent who would meet that need is Davone Bess of the Dolphins. He’s coming off of a season that saw him catch 71 passes. If we were to address this need in the draft, it’d obviously be in the later rounds. However, there are plenty of guys who fit the mold of a shifty slot receiver who’d still be around on Day 2 of the draft, when the Cowboys usually succeed. A guy who has been shooting up teams’ draft boards is Andre Roberts from The Citadel. The guy was the best receiver on the South team at the Senior Bowl and he turned in a good combine, posting a 4.4 40-yard dash time. He was a top performer in the 40, the broad jump, the 3-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle. The guy is just plain old athletic and he was dangerous as a punt returner, another need for the Cowboys. He’ll need work at reading NFL defenses and beating press coverage, but he won’t be pressed into service right away.