Quarterback Headlines

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman practiced for the first time since breaking the thumb on his throwing hand and expects to play in the Sunday season opener against the Cleveland Browns.[+]

Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman practiced for the first time since breaking the thumb on his throwing hand and expects to play in the Buccaneers' season opener against the Cleveland Browns.[+]

Quarterback Matt Leinart has officially joined the Houston Texans.[+]

Everyone knows about Peter King's Super Bowl pick (the Steelers!?), but what else does he think will happen this season? Mr. Monday Morning Quarterback makes his 2010 predictions.[+]

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday there's no guarantee that Ben Roethlisberger will be the starting quarterback when he returns from his four-game suspension.[+]

Everyone knows about Peter King's Super Bowl pick (the Steelers!?), but what else does he think will happen this season? Mr. Monday Morning Quarterback makes his 2010 predictions.[+]

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, whose contract expires after this season, has been offered a three-year, $58 million extension, the Boston Herald reported, citing sources close to the negotiations.[+]

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, whose contract expires after this season, has been offered a three-year, $58 million extension, the Boston Herald reported, citing sources close to the negotiations.[+]

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, whose contract expires after this season, has been offered a three-year, $58 million extension, the Boston Herald reported Tuesday morning, citing sources close to the negotiations.[+]

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Chargers have signed free agent quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan to a one-year contract.[+]

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Quarterback Dennis Dixon took snaps with the starters during the Pittsburgh Steelers' first practice of the week, a possible tipoff he will start Sunday's season opener against Atlanta.[+]

Throughout the 2010 NFL season, SI.com's Nick Zaccardi will work with Jerome Bettis to get the six-time Pro Bowl running back's observations about the previous week's news and games. Bettis retired from the NFL in 2006 after a 13-year career.[+]

Dennis Dixon was named the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback for Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, coach Mike Tomlin said.[+]

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Quarterback Dennis Dixon took snaps with the starters during the Pittsburgh Steelers' first practice of the week, a possible tipoff he will start Sunday's season opener against Atlanta.[+]

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart has agreed to one-year contract with the Houston Texans after finding little interest from the rest of the NFL's 31 teams, according to league sources.[+]

Ben Roethlisberger is no longer a Pittsburgh Steelers captain.[+]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris says starting quarterback Josh Freeman will return to practice Tuesday and be ready for the team's season home opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sept 12, according to the Bucs' official Twitter page.[+]

Former Washington Redskins and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann joins NFL Network's Thursday Night Football broadcast team, it was announced Monday.[+]

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart has agreed to one-year contract with the Houston Texans after finding little interest from the rest of the NFL's 31 teams, according to league sources.[+]

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Who got the best of the Jets-Darrelle Revis deal? Who should be the Steelers QB in Week 1? Who is Max Hall? Peter King supplies all of the answers in this Labor Day edition of MMQB.[+]

For the first time since 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not elect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as one of the team's captains.[+]

Who got the best of the Jets-Darrelle Revis deal? Who will be the Steelers QB in Week 1? Who is Max Hall? Peter King supplies all the answers in the Labor Day edition of MMQB.[+]

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart has agreed to one-year contract with the Houston Texans after finding little interest from the rest of the NFL's 31 teams, according to league sources.[+]

The Broncos of Boise State have defeated a Top 10 team before, upsetting the more highly regarded Oklahoma Sooners in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl and the TCU Horned Frogs at the same venue two years later, will they do it again this Monday?

It all rest on the shoulder of the defense. Last year Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkoski and the ‘Blue Defense’ dominated the Broncos’ two biggest rivals, as both the Oregon Ducks and TCU managed to put a combine 18 points on one of the most underrated units in the nation.

Nine starters return from a unit that forced 35 turnovers and racked 26 sacks last season. Both ends, Ryan Winterswky and Shea McClellin, are potential All Western Athletic Conference [WAC] candidates. Winterswky is the most active player along the line. Last fall, the 6-4 senior registered 9 unassisted sacks, tops in the Conference.

While the ends will provide outside rush, it is the interior line that would be actually the key Monday night. Look for junior tackle Billy Winn [12.5 tackles for loss, also the best mark in the WAC] and the underrated Chase Baker, to be heavily involve in attacking Virginia Tech’s unorthodox running attack.

Last year North Carolina showed how to stop RB Ryan Williams and company by splitting the gaps in the line and maintaining a constants edge rusher on patrol at each side if the defensive line. The Tar Heels limited the Hokies to just 95 (2.9 ypc) rushing yards. Boise has the same defensive structure and philosophy.

If the Broncos managed to shut down the Hokies’ vaunted ground attack, it will be up to QB Tyrod Taylor to win the game. Despite his vastly improved passing stats [136-243-2,311 with a 13-5 TD/INT ratio], the senior multithread signal caller is still a 56.0 completition percent passer with most of his connections going in front of the secondary, not over the top.

This means that probably most of the passes Taylor managed to connect against Boise will not travel more than 10 to 15 yards, well within the range of one of the fastest linebacker corps in the nation and the best overall secondary V Tech has faced in two years.

The Broncos defensive backfield is lead by Fiesta Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player [MVP] and All American candidate, CB Brandyn Thompson. The other corner, Jamar Taylor, although only a sophomore, has the ability to cover speedy Jarret Boykin, the Hokies’ best wide out.

Of course, the best bet for the Broncos is for Heisman Trophy candidate, QB Kellen Moore to have one of those career-defining games, such as the one former Nebraska Heisman winner, Eric Crouch had against Oklahoma almost a decade ago.

Moore have the ability to do juts that and more and with All-WAC wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young, tight ends Tommy Gallarda and Kyle Efaw, the Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP and a plethora of efficient running backs. Boise should not have trouble moving the ball against a stingy but soft secondary.

In 2009, V Tech allowed an average of 167 passing yards a game [47.4 completition percentage], but that was mostly done versus average passing schemes. Sophisticated, pass-first teams such as Duke, which torched the Hokies for 359 yards, give Tech problems.

Keeping Moore straight will be another matter. The Hokies had one of the most active defensives fronts in the Atlantic Coast Conference last year registering 36 sacks, including three games with at least six drops.

But that part of the defense lost five starters, including both ends and one interior lineman. The secondary is vulnerable as it had only one starter back, Rashad Carmichael, who led the team with 6 INTs in 2009. The rest, CB Jayron Hosley, and safeties Davon Morgan and Eddie Whitley lack the experience to cover more than simple pass routes.

Prediction: The game is at Blacksburg, Va., which gives the Hokies an advantage, at least on paper. They are a well rounded team with Williams, who is a special talent that should, despite Boise’s best efforts, eclipse the 100 yard mark. The problem for Tech is that wouldn’t be enough to stop the most explosive offense they have faced in three seasons.

This game is the Broncos’ season. A win over the 10th ranked Hokies will almost assure them a trip to the Bowl Championship Series title game and boost Moore’s Heisman credentials.

Boise by five, 25-19.

The best way for a defender to generate Heisman hype? Return kicks, too. Patrick Peterson's impression of Charles Woodson earned him a spot on Cory McCartney's Week 1 Watch.[+]

The Broncos of Boise State have defeated a Top 10 team before, upsetting the more highly regarded Oklahoma Sooners in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl and the TCU Horned Frogs at the same venue two years later, will they do it again this Monday?

It all rest on the shoulder of the defense. Last year Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkoski and the ‘Blue Defense’ dominated the Broncos’ two biggest rivals, as both the Oregon Ducks and TCU managed to put a combine 18 points on one of the most underrated units in the nation.

Nine starters return from a unit that forced 35 turnovers and racked 26 sacks last season. Both ends, Ryan Winterswky and Shea McClellin, are potential All Western Athletic Conference [WAC] candidates. Winterswky is the most active player along the line. Last fall, the 6-4 senior registered 9 unassisted sacks, tops in the Conference.

While the ends will provide outside rush, it is the interior line that would be actually the key Monday night. Look for junior tackle Billy Winn [12.5 tackles for loss, also the best mark in the WAC] and the underrated Chase Baker, to be heavily involve in attacking Virginia Tech’s unorthodox running attack.

Last year North Carolina showed how to stop RB Ryan Williams and company by splitting the gaps in the line and maintaining a constants edge rusher on patrol at each side if the defensive line. The Tar Heels limited the Hokies to just 95 (2.9 ypc) rushing yards. Boise has the same defensive structure and philosophy.

If the Broncos managed to shut down the Hokies’ vaunted ground attack, it will be up to QB Tyrod Taylor to win the game. Despite his vastly improved passing stats [136-243-2,311 with a 13-5 TD/INT ratio], the senior multithread signal caller is still a 56.0 completition percent passer with most of his connections going in front of the secondary, not over the top.

This means that probably most of the passes Taylor managed to connect against Boise will not travel more than 10 to 15 yards, well within the range of one of the fastest linebacker corps in the nation and the best overall secondary V Tech has faced in two years.

The Broncos defensive backfield is lead by Fiesta Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player [MVP] and All American candidate, CB Brandyn Thompson. The other corner, Jamar Taylor, although only a sophomore, has the ability to cover speedy Jarret Boykin, the Hokies’ best wide out.

Of course, the best bet for the Broncos is for Heisman Trophy candidate, QB Kellen Moore to have one of those career-defining games, such as the one former Nebraska Heisman winner, Eric Crouch had against Oklahoma almost a decade ago.

Moore have the ability to do juts that and more and with All-WAC wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young, tight ends Tommy Gallarda and Kyle Efaw, the Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP and a plethora of efficient running backs. Boise should not have trouble moving the ball against a stingy but soft secondary.

In 2009, V Tech allowed an average of 167 passing yards a game [47.4 completition percentage], but that was mostly done versus average passing schemes. Sophisticated, pass-first teams such as Duke, which torched the Hokies for 359 yards, give Tech problems.

Keeping Moore straight will be another matter. The Hokies had one of the most active defensives fronts in the Atlantic Coast Conference last year registering 36 sacks, including three games with at least six drops.

But that part of the defense lost five starters, including both ends and one interior lineman. The secondary is vulnerable as it had only one starter back, Rashad Carmichael, who led the team with 6 INTs in 2009. The rest, CB Jayron Hosley, and safeties Davon Morgan and Eddie Whitley lack the experience to cover more than simple pass routes.

Prediction: The game is at Blacksburg, Va., which gives the Hokies an advantage, at least on paper. They are a well rounded team with Williams, who is a special talent that should, despite Boise’s best efforts, eclipse the 100 yard mark. The problem for Tech is that wouldn’t be enough to stop the most explosive offense they have faced in three seasons.

This game is the Broncos’ season. A win over the 10th ranked Hokies will almost assure them a trip to the Bowl Championship Series title game and boost Moore’s Heisman credentials.

Boise by five, 25-19.

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) It turns out Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli can now play for the Rebels immediately.[+]

Will Mark Ingram's injury end his repeat quest? Is Terrelle Pryor ready to dominate? Can a non-BCS player stay in the hunt? Cory McCartney has the answers in the Heisman Watch.[+]

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) The NCAA has denied Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli's request for a waiver that would allow him to play immediately, meaning he won't be eligible until 2011.[+]

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) The NCAA has denied Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli's request for a waiver that would allow him to play immediately, meaning he won't be eligible until 2011.[+]

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) The NCAA has denied Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli's request for a waiver that would allow him to play immediately, meaning he won't be eligible until 2011.[+]

Ndamukong Suh is gone. So is Toby Gerhart and Colt McCoy. The departure of yesterday's stars left voids at a number of programs. So who's next? Cory McCartney has some ideas.[+]

Ndamukong Suh is gone. So is Toby Gerhart and Colt McCoy. The departure of yesterday's stars left voids at a number of programs. So who's next? Cory McCartney has some ideas.[+]

Kellen Moore doesn't have the size, or the arm, or the speed. But that hasn't stopped Boise State's cool and collected signal-caller from becoming a star, says George Schroeder.[+]

Can Oregon win without Jeremiah Masoli? Is Oregon State ready to break through? How will USC fare under Lane Kiffin? Stewart Mandel offers his predictions in our Pac-10 preview.[+]

Can Oregon win without Jeremiah Masoli? Is Oregon State ready to break through? How will USC fare under Lane Kiffin? Stewart Mandel offers his predictions in our Pac-10 preview.[+]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Tate Forcier was oozing with confidence before he took a snap for Michigan last year.[+]

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- Texas Tech senior Taylor Potts will start the season at quarterback.[+]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Tate Forcier got his wings back.[+]

Will Ohio State finally set Terrelle Pryor loose? Can Rich Rodriguez save his job? Is Iowa a true contender? Stewart Mandel offers his predictions in SI.com's 2010 Big Ten preview.[+]

Tom Savage is just a sophomore, but his 11 starts make him the Big East's most experienced QB. The Rutgers talent is embracing his role as elder statesman, says Abe Schwadron.[+]

Pete Carroll is in the NFL. Jeremiah Masoli is at Ole Miss. USC in on probation. The Pac-10 appears wide-open, and Jim Harbaugh may be the man to take advantage, says Ann Killion.[+]

Every year there are a few teams that are supposed to be on downturn. Programs that are not projected to be more than average in the national scene but thanks to a combination of better-than-average coaching, a workable schedule and a good talent pool, managed to out performed expectations. This year there are three teams that possessed those traits.

Topping the list is perennial powerhouse USC. Banned from the post season because of NCAA sanctions, the Men of Troy will seem to be a program on decline. But this is Southern California which means that they still have one of the deepest talent bases in the country. Add to the mix an energetic head coach and a more than manageable schedule, and it is possible the Trojans could run the table and finish undefeated and near the top of the Bowl Championship Series standings.

The expectations are not that lofty in South Bend. Three years of underachieving has done away with that. Enter Brian Kelly; a motivator with radical offensives concepts and a reputation for quick turnarounds that, coupled with an underrated roster, could make the Irish a formidable foe come November.

Its seem odd to peg the surprising label to a team that had average 10 wins over the last five years, but for all those wins, West Virginia still have underachieved. Picked to play in the BSC title game at least two times in the last four seasons, the Mountneers have falter badly when all the chips were on the line. This has prompted many to dismiss them as realistic national contenders.


1.USC Trojans: This is new territory for the Trojans. Gone are the preseason top 5 rankings, the opportunity to play for the national champion and another PAC-10 title. Without the possibility of playing in the postseason, many predict a repeat of last year mediocre 9-4 record.

This is much better team than that. Sophomore QB Matt Barkley is a year older. He looked very sharp during spring practices. As always, the Trojans are loaded at the running back with the underrated Allen Bradford paving the way. Guard Butch Lewis leads a veteran offensive line.

While the defense lost many key figures such as end Everson Griffen and safety Taylor Mays, the unit is much improved thanks to the return of arguable one of the two best corners [TJ Bryan and Shareece Wright] in the conference. The anchor of the unit should be DT Jurrell Casey who is primed for a big year.

The schedule also helps. None of the Trojans 7 road games are against teams that were ranked in the final poll in 2009. Last year, new Head Coach Lane Kiffin took a less talented team [Tennessee] to a respectable 7-6 mark, including their first bowl appearance in two years. A perfect season is more than achievable.

2.Notre Dame Fighting Irish: New head man Brian Kelly is a master at turning around moribund programs. He put Central Michigan on the football map in just two seasons and did the same with was once a doormat Cincinnati program. In his tenure, the Bearcats went to two BCS games and won 10 games in three straight seasons, something the school last did in 1951, while in the process dominating the underrated Big East. He should be able to work his magic down in South Bend.

There are holes, more importantly at QB where inexperience is abundant. But that is not as worrisome as some may think. In 2008 Kelly used 4 different signal callers and still won the conference. His offense is that imaginative. Plus, keep an eye on Dayne Crist, a highly touted signal caller with a live arm and a good feel for the spread attack Kelly covets so much.

The problem could rest on defense where the lack of size up front could cost at least two games. The team is changing back to a 3-4 alignment where they can mask that deficiency. The linebacker corps should be the heat on the unit thanks to the return of three starters, including top playmaker Brian Smith and budding star Manti Te’o.

If two losses are all but assure, that leaves 10 winnable dates. If we subtract the only other ‘sure’ loss on the schedule, USC, the Irish are looking at a 9 win season.

3.West Virginia Mountneers: Some one needs to win the Big East, why not the most balance team in the league? Yes, Pitt is the trendy pick and with good reason. They have the offensive talent to easily win the conference. But they do not have the balance West Virginia possesses.

Linebackers J.T. Thomas and Pat Lazear are two of the best inside defenders in the league. The line is not the biggest, but it certainly one of the quickest in the nation. The secondary could be formidable if CB Brandon Hogan continues to develop.

RB Noel Devine leads a consistent, albeit, not explosive running attack. The key will be QB Geno Smith who is entering his first full season as a starter.

The schedule is not that daunting with only three possible losses in it. A revamped LSU could prove to be too much to handle on October 9th, as could a date with talented South Florida the following week. And there’s the always entertaining Backyard Brawl against archrival Pitt. Expect West Virginia to win at least 9 games for the third consecutive season, but this time against the much tougher schedule.

By Raul Colon
rcolon@nfldraftdog.com

New Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli knows this is his last chance.[+]

COLUMBIA, S.C.(AP) -- Steve Spurrier challenged Stephen Garcia to work harder or risk losing his job as South Carolina's starting quarterback.[+]

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) After an offseason recovering from a broken foot, Ryan Mallett was understandably restless when practice finally started this week.[+]

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) After an offseason recovering from a broken foot, Ryan Mallett was understandably restless when practice finally started this week.[+]

Mississippi coach Houston Nutt says he has a zero-tolerance contract with Jeremiah Masoli.[+]

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah has suspended the scholarship of quarterback recruit Tyler Shreve, who is charged with battery for a scuffle with his high school baseball coach.[+]

This was going to be the year of the QB. It turned into one of the closest and most unpredictable Heisman races ever. Stewart Mandel explains why and examines the top contenders.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Colt McCoy's near blunder in the final seconds of the Big 12 title game hasn't cost him on the awards circuit so far. It hasn't hurt the conference, either.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Colt McCoy's near blunder in the final seconds of the Big 12 title game hasn't cost him on the awards circuit so far. It hasn't hurt the conference, either.

Tom Luginbill breaks down the strengths of the 2010 quarterback class in his superlatives.[+]

Phillip Sims, the top quarterback in the ESPNU 150, displayed his strong arm and leadership ability in leading nationally ranked Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) to its 16th straight win.[+]