*Day late here, but Pacman Jones and Chris Henry will miss the entire 2007 season and 8 games respectively due to their continued run-ins with the law. NFL Roger Goodell explained the decision:
One thought on the situation: don't expect this to be the last time we hear about either of these two getting in trouble, especially Mr. Jones. If they can't stay out of trouble while a part of a structured organization, I have a hard time imagining them doing so while they're away from their organized regiments and teamates. May we have seen the last of both these men in the NFL? Perhaps.
*As downright awful as the Oakland Raiders were on offense last year--and let's be clear, they were historically pitiful--they may very well me just a year or two away from being a .500 team and playoff contender. We know the defense is good, and it should get better, as the core of the unit is young and still developing. They also signed Free Agent RB Dominic Rhodes to compete for carries with the under-achieving and injury-prone Lamont Jordan. They also should have a significant upgrade in the QB department when they presumably draft JaMarcus Russell as the #1 overall pick in this year's draft. Randy Moss has reportedly warmed up to the idea of remaining a Raider, and now even Mr. Disgruntled himself, Jerry Porter, has a fresh outlook now that Art Shell has been replaced by Lane Kiffin. Porter, who was relegated to the practice squad during the short-lived Shell regime, says he has forgotten about last year's debaucle, and is focused on returning to form in 2007. The Raiders still have a looong way to go, but they're heading in the right direction.
*The NFL is set to announce the 2007 schedule at 1:00 pm EST today. Check back in a few hours to see who the Steelers will be playing en route to the Super Bowl.