Tiki's Take: 'If I Was on That Giants Team, We Don't Win the Super Bowl' - Giants Football Blog (blog)

MORE TIKI COVERAGE: HOW WILL THE FANS REACT?

It is safe to say that Tiki Barber is not the most popular New York Giant. In fact, many fans and probably some within the organization would prefer that Barber not be identified with the Giants in any way. Truth be told, Barber will forever be linked to Big Blue. He spent 10 years as a member of the Giants – the only team he would play for in his career – and finished with 15,632 yards from scrimmage and 68 total touchdowns. He is the Giants’ all-time leading rusher with 10,449 yards.

Barber retired following the 2006 season, one year before the Giants improbable Super Bowl win over New England. With his TV career not living up to expectations, Barber is making an attempt at returning to the NFL this season. In an interview with ESPN, Barber talked about how close he was to returning during the 2007 season. The plan was for him to join his brother, Ronde, in Tampa Bay. Though he reportedly agreed on a deal to join the Bucs, ultimately, Barber decided to stay retired, and he claims now that his decision was based on a desire to remain a Giant, even in retirement.

“Staying a Giant in retirement was very important to me,” Barber told ESPN’s Ian O’Connor. “Playing with my brother is something we dreamed of doing for years, but I’d been brought up and nurtured in one organization. I saw it as a sacred thing.”

If Barber had joined Tampa Bay, he would have ended up playing the Giants in the playoffs that year. The Giants beat the Buccaneers, 24-14, in a wild card game.

“It was a weird feeling watching that game,” Barber said, “because I was kind of rooting against my brother. I was rooting for the Giants.”

New York would go on to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl, a game Barber says the Giants would not have won if he was a still on the team.

“It was a surreal experience to be a part of that as a journalist,” Barber said about covering the Giants in the Super Bowl. “But if I was on that Giants team, we don’t win the Super Bowl that year because the offense revolved around me. Eli needed to be the leader of the offense.”

Reflecting back on his decision to stay retired, Barber says it was based on his loyalty to Big Blue.

“I didn’t want to ruin my Giants legacy.”

What’s your reaction, Giant fans?

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Video: Marvel riffs on VW Super Bowl ad with Tiny Thor - Autoblog (blog)

Volkswagen created a serious stir with its Super Bowl commercial featuring an adorably pint-size Darth Vader, and now Marvel Comics is riffing on the same theme as part of the run-up to the upcoming Thor feature film. The studio has gone through the trouble of recreating the German automaker's "The Force" ad nearly scene-for-scene... with one notable exception.

Despite the fact that Acura has saddled up with Marvel for the latest comic flick, the hero car in this particular spot is not the new TL. That's probably all for the best given the final outcome.

While Volkswagen's tiny Vader couldn't quite bend the force to his will, this runt manages to have a little better luck with Thor's hammer. We won't spoil the ending for you. You'll just have to check out the full spot in the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

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Top 7 Results and Top 6 Details

Finalist Stefano Langone was eliminated Thursday night on American Idol after he received the fewest of America's more than 52 million votes. On Wednesday's performance show, the Top 7 performed songs from the 21st century, and Langone, 21, from Kent, WA, sang "Closer." Thursday's episode also featured performances by Season Seven Idol winner David Cook and pop sensation Katy Perry with rap superstar Kanye West.

On Wednesday, April 27 at 8/7c, the Top 6 finalists - Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, and Haley Reinhart - return to the Idol stage to perform the songs of legendary singer/songwriter Carole King.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, April 28 at 8/7c, to the live results show to find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who is sent home. In addition, Season Nine Idol finalist <... read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Happy Birthday, Anwar Robinson!

Anwar Robinson, the formerly dreadlocked music teacher from Season 4, celebrates his birthday today. The seventh place finalist has been busy pursuing his music career since his run on the show in 2005.

In 2007 and 2008, Anwar starred as Collins in the touring production of RENT and starred as Jesus in Godspell in Syracuse, NY. He had a role in the 2008 movie Ski Trip 2: Friends and Lovers. Last fall, Anwar released his first solo single, "Night's Hot." In October 2009, Anwar, along with big Broadway stars, participated in a salute to the late Michael Jackson at Birdland in New York. Last year, Anwar joined stars such as Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, Musiq Soulchild, and more to record "Prayer Song" for Hope for Haiti.

Happy Birthday, Anwar!

View photos of Anwar and the Season 4 gang.

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Songs from the 21st Century Compilation Album and Song List

Songs from the 21st Century was Wednesday night's theme on American Idol. The "American Idol Top 7 Season 10" album compilation, featuring the full length songs performed by contestants on tonight's show, is on sale once again exclusively on the iTunes Store.Individual songs are also available for sale.

The songs released on iTunes are studio versions recorded by the Idols under the guidance of Jimmy Iovine's team, including some of the hottest producers in the business, such as Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Don Was, "Tricky" Stewart, Rock Mafia, Jim Jonsin and Dallas Austin. The 8individual tracks and compilation album that will go on sale tonight are being released on the 19 Recordings/Interscope label. The compilation album will sell for $4.99.

Track listing for the "American Idol Top 7 Season 10" album compilation is:

Casey Abrams - "Harder To Breathe" by Maroon 5 produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins
Haley Reinhart - "Rolling In ... read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

2011 NFL Schedule: Taking a Look at the 20 Best Games of the Season - Bleacher Report

By (Featured Columnist) on April 21, 2011

When the 2011 NFL schedule was released last night, fans around the world immediately began to take a look at what their favorite team would be facing in the season.  Did they luck out by getting all the hard teams at home?  When do they play their rivals?  How is my team going to get to at least a 11-5 record and get to the playoffs?

All these questions and more are being asked today.  Another important one though that many people are seeking answers to is what are the most interesting games next season? Thankfully, we now know!

We all root for our favorite teams, but the NFL, like no other sport, attracts football fans that just want to see a great game between any two teams.  Luckily, there are no shortage of games this year that have plenty of action with even more drama behind it. 

Let's have a look as the 20 most exciting games for 2011.

20) Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Week 15. Saturday at 8 PM

This may not be the sexiest match-up you'll see on this list, but this could end up being a game that puts one team in the playoffs, and one team out of it.   Tampa is coming off a hopeful 2010 season while the Cowboys are trying to avoid another disaster in 2011. 

Two potentially potent offenses will be on display for this Saturday night late season showdown. 

19) Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears. Week 1. 1 PM

Nothing like the two best teams of 2010 kicking off the new season eh? 

Despite the success both teams had last year, a lot of questions surround both these teams.  Many fans and analysts alike question whether these two squads are built for success or a flash in the pan.  For one team, they'll kick off the season the best way they can.  For the other, those questions of legitimacy will begin right after the final whistle. 

18) Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots. Week 11. Monday at 8:30 PM

You often hear the phrase "teacher vs. student" in sports.  With this game you don't see this with two individuals, instead, you see it with the way franchises are run.  Ever since Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli left New England, for KC, the Chiefs have tried to do things the Patriots way.

From signing Matt Cassel, to reuniting Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel back together, (Though Weis has since moved on to be offensive coordinator at the University of Florida) to the way the offense is run, the Chiefs have sough to become the midwest version of the Pats, and in their second year it worked wonders, returning to the playoffs for the first time in several years.

Now you have the student in KC, traveling to New England in a mid-season game of division winners.  The Pats will surely be favored but we'll be able to see just how far the Chiefs have come and if they can beat the Patriots at their own game.

17) San Francisco 49'ers at Baltimore Ravens. Week 12 at 1 PM

This game will be making history as it will mark the first time two brothers coach against each other in an NFL game.  After a very successful stint at Stanford, Jim Harbaugh joined his brother John in the NFL coaching ranks when he took over the 49'ers job from another former Chicago Bear, Mike Singletary.

While this game could also have playoff implications, there will be plenty of fans watching this merely for the "Harbaugh Bowl"

16) Green Bay Packers at New York Giants Week 13 at 4:15 PM

Considering how dire the outlook was regarding the Packers chances to make the playoffs last year, the team should be sending out thank you notes to several teams and players.  One of them needs to go to the Giants who laid an egg against the Packers last year on Week 16.  The loss helped get the Packers into the playoffs while the Giants essentially eliminated themselves.

The Giants will be seeking revenge when the two teams clash in New York in early December.  With a core that still has playoff talent, the Giants will try to use this game to propel them towards the post season, instead of going out with a wimper like they have the past two seasons. 

15) New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons. Week 16. Monday at 8:30 PM

One of the better series of games last year came between these NFC South rivals.  With both teams seeking to contend again next year, you have to get excited for a game between these two teams so late in the season. 

Their Week 16 clash very well could have a playoff spot on the line.  The two teams also play on Week 10, but nothing can be bigger than a game of this magnitude on the last weekend of December. 

14) Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos. Week 14 at 4:05 PM

While on paper this game doesn't offer a lot in terms of two quality opponents playing each other, the drama of this game will be at a fever pitch.  He's loved, he's hated, but two years after being traded to Chicago, Jay Cutler is still a topic of discussion for Bronco fans.

Some feel he was unjustly treated by former coach Josh McDaniels, while others still curse the day he dare demand a trade out of their beloved city. 

This will mark the second time Cutler goes to Denver, but that was a measly pre-season game in which he only took part in a few drives.  This game will be on a late December evening with a raucous crowd jeering their former franchise quarterback. 

The game could also spoil any hopes the Bears have of making the playoffs should they lose. 

13) Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots. Week 6 at 4:15 PM

When two of the NFL's premiere franchises face off against each other for the first time in four years, you're going to take notice.  That's exactly the case here when the Cowboys travel up to Boston to take on the Patriots. 

It'll be a very good test to see where the Cowboys stand as they try to rebound from their struggles of 2010.  A win here could put the team right back on the map as a Super Bowl contender. 

12) Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons. Week 5 at 8:30 PM

The arrival of the Green Bay Packers as a true Super Bowl contender came at the expense of the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional playoff round, crushing the No. 1 seed 48-21.  The Packers seemed to thrive on the Falcons home artificial turf.  Will they do the same again? 

The Falcons will be seeking to gain some sort of revenge when the two teams face off on Sunday Night football.  The game could prove to be a big one as both teams will be playing in very tight divisions. 

11) New York Giants at New England Patriots. Week 9 at 4:15 PM

A re-match of the Super Bowl that produced one of the more improbable upsets in recent sports history.  The Giants won't have David Tyree to make Herculean efforts to help the Giants win this time, but they do have a roster with enough talent to give the Patriots issues.

A lot has happened since that Super Bowl that deprived the Patriots from NFL immortality.  But you can bet the Patriots will still feel the wound from that game when they take on the G-Men. 

10) New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles. Week 15 at 4:15 PM

This game should be a fun one!

Michael Vick and his high flying offense taking on Rex Ryan's tough as nails defense.  These are the type of games that make you glad for the interleague games the NFL provides fans every year.  This game could very well put one team into the playoffs and keep the loser out of them, being that this game is taking place on Week 15.

It will be a true test to see if Vick can poke holes through the Jets D, or if the Ryan 3-4 will be too much for No. 7. 

9) Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints. Week 2 at 1:00 PM

The Bears start their season against the Falcons and then have to go to New Orleans in a Week 2 showdown.  These two teams have been some of the most successful in the NFC over the past two years, and this game could very well be important for determining playoff seeding at the end of the season.

This game will be another great showdown between an elite quarterback in Drew Brees against a very strong Bears defense.  The key to this game though might very well come down to if Jay Cutler can avoid the turnovers against the Saints opportunistic defense. 

8) New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers. Week 8 at 4:15 PM

Two of the best teams in the NFL over the past decade play each other yet again on Week 8 of the season.  Given the success of these two teams, this game will more likely determine playoff seeding, but it doesn't take away from the fact that when these two teams play, quality football ensues.

7) New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens. Week 4 at 8:30 PM

Rex Ryan gets another crack at his former team when the Jets travel to Baltimore on Sunday night football.  A lot of people got excited for last season's opening game between these two teams, but the Jets didn't show up for the game.

Don't expect that to happen this time around.  These two teams have occupied the 5th and 6th seeds the past two years, so this game could again depend on who gets a higher seed in the 2011 playoffs. 

Two bruising teams playing good old fashioned football in October.  The type of game that gets you excited for football. 

6) Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens. Week 1 at 1:00 PM

Is there any better way to open up a football season than having arguably the best rivalry in the league go at it?  There have been a few guarantees in the NFL over the past few years and one of those is that the Steelers and Ravens always play themselves tough.  The two had yet another close battle in the playoffs last year.

These two teams absolutely hate each other, so football fans will be lucky enough to see that hatred on display the very first moment of the season. 

5) Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers. Week 16 at 8:30 PM

Last year, on Week 17, the Packers had to beat the Bears to keep their season alive.  They did so, prevailing over Chicago 10-3, in a tight contest the Bears had no need to even compete in.

Could that scenario repeat itself as the two rivals play again late in the season?

This is a truly fun time for football fans as these two historic franchises have rarely been this good at the same time.  Their NFC Championship game was only the second time the teams had every played each other in the postseason.

The NFL's oldest rivalry on display on Week 16 with a potential playoff spot on the line.  It doesn't get much better than that. 

4) Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints. Week 7 at 8:30 PM

A rematch of Super Bowl XLIV when the Saints surprised everyone by defeating the favored Colts.  Peyton Manning returns to the area he grew up in as he takes on the team his father played for. 

Football fans need to begin to truly appreciate match-ups like this as Peyton Manning is 35 years old. The time is coming that he will start to play certain teams for the last time. 

3) New York Gian'ts "AT" New York Jets. Week 16 at 1:00 PM

Much like Bears and Packer fans, there has rarely been a time when the Giants and Jets were both contenders.  It's borderline unheard of that these two teams would be contenders, play each other in a meaningful game, and have that game be so late in the season.

The Jets and Giants are two teams that have skirted the playoff line for the past two seasons.  The Jets have been on the right end of that line, while the Giants have just missed both times.  This game could likely determine which team will end up playing games in January, and who will be watching them. 

2) New York Jets at New England Patriots. Week 5 at 1:00 PM

Love them or hate them, the Jets are on this list a lot because people watch them.  People will undoubtedly be glued to their screens when these two bitter rivals take each other on for the first time since the Jets shocking victory.

These two teams had about as strange a three game series as one could possibly have.  The Jets won a close early season game while the Patriots blew the Jets doors off late in the season.  Then, the Jets controlled their rival for most of their playoff encounter.

How this game will turn out will be truly anyone's guess.  One thing for certain though is Rex Ryan will do a lot of talking and the Patriots will do their best to shut he and his team up. 

1) Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons. Week 2 at 8:30 PM

The fact this game pits two 2010 playoff teams against each other is quite frankly irrelevant.  This game is all about Michael Vick, the former face of the Falcons franchise returning to Atlanta for the first time since his career spiraled out of control.

No one is going to care so much as to who wins the game.  It will all be about how Vick performs, how the fans receive their one time fan favorite and how he himself will respond to the fans. 

This game will truly be one of its kind, similar to when Brett Favre made his first start in Green Bay on the opposing sideline.  This game is already being talked about more than any other, and one can hardly imagine how much coverage the game will get as we get closer to game day.

While other games may have a more meaningful impact on the postseason, no game on the 2011 calendar will have the drama of Vick going to Atlanta. 

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Kimberly Caldwell's Debut Album is Now Available

Season 2 finalist Kimberly Caldwell has had quite a career since her time on American Idol. She is a wonderful TV host who has worked on Idol Tonight and Idol Wrap among other shows. But today, Kimberly got to make her dreams come true when she released her debut album, Without Regret, with Vanguard Records and Capitol Records.

A variety of producers worked on the album including Marshall Altman (Elliott Yamin, Kate Voegle) and Tommy Henriksen (Lady Gaga, Daughtry). Kimberly's debut single, "Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys," entered at #50 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. This made her the 51^st Idol finalist to chart. To promote the song, Kimberly released a music video and appeared on Good Day New York and the Rachel Ray Show.

On her official website, Kim shared, "Putting out my debut album is the ultimate dream come true. I've been a performer my entire life and everything I've done has led up to this moment. I'm looking forward to people finally getting to know the real me, because I'm laying it all out there for them on this album."

The tracklist for Without Regret is:

1. "Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys" (3:26) - Tommy Henriksen / BC Jean / Zac Maloy
2. "Heart Like Mine" (4:01) - read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

David Cook's "The Last Goodbye"

As of today, you can now download David Cook's first single off his sophomore album. David will perform the song, called "The Last Goodbye," on American Idol this Thursday! You won't want to miss it. David announced last week that the album, named This Loud Morning, will be released on June 28^th! He also showed off the beautiful album cover, which features a great shot of the Season 7 American Idol.

Fans who preorder This Loud Morning get a FREE instant download of "The Last Goodbye." In addition to appearing on American Idol, David will promote the single on talk shows and radio programs.

At the end of every Season 10 results show, you hear David's cover of Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)"--Season 10's farewell song. Download David's "Don't You (Forget About Me)" on iTunes.

David Cook made quite a transformation on the Idol stage in 2008. Take a look at his Transformations photo gallery.

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

2011 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets, Round 1, Pick 30 - SB Nation Arizona

Read More: Anthony Castonzo (OT - Boston College), Torrey Smith (WR - Maryland), Adrian Clayborn (DE - Iowa), Phil Taylor (DT - Baylor), Ryan Kerrigan (DE - Purdue), Jimmy Smith (CB - Colorado), Nate Solder (OT - Colorado), Prince Amukamara (CB - Nebraska), Cameron Jordan (DL - California), Akeem Ayers (LB - UCLA), Jake Locker (QB - Washington), Mike Pouncey (C - Florida), Derek Sherrod (OL - Mississippi St), Marcus Cannon (OT - TCU), Julio Jones (WR - Alabama), Mark Ingram (RB - Alabama), Da'Quan Bowers (DE - Clemson), Patrick Peterson (CB - LSU), Blaine Gabbert (QB - Missouri), Aldon Smith (DE - Missouri), Robert Quinn (DL - North Carolina), Muhammad Wilkerson (DT - Temple), Von Miller (LB - Texas A&M), Tyron Smith (OT - Southern Cal), Corey Liuget (DL - Illinois), Nick Fairley (DL - Auburn), Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

The SB Nation AZ NFL mock draft is reaching its conclusion and the New York Jets are now set to make their selection. This leaves only the two 2011 Super Bowl teams -- the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers -- to round out the first round.

Columnist Scott Howard, whose most recent feature covers the Arizona Cardinals' top five draft steals, makes the pick for the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets.

Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

The Jets have had one of the NFL's better defenses since Rex Ryan showed up in town but the roster is in a bit of flux this offseason and the majority of their draft needs are (GASP) on the defensive side of the ball. There's a decent need for a nose tackle to anchor their 3-4 scheme and they could probably also use a safety but a pass rusher wouldn't hurt them either and there just happens to be a pretty damn good one on the board.

That's why with the 30th pick in the SB Nation Arizona Mock Draft the New York Jets select UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers. Ayers stock has slipped a little bit after a pedestrian NFL combine appearance but at this point in the draft he's a real value - and it's hard to argue with his college production. He's more of a pass rusher than a cover guy but I don't think the Jets will stress out about that as he should immediately be able to bolster the pass rush.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now on the clock. I will be making their selection. 

Check out the mock draft on the Arizona Cardinals team blog Revenge of the Birds to see who both the community and the writers are projecting. 

2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:

4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)

5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)

6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)

7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)

8- Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (CW)

9- Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (SH)

10- Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (JR)

11- Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (CW)

12- Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC (SH)

13- Detroit Lions: Cameron Jordan, DE, California (JR)

14- St. Louis Rams: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (CW)

15- Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (SH)

16- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado (JR)

17- New England Patriots: J.J. Watts, DE, Wisconsin (CW)

18- San Diego Chargers: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (JR)

19- New York Giants: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida (JR)

20- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College (CW)

21- Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor (SH)

22- Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois (JR)

23- Philadelphia Eagles: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri (CW)

24- New Orleans Saints: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple (JR)

25- Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington (JR)

26- Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland (JR)

27- Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (JR)

28- New England Patriots: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State (JR)

29- Chicago Bears: Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU (CW)

30- New York Jets: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA (SH)

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Green Bay Packers Select OT Derek Sherrod - SB Nation

The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl so they have the honor of picking last in SB Nation's 2011 NFL mock draft.The Packers, represented by SB Nation's Acme Packing Company, will address the offensive line and pick OT Derek Sherrod.

This now makes two consecutive first round picks at offensive tackle for a team that doesn't have a consensus need.

Sherrod and Bulaga both have question marks as NFL left tackles, but there's a lot of time left for them to develop and sort out which side is best for either player. Keeping QB Aaron Rodgers protected in the pocket should be a constant long-term goal in the back of GM Ted Thompson's mind.

You were in the Super Bowl because of your quarterback so you may as well do all you can to invest in the resources necessary to protect that quarterback. It's hard to complain about this pick, although there are other options.

For the full explanation of the pick, check out Mocking The Draft. 

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NFL schedule preview: Will Giants-Jets mark NFL's Sept. 11 tribute? - USA Today

NFL schedule preview: Will Giants-Jets mark NFL's Sept. 11 tribute?

The NFL is set to unveil its 2011 regular-season schedule in the coming days, despite the gloom forecast by the ongoing lockout.

So far, other than the Green Bay Packers' hosting the opening night game in the tradition of Super Bowl champions, the new slate of games is entirely a mystery.

The league has not confirmed details about the unveiling. But last year the league revealed the schedule two days prior to the draft. If it follows that same timetable, the schedule release could occur this year on April 26.

NFL officials have said they intend to move forward with their full planning routine for the 2011 season with the expectation that the labor standoff will be resolved and no games will be missed. Last week, the NFL unveiled its preseason schedule, which produced more bickering between the league and the NFL Players Association about which side shares more blame for the lockout.

But even if the games can only be considered "maybes" at this point, the schedule will emerge. And USA TODAY's Sean Leahy looks at what to expect for some of the season's marquee games:

Opening night opponent? The Packers will host the opener on Thursday, Sept. 8, at Lambeau Field as they celebrate the Super Bowl XLV title. Count on either the Bears or the Saints being there with them. It's likely the NFL will want to match up two TV-friendly teams, so the Lions, Bucs, Rams and Broncos can all likely be eliminated as contenders. Of the other four other opponents on Green Bay's home schedule, the Vikings -- in their post-Brett Favre era -- are the easiest to cross out. The Raiders, with the giant national following, have an outside shot. (They did appear in the 2005 opener at New England.) But the Saints, who won Super Bowl XLIV, and Bears, who lost to the Packers in the NFC title game last year, offer the biggest sizzle. It's probably 50-50 odds on which team draws the opening night assignment, but the bet here is it's New Orleans, which would allow the NFL to promote the Drew Brees-vs.-Aaron Rodgers matchup as it seeks to deflect the sting still felt by fans recovering from the lockout.

The 9-11 game? Most of the NFL will open the season on Sunday, Sept. 11, with the league paying tribute to the 10-year anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. The Giants' once-a-quadrennial matchup with the Jets seems like a shoo-in for the Sunday night stage here. It would be televised nationally by NBC from Meadowlands Stadium, where the invisible shadow cast by the Twin Towers still looms large.

Super Bowl rematches: While the Packers and Steelers won't meet to fight Super Bowl XLV over again, the teams featured in the previous three Super Bowls all will meet for the first time since their championship faceoffs. The Giants will visit the Patriots, the Steelers travel to play the Cardinals and the Colts head down to see the Saints. Expect the Giants-Patriots matchup (particularly with those teams' strong TV reach) and the Colts-Saints faceoff (with the likely matchup of superstar QBs in the still-unsigned Peyton Manning vs. Drew Brees) to land in national TV windows.

Vick back to Atlanta: For the first time since becoming the Eagles' starting QB, Michael Vick will lead the team into Atlanta, his former home before going to prison for a federal dogfighting conviction. The Falcons, who are still a creditor in Vick's bankruptcy problems, have moved on with Matt Ryan at QB. But the return to Atlanta -- where Vick scored a TD in a relief role in a 2009 game -- will be symbolic of Vick's rise to prominence again. Expect a national TV window for this game too.

Sibling rivalries: New 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh will lock horns with his brother, Ravens coach John Harbaugh, in his first season. The 49ers will travel east for the game, which seems like a good bet for a Monday or a Thursday night national TV audience. That won't be the only fraternal faceoff, however, as Jets coach Rex Ryan will welcome his brother, new Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, into the Meadowlands. That game could gain national exposure too, although more for the TV appeal of the Cowboys in the New York market.

Jets-Patriots: Rex Ryan will find his way onto the national TV schedule often, and perhaps in no bigger spotlight than his two games against the archrival Patriots. The Jets danced in Foxborough in January when they sent the 14-2 Patriots home with an early playoff exit. The usual bravado and intensity surrounding this rivalry will only be heightened by the memory of the Jets' last win. The Jets and Patriots play twice; expect one matchup on either Sunday or Monday night and another in CBS' late-afternoon national TV window.

Yearly favorites: When the slate of national TV games is revealed, expect to see a heavy dose of the teams normally seen there (such as the Cowboys, Eagles, Patriots and Packers). Why? Because that's who America tunes in for. Of the NFL's 19 most-watched games last season, those four teams were involved in 53% of the matchups. So expect games such as Giants-Cowboys, Colts-Patriots, Eagles-Cowboys, Steelers-Ravens and Packers-Bears to appear regularly in the NFL's biggest TV windows.

The wild cards: Normally when the schedule is assembled, the NFL has some idea of the veteran player movement that could produce premier games the following season. Donovan McNabb's trade to the Redskins, for example, occurred about three weeks before last year's schedule was announced. But this year, with player movement forbidden during the lockout, veterans such as Vince Young, McNabb and Carson Palmer remain in limbo. If Palmer eventually forces a trade to the QB-hungry 49ers, for example, their trip into Cincinnati would hold much more TV appeal than it currently does.

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Source: "Super Bowl 2011" via Glen in Google Reader