With the new year now upon us, people are making resolutions and swearing to change things for 2010. While we don't have access to the private dealings of these people, here are some suggested resolutions for famous NFL faces for the upcoming year:
Andre Caldwell, Bengals wide receiver, Hold on to the football
Caldwell caught game-winning scores against Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the closing moments to help Cincinnati to a 6-0 record in the AFC North. His recent struggles holding onto the ball, however, have cost Cincinnati chances to win two games.
His lost fumble on a kickoff return late in a tie ball game with Oakland allowed the Raiders to kick the game-winning field goal. Then in San Diego, Caldwell's fumbled screen pass did not turn the ball over, but cost Cincinnati valuable field position on what was looking like it would be a go-ahead drive. Instead, Cincinnati stalled and settled for a game-tying kick but left San Diego just enough time to set up the game-winning field goal. Those two plays took Cincinnati out of contention for the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, Move the Pro Bowl back to where it belongs
2010 will mark the first (and hopefully only) year the Pro Bowl is played a week before the Super Bowl. Perhaps this move is to play the game when interest in NFL competition is still high. The problem, however, is that the many of the game's marquee players will not be playing because they don't want to risk an injury before Super Bowl Sunday. It's a joke to have an all-star game that eliminates the players from the two top teams. This, along with the CBA, should be two of the NFL's first projects in the offseason.
Daniel Snyder, Redskins General Manager, Write every check in the checkbook
Snyder's never been afraid to spend millions in free agency to try and help his Redskins to the promised land. With the prospect of an uncapped 2010 ahead, this could be the Redskins' chance to load up on anyone available and try to make a run at the NFC title.
LaMarr Woodley, Steelers linebacker, Shut up, play and take care of own business
Woodley has been outspoken this week saying he believes the Bengals and Patriots will both lie down in their games to keep his Steelers out of the playoffs for fear of facing the defending champions.
While the task of beating the same team three times in one season is daunting, perhaps LaMarr has forgotten that Cincinnati has already beaten his team twice this year and has no reason to fear the Steelers. In addition, a player who totaled just five tackles and a sack in those two games and plays for a team that has to get help to make the postseason has no reason to talk about how those who are already in handle their business.
Jim Caldwell, Colts head coach, Lose a game in September
If he could go back in time, I wonder if Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell would want to change the result of the two-point win over Jacksonville and three-point win in Miami to open the year.
For 2010, the Colts head man will make sure there's no fuss over ruining a perfect season by resting starters late in the year by falling in one of the season's opening game. If this year was any indication, Indianapolis will still be able to wrap up home field advantage by week 15, and Caldwell won't have to deal with the questions and distractions.
Josh Johnson, Buccaneers quarterback, Lobby for a run-and-shoot offense
Leading the NFL in rushing this year is Tennessee's Chris Johnson. The top receiver is Houston's Andre Johnson. The trinity would be complete if Josh was able to air it out like current passing leaders Matt Schaub, Petyon Manning and Drew Brees.
Brett Favre, Vikings quarterback, Retire....or don't. Just pick one
As much as everyone loves to see daily lead stories on ESPN and headlines in newspapers about whether or not Favre will return, it's getting ridiculous. If Favre is going to flip-flop, he should just set a date in June when he will announce his intentions, and stick with that.