Darren, Travis. Travis, Darren.

While much of the talks regarding the NFL this week will be regarding the NFL combine and current free agents, running back Darren McFadden may impact both. Word on the street is that he's torching the 40-yard dash, which is helping his assent on draft boards. Enough to have the Cowboys get rid of both of their free agent backs? Only time will tell.

But while McFadden's physical skills are undoubtedly top notch, some are concerned about a few off-field issues. Specifically, fights (one in 2006, one last month) as well as a paternaty suit.

...A Little Rock woman filed a paternity suit against McFadden, seeking child support for her 4-month-old daughter."I took a paternity test and it came back negative," McFadden said Friday. "They wanted me to take another one."

Of course, McFadden would just join a laundry list of current NFL players that are involved in some sort of paternaty troubles. First and 10 Inches favorite Travis Henry will be going through his on a pay cut, so if anyone can help out the soon-to-be first round selection, its the Bronco back.

McFadden hits an obstacle [STL Today]

Travis Henry's Taking A Pay Cut

Everyone's favorite father of nine may have an even more difficult time paying his child support payments this season as he'll be making $6 million less in guaranteed money.

Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry has reportedly agreed to a restructured deal that will keep him in the Mile High city for at least another year. Though Henry started off strong, last year is considered to be of the "rough" variety as injuries coupled with the emergence of yet another previously unknown Bronco running back (Selvin Young) kept his numbers depressed.

"Travis wants to make it right in Denver," his agent, Hadley Engelhard, said Wednesday. "That is the big reason why he is back. He thinks it can work there."

Another leading factor to Henry likely wanting to stay in Denver is the fact that there are a boat load of running backs hitting the free agent market this season. Obviously realizing that alleged charges of marijuana smoking does not place a premium on one's place in the market, settling for Denver - at a lower pay rate - was the best move for Henry's long-term potential within the league.

Word around Denver is that the Broncos were looking at other options in the backfield (Dallas' Julius Jones and Tennessee's Chris Brown). Henry's willingness to take a pay cut will likely put an end to Shanahan's search.

Henry returning with redone deal [Denver Post]

(Picture courtesy 100 Percent Injury Rate)

Darren Sharper: Walker Wants To Walk

Coming to a Clearance Rack Near You

Minnesota Vikings defensive back Darren Sharper was live on the scene as the San Diego Chargers topped the Indianapolis Colts yesterday. But while he was doing some television work, Sharper offered some insight on his good friend, and Denver Bronco wide receiver, Javon Walker.

"He wants to get out of there," Sharper said Sunday during the Colts-Chargers AFC divisional playoff game, where the Minnesota Vikings safety was doing television work. "I know all about it, and he wants out. He's not happy. He wants the ball. He doesn't feel like he's part of the offense."

While I can agree that the Broncos have another solid wide receiver in Brandon Marshall, perhaps not feeling like a part of the offense stems from not being able to stay healthy?

Is it just me, or did the same situation go down in Green Bay? Walker can deny that he has an ego all he wants, but getting injured and watching others flourish is the bane of his problems. In 2005, after a long contract battle, Walker injured his knee early in the season and then refused to play for the team again, prompting the move to Denver.

Many have hinted that the Broncos will ask Walker to re-work his contract - as he's slated to receive $5.4 million in bonus money on top of his $7.05 million cap number - but the receiver was quick to nip this in the bud as "other top players have not be asked to take a pay cut after injuries." It was only a year ago that Walker was supposed to be the "final piece" to Mike Shanahan's Super Bowl puzzle.

Walker is quickly making a name for himself in the league, and it isn't a name that many teams will want to add to their roster.


Sharper's Line On Walker [Denver Post]

Morning YouTubeness: Monday Night Bukakke

Not only did we have a gunslinger last night as Denver took down the Tennessee Titans, but it appears as if some of the Broncos were rubbing it in Vince Young's face. Literally. Listen carefully.



Nice work, Jaws!

YouTubeness: Jay Cutler Makes It Big Time

Big high-five to Fan IQ for tipping me to this video of Jay Cutler on South Park.

No excuse me while I call my buddy Matt to see if he was invited to the party. I'm pretty sure he quit his job to play Guitar Hero. I'm sure he played a few downs as our quarterback for the intramural flag football team...



Stan Thinks Jay Cutler Sucks [Fan IQ]

So, What's the Deal With LJ?

(Editor's Note: Apologies for the lack of YouTube today - morning was a bitch. Tomorrow, I'll make it up. I promise)

By now, you've heard that MyFox 31 has reported that Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has a broken bone in his foot and will be out for the season.

However, neither the team nor Johnson himself has confirmed this report, leading to speculation that the back may return.

First, who was the "source" close to the Chiefs that reportedly broke the news - no pun intended. It's said that this individual has direct knowledge of both Johnson and the team, but is it possible that this person knows something that the team does not? Or is it just a Belichickian case of not wanting to discuss injuries before a crucial game.

This week's game pits the Chiefs against their division rival Denver Broncos. Johnson could be seeking a second opinion out of pure stubbornness, but only time will tell.

If there is any silver lining for the Chiefs as a team, the Broncos are the worst in the NFL at stopping the run. Even a geriatric Priest Holmes has a shot at flourishing.

Kansas City Chiefs' Larry Johnson Out for Season [MyFox 31]

Banned Substance?

Word on the street is that Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Marcus Stroud has been busted for banned substances. Radio station 1010XL (via The FanHouse) states that the "substance" apparently violates the NFL's policy on steroids.

The Jags are awaiting results from a secondary test on the lineman to figure out whether or not they will be sans Stroud for four games.

Regardless of the results, I'd like to remind people that Travis Henry tested positive for a FEDERALLY ILLEGAL substance in marijuana, but is "weeks away" from his hearing on the matter. Performance enhancing substances apparently get immediate attention, but those that dabble into the drugs get to play for a few weeks leading up to their trial. You tell me.

Steroid Suspension Looming... [NFL FanHouse]

Morning YouTubeness: Brett Favre Has No Patience For Your Overtime

If he wasn't already, Brett Favre is officially Mr. Monday Night. Why pick apart a defense if you can just hurl the ball 50 yards down field and score. Not once, but twice.

It was like a game of Madden where you just say, "Oh, F it. Let's try this one out." What amazes me is that Greg Jennings dropped about three five yard passes during the game, but catches this one in stride and takes it to the house for the win. Enjoy.

Someone May Want To Sit Down With Brandon Marshall

By now, you're likely aware of second-year wide receiver Brandon Marshall. With Javon Walker having a less-than-stellar campaign, Marshall has stepped up pretty big in his absence for the Denver Broncos.

In six games this season, Marshall has 33 receptions for 440 yards and two touchdowns. As of this morning, he can now add a DUI arrest to his resume.

The Associated Press reports that Marshall was pulled over in downtown Denver shortly after 2 a.m, conveniently after Denver's last second win over Pittsburgh in front of a National audience.

While he's not the first athlete to be arrested on DUI suspicions, this matter deserves some more attention from the NFL as it's not Marshall's first run-in with the law this season. In late March, Marshall was arrested (again in Denver) for a domestic dispute that resulted in charges of false imprisonment and domestic violence. Though the charges were later dropped, Marshall was forced to attend anger management counseling.

We can also go back to 2004 where Marshall was arrested in Orlando, resulting in a slew of charges:

- trespassing
- resisting an officer
- refusal to obey
- disorderly conduct and....wait for it...
- assault on a law enforcement officer

Now we'll need to realize that if the NFL is going to do anything to Marshall, it will likely not happen this season. After all, he's not even first in line, thanks to teammate. And don't forget about Najeh Davenport - issues also stemming from the ever-damning "domestic" news.

And to think that Roger Gooddell started off so strong, only to fade into obscurity during the regular season. Although, it is quite the queue for the off-season...

Broncos' Marshall Arrested On DUI Suspicion [Associated Press]

Give Up The Bong, Marijuana Man

This is just too classic to not post. Thanks to MDS over at The Fanhouse for the heads up.

"Ricky said these child support payments are killing me...."

Bravo, BradyFan83. Bravo.

Meet Selvin Young

With Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry choosing to spend his money on weed (and court appearances) rather than child support, we could be seeing a changing of the guard in Denver.

Ladies and Gents, meet Selvin Young. Young was an un-drafted free agent that found his way into Denver this past April. Since making his way into camp, he's been turning heads.

A "four-star" recruit out of Houston, Texas, Young comes from the University of Texas where he went from Ced Benson back-up to full-time gig, finishing his college career with 20 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards. And for those that care, he graduated from the University after five years.

Fantasy team fister Mike Shanahan named Young the #2 back behind the aforementioned Henry in the off-season, and it looks like he'll be the man once Henry goes down in the court of law, prior to the court of Goodell.

Thus far in the season, Young has averaged roughly 10 yards per touch and is a powering back that can gain the extra yard after the tackle. Of course, we all know that anyone can be a successful running back in Denver, so a talented one makes things that much better. While we still don't know if Henry will miss this week's game, do not be surprised to see an awful lot of the former Longhorn when the commish's gavel hits the table.

Morning YouTubeness: Fight!!

Good morning, folks. I've been awaiting this one to be released ever since Sunday rolled around. The Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts locked horns (manes?) this past Sunday. While it was Indy to come out on top, Denver's Jay Cutler ran in a touchdown of his own.

The best part of this was the panning over to Cutler's parents in the stands who appeaered to be in the middle of a verbal war. Of course, this spat was covered here. And for a possible transgression of what was said, KSK is all over it. Gosh, I love the internet. Enjoy.



Sunday Afternoon With... The Cutlers! [Kissing Suzy Kolber]

So Long, Timmy

It isn't a week in the NFL without some suspensions being handed down.

What is great about the latest (and possibly greatest) is that it does not even involve a current NFL Player.

ProFootballTalk reports that former Browns Packers Jaguars quarterback Tim Couch has been suspended for six games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

If you recall, Couch actually admitted to using Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in his attempt to get back in to the NFL.

If you're wondering how suspensions are handled for players currently not rostered, the suspensions would not begin until he is signed by a team. Thus, if anyone is looking for a diamond in the rough like Couch, they could sign him today and he would be eligible to come play by week 10.

As PFT puts it best:

It's theoretically possible that all current NFL quarterbacks lose their throwing arms in bye week farm accidents.

In that case, teams may want to get some insurance, and fast.

Morning YouTubeness: Champ Bailey, Route Runner

Happy Monday, all. Rough weekend for some - including those who took the 'under' on the Browns/Bengals game. 700+ yards of offense?

Speaking of rough, check out this defensive stand by the Broncos yesterday, capped off by Champ Bailey running a better route than half of the wide receivers in the league. The guy is amazing. If your fantasy team has a receiver playing the Broncos any time soon, you may as well just chalk one up for the other guy.

Morning YouTubeness: Holy Toledo

It feels good to be back. I know that my hiatus was at the most ill-advised time being the first week of the NFL season, but I promise that those will be no more.

I'm pretty sure that this has been seen by many already, but the finish of the Denver/Buffalo game this past weekend was one of the better ones. While it irks me a bit given "The Drive" and all, it's good to see a young guy win...especially since I just mentioned my opinions on Denver being one of the better teams in the league this year. Enjoy.

Ten Inches of Forecasting

As everyone an their step-brother are making predictions for this season, I figured that there's enough room for one more blogger to jump on board.

I had something a bit more colorful planned, but due to a lack of time - all you're getting is content today.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC West: San Diego Chargers

AFC Wildcards: Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals

NFC North: Chicago Bears
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
NFC West: San Francisco 49ers

NFC Wildcards: Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys

AFC Champ: New England Patriots
NFC Champ: New Orleans Saints

Super Bowl Champ: New England Patriots

And yes, this pick is made strictly based on my ability to curse a team by selecting them. I'm actually going to be pulling for the Saints to win the whole she-bang this season...with the Chargers close behind.

The AFC North is going to be a three-horse race, and I could easily see the Steelers getting that wild card bid over the defenseless Bengals. The Rams may surprise a few people, as well as the Cards - but I'm sticking with my Seahawk-Niners combo. And don't underestimate the Broncos this season...They could easily go 13-3.

But that's why they play the season... Go Browns.

Travis Henry Hates Raincoats

No better story to start the week off with than the one that was brought to our attention by The Big Lead.

It appears that the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that Broncos running back Travis Henry is quite the busy man around Christmas time. Or is he?

Henry reportedly has nine children with nine different women. The AJC says that these children are located in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. No word on if Henry's member has been named a part of the SEC or not, but he was definitely a busy man.

To make matters a bit worse, the running back was nearly incarcerated due to falling behind on child support.

[Superior Court Judge Clarence] Seeliger wrote that the football player displayed "bad judgment in hisspending habits," dropping $100,000 for a car and $146,000 for jewelry. Meanwhile, Henry fell behind on support payments for his child with Beacham that were mandated by a previous order. Threatened with jail, he borrowed $9,800 from his former team, the Tennessee Titans, to pay the bill, according to court records.

He's recently been smacked with a $3,000 per month judgement, and will be ordered to fund a $250,000 trust by next spring, in the event that he falls behind again.

Romeo Crennel Is Not Impressed

Despite Brady Quinn looking like Joe Montana against the Lions third-string defense this past weekend, Browns head coach Romeo Crennel has named Charlie Frye the starting quarterback for the Browns preaseason game against Denver this weekend.

If you recall, Frye won the coin toss during the Chiefs game only to make a few bonehead moves in terms of game management. Derek Anderson got the nod this past weekend, proceeded to fumble the first snap of the game and throw an interception later on.

Quinn took over the game in the fourth quarter, threw for over 170 yards and a touchdown. But again, against a group of guys who will likely not even own warm-ups come September 6th.

While the third preseason game is typically the one to watch, Crennel says "not so fast" to all you reporting types.

The third preseason game traditionally has served as the formal dress rehearsal for the season opener. But there has been nothing traditional about the handling of this quarterback competition, and Crennel would not declare Frye the starter for the opener Sept. 9 against Pittsburgh.

"We'll reassess after every game," Crennel said. "Nothing is written in stone. In the NFL, it's competition, and every day they have to compete for their jobs."

All of this quarterbacking mess in Cleveland will likely result in either the trading of either Anderson or Frye, or the releasing of Ken Dorsey - who has actually looked relatively poised compared to the other two.

If there's one thing you can count on from all of this, it's more man boobs.

Big Money In Oakland

With Oakland Raiders draft pick JaMarcus Russell still holding out for big money, I'm betting that he didn't mean Gerard "Big Money" Warren. Warren has reportedly been traded to the Raiders for an undisclosed draft pick in 2008.

For those that don't remember Warren, it's not surprising. The defensive lineman was the third overall pick in the 2001 draft (Cleveland) and has failed to produce anything near what was expected of him over his career.

NFL.com says that Warren was moved due to not fitting in to the new defensive coordinator's scheme. This scheme apparently requires players to tackle the ball-carrier. Who knew?