Of the top quarterbacks available in free agency, one is already off the market while another is meeting with the Miami Dolphins.
The Washington Redskins have announced the re-signing of Todd Collins. Contract terms were not released.
FOXSports.com also has confirmed that Oakland quarterback Josh McCown is taking a free-agent visit with the Dolphins. McCown started nine games for the Raiders last season, but is expected to cede the starting position in 2008 to JaMarcus Russell.
The Dolphins are in need of a starting quarterback, as Trent Green was released and Cleo Lemon is expected to sign with Jacksonville.
As for Collins, he helped guide Washington to four consecutive late-season victories in place of the injured Jason Campbell. Collins, 36, seems likely to return to a backup role behind Campbell.
FOXSports.com senior NFL writer Alex Marvez weighs in with NFL news and notes every Monday. Here are his thoughts on the weekend’s games.
GREENBELT, Md. -- Will New England's hopes for a perfect season soon be blowing in the wind?
We’ll find out after tonight’s game between the visiting Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.
The weather forecast calls for steady winds of 26 miles per hour throughout the game with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph. That could make what would be a mismatch under better conditions a much more competitive contest.
The throw-first Patriots may have to become more conservative with their offensive game plan, which would be fine with Baltimore. The Ravens have the NFL’s third-ranked run defense (77.9-yard average) and New England’s ground game isn’t nearly as dynamic as their passing attack.
Baltimore ranks No. 21 in both rushing and passing offense, but quarterback play is clearly the team's biggest problem. Such a weakness would be diminished if the Ravens can get New England mired in a game where both teams have to play close to the vest.
At this point, weather or sloppy field conditions might be the only thing that can stop the Patriots from going undefeated. Even the NFL’s worst team – Miami – had a chance to upset Pittsburgh last Monday night when Heinz Field turned into a soggy mosh pit.
The Patriots greatly improved their own playing surface by installing FieldTurf in November 2006 when it became clear grass wouldn’t cut it. But if a blizzard hits Gillette Stadium at the wrong time this January, the Patriots may be wishing they didn’t have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Here’s my two-cents on two topics: I’m predicting New England defeats Baltimore in a low-scoring contest – something like 17-13 -- and Miami (0-11) will end its winless ways with a Dec. 16 victory over the Ravens in South Florida. By then, Dolphins running back Jesse Chatman (ankle) should be healthy and rookie quarterback John Beck will have thrown his first touchdown pass (the scoreless streak now stands at 12 quarters). The Ravens (4-7) also could be in complete freefall and getting ready for a coaching change. Brian Billick’s squad already has lost five consecutive games and now plays New England and Indianapolis back-to-back.
Late free safety Sean Taylor is so beloved by the Washington Redskins that both of his lockers are now encased in glass. The Redskins have given such treatment to his lockers at both Fed-Ex Field and the team’s practice headquarters.
The Redskins-Buffalo game on Sunday was clearly all about Taylor – and deservedly so. But overshadowed by the tributes was Buffalo’s continuing resiliency. The Bills started a beat-up defense, a rookie quarterback (Trent Edwards) and a running back (Fred Jackson) from a Division III college (Coe). No matter. They still staged a comeback victory on the road. If Buffalo (6-6) can win its next two games against visiting Miami and Dec. 16 in Cleveland (7-5), a wild-card berth isn’t out of the question. But even if they fall short, Bills coach #### Jauron has done a fantastic job getting maximum effort from a roster that – on paper – shouldn’t be winning games.
I’ll end with this final thought from Redskins tackle Chris Samuels on Taylor’s death.
“We’ve got to get a hold of our youth and our best to lead these kids in the right direction, ” said Samuels, referring to the four defendants between the ages of 17 and 20 charged with Taylor’s killing. “Parents, role models have to do a better job. I’ve got to get out this summer and do some things in the community. I’ve already started my (charity) foundation, getting out in the Southeast and talking to the kids. We just need a lot of people to stand up because this is such a tragedy. Sean didn’t have to die, you know?”
Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com . He's covered the NFL for 13 seasons as a beat writer and is the president of the Pro Football Writers of America.
