Same Story, New Year

And so it begins, again.

Vikings coach Brad Childress made the journey down to Hattiesburg, Mississippi this past Sunday to check in on Ol' Number 4 and his rickety ankle. By Favre's accounts his ankle is not where he would like it to be in the healing process but if this off-season plays out like last season - and so far it looks like it will - we will see Favre back for his 20th NFL season.

Last off-season (and this off-season) went something like this

Favre waffling on his return just like in the Sears commercial, then having necessary surgery to return for another season, playing some pitch and catch with high school kids in Mississippi, and Brad Childress dropping by to check in on his 40 year old gunslinger. And for the grand finale Brett showed up at Vikings camp whenever he felt like it and took the starting job from the guys that had been there all summer.

It’s only a matter of time. Welcome back Brett.

Really, Pittsburgh?

Really, Pittsburgh? The Raiders? Really? What's going on?

In Sunday's game against the Raiders the Steelers gave up the W and 21 points in the 4th quarter at Heinz Field extending the Steelers losing streak to four games which includes a loss to the sub-par Kansas City Chiefs a couple of weeks ago.

Now the Steelers are outside looking in at the AFC playoff hunt. They need to win the rest of their games AND other teams have to lose in order for the reigning champs to have a chance at making the post season. Maybe we will see Coach Tomlin at the Tuesday press conference doing his best impression of Jim Mora's "Playoffs?!?" presser. At least then Coors Light will have another good commercial down the road.

I know Polamalu has been hurt most of the season, but that's really no excuse. Yes, he is an impact player but at some point one of the other 10 regular defensive starters have to step up and fill his ball-hawking shoes. Tyrone Carter has played well while Polamalu has been out, but the defense lacks the big play ability it has with him in the secondary.

Other injuries have not helped the team either. Big Ben's concussion likely cost the Steelers a W against the Ravens a week ago though third stringer Dennis Dixon played as well as could be expected in his first NFL start. Defensive linemen Aaron Smith has been out and it looks like starters William Gay (concussion) and Hines Ward (hamstring) are questionable this week against the Cleveland Browns.

I want to see the Steelers get back on track as a fan, but the prospects of a repeat are very slim to none at this point. The AFC is a tough conference every year and 10-6 just isn't good enough these days. They should be able to pull out a win against the Browns this week and stop their skid, but I said that against the Chiefs and the Raiders - I guess that's why they play the game.

Braylon Gets His Wish - Headed Out of Cleveland

Former Cleveland Brown Braylon Edwards was traded on Wednesday to the New York Jets for Wideout Chansi Stuckey and Linebacker Jason Trusnik along with two draft picks in the third and fifth round. Depending on Braylon’s performance the third round pick could be bumped up to a second round pick if he has a phenomenal year and catches “X” number of balls.

The trade is great for both teams. The Jets get a legitimate young, established downfield threat and the Browns receive two prospects and draft picks to build up their team. It looks like Mangini did take some notes from Bilichick when he was in New England. Star players are just as expendable – if the compensation is right.

According to ESPN.com, the Jets are going to start Edwards on Monday Night Football this week against the Dolphins.

The Jets are looking like a playoff team right now and the addition of Edwards only makes their offense more legitimate. Their running game should open up for Thomas Jones and Dustin Keller and Jericho Cotchery should find more room to get open now that defenses have to worry about Braylon breaking off for a long touchdown reception.

Lookout Patriots – the Jets are gunning for you.