Weekly NFL News and Notes Column

 

Lambeau Field seats 73,000. They have over 80,000 on the waiting list. Someone with the team has told me that they would love to expand Lambeau. He told me, “Imagine if we could get our capacity up to about 100,000?” They are going to talk with fans about it. I love Lambeau and I love the idea. The smallest market in pro sports with a stadium that would seat 100,000 is an amazing thought. Love or hate them, the Packers’ fans make it without question the greatest game day experience in any sport or event.

 

Unionization of the assistant coaches is still progressing forward. Albeit is slowly. Once camp starts the issue essentially goes on the shelf. They are working behind the scenes to make sure that once it moves forward they are all united. The NFL could, according to one assistant, “Punish a guy” for pushing the cause forward. That same assistant said, “It would be essentially impossible to sanction or punish an entire group.”

 

I said before he had ankle surgery that Brett Favre would be back and stand by it now. Don’t get into the roller coaster. I don’t know when, but he will be back. Every Viking expects it also.

 

Good news Rams? The players continue to talk about Bradford. He is accurate, mobile and a tremendous QB. He is young, but has the respect of his team. Bad news? You will still be horrible in 2010. It is called rebuilding for a reason.

 

Albert Haynesworth is wanted in Minnesota. They know he is unhappy in D.C. and aren’t going to overpay for a guy that eventually they feel can be got at a better price. It is a cat and mouse game, but they do fit.

 

Andre Johnson, the Texans WR, is a textbook study on getting a new deal. He won’t hold out, but he has earned it. That deal will get done. One Texan told me this morning, “Dre is our guy. He is one of the hardest workers on this team.” Works hard, produces, and doesn’t hold out. That deal getting reworked is a forgone conclusion. His getting a new agent was smart.

 

Former Lions Shaun Rogers is going to get a suspension. He is a talented, but troubled young man. I hope we don’t end up reading about his demise one morning.

 

When San Diego fails to make the Super Bowl this year, does that mean it is time for the GM to go? Great talent, but what is the issue? I really don’t know. Around the league a lot of people are shaking their heads about that franchise.

 

Am I the only one who upon hearing Bill Romanowski blasting Brian Cushing thought that was weird? It would be like me calling someone fat. Just saying.

 

Matt Leinart just seems to have nothing left in the tank. Not sure how he could lose it, but those in Arizona think that the Cardinals are looking high and low for a veteran QB. Keep an eye on that.

 

Mike Martz is still talking. That doesn’t change anything, but it is rubbing some folks in the organization the wrong way. The Bears are destined to fail this season and that stinks. I love Lovie Smith. Martz hiring was the start of the end.

 

Ted Ginn Jr. is doing well in San Francisco. He is responding well to Mike Singletary and could be poised for a breakout. Singletary runs a tough ship. The Dolphins run more of a Patriots type team. Be professional, take care of your business, let’s call it less intrusive. Some players like Ginn Jr. need that stricter environment.

 

The Patriots were so happy with the play of Brian Hoyer they went an entire season with only Hoyer and Brady. They have done the QB dance this summer looking for a third guy. Hoyer hasn’t done anything to disappoint and some within the organization think that although unlikely, they could go with just two QBs again.

 

I told you all previously what the Browns thought of McCoy coming into the draft. He has not disappointed. Listening to a Browns’ player talk about him this weekend was fun. They are fired up about their young star.

 

Wes Welker will be the Patriots best WR in 2010.