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			<title>Packers Promote Ben McAdoo To Quarterbacks Coach</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181476</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:31:54 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Green Bay Packers have promoted tight ends coach Ben McAdoo to quarterbacks coach, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports. Earlier this week, the Packers blocked a request from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to interview McAdoo for their offensive coordinator position. McAdoo has spent the last six seasons with the Packers after beginning his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 2004. McAdoo spent the 2005 season as an assistant offensive line/quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers. In all three stops, McAdoo has coached under Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/packers-promote-ben-mcadoo-to.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Green Bay Packers have promoted tight ends coach Ben McAdoo to quarterbacks coach, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports. Earlier this week, the Packers blocked a request from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to interview McAdoo for their offensive coordinator position. McAdoo has spent the last six seasons with the Packers after beginning his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 2004. McAdoo spent the 2005 season as an assistant offensive line/quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers. In all three stops, McAdoo has coached under Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/packers-promote-ben-mcadoo-to.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears Name Tim Holt Offensive Line Coach</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181464</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:07:42 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced the hiring of offensive line coach Tim Holt. Holt takes the place of Mike Tice, who was promoted to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Mike Martz. A former offensive lineman at Southern Connecticut State, Holt had coaching stints at his alma mater, Cornell, Lehigh, American International and Stonehill before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. Holt was promoted to assistant offensive line coach in 2011. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-tim-holt-offensive-line.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced the hiring of offensive line coach Tim Holt. Holt takes the place of Mike Tice, who was promoted to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Mike Martz. A former offensive lineman at Southern Connecticut State, Holt had coaching stints at his alma mater, Cornell, Lehigh, American International and Stonehill before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. Holt was promoted to assistant offensive line coach in 2011. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-tim-holt-offensive-line.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears WR Johnny Knox May Not Be Ready For Training Camp</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181454</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:01:49 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago reports that Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox is in for a long recovery period from surgery to stabilize his vertebra.  Citing multiple sources, Wright states that recovery could extend beyond six months and Knox will be in a back brace until mid-March.  He will then embark on an extensive rehab program, leaving his status for training camp in doubt. Although the Bears are confident that Knox will play again, they have to proceed as though he may not be a significant factor early in.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23733)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago reports that Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox is in for a long recovery period from surgery to stabilize his vertebra.  Citing multiple sources, Wright states that recovery could extend beyond six months and Knox will be in a back brace until mid-March.  He will then embark on an extensive rehab program, leaving his status for training camp in doubt. Although the Bears are confident that Knox will play again, they have to proceed as though he may not be a significant factor early in.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23733" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears RB Matt Forte Has No Issue With Franchise Tag If It Leads Somewhere</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181415</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:07:10 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Bears, despite their somewhat contentious relationship with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte during the past season, have made clear they don’t plan on letting him test free agency. That’s what team president/CEO Ted Phillips said recently, claiming new general manager Phil Emery would work with Forte on a possible agreement to a long-term deal or would franchise-tag him to keep him in Chicago. Forte has been on record saying that he didn’t want to be tagged, noting in November that “If they think by just slapping the franchise tag on me that’s going to silence anything, they’re sadly mistaken.” Forte apparently has changed his mind. That’s the impression he gave ESPN 1000 in Chicago during a recent interview when he said he’d be fine with a franchise tag if it led him to that elusive long-term deal. "It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag)," Forte said Thursday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show.” "If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal, then I would be OK with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just, 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything."

Source: CBS Sports (http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/34742124?source=rss_blogs_NFL)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bears, despite their somewhat contentious relationship with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte during the past season, have made clear they don’t plan on letting him test free agency. That’s what team president/CEO Ted Phillips said recently, claiming new general manager Phil Emery would work with Forte on a possible agreement to a long-term deal or would franchise-tag him to keep him in Chicago. Forte has been on record saying that he didn’t want to be tagged, noting in November that “If they think by just slapping the franchise tag on me that’s going to silence anything, they’re sadly mistaken.” Forte apparently has changed his mind. That’s the impression he gave ESPN 1000 in Chicago during a recent interview when he said he’d be fine with a franchise tag if it led him to that elusive long-term deal. &quot;It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag),&quot; Forte said Thursday on &quot;The Waddle &amp; Silvy Show.” &quot;If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal, then I would be OK with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just, 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/34742124?source=rss_blogs_NFL" target="_blank">CBS Sports</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears Name Ex-Seahawks OC Jeremy Bates As Quarterbacks Coach</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181373</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:48:48 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced that Jeremy Bates has been hired for the team's quarterbacks coach position. Bates worked with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler from 2006-08, first as an offensive assistant and then as the team's quarterbacks coach. Bates spent the 2009 season as the assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach at USC and was a candidate for the Bears' offensive coordinator before he was named the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2010. Fired by the Seahawks, Bates spent 2011 out of football.

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-jeremy-bates-quarterbacks.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced that Jeremy Bates has been hired for the team's quarterbacks coach position. Bates worked with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler from 2006-08, first as an offensive assistant and then as the team's quarterbacks coach. Bates spent the 2009 season as the assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach at USC and was a candidate for the Bears' offensive coordinator before he was named the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2010. Fired by the Seahawks, Bates spent 2011 out of football.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-jeremy-bates-quarterbacks.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Packers Block Buccaneers From Interviewing TEs Coach Ben McAdoo</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181367</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:15:47 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Green Bay Packers denied a request from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to interview tight ends coach Ben McAdoo for their offensive coordinator position, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports. McAdoo has spent the last six seasons with the Packers after beginning his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 2004. McAdoo spent the 2005 season as an assistant offensive line/quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers. In all three stops, McAdoo has coached under Mike McCarthy.

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/packers-block-buccaneers-from.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Green Bay Packers denied a request from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to interview tight ends coach Ben McAdoo for their offensive coordinator position, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports. McAdoo has spent the last six seasons with the Packers after beginning his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 2004. McAdoo spent the 2005 season as an assistant offensive line/quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers. In all three stops, McAdoo has coached under Mike McCarthy.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/packers-block-buccaneers-from.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Brandon Marshall Would Relish Reunion With Bears QB Jay Cutler</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181345</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:18:55 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[A month after a Twitter exchange with the Bears’ starting quarterback, Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall reiterated his affection for Jay Cutler. Marshall is under contract through the 2014 season, but he was asked by the Sun-Times if reuniting with his former Denver Broncos teammate would appeal to him. “Maybe down the road, we may have some extra picks, and we may be able to trade for him,” Marshall said. “But we have a quarterback in place in Matt Moore. He did an amazing job [in the] second half of the season, and where we go from there we’ll see. But Jay is a special talent, and he’s a great friend.” Marshall said he and Cutler stay in touch. “We’re very good friends,” Marshall said. “Cutler, man, he’s an amazing guy. He’s probably got one of the biggest hearts. I played with Cutler at a time when I was very young and immature, and his guidance and leadership helped me not fall off the deep end. So Cutler is a very special person to me.”

Source: Chicago Sun-Times (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/10476271-606/brandon-marshall-would-relish-reunion-with-buddy-jay-cutler.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A month after a Twitter exchange with the Bears’ starting quarterback, Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall reiterated his affection for Jay Cutler. Marshall is under contract through the 2014 season, but he was asked by the Sun-Times if reuniting with his former Denver Broncos teammate would appeal to him. “Maybe down the road, we may have some extra picks, and we may be able to trade for him,” Marshall said. “But we have a quarterback in place in Matt Moore. He did an amazing job [in the] second half of the season, and where we go from there we’ll see. But Jay is a special talent, and he’s a great friend.” Marshall said he and Cutler stay in touch. “We’re very good friends,” Marshall said. “Cutler, man, he’s an amazing guy. He’s probably got one of the biggest hearts. I played with Cutler at a time when I was very young and immature, and his guidance and leadership helped me not fall off the deep end. So Cutler is a very special person to me.”<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/10476271-606/brandon-marshall-would-relish-reunion-with-buddy-jay-cutler.html" target="_blank">Chicago Sun-Times</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Vikings Agree To Use Union Labor For Stadium</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181347</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:25:31 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>The Vikings have signed an agreement to use union labor for construction of a new stadium (while other provisions are being negotiated), according to the Associated Press. They have also agreed to OK unionized concession workers once the stadium is built. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak hopes the move will increase city council support for the stadium. 

Source: CBS Sports (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/17157713)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Vikings have signed an agreement to use union labor for construction of a new stadium (while other provisions are being negotiated), according to the Associated Press. They have also agreed to OK unionized concession workers once the stadium is built. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak hopes the move will increase city council support for the stadium. <br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/17157713" target="_blank">CBS Sports</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>George Paton Gets 2nd Interview For Rams GM Job</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181336</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:37:33 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Minnesota Vikings Director of Player Personnel George Paton will have a second interview with the St. Louis Rams for their vacant general manager position, Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press reports. Paton is a longtime protege of Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, working together in the Chicago Bears' pro and college scouting departments before following Spielman to the Miami Dolphins, where Payon spent six seasons as the Director of Pro Personnel. Paton was one of six candidates to interview for the position last week, with Paton's interview taking place on Monday. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/george-paton-gets-second-interview-with.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Minnesota Vikings Director of Player Personnel George Paton will have a second interview with the St. Louis Rams for their vacant general manager position, Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press reports. Paton is a longtime protege of Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, working together in the Chicago Bears' pro and college scouting departments before following Spielman to the Miami Dolphins, where Payon spent six seasons as the Director of Pro Personnel. Paton was one of six candidates to interview for the position last week, with Paton's interview taking place on Monday. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/george-paton-gets-second-interview-with.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>NFL Announces 2012 Hall Of Fame Class</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181214</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:21:33 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced Saturday night, and it was nearly as notable for who wasn't elected than who was. DB Jack Butler, C Dermontti Dawson, DE Chris Doleman, DT Cortez Kennedy, RB Curtis Martin and T Willie Roaf were all selected for enshrinement this summer in Canton, Ohio. Among those who will have to wait at least another year are Head Coach Bill Parcells, RB Jerome Bettis, WR Cris Carter, WR Andre Reed and DE/OLB Charles Haley.

Source: USA Today (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/02/dermontti-dawson-curtis-martin-lead-six-man-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-bettis-haley-parcells-shut-out/1)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced Saturday night, and it was nearly as notable for who wasn't elected than who was. DB Jack Butler, C Dermontti Dawson, DE Chris Doleman, DT Cortez Kennedy, RB Curtis Martin and T Willie Roaf were all selected for enshrinement this summer in Canton, Ohio. Among those who will have to wait at least another year are Head Coach Bill Parcells, RB Jerome Bettis, WR Cris Carter, WR Andre Reed and DE/OLB Charles Haley.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b><a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/02/dermontti-dawson-curtis-martin-lead-six-man-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-bettis-haley-parcells-shut-out/1" target="_blank"> USA Today</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Vikings Stadium Plan Near Metrodome On Fast Track</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181253</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:13:15 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[A plan to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings next to the Metrodome is on the fast track, Mike Kaszuba of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. According to Ted Mondale, Governor Mark Dayton's chief stadium negotiator, the state's plan would have the Vikings playing their home games at the Metrodome through the 2015 season while a new stadium is being built. After that season, construction on the new stadium would reach 75 percent completion, allowing for the current Metrodome to be torn down and turned into a plaza for parking and pregame activities. The Vikings would play a couple of games at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota, but could open the new stadium during the 2016 season. "I would think 2016 would be the 'go live' year," Mondale said. "Maybe the first two games you play (at TCF Bank Stadium) but before it gets cold, you'd be ready to go (at the new stadium)." Mondale hopes to have a plan in time for a spring vote by the Legislature.

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/vikings-stadium-plan-near-metrodome-on.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A plan to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings next to the Metrodome is on the fast track, Mike Kaszuba of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. According to Ted Mondale, Governor Mark Dayton's chief stadium negotiator, the state's plan would have the Vikings playing their home games at the Metrodome through the 2015 season while a new stadium is being built. After that season, construction on the new stadium would reach 75 percent completion, allowing for the current Metrodome to be torn down and turned into a plaza for parking and pregame activities. The Vikings would play a couple of games at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota, but could open the new stadium during the 2016 season. &quot;I would think 2016 would be the 'go live' year,&quot; Mondale said. &quot;Maybe the first two games you play (at TCF Bank Stadium) but before it gets cold, you'd be ready to go (at the new stadium).&quot; Mondale hopes to have a plan in time for a spring vote by the Legislature.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/vikings-stadium-plan-near-metrodome-on.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Lions WR Calvin Johnson Named NFL.com Fantasy Player Of The Year</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181252</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:10:36 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Matthew Stafford wasn't the only Detroit Lions player to win an award at the NFL Honors show on Saturday night in Indianapolis. Teammate Calvin Johnson was also recognized. Specifically, he was named the NFL.com Fantasy Player of the Year for 2011, which, as explained by the Lions' official Twitter account, is based on two major criteria: Award based on points and the number of championship teams he was on. The award was accepted on Johnson's behalf by Alec Baldwin, who hosted the show. Joel McHale, who said Johnson was his first-round draft pick, presented the award.

Source: SBNation.com (http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2012/2/5/2772505/nfl-honors-2012-calvin-johnson-nfl-fantasy-player-of-the-year)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Matthew Stafford wasn't the only Detroit Lions player to win an award at the NFL Honors show on Saturday night in Indianapolis. Teammate Calvin Johnson was also recognized. Specifically, he was named the NFL.com Fantasy Player of the Year for 2011, which, as explained by the Lions' official Twitter account, is based on two major criteria: Award based on points and the number of championship teams he was on. The award was accepted on Johnson's behalf by Alec Baldwin, who hosted the show. Joel McHale, who said Johnson was his first-round draft pick, presented the award.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2012/2/5/2772505/nfl-honors-2012-calvin-johnson-nfl-fantasy-player-of-the-year" target="_blank">SBNation.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[AP Names Packers QB Aaron Rodgers NFL's Most Valuable Player]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181226</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:04:40 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been named the 2011 Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player. Rodgers received 48 of 50 votes, with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees receiving the remaining two votes. In 15 games this season, Rodgers completed 68.3 percent of 502 pass attempts for 4,643 yards with 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions for an NFL-best passer rating of 122.5. Rodgers added 257 yards and three touchdowns on the ground as the Packers went 14-1 in his starts. Rodgers earned Pro Bowl honors for the second time in his career and was also named first-team All-Pro, edging out Brees, whose record-setting season beat out Rodgers for the AP's Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/packers-qb-aaron-rodgers-named-nfl-most.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been named the 2011 Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player. Rodgers received 48 of 50 votes, with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees receiving the remaining two votes. In 15 games this season, Rodgers completed 68.3 percent of 502 pass attempts for 4,643 yards with 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions for an NFL-best passer rating of 122.5. Rodgers added 257 yards and three touchdowns on the ground as the Packers went 14-1 in his starts. Rodgers earned Pro Bowl honors for the second time in his career and was also named first-team All-Pro, edging out Brees, whose record-setting season beat out Rodgers for the AP's Offensive Player of the Year Award.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/packers-qb-aaron-rodgers-named-nfl-most.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Lions QB Matthew Stafford Voted AP Comeback Player Of The Year</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181217</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:57:37 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>After missing most of the 2010 season, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was voted the Associated Press NFL comeback player of the year Saturday at the inaugural NFL Honors awards ceremony in Indianapolis. Stafford completed 421 of 663 passes for 5,038 yards with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions this season. He played only three games in 2010 because of a shoulder injury, completing 57 of 96 passes for 535 yards with six touchdowns and one interception.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8269d7c7/article/lions-stafford-voted-ap-comeback-player-of-the-year)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[After missing most of the 2010 season, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was voted the Associated Press NFL comeback player of the year Saturday at the inaugural NFL Honors awards ceremony in Indianapolis. Stafford completed 421 of 663 passes for 5,038 yards with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions this season. He played only three games in 2010 because of a shoulder injury, completing 57 of 96 passes for 535 yards with six touchdowns and one interception.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8269d7c7/article/lions-stafford-voted-ap-comeback-player-of-the-year" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Packers TE Jermichael Finley Says He Hopes To Remain In Green Bay</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181158</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:20:25 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Packers tight end Jermichael Finley made the rounds at radio row on Friday as one of the few players not pushing some kind of product. Of course, he was asked about his contract situation and if there has been any progression. “Nothing new,’ Finley said. “It’s the NFL. It’s a business right now. I don’t even know what’s going on. You’ve just got to play that game. I don’t know anything and just hope for the best.” Finley gave a firm endorsement of Tom Clements being promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. “It’s awesome,” Finley said. “Tom, he’s one of those guys that details his craft. He’s going to be a good one. As you can see, he developed ARod to a great quarterback. You want people who have been there around you the whole time. Chemistry, too, it’s big in the NFL. Hopefully, I can sign with the Packers so I can experience that.”

Source: Green Bay Press Gazette (http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com/blogs/gpg/insider/2012/02/03/finley-no-news-on-conract/)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Packers tight end Jermichael Finley made the rounds at radio row on Friday as one of the few players not pushing some kind of product. Of course, he was asked about his contract situation and if there has been any progression. “Nothing new,’ Finley said. “It’s the NFL. It’s a business right now. I don’t even know what’s going on. You’ve just got to play that game. I don’t know anything and just hope for the best.” Finley gave a firm endorsement of Tom Clements being promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. “It’s awesome,” Finley said. “Tom, he’s one of those guys that details his craft. He’s going to be a good one. As you can see, he developed ARod to a great quarterback. You want people who have been there around you the whole time. Chemistry, too, it’s big in the NFL. Hopefully, I can sign with the Packers so I can experience that.”<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com/blogs/gpg/insider/2012/02/03/finley-no-news-on-conract/" target="_blank">Green Bay Press Gazette</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Lions Coach Jim Schwartz Defends Ndamukong Suh After Warren Sapp's Critcism]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181088</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:51:09 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Lions head coach Jim Schwartz defended defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh against some criticism thrown at him earlier this week by NFL.com's Warren Sapp. "There is an adage in coaching: If you listen to the fans you will be sitting amongst them," he said. "I will take it one step further: If you are listening to the media and analysts too much, you will be working amongst them." Sapp, a seven-time Pro Bowler, said Tuesday that Suh did nothing to improve himself from his first year to the second. He said Suh is primarily a power rusher and his power was diminished after offseason rotator cuff surgery. Sapp encouraged Suh to work on his technique and try to become a more complete pass rusher. "We see Ndamukong every single day, every single practice, every single play," Schwartz said. "That's a lot different perspective than watching it on TV. But everybody has an opinion." Schwartz said he disagreed with the notion that Suh "struggled," and he pointed out that Suh has 14 sacks in his first two seasons, two more than Sapp recorded in his first two seasons.

Source: Detroit News (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120202/SPORTS0101/202020462/1126/rss14)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Lions head coach Jim Schwartz defended defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh against some criticism thrown at him earlier this week by NFL.com's Warren Sapp. &quot;There is an adage in coaching: If you listen to the fans you will be sitting amongst them,&quot; he said. &quot;I will take it one step further: If you are listening to the media and analysts too much, you will be working amongst them.&quot; Sapp, a seven-time Pro Bowler, said Tuesday that Suh did nothing to improve himself from his first year to the second. He said Suh is primarily a power rusher and his power was diminished after offseason rotator cuff surgery. Sapp encouraged Suh to work on his technique and try to become a more complete pass rusher. &quot;We see Ndamukong every single day, every single practice, every single play,&quot; Schwartz said. &quot;That's a lot different perspective than watching it on TV. But everybody has an opinion.&quot; Schwartz said he disagreed with the notion that Suh &quot;struggled,&quot; and he pointed out that Suh has 14 sacks in his first two seasons, two more than Sapp recorded in his first two seasons.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120202/SPORTS0101/202020462/1126/rss14" target="_blank">Detroit News</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Detroit Lions To Hike Ticket Prices</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181108</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:42:08 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Coming off their best season in more than a decade, the Detroit Lions have decided to raise ticket prices for the first time in five years. Team president Tom Lewand said today that the average price of season tickets next year will go up an average of just under 8 percent. The highest non-premium seat package will increase from $90 to $99 dollars, and the lowest will go from $30 to $35. Lewand said he expects the Lions' average ticket price next year to be the 23rd or 24th lowest in the league.

Source: Detroit Free Press (http://www.freep.com/article/20120203/SPORTS01/120203018/1049/sports01)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Coming off their best season in more than a decade, the Detroit Lions have decided to raise ticket prices for the first time in five years. Team president Tom Lewand said today that the average price of season tickets next year will go up an average of just under 8 percent. The highest non-premium seat package will increase from $90 to $99 dollars, and the lowest will go from $30 to $35. Lewand said he expects the Lions' average ticket price next year to be the 23rd or 24th lowest in the league.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20120203/SPORTS01/120203018/1049/sports01" target="_blank">Detroit Free Press</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears RB Matt Forte Okay With Franchise Tag If It Leads To New Contract</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181134</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:49:40 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte told the "Waddle & Silvy" program on ESPN 1000 in Chicago that he's okay with receiving the franchise tag if that leads to a long-term contract. "It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag)," Forte said on Thursday. "If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal then I would be okay with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything." The Bears have no intention of letting Forte depart via free agency, but have been unable to reach agreement on a long-term contract. The Bears were reportedly offering a contract that included $13 to $14 million in guaranteed money, while Forte's camp was looking at guaranteed money of over $20 million. The running back franchise tender is projected to be worth around $8 million in 2012. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/matt-forte-okay-with-franchise-tag-if.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte told the &quot;Waddle &amp; Silvy&quot; program on ESPN 1000 in Chicago that he's okay with receiving the franchise tag if that leads to a long-term contract. &quot;It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag),&quot; Forte said on Thursday. &quot;If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal then I would be okay with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything.&quot; The Bears have no intention of letting Forte depart via free agency, but have been unable to reach agreement on a long-term contract. The Bears were reportedly offering a contract that included $13 to $14 million in guaranteed money, while Forte's camp was looking at guaranteed money of over $20 million. The running back franchise tender is projected to be worth around $8 million in 2012. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/matt-forte-okay-with-franchise-tag-if.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Ramsey County Says No Vikings Stadium Funding Plan Has Been Turned In Yet</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180839</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:36:01 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Ramsey County's third effort at a viable financing plan for a new $1.1 billion Vikings stadium won't be ready for a few days, Commissioner Tony Bennett said Monday. "We're working on it. It won't be early in the week," he said, adding that the plan might not be ready until next week. Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, gave the county a deadline of last Friday to present a new plan. County officials couldn't work that fast and plan architect, Finance Director Lee Mehrkens, was off late in the week. The county last summer put forward its first plan: a proposal to raise the county sales tax by half a percentage point to support issuance of $350 million in bonds. 

Source: Star-Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/138366834.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ramsey County's third effort at a viable financing plan for a new $1.1 billion Vikings stadium won't be ready for a few days, Commissioner Tony Bennett said Monday. &quot;We're working on it. It won't be early in the week,&quot; he said, adding that the plan might not be ready until next week. Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, gave the county a deadline of last Friday to present a new plan. County officials couldn't work that fast and plan architect, Finance Director Lee Mehrkens, was off late in the week. The county last summer put forward its first plan: a proposal to raise the county sales tax by half a percentage point to support issuance of $350 million in bonds. <br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/138366834.html" target="_blank">Star-Tribune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Judge Schedules NFL WR Sam Hurd's Trial For April 2]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181048</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:12:19 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>A federal judge has set an April 2 trial date for NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd, who is charged with trying to create a drug-distribution network. U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis, in an order Wednesday, set a pretrial conference for March 21 before an April trial in Dallas federal court, the trial could be delayed as Hurd, alleged co-conspirator Toby Lujan and federal prosecutors file motions beforehand. Hurd, 26, is accused of trying to buy large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, including an alleged buy of one kilogram of cocaine. He was arrested outside of a Chicago-area steakhouse on Dec. 14 and cut shortly afterward by the Chicago Bears. Hurd, a San Antonio native who played for the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, has pleaded not guilty. 

Source: CBSSports (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17095963/judge-schedules-hurd-trial-for-april-2-pending-likely-pretrial-motions/rss)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A federal judge has set an April 2 trial date for NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd, who is charged with trying to create a drug-distribution network. U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis, in an order Wednesday, set a pretrial conference for March 21 before an April trial in Dallas federal court, the trial could be delayed as Hurd, alleged co-conspirator Toby Lujan and federal prosecutors file motions beforehand. Hurd, 26, is accused of trying to buy large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, including an alleged buy of one kilogram of cocaine. He was arrested outside of a Chicago-area steakhouse on Dec. 14 and cut shortly afterward by the Chicago Bears. Hurd, a San Antonio native who played for the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, has pleaded not guilty. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17095963/judge-schedules-hurd-trial-for-april-2-pending-likely-pretrial-motions/rss" target="_blank">CBSSports</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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