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Looking back to February, there was one player who really wanted to go to Indianapolis, at the 2010 NFL Combine, and accomplish the feat of being the fastest player going into the NFL Draft. That player was Kansas State receiver and returner Brandon Banks.
I had the honor of interviewing Banks just days before the combine began. He was pumped to have the chance of running with and against some of the top NFL-ready talent, and looking for an NFL team who wanted to draft their talents.
Banks was one of the few who has to solely rely on his speed to raise the eyebrows of both coaches and NFL executives in attendance.
Unfortunately, he did not run as well as he had hoped and that, along with his small stature, hurt his draft stock, leaving him undrafted and unsigned.
That was until the Washington Redskins offered him a free agent contract to come practice with the team and the 5’7″ and 150 pounds Banks signed on the dotted line.
The pairing is a blessing because the Redskins really needed a true special teams returner who could return both kicks and punts and Banks has plenty of experience at both during his time at Kansas State.
In the Redskins first preseason game versus the Buffalo Bills, Banks made a statement in the return game by returning four punts for 97 yards and one touchdown for an average of 24.3 yards per return.
Banks is surrounded by giants in the NFL, but he is not the first undersized returner who has a ton of speed, and he will not be the last.
Remember Dave Meggett?
He was only 5’7″ and played in the NFL for 10 years primarily as a returner and took back a total of eight (seven punts and one kick) returns for touchdowns in his career.
Remember Gerald “Ice Cube” McNeil?
He was also only 5’7″ and, even though he only played in the NFL for five season, he too was mostly a returner and returned one kick and one punt for touchdowns in his career.
Then there is Dante’ Hall who was 5’8″, played nine seasons, and had a total of 12 (six kicks and six punts) returned for touchdowns in his career.
The point is that Meggett, McNeil, and Hall have proven all the critics of their size wrong and played at a high level in the NFL as a special teamer.
Why can’t Banks?
After playing in his first professional preseason game, Banks is well on his way to being the next exciting smaller returner to play in a league of giants.
He has also staked his claim to make the final roster as the teams’ full-time returner once the regular season rolls in too.
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The Baltimore Ravens took the field last week for passing OTAs, which gives the fans and the media a lot to talk about.
The additions of Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth to the offense gives Baltimore depth at the receiver position, which has been questioned for many years.
Through the few months Boldin and Stallworth have been members of the Ravens, it appears both receivers are making great strides with Joe Flacco and are showing it on the field.
Boldin was seen showing off his great slant routes like he did in Arizona. This play is one of the better plays Joe Flacco has been comfortable in since he entered the league.
Donte Stallworth, on the other hand, has surprised many with the speed he’s shown in camp.
Many believed Donte couldn’t become a deep route, as he was expected to lose quite a few steps by being out of the NFL.
Stallworth did vow he was going to work very hard to stay with a team in his second opportunity.
It all makes sense what the Ravens saw in Stallworth, who looks to be a great slot runner for Flacco.
As the Flacco era begins its third season, the weapons around Joe are the best he has ever had.
Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth are two players who are in Baltimore for fresh starts, and look to prove the doubters wrong.
The emergence of these receivers has brought a competition at the bottom of the depth chart like we have never seen.
Both of these offseason moves can only be a positive for the Ravens in a long run, as the offense tries to become the center of attention for the Ravens for years to come.
Matt Miselis is a Baltimore Ravens Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis
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Could Edwards and Owens be teammates in 2010? Nah.
It’s that time again. Time for a good, hard look around the league, quickly analyzing all the options remaining for a big-name free agent.
This time around, it’s Terrell Owens . Again.
We scoured over all the options last year when Owens was released by the Cowboys, and virtually nobody thought of the Buffalo Bills, and even if they did, they couldn’t seriously commit to the idea of it happening.
Well, it did happen, and now with the Cincinnati Bengals signing Antonio Bryant (and not T.O.) to a four-year deal, Owens is left in the dark, without a team again.
Here’s a look at every team not named Cincinnati, and how they could potentially (or not at all) fit with Terrell Owens:
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins need a stud receiver, and history tells us Bill Parcells doesn’t like throwing first-round draft picks and cocky question marks (Dez Bryant , anyone?).
Signing T.O. to a relatively cheap, one or two-year deal is the next best thing, as the Dolphins could squeeze all of his speed and talent that’s left out of him.
Verdict: Realistic
New York Jets
The Jets just made a splash by getting Antonio Cromartie, so what’s stopping them? They could let Jerricho Cotchery slip to the third option and have Braylon Edwards and T.O. as their top starters.
Then again, who wants two guys who drop the ball just as often as they make big plays?
Verdict: Unnecessary
New England Patriots
Could this be the long-awaited joining of the “two 81′s”? With Randy Moss waiting on his last year to end so he can get some big money (either in New England or elsewhere), the Patriots could take a shot in the dark and hope Owens and Moss can push their offense over the hump.
Wes Welker’s status is far from certain, and beyond Moss, all the Patriots really have is Julian Edelman. We love the little converted quarterback, and we’re sure the Patriots will draft a receiver or two (thinking of you, Jordan Shipley ), but why not take a small risk on Owens for a year?
It’d cover them at the position, and they’d still be able to build for next year through the draft, while waiting for Welker to get back to full health.
Verdict: Crazy enough to work
Buffalo Bills
This would only make sense, as Buffalo definitely needs help at receiver (again), but the Bills probably learned from what they saw last season.
Owens may have something left, but it’s likely not enough for the Bills to care. They’ll draft at the position and start over.
Verdict: Less likely than you think
Baltimore Ravens
They added Dante’ Stallworth and Anquan Boldin, and a recent report has Derrick Mason returning for 2010. The window for adding T.O. has officially closed.
Verdict: Not happening.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are shopping Limas Sweed for a reason: Because they love the three receivers they currently have, and they don’t want to mess with it.
Verdict: Impossible
Cleveland Browns
They desperately need explosive talent, and could even use some good experience and leadership on the offensive end.
Mike Holmgren is smarter than this. Sure, Owens still has the talent to make a moderate impact, but on a team that’s trying to start over, and doesn’t even have a quarterback? Think again.
Verdict: Over Holmgren’s dead body
Tennessee Titans
Just how much faith do the Titans have in Justin Gage, or even Nate Washington, for that matter?
If they were talking about adding Matt Jones, this has to be at least a slight possibility.
Verdict: Possible
Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning loves talent, but he also knows better than to mess with success. He has three excellent receivers at his disposal, and that’s not even counting Anthony Gonzalez, who missed almost the entire 2009 season.
Verdict: Not a chance
Houston Texans
They just re-signed Kevin Walter and are enamored with Jacoby Jones as a starter for the future. He’s got the slot locked up for now, and the solid overall depth and talent should keep Owens at bay.
Verdict: Texans won’t mess with chemistry
Jacksonville Jaguars
Hey, they signed Torry Holt, so why not Owens, right?
Well, considering they released Holt, perhaps they’ve finally learned their lesson. Then again, as long as Jack Del Rio is even a part of the show, anything is possible.
Verdict: Not Impossible
San Diego Chargers
After releasing LaDainian Tomlinson, it’s pretty clear the Chargers are out to do two things: Save money and cut dead weight.
Owens might be a solid stop-gap and give them a quality option opposite of Vincent Jackson, but would it be worth the risk? For a team that is constantly in the running and can’t get over the hump in the playoffs, perhaps it could be.
Verdict: In the name of David Boston, it’s not impossible
Denver Broncos
If Josh McDaniels unloads Brandon Marshall (baby T.O.), perhaps he’ll reel in the “real” T.O. for cheap, and see if he can’t keep his cool for a year or two.
Verdict: Depending on what happens with Marshall, fairly possible
Oakland Raiders
Oakland used to be the place where anyone with anything close to talent could find a home. However, with the release of Javon Walker (finally), it appears the Raiders could be close to realizing some of their mistakes.
Then again, their starting lineup does consist of Darrius Heyward-Bey, Chaz Schilens, and Louis Murphy.
Verdict: With Al Davis, anything is possible
Kansas City Chiefs
Todd Haley could be tempted, as he’s had a difficult time running an offense without Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, but with the re-signing of Chris Chambers, it’s unlikely the Chiefs go after another receiver outside of the NFL Draft.
Verdict: KC keeps building on what they have
New York Giants
The Giants are just getting past the Plaxico Burress mess and actually discovered some nice talent in their top three receivers last year.
They won’t allow the sheer possibility of Owens messing that progress up.
Verdict: No chance
Dallas Cowboys
Really?
Verdict: Really?
Philadelphia Eagles
Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb are appearing on a television show together, and they’re on the same team. Can you say foreshadowing?
Verdict: Very unlikely
Washington Redskins
Daniel Snyder has been quiet, but don’t you think he has to be pulling at Mike Shanahan’s sleeve to make some sort of a move?
Even “Shanny” has to respect the Skins’ need for an elite receiver opposite of Santana Moss.
Verdict: Anything is possible with the Redskins
Green Bay Packers
Unless they go all “Brett Favre” on Donald Driver and trade him or cut him, they’re more than set at receiver. There’s just no need for a move like this.
Verdict: Ted Thompson doesn’t “do” free agency, anyways
Chicago Bears
Hey, if they can’t land Brandon Marshall somehow, then why not? They won’t be getting a stud receiver in the draft, and Owens is now the best available option at receiver out there.
Mike Martz has to be salivating at the possibility of adding a play-maker like Owens. After adding Chester Taylor and Julius Peppers, this could be another “big splash” move that will make the Bears look better than they actually are.
Verdict: Jerry Angelo will think about it, that’s for sure
Detroit Lions
They just spent some decent money on landing Nate Burleson, so with Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson, they suddenly have a pretty respectable corps.
Verdict: Not impossible, but unlikely
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings don’t need a potential locker room cancer, but they could arguably use another explosive weapon in their already potent offense.
Bernard Berrian fought injuries and just wasn’t himself in all of 2009, but even so, this just doesn’t seem very likely.
Then again, if you want Brett Favre back, this would be a fairly enticing play.
Verdict: Are they that worried Favre might hang ‘em up?
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith has been begging for help or a trade for the past three years. Muhsin Muhammad has lost it, and Matt Moore is still fairly unproven.
Adding Owens would at least shake things up a little.
Verdict: Jon Fox isn’t big on taking risks
New Orleans Saints
They are stacked on offense. This would be a poor move. Sean Payton is better than that.
Verdict: Teams coming off of Super Bowl wins don’t do moves like this, or do they?
Atlanta Falcons
Can you really see T.O. in black? Well, outside of Roddy White, Matt Ryan has very few elite options in the passing game, and even Tony Gonzalez is getting older.
Owens could be the offensive piece that pushes them over the hump.
Verdict: Great teams take chances, so it’s possible
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If the Bucs weren’t ready to sign Antonio Bryant to a big contract, it’s even less likely they’ll sign Owens. Besides, T.O. may be desperate for a job, but is he that desperate?
Verdict: Neither side will be particularly interested
Seattle Seahawks
T.J. Houshmandzadeh was a free agent bust, Deion Branch wants out, and Nate Burleson is in Detroit.
What are the odds that Owens and baby T.O. (Brandon Marshall ) are playing together in a suddenly unstoppable passing offense in 2010?
Verdict: Not that unlikely
San Francisco 49ers
Never though you’d see this image in your head again? Mike Singletary may be the wrong guy to pull a risky move like this, but if he’s thinking about starting David Carr over Alex Smith (or even Smith…), then he’s crazy enough to think about bringing back Owens.
I’m sure Owens wouldn’t mind coming back, either.
Verdict: Unlikely, but the 49ers could use the offensive boost at receiver
St. Louis Rams
It’s my firm belief that Terrell Owens would rather retire than join a team this bad.
Verdict: No way
Arizona Cardinals
Sure, they just lost Anquan Boldin in a trade, but it’s not like they didn’t see it coming (or, you know, make the trade themselves).
Owens would love to join a good offense and play along side Larry Fitzgerald, but the Cardinals have three very solid receivers other the Fitz on their roster.
Verdict: Not happening
The speculation can fully set into motion, despite the rumors already flying at full speed over all of our heads.
The fact is, if Michael Vick could get signed to a decent deal in the same offseason that he got released from prison, then Owens, too, will find a home.
Besides, he stayed on his best behavior in Buffalo, and considering his supporting cast, he actually did okay.
For NFL Free Agency news and coverage of the NFL Draft, head over to NFL Soup.
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In 1943, future Hall of Fame quarterback Sid Luckman turned in the greatest season by a quarterback in NFL history.
He completed 110 of 202 passes for 2,194 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions— for an absolutely astounding passer rating of 107.5.
He set several records that still stand today, including yards per attempt (10.9), yards per completion (19.9), and touchdown percentage (13.9). He threw seven touchdown passes on Sid Luckman Day in November.
Luckman single-handedly brought the average passer rating in the league from 41.9 to 48.4.
The Bears finished 8-1-1 and captured the Western Division championship.
They did so despite the absence of head coach George Halas—who left the Bears in midseason of 1942 to join the Navy.
In fact, a whole slew of players from around the league were serving in World War II. According to ProFootballHOF.com, more than 1,000 players had left the league to serve in the war—including Hall of Famers Chuck Bednarik, Otto Graham, Norm Van Brocklin, and Bob Waterfield.
Luke Johnsos and Hunk Anderson served as co-coaches for the Bears for three-and-a- half seasons, until 1946.
For the third time in four seasons, the Bears faced Sammy Baugh and the Washington Redskins for the Eastern Division championship.
In 1940, the Bears defeated the Redskins 73-0 in what is still the biggest blowout in the history of the National Football League.
In 1942, the Bears coasted through the regular season with a perfect 13-0 record and a 292-point differential that would stand as an NFL record until 2007. But in the championship game, the Redskins earned revenge, stifling the high-powered Bears and winning 14-6.
Stakes were high heading into the 1943 championship game.
The Bears were the early favorites, based on their extra two wins in the regular season. However, the Redskins had beaten the Bears 21-7 in the regular season, forcing six turnovers and rushing for 213 yards.
The Game
The first quarter remained a 0-0 defensive struggle, reminiscent of the previous season’s low-scoring championship game.
The Redskins took an early 7-0 lead on an Andy Farkas one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. But the Bears answered right back, as Luckman tossed a 31-yard scoring strike to All-Pro running back Harry Clarke.
The Bears added a touchdown run by future Hall of Fame running back Bronko Nagurski and entered halftime with a 14-7 lead.
In the third and fourth quarters, Luckman caught fire.
He tossed four touchdown passes—two in each quarter. Running back Dante Magnani, who had totaled just 88 receiving yards during the regular season, caught touchdown passes of 36 and 66 yards in the third quarter alone.
End Jim Benton caught a 26-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and Clarke added his second touchdown reception to give the Bears a 41-14 lead.
A late Baugh touchdown pass closed out the scoring, giving the Bears a solid 41-21 victory and cementing themselves as one of the earliest dynasties in the National Football League.
For the day, Luckman completed 15 of 26 passes for 286 yards and five touchdowns. His five touchdowns stood as a single-game postseason record for 26 years.
He outrushed the entire Redskins team, carrying eight times for 64 yards.
He intercepted two of Baugh’s passes and returned them for 33 yards.
He returned two punts for 32 yards.
And he even handled the punting duties, booting three for 74 yards.
He avenged the Bears’ loss from the 1942 NFL championship—a game in which he did absolutely nothing right (5-of-12 for two yards and two interceptions).
Luckman did everything right for the Bears on Dec. 26, 1943. In fact, he contributed more to his victory than any player in the history of the NFL.
Aftermath
Luckman volunteered as an ensign with the U.S. Merchant Marines after the 1943 season. He wasn’t able to practice with the Bears during the 1944 and 1945 seasons, but he was able to return to the Bears on game days.
Luckman returned to the Bears as a full-time starter in 1946 and led the Bears to a fourth NFL championship.
He retired in 1950 after a fantastic 12-year career. Six years later, Luckman was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He is unarguably the greatest quarterback in Chicago Bears history and is probably one of the 10 best quarterbacks in NFL history.
For one season—1943—he was the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
For one day—Dec. 26, 1943—he was the greatest football player who ever lived.
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