Fantasy Football articles - Sports Grumblings.com

Dr Phil believes that if Ricky would have kept his helmet on during practice, interviews and all off-field parties -- like he did as a rookie -- he wouldn't be in a ‘weed’ of trouble today. Dr. Phil also suggests preventive measures -- "It's tough to smoke and drink with your helmet on" the good doctor said.

PAGING Dr. PHIL!

What would he say on these issues?

Many know that Dr. Phil McGraw as the world's most famous therapist. Not as many know that he was once a successful college football player. With that in mind, perhaps Dr. Phil could help several NFL teams with lingering offseason issues. Following the recent NFL Draft, several squads have big things to sort out while moving forward. What are they? And who? A closer look...

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Issue: Donovan McNabb's ongoing unhappiness with the organization after perceived slights. First there was debate about whether the now-departed Jeff Garcia should be the starter, and now McNabb is unhappy about the Eagles selecting QB Kevin Kolb with their top pick in the draft.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "Respect is key...but get over it." McNabb told the Associated Press he was 'shocked' the Eagles took his likely backup and probable successor in the draft. Part of that might have been because the pick was a little high for Kolb, but it also suggests McNabb continues to be somewhat disenchanted in Philly. He has grumbled in recent months about his status as the team's unquestioned leader, and this can't help.

CHICAGO BEARS

The Issue: Two big ones. There's Lance Briggs and his unresolved contract issue. And there's the case of what the NFL might do with Tank Johnson, who is likely to face serious sanctions after being incarcerated for weapons and probation violations.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: For Briggs, "Compromise is a two-way street." And for Johnson: "What were you THINKIN'???" Many expected Briggs, who was given the Bears' franchise tag this offseason, to be traded at or before the draft. It didn't happen, and the Pro Bowler is looking like a candidate to hold out heading into the season. The Bears drafted Stanford linebacker Michael Okwo in the third round, suggesting they may be preparing for a long holdout. Meanwhile, Johnson (who is still in jail) will eventually have to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has already cracked down heavily on some of the league's bad behaviour cases. Expect a sanction of some sort.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The Issue: Shaun Alexander's foot. The former rushing champ was slowed considerably last season by a broken left foot, and recently he told the Associated Press it might still be broken, but that he doesn't want to know until later.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "Denial ain't just a river." Not that Alexander is full-out denying he has a problem or that it won't be looked at soon, but his attitude suggests he is frustrated with the ongoing problem. He was working out on it recently, which is inspiring but may not be the wisest course of action. Expect there to be ongoing hand-wringing about the issue as the summer goes along.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Issue: Several. There's Daunte Culpepper's ongoing status. Then

Dr. Phil believes confidence breeds confidence, but it starts at the top and the Miami staff has little in Daunte

there's a certain amount of fan dissatisfaction with the team passing on Brady Quinn at the draft. And there's also the unresolved issue of Ricky Williams' status.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: For Culpepper, "You need to get yerself healthy." For fans, "Get over it." And for Ricky: "You got to get back in the game!" Culpepper's knee remains his big issue, as it has essentially destroyed both of his past two seasons. He still isn't quite ready to hit the field, raising constant rumors he will be released. The fact the Dolphins didn't draft Quinn and haven't traded for Trent Green suggests they may be sticking with Culpepper, but it's worth noting they did draft John Beck, who is NFL-ready. As far as Williams goes, he is ready to be reinstated from a one-year drug suspension but it hasn't happened yet, suggesting NFL commish Roger Goodell may be mulling his future somewhat.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Issue: Trent Green's ongoing status. The Chiefs have been rumored for months now to be moving the veteran QB, and it hasn't happened yet.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "It's time to get real!" In other words, time's a-wastin.' As several other teams struggle to figure out who their top QB will be in 2007, the Chiefs currently have three legitimate No.1 contenders in Green, Damon Huard, and Brodie Croyle. Green knows the Chiefs want to move him, the other two know it, and other teams know it. Obviously KC wants to get maximum value in return, but if the issue extends into the summer, it could start to cause internal stress.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Issue: Asante Samuel's contract situation. Franchised by the Pats, he may hold out to get a better deal.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "Do you want to raise the price of poker?" Holdouts can sometimes work for NFL players, sometimes not. The Patriots are generally known as a team that doesn't respond well to players holding out, so it's questionable whether they will capitulate. Samuel had a fantastic 2006 season but may be risking his value going forward by holding out, especially with the Pats poised for another Super Bowl run. He deserves top dollar, but this will be a dicey situation going forward.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Issue: Dwight Freeney's contract situation. He has been franchised by the Colts and wants more money, but unlike Briggs and Samuel, he doesn't have as much leverage coming off a sub-par 2006 campaign.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "The most you get is what you ask for." Not that Freeney should necessarily ask for too much, but he is a premier defensive end when healthy and deserves to be paid like it. Of course, his somewhat flat 2006 campaign doesn't help his cause much, but he seems to have a good relationship with the Colts and most observers expect the two sides to get things worked out before training camp.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Issue: Justin Smith's contract situation. Just like Freeney with the Colts, Smith has been franchised by the Bengals.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "The most you get is what you ask for." Unlike Freeney, Smith is coming off his best NFL season and has a pretty good bargaining position for a new deal. Unlike some of the others on this list, Smith hasn't made holdout threats and seems to have fairly good relations with his team's management. He is a critical part of Cincinnati's not-so-elite defense, so it will be interesting to see if the Bengals step up and reward him for his consistency before the contract issue starts to fester.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

The Issue: Andrew Walter's overall status. He now may be anywhere from first to third-string in the pecking order.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "We teach people how to treat us." Not that Walter's up-in-the-air status in Oakland is all his own doing, but he certainly has played a role in being passed over for the team's top QB job. At the recent NFL Draft, the Raiders not only selected an heir apparent for him in JaMarcus Russell, but also traded for possible immediate successor Josh McCown. Walter was vocal last year criticising the Raider play-calling (which got him benched), but the writing should be on the wall for him that he'll need to step up this summer if he wants to play.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Issue: Charlie Frye's overall status. The Browns have been rumored to want Trent Green, and they drafted Brady Quinn.
What Dr. Phil Might Say: "You got to rise above your raisin.'" Not that Frye is somewhat in limbo in Cleveland because of his childhood, but rather, that he needs to put the past behind him. Last season, the beleaguered QB actually finished in the NFL's top five passers in completion percentage, but he still got criticized by fans, media, and even teammate Braylon Edwards. He is still an underrated and talented quarterback, but will need to forget about 2006 and step soon if he wants to keep his starting job.