 some deep emotional and maturity issues.
While Cutler may have bullied his way out of Denver, trading Marshall is astrategically smart move, and the Broncos can position it with the team that wayonce a deal is done and the trouble-magnet has packed his bags. They can make itclear that Marshall didn't force this deal, that they were averting a disasterby unloading a chronic problem player and an ongoing distraction to the team.The rest of the team may even release a collective sigh of relief, just as manyof the Cowboys did after Terrell Owens was released.
Right now, Denver has to publicly state that they want to hold onto Marshallto protect whatever trade value remains. But as soon as another team is foolishenough to pony up a future first-round pick or a package of existing talent thatincludes a capable starter at wide receiver to bridge the team this year, theBroncos should take it and run.
Point 6: NFL fans should add Jim Wexell's Steeler Nation totheir summer reading list.
Even sportswriters have favorite sportswriters — and Jim Wexell is one ofmine. But that's not why you should grab a copy of his book, Steeler Nation.You should get this book because it's written from a rare perspective aboutfootball players that will captivate you and will make you laugh out loud.
It's simply that good.
Wexell made the ultimate NFL road trip, traveling 10,000 miles on thehighways and small-town roads of the country to talk to the relatives, coachesand friends of current and former Steelers players. He also caught up withSteelers fans along the way, trying to understand their unswerving loyalty to ateam that was thousands of miles away from their current homes.
Through Wexell's notes of his adventure, you learn that linebacker JamesHarrison, one of 14 children, inherited some of his nasty attitude fromhis mother.
"You be nice to people and they take kindness as a weakness," shetold the longtime Pittsburgh sportswriter and publisher of SteelCityInsider.com.
Wexell also talked with Hines Ward's best friend in Atlanta, who was one ofthe future Hall of Famer's rivals in junior high and high school.
"He never liked a mouthpiece, so you can always see that Cheshire-catsmile, and that just used to always irk me whenever I played against him,"Clark Allen said. "Nothing good is coming out of the situation as long ashe's smiling."
Read more excerpts about Troy Polamalu, Aaron Smith and former Steeler GregLloyd, at www.pittsburghsportspublishing.comand then order a copy. Any NFL fan will enjoy this book that Wexell proclaims tobe "70 percent players, 20 percent fans, 10 percent gibberish."
Point 7: Linebacker Darry Beckwith is using a smart strategy as hestrives to earn a roster spot with the San Diego Chargers.
The former LSU player was expected to be no worse than a mid-round pick inthe 2009 NFL Draft based on his field intelligence and his balanced skill set asa tackler and pass defender. But Beckwith's phone didn't ring with an offer froman NFL club until after the conclusion of the draft. It became evident thatteams had concerns over his knee problems in his junior and senior year, eventhough he only missed two contests each year.
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"That was the major issue was my knee. Even before the draft that was aconcern," Beckwith told me this week. "I'm just glad the Chargers gaveme the opportunity, because I know I'm very capable of playing in the NFL andbeing very successful. I'm 100 percent right now and looking forward to movingon and having a great career."
The 6-foot, 237-pound inside linebacker has buried his nose in theplaybook. And he's latched onto a Chargers starter who has already walked therocky path that Beckwith must travel to earn a roster spot — linebacker StephenCooper, a seventh-year veteran out of the University of Maine who was undraftedback in 2003. But Cooper has started 28 games over the past two seasons.
"He's a technician. Everything he does as far as the drills istechnique," Beckwith said. "That's the thing I will continue to learn,make sure you have your technique right. Everybody in this league is good, andsome are better. So if you can get an edge on people with your technique, thatwill make you more successful."
Whether or not Beckwith earns a spot on the 53-man roster or the team'spractice squad this year, he's a well-rounded talent and a mature, confidentindividual who has the potential to play in this league for years to come. Andhe fully understands the stakes as he approaches his first NFL training campexperience.
"There's no time for mistakes," he said. "They don't go backand say, 'Hey, re-do a play.' You've got to move forward and take advantage ofthe rare opportunity that you have."
A member of the Pro Football Writers of America, Ed Thompson's player interviews and NFL features are published across the Scout.com network and at FOXSports.com.
Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: July 5, 2009
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