Veteran Running Backs Released

In the past two days, both veteran running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook were released. Tomlinson played with the Chargers for nine years and has a total of 153 touch downs, which is barely behind Hall of Fame members Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith. Brian Westbrook, the eight-year Eagle, led the league in 2007 with 2,104 yards from scrimmage. In the same season, he rushed for 1,333 yards and accounted for 12 touchdowns.
Both men were released for different reasons. Tomlinson is believed to be released because he rushed for a career-low 730 yards this past season. This was the only season of his career when he did not reach 1,000 yards. Westbrook, however, didn't play in eight games this season due to concussions and an injured ankle so he was believed to be injury prone.
Personally, I believe the reasons the two were released were legitimate, but that there was more to it. The underlying reason both were released in my eyes is because of their financial worth. Westbrook was due to make $7.25 million the next season and "LT" in his last season made $7.58 million, which is a lot of money.
By releasing these players, both teams can pick up rookie running backs in the upcoming draft and pay less in hoping for a better performance.

Contenders for 2010?

Last week, the Superbowl Champion of 2009 was finally decided. The New Orleans Saints were crowned with the title, even though many experts believed the Indianapolis Colts with their strong, experienced QB Peyton Manning would surely lead them to victory.
Since this season wrapped up, it's time for the experts to start making predictions for the 2010 season. A recent poll on the NFL website posted seven different experts' views on who they believe will be the top team next season. Three experts believe the reigning champs (Saints) will come back and be on top. Two experts believe that the first team to force a Saints loss this year (Cowboys) will be the team to watch out for. Finally, the other two experts believe that the Packers and Colts will be Superbowl contenders.
Personally, I believe that the Cowboys will be the team to look out for in the 2010 season. With their strong defense and even stronger offense, they have a lot going for them. The first year jitters of what their team would be like losing players such as "Pacman" Jones and Terrell Owens is all in the past.
Along with that the pressure of winning a playoff game has already been taken off their backs. However, since the 2010 Superbowl will be held in Dallas' new billion dollar stadium, they will have the pressure of doing well so they can be one of the teams to compete in the first Super bowl held in their new stadium. With this team's talent and heart, I believe it can be done.