Jonathan Vilma's may be past his prime. He is an amazing player and adored by Saints fans around the country, but it was obvious he lost a step in 2011. Vilma was riddled with injuries throughout the year, and when he did play he did not look near as fas

New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) celebrates with safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) following a interception. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE The New Orleans Saints were on of the NFC’s most dominate teams in 2011, finishing with

Alone, none of the aforementioned names returning to their current teams is not a bold predictions. But as a single unit, for them all to stay put is something of a surprise. Nevertheless, I think that's what will happen, simply because they are all prom

February, 8, 2012 Feb 8 10:39 AM ET The NFC South might not have a true standout safety, but it has plenty of durable ones. Five division safeties participated in more than 90 percent of their team’s defensive plays in 2011. We’ll wrap up our series, whi

The National Football League announced that three community-minded NFL players will be recognized during Super Bowl week as finalists for the WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD. Matt Birk of the Baltimore Ravens, Philip Rivers of the San Diego Charg

Last year's playoff MVP and the favorite for this year's regular season award is still the best quarterback in the NFL at the moment, despite his Packers not repeating as Super Bowl champions. Rodgers ability to play in all conditions at his best is what

Who has it better than the San Francisco 49ers? At first glance, nooooobody, just as the Niners' season-long rallying cry says. As they head toward their NFC championship game showdown with the New York Giants on Sunday, the 49ers appear to have it all.

No real theme this week – just a couple of random observations for fans of both the Cowboys – still America’s Team no matter what any poll says - and the NFL. Although it disappoints me greatly that the Cowboys are nowhere involved, the Saints -49ers gam

The enduring images from the New Orleans Saints’ 2010 season were a flurry of missed tackles in a first-round playoff loss in Seattle. In 2011, it should have been Drew Brees pumping his fist in the air after breaking Dan Marino’s single-season passing y

Teams' tight ends impossible to defend due to their size, speed and versatility Ezra Shaw / Getty Images 49ers tight end Vernon Davis breaks a tackle by Saints defender Malcolm Jenkins. ANALYSIS updated 10:25 p.m. ET Jan. 17, 2012 Twenty-five years ago,

January, 17, 2012 Jan 17 11:30 AM ET Arkansas added to its staff Sunday when coach Bobby Petrino announced the hiring of Taver Johnson. Johnson, who spent the past five season as cornerbacks coach at Ohio State, will serve as assistant head coach/linebac

The 49ers and Vernon Davis found ways to exploit the Saints' safeties all game long. (ZUMAPRESS.com) In Break It Down, I will go back and analyze the Xs and Os of a play or performance from the NFL week that stood out above the rest. Way back in Week 6 o

Some losses are totally meaningless. (For 11 examples, consult the 2011 Washington Redskins game log.) Others, like the Patriots' 45-10 stomping of the Broncos, inflict a pain that's intense but fleeting, the result of an irrefutable beatdown by a superi

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) runs from New Orleans Saints free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) and strong safety Roman Harper (41) during the fourth quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in San Francis

1. If, as some people contend, defenses don't win championships anymore, will someone please explain why defenses launched all four weekend winners into championship games. I know, you're going to tell me that San Francisco didn't stop New Orleans becaus

Saints coach Sean Payton stood up on the lectern and wouldn’t answer the question. Can you discuss the defensive breakdown at the end of the game? “The game went back and forth on offense, defense and the kicking game.” After you had the three-point lead

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) celebrates after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees during the third quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Vernon Davis scores a first-quarter touchdown on Saturday against the Saints. SAN FRANCISCO — It was an emotional victory for the 49ers on Saturday. And every time the emoting got heavy, tight end Vernon Davis was right there in the middle of it. It was

After what was an top-notch offensive display for the New Orleans Saints (13-3) in the NFC Wild Card round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs, the Saints travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers (13-3) come into the postseason on