Former first rounders Aaron Rogers, Robert Meachem, Mike Williams and Cedric Benson All Need To Start Making Contributions in 2008.

PORTER FUMES ON PATS FREE PASS
Never own to hold back his thoughts, Miami’s Joey Porter is the most outspoken player when it comes to New England, spy-gate and Bill Belichick.

On ESPN Porter let his feelings known – "Anybody that I know that lost to them in big games, they are very upset about it," Porter said. "(Belichick) went from a good coach…now he's a great, great coach, and he got caught cheating... If you're going tell me that happened, there's no way I can look at it and feel like I didn't get cheated."

The Steelers lost two AFC Championship games to Pats. He did not hold back on the league either.

"They cheated. I feel like there should be an asterisk on it, just because Marion Jones, she gets caught, they take the gold medals back. Obviously, they got caught. If it wasn't that bad, why would you destroy the evidence?,” Porter continued. "If Tom Brady wasn't getting help out of it, then why would you do it every week? And everyone wants to wonder how these guys just went from zero to 60 overnight."

Mandel's Take: Well Joey, I'm sure Kordell Stewart's three picks in the 2001-02 game were a direct result of the cheating...so when he threw three picks against Denver in 1997, were the Broncos cheating too? And in 2004-05 I'm sure it was cheating that caused Bettis to fumble and Roethlisberger to throw his INTs, huh? Joey--get over it. You were favored at home both times and lost. It wasn't because you were cheated. Now, you're feeding into the mind-games and it's exactly what New England wants. Once you start being distracted by things and wondering "are they cheating?" you fail to focus on the game you're playing NOW. Go out and play football. No good can come from being a whiner at this point, but that's never stopped Porter before.

Mancini's Take: Can't disagree with the prescient one here. Porter can cry all he wants, but for all the scheming, trickery and gamesmanship that takes place in the NFL with ALL teams, more times than not, it just comes down to talent, execution and the ability to avoid turnovers. Tom Brady doesn't need to cheat to succeed. During their heyday in the 90s, everyone knew the running plays the Çowboys were running, but they still couldn't stop them.

NO SHORTAGE OF WEAPONS IN N.O.
“Second-year pro Robert Meachem looks healthy and confident after limping through many practices last summer and fall,” writes Mike Triplett of The Times-Picayune. No one doubts Meachem’s talent, he has size and speed, but the first round pick did not see the field as a rookie due to hamstring problems that plagued him throughout his inaugural campaign. David Patten is a returning starter and Devery Henderson was the No. 3 receiver in 2007, with Lance Moore and Terrance Copper filling out the receiving corps. Meachem’s health and the play of seventh round pick Adrian Arrington will make for some interesting competition.

Mandel's Take: I've always liked Meachem and think he can contribute to the Saints' resurgence if healthy. This competition at WR can only help a team whose offense is already explosive. If only Meachem could play defense.

Mancini's Take: Bobby (not to be confused with the former Yankee) has the ability to be a gamebreaker as he showed on numerous occasions during his senior year against top programs. There's no reason why he can't help the Saints rebound from a disappointing year. For all his skills, however, the former Volunteer still has a long road ahead of him since 2008 will, for all intent and purposes, be his rookie year.

MIKE WILLIAMS…GETTING IN SHAPE?
The former Man of Troy comes to Titans camp having lost more than 30 pounds. He is apparently heeding the words of Coach Jeff Fisher. The former No. 10 overall pick has 44 career receptions in his three NFL seasons, having suited up for the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders. He is still listed at 242 pounds by the Tennessee Titans and admits to being well over 260 pounds last season.

Mandel's Take: Like we need him to admit he was overweight last season? Mike--we have eyes, fella. No one has ever questioned Williams' talent and if he can drop some more weight, he may be a valuable asset to Vince Young's offense. But it's a very big IF. Thankfully, the Titans are skeptical about Williams and aren't relying on him for much...at least I hope they're not

Mancini's Take: His current weight is still about 20 pounds more than you want your wide receiver to carry. Why Williams hasn't yet been moved to tight end is beyond me. Unfortunately for him, the Titans have Alge Crumpler and Bo Scaife manning the position. I really don't see where Williams fits with this team. I hope he proves me wrong. On a side note, second-year wide out Paul Williams has reportedly looked mighty impressive in mini-camp practices..

BENSON IN DA NEWS
The Bears former first round pick continues to stay in the news for all the wrong reasons, driving 77 mph in a 45-mph construction zone after 3:00 AM according to reports out of Chicago. Benson paid a $510 fine.

Mandel's Take: Dude, hire a driver! Benson should get out from behind the wheel of moving vehicles and try to focus on football. At this point, I have more faith in Kris Benson than Cedric Benson...and that's not good.

Mancini's Take: Cedric's career is shaping up to be as dismal and nondescript as that of former Jets linebacker Troy Benson, and his off-the-field incidents are just making his reputation sink even lower.

YOUTH MOVEMENT
With Brett Favre still retired, the Packers have three quarterbacks who have never started in the league where they play for a pay…some “risky business” according Dan Pompei. Not only is Aaron Rodgers a first time starter, his backups are set to be 2008 draft picks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn.

Mandel's Take: Rodgers has been in Green Bay for a few seasons, studying under the Master. We all saw what he was capable of when he came in for an injured Favre last season so I'd avoid hitting the panic button in Green Bay. There are so many offensive weapons for Rodgers to use, I doubt if he's anything but psyched to get out there and start the season. Sure, there will be some bumps in the road, but Rodgers has waited for this and I think he'll produce.

Mancini's Take: Wow, I see my debates with Rosstradamus on Aaron Rodgers have had an effect on him since he finally has some positive things to say about the young signal caller. As Ross said, Rodgers has a good grasp of Green Bay's offensive system and has the escapability to make plays with his feet when there's nothing open downfield. The only thing that concerns me with him is whether or not he can stay in one piece for an entire season. In time, Brohm is smart and talented enough to also play effectively in Mike McCarthy's system.

A WIN NOW TEAM
According the Cincinnati Enquirer, after going with “One Heartbeat” and “Do Your Job” as team slogans the last couple of years, the Bengals hope to use “NOW” as a rallying cry for the 2008 season.

Mandel's Take: I'm sure the National Organization for Women will not be too pleased that this is the Bengals' new rallying cry considering the team's...brushes with the law. Honestly, who cares what the team slogan is--all the fans want is more wins than arrests!

Mancini's Take: "Marvin's Last Stand" is the only slogan I can think of since the beleaguered coach has his back against the wall and really needs to turn this sinking ship around in a hurry despite having Cleveland and Pittsburgh to contend with.

WHERE WILL TAYLOR LAND?
Now that it is evident Jason Taylor will not be wearing the Orange and Teal this upcoming season, where will the All Pro defensive end and dashing dancer end up in 2008? According to Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune Taylor has let it be known he wouldn’t mind wearing the lightning bolts, however the Chargers aren’t interested. Meanwhile Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer says the Panthers should make a run at the TV runner-up…even if it means Carolina parting with their 2009 second round pick.

Mandel's Take: Why would you give up a second rounder when you know the Dolphins don't want him there? And why would San Diego not be interested? This guy can still play and he'll be very anxious to show Bill Parcells that he's not finished. He's worth taking a chance on, especially at the discounted rate the Fish will be forced to accept for him. Dance Jason, dance! Go ahead Rev, tell me how he's not ready to play football because he's focused on dancing. Please.

Mancini's Take: I didn't say he won't be ready to play. I just don't think it's a good idea to distance yourself from the team for months because of a silly little dance show. I'm sorry, pal, but when you're hired to turn around a 1-15 team, as Parcells was, you want everybody to be committed and on the same page from day one. Taylor would be a great fit for Carolina, but the Chargers don't really need him with Shawne Merriman and the underrated Shaun Phillips wreaking havoc on quarterbacks.